The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco County Schools continue to add more school choices

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The Pasco County School Board recently approved the conversion of two existing elementary schools into Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) magnet schools.

The board voted on Dec. 14 to shift the boundaries for Centennial Elementary School, in Dade City and for Marlowe Elementary School in New Port Richey into the boundaries of nearby schools.

The conversion to the new approach to learning will take place beginning in the fall of the 2022-2023 school year.

A new 6-12 STEAM magnet school is expected to open in the fall of 2023, near Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco campus. The acronym STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Centennial Elementary will provide a convenient option for students and families in East Pasco, to explore the same educational opportunities as those offered at Sanders Elementary STEAM Magnet School, in Land O’ Lakes. Marlowe will do the same in West Pasco.

Sanders recently received national recognition for the quality of its programs.

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, under construction on Curley Road in East Pasco, will open during the fall of the 2022-2023 school year.

The school is expected to have an enrollment of 1,000 students and its programs will include digital technology, engineering, biomedical science, transportation and building technology.

The 104-acre school site is about 3 miles due east of Interstate 75.

A number of career and technical education labs are planned, including those designed for digital media, engineering robotics, biomedical and patient care.

Automotive, diesel, welding, construction, electrical and cybersecurity programs are planned, as well. The diesel program will be one of just a few in Florida.

The school district also is expected to open a new 6-12 STEAM magnet program in Land O’ Lakes, near Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County campus.

School district and Moffitt officials are already in discussion regarding the vast potential for unique learning opportunities for students who will be attending that school.

The school, which is expected to open in the fall of 2023, is planned on an 18.8-acre site within Angeline, south of State Road 52, north of the future Ridge Road extension and west of Sunlake Boulevard, according to Ajax’s website.

These schools are just a few of the educational options that Pasco parents can choose for their students.

Those wishing to know more can visit the school district’s website to peruse the Pasco Schools Pathways school choice catalog to find out more about program offerings.

The window for applications opens at 8 a.m. on Jan. 6 and closes on Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m.

Window for school choice opens Jan. 6
The application window for Pasco Pathways School Choice opens on Jan. 6 at 8 a.m. and closes on Jan. 20, at 4:30 p.m.

This will be the only application window for all grade levels, and it will be for all school choice options, including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Programme.

The Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application will be available for parents via the myStudent parent portal. Parents who don’t already have an account may establish a myStudent account by clicking on the myStudent link.

Go the Pasco County Schools website to find out more. The school district’s website is www.pasco.k12.fl.us/

Published December 29, 2021

Pasco Sheriff says jail expansion will fall short of need

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Even before it opens, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco says the planned expansion of the county’s detention center in Land O’ Lakes will fall short of the county’s needs.

The sheriff and County Administrator Dan Biles addressed the issue during the county board’s Dec. 7 meeting.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco (File)

“One of the reasons that people are happy to move to Pasco County is because it’s safe,” Nocco said.

However, he said, the capacity of the county’s detention center can’t accommodate the county’s needs and the expansion won’t resolve that, either.

Pasco County voters approved a bond issue in 2018 for a 1,000-bed jail expansion.

A PowerPoint prepared by the Sheriff’s Office, which was included in the county’s board’s agenda packet, says the bond will fall $19 million to $25 million short and will provide just 540 beds, if the shortfall is addressed.

The Sheriff’s Office manages the jail for the county, which falls under the county board’s jurisdiction.

Currently, a temporary structure helps address the bed shortage at the jail.

The PowerPoint notes: “With only 540 additional beds and with the temporary structure outliving its expected use by several years, the county jail expansion will be outdated and over capacity before it is even open.”

Nocco said the county’s current situation has its roots in past failures to address the county’s jail needs.

“These are things that happened way before any of us. These are things that have been going on for years and because they weren’t dealt with then, we’re now in the predicament we’re in,” Nocco said.

He cited a study done in 2015 projected that the county’s detention center would need 2,535 beds in 2024. It currently has 1,432 beds.

Another problem the county is encountering is the rising cost of materials to construct the jail expansion, Nocco said.

“Nobody expected material to go up the way that it did. Every industry is dealing with it right now,” Nocco said.

Biles said: “Since the end of ’18, the cost of materials for this project has gone up almost 45%. It’s accelerating. It’s not slowing down.

“Every month we delay that, the prices are increasing anywhere from 4% to 5%.

“It (the jail expansion) is significantly short (of) funding and we are working to bring it forward, with a funding solution to that,” Biles said, estimating the shortfall at between $20 million to $30 million.

“The current contract will be here in front of the board in the next few months, for the project price. We expect to start to construct this spring,” Biles said.

Nocco also noted that construction funding is only part of the problem. The bond issue did not address staffing costs.

He estimates that 250 additional employees will be needed to staff the jail expansion.

“I just want to bring this to your attention because this is an issue that — since the early 2000s — hasn’t gone away,” Nocco told the county board.

Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told Nocco: “We’re glad you’re here today, but it’s frustrating news.

“I’m sure we’ll be talking about it, later this year, about how to come up with the funding,” she said.

Published December 29, 2021

Center Ice’s Gordie Zimmermann hailed by local chamber

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It wasn’t all that long ago that there was no AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

And, if the facility — which has the largest ice rink in the Southeastern United States — had not opened in 2017, the community would have missed out on all sorts of big events and special occasions.

For instance, National Hockey League prospects would not have skated into Pasco County to show fans and pro scouts their skills in shot-making, blocking, toughness and teamwork.

The center, at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., would not have been used as the training grounds for the gold medal-winning 2018 U.S. Olympic women’s ice hockey team, either.

Shawn Element, No. 83, of Victoriaville, Quebec, was invited by the Lightning to play on the team of prospective players. He battles for possession with Carolina prospect Blake Murray, No. 85, of Canada. (File)

Plus, it wouldn’t house the Women’s Sports Herstory Museum — which is dedicated to female pioneers in hockey.

And, the coveted Stanley Cup never would made a stop there — thus, depriving the young hockey players who had the chance to see it, of that thrilling and inspirational experience.

The list of big events and special moments at the ice center goes on and on.

And, it was Gordie Zimmermann, the facility’s owner manager partner, who had the vision for Center Ice, and its enormous possibilities.

He received recognition for the center’s contributions to the economy and quality of life in Wesley Chapel, during the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s Dec. 7 breakfast meeting.

Michael Berthelette, the chamber’s outgoing chairman, singled out Zimmermann by presenting him with the Chairman’s Award for 2021, during the meeting at the Porter Campus of Pasco-Hernando State College.

“I really took some time to really think about who I wanted to honor with my chairman’s award for 2021,” Berthelette told those gathered.

He said Zimmermann demonstrated that the ice center could achieve its goals, despite the challenges.

He told Zimmermann the award is “in recognition for your contributions toward a broad range of economic development activities that demonstrate substantial investment in our community, your economic development efforts have required agile planning and a comprehensive approach to implement solutions that have made the North Tampa Bay community a more attractive place to live, work and play.”

Zimmermann was surprised by the honor.

He told the crowd that he thought he was just joining some of his staff for breakfast at the chamber meeting.

In accepting the award, Zimmermann said: “You guys have been awesome. It’s been a great community.

“I just want to thank the whole community, all of the businesses, the educational systems, my staff — unbelievable staff.

“The chamber has been great. I just really appreciate it. I didn’t expect this, today,” Zimmermann said.

Hope Kennedy, president and CEO of the chamber, recalled the initial reaction when chamber leaders heard about the plans for the ice center.

“We all looked out there and saw a mud swamp. So, we were all a little bit nervous about this vision and dream,” Kennedy said.

“But to see it all happen — and what it has done for our community. It has put Wesley Chapel not only on the regional map, (but) the international map.

“So, Gordie, I’m very proud to stand by you and your whole team that you’ve built there.

“It’s exciting,” Kennedy said.

Then, as the chamber’s top executive, Kennedy also had the opportunity to present a special award.

In choosing a recipient for the President and CEO’s Award, Kennedy said she always seeks “to recognize an unsung hero that goes above and beyond.”

She then detailed some of the ways that this year’s honoree has been instrumental to the chamber’s success.

“He has added tables. He has taken away tables. He has put out cones for me. He’s lugged in food for me,” Kennedy said, adding that he’s also kept coffee from spilling all over the place.

Then, turning to the recipient — who did not know that he’d been selected — she said: “You have done so much for me and this organization over the last five years. I couldn’t think of anybody better to present this award to, than to you, Duane Powell.”

The campus facilities manager for PHSC was obviously stunned — but also delighted — by the news.

Like Zimmermann, Powell also thought he was just coming to the meeting for breakfast, said Kevin O’ Farrell, provost of PHSC’s Porter Campus.

Published December 29, 2021

The right way to clear holiday clutter and waste

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The City of Tampa’s Solid Waste and Environmental Management Department is working with city leaders to educate the public about the right way to recycle this holiday season, in an effort to stop shutdowns of recycling equipment, according to a news release.

The average resident’s household waste will increase by more than 25%, the release says, as trash cans may be full of holiday food waste, shopping bags, bows and ribbons, packaging, and wrapping paper — all of which contribute to an additional 1 million tons a week to the landfills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Families are encouraged to look for waste reduction opportunities — through reuse, composting and recycling.

Certain items, such as Christmas lights, garland, ribbons, and electronics with rechargeable batteries, are known to be “tanglers” of recycling equipment and can cause hazardous conditions for the department’s employees.

Acceptable items for recycling include wrapping paper (paper only); paper cards and envelopes; glass bottles and jars (Pasco County no longer accepts glass); and, plastic bottles and jugs.

Unacceptable items include Christmas lights (accepted at select scrap metal recyclers); bubble wrap and plastic air pillows (accepted at select retail stores); foil and glitter wrapping paper; paper and plastic plates; and polystyrene foam.

Hillsborough residents can look up items in the new Tampa Trash and Recycling app, or visit Tampa.gov/recycle to determine the correct disposal method for an item. The app is available for download on Apple and Android products.

Residents in Pasco can visit Pascocountyfl.net/187/East-Pasco-Facilities, for more information.

Published December 29, 2021

New chamber chairman challenges members to hit ‘reset button’

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When Javan Grant joined the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce in 2014, he said it was a smaller chamber but its “level of engagement” was infectious.

“I still remember one of the first events that I attended. It was a lunch at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club. I literally knew no one, going in. When I walked out, I had a small group of friends.

“It was that experience, that day, that led me to jump headfirst into getting involved, in not only the chamber and its mission, but also our local community,” said Grant, recently named chairman of the chamber’s board of directors.

Early on, Grant said, he recognized “it was only a matter of time before this chamber was going to explode.”

And, that’s exactly what happened, he added, detailing the chamber’s expansion.

Javan Grant, left, is the new chairman of the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s board of directors. Michael Berthelette is the outgoing chairman. (B.C. Manion)

“First, it merged with the New Tampa Chamber, creating a two-county regional chamber.

“Next, in 2017, we merged with Trinity-Odessa Chamber, creating the largest chamber in Pasco County, he said, that serves all of Pasco, and New Tampa, too.

The membership growth, of 26%, was significant, he said.

“It all culminated in 2019 when the chamber achieved what many here thought may have been impossible when it first became an organization,” he said. The North Tampa Bay Chamber was named the 2019 Florida Chamber of the Year.

“The chamber was hitting its stride, membership was up, growth was exploding and engagement was off the charts. The sky was truly, the limit,” Grant continued.

“Then, Covid happened and with it, not only changes that impacted each of your lives and each of your businesses, but it impacted the chamber as well.

“We went from being chamber of the year in 2019 — with packed events like we have today to having no events —  to having to create a chamber road show, just so we could provide some type of engagement for our members,” Grant told those gathered at the chamber’s Dec. 7 breakfast meeting.

“Like many of you, and many of your businesses, the chamber had to pivot and we had to pivot quickly. And, it hasn’t been easy, just like I’m sure it hasn’t been easy for any of you.

“But slowly, slowly we weathered the COVID storm, and now look at us, two years, post the pandemic, here we are, packed house. Enjoying each other’s company. Enjoying each other’s friendship, once again. Being together, once again.

“Yet,” he continued, “we still have such a long way to go.”

Grant then challenged chamber members: “Jump headfirst into that arena with us. Help us hit reset and relaunch the chamber for 2022. We need your passion. We need your engagement. We need every single one of you, and those outside of here, to help bring us back to where we were before COVID hit.

“You’ve got to remember: This is your chamber. It’s not just mine. It’s not just our board’s. It’s yours. So, ask yourself: What would you like to see accomplished, for the chamber to accomplish in 2022?

“Let’s get fully engaged. Let’s relaunch the North Tampa Bay Chamber.”

While Grant focused on inspiring fresh energy, outgoing chairman Michael Berthelette spent a few minutes reflecting on the chamber’s recent accomplishments, despite COVID obstacles.

“2021 was a most challenging year, in every aspect possible. Unprecedented is almost an understatement,” Berthelette said.

“Your chamber team demonstrated tremendous leadership over the past 12 months.

“Our team made savvy financial decisions, finding new sources of income and cutting operating expenses, to deliver a positive financial year,” he said.

One of his top priorities, as chairman, was in the area of social justice.

“We took a very public stand on the issues of equality and inclusion,” he said, noting the chamber received a Business of Pride Award in June, from a partnership between The Tampa Bay Business Journal and The Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber.

It received the honor for being “an outstanding LGBT ally, advocate, company and chamber who’s making a difference in advocating equality in the business world,” Berthelette said.

He also talked about an appearance by Hope Kennedy, the chamber president and CEO, on a national call advocating support for the Equality Act.

The call was organized by Freedom for All Americans Coalition in Washington D.C.

A news release detailing the event said the Equality Act would modernize the nation’s civil rights laws by including explicit protections for LGBTQ+ people, as well as improve protections for women, people of color, and people of all faiths.

“Thank you to Hope and the North Tampa Bay Chamber for your continued advocacy in passage of The Equality Act, and for your leadership, in the space of social justice,” Berthelette said.

Published December 29, 2021

Having a good time throughout the region

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People found lots of ways to entertain themselves and entertain each other throughout 2021. The Laker/Lutz News captured a lot of those moments and we’re sharing a sampling of those good times.

Mexican aerialist Gloria Castillo performs stunts high above the crowd during the first night of The Loomis Circus, which set up its big tent in February at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, off State Road 54 and Oakley Boulevard. (File)
Cody, an 8-year-old Yorkie, was dressed as a tarantula by Orkin Man Scott Smith, of Clermont, for a dog costume contest. The pair turned out with other dogs and their owners to Dogs Day in Dade City, in March.
The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village drew quite a crowd for its 32nd annual Farm Festival and Quilt Show. Here, feisty ‘Louie’ and ‘Bud’ get jumpy at the start of the draft horse event, as a team member for Jason Abrell, of Russell Springs, Kentucky, gains control of the work horses competing in the Southern Draft Horse Association’s Draft Horse Pull. (File)
Eighty-six-year-old Frank Gude is Mr. Kumquat. The St. Joe man has been around kumquat trees since he was a kid and can tell you anything you want to know about the tiny citrus fruit. He was among those joining in at Dade City’s Kumquat Festival. The event was delayed until March this year because of concerns about COVID-19. (File)
It’s not every day a Little League celebrates its 50th anniversary, but the Land O’ Lakes Little League turned a half-century old this year and celebrated with special opening day festivities. Show here, winding up the first pitch of the season for girls’ softball is Jacklynn Neel. (File)
Four-year-old Lincoln Hollingsworth, decked out in his skeleton costume, carried the scarecrow that he and his parents, Scott and Lindsey Hollingsworth, made at the Scarecrow Festival at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road. Lincoln’s 1-year-old sister, Nora, helped, too. Hundreds of kids and adults used old clothing and their imagination to create scarecrows during the October event. (File)
Four-year-old Aiden Trader patiently waits for a cup of lemonade, as his mom, Sabrienna Weldon, and friend Raymond Bouffier get beverages. They came to the Scarecrow Festival at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village from Inverness, to have some fun in the sun. (File)
Ten-year-old Corbin Stringer, of Tampa, sports his special ‘Olympics’ sunglasses during the Special Olympics Showcase, at Achievers Day School in Lutz. About 30 athletes took part in the event and they clearly relished their moment in the sun — demonstrating their skills in jumping, balancing, running and kicking the ball at the Feb. 26 event. (File)

 

 

Pasco Sheriff’s Office starts community news website

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has launched a community news website, news.PascoSheriff.com. The website allows citizens to access news directly from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release.

In addition to its social media platforms, the Sheriff’s Office will share breaking news on the website.

The website features PSO community alerts, investigations, missing people and upcoming events, the release from the Sheriff’s Office says.

Citizens can sign up for news updates sent directly to their email.

Periodically, Pasco Sheriff’s News will send email newsletters highlighting recent PSO features. When urgent community alerts arise, breaking news notification emails also will come straight to the subscribers’ inbox.

Published December 29, 2021

The show will go on – in one way, or another

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Agnes Hernandez, 2021 winner of the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship, receives the prize from Heritage Arts Center Association President Joe Hill. Hernandez performed a piano piece by Rachmaninoff. (Courtesy of Heritage Arts)

The 39th “Spotlight on Talent Competition” will be held — the only question is how organizers will stage the contest.

The talent competition— presented by the Heritage Arts Center — has long been a showcase for aspiring singers, dancers and other performers to demonstrate their abilities. At the same time, they are competing against others and entertaining audiences.

Organizers realize that because of the pandemic, many may be wondering if the talent contest will happen this year.

“We want talented students and families to know that producers are committed to see that happen,” Barbara Friedman, publicity chair and producer for Heritage Arts, said in a news release.

Participants from kindergarten through 12th grade vie for over $4,000 in trophies, ribbons and cash prizes, according to the Heritage Arts news release.

All types and styles of performing talents are accepted, both as solos and in groups.

Panels of paid, professional judges select finalists/winners in several age categories and also choose the winner of the $1,000 scholarship that goes to a senior high school student in Pasco County.

In addition to a chance for prizes, performers have the opportunity to show off their abilities and to experience the sense of satisfaction that comes from performing well under the pressure of a competition.

A decision will be made on Jan. 1 on whether the events will be held, as usual, before audiences on Feb. 19 and March 12, or if a Plan B COVID event will take place during a single day of competition on March 12, with safety protocols in place and no audience.

Deadline for entering is Thurs., Feb. 3, 2022.  Applications available online at heritagearts.org.

Those with questions can contact Friedman at  , or call 352-567-1720, and more information at heritagearts.org .

Organizers also are seeking community sponsors to support the competition.

Published December 29, 2021

Omicron variant is spreading rapidly

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The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly and nearly every state had been touched by it as of Dec. 20 when The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

It has not yet been determined how dangerous Omicron is, and despite its rapid spread, the Delta virus remained the main variant circulating in the United States as of early this week, according to experts from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.

Omicron was first detected in specimens collected on Nov. 11 in Botswana and on Nov. 14 in South Africa, according to the CDC’s website. The first confirmed Omicron case in the United States was detected on Dec. 1.

An interpretive posting on the CDC’s website said: “We don’t yet know how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, or how well available vaccines and medications work against it.”

Meanwhile, the rapid spread and uncertainty of Omicron’s impacts have hit at the height of the holiday travel season.

In a Dec. 14 posting, AAA predicted that more than 109 million people would travel 50 miles or more between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 — a 34% increase from 2020.

AAA attributed the uptick in travel to the fact that so many Americans had to cancel getaways and get-togethers last year because of the pandemic and are making up for lost time this holiday season.

“That dramatic bounce-back — 27.7 million more people traveling — will bring this year’s numbers to 92% of 2019 levels. Airlines will see a 184% increase from last year,” according to AAA’s projections.

It is not yet known whether news of Omicron’s rapid spread will put a damper on holiday travel plans.

For those flying during the holidays, the Tampa International Airport reminds passengers that face masks are required in the airport.

The airport’s website also advises passengers to arrive two hours early.

Travelers should use carry-on luggage and mobile boarding passes to limit touchpoints, the TIA website advises.

While the pandemic’s impact on holiday plans has not yet played out, COVID-19 infections already have had an impact in the worlds of entertainment and professional sports.

The Radio City Rockettes canceled the remainder of its Christmas Spectacular “due to increasing challenges from the pandemic,” according to a Dec. 17 posting on its website.

There was no live audience at Saturday Night Live, and the NBA, NFL and NHL have postponed games.

Overall, the United States recently surpassed 50 million COVID-19 cases and 800,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the CDC.

Florida reported 35,720 cases in the seven-day period ending Dec. 18, according to figures reported by the CDC.

Stay safe
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends these steps to reduce the chance of a COVID-19 infection:

  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. If you’re eligible for a booster shot, get one now.
  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when in indoor public places.
  • Whenever possible, stay 6 feet apart from people who don’t live with you.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Consider self-testing before indoor gatherings. If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t go.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water; use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

Published December 22, 2021

Land O’ Lakes woman helps haul in big fishing trophy

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Tanya Michelle Arendes, who goes by Tanya Michelle, can barely remember a time when she didn’t have a fishing pole in her hand.

The Land O’ Lakes woman, who grew up on Deer Lake in Lutz, said her parents and grandparents nurtured her love for the sport.

“I started fishing when I was probably 3 or 4 years old,” said the angler, who is a third-generation Floridian. “My kids are fourth generation. We love this area.”

Tanya Michelle Arendes has a passion for fishing and she wants to encourage other women — with or without children, to give it a try. For her, the pursuit is therapeutic, and when there’s a fish on the line, it offers an adrenaline rush, too. (B.C. Manion)

During her growing-up years, she said, “we would fish all of the time. My dad was big into boating, so we always had the boat out in the lake, every weekend.

“Our house was the house — everybody came over to hang out on the lake.

“Every summer, my family would go to Ramble River Springs campground, in Dunnellon. We camped the whole trip. I didn’t leave the dock,” she said.

She is passing that love along to her children, 19-year-old Kelsey Albritton and 8-year-old Kason Meehan, who recently were out fishing with her at their neighbor Kurt Conover’s dock at Twin Lakes.

Over the years, Tanya Michelle’s fishing expertise has grown.

During this past summer, she and her teammate Terrie Huffmaster earned some impressive bragging rights by becoming the first females to win the ICAST fishing tournament.

Tanya Michelle Arendes, of Land O’ Lakes, can barely remember a time when she wasn’t holding a fishing rod. (Courtesy of Tanya Michelle Arendes)

They were joined on their team by Jackson Williams, a boat captain.

Team Lucky Go Fishing/Fish Bites broke the tournament’s record with a bag that weighed 25 pounds, 10 ounces, according to the tournament’s web page.

The acronym ICAST stands for International Convention of Allied Sportsfishing Trades. It was the first time in the tournament’s history that women were on the winning team.

Tanya Michelle explained how the international fishing tournament works.

“You have a five-fish limit. You can only keep five fish to weigh. In four hours, we caught about 40 fish,” she said.

The team knew it was in good shape before the weigh-in.

“We did our research. We knew that morning going into it that the biggest bag ever weighed for ICAST was only like 22 pounds.

Tanya Michelle credits the boat captain for taking them to a great fishing spot.

While winning the tournament was a thrill, the female angler said that for her, the joy of fishing lies in the pursuit.

“I don’t care if I come in last, I just love being out there and being involved in the sport, the camaraderie. I just love it. I love talking to people about all of their fish stories.

Terrie Huffmaster, left, and Tanya Michelle Arendes hoist the 2021 ICAST Cup trophy. The tournament took place at Big Toho Marina Kissimmee, on July 20. (Courtesy of Tanya Michelle Arendes)

“Of course, some of them aren’t true. But that’s part of it,” Tanya Michelle said.

While fishing can be a soothing pastime, that’s not the case in competitive fishing.

“Tournament fishing is pretty intense. A lot of people will have 10 or 15 rods already rigged,”  she said.

Whether competing for a trophy or out fishing on her own, Tanya Michelle simply adores being on or near water.

She has her own business that has flexible hours, so she can go fishing three or four times a week.

“If it’s not bass fishing, then I’m in the salt and I’m catching snook, redfish, trout. I actually have a hashtag online. My hashtag is TheCrazySnookLady. You click on that, you see nothing but me and fish.

“For salt (saltwater fishing), we go to St. Pete, Clearwater, (and the) Tierra Verde area. I hit all of the bridges,” she said.

Her biggest freshwater catch came in 2009, when she landed a 10-pound, 1-ounce freshwater bass, in Odessa.

“That’s still my biggest fish.

“My biggest saltwater catch —  that’s a different story. It was an 8-foot nurse shark. It was like a 2 ½-hour fight,” she said.

Over the years, she’s become knowledgeable about rods, reels, bait and tackle, and how to maintain her gear. She’s also picked up the ins and outs of when and where to fish.

“Dawn or dusk are usually the best, first light or last light, because that’s when they’re hungry,” she said. The weather, the sun, the moon and tides all are important, she added.

“If I’m saltwater fishing, if it’s high tide, there will be more fish up in there,” she explained.

Besides being a great sport for women, fishing also is a great activity for families, she said.

“We’ll do dinner and go fishing.

“After work, I’ll come over to Kurt’s dock to fish. Or, I’ll run over to Bexley. Or, even up to Ballantrae. I have friends over there. They’ll come meet me at the lake with their golf cart and their kids,” she said.

Mostly, she fishes for sport.

“I’m strictly catch and release, when it comes to freshwater. I don’t eat freshwater fish. I throw them all back. And, most saltwater (fish), I throw back,” she said.

As a single mom, she said she finds fishing to be therapeutic.

“While I’m fishing, I don’t think about what bills are due, what problems are going on. I’m thinking about my line and what fish is going to hit it.

“It’s just freeing for me,” she said.

While relaxing on one hand, it also produces an adrenaline rush — when there’s a fish on the line.

“It’s like a drug-free drug. It can be addicting. People get addicted to it. All they want to do is fish,” she said. “I love it. I really do.”

When it comes to fishing, Tanya Michelle acknowledged, she’s hooked.

Published December 22, 2021