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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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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

Pasco takes step toward banning retail sale of rabbits

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The Pasco County Commission has directed county staff to come back to the board with a recommendation regarding banning the retail sale of rabbits.

Pasco County outlawed the sale of kittens, puppies, cats and dogs from pet stores last year, and now animal advocates want a similar ban on the sale of pet rabbits.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said the board should consider a ban, and he and his colleagues voted to have county staff bring something back to the board on the issue.

The action followed emails received by commissioners and requests during the public comment portion of a meeting in September and also in December.

This bunny lived in a loving home and was well taken care of from the age of 6 months; unfortunately, rabbits often are ‘impulse buys’ and are abandoned on the streets shortly after their purchase, say some animal advocates who want to ban the retail sale of rabbits at pet shops. (Courtesy of Meagan Rathman-Urena)

During the Dec. 7 meeting, Dr. Betsy Coville, a veterinarian from Lutz, told commissioners that rabbits are the third most-surrendered pet.

“They require higher maintenance than dogs or cats and can live 10 to 12 years.

“Frequently dumped outside, when the rescues are full, they starve, become prey for coyotes, or are hit by a car.

Bunny mills are consistently the source for these bunnies that become unwanted.

They’re “no different from the puppy mills that we recognize as inhumane,” she said.

“There are currently three locations in Florida that have placed bans on retail sales of rabbits: Orange County, Desoto County and Key West.

“They have all placed rabbits, along with dogs and cats, in their retail sale ban.

“Petco and PetSmart stopped selling rabbits in 2007, and only work with rescues. They are the No. 1 and (No.) 2 retail pet supplies in the U.S., so obviously, a ban will not hurt these businesses financially. This ban will take the pressure off rescues and humane societies — removing the guilt of turning them away and negating the need for owners to dump them.

“Pasco County has been a leader in the state in protecting animals, with anti-tethering laws and pet sales bans.

“Now, as we are working to educate and change laws in neighboring counties, we hope you will be the trailblazer for the Tampa Bay region,” the veterinarian said.

Animal advocate Renee Rivard, who had appeared at both the Sept. 28 and Dec. 7 meeting, reiterated her concerns.

At the Dec. 7 meeting, she told commissioners: “The Tampa Humane Society has taken in 246 unwanted pet rabbits so far this year. That’s 100 more than last year.

“Hillsborough County commissioners are taking action, because the Tampa Humane Society is their partner in helping the county with unwanted pets,” she said.

She asked the Pasco board to do the same: “There is no facility in Pasco County that takes in unwanted rabbits. Suncoast House Rabbit Rescue is your partner with unwanted pet rabbits here in Pasco County. Suncoast House Rabbit Rescue has told you that they are overwhelmed. In September alone, they had to turn away 66 unwanted pet rabbits.

“It is extremely difficult to find fosters and homes for rabbits. Rabbits are a high-maintenance pet,” Rivard said. “They need specialized veterinarian care, which is expensive,” she added.

She also explained that the majority of rabbit sales are impulse buys at retail stores. That especially occurs around Easter, when children tell their parents they want a bunny rabbit.

Rivard told commissioners: “You have roughly 45 pet stores in Pasco County; 36 of them survive, without selling rabbits.”

The argument that Petco and PetSmart haven’t sold rabbits in years seemed to resonate with Mariano.

He mentioned that and noted that in addition to hearing from speakers, he’s received emails on the issue.

He made a motion to have county staff look into the issue and to report back to the board, which received unanimous support from his colleagues.

Published December 22, 2021

Bicyclists have a new spot to relax, in Dade City

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A Dec. 15 ribbon-cutting ceremony officially christened the new bike hub/visitor’s information center in downtown Dade City. From left: Dade City Commissioners Normita Woodard, Knute Nathe and Scott Black; Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore; Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez; Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley; and, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast president/tourism director Adam Thomas. )Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

East Pasco’s rolling hills and curving countryside attract avid bicyclists from far and wide.

And now, these cyclists will have a spot where they can rest, relax and refuel.

The Spoke —  designed to offer respite for cyclists and other exercise enthusiasts — also features a visitor’s center.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 15 celebrated the new amenity, at 37800 Church Ave., across from the Roy T. Hardy trailhead.

The Spoke features covered porches, restrooms, and places to refill water bottles and tune up bicycles.

Inside the 1,100-square-foot welcome center, guests can check out information about the county’s other tourism amenities through mobile exhibit space, which includes printed information and videos.

The space also is eventually expected to host a local retail shop and satellite food vendor on weekends and during the evening.

“We have some very special things that we’re working on,” Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said, during the ribbon-cutting.

From the initial idea to its final build out, the project has been some six years in the making.

The Spoke is Dade City’s new bike hub/visitor’s information center in downtown Dade City, at 37800 Church Ave., across from the Roy T. Hardy trailhead. The Spoke is an 1,100-square-foot public space for cyclists, families and outdoor enthusiasts to stop, refill water bottles, grab a snack, tune up their bicycles, and learn more about what the city and county have to offer in terms of events, activities and entertainment.

Hernandez quipped: “I didn’t think that it was going to take that long to birth a baby, because I feel that this is like a baby to me.”

She went on: “This has been a project that I have cradled and that I have hugged, and that I have worked so closely with the TDC (Pasco County Tourist Development Council) and the BOCC (Pasco County Board of County Commissioners).”

The facility’s moniker represents a combination of the city’s rich railway history and its modern trail movement.

Melanie Romagnoli, Dade City’s community and economic development director, is credited with dreaming up the facility’s name.

The Spoke was funded with a $250,000 grant from the Pasco TDC and its official destination marketing organization, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, which promotes the county’s varied outdoor and recreational offerings.

The amber-colored visitor center reflects the architectural style of the surrounding Church Avenue neighborhood, which commonly features homes with wood siding, columns and brick embellishments.

“The Spoke is going to be something that brings tourism to Pasco County,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who also chairs the county’s TDC. “You know, (Dade City) is a bike hub, it really is. There’s people from all over the world that come to Dade City to ride here, and we want to continue to do what we can do to promote it. …We look forward to more great things to come from this beautiful city.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district represents East Pasco, underscored the importance of having designated outdoor exercise-friendly recreational features — amid the booming population growth, and increasing traffic.

“More people will need this kind of (amenity) where they can walk and ride their bikes, and make it safe,” Oakley said.

The Spoke represents the first phase of a larger 2.23-acre city park site that’s anticipated to include a splash pad, all-inclusive playground, nature trail, and possibly an amphitheater.

Its completion will otherwise complement the city’s nearby downtown restaurants and shops, while offering another recreational outlet for youth, residents and visitors alike.

“This whole vision, this beautiful piece of land, it’s just a huge asset to Dade City,” Hernandez said.

The city originally purchased the property for the park site in December 2019 from the family of local businessman Otto Weitzenkorn.

Officials have said the park fits with the city’s vision of fostering a healthy and age-friendly community.

The Spoke also represents Pasco County’s first official tourism welcome center.

Published December 22, 2021