The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Benefit concert to feature patriotic music, fun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He left behind five young children.

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

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

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

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

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

Published on May 25, 2022.

Wesley Chapel Boulevard widening projects are a step closer

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a state-funded incentive grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) relating to the construction of a portion of Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The board took the action at its May 17 meeting, with no discussion, as part of its consent agenda. The consent agenda includes several items that are approved in a single action.

The agreement with FDOT covers a stretch of the road, from north of State Road 54/State Road 56 to north of Magnolia Boulevard.

By way of background, the county board approved an incentive program agreement with FDOT on May 23, 2017, relating to acquiring right of way for the project. The estimated right of way cost for the project is $11.7 million, with FDOT contributing about $5.9 million.

The construction cost for the project is estimated at about $36.4 million, with FDOT agreeing to fund slightly more than $5.7 million, according to information in the board’s agenda packet.

The overall project includes a six-lane urban typical section roadway, with a sidewalk, bicycle lanes, a multi-use path, lighting, and new signals at the intersections of Wesley Chapel Boulevard (also known as County Road 54) and Stagecoach Village Boulevard; and, Grand Oaks Boulevard and Compark Drive. (The signals at Grand Oaks already have been installed.)

Right of way acquisition is expected to be completed in the winter of 2022/2023. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2023 and to be completed by Summer of 2025.

In another action at the May 17 meeting, the county board approved the state-funded grant agreement with FDOT for the construction of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, from north of Magnolia Boulevard to north of Old Pasco Road.

The project includes two new lanes in a 48-foot median to tie into the existing six lanes to the east and proposed six lanes to the south. Most of the lanes will be 12-feet wide, with some sections having 11-foot lanes. Traffic signal adjustments will be made to accommodate the new

six lanes, with new striping and pavement markings.

The project’s estimated cost is slightly more than $1.1 million, of which FDOT has agreed to fund about $569,400.

Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2023 and be completed by July 2025, according to agenda backup materials.

Published May 25, 2022

Dispatching annual Zephyrhills Police awards

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The Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) held its annual awards and recognition ceremony on May 12 at the Zephyrhills City Hall Council Chambers. Chief of Police Derek Brewer handed out awards to spotlight the feats and accomplishments of members of the police department from 2021. Here are the recipients:

Zephyrhills Police Officer Pedro Milliano, right, is given the annual Officer of the Year Award from Police Chief Derek Brewer, left. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Police Department)

Officer of the Year: Officer Pedro Miliano
This award recognizes a sworn police officer who has displayed professionalism, courtesy, proficiency and continuous exemplary service. Miliano, a one-year officer, has a positive attitude that has been infectious. He also has remained committed to his daily responsibilities.

Employee of the Year: Lisa Jones
This award honors non-sworn personnel who have displayed professionalism, courtesy, proficiency and continuous exemplary service. Jones, who has been with the department a year and a half, is considered a model employee because of her work ethic and her desire to constantly seek additional knowledge on how to improve at her job.

Lisa Jones is awarded the Zephyrhills Police Department Employee of the Year and is seen here, from left to right, with City Manager Billy Poe, Chief of Police Derek Brewer and Mayor Gene Whitfield.

Volunteer of the Year: Gwendolyn Beasley
This award honors a volunteer who has displayed professionalism, courtesy, proficiency and continuous exemplary service. As a crossing guard at the busy school zone of West Zephyrhills Elementary, Beasley, or ‘Aunt Gwen,’ as she is known, helps students and pedestrians cross safely twice a day.

Life-Saving Award: Officers Steven Chimeri and Rocco DeSio
This award honors an employee or employees whose actions are directly responsible for saving or prolonging human life. On Nov. 25, Officers Chimeri and DeSio found a person discolored and with no pulse hanging over the guardrail by Zephyr Park. They performed chest compressions and helped the person resume breathing. The individual fully recovered once transported to a hospital.

Sandra Waters, center, receives the Chief’s Award from Zephyrhills Chief of Police Derek Brewer, right, and Mayor Gene Whitfield, left.

Distinguished Performance Award: Sgt. John Oleson
This award honors an employee who has performed a specific duty, action or assignment at a level that demonstrates exceptional professionalism and commitment to duty. On Aug. 25, Olsen was dispatched to the railroad tracks by Chancey Road where a suicidal subject was armed with a gun. Olsen diffused the situation and persuaded the subject to relinquish the firearm.

Chief’s Award: Stephanie NelsonThis award honors members in special recognition solely from the Chief of Police. Nelson was recognized for her extensive experience and knowledge that has been passed on as a mentor within the agency.

Chief’s “Lifetime Achievement” Award: Sandra Waters
Waters has been with Zephyrhills Police for 23 years, and is considered the ‘Google’ of the agency, given her knowledge and experience. She has worked for five police chiefs and has been a part of the evolution of the agency in her tenure.

Other Zephyrhills Police personnel were recognized, as well, with awards in Assignments, Tenure, Safe Driving, Perfect Attendance, Employee Recognition, Unit Citation SRT/CID and Communications.

Published May 25, 2022

Letter carriers food drive restocks local pantry

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This food was delivered from the Zephyrhills Post Office to Atonement Lutheran Church, in Wesley Chapel. The food was collected as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, conducted annually on the second Saturday in May. (Steve Vinik)

Steve Vinik, who often contributes photographs of wildlife to The Laker/Lutz News, turned his camera to another topic last week.

He recorded the work of volunteers at Atonement Lutheran Church, 2961 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel, who sorted food that had been collected through the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 2 were stationed at the Zephyrhills Post Office, where they received, weighed and loaded the food onto trailers for delivery, to stock the Helping Hands Food Pantry at the church, according to Vinik.

At times, the pace was so brisk, it was like watching a colony of ants, hard at work. (Steve Vinik)

Fifty-four volunteers — ranging from teenagers to retirees — sorted out the 14,535 pounds of food that had been donated by people throughout the community and collected by the letter carriers on their routes.

The items have been added to the pantry’s food supply.

Carla Haberland, director of the food pantry, said, “It took an entire community to accomplish this. This will help us get through the summer. God bless you all for remembering those less fortunate.”

Throughout the year, food is sorted into family portions and distributed each Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to the nearly 400 folks who are signed up for the food program, Vinik reported.

Published May 25, 2022

A new public access is planned for Starkey Wilderness Park

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The Pasco County Commission has approved an agreement that will provide public access to J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park from the Starkey Ranch residential community, next door.

Visitors to J.B. Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., in New Port Richey, can hike and bicycle through gorgeous Florida scenery. (File)

The park, at 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., is owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and managed by Pasco County. People across the county visit the park for its recreational opportunities and beauty.

The action taken by the county board allows TSR CDD, the owner of the Starkey Ranch residential development next to the park, to provide recreational access to the general public at two access points.

At the access points, TSR CDD will construct gates, and provide informational signs with park hours, a map, and allowed uses.

It also will maintain liability insurance and assume all risks related to use of the access points, according to the agreement.

Also, at one of the access points, TSR CDD will construct a foot bridge crossing over the South Branch of the Anclote River.

The agreement also calls for TSR CDD to pay for engineering and construction as well as for future maintenance, repair and/or replacement of the foot bridge, subject to approval by the county and the Southwest Florida Management District.

Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said efforts to create these access points began a long time ago and she’s happy that people will finally be able to get access the lower portion of the park.

Published May 25, 2022

A good morning, for barbecue

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Anthony and Allison Fonseca are used to being up early.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published May 25, 2022.

Some county roads are about to get brighter

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The Pasco County Commission has approved two joint partnership agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), aimed at improving lighting along two county roads.

One agreement calls for installation of street lights along State Road 56, from Willow Oak Drive to The Shops at Wiregrass entrance. The county will be coordinating with Withlacoochee River Electric Company on the project, which is set to start this summer and be completed by winter 2023.

The second agreement calls for installing the lighting along State Road 56, from The Shops at Wiregrass entrance to Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

The county will coordinate with Withlacoochee River Electric Company for the installation of the street lights. The construction, engineering and inspection phase is expected to begin this summer and be completed by the winter of 2023.

Both projects are each estimated at $60,000, according to backup materials in the county board’s May 17 agenda packet.

In other action at the May 17 meeting, the county board:

  • Approved a moratorium for development near airports, with the exception of Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. The moratorium will allow the county to develop regulations aimed at protecting airports.
  • Approved awarding work to the following companies: Megascapes Landscape and Maintenance Inc., (Megascapes) as the primary vendor; Sunbelt Sod & Grading Company (Sunbelt), as the secondary vendor; and Sod Solutions Inc., (Sod Solutions) as the tertiary vendor for ongoing and as-needed sod and sod installation to be used by the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department. The total work is not to exceed $250,000 for fiscal year 2022 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2023, for a cumulative amount of $500,000, for the two-year contract ending Sept. 30, 2023.
  • Agreed to purchase 18.28 acres of property from Lynn Heasley, for $400,000, plus closing costs, for the land to be included in the county’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program. The land is in Land O’ Lakes, on the north and south sides of State Road 52. The property is next to the ELAMP-owned Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve, and within the North Pasco to Crossbar Ecological Corridor. While the property will be managed as part of the Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve, the seller has requested that the tract be named after her father, Maj. Billy A. Heasley, a retired veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
  • Approved a rezoning from a general commercial district to a Master Planned Unit Development to allow 376 residential units and 85,500 square feet of retail on 40.05 acres, on the south side of State Road 52, about 840 feet east of Mirada Boulevard.
  • Directed County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder to follow the recommendation made by outside counsel to approve the proposed settlement with Walgreens, and authorize the county attorney’s office to execute necessary documents for Pasco County to participate in the proposed settlement with this defendant.
  • Approved spending $425,000 to purchase affordable housing rental units.
  • Approved a 120-day extension for completion of an intersection improvement at Eiland Boulevard/Morris Bridge Road and State Road 54. The new completion date is set for Aug. 9, 2023.
  • Approved a budget amendment recognizing additional revenue for the library service department, through a state aid to libraries grant award of $144,793. The state aid to libraries grant is received annually, and the funds are used to purchase library books and electronic resources.
  • Approved funding for reimbursement grants from the Florida Sports Foundation to the county’s Destination Management Organization (DMO), in the amount of $32,677.82.

The reimbursement resulted from a higher-than-expected public participation at several events hosted by the DMO.

The board also discussed the need for a working arrangement with Pasco County Schools to open school playgrounds, basketball courts and other facilities, to allow families and children to enjoy using them.

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick said she has been working on the issue.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said opening up those facilities is long overdue. She, too, has been interested in making the facilities available for public use.

When there are more people congregated in areas, there’s a reduced chance for vandalism, because there are more people watching what’s happening there, the county board chairwoman said.

Published May 25, 2022

There’s more than books to check out at New River Branch Library

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Patrons at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, can enjoy a free visual arts display — courtesy of the Zephyrhills Art Club.

The library has partnered with the art club, and the club’s president Joann Weatherbee curates the display, according to Danielle Lee, branch manager of the New River Branch Library.

Alla Prima Donna, by artist Sally Yoder, is an 8-inch by 10-inch oil painting. (Courtesy of New River Branch Library)

This month’s exhibit features artist Sally Yoder.

That exhibition is slated to come down on May 25, but a new one, featuring the works of Joyce Owens, also of the Zephyrhills Art Club, will open on June 1.

A new artist or group of artists will be featured each month.

Even though the Yoder exhibit is expected to come down this week, Lee shared information from Facebook, regarding the artist.

“Sally Yoder is an oil, acrylic and watercolor painter whose portraits, plein air works and boldly colored, large studio pieces offer surprising interpretations of the everyday ordinary.

“Having studied mostly oil painting classical realism, Sally ‘began to wonder why I’m copying great photos. So tight, and no creativity! Through happenstance, I realized old, black and white photos lend themselves to creative interpretation. So, I asked friends to send me fun, old pics I could try to paint. The watercolor of my friend Deb is a happy result of this practice.’”

Lee also shared information about accolades Yoder has received.

Those honors include: second place for a Myakka River watercolor at Zephyrhills Art Club’s 2017 annual show; wins in several categories at the monthly Venice Art Experience; first place in oil and acrylic at the North Tampa Arts League’s 2018 annual show with a Hillsborough River scene, and honorable mention for a Rembrandt inspired self-portrait at North Tampa Arts League’s 2019 show.

Yoder co-owns the Million Souls Mine and recently added lapidary arts to her creative repertoire. For more information, visit MillionSoulsMine.com.

Published May 25, 2022

This painting, called Preening, is a 12-inch by 16-inch oil, by artist Sally Yoder.
This oil painting, called Morris Bridge Plein Air, is an 11-inch by 14-inch oil, by artist Sally Yoder.
This painting, called Elephant’s Bath Time, is a 30-inch by 30-inch oil, by Sally Yoder.

Delays persist on fire department improvements

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Pasco County firefighters repeatedly have rang alarm bells recently regarding delayed response times and lagging construction progress on county fire/rescue facilities.

At the Pasco County Commission’s meeting on May 17, board members voted on two items that reflect those delays.

The board approved a change order on Fire Station No. 17 that extends the work for 90 days, bringing the new completion date to Oct. 2.

(File)

The delay includes an additional fee of $15,124 for Fleischman and Garcia Architects (FGA) and Planners, AIA, PA, bringing the not-to-exceed total to $489,510.

The board took that action without comment, as part of its consent agenda.

In another action, the board approved spending $549,100 for the purchase and installation of a training burn tower for the department’s Amador J. Gonzolo Training Center, 15910 Little Ranch Road in Spring Hill.

The new tower is replacing one that has exceeded its life cycle, according to Andrew Baxter, facilities management director.

The county had been planning to build a new training center, near the jail, using funds from the voter-approved General Obligation bonds.

However, Baxter said, “based on the escalations that we’re seeing for the construction of all of the new and replacement fire stations, we’re reevaluating that entire plan.”

Now, a new Fire/Rescue training center is not expected to be built for at least 10 years, he said.

The new burn tower will give the county time to continue training, while awaiting the new center, he said.

The delays underscore complaints that have been made during the public comment portion of the board’s meetings for the past several meetings.

At the May 17 meeting, Steve Akel, a member of International Association of Firefighters, Local 4420, reiterated those concerns.

He told commissioners: “When smoke fills your hallway; glass litters the road; or you or your child have that unexpected emergency at 2 a.m., myself and my 600 brothers and sisters race to be the ones to save you, in your emergency.”

Akel doesn’t want Pasco residents to have to ask whether an ambulance or fire truck will be available, and if it will arrive on time.

“Ambulances and stations need to be prioritized,” Akel said.

“It is this lack of support that’s been a contributing factor to losing 50 firefighters, averaging 5½ years of service, to other departments.

“Experienced firefighters are leaving from over-utilization, under-compensation and the feeling of no help in sight, from the commission,” Akel said.

“We are losing experienced rescuers, while trying to replace them with new ones and losing those people, also,” he added.

Meanwhile, as the department battles to retain current staff and train new firefighters, neighborhoods continue to fly up across Pasco, the union member said.

Akel also complained about the condition of the current training center, which he characterized as being “in shambles and nearly condemned.”

He summed up his remarks this way: “By not fixing these issues, you are failing our people and not fulfilling your purpose.”

Published May 25, 2022

On the ‘Main(e)’ strip

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Looking to add a little flair to its establishment, Welton Brewing Company and Oyster Bar, at 2624 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, opted to spruce up the outside of its building — the one that has been several different local water holes in its lifetime.

Owner Sean Welton tapped local artist Lindsi Werner to paint her first mural on the front of the building. Sticking with the oyster bar theme, Werner’s piece is titled “Main(e) Hangout” and features notable landmarks and themes from the northern state. Werner, who spent nearly 30 hours painting the mural, opted for the theme because Welton hails from Maine.

This is now one of three murals on local businesses on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard between State Road 54 and Bell Lake Drive. The other two are on neighboring brewery In The Loop Brewing Company and longtime barbecue restaurant Hungry Harry’s.

Published on May 25, 2022.

Land O’ Lakes artist Lindsi Werner puts the finishing touches on her mural, ‘Maine Hangout’ on the outside of Welton Brewing Company and Oyster Bar, at 2624 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. (Mike Camunas)