The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco school board approves Pepin’s charter school application

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The Pasco County School Board has approved the charter school application for Pepin Academies Wesley Chapel, to be located at the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

The charter school, which will serve third- through 12th-graders, is scheduled to open in the 2024-2025 school year.

The application clearly states that the school will enroll students with learning or learning-related disabilities and a current Individual Education Plan. The school is focusing on students with learning disabilities in Wesley Chapel, St. Leo, San Antonio, Dade City and Zephyrhills.

The application for the school was submitted by Jeffrey Skowronek on March 10, 2023. The school board approved the application at its July 18 meeting.

The campus will be on land that was acquired for the school through a partnership and memorandum of understanding between Pepin and Pasco County Schools, according to materials in the school board’s agenda packet.

The school will be opened in phases, with maximum enrollments increasing over a period of five years, as follows:

  • Year 1 (2024-2025): 85 students in grades three through six
  • Year 2 (2025-2026): 155 students in grades three through eight
  • Year 3 (2026-2027): 225 students in grades three through 10
  • Year 4 (2027-2028): 255 students in grades three through 11
  • Year 5 (2028-2029): 285 students in grades three through 12

The mission of Pepin Academies Wesley Chapel at Kirkland Ranch is to “empower students with learning disabilities to maximize their potential in a positive therapeutic educational  environment,” the board’s agenda packet said.

In Pepin’s charter application, an evaluation determined that 16 of 22 sections of the application “meet the standard,” and six of the sections “partially meet the standard.” None of the sections were rated as “did not meet the standard,” the budget materials reported.

The application review noted, in part, that Pepin “clearly explains a therapeutic model and classroom environments that cater to the specific needs of their unique student population.”

Also, the “applicant has a clear understanding of the value of making data-driven decisions when setting educational goals,” the evaluation said.

Although a contingent of Pepin representatives attended the board meeting, none of them spoke.

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, remarked that the partnership is a unique arrangement among public schools in Florida.

Published July 26, 2023

Talks continue over taking regional approach to transportation planning

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Opinions continue to shift regarding the wisdom of creating a regional board to tackle transportation issues in Tampa Bay.

When the issue came up at the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s meeting in June, officials resisted the idea when they found out that Pasco would have far fewer seats on the board than Hillsborough or Pinellas counties.

At the time, Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said he’d resist a regional approach — without assurances that Pasco’s voice would be heard.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is a staunch advocate for a regional approach to tackling transportation issues. She says that failure to do so is a disservice. (File)

But the county board member told his board colleagues that he came away with a different opinion, after attending the June 23 meeting of the Tampa Bay Area Transportation Leadership Group and Suncoast Transportation Planning Alliance Board.

At that meeting, Oakley said David Gwynn, the secretary for the District Seven office of the Florida Department of Transportation, explained the advantage of joining the region’s forces together on transportation issues.

“I was looking at a small picture of supporting Pasco County. I wasn’t looking at the big picture, which supports the region,” said Oakley, whose comments came during the Pasco County Commission’s July 11 meeting.

If the individual counties in Tampa Bay joined together, they’d stand a much greater chance to attract a greater share of federal funds, the Pasco board member said.

Because of the population it would represent, the Tampa Bay regional board would rank No. 17 in the nation, Oakley said.

“It’s a lot bigger picture than what I was thinking at first. It’s very important for us to be a part of that group, so we can get some of those monies in our area,” Oakley said.

His board colleague Kathryn Starkey, a staunch advocate for regional  transportation planning, agreed.

She told Oakley: “I am really grateful that you came. We had some new people there.”

She said the mayor of Temple Terrace was there and she believes he initially felt the same way that Oakley had felt, regarding representation, prior to that meeting.

“But afterwards, he told me, he really had his eyes opened,” she said.

Starkey said FDOT Secretary Gwynn was eloquent in explaining the disadvantage that results from a lack of a regional transportation approach in Tampa Bay.

She added: “This is not about our local votes and our local issues. We get that money, and that money will still come to us in the same formula. This is about working together on big projects, for West Central Florida. And, we’re not doing it and it’s such a disservice.

“I was very happy with some of the comments I heard around that room.”

“Some people in Hillsborough had been hearing a story from a few commissioners that don’t really reflect what the importance of this regional MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) means to the community, and they had their eyes opened at that meeting. I was grateful for that,” said Starkey, who has been elected chairwoman of the Tampa Bay Area Transportation Leadership Group.

“There’s still discussion of how our representation falls out,” she said, adding that there are also federal rules that must be followed.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano agreed that the county must pursue potential opportunities.

“I think it’s important that we make the right step forward to get that money. If it allocates a whole ‘nother pot of money that we weren’t getting, it’s definitely something to pursue.”

Starkey is confident that a regional approach to transportation can occur in Tampa Bay.

“We’re going to get this done. We’re going to get our regional MPO in place,” she said.

Published July 26, 2023

Global data breach could affect thousands in Hillsborough County

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Hillsborough County has notified more than 70,000 people whose information may have been compromised by a global data breach that has affected the county, according to a news release.

“It is unknown how many people might have had their health or identification information compromised, but in an abundance of caution, Hillsborough County has mailed notification letters to clients of Healthcare Services and known affected vendors of Aging Services – a total of 70,636 people – of the data breach,” the county’s news release said.

The county also is notifying the credit monitoring bureaus of all those potentially impacted by the data breaches, as well as the Florida Department of Legal Affairs/Office of Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights.

The county also is advising those who were notified of the potential breach to consider taking these steps to protect themselves from potential fraud: 

  • Call the toll-free numbers of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This can help prevent thieves from opening additional accounts in your name. (As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus automatically will be notified to place alerts on your credit report as well.)

Here are the credit bureau numbers:

When you establish a fraud alert, you will receive a follow-up letter that explains how to receive a free credit report, according to the county’s news release.

When you receive your credit report, the county advises you to be sure to examine it closely for signs of fraud, such as credit accounts that are not yours. Continue to monitor your credit reports.

Even if a fraud alert has been placed on your account, you should continue to monitor your credit reports to ensure that an imposter has not opened an account with your personal information, the news release added.

The county was notified on June 1 about the global data breach, involving the MOVEit file transfer tool, according to the release.

When the county was notified, its cyber security staff immediately contacted the company for additional details and instructions and installed all updated security patches as provided by the vendor, the release added.

During the next two weeks, county staff continued to work with the vendor on additional security patches and received more information.  

The cyber security staff learned on June 18 that Hillsborough County files could have potentially been impacted by the breach and in coordination with the County’s HIPAA Officer reviewed the affected files.

A determination was made that the files belonged to the Healthcare Services and Aging Services departments and potentially contained protected health information and personal information, the news release added.

Protected health and personal information could include first and last names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, medical conditions and diagnoses, and disability codes, according to the release.

Hillsborough County files were not specifically targeted in the cyberattack, but as a customer of MOVEit, the county potentially was affected.

Individuals with questions may reach out for more information. For additional details, call the county’s dedicated toll-free number 1-833-963-4357 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., on Mondays through Fridays.

Published July 26, 2023

New law aims to protect consumers from online fraud

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A new law, which was authored by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, has been adopted to provide better protections for consumers to help reduce online retail crime.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent letters to 50 online marketplaces nationwide notifying them about their obligation to comply with the new Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers Act), according to a news release from Bilirakis’ office.

The businesses were told they must be in full compliance by June 27, 2023 or face enforcement that could result in civil penalties for violations, the release said.

The INFORM Consumers Act directs online platforms that allow for third-party sellers of consumer products to verify the identity of high-volume third-party sellers, which will help prevent organized retail crime.

The new law also ensures that consumers can verify basic identification and contact information for high-volume third-party sellers of consumer products on online marketplaces. The agency recently released a guidance for businesses to better understand their obligations under the law.

“Our pro-consumer legislation enacts uniform, nationwide rules to promote safety, increase transparency, and provide greater accountability for online sales. It will provide a layer of enhanced protections for consumers from stolen and counterfeit goods without adding undue burdens on small mom-and-pop businesses,” Congressman Bilirakis, said in the release. “This new law is a win-win for consumers and legitimate businesses in the online marketplace, and I am pleased to see the law will soon be fully implemented.”

Schakowsky added:  “For too long, criminals have raked in profits by selling dangerous, counterfeit, and stolen products online. This ends next week when the INFORM Consumers Act, which Rep. Bilirakis and I fought so hard for, is finally enacted. This new law will require platforms to verify the identity of online sellers, which will discourage criminals and fraudsters, protect consumers and legitimate businesses, and will increase trust in the marketplace.”

Published July 26, 2023

Committee seeks to preserve — and make — history

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Anything this old needs some help — not only to be preserved, but also to persevere.

That’s where the Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee comes in.

Dade City Cemetery, 38151 Martin Luther King Blvd., has several distinctive architectural features including mausoleums, decorative structures and monuments to territorial women and military veterans, dating back to the 1920s and ’30s. The oldest burial dates back to 1884. The Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee, based out of the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum, is working to have the cemetery listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. (Mike Camunas)

The group, formed five years ago, works to beautify, preserve and maintain the city’s historic cemeteries. It seeks to raise awareness, respect and appreciation for them, as well.

The committee routinely works with city staff and the Dade City Commission to implement projects that include much-needed improvements to the cemeteries. Currently, the committee’s board and volunteers are focused on getting the Dade City Cemetery, at 38151 Martin Luther King Blvd., listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

“It’s a process,” said Joy Lynn, committee board member and founder of Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum. “I update the commission on that when I can, but then they ask us what they could do for us, and I mentioned we could use seating in the cemetery. It’s difficult for some folks to be on their feet for 90-minute tours.”

The committee provides Monuments By Moonlight Tours, which is a fundraiser that allows the committee to do work and restoration to the cemeteries.

When the committee was formed, most of the city-owned cemeteries were in disarray, so the funds they raised allowed fences and headstones to be mended and cleaned, fallen trees to be cleared, the addition of things like seating and better markers. And, of course, there’s the crusade to get the Dade City Cemetery on the National Registry.

For a property to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, it must meet at least one of four criteria — an event of historic importance must have happened there; a person of significant importance must have had an impact on the place; design or construction of the place must have great artistic and/historical importance; or there is potential historical information that can be found at the site.

Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee board member Joy Lynn stands near the sign that tells the history at Dade City Cemetery. Its first burial dates back to 1884.

Each nomination contains a narrative section that provides a detailed physical description of the property and justifies why it is significant historically with regard either to local, state, or national history.

The Dade City Cemetery dates back to the start of the city, with its first burial being in 1884. People laid to rest there include soldiers who fought in the U.S. Civil War and many of Dade City’s founders.

“When we came in five years ago, (the cemetery) was a disaster,” Lynn said. “You couldn’t see (markers and headstones), fences were broken, trees were all on the ground and the company hired to mow it wasn’t mowing like you should in a cemetery. No one was keeping care of the cemeteries, so I can only sing praises for how the city has helped and worked with us to improve them.”

The tours have become quite popular with local residents and out-of-towners alike coming to hear stories about the cemetery’s history, and possible hauntings.

Joy Lynn, Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee board member and founder of the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum, gives Monuments by Moonlight Cemetery Tours at Dade City Cemetery. The tours attract locals and out-of-towners.

“Normally, entering a cemetery entices individuals to think of death, a topic that is taboo or unpopular in most cases,” Lynn said of the tours. “However there is more than meets the eye in these eerie but intriguing places: Art, architecture, symbolism, science, nature, gardening, remembrance, and of course, a curiosity about whether it’s haunted.

“The purpose of this tour is to raise awareness of Dade City’s historic cemetery landmarks,” Lynn added. “Some people just want the history, a lot of people want the haunted aspect, some want both, and we have had sightings. 

“I honestly think, though, if someone were out here and to see something, they’d run right out of the cemetery (laughs).”

Lynn noted that several Dade City Police Officers have claimed to have seen something on the grounds and that some city workers “just refuse to come out here after dark.”

But beyond the intrinsic value of the tours, there’s also a financial benefit.

Lynn — assisted by Museum Director Jayde Archbold and Museum President Charlotte Lewis — provided a tour for 13 people in May, raising nearly $400 to support the committee’s causes.

Lynn also hosted Haunted Happy Hour, which was a paranormal-inspired walking tour that went to Locke Inn. That’s the site of the former 1892 Pasco County jail that was restored into an AirBNB.

Lynn is committed to Dade City history and sharing its stories.

There are reports of paranormal activity all over Dade City, she said, citing locations such as the cemetery, the jail, the former Keefer Building as examples.

“There’s a lot of activity,” she added, “and Dade City always wants to keep it kind of quiet, but anything we can do to preserve and restore our cemeteries, well, it’s helpful.”

Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee
Details: The Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee is organized under the nonprofit organization of the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum Inc.; the committee of volunteers is dedicated to the beautification, historic preservation, maintenance, education, appreciation, and respect of Dade City Historic cemeteries.
The committee is working with Dade City’s Commission to implement significant projects currently in the historic Dade City Cemetery and to have this cemetery listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
To learn more, visit DadeCityHeritageMuseum.org/cemetery-committee.

Published July 19, 2023

Dade City Cemetery, 38151 Martin Luther King Blvd., features several burials from the late 1800s. The Dade City Historic Cemetery Preservation Committee is working to have the cemetery added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

 

Mayor Monson moves in

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Her new title was coined years before she was elected, but has always had a nice ring to it.

“It’s Mayor Melonie or Mayor Monson,” Melonie Bahr Monson said, with a laugh. “My friend came up with that well before I was running, but was like, ‘Nooooo — we have to save it!’ … I guess I’m glad we did!”

That turned out to be a good call since Monson became the city’s new mayor, after tallying a whopping 59% of the vote in the April municipal elections. She assumed the role after Gene Whitfield stepped away after three terms as mayor.

Newly elected Zephyrhills Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson became the city’s 21st mayor in April after receiving 59% of the vote, defeating two other candidates. Before becoming mayor, Monson spent eight years as the CEO of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce. She’s seen here in front of her new home at City Hall in downtown Zephyrhills. Monson is the second female mayor in the city’s history. (Mike Camunas)

Monson, the city’s 21st mayor,  is just the second female mayor in the town’s history.

“It’s exciting because, in my whole lifetime, there’s never been a female mayor in Zephyrhills!” the 62-year-old said. “That was exciting when I was campaigning because I heard there was excitement — ‘Let’s have a female mayor!’

“I also didn’t want to run on that platform because I felt my experience and expertise was much more than just being a woman.”

Hometown hero
Monson came to Zephyrhills in 1969 when her family established Bahr’s Mobile Home Park.

She went to Zephyrhills Middle (now Raymond B. Stewart Middle) and was in the graduating class of 1979 from Zephyrhills High. She was named American Legion Student of the Year when she was in eighth grade, and played softball and golf in high school.

“My mother (Edna Bahr, 86) was very adamant that girls are going to be able to do anything boys can do,” Monson said.

Monson became a cosmetologist when she was 17 years old and did that for 33 years. She owned and operated her own business for 25 years. She moved from Zephyrhills to California, where she raised her children and ran her business.

But she came back to Pasco County’s largest city about 12 years ago. She knew it would be the place where she, and her husband of 29 years, Dennis, would retire.

“I thought I would just retire and play with grandbabies,” she said. “Nope. That’s not me.”

She worked as the town’s assistant city clerk, then joined The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, where she eventually became CEO, a role she held for eight years before stepping down in late 2022.

“I thought I’d just do it for fun, but I ended up running the show for eight years, so that was a little unexpected,” Monson said.

It was eight years well spent.

Monson calls running the chamber “one of the most political non-political jobs you can have” because of all the relationships she built, as well as being an ambassador to the city. That includes promoting the city, and its businesses, and trying to attract new businesses.

“There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know Melonie,” new chamber CEO Vicki Wiggins said. “She loves to talk to people and has such a welcoming personality that you can’t help but like her. The chamber is the way it is because of that personality. She is the best ambassador for this city.”

Wiggins also knows Monson relished her chamber role.

“You’re the voice of the business community. You’re the voice of a lot of people, so you’re at everything and involved in everything, from festivals to meetings — everything,” she said. “You’re out there talking to everyone.

Melonie Monson’s campaign to become mayor included taking part in Zephyrhills’ Founder’s Day celebration in March. She considers herself to be an ambassador for the city and she intends to promote the town to both residents and visitors. (Mike Camunas)

“It was like everyone already knew me — or felt like they did.”

Which would come in handy running for mayor.

Running on familiarity
While it may be cliche, Monson feels she has hit the ground running as mayor.

That may be because she had thought about running for mayor for some time. When Whitfield announced on Dec. 16 he would not seek reelection, it ended up being the “perfect storm” for Monson to enter the race.

“I said for years, when the mayor retired, that I was going to run, and the kids thought it was a joke, but the hubby knew I was serious,” Monson said. “Everyone already saw me as the ambassador to the city and so it was a natural fit.

“If the citizens wanted someone with experience who was ready to rock and roll, “then I knew they’d vote for me,” she said. If they wanted someone different than that, they wouldn’t.

“One thing Mayor Whitfield told me is you can’t solve every problem — but you can listen to the people and direct them in the right way and really learn a lot of what people really need and want.”

Not only will Monson listen to her citizens and residents, she also listens to her fellow government officials, especially the City Council members.

“I think it’s important to have an ambassador like Melonie,’” City Manager Billy Poe said. “As we go through these changes and address various issues, someone like Melonie brings a level of trust to the community at-large. To have an additional leader who understands the issues and can go out and communicate the city’s direction for the community and our solutions, I think that’s extremely beneficial.”

Monson agrees.

Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson was sworn into office in April as Zephyrhills’ 21st mayor in town history.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

“One of the biggest reasons I ran for mayor and not city council was the influence I knew I would have with my work behind-the-scenes — to talk things out,” she said. “I don’t get a vote, but when I’m at City Council meetings, I bring up points, and they still want to hear what I have to say because I’m the voice of the citizens.”

Children are the future
Monson already has initiatives in mind for her term as mayor.

“I’m passionate about the youth,” she said.

She recognizes Zephyrhills — the city, its downtown — has changed since she was out riding her bike down to places such as the movie theaters or the bowling alley.

It’s important, she said, for the city to have a place for the city’s children and teens.

“I want to get a civic center for our kids, if it’s the last thing I do in my term or terms,” Monson said. “We need a new place — something for kids to keep them off the streets and teach them how to be adults. I talked to (State) Sen. (Danny) Burgess about it and he was like, ‘Go for it!’”

Monson has an optimistic outlook.

“I’m excited about what the future holds, but I also don’t know how anyone could do this without any experience,” she said. “I’m grateful for my experience at the chamber because of the relationships I built and, now, I feel I’m making a positive impact for the citizens.

“I’m approachable — I’m going to interact with people, and sit down and talk with them. That’s why they elected me, and I really stepped into a great job — if you even want to call it a job.”

Published July 19, 2023

Zephyrhills preps for a plethora of new sidewalks

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The City of Zephyrhills announced it began its massive sidewalk construction project on June 19 that spans approximately 10,500 linear feet, in areas surrounding West Zephyrhills Elementary School.

This project aims to increase walkability and safety for schoolchildren, residents and visitors. It is scheduled for completion by June 19, 2024.

The City of Zephyrhills is spending $1 million to improve sidewalks across the town, including areas near West Zephyrhills Elementary, such as on Ninth Avenue, between First Street and Sixth Street. (Mike Camunas)

During construction, there may be times when resident driveway access will be affected. The contractor, BRW Contracting Inc., will seek to work with residents to provide as much advance notice as possible in these circumstances.

Construction-related noise and some minor traffic disruption with temporary lane/right of way closures is anticipated.

Construction work and streets to be impacted include:

  • Ninth Avenue from First Street to Sixth Street
  • 10th Avenue from First Street to Sixth Street
  • 11th Avenue from First Street to Sixth Street
  • 13th Avenue from First Street to Sixth Street
  • 14th Avenue from 37733 14th Ave. to Sixth Street
  • 15th Avenue from 37742 15th Ave. to 14th Avenue
  • Third Street from Ninth Avenue to 10th Avenue
  • Fifth Street from Ninth Avenue to 14th Avenue
  • Sixth Street from Ninth Avenue to 16th Street
A map of the City of Zephyrhills shows streets that will be affected during the sidewalk construction project in red. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe told The Laker/Lutz News in January that this sidewalk project was intended to “connect any missing links” so residents can get around town without crossing streets or have neighborhoods connecting to the schools via sidewalks.

The city earmarked $1 million of the 2022-2023 fiscal budget — $100 million, which is a 33% increase from the previous year — specifically to address this sidewalk project.

The sidewalks come in at the right time and coincide with several road work projects, such as extensions of Dairy Road and Kossick Road, and improvements to the intersection at County Road 54 and 12th Street, next to Zephyrhills High.

Published July 19, 2023

Boy, this band rocks

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Social media has been screaming their names.

It’s all because of a short video on TikTok — and the band’s rocking out.

Here’s how it went down.

From left, members of rock band Screaming Metal Deathtrap: Parker Schmidt, lead singer and bassist; Carlos Santos, drummer; Axton Binkley, guitarist; and, Matas Meskys, guitarist. This Lutz-based boy band out of Bach To Rock music school has garnered quite the following thanks to a viral Tik Tok video of them performing a cover of a Disturbed song, as well as covering other bands, such as Metallica. One video, only a minute long, has more than 2 million views, while Metallica even commented on another video on the social media platform. (Mike Camunas)

Screaming Metal Deathtrap — a quartet of 10- to-12-year-olds — was taking part in the Bach To Rock Battle of the Bands on June 11 at The Orpheum — a concert venue off Nebraska Avenue. The band, based at Bach To Rock Lutz, won its division with their original song, ‘This is not a drill.’

Screaming Metal Deathtrap is made up of Parker Schmidt (bassist, lead singer), Matas Meskys (guitarist), Axton Binkley (guitarist) and Carlos Santos (drummer).

They formed a band because of their talents and their love for “heavier” rock music.

Matas’ dad is big on filming the band and posting it on social media. He did nothing different than before — filmed and posted the band’s award-winning performance, but he also posted another short video.

“I found out about this video like everyone else and it had already generated 60,000 views by the time I saw it,” said Rick Schmidt, Parker’s dad and owner of B2R. “Someone sent it to me and was like, ‘What’s going on?’ I don’t know!”

The video is only a minute and a half long and it’s only an intro of the band playing the cover to ‘Down with the sickness’ by head-banging rock band, Disturbed.

Its distinct sound was played perfectly by the youngsters — and then blew up with hundreds of thousands of views in just hours.

Screaming Metal Deathtrap lead singer Parker Schmidt belts away during a recording session at the Lutz-based music school, Bach To Rock.

“We weren’t expecting to blow up like that and (it be) the most popular of the Tik Toks (we have),” Parker said. “Even before this one blew up, maybe we had 4,000 views and then all of them had so many views, but even then it wasn’t like the (Disturbed) one.

“Suddenly, it was like, ‘Oh, it has 2.5 million views — whoa.’” 

“It’s crazy, but I always tried to do YouTube and I was never successful,” Axton added. “It’s definitely crazy that, like out of nowhere, the band just blew up.

“It’s been pretty and exciting, especially checking it and seeing that it has so many views and then checking it again not even after a while and it has even more views.”

Screaming Metal Deathtrap guitarist Axton Binkley shreds during a session at Bach To Rock, in Lutz.

It had 2.5 million views in less than a week.

Since Screaming Metal Deathtrap won the Battle of the Bands on June 11, they qualified to play in the nationwide B2R Battle of the Bands, which was held, virtually, on July 2. 

Screaming Metal Deathtrap took home the top prize in the Elementary School Division — and that viral Tik Tok had more than 4 million views just a couple days before.

“It was so surprising, but it was really cool, too,” Carlos said. “Really, we had just been showing it to friends, so for it to have that many views was just crazy.

“I think we were just all trying to play like we do and never expected it to be so popular on Tik Tok.”

Matas was stunned.

“Like, holy crap, look how many views it has!” he exclaimed. “Then, we’d check it again and be like, ‘Whoa, so many more views!’ We really couldn’t believe it every time we looked at it on Tik Tok!”

Drummer for Screaming Metal Deathtrap, Carlos Santos, works a beat at Bach To Rock, in Lutz.

Neither could Rick Schmidt, who also used to promote bands such as Creed and Sister Hazel and even worked for local radio station, 98 Rock.

“You used to hit up stations (or use) word of mouth (to get a band’s music out there), but it is a lot of social media now,” Rick said. “It can generate a lot of views and get a lot of people excited about the band or musicians.

“And for them, it was just the intro — not even the whole song, but people are on there and like, ‘Oh my God — these kids rock!’ because Tik Tok is the new word of mouth.

“And they do rock! Parker just wanted a band to play heavier rock, but Axton is great, Matas is great, Carlos is a great drummer — we had to get them together!”

Parker says he hopes to write more songs, but for now they have their single, as well as playing covers of the likes of Rage Against The Machine and Metallic.

The latter band even commented on a Tik Tok video of them covering a popular Metallica song.

That made the band members scream even louder.

Screaming Metal Deathtrap guitarist Matas Meskys rocks out during a recording session at Bach To Rock, in Lutz.

“I’ve had a really good time playing with these guys, and it was very interesting at first because we didn’t really know each other,” Parker said. “We all liked playing and all liked the same songs, but we weren’t together very long — but then we clicked and now we just like rocking.”

“I love playing and rocking with these guys,” Axton added. “It’s a lot of fun.”

“Now we’re kind of famous,” Matas chimed in with a laugh.

“Just from playing a song,” concluded Carlos. “That’s pretty rock.”

Screaming Metal Deathtrap
Comprised of Parker Schmidt, lead singer and bassist; Carlos Santos, drummer; Axton Binkley, guitarist; and, Matas Meskys guitarist, Screaming Metal Deathtrap is a Lutz-based rock band that was formed and practices out of Bach To Rock, a music school in Lutz. The band has recently gained viral popularity thanks to Tik Tok videos that show band members shredding and performing covers of popular rock songs, such as classic hits from Metallica and Disturbed. One video, in particular, has more than 4 millions views, while another event garnered a comment and like from the band Metallic itself.
To view videos of the band, visit www.tiktok.com/@bearmusic529. To see their Battle of the Bands Performance in Ybor City, visit YouTube.com/watch?v=Un46grMIDqw.
For more information about Bach To Rock Lutz, visit BachToRock.com/lutz.

Published July 19, 2023

Updated July 19, 2023

Wesley Chapel’s ‘crown jewel’ to get major overhaul

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Miami-based Mast Capital, the owner of Saddlebrook Resort, has received a stamp of approval from the Pasco County Commission to pursue an ambitious redevelopment plan of the property, off State Road 54, slightly over a mile east of Interstate 75.

During its glory days, Saddlebrook — often referred to as Wesley Chapel’s crown jewel — enjoyed an international reputation for excellence, and attracted luminaries from the worlds of professional golf and tennis to compete and train there.

Mast purchased the resort from its original owner Tom Dempsey, and after months of negotiations and compromises, received permission to pursue its plans to revitalize the resort.

In broad strokes, the redevelopment plan is divided into four areas.

Area 1 and Area 2 are outside of the original gated community.

  • Area 1 includes 75,000 square feet of commercial retail/office, 465 multifamily units and 25 townhomes.
  • Area 2 includes 25,000 square feet of commercial retail/office and 120 townhomes.

 Area 3 and Area 4 are within the existing resort community.

  • Area 3 includes tennis courts, parking, the renovation of the clubhouse and resort area.
  • Area 4 calls for replacing two 18-hole Arnold Palmer courses with three nine-hole courses; and, the relocation of the driving range, which currently fronts State Road 54.

The developer also has committed to improvements aimed at handling the project’s traffic. It has agreed to build a road across a portion of its property that will link into Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard.

Saddlebrook Resort, credited with putting Wesley Chapel on the map, is gearing up for a massive makeover. (File)

It also will add turn lanes at Saddlebrook’s main entrance and make a connection to Vandine Road.

A new gated access point for Saddlebrook residents and a multi-use path to provide Saddlebrook residents access to areas beyond the community’s gate also will be added.

Mast also has signed a deed restriction that guarantees that the golf course land will never be used for commercial or residential development.

A big part of the plan involves the overhaul of the resort itself. 

Mast Capital will renovate the resort facilities, while both Mast and third-party condo hotel owners will upgrade the individual hotel rooms.

Mast will manage the hotel room renovations and third-party investors will have an opportunity to opt in. Mast and third-party investors will pay the same renovation cost per unit.

Initially, Mast’s plans faced a wall of resistance from Saddlebrook owners and residents.

But over time — after dozens of meetings — that opposition decreased.

Still, areas of disagreement did not entirely go away.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said it’s in the best interest of both Mast Capital and the owners of property within Saddlebrook Resort that the redevelopment effort is a success.

During the county board’s July 10 public hearings, Jane Graham, an attorney representing the Save Saddlebrook Coalition, cited continuing concerns about the conversion of 36 holes of golf to 27 holes.

She expressed appreciation for Mast’s decision to convert some of its planned townhomes into green space, but said concerns continue regarding the amount of pavement required for apartment parking.

Larry Barbetta, a founder of the Save Saddlebrook Coalition, called for greater sensitivity to the existing community to ensure compatibility and he again asked for a reduction, or shift, in density to help achieve that.

He also expressed appreciation for the quest to revitalize Saddlebrook.

“We’re all saddened by its current state. We all support Mast’s efforts to bring that back to what it should be. We want to help accelerate that,” Barbetta said.

Patrick Hogan, an advocate for retaining the two 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf courses, presented a plan that could keep those golf courses, while maintaining the driving range’s current location and making room for other improvements.

His idea, however, gained no traction.

Keith Swope, a resident of Saddlebrook since the 1980s, lamented the inevitable change he believes the redevelopment will bring to his daily life.

 “It is a peaceful, quiet, lifestyle,” Swope said. “It looks like that’s going to be changed. It’s not going to be for the better.”

Hope Kennedy, president and CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber, however, advocated on behalf of Mast’s redevelopment plans.

“This is the type of project that communities around this country are dying for. They would be thrilled to have this kind of investment coming into their community,” Kennedy said, noting she represented the chamber board and the business organization’s 610 members.

“Saddlebrook literally put Wesley Chapel on the national and international map, and they have been a contributing force in tourism and commerce.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman said the county board has made it ‘loud and clear’ that it has high expectations of Mast Capital, the company that will be redeveloping the Saddlebrook Resort. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

“As with any asset, it must be nurtured and constantly improved upon.

“For us to continue to prosper as a region, we must evolve. We, the chamber, applaud Mast Capital for their vision to improve the crown jewel of Wesley Chapel.

“They have gone above and beyond to ensure the legacy of Saddlebrook continues. We thank them for investing in our community,” Kennedy said.

County Commissioner Ron Oakley said it’s in the best interest of both Mast and Saddlebrook property owners for the redevelopment to succeed.

“You’re going to find a very well-built Saddlebrook, that’s a modern age Saddlebrook — that’s different from the one that was in the ‘80s, and you’re going to see that thrive, in this new economy that we have now,” Oakley predicted.

He expects Mast to address traffic issues and to be expeditious in its redevelopment efforts.

“If they don’t take care of traffic and they can’t get people in and out of there, guess what, they’re not going to rent anything in there. It’s not going to happen,” he said.

Oakley added: “They can’t just lollygag around. They’ve got to go forward and get this thing done. If those units aren’t starting to be renovated in the hotel area, they’re not going to rent them because nobody is going to stay in there because they’re outdated.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she agrees with the sentiments expressed by chamber executive Kennedy. Like the chamber leader, Starkey said she appreciates Mast’s willingness to invest in Saddlebrook.

Commissioner Seth Weightman told Mast: “We’re putting our name behind you, right?”

“We all have high expectations. You’ve heard us loud and clear.

“Don’t let us down.

“Don’t let the folks that live there down,” Weightman said.

Published July 19, 2023

Summer’s here: Stay safe when boating

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It’s summer vacation time and a lot of families and boating enthusiasts will be hitting the water.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe when you are on the water.

Before boating

  • Check the weather forecast. Be prepared for high winds, the sun and other elements, and be aware that conditions can change rapidly.
  • Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Bring plenty of drinkable water.
  • Be sure to check your equipment. Be sure to have what you need and that everything is working properly.
  • Be sure you have the proper permits, a fire extinguisher and easily accessible life jackets. Complete a float plan before you leave by letting someone who is staying shoreside know where you are going and launching from, how you plan to get there and approximately when you are leaving and plan to return. Float plans are critical in the event of an emergency and will give search and rescue crews a huge advantage in where to begin. 
  • Complete safety checks before you launch.
  • Be patient at boat ramps and launch sites, and follow all posted signs.

While on the water

  • Designate a sober captain, as well. It’s important to know that alcohol impairments affect the body differently while on the water and you may feel its effects faster than you do when drinking on land.
  • Don’t forget: Boating while intoxicated is illegal.
  • Remember, just like drivers, share the road; boaters share the water and its resources.
  • Be cautious and reduce speeds near other vessels while on the water.
  • Keep an eye out for other people on the water such as kayakers, paddle boarders and swimmers. 
  • Always look for dive flags to help keep snorkelers and divers safe when below the surface, too.
  • Be vigilant of wildlife, and give animals plenty of space.

To find out more about water safety, visit PoolSafely.gov, apsp.org or RedCross.org.

Published July 19, 2023