The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Operation Stand Down offers a hand to homeless veterans

By

Operation Stand Down offers an opportunity for veterans to take advantage of safe harbor from “combat on the streets” for one weekend a year.

Operation Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 38,000 homeless veterans, according to Operation Stand Down’s web page.

The event provides a time for the community to connect with our homeless veterans and to begin to break down the barriers that are keeping these heroes on the streets.

The “hand up, not a handout” philosophy of Operation Stand Down requires the work of volunteers, businesses, and local, state and national organizations.

Organizations will be available to provide direct services; veterans will have access to benefits they are entitled to receive; and referrals will be offered for those struggling with mental health, job, housing and addiction issues.

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles shared news of the event during the Pasco County Commission’s April 19 meeting.

This year’s event is set for April 29 and April 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on both days, at The Concourse Rotary Pavilion, 111919 Alric Pottberg Road, in Shady Hills, off State Road 52, just west of the Suncoast Parkway.

Online registration for the event is open and walk-up registration begins on April 29 at 10 a.m.

Veterans taking part will have access to:

  • Free public bus transportation, to those who preregister
  • Free sleeping area
  • Free hot meals
  • Free notary services
  • A job fair
  • AA, NA and Celebrate Recovery support groups
  • Haircuts, showers and clothing
  • Medical and dental services
  • Behavioral and mental health services
  • Housing resources
  • State photo identification cards
  • Jobs and employment counseling
  • Personal hygiene kits
  • Women and children services
  • Recreation, such as cornhole, card games and other activities

For more information, visit OCNStandDown.org.

Want to help?
Here are some ways you can help with this year’s Operation Stand Down, according to the organization’s web page:

  • Donate goods: Reading glasses, boots, backpacks, personal hygiene items and more
  • Donate time: Volunteers are needed to cut hair, serve meals, set-up, clean up, sort donations, provide medical and dental services, massages, therapy, and so on.
  • Provide needed goods and services for veterans and their families
  • Be a corporate sponsor
  • Donate funds to help purchase food, personal hygiene items, tents, port-o-lets, sleeping cots and other necessary supplies

For more information, visit OCNStandDown.org.

Published April 27, 2022

Eliminate the ‘itch,’ with mosquito fish

By

Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services’ popular Mosquito Fish Giveaways will begin in May, with a kickoff event in Odessa, and will continue throughout the summer across the county, according to a news release.

(Courtesy of HillsboroughCounty.org)

Mosquito fish fight mosquitoes before the insects can bite, by eating mosquito larvae.

The free fish are to be placed in intentional standing water like koi ponds, horse troughs, or rain barrels. The fish are small enough to hide from predators, and their favorite food is mosquito larvae.

Last year, Hillsborough launched a new mosquito fish hatchery to breed healthy fish for the giveaways.

To receive a fish, you must have a photo ID that shows you live in Hillsborough County.

Quantities are limited, and the fish will be available while supplies last.

Mosquito Management also will have an educational trailer on-site at each event, to help residents learn about eliminating mosquitoes, and to illustrate the work the county does to keep residents healthy and safe. The trailer will be on-site from 8 a.m. to noon, at each of the giveaways.

The Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway in Odessa, will host the kickoff fish giveaway on May 7.

For a list of upcoming events and locations, visit tinyurl.com/5eymzmpy.

Published April 27, 2022

Hillsborough boards need volunteers

By

Hillsborough County has a number of advisory boards and councils that have openings for volunteers.

Those interested in serving on these boards must live in Hillsborough County and be registered to vote there.

Applicants may apply to more than one board, but can only serve on one board at the same time, unless otherwise specifically approved by the Hillsborough County Commission.

Applicants must submit a completed Questionnaire for County Appointments and a Standards of Conduct form.

Forms are available on the County’s website at HCFLGov.net. Click on the “Government” link on the top of the page, then the “Boards and Committees” link. The forms can be filled out and printed, then scanned and emailed, faxed or mailed.

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Those applying to a board that requires a background check will be contacted by Hillsborough County’s Human Resources Department and/or First Choice with a link to complete the online background check. A response within 48 hours is required, at which time the link will expire.

Applications are due by the close of business on May 5.

Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Hillsborough County Commission in May or June.

Forms can be mailed to P. O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601.

Or, they can be emailed to , or faxed to 813-239-3916.

They also may be delivered to 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 2nd Floor, Tampa, 33602.

Here are the boards with openings:

  • Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee
  • Building Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners
  • CareerSource Tampa Bay
  • Child Care Licensing Advisory Board
  • Child Care Licensing Hearing Officer
  • Code Enforcement Board
  • Council on Aging
  • County Internal Audit Committee
  • Cross Connection and Backflow Control Board
  • Cultural Assets Commission
  • Electrical Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners
  • Health Care Advisory Board
  • Health Council of West Central Florida Inc.
  • Historic Preservation Challenge Grant Program Review Committee
  • Historic Resources Review Board
  • Historical Advisory Council
  • Hospital Authority
  • Human Relations Board
  • Land Use Appeals Board
  • Mechanical Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners
  • Plumbing & Gas Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners
  • Public Art Committee
  • Value Adjustment Board

For any questions or more specific information on any of these boards, email  .

Published April 27, 2022

Name that mural

By

Main Street Zephyrhills and the City of Zephyrhills are seeking help to name the mural shown here.

(Courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills)Main 

The mural is part of the “Elements on 5th” public art series.

It’s in Transplant Park, a park that covers 0.2-acres, at Fifth Avenue and 12th Street.

The mural was inspired by a water drop landing in water.

It was designed by Main Street board member Christine Bennett.

Volunteers from the Design Committee chalked the outline and painted the mural earlier this year.

This is one of five murals located around town as part of the transformation strategy to revitalize and strengthen downtown Zephyrhills, through four aspects: Economic Vitality, Design, Organization and Promotion.

To learn more about the murals, log onto MainStreetZephyrhills.org/murals.

To submit your name suggestion for the new mural, visit log onto Form.jotform.com/220933714975059.

Published April 27, 2022

Pasco transportation planning board talks priorities

By

The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has adopted a draft of its transportation improvement plan for fiscal years 2023 to 2027.

The board, which is made up of elected leaders from Pasco County, Port Richey, New Port Richey, Dade City and Zephyrhills, gave preliminary approval to a draft brought to them at their April 14 meeting, by the MPO staff.

Scott Ferry, a transportation planner for the MPO, outlined some of the major improvements included in the draft TIP. They are:

  • The widening of State Road 52, from east of U.S. 41 to Bellamy Brothers Boulevard: $121.5 million
  • Interstate 75 to Interstate 275 corridor improvements, from County Line Road to State Road 56: $57.6 million
  • U.S. 98 Bypass, around Dade City: $35.8 million
  • U.S. 41/State Road 54 interchange design and right of way acquisition: $33.6 million
  • Pedestrian overpasses over the Suncoast Parkway, at State Road 54 and State Road 52: $18.7 million
  • Roadway lighting projects on State Road 52, State Road 54 and U.S. 301: $4.7 million

A final approval is not expected until the board’s meeting in June. Once adopted, the TIP, as it’s known, will become effective July 1.

Ferry also told the board that Pasco has been faring extremely well, in terms of funding from the Florida Department of Transportation.

“Comparing funding levels with the current TIP, with the draft TIP, we see that funding is increasing by 68% in fiscal year 2023; 9% in (fiscal year) 2024; 145% in fiscal year 2025; and, 56% in (fiscal) year 2026.

“Comparing current total funding, with the draft TIP funding, spending is projected to increase by an overall amount of $154 million, for an increase of funding of almost 50% over a five-year period.

“This very large increase reflects the Florida DOT’s commitment to Pasco County and the recognition of the many transportation improvements that exist in the county. The MPO and the county are very grateful to the Florida DOT, for their strong commitment to their partnership with the county.

“It goes without saying, it’s very significant to the county and it’s going to go a long way toward addressing a great many unmet needs,” Ferry said.

Before he shared some of the high points, Ferry provided an overview regarding why adopting the TIP is both significant, and essential.

Without it, Ferry said, federal funds could not be spent on projects within the county.

“The TIP is a five-year schedule and program of federal, state and locally funded transportation projects in Pasco County. It reflects the Pasco MPO’s short-term transportation programming priorities,” Ferry said.

Developing the TIP is required by federal law and it must be updated annually, under state law, he said.

“The TIP is required to be fiscally constrained, which means the amount that is planned to be spent on the projects in the TIP cannot exceed the estimated amount of funding that’s available during the five-year period.”

It includes a list of all transportation programs and projects funded by federal and state funds, and includes all regionally significant projects, regardless of the funding source.

“That includes any projects that are county funded or privately funded, that are deemed to be regionally significant.”

Categories that are included among the priorities in the TIP include:

  • MPO planning efforts
  • Traffic operations and safety improvements
  • Intelligent Transportation projects
  • Additional roadway capacity improvements
  • Resurfacing projects
  • Bicycle and pedestrian improvements
  • Transit projects

It also includes funding for improvements to the Suncoast Parkway.

The agenda backup materials also included maps for:

  • Proposed highway capacity improvement projects
  • Bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects locations
  • Safety improvement projects
  • County capital project locations

On another note, Commission Kathryn Starkey offered a shorter-term solution, to address congestion on State Road 52, before the final segment of that roadway is widened in Pasco.

“I drive it all of the time to get here (to Dade City), Starkey said.

“I was wondering if it is possible to at least get a passing lane, because it is full of construction trucks, pulling in and off.

“And, if we could get some passing lanes here and there, that would make a huge difference in that five years.”

“A few passing lanes in the meantime would make a huge difference to commuters on that road, especially as more and more construction trucks, with Angeline and other projects coming on there.

“It’s going to be stop-and-go, and someone is going to get hurt, like me, trying to zip around those cars and trucks.”

Published April 20, 2022

Parish helps others through its weekly food pantry

By

Saint Joseph is known as the patron saint of workers, among other things.

So, it seems apt that the Food and Baby Pantry at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 5316 11th St., in Zephyrhills is managed and run by hard-working volunteers.

Sandy Wheeler helps provide a bag of food and other items for Luis Cruz at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, as Maggie Seranic looks on. (Mike Camunas)

The volunteers only mission is to help feed those who can use a hand.

The pantry volunteers are essential, said Beverly Burgess, the church’s business manager.

“It wouldn’t run without them,” Burgess said. “They give that work with all their heart. (The food pantry) is something we wouldn’t be able to do, without them.”

They selflessly give of their time, every week.

The Food and Baby Pantry at St. Joseph’s has been available for years, but for the past three years has been run and managed by husband and wife parishioners, Steve and Maggie Seranic.

Each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., anyone from the community can come receive a bag full of food and other essentials — all donated by St. Joseph parishioners when they attend Mass on Sundays.

St. Joseph’s Food Pantry manager Maggie Seranic picks through donated materials to give to a patron who came by on a Wednesday to pick up a completely free bag of food and other essentials.

“We have one couple that on the dot brings in four cases of food — every week,” said Sandy Wheeler, a pantry volunteer.

“It’s 100% donated from our parish,” added Maggie Seranic.

People who stop by for help typically are from Zephyrhills, Dade City and other nearby areas.

But Maggie Seranic said: “Sometimes we get people who come all the way from Tampa. We don’t turn anyone away. However, I keep a list to help them find a closer food pantry.”

While Saint Joseph’s food pantry day is on Wednesdays, Burgess said exceptions can be made to help on other days.

“We won’t turn anyone away, but we will remind them that we usually can only do it Wednesday,” Burgess said. “If someone comes, we’ll go into the pantry and make them a quick bag of food.”

Steve Seranic, left, and Diane Albring prepare bags of food at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry in Zephyrhills.

While the Food Pantry is much sought after, the Baby Pantry is quite busy, too.

It also is well-stocked with all the essentials, from diapers to formula.

Becky Finley and Peg Blum-Rollins are two volunteers who help run bags of children’s essentials out to the cars of parents and families. COVID regulations are in place, so volunteers meet the parent at the car and take “an order” of what he or she needs.

“It’s very helpful, and I know there are people out there who need it more than me,” said Kassey Williams, a mother of three who lives in Zephyrhills. “I don’t go to this church, but it means a lot to me, it means a lot to other people, and I know a lot of those people are very thankful for them, just like I am.”

Zephyrhills resident Kassey Williams, a mother of three, looks over some of the donated baby clothes with Becky Finely just outside St. Joseph’s Baby Pantry.

The Baby Pantry also is very good at providing clothes and other items for children, many of which are gently worn, returned and donated out again.

Sometimes, the timing is divine.

Blum-Rollins shared this example: “One time we had a mother come in and ask for a stroller, and as she was (asking), another woman came in and wanted to donate a stroller! They just transferred it right into the other car. It’s great to see the community helping each other out in a different way.”

“We want to be able to support those women and to do so is very rewarding,” Finley said.

Just as gratifying is the way the parish supports the pantries, and the generosity of the parishioners to stock them, Burgess said.

“All we have to do is ask,” Burgess said.

“For as long as I’ve been coming to this church, everyone will donate or get what we say is the most needed. People just respond and it is amazing — just amazing to see it happen at our church,” she said.

Published April 20, 2022

Pasco looking to adopt updated landscaping regulations

By

Pasco County is considering changes to update its landscaping code — addressing such issues as tree preservation and placements; landscaping and buffering; and planting in rights of way, in residential subdivisions.

Patrick Dutter, a county senior planner, explained the proposed changes to the Pasco County Planning Commission, during its April 7 meeting.

“Probably two years ago, now, we were asked by the Tampa Bay Builders Association (TBBA)  to look at amending some of our policies and our land development code, to clean up some items,” Dutter said.

A task force was formed, including county staff, TBBA representatives, experts in landscape architecture, an arborist, and a representative from the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)/Pasco County Cooperative Extension.

The group looked at some issues raised by TBBA, but a number of other items also surfaced during the review.

One of the changes being proposed deals with how tree replacements are calculated, Dutter said.

Instead of measuring every tree on a project site, representative samples would be allowed, he said.

Dutter explained: “Let’s say you have a 100-acre project and there’s a whole bunch of trees on that. Someone has to go out and measure each individual tree, to figure out, OK, if you’re taking down trees, how many inches do you need to replace over time?

“That can be quite time-consuming.

“So, what we’ve done in the past is, we’ve allowed people to sample certain areas, with county approval,” Dutter said.

This change would allow the sampling to occur, without having to go through an Alternative Standards process.

The update also provides definitions for what constitutes a shade tree and what constitutes an ornamental tree, Dutter said.

It also addresses a requirement that said that 70% of buffers needed to have landscaping in them.

“Essentially, what that ended up doing is most of our buffers would have ground cover plantings and they would have mulch. Those ground covers generally don’t survive very long, so you’ve got most of your buffer basically being mulch and a little bit of landscaping,” Dutter said.

“We tweaked that requirement a little bit, too, rather than have that 70% rule, we added some additional landscaping, specifically in our buffering requirement,” he said.

The update also proposed a change in the vehicle dealership buffer.

“The original vehicle dealership buffer called for it to be 75 feet wide, which is quite a large buffer space,” Dutter said. “The code currently doesn’t even have a visual screening component for it, which is probably the most important thing you want, when  you’re having a vehicle dealership abutting a residential project.

“So, we shortened that buffer width and we added the visual screening component to it, as well. So, we kind of made that swap,” he said.

The proposed code also updates links to outside resources that had become outdated, Dutter said.

It also has a link to an invasive species list.

The tree list that had been presented as part of the code has been moved to the development review manual, so it can be updated on a timelier basis, Dutter added.

Also, the cooperative extension representative and the tree arborist went through the list of trees, found the appropriate spacing requirements, called out where mitigation measures would be needed and where they wouldn’t be needed, Dutter added. The tree list calls out where different types of trees should be placed.

Planning Commissioner Jamie Girardi applauded the task force’s work and resulting recommendations.

“I think this is a very thorough job, and I think there’s a lot of changes that are included in here that needed to be done and were probably long overdue,” he said. “And, I think it was a very good job, putting it together.”

But he also noted: “Simple changes with increases to landscape island widths have pretty substantial impacts.”

The ordinance will be adopted in coming weeks, he said.

“I have several clients out there that purchased property and we’re ongoing in preparing construction plans, and frankly, I don’t know if we can beat those dates,” he said.

Dutter explained the rationale for the change to the planning board.

 “Our current dimension for those islands that we’re talking about is 8 feet wide.

“We spent some time putting together our tree list with our arborist and landscape experts. Most trees to be successful need a little bit more room than that. So, we bumped up that island width from being 8 feet wide to being 10 feet wide, just to give it a little bit room,” Dutter said.

Girardi responded: “Admittedly, the 8-foot width limits what you can actually plant in those islands.”

The issue of landscaping requirements has come up repeatedly during Pasco County Commission meetings, with Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and Commissioner Ron Oakley making persistent calls for changes that would promote better-looking development in Pasco.

The Pasco County Planning Commission voted to recommend the proposed changes be adopted. The Pasco County Commission has final jurisdiction on planning and land use matters.

Proposed changes to the Pasco County landscaping code would:

  • Enable representative samples to be taken, on a property relating to requirements involving calculating requirements relating to tree removal, subject to the county’s discretion
  • Remove the requirement to submit an Alternative Standard Application, when making use of existing trees and shrubs, as part of the landscape buffer.
  • Reduce the requirement that 70% of the buffer be non-grassed
  • Add language that addresses “right tree, right place”
  • Define shade trees
  • Define ornamental trees
  • Clarify the use of palm trees
  • Update ground cover planting requirements
  • Update tree diversity requirements
  • Add language about the proper maintenance of trees
  • Add language about keeping future planting areas free of debris
  • Add a requirement of one shade tree in the front yard of single-family homes
  • Update and clarify requirements in vehicle use areas
  • Require landscape islands to be 10 feet wide (they were previously required to be 8 feet wide)
  • Add requirements for large vehicle use areas (VUA)
    • Clarify plantings adjacent to building perimeters
    • Revamp the Buffer Requirement Table
    • Revamp the Buffer and Screening Requirements Table
    • Adjust the Vehicle Dealership Buffer
    • Add standards for ponds adjacent to rights of way
  • Changes the order of some chapters and moves some elements into the land development manual, which is updated more frequently.

Source: April 7 agenda materials for the Pasco County Planning Commission

Published April 20, 2022

The Edwinola celebrates 110 years in Dade City

By

It would be highly unusual for any resident of The Edwinola to be older than the grand lady herself.

After all, the historic structure at 14235 Edwinola Way, is set to turn 110.

A big community party is being planned to celebrate.

An exterior view of The Edwinola, which has been remodeled and reopened as a senior living community, in 2017. (Mike Camunas)

The former hotel that’s now an assisted living facility will host a Southern-style picnic block party on April 23.

The gathering will be at Agnes Lamb Park, across the street from The Edwinola, and festivities will include a live band, games and activities for kids, raffles and more.

Of course, residents of the facility and their families will be there, as well as members of the public.

The celebration is set for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“I think that it’s a great thing to be part of the community, especially as one of the oldest buildings in Dade City,” said Tony David, The Edwinola’s interim executive director. “There’s a lot of history and a lot of families’ memories and loved ones here at The Edwinola, and we’ve never really celebrated The Edwinola like this. We’ve had grand openings when we opened our floors or renovations, but never like this.”

Originally constructed as a hotel in 1912, The Edwinola’s name stems from  a combination of the original owners’ names, Edwin and Lola Gasque.

The building’s use didn’t convert into a retirement community until the 1980s.

The three-story structure has gone through a number of renovations, including the latest in 2017, but it still features its iconic Doric columns, wrap-around porches and Mansard roof.

Besides enjoying the party outdoors, The Edwinola is offering tours that day, for folks who want to take a look around.

David is enthusiastic about the upcoming event.

“It looks like we’re having a really good response and we’re excited for everything — the community seems excited, too,” David said. “I really believe that it will really bring the community closer to The Edwinola and absolutely give our residents something to do, which they might not always get to. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The Edwinola’s 110th Celebration
Where: Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City
When: April 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Southern-style picnic block party featuring live music, games, raffles and more. Open to the public.
Info: Call 352- 567-6500, or visit TheEdwinola.com.

Published April 20, 2022

State studying widening project on U.S. 301

By

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is studying a widening project, which would add capacity to U.S. 301, from Fowler Avenue in Hillsborough County to State Road 56 in Pasco County.

Amber Russo, a project manager for FDOT, provided an update to members of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization, at its April 14 meeting.

The project’s purpose it to improve safety for motorists, and to improve mobility for pedestrians and bicycles, Russo said.

“Safety is a key element for this project,” Russo said.

“During the five-year period that we studied, from 2015 to 2019, there were 464 crashes, which involved 16 fatalities, 338 injuries, 24 head-on collisions, and five crashes involving a pedestrian.

“A portion of this project, the southern end, the crash rate is almost double the state average,” she said.

She also noted that based on the 2040 projection — which puts the volumes at 29,000 to 48,000 — the road would be operating at a Level of Service F in both directions, during peak hours.

Justin Hall, also from FDOT, noted the current volumes on the road are 12,000 to 14,000.

Presently, this stretch of U.S. 301 is a two-lane, undivided roadway, with a posted speed varying from 50 mph to 60 mph, through the corridor, Russo said. The existing right of way varies from 100 feet to 200 feet wide.

“U.S. 301 is an important north-south corridor,” Russo said. It connects regionally significant corridors, such as I-75, I-4 and state road 56, 54 and 52.

“It also connects regional centers in Zephyrhills and Temple Terrace to the Tampa Bay area,” Russo said.

The proposed project, which would cost an estimated $200 million, has not yet been funded.

Proposed improvements are divided into two segments.

The southern portion would be from Fowler Avenue to Stacy Road.

“This is a suburban, typical section: with widening to four lanes, divided with a raised 30-foot median. We also have paved 5-foot outside shoulders, a 6-foot sidewalk on the east side, and 12-foot shared-use path along the west side,” Russo said.

The design speed for that segment is 55 mph. The total right of way varies from 169 feet to 200 feet wide.

The north portion of the project would be Stacy Road to State Road 56.

This would be a more-rural section of the road. It would be a four-lane divided road, with a 40-foot depressed median.

It would have 5-foot paved shoulders and a 12-foot shared-use path on the west side.

The design speed would be 65 mph. The total right of way width would be 235 feet.

Russo told the Pasco MPO board that some changes are expected, based on public comments.

Hall said those issues essentially fall into three categories: environmental concerns, concerns about widening the road beyond Hillsborough’s urban service area, and questions about increasing capacity on a rural highway.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said apparently Hillsborough is not aware of the planned projects near U.S. 301 and State Road 56, on both sides of the county line.

Moore noted that he used to frequently travel U.S. 301, when he had a private business.

“Wow, that was scary,” Moore said. “If you go off the shoulder, you’re in a ditch and you definitely don’t want to cross the center line.”

He thinks it makes perfect sense to widen U.S. 301.

“We’re at the point in this region where we need to get ahead. All we hear from our citizens is, ‘Why didn’t you do this before?

“Well, here’s that perfect opportunity. Let’s get ahead of the game, because it’s coming. It’s already coming.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed.

“I’ve already gotten emails from people about congestion, when they go to (U.S.) 301, from (State Road) 56. It’s crowded. It’s terrible.

“If this road had already been done … a person would not have died this morning at 2:45, when they had a head-on collision and they closed 301.”

Hall said there were actually two fatalities in that crash. He also told the MPO board that the state roads department plans to proactively address some intersection signaling needs along U.S. 301.

Published April 20, 2022

First Baptist of Lutz to get a new look

By

From left to right: retired Senior Pastor Charles White, Senior Pastor Scott Talley’ Senior Administrative Pastor Paul Vahue, Worship Pastor Steve Biles, Next Gen Pastor Tanner Biles, Chairman Campus Revitalization Committee member Kevin Sturgill, Rob Glisson, AIA of ROJO Architecture and Barry Henderson of Wilson & Co., hold a ceremonial groundbreaking at First Baptist Church of Lutz, at 18116 U.S. 41 North. The church, which was built in the 1940s, is getting a $3-million modern renovation, expected to be completed by May 2023. (Courtesy of Kim Seymour)

One of Lutz’s oldest buildings is getting a makeover.

The First Baptist Church of Lutz, originally built in 1944 (and rebuilt in the early 1960s after a fire), is set to get a $3 million renovation, expected to be completed around May 2023.

“This church was started in a member’s living room in the 1940s and it’s just been adding buildings over time,” Administrative Pastor Paul Vahue said. “The church is looking tired and old, so it’s getting a facelift. We’ll give the church a brand new modern glass entrance and we’re all really excited about it.”

An artist rendering of the $3 million update of the First Baptist Church of Lutz

With the renovation, the entire front of the church will be enclosed with an entirely new look.

The church also will add an atrium that will be the centerpiece and will connect the sanctuary to the fellowship hall.

The atrium will be a large open space for welcoming guests, checking in children to the children’s wing, and hosting events.

There also will be new, larger, handicap-accessible restrooms at the front of the fellowship hall, on both the first and second floors.

During the renovation, the main sanctuary will be unaffected, so services will remain there.

The construction work, however, will require several community groups, such as home-schooled students and Boy Scouts who meet at the church, to relocate their meetings to other buildings on the church campus.

So the upcoming year is expected to have a hectic look at the First Baptist Church of Lutz, but it will be a most welcome one.

“Many parents didn’t want to bring their kids to this aging building where it just looks like a blast from the past,” Vahue said. “People like stuff that is new and we want to get modern here. The church isn’t going anywhere — it’s just going to get modern and new.”

Published April 20, 2022