The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Housing a Christmas wonderland

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Christmas won’t be canceled this year.

Especially at the Old Lutz School House.

After a two-year COVID hiatus, Christmas at the Old Lutz School is back, celebrating its 26th year with a display of lights, trees, trains, nutcrackers and many more decorations for local residents to view.

Once again, a massive collection of nutcrackers will be on display, all from owner Phyllis Hoedt, longtime chairperson of the Old Lutz School Building’s nonprofit foundation. (Mike Camunas)

“Like everything else we’ve done in the Lutz community, we’re glad to be getting back and having our annual traditions — especially Christmas at the Old Lutz School,” said Stephanie Ensor, community liaison for the Old Lutz School Building’s foundation. “From the (Lutz) Guv’na Campaign to the Fourth of July Parade and now being able to host people inside the School House again, it’s just so great to finally be able to do the things we do every year here in Lutz.”

Since the school house is a Hillsborough County facility on county property, it had to adhere to pandemic restrictions, which prevented having events and gatherings in indoor spaces. Now that those are lifted, Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that maintains the building through volunteering and fundraising events, was able to bring back the annual tradition.

Volunteers began decorating the house before Thanksgiving.

The display once again will feature the Tree Room, which will have various trees decorated by people and organizations from Lutz; the Snowy Railroad Room: a massive model train display assembled by Wally Hoedt; and even breakfast with Santa, on the morning of Dec. 10.

“So many people are looking forward to the comeback,” Ensor said. “Definitely grandparents, who love bringing their grandchildren up here, who just love seeing the trains and Legos.”

Back on display for the first time since 2019 will be the Lego town, assembled brick-by-brick by Jason Burkett, who vows it will be five times bigger than last time it was at Christmas at the Old Lutz School House.

Returning also will be an impressive Lego town, assembled brick-by-brick by Jason Burkett.

The display includes a mishmash of Lego assembly kits from fan-favorite movies and TV shows, but with some fun nods, such as how certain Lego people are displayed throughout the town.

“2019 was my first year at the Old Lutz School, and COVID gave me three years to plan,” Burkett said. “So now, in 2022, it is (going to be) five times bigger than last time! I am excited for kids and adults to come back and see everything that we have been so eager to share with them.”

Also back on display will be the incredible massive nutcracker collection from longtime school house chairperson and supporter Phyllis Hoedt. Her collection takes up nearly half of one of the bottom floor rooms at the school house, and features a nutcracker with just about every theme imaginable.

“Phyllis has been collecting those nutcrackers for a long time,” Ensor added.

As always, coming to select evenings in December when Christmas at the Old Lutz School is open to the public, is free of charge. The school house will always take donations, but will also put out barrels to collect nonperishable food items and toys to donate to charity.

“Christmas at the Old Lutz School is part of what makes Lutz so great,” Ensor said. “I know for a fact the community is happy to have it back during this time of year in the holiday season.”

26th Annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School
Where: Old Lutz School House, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz
Dates: Dec. 8, Dec. 10, Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Dec. 17, Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 26
When: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free. Donations are welcome.
Details: Back on display and open to the public is the School House’s annual celebration of Christmas, with the building decorated outside and the bottom floor’s room filled with Christmas trees, nutcrackers, a Lego town, an extensive model train display and other Christmas decor. There also will be Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost for that is $4, cash only.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/oldlutzschool.

Published November 30, 2022

Land development code changes proposed in Pasco

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Pasco County is considering numerous changes to its land development code, with some aiming to improve the county’s appearance.

One change would require two shade trees at residential lots that are 6,000 square feet or smaller. Currently, one shade tree is required. The change also would allow a shade tree to be placed in the right of way fronting the lot, Denise Hernandez, county zoning administrator told the Pasco County Commission during the first public hearing on the proposed changes, at the board’s Nov. 4 meeting.

The requirement to add more trees reflects a desire by the Pasco County Commission to make the county’s residential neighborhoods more attractive.

Another proposed change would eliminate chain link fences or similar fences and gates that are visible from along the county’s arterials and collector roads — unless the properties are being used for legitimate agricultural purposes.

This change was prompted by county board discussions regarding a desire to improve the county’s appearance.

Two other changes relate to public notice of requested changes, Hernandez said.

One change would require applicants for comprehensive plan amendments to post, publish and mail notices of the request, Hernandez said. In the current code, applications for comprehensive plan amendments are only published, and, in some cases, posted, but are not mailed. The amendment will require all three.

Another change would allow the publication of requests to be made by posting to a newspaper of general circulation, or any other means, Hernandez said.

“This is in anticipation of the effective date of 50.011 of Florida Statutes, which happened during the last legislative session, where that publication on publicly available website would suffice, instead of having to do a publication in a paper of general circulation,” Hernandez said.

“And, we are working on a process to have that done on our website,” she added.

Another change in the land development code says that projects that are subject to a development agreement, a special exception, (or) a conditional use, do not necessarily require a master-unit planned development zoning.

Additionally, there’s a change that says if a building permit expires after the sixth year of a preliminary site plan, the preliminary site plan expires, as well.

New definitions also are included in the proposed code amendments. Those definitions relate to what constitutes a family, a group living arrangement, and a resident treatment and care facility.

The changes were prompted by a previous case involving what the county considered to be a residential treatment and care facility, but which the applicant argued fell under the county’s definition of a family.

The proposed changes are meant to clarify when special permission is needed for a particular living situation within a single-family neighborhood.

The proposed amendment defines group living arrangements as those including, but not limited to, convents, monasteries, fraternities, boarding homes, shelters for abused children, runaway shelters, and dormitories.

Group living arrangements do not include residential treatment and care facilities or independent living facilities, Hernandez said.

The definition for residential treatment and care facility was modified as well, to reflect that these facilities employ the help of skilled and licensed practitioners, she said.

The board will have its final public hearing on the proposed changes at its Dec. 6 meeting, at 1:30 p.m., in the board chambers at the West Pasco Government Center, at 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

Published November 30, 2022

The myths, legends and delicious varieties of bread

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Whether it’s a slice of toast in the morning, some garlic bread with spaghetti, or dinner rolls served as a finishing touch — bread is a commonly consumed item in many people’s diet.

But did you know that bread is found in nearly every culture, region and religion?

Historically, grains have been the most widely cultivated food crops, they have been harvested and processed for food since the beginning of civilization and remain a staple food across the world to this day.

Bread takes on many forms — from pita to challah to baguette.

Kneading is a basic part of making bread. Dry yeast is a basic ingredient. It was hard to find in stores or online in the midst of the pandemic, but supply chain issues have been improved since the demand for the ingredient has stabilized. (Pixabay.com)

There also are myths, legends and superstitions associated with bread, according to published reports.

For instance, have you ever heard that whoever takes the last piece of bread has to kiss the cook? Or, that if bread is part of your dream something happy is about to happen?

Did you know that when two people reach for a piece of bread simultaneously, visitors will be arriving?

Or, that you can reverse the bad luck of dropping a piece of bread butter-side-down by making a wish when you pick it up?

The origin of these ideas isn’t known, but the phrase “baker’s dozen” does have its place in history.

It came about because bakers in 13th century England were charging full price, but shorting customers on the size of their baked items.

King Henry III made that practice unlawful.

Any baker caught selling bread — at full price — that was below the standard weight — could end up in jail, or have a hand cut off.

Not wanting to take any chances, bakers began adding a 13th item, just to be safe.

Ah, if only shrinkflation could be punishable today.

Besides having a colorful history, many people also have a love-hate relationship with bread.

They love its taste; they hate the weight gain it can cause.

But at the end of the day, it depends on the quality of the bread product.

So, like many other nutritional options, bread can play a role in healthy eating — but there are ways to maximize the nutrients you consume in your breads.

Here are some tips:

  • Make sure half of all your grains are whole grains.
  • Check the ingredients on store-bought bread: Look for whole wheat, whole-wheat flour, or another whole grain as the first ingredient.
  • Remember: Whole grains are essential to the diet; they are a good source of complex carbohydrates and can provide protein and fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels and promote a healthy digestive system.
  • Bulk up your baked goods: When baking breads, substitute half or all your white flour for whole wheat flour. Try adding nuts and seeds to your fresh-baked breads.
  • Remember, uncooked oats make a great addition to breads and muffins.
  • When consuming bread, combine it with other foods. It is a good idea to pair your bread with other foods like plant proteins, lean meats, and/or healthy fats to reduce blood sugar spikes.

For instance, you can enjoy a slice of toasted bread with olive oil with your breakfast eggs, or with a salad for lunch.

Remember you also can make your own bread, which, of course, allows you to control the ingredients that it includes.

Happy baking!

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Pasco County Extension Intern, Syreeta McDonald, contributed to this column.

Recipe: Mixed Grain Bread

Ingredients
1/4 cup cornmeal (yellow)
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup water (boiling)
1 packet dry yeast (active)
1/4 cup water (warm 105 degrees to 115 degrees)
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup rye flour
2 1/4 cups flour (all purpose)

Directions

  • Mix cornmeal, brown sugar, salt and oil with boiling water, cool to lukewarm (105 degrees to 115 degrees).
  • Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water; stir into cornmeal mixture. Add whole wheat and rye flours and mix well. Stir in enough all-purpose flour to make dough stiff enough to knead.
  • Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes to 10 minutes.
  • Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, turning oil top. Cover with clean towel; let rise in warm place until double, about 1 hour.
  • Punch dough down; turn onto clean surface. Cover with clean towel; let rest 10 minutes. Shape dough and place in greased 9-inch by 5-inch pan. Cover with clean towel; let rise until almost double, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake 35 minutes to 45 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cover with aluminum foil during baking, if bread is browning too quickly. Remove bread from pan and cool on wire rack.

Source: Cornell University Cooperative Extension

Published November 30, 2022

Hazardous waste and electronics drop-off event

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Pasco County will host a mobile drop-off for household hazardous waste and electronics, for Pasco County residents.

Those tired of old household cleaners under their kitchen sink, pesticides in their garage or outdated electronics in the house can get rid of them at this event, according to a Pasco County news release.

The county is collecting the items on Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its West Pasco Government Center Complex, 7536 State St., in New Port Richey. Drivers should enter via Government Drive or Citizens Drive.

For a full list of household hazardous waste items you can drop off during the collection event, visit bit.ly/2mx7K0h.

This event is free to anyone living in Pasco County, except there is a $5 charge to dispose of televisions, computer monitors, computer towers and laptops, and a $10 charge for televisions 36 inches or larger.

To find out more, visit bit.ly/2getW9g.

Published November 30, 2022

Keystone Park reopens, bigger and better

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Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department recently reopened Keystone Park & Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, in Odessa.

The project included $2.6 million in upgrades to the center and 26-acre park.

The recreation center improvements included an expansion and renovation that features a larger multipurpose room, kitchen and new restrooms. The 1,820-square-foot expansion brings the total size of the center to 7,494 square feet.

The park has added a new playground, refurbished the tennis courts and new pickleball courts, as well as a lighted walking trail, shaded benches and upgraded parking.

A walkway from the recreation center leads to the Austin Davis Public Library next door. The library, however, is currently undergoing renovations. It is tentatively set to reopen in late May or early June.

The recreation center construction costs came in at $1,619,600, while site improvements including new sidewalks, shelters, new playground and a proposed event pavilion were $1,030,000, according to county officials.

The renovation was part of the department’s Capital Improvement Program.

Keystone Park averages about 4,500 monthly visitors.

Published November 30, 2022

Keystone Park & Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, in Odessa, recently reopened after Hillsborough County gave it $2.6 million in upgrades, including an expanded rec center and new playground. (Mike Camunas)

Comments sought on 13th Judicial Circuit judge vacancy

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has convened the 13th Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission to select and submit the names of highly qualified candidates to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Susan “Suzy” Lopez, according to a news release.

These individuals have applied: E. Christopher Abdoney; Alicia Whiting Bozich; Christine Shiver Brown; Cory L. Chandler; Travis J. Coy; Jeffrey D. Groover; E. Michael Isaak; Joseph W. Kudia; Elba C. Martin; Richard H. Martin; Bennett M. Miller; Diego F. Novaes; Matthew H. Perry; Lisa M. Thelwell and W. Michael Thornton, the release says.

The nominating commission encourages and seeks comments regarding the qualifications of these applicants from the public and from members of the Bench and Bar.

Comments may be addressed to Max Amster, chair, 13th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, and emailed to , or mailed to Max Amster, 1700 S. MacDill Ave, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33629.

Comments must be received no later than noon on Dec. 5, to be considered by the commission.

Published November 30, 2022

Come ‘Explore’ this new Zephyrhills mural

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Main Street Zephyrhills continues to paint the town.

On Nov. 16, the nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing certain elements of downtown, unveiled its latest mural in its ongoing series, presenting “Explore Our Hometown” — featuring large letters, including artistic images — on the side of the brick building housing Fraternity of Eagles 3752, at 38421 Fifth Ave.

‘Explore Our Hometown’ is the newest mural in Historic Downtown Zephyrhills. It was unveiled on Nov. 16 by artist Trinity Rivard, who took several well-known elements that represent the largest municipality in Pasco County and displayed them in the letters of ‘EXPLORE.’ (Mike Camunas)

It’s a vibrant, colorful piece of art designed and painted by artist Trinity Rivard, a Tampa native who said he’s been to Zephyrhills many times, but still really researched Pasco County’s largest municipality.

“I took my own experiences here, and did a lot of research, as well, and based on those two things, it was the elements (I chose) on here that resonated with me,” Rivard said at the ceremony unveiling the mural. “And it’s also which elements were going to be more dynamic, really stand out and something that I can have some fun with.

“I wanted the historical elements to be in there and I wanted to show what the city has to offer, recreationally, now — things that Zephyrhills is really known for.”

The mural, which is on the building wall adjacent to Seventh Street, focuses on themes in each in the letters of “EXPLORE.” They are skydiving, the Military History Museum, the Train Depot, golf and tennis, and the skate and water parks.

Rivard estimates it took him about 150 hours to complete the project that required him battling the heat, weather (including a hurricane), needing a scissor lift to reach the heights on the building and, of course, patience.

Artist Trinity Rivard stands in front of his mural, ‘Explore Our Hometown,’ the brand new painting in historic downtown Zephyrhills that took Rivard about 150 hours to complete.

“I’m honored to be able to add to this city and leave my mark,” Rivard said. “A lot of times, I was on the lift and people would drive by and sometimes you hear someone yelling at you and you don’t know if it’s good or bad.

“But sometimes they’ll pull over and stop and say, ‘Good job!’ or ‘Looks great!’ and it’s those little things that really helped while I was creating the mural.”

City Manager Billy Poe said at the unveiling that “Our downtown just became a little more colorful, but really hits on the history, too. … A mural is important because it builds a sense of community, it makes you want to go there, not just to see it, but to experience the community. … This, people will drive or walk by it and it starts a conversation.”

Main Street Board of Directors & Design Committee Chair Christine Bennett said the mural cost $10,000 to commission, with that coming from donations and other fundraising throughout the year.

This is the second of several murals Main Street has planned throughout historic downtown. The first was Ocea, which also is on Seventh Street and was painted by lead artist Jonathan Sierra and assistant artist Fonz Eljaiek. The mural centers around the idea that water is restorative and connects to the life that it has touched.

There are other murals already in downtown, including “Splash on 5th,” the “unnamed mural on 5th” that Bennett and volunteers helped paint and the “Wall of Memories” or Centennial Mural that is painted on the Fifth Avenue-adjacent wall of the Hynes Discount Mobile Homes building.

Bennett said the plan was always to try to get 10 new murals downtown in the series, but fellow board member Gail Hamilton says they won’t put a limit on how many murals are commissioned as long as they can be funded.

Bennett also added the next mural will be a crosswalk painting that will be in front of the Zephyrhills Public Library on Eighth street.

Main Street hopes to have that completed and unveiled in January.

Published November 23, 2022

Land O’ Lakes Branch Library has a new look

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library is ready for patrons to come and take advantage of the upgraded facility. It underwent a complete renovation that includes a new look, updated technology and new meeting spaces. (Mike Camunas)

After being closed for 15 months, the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, reopened on Nov. 14.

Patrons and area residents were there to check out the $4.75-million renovation.

The branch added new adult, teens and kids’ spaces; new meeting spaces; an expanded lobby; renovated makerspace; a new central service area; improved landscaping and outdoor patios; and upgraded the drive-through.

In all, the 18,169-square-foot branch got a complete, floor-to-ceiling remodel thanks to the General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) Referendum Pasco voters passed in 2018.

While the Land O’ Lakes Branch has reopened, work continues to upgrade the Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, and the South Holiday Branch Library, at 4649 Mile Stretch Drive.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch began as a small section of a county building on U.S. 41, but later was moved to a larger location because of its popularity. In 1980, it became an official part of the Pasco County Library Collective and moved into a Land O’ Lakes plaza storefront in 1988.

The branch at its current location was built through a $10-million bond referendum passed by Pasco County voters in 1986 to improve public library services and build new parks countywide.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library opened to the public on Dec. 12, 1991.

Published November 23, 2022

Community celebrates 50 years

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This community is golden, and has been for 50 years.

Weslyn Stevens, left, and Jaxson Oberhaus take a slow ride on a couple of mini ponies at the Lake Padgett Estates East 50th Anniversary Founder’s Day Festival on Nov. 12. (Mike Camunas)

Lake Padgett Estates East, the bustling Land O’ Lakes neighborhood that consists of 1,125 properties, a middle and elementary school, and a popular hiking, camping and exploring area, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with gratitude and aplomb.

“You really can’t slow this community down,” Community Association Manager Robert Stone said. “The residents, they love this neighborhood and the activities it does, and it shows when they all come out, no matter what we do.”

Established Nov. 17, 1972, Stone says the community celebrates this Founder’s Day every five years, but he was still impressed by the showing of residents for the 50th Anniversary Festival on Nov. 12.

Michael Zaniewski takes a fun selfie with his daughter, Zori, during a train ride at the Lake Padgett Estates East 50th Anniversary Founder’s Day Festival on Nov. 12, at the Land O’ Lakes community’s clubhouse and recreation center.

The event had fun activities such as a rock-climbing wall, a wipe out attraction and a trackless train brought by AirFun Games; a petting zoo and mini pony rides by A Thomas Pony Rides & Petting Zoo; a continuous hayride by Mandell’s Tree Service; a car show by Let’s Roll Promotions; a silent auction by the Founder’s Day Committee; plus food trucks, local vendors, face painting and more.

“The car show was a big draw, for sure,” Stone said. “It always seems to be in this area, but the turnout was great. If I’m being honest, we got more people than we expected.”

Set up by the Founder’s Day Committee, which consists of Kori Brown, Bobbi Clay, Sherril Burnite and Mei-Ling Miranda, the event’s proceeds go back into the community and fund the next community event, which will be cookies with Santa.

And for the longtime community that also includes a restaurant/clubhouse, swimming pool, track, tennis, basketball, racquetball and hand-ball courts, batting cage, playground and dog park, that seems to be just fine for the residents over the years.

“Everyone loves these events,” Stone said. “They’re always well-received, and it’s great to see anyone who comes out and enjoys being part of this community.”

Published November 23, 2022

Natalie Jones, of Lake Padgett Estates East, cunningly, and laughably, avoids a rotating foam obstacle course at the Land O’ Lakes community’s 50th anniversary celebration on Nov. 12.
While at the Lake Padgett Estates East 50th Anniversary Founder’s Day Festival in Land O’ Lakes, Cooper Schembri gets friendly with a petting zoo goat.
Hayrides were available at the Lake Padgett Estates East 50th Anniversary Founder’s Day Festival.
From left: Keith Schwingle, Bill Pawson, Reggie Causey and Don Bentley look over and discuss an engine of a classic car at the Lake Padgett Estate East 50th Anniversary Founder’s Day Festival on Nov. 12.

Pump-king of the compost hill

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They posted about compost.

Students at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz held a competition to see who could collect the most discarded Halloween pumpkins, and then they composted them with soil.

Learning Gate Community School students unload the discarded pumpkins they helped collect from the community as part of a composting project. (Steve Warrener)

Led by Environmental Science Teacher Steve Warrener, the project set up five drop-off locations around Lutz where locals could donate pumpkins.

Warrener then held a Tik Tok competition, posting videos each day. He competed against “Farm Boy James” — a popular composting personality over in St. Johns County.

“He and I posted several videos calling each other out, but the kids really got into seeing what Farm Boy James would say next and how our totals were stacking up,” Warrener said.
The competition ended in a tie: Farm Boy collected 2 tons of pumpkins, as did Warrener and his students.

“The main premise for us was to inspire and educate people to the benefits of dealing with the 100 billion pounds of food wasted annually,” Warrener said. “And why not start with a food that is about 99% wasted? — pumpkins!

“If we do it again next year, I want the county involved. We could do 20 tons by having locations to drop off at every library. That could be really fun.”

Warrener set up five drop-off locations, starting with one at Learning Gate’s campuses: the main one on Hanna Road and its sister site on Lutz Lake Fern Road; other locations included Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, Al’s Lawn Care and Happy Farm.

Warrener and the students picked up pumpkins from these locations between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15. One pickup involved a bulk donation from Watermelon Swim School that had unsold inventory from its annual pumpkin patch.

About half of the pumpkins were composted at Learning Gate’s Hanna Campus, while the other half were composted at Happy Farm.

Learning Gate Community School students proudly stand atop a pile of pumpkins that was part of the 2 tons they collected from the Lutz community for a composting project.

To compost the pumpkins, students smashed them with shovels and mixed it with soil and mulch from the school’s last tree-trimming job.

“Then we let our class chickens dig through it and spread it around — the chickens are mixing it for us — and then we can pile it back up and let it turn into better soil for our little farm,” Warrener said.

“It ended up being a much bigger project than I had planned thanks to the community involvement and the help from (Learning Gate’s) Michele Northup and The Laker/Lutz News getting the word out.”

In the end, the project taught the students a lot about the importance of composting and recycling.

When students posed questions to one another, each had a unique take on the experience.

Michael Bishop asked, “Why is composting beneficial?” and Colton Ownby replied, “Instead of throwing it away, we put it into the soil.”

Seannah McCarty said, “I learned that you can make very good soil from composting.”

Amy Cook added, “We are going to help the soil (and) to build a garden with it.”

Students agreed, when asked about their favorite part of the project.

“Smashing the pumpkins!” Max Perez said, excitedly.

Ella Couture agreed: “I loved smashing the pumpkins.”

Published November 23, 2022

From left, Learning Gate Community School students Ava Klein, Charlotte Schoeman and Kamryn Whitmore take turns smashing pumpkins for a composting project. Students reached out to the community and collected 2 tons of discarded Halloween pumpkins.
Learning Gate Community School Environmental Science Teacher Steve Warrener shows off the piles of discarded pumpkins he and students collected to compost.