The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Wesley Chapel woman hailed as ‘inspiration’ for others

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There’s a point in Pasco County Commission meetings when the county board passes resolutions to support a cause, or recognize an individual’s contributions.

Commissioner Mike Moore, who left the board on Nov. 21, used his final resolution to draw attention to Brianna Somoano, an author and inspirational speaker, who also is a family friend.

The young woman, who was born on April 25, 2000, is a quintuplet — with siblings Alyssa, Cody, Dante and Evan.

Brianna Somoano, seated, is surrounded by family, members of the Pasco County Commission and county staff members, after the young woman was recognized for her inspiring impact on others. (Courtesy of Pasco County/Andy Taylor)

They were born 27 ½ weeks early and Brianna faced health complications early in life, according to the board’s resolution.

Brianna was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which affected her gross motor skills — leading her to use a wheelchair and a walker.

When she was just weeks old, she developed a staph infection and became seriously ill. While fighting the infection, her lungs collapsed and she coded for 30 seconds, requiring life-saving measures, the resolution says.

Despite her physical challenges, “since childhood, Brianna has been known for her wisdom. She has always been a source of advice and counsel for her siblings, friends, and family,” the resolution notes.

When she was 15, she began hippotherapy, which is a form of physical, occupational, and speech therapy that uses equine movement to develop and enhance neurological and physical functioning by channeling the gait and movement of a horse, according to the resolution.

The therapy helped Brianna gain confidence and independence, and she began speaking at fundraising events for the Emerald M Therapeutic Riding Center, where she receives her therapy, the resolution continues.

Brianna is currently a motivational speaker, and last year, she decided to share her journey by writing a book called, “My Walk and Conversations with God.”

The book, published on Dec. 24, 2021, is available on Amazon.

It is described this way, on Amazon: “My Walk and Conversations with God is about Brianna Somoano’s walk of faith and her love for God. She touches on different seasons of her life, the ups, downs and moments in between that served to teach her great life lessons about God, herself, and those she loves. She will share different stories that shaped the importance of her faith with different inspirational takeaways: Love Hard, Be Intentional, Live Life to the Fullest, Purpose to Pain, and Let Go and Let God.”

After the resolution was read into the record, Moore told Brianna: “Everybody wanted to honor you and everything you’ve accomplished.

“I’ve known the Somoana family for 15 years now. I’ve had the opportunity to watch all of the quintuplets grow up, from what, probably age 7, on,” he said.

Moore said he wanted to recognize Brianna for her work to encourage others and let them know: “Hey, you can do anything. Anything you want to do. Nothing’s going to hold you back.”

Moore also noted that he was talking with Brianna’s parents, Jack and Kathy, one day and they were marveling about how Brianna’s book is inspiring readers across the country.

“So, you’re a blessing,” he told her. ““We’re so very proud of you. We want you to continue to inspire others.”

Brianna told board members she was honored by the recognition.

“It’s always my greatest joy to be able to inspire my community.

“I feel like that’s one of my main purposes in this world, to show other people that no matter what you go through, you can accomplish anything,” she said.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told Brianna: “I’m very proud you are a citizen in our county. Wow, really inspiring. Great job!””

Commissioner Ron Oakley told the young woman that she’s a source of inspiration, proving that people can do what they set their mind to do.

“My office is open to you, whenever you need help or direction in this county, I will be there to help you,” Oakley assured Brianna.

Published December 07, 2022

Simple steps can help prevent holiday fires

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Here are some pointers from the National Fire Protection Association, to help you to keep the season merry and bright — and avoid the dangers of a holiday fire.

When decorating

  • Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
  • Keep lit candles away from decorations and other items that can catch fire.
  • Pay attention to the holiday lights you are using and where you display them: Some lights are for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
  • Replace any string of lights that has worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the number of light strands to connect.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights to avoid damaging cords.
  • Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

When entertaining

  • Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about how to evacuate safely, in case of a fire.
  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
  • Keep matches and lighters stored high.
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
  • Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them to prevent young children from touching them.
  • Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Be sure to moisten cigarette butts with water, before discarding them.

Before heading to bed

  • Blow out lit candles when leaving a room, or going to bed.
  • Turn off all holiday lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Reminder: Be very careful with candles
More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. Nearly half of all fires involving holiday decorations occur because the decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

Pointers to prevent Christmas tree fires

  • Choose a Christmas tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
  • Cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in its stand, to help it absorb water.
  • Be sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as a fireplace, radiator, candle, or heat vent.
  • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
  • Once you’ve placed the tree, add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
  • When adding lights to the tree, be sure the lights are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Pay attention to what type of lights you are using. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, while others can be used for both.
  • Pay attention to how many light strands can be safely connected (read manufacturer instructions).
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
  • Be sure to keep your Christmas tree watered through the holidays. After the holidays, dispose of it.
  • Remember that dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.

Published December 07, 2022

Recycle your tree for the environment

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Pasco County once again will offer the Trees to Trails program for anyone interested in recycling their live Christmas tree after the holiday, according to Sarah Andeara, public information officer Pasco County, in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

The trees are chipped for use in Pasco County parks, to mulch trails and plant beds.

The program is available Dec. 26 through Jan. 11.

Drop-off locations include:

  • Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road. Call 813-345-3145.
  • Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road in Hudson. Call 727-861-3033.

As a general rule, all tinsel, lights, decorations and tree stands must be removed prior to drop-off.

Published December 07, 2022

Pasco bids adieu to tough litigator, after 20 years

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She may not have been a household name around Pasco County, but Katherine “Kristi” Sims was a familiar face representing Pasco County at court hearings.

During her 20 years with the Pasco County Attorney’s Office, the senior assistant county attorney litigated nearly 6,000 ordinance violations.

But that’s just one aspect of the work she did, until retiring in October.

Her other accomplishments include the creation of the first local government ordinance in Florida to address “spice”/synthetic drugs, based on deficiencies in package labeling.

Her legal work also led to the county’s demolition ordinance, which requires demolition or repair of slum, blighted or dangerous structures. Ultimately, that led to nearly 1,000 structures torn down or repaired.

Katherine ‘Kristi’ Sims is congratulated for her 20 years of service to Pasco County. She’s joined here by her husband and by the county administrator, the clerk and comptroller, colleagues in the county attorney’s office and the county board. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Sims also was a driving force in a county initiative known as the “High Return Enforcement” task force, which combined personnel from multiple agencies to collaborate on enforcement issues. Strategies they employed included filing nuisance lawsuits under state law and petitioning for a guardian to be appointed in hoarding situations.

Those are just a few of the creative investigative and legal approaches that Sims harnessed to enforce laws and improve safety for Pasco County residents, according to a resolution, adopted by the Pasco County Commission as an expression of the board’s appreciation.

Pasco County board members at that meeting lavished Sims with praise and County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder remarked that Pasco was fortunate to have someone with Sims’ background representing it in the arena of code enforcement.

Typically, litigators handle those types of cases for about five years and then move on to the other things, he said.

Sims didn’t move on, though, giving the county the luxury of being represented by a highly experienced and knowledgeable attorney to tackle those issues, Steinsnyder said.

Sims also was known for her willingness to share her institutional knowledge with her peers, regarding county laws and previous litigation.

She also served as counsel for the Pasco County Construction Board and the Pasco County Canvassing Board, and she drafted all orders issued during local states of emergency, the resolution notes.

Sims legal work, county board members said, improved life for Pasco County residents.

“Kristi, it goes without saying, you’re going to be missed. You’ve done a fantastic job and I certainly appreciate everything you did for Pasco County. You worked very hard. You were very successful, in what you do,” said Commissioner Ron Oakley.

Commissioner Jack Mariano added: “Kristi, you’ve been nothing but amazing. As far as a litigator goes — none better. Your passion has been phenomenal in making this county better. You have made a huge difference. You have helped this county in tremendous ways.

“You can hold your head high, you’ve made Pasco County a better place.”

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey lamented Sims’ departure.

“It’s just a huge hole for me. I just want to thank you for taking my calls, at all hours.

“Gosh, your dedication to your job and the challenges that we face here — immeasurable.

“When you said you were leaving, it was really hard to take. I’m very sad this day has come.

“You really have left your mark on this county, and I’m really going to miss you.”

At the podium, Sims addressed the board by first announcing herself: “Kristi Sims, senior assistant county attorney for the Pasco County Attorney’s Office.

“I just wanted to say that one more time,” she told the board, keeping her composure, but acknowledging that she was feeling emotional.

When she was hired and made her first appearance before the board, she said she kept her remarks to these six words: “Thank you, I will do my best.”

“I did,” she said.

“We did,” she added.

She acknowledged many others — including the county board, the county attorney, her peers on the county’s legal team, and both county and constitutional personnel — for helping her to succeed.

She expressed gratitude for being granted “creative freedom, support, respect … to do all of these things that I find to be important.

“Thank you so much, for five years ago recognizing that there was a path to do more than what we had been doing,” Sims said. “I’m proud of what was accomplished.”

The work required long hours away from family, Sims said.

As well as stress, Steinsnyder said.

But, as she and her family set off on the next chapter of her life, Sims summed up her time in Pasco this way: “It was all worth it.”

Published December 07, 2022

Pasco leaders cite safety concerns over blocked sidewalks

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The Pasco County Commission has been weighing in on design standards for subdivisions for several months, and now they’re pushing for changes aimed at keeping sidewalks clear.

It’s a public safety issue, according to Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, who shared photos of cars parked in driveways — blocking the sidewalks in front of homes.

“The kids were riding their scooters in the street because they couldn’t use the sidewalks,” Starkey said, during a recent board meeting.

“Same in my neighborhood,” chimed in Commissioner Ron Oakley.

Starkey continued: “I think we need to be looking at these driveway lengths and making sure this (blocking of sidewalks) doesn’t happen.

“I’ve talked to some developers already about solutions for this, but this is something that we need to get ahold of because we’re going to have children get hurt.”

Oakley added: “I think this happens often in (subdivisions of) 40-foot lots and 50-foot lots.”

Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said: “Anywhere where you have a garage setback that’s 20 feet or less, you’re going to see this.”

Starkey said the issue falls under the jurisdiction of homeowner associations.

“So, if the HOA is not doing it, not doing their job, then we have to step in,” she said.

“I guarantee you, one of those cars is going to pull out and not see a little one riding her little scooter, or trike, because she can’t ride … safely in her neighborhood.

“I’m not OK with this,” Starkey said. “And, we need to address this, in my opinion, pretty quickly.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano said setbacks are an issue, not only for parking but also for installation of propane tanks and air conditioners on the sides of houses.

“Staff is struggling with all of this stuff.

“I think it’s time to do a workshop on this. What we don’t want to do is build homes like this where the kids can’t go on a sidewalk, they’ve got to in the street. It’s dangerous. It looks lousy, and it’s just not good for the long-term growth of this county,” the commissioner added.

“We need to pick what we want. Do we want to be a high-level premiere county? Or, do we want to allow that? Stuff like that,” Mariano said.

Oakley concurred: “We need to get rid of this.”

The discussion occurred during the portion of the meeting reserved for board comments, so no formal action was taken. However, since a majority of board members appear to think action is needed, the issue is likely to resurface at a future board meeting.

Published December 07, 2022

This woman knew her numbers

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Rosemary Syrakos recently stepped away from a 32-year career in the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office.

And, during the course of her career, she handled all sorts of paperwork, in various capacities.

She joined the staff on Feb. 2, 1990, as a data entry operator in the support services department, before moving through the ranks, over three decades.

Rosemary Syrakos is honored during the Pasco County Commission’s Nov. 15 meeting, with a resolution of appreciation for her 32-year career in the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

She worked as a docket clerk, a civil records clerk, a probate clerk, an ex-parte clerk, a probate specialist, a human resources technician, a compensation benefits specialist, a payroll supervisor, the office’s operations supervisor and, finally, deputy clerk for the Office of Clerk & Comptroller.

“She has worked tirelessly for both of our offices (the clerk’s office and the Pasco County Commission), said Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, during the Pasco County Commission’s Nov. 15 meeting.

The clerk read a resolution of appreciation for Syrakos’ service.

“In the 13 years, Rosemary has led the payroll team, she is estimated to have processed or approved over 429 payrolls, comprised of over 908,000 individual paychecks, and almost $47 million net payroll dollars, paid to county and clerk teammates for their services to the citizens of Pasco County,” the resolution says.

During the course of working in the clerk’s office, she initiated, processed, or approved more than 45,000 financial records, Alvarez-Sowles said.

Her abilities were “unmatched to resolve any and all FRS, 941 tax, W-2, and deferred compensation issues,” the resolution continues.

Her duties required her to dial phone numbers, “now committed to memory for eternity,” and to “remain on hold for hundreds of hours while she corrected thousands of timesheet entries and answered inquiries made by teammates and supervisors alike,” the resolution says.

Syrakos had a deep desire to instill a positive spirit and comradery within her divisions, and helped set the tone by decorating her workspace for every holiday or occasion, the clerk said.

The deputy clerk was known to deliver “one of the best hors d’oeuvres known to Pasco County — with crackers, of course — making her the Queen of Cheeseballs,” the clerk said, with a laugh, remarking, as an aside, that the resolution was written with love.

Syrakos was always willing to take on extra tasks when needed and to work through emergencies, storm situations, a global pandemic and office relocations.

She never forsook her responsibilities and was always willing to share her knowledge — providing a smooth transition to the office, at her departure, Alvarez-Sowles said.

Her retirement day was Nov. 4 and she was honored by the Pasco County Commission on Nov. 15.

Syrakos stood beside the podium, as the resolution was read, and when it was over, board members asked if she would like to say a few words.

She politely declined.

Alvarez-Sowles told the board: “In her retirement, she really wants to spend time with her grandson and pick him up from school and be able to take care of him. I think that’s an amazing retirement plan.”

While Syrakos did a great job preparing others to take on her duties, her presence will be missed, the clerk said.

“Rosemary is not only an amazing leader, but she’s an amazing human being; we are going to miss her terribly in our office,” Alvarez-Sowles said.

Published December 07, 2022

Pasco wants to know community’s thoughts

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Pasco County has launched its 2022 Pasco Community Survey and is asking the community to share information and feedback to help create a better future, according to a county news release.

The survey will be available through Dec. 16.

The county uses an annual survey as a “vital listening tool,” the release says.

The survey was initially launched in 2009 and it gathers feedbacks on all sorts of topics, including: Utilities; Parks & Libraries; Safety/Emergency Services; Transportation; Growth and the Importance/Quality of Services.

The responses help inform the Pasco County Commission in its planning and decision-making, the news release says.

“We value and appreciate our customers’ feedback and use it as guidance as we make important decisions,” Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said, in the release. “Please take a moment to take our survey and help us improve how we serve you!”

Those wishing to take the survey can go to MyPasco.net and click on the survey link; go to MyPasco App and click on the Community Survey button; or go to Pasco County’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor pages and click on the survey link; or click directly on the survey link at mypas.co/2022PascoSurvey.

Hillsborough seeking input on internet connectivity

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Hillsborough County is conducting an assessment to determine where internet connectivity disparities exist within the county, and to develop a plan to provide increased, equitable and effective broadband internet service coverage countywide, according to a news release.

Part of the effort includes a consumer survey and speed test, which will be available until Dec. 16.

To optimize results, Hillsborough County is asking all residents and businesses to participate. The survey is available in English and Spanish, the release says.

For those without digital access, paper surveys in English and Spanish will be available at local libraries, the release adds.

Information provided by residents through the survey will help the county verify its existing information about speeds and availability of broadband services.

The Hillsborough County broadband program supports activities and initiatives of the State of Florida Office of Broadband within the Department of Economic Opportunity, the release continues.

The information collected for Hillsborough County’s Digital Equity Action Plan will be used to leverage federal funding through the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act to bridge the digital divide in the county.

For more information on the County’s Digital Equity and Broadband Expansion, visit HCFLGov.net/Broadband.

A smokin’ roadside attraction

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There’s some good food in this neighborhood.

Those driving by the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes, will see smoke rising into the sky. The smoke is accompanied by an enticing aroma — produced by Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit’s smoker, cooking up barbecue on the weekends.

Al Brown slices into some smoked ribs at Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit, a street corner barbecue joint at the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes. (Mike Camunas)

The Brown Family has set up shop at the location for about three years now, with nothing more than the smoker, a tent and chairs — and a TV to watch college football on Saturdays in the fall.

That’s where they serve up classic barbecue dishes, from ribs to chicken and brisket, to eager patrons. They offer sides, such as baked beans, collard greens and cornbread, too.

“We’ve always cooked and always done barbecue, but never gotten into the business of it,” Al Brown, the family patriarch said. “My sons wanted to start a business, but then the pandemic hit, so we were at home flushing the idea out a little more, which turned into us coming out with the smoker.”

The Brown Family, from left, Almari, Al, Almani, Danita and Alvaunte hang out at Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit, which is a tailgating smoker operation under a tent at the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes. The Lutz family has been setting up shop for about three years, and serving homemade classic barbecue to hungry customers who have heard about the good food through word of mouth or just happened to be driving by.

The business is co-owned with Al’s sons, Almari and Alvaunte, who are students at Carrollwood Day School.

Their mom, Aleah, and other siblings when home from college, also help out — making it a family affair whenever they’re out on the corner.

“We always wanted a job, but once the pandemic hit, well, our dad kind of helped us make this job,” Almari said. “It’s great that we can do this and work with the family.”

Alvaunte added: “It’s pretty fun to be around the smoker and the family and learning from my dad, just about every day I can. (It’s a) little bit of hard work and sometimes — most of the time — it’s hot, but since it’s with the family, you don’t really notice.”

Originally, the Browns were going to go with a food truck, but the pandemic closed many businesses, where food trucks could park to sell meals, and also canceled events, another common source of customers.

Having a business requires the correct permits, certifications to serve food, and insurance, Al said.

Alvaunte Brown, of Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit, serves up some collard greens for a hungry customer.

It also requires having a parking permit, which allows the Browns to be on private property — owned by family friend, Larry Engle, owner of CutLettering Sign Company.

The setup gives the “restaurant” a bit of a tailgate feel.

Customers will hang out and eat, especially if the Browns are watching the University of Miami Hurricanes — their favorite college football team.

“I’ve been smoking food and cooking barbecue since I was 15,” Al said. “Since we couldn’t do the truck, it was more of hanging out and being outside. With the truck, it would have been a real in-and-out business, so with the tent and smoker, we have more of a tailgate feel than a food truck.

“Working with the family keeps us around each other as much as possible, too.”

“It’s great,” Alvaunte added. “We get the TV out here and watch some football while serving up this food — doesn’t feel like work at all.

“I won’t share the secret recipe, but I’ll say our ribs are the best — the Brown specialty.”

Al Brown prepares a barbecue order at Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit in Land O’ Lakes.

“I think our best dish is the ribs,” Almari agreed. “All the meat, though, is great and is real easy (to make) — you just got to know how to do it and not rush it.”

Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit also caters events, and Al does a lot of cookouts for youth sports teams.

The Lutz family says they’ve been embraced by the communities nearby such as Lake Padgett Estates East, Plantation Palms and Dupree Lakes.

“The community here has been great with us,” Al said. “We did a trial run, like you would for any business, to see how people accept it. Everyone around here has been great, never had any complaints.

“It’s really been just word of mouth or people driving by and getting hungry. … But we’re out here, watching some football and enjoying the Florida sun and chatting with anyone who comes by for some barbecue!”

Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit
Where: At the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard, across the street from the entrance to Lake Padgett Estates East subdivision, in Land O’ Lakes.
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, around 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Details: Family owned, homemade barbeque “joint” on the side of the road out of a pickup truck and a smoker, and offering all the classic favorites such as ribs, chicken, brisket, sausages, turkey breasts, mac and cheese, baked beans, cornbread and collard greens. Catering is available, too.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/Brownsbbqpitwesleychapel, or call 813-575-2117.

Published November 30, 2022

Providing hope for those hurting at the holidays

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’Tis the season to be merry, right?

Well, not for everyone.

The Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church wants to acknowledge that the holidays can be a painful, difficult time for people who have suffered losses and to provide a source of support, said Kevin Grills, the church pastor.

It is offering a Blue Christmas Service on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., at the church, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Chris Cox, left, and David Endara lead caroling with acoustical guitar during the first Campfire and Carols at Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church. This year’s free community event is set for Dec. 18 at 6 p.m., at the church. There is no charge. Bring your own lawn chair. (Courtesy of Kevin Grills)

“We just want to create a space for people to feel what they feel in the Christmas season,” the pastor said, noting sometimes that isn’t the joy that others are experiencing.

“I have heard of many people who are depressed and are going through a really hard time and are looking for reasons to be hopeful,” Grills said.

“Many have had a hard year. Some have had many hard years consecutively. With the pandemic, death of loved ones, the loss of jobs, financial stresses, inflation — there’s many reasons and many different kinds of losses.

“So, if anyone has lost somebody significant to them in the holidays, it tends to be a season that used to be a season of joy for them, now becomes exactly the opposite for them.

“Because they’re now reminded of the empty chair. They’re reminded of what they don’t have any more, and life just gets really hard and difficult, and overwhelming — when everybody is in celebration mode and you are in the season of mourning, or you’re just kind of down,” he said.

The church’s Blue Christmas Service is open to anyone who would like to attend.

The idea is to create a space that acknowledges the loss people are feeling and to convey a sense of community — “to let people know that they are not alone in their heartache and in their struggles,” Grills said.

“I’ve had some people say, ‘Why would we do that? It’s a joyous season. Why would we provide that? Shouldn’t they just suck it up?’

“I said, ‘Well, that’s just not the reality of it. You might feel that it’s odd to dwell on the darkness, or on the struggle, but it’s important to do so.

“All of us find ourselves in the darkness at some point,” he said.

“We dwell there in this (in the service) because that’s what some people are feeling, and we’re reminded from a Biblical sense and from a Christian sense that God doesn’t just tell us to ‘Chin up.’ And, He walks with us, not just through the light, but through the darkness, and He brings us into the light.

“So, our service, itself, it will be a liturgical service. We will be singing some hymns, some of the more somber, low-key, minor-chorded hymns. We’ll light some candles. We’ll have an opportunity to name our losses,” he said.

A crowd shot from last year’s Campfire and Carols at Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church. This year’s free community event is set for Dec. 18 at 6 p.m., at the church.

Those who wish to write down the name of someone they’ve lost, or something difficult they’re going through, will have the chance to write it down on an ornament, to hang on a bare Christmas tree.

It can be any kind of loss — such as a layoff from work, or the death of a spouse — even it happened many years ago, Grills said.

There will be an opportunity to light candles, and there will be time for reflection.

Those attending the service will be free to participate as much, or as little, as they’d like, the pastor added.

“We will have our sanctuary already adorned, but we will have everything off, muting things for the service.

“The general tone of the service, itself, is intentionally solemn. But it does point to hope, peace and love and joy that’s offered in the advent of Jesus.”

The idea is to provide a hopeful message, without ignoring the pain and the struggle people are experiencing.

Loss, the pastor said, “is not a linear thing. It’s messy.”

Grills wants the service to be welcoming, helping community members to support one another.

He also has a wish of his own: “The best case scenario, is that people who come in without any hope, leave with hope.”

Land O’ Lakes church offers community events
Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church, at 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., has three upcoming holiday community events. (It also has Christmas services).
Dec. 3, 4 p.m.: The Silence and the Sound, a traditional choir providing Christmas music. No charge.
Dec. 7, 7 p.m.: Blue Christmas Service, offered to help those hurting at the holidays.
Dec. 18, 6 p.m. Second annual Campfire and Carols, check out the bonfire, sing-along to Christmas carols and enjoy some s’mores, plus crafts for kids. Bring your lawn chairs.

Published November 30, 2022