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Local Jewish temple gifted Torah

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A local Jewish temple now happily can claim a Torah of its own, thanks to a generous donation from a fellow Tampa Bay area synagogue.

Land O’ Lakes-based Congregation Beth Chavarim (“House of Friends”) last month was gifted with an authentic Torah, the Hebrew version of the first five books of the Bible, from Gulfport’s Congregation Beth Shalom, which recently closed after being in operation since 1958.

Beth Chavarim launched in 2018 by Alan Stern and his wife, Nayda, operating the place of worship from their Land O’ Lakes home.

Since then, the upstart temple had been using a Torah from the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, based in Jackson, Mississippi.

Thus, to finally have its own dedicated Torah is significant for the place of worship.

Congregation Beth Chavarim president Alan Stern holds a Torah, which represents the Hebrew version of the first five books of the Bible. The authentic Torah was donated to the Land O’ Lakes temple from Gulfport’s Congregation Beth Shalom, which recently closed down.
The Torah is donned with a silver breastplate and elegant red and gold mantle. It weighs around 25 pounds to 30 pounds. (Courtesy of Alan Stern)

“You can’t believe how I excited I was when it was handed it to me,” said Stern, who holds the title of president of Beth Chavarim. “I can’t put it into words how excited I was that a congregation 3 years old has its own Torah.”

The Torah that the temple received is donned with a silver breastplate, and elegant red and gold mantle, weighing between 25 pounds to 30 pounds.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” Stern proudly said. “It’s going to be the foundation for our growth, which makes it exciting for me.”

Stern explained Torahs are handwritten by a scribe on special parchment paper, then sewn together and placed on rollers — a process which takes about a year to complete.

He is unsure exactly how old the Torah is, but noted Beth Shalom officials instructed him to “take good care of it.”

The handing down of a Torah from one congregation to another brings on added significance, Stern said.

“What makes it special is it’s just continuing the Jewish tradition of learning, and I say that because this congregation (Beth Shalom) was founded in 1958,” he said. “It’s keeping the Jewish traditional life, you might say, from generation to generation.”

When word spread of Beth Shalom closing its doors late last year due to the aging out of its senior membership, Stern inquired about obtaining one of the synagogue’s four Torahs.

Beth Shalom representatives eventually obliged, after multiple discussions, consultations and visits.

In addition to the Torah, the Land O’ Lakes shul received a slew of other items from the closing Beth Shalom, including a collection of Jewish High Holiday and weekday prayer books; Chumash, which provides the interpretation of the Torah; and an eternal light sanctuary lamp, which is supposed to burn at all times next to where the Torah is stored, symbolizing God’s eternal presence.

Beth Chavarim is an unaffiliated temple and welcomes people of all ages, including families with young children.

Stern himself grew up in a Reform Jewish household, while his wife was raised more Conservative/Orthodox.

They lived in Buffalo, New York, for more than 30 years, until moving to Florida in 2004.

Unable to find a synagogue in the Tampa area that offered what they were seeking, the Sterns decided to offer services of their own.

The temple has been holding online Zoom services twice a month, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its last in-person service and meal held prior to the virus outbreak drew about 35 people, Stern said.

Meantime, there appears to be growing interest in the family friendly temple, receiving inquiries from New Yorkers and others with plans to relocate to Tampa Bay, Stern said.

With a Torah in tow and a solid membership base, the next step for Beth Chavarim is securing a standalone building to hold services in or around Pasco County. “We will,” Stern said, “when we get a little bit bigger.”

For information or interest in joining the congregation, email .

Published March 03, 2021

Save money, get back behind the wheel

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If you have a suspended license over unpaid court fees, costs and penalties, you may want to take advantage of Operation Green Light, a program offered by the Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office.

You may be able to save yourself money and get back on the road by taking advantage of Operation Green Light. The program runs from March 3 through March 6. (File)

The in-person, telephone and online program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 3 through March 5, at the East Pasco and West Pasco judicial centers. The program is online only and by telephone on March 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The website is PascoClerk.com. The telephone numbers are 727-847-8031 or 352-521-4542 (option 2).

“This is an important moment for drivers who have seen their licenses suspended over unpaid court obligations,” Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, said in a news release. “So much of our modern lives depends on having reliable transportation, and for most of us, that means being able to drive.

“During Operation Green Light, penalties, interest, and collections fees that have been piling up can, in many cases, be waived. For those who can’t pay their obligations in total, we offer payment plans that allow driving privileges to be restored, too,” she added.

Any time leading up to and during the event, access is available to a special Operation Green Light web page, at PascoClerk.com/856/Operation-Green-Light.

Those with licenses suspended over failure to pay child support, DUI, failure to complete a driver’s course ordered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), traffic-related felony, or deemed by FLHSMV as a habitual traffic offender may not be eligible to participate.

Drivers wanting to get a grasp on the financial obligations pending against their license may check their status at Services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck/.

Published March 03, 2021

 

Pasco County Fair lives up to its billing

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The theme for the 74th annual Pasco County Fair was “The Adventure Continues” — and, based on the sounds of laughter and the abundance of smiles seen across the fairgrounds, the event lived up to its name.

Evin Martinez, of St. Leo, left, holds a large plush cow over his shoulders, as he jokes with his best friend, Dominic Shaefer, of New Port Richey. The two were waiting for Martinez’s girlfriend, Hannah Haddad, of Dade City, who was placing an order of funnel cakes and cotton candy for the group. Martinez won the oversized doll for Haddad. (Christine Holtzman)

This year — in the time of COVID-19 — special safety precautions were taken.

There were signs all over the place, asking fair-goers to observe social distancing. Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and masks were required inside fair buildings.

The fair, which ran from Feb. 15 through Feb. 21, was held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Thrill-seekers of all ages — who wanted to get their pulse racing — had lots of choices.

Mike Vazquez, of Tampa, sits for his portion of the caricature drawing that he commissioned from Orlando artist Haley Likes. His son, Carmelo, and nephews Truth and Terrance O’Neal, already sat for their portraits. Vazquez said he wanted the drawing to capture the priceless time he was having with family members at the fair.

This year’s rides that were not for the faint of heart included: ‘Vertigo,’ a spinning swing ride that soared to heights of nearly 90 feet; ‘Rock Star,’ an exhilarating 360-degree spinning ride that lifts riders to nearly 60 feet; and the ‘Zipper,’ a classic ride in which riders are seated in caged carts that are flipped upside down – and spun all around – as they travel along an oblong, rotating frame.

Seven-year-old Makenzie Gaarder, of Wesley Chapel, reacts with surprise, as magician Brad Matchett, of Richmond, Virginia, shows her ‘Houdini,’ the live bunny that was made to appear inside a wooden box. This was just one of many tricks the magician had up his sleeve, during his interactive agriculture-themed magic show, Agricadabra.

There was a daily entertainment lineup, too, including acts that were new to the fair this year, such as the agriculture-themed, audience-interactive magic show from Richmond, Virginia, called, ‘Agricadabra;’ the aerial and ground stunt circus acts of the ‘Victoria Circus;’ the musical entertainment of Leon Jacobs Jr.; and, ‘The Wagsters,’ a magic and illusion show from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Of course, there also were daily agricultural shows, competitions and exhibits.

A championship rodeo, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), was held on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20.

The Orbiter is seen in motion at the Pasco County Fair. This thrill ride lifts and spins riders, as they sit in cars, attached to the Orbiter’s arms.

There also were various special events, including a Miss Heart of Florida pageant, a Pasco Showcase of Talent Show, and a Karaoke contest – where top winners were awarded cash prizes.

And, the aroma of fair foods filled the air — enticing patrons to stop to enjoy such treats as funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, hot dogs and cotton candy.

Those feeling lucky could step right up and try to win a prize for their favorite guy or gal, or maybe even for themselves. They could shoot hoops, play fishing games, toss rings on bottles, or play other games in the hopes of taking home a fair souvenir.

Perhaps the best prize of all, though, were the memories they made by spending some time at the 74th annual Pasco County Fair.

By Christine Holtzman

Published March 03, 2021

Nine-year-old Levi Blake, of Dade City, rides the mechanical bull – a first for him – at the Pasco County Fair. After being bucked off the machine, he jokingly told 9-year-old Kasen Howard, his best friend, ‘I’m a cowboy, baby.’
Five-year-old Brayden Wright, of Dade City, tries to maintain balance as he climbs a ladder at the ‘Crazy Ladder’ game at the Pasco County Fair midway. He almost reached the end before the ladder flipped, causing him to fall onto the inflatable mat below.
Fourteen-year-old Cody Adams Jr., of Dade City, flashes the peace sign, as he rides the swing ride ‘Vertigo’ with his 10-year-old brother, Justin Young. Adams said that he likes the hand symbol, and does it all the time. Their mother, Jessica Young, waited on the ground while her sons rode the popular thrill ride, which rises nearly 90 feet in the air, and spins riders seated in swings.
Thirteen-year-old Colby Stewart, left, finds hilarity while seated on the thrill ride ‘Axis’ next to a giant plush panda, and his friend, 13-year-old Salena Briggs. The teens are sixth-graders at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills.

Meals on Wheels looks to expand

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The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH), a tri-county leader in hunger relief, research and program development, is accepting applications for its 2021 Meals on Wheels for Kids (MOW4Kids) National Expansion Program.

Approved applicants can receive financial aid and technical assistance to develop and launch home-delivered meal programs in communities across the eastern United States.

When schools closed due to COVID-19, TBNEH launched MOW4Kids Tampa Bay to serve disadvantaged children who depend on school meals.

Now, the Network to End Hunger is offering a unique opportunity to organizations that are interested in launching community programs that deliver nutritious meals to transportation-disadvantaged and homebound families with children.

The MOW4Kids expansion is looking to provide support to at least 15 partner organizations in 2021.

“Meals on Wheels for Kids is an essential community program. We are excited to bring MOW4Kids to other communities across the country. The national expansion of this program is vital at this stage because the need is not going away. Kids are going hungry at home by not going to school. These children need our help now and we will do everything we can to make sure they have the nutritious meals they need,” said Caitlyn Peacock, executive director, in a news release.

Schools and community organizations can access the MOW4Kids Request for Proposal and Partner Application at MOW4Kids.org.

For additional information, visit NetworkToEndHunger.org.

The network also is accepting donations to help support the MOW4Kids National Expansion Program on its website.

Published March 03, 2021

Pasco Planning Commission seeks three volunteers

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Pasco County is seeking three volunteers to join the Pasco Planning Commission.

Ideal candidates will represent diverse knowledge and expertise in the areas of engineering, planning, real estate, surveying, property management, architecture, construction and other related fields, according to a news release.

Planning Commission members review and make recommendations to the Pasco County Commission on proposed amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan, rezoning requests, conditional use permit requests, development orders, development agreements, operating permits and other development applications.

Planning commissioners also conduct hearings and issue final determinations on all variances, alternative standards, certain appeals and special exception applications.

Planning commissioners generally meet twice a month, on Thursday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. The meetings alternate between New Port Richey and Dade City.

The Pasco County Commission approves planning commission appointments.

For more information about Pasco Planning and Development, visit bit.ly/2hMXfkD.

The deadline for applications is March 10.

To submit an application online, go to bit.ly/2G3IqUH.

Published March 03, 2021

Operation Feed Pasco closes, amid success

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United Way of Pasco County (UWPC) in partnership with the Pasco County Commission exceeded expectations with its one-of-a-kind, exclusive program to Pasco County called Operation Feed Pasco (OFP) — which provided more than 237,000 meals for individuals and families.

The project has wrapped up its work, amid great success, according to a news release.

Operation Feed Pasco used a multi-faceted approach to help feed the hungry, including food banks soup kitchens and local restaurants. (File)

The purpose of OFP was simple: Assist local food pantries and soup kitchens and supply food for their clients by using local restaurants in Pasco County.

The program was inspired by the growing number of food-insecure people and the increasing number of struggling restaurants, according to a news release.

Pasco County in May 2020 awarded a $600,000 grant to UWPC to develop and implement a program to help feed people while employing Pasco-based restaurants, event centers and caterers.

What started as a one-time grant turned into a multimillion dollar operation. And, UWPC went on to receive three additional grants. Ultimately, it grew to include 37 partners and more than 20 locations for meal distribution.

The program’s partner restaurants were made up of a variety of cuisines — Italian, South American, Soul Food and others.

Meals from partner restaurants were served at various nonprofit agencies throughout the county, including women’s shelters for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, children’s shelters, food ministries and pantries, homeless outreach centers, afterschool programs for at-risk youth, and elderly care centers.

“United Way of Pasco County’s mission is to respond to unmet needs in the community,” said Charles Anderson, president and CEO, in the news release.

“None could be greater than ensuring our citizens had food during this pandemic.

“Responding to the challenge required tremendous teamwork and I remain very grateful to my staff team, board of directors, participating agencies, local restaurants,” Anderson said, adding a special shout-out to Cathy Pearson, an assistant Pasco County administrator, and to the Pasco County Commission.

Published March 03, 2021

It’s strawberry (shortcake) season again

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It’s that time of year when strawberries take front and center — at U-Pick farms, grocery stores, farmers markets and in the garden.

The fruit is easy to find here, because of where we live — we’re just a short drive away from Plant City — the winter strawberry capital of the world.

Have you come across the white strawberry yet? University of Florida researchers are test-marketing a new variety that is expected to be available widely in 2022. (Courtesy of UF/IFAS Communications)

The popularity of strawberries in our area may have made you curious about how the berries got their name.

Blueberries and blackberries have obvious names.

So, where did the name strawberry come from?

There are a few theories.

One theory is based on the fact that on the surface it appears that pieces of straw were lodged into them.

Another thought is that that name came from the role that straw plays when they are stored — to keep them from bruising, or when they are covered with straw during winter.

A third explanation is that vendors would string them through the stem of straw for sale at markets.

But, naysayers shoot down those theories, insisting that the word “strawberry” was in use long before strawberries were harvested and sold at markets.

Indeed, strawberries are featured in literature and artwork dating back several centuries. Ancient Romans used them for medicinal purposes, and the fruit was a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of Love — because of its heart shape and red color.

So, here’s another potential explanation: The plant’s runners lay in various directions in strawberry fields, making the strawberries look like they are “strewn” over the ground, according to Farmer’s Almanac. So, the word strawberry resulted from the mingling of the words strewn and berry.

Regardless of where it gets its name, it is a misnomer because botanically, a strawberry isn’t even technically a berry. A berry has its seeds on the inside, not on the outside.

In fact, it’s considered an aggregate fruit — but doesn’t ‘berry’ just sound better?

We will probably never know with complete certainty the origins of the name, but we do know that, like any fruit, strawberries provide health benefits.

They provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, antioxidants and folate.

Their popularity has grown over the years, from per capita consumption of 3 pounds in the 1970s to 6 pounds a year now, according to University of Vermont Extension.

Strawberries rank No. 5, in terms of the amount of the fruit consumed, by weight, in the United States. The top four are bananas, apples, oranges and grapes.

And, while most of us think of strawberries as a red fruit there is a new variety of the fruit that’s actually white.

The white strawberries that exist in nature are not as flavorful like the ones bred for consumption.

University of Florida researchers have helped to develop a new variety of white strawberries.

White strawberries have been popular in Japan for many years, and the seeds from Japan were used in the breeding process of the new U.S. variety.

The U.S. variety of the white strawberry is being test-marketed now, and is expected to be available in U.S. markets by 2022.

This new variety doesn’t have a name yet, but is likely to be named pineberry because it has a pineapple aroma, and is less acidic and sweeter than red ones.

Be sure to give it a try when it becomes available.

I was lucky to sample some while at a meeting at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center this time last year; I’m looking forward to when it becomes readily available next year.

In the meantime, we will still enjoy the red strawberries — and continue the debate the origins of its name.

By Shari Bresin

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

Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry topping
Wash and hull 1 quart of ripe berries.
Slice berries and add 1/3 cup sugar. Stir.
The berries will form a syrup, as you prepare the biscuits.

Biscuits
Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2/3 cup milk

Directions
Combine dry ingredients.
Cut in shortening with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles small peas.
Add milk.
Drop biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes to 12 minutes.

Whipped cream

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 Tablespoon confectioner’s sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

Whip ingredients to stiff peaks

To assemble shortcake
Split biscuits lengthwise.
Top with strawberry topping.
Add whipped cream (either made from scratch or a purchased topping).

Published March 03, 2021

Pasco board looks to put pause on multifamily

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The Pasco County Commission is considering a temporary pause on multifamily development in the central part of the county.

The board has directed staff to prepare an ordinance that would prohibit new applications for multifamily to be considered in an area bounded by State Road 54/State Road 56 on the south; State Road 52 on the north; U.S. 41 (Land O’ Lakes Boulevard) on the west; and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and on the east.

The moratorium would take effect beginning on the date of the first public hearing — which has not been determined yet.

This 262-unit apartment development is being built off State Road 54, at Oak Grove Boulevard. The Pasco County Commission is pursuing a temporary moratorium on new multifamily development in the central part of Pasco County, to give commissioners a chance to get a better handle on how much of this type of development is already entitled in existing zonings. (B.C. Manion)

The idea is to give county staff time to research the number of existing entitlements for multifamily development and to report back to the board. Once the board has that information, it can decide how to proceed.

Board members voted 3-2 to support pursuing the temporary moratorium.

Commissioners Mike Moore, Christina Fitzpatrick and Jack Mariano voted yes; Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley voted no.

The vote came after extensive discussion, including analysis of Pasco County’s Class A market demand provided by Lesley Deutch, managing principal with John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

Deutch, who appeared on behalf of land use attorneys Joel Tew and Barbara Wilhite, told commissioners that demand for Class A apartments in Pasco County is expected to grow by about 5,380 over the next five years. She characterized that projection as a “conservative” estimate.

Nectarios Pittos, the county’s planning director, provided a presentation that reviewed the county’s policies regarding multifamily development.

“The compact nature of development requires less infrastructure; it’s less land, and so you are making use of existing infrastructure as much as possible,” Pittos said.

Commissioner Starkey cautioned against becoming too restrictive regarding the development of multifamily housing.

“We need to have some workforce housing,” Starkey said. “I am really getting concerned that we don’t pay enough attention to this part of our society, and they need to be integrated into all of our communities.”

Commissioner Moore said his district is becoming too saturated with multifamily development.

He has repeatedly warned against the long-range potential of having large apartment complexes that become less competitive over time wind up with high vacancy rates and ultimately fall into disrepair.

Commissioner Fitzpatrick has similar concerns.

“What’s going to happen 30 years from now?” Fitzpatrick asked, expressing worries about the prospect for crime.

But, Starkey said multifamily is needed to address today’s demand.

She said young professionals aren’t buying; they want to rent.

Starkey also noted: “There is a rise in trend of apartment dwellers being higher-income brackets.”

Noting that Pasco is an attractive area, Deutch said, “there’s a lot of growth in Pasco. Unless you want it to stop, you  have to have housing.”

Like Starkey, Deutch said that renting has become a much more popular choice than it was in the past.

Chairman Oakley said Deutch’s report was informative.

“I don’t see we’re overrun with apartments,” Oakley said.

But, Moore persisted: “We continue to change zoning on parcels, when we already have the inventory to meet the demand.

“The parcels are there, ready to be developed tomorrow. These guys already have the entitlements,” Moore said.

“Did you look at all of the parcels that have the entitlements for the future, when you did your study?” Moore asked Deutch.

Deutch responded: “No, I did not. That wasn’t part of the study.”

Starkey noted that it can take decades for a property with an entitlement to actually be developed.

Attorney Tew raised this issue with the board: “I’m concerned that the commission will get into picking winners and losers in the marketplace. That is not what the government is supposed to do.”

He also told board members: “I think this is very treacherous ground and really uncharted territory for this commission.”

The prospect of a moratorium, according to Tew, “will be an immediate buzz kill to your potential employers.”

But, Moore cited a number of other places — such as Illinois, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Ohio, Texas and other jurisdictions in Florida — where moratoriums on multifamily are either in place, or are being considered.

Mariano, like Moore, thinks the county needs a better understanding of its current level of entitlements.

“I’m really scared that we don’t know what our supply could be, if everything was going to be built out,” Mariano said.

In another action relating to multifamily development, commissioners directed staff to prepare changes to the county’s land development code to remove the possibility of developing multifamily, as a conditional use, in a commercial zoning district.

The goal is to preserve commercial land for commercial uses, according to Fitzpatrick, who made a motion to pursue the change.

Moore seconded the motion, which was approved on a 4-1 vote, with Starkey dissenting.

Published February 24, 2021

An entertainment venue in downtown Zephyrhills?

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Downtown Zephyrhills could get a little louder and livelier in the next year or so — if a proposed project pushes through.

The City of Zephyrhills is considering the creation of its own entertainment backyard featuring food trucks, vendor carts, games, live music, public art installations and various seating areas. Picture it as a scaled-down version of the popular Sparkman Wharf waterfront venue in downtown Tampa’s Channelside.

The Zephyrhills concept, called “Little But Loud,” would be developed on a 150-foot by 60-foot city-owned vacant lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Eighth Street. The site was once home to a Disabled American Veterans chapter building, and is situated just a block north of Fifth Avenue and adjacent to Zephyrhills City Hall.

‘Little But Loud’ entertainment venue concept renderings were presented by Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency Director Gail Hamilton at a January meeting. This one shows semi-rigid covered seating, covered seating area, food cart court, game lawn/overflow seating, outdoor seating and food truck access. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Gail Hamilton, director of the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), presented two concept renderings at a CRA meeting in January.

The first concept shows semi-rigid covered seating, covered seating area, food cart court, game lawn/overflow seating, outdoor seating and food truck access.

The second concept shows an event stage/elevated seating area, mobile high-top seating, food and vendor stalls, a semi-rigid overhead structure and raised concrete deck, food truck access and a versatile event lawn.

As for parking, eventgoers could use the nearby City Hall parking lot on nights and weekends.

Main Street Zephyrhills Inc., would likely be tasked with managing Little But Loud, and with arranging the venue’s programming.

The scope of work and budget are not yet final.

No start date has been determined, either, but it’s possible the project could be completed by the end of the year, if the initiative gains the CRA Board of Commissioners’ approval.

Hamilton said the new venue would generate downtown foot traffic and “create a sense of community,” by giving locals and visitors a multi-use entertainment space on weekends.

It also gives the city an opportunity to use “a beautiful lot” that is currently vacant.

“People would want to come, especially in the spring and in the winter when we have beautiful days, to sit out, listen to some music, have something to eat, come downtown. The idea is to create an attraction to get people to come downtown,” said Hamilton.

Two ‘Little But Loud’ concept renderings were presented by Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency Director Gail Hamilton at a meeting. This one shows an event stage/elevated seating area, mobile high-top seating, food and vendor stalls, a semi-rigid overhead structure and raised concrete deck, food truck access and a versatile event lawn.

She thinks the project also would encourage residents and visitors to explore other areas of the city, including the historic downtown business district through Fifth Avenue.

Hamilton observed: “This is not to exclude any of the businesses on Fifth Avenue. It’s not to cut them out, it’s to get some activity going here, so that everybody who comes here goes to the restaurants and stores that surround it. You get up, you walk around — it’s a way for people to explore downtown Zephyrhills that maybe have never been here.

“It would bring people in that would go and shop, and try a craft beer that didn’t even know there was a microbrewery down here (at Zephyrhills Brewing Company).”

The intimate property — purchased by the city in 2017 — was originally anticipated to be developed into some type of retail/office space — which remains a future option.

However, Hamilton noted that option is not feasible yet, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lot also could be reserved for some type of apartment or residential concept, but Hamilton doesn’t believe that’s a best use.

“If we wanted to do apartments, we could probably do apartments, but in the long run, that’s not what’s best for downtown, that’s not what’s best for the core of the city,” Hamilton told the CRA board.

If and when the time comes to redevelop the small lot, Hamilton said the Little But Loud concept could simply be relocated to another area of the city, perhaps Zephyr Park on Fifth Avenue.

“It’s a way for us to engage that lot without spending a tremendous amount of money, and when the market gets to the point where we want to build a building on that space, all of it can be picked up and moved somewhere else,” Hamilton explained.

Members of the CRA board expressed interest in the venue concept, with several more tweaks and details to be hammered out and finalized in coming months.

Board member Ken Burgess called Little But Loud “a good idea to get something going,” but advised the project be done in sections or phases, instead of all at once.

Board member Lance Smith said the concept would create an “inviting” atmosphere to downtown, pushing for other accents such as artificial turf and a large-sized television or projector to broadcast movies and sporting events.

Alcohol sales should be another consideration, he said.

“I think it’s interesting,” Smith said of the plan. “I think you need to look at the budget for it, too, because I’ve looked at these (venues) and they’re way more expensive than you think they are, but I think it’s a great concept to take a look at.”

Board President Jodi Wilkeson, too, was keen with the project, but expressed concerns about potential vandalism and possible impacts on surrounding take-out and sit-down restaurants and businesses.

“If we’re doing this to help promote businesses downtown, I think we should make an effort to ensure that they’re not producing food that’s in competition with any other businesses,” Wilkeson said.

She suggested that Little But Loud food trucks and containers stick to offering snack items, such as flavored popcorn and other treats “so that it gives people something to eat, but when they’re really hungry (for a meal), they’re going to go somewhere else.”

Overall, though, she likes the concept. “I think it’s a great idea. I look forward to seeing it a little fleshed out, but I’m in support of it as well.”

Board member Charles Proctor also offered his support: “I think it’s a good idea as well. We’ve gotta do something with (the lot).”

Published February 24, 2021

Ash Wednesday events vary, across region

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Ash Wednesday observances normally involve Christians flocking to churches to receive ashes on their foreheads — in the sign of a cross, to mark the beginning of Lent, which leads up to Easter.

But this year — as the nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic — local Ash Wednesday observances were varied.

Pastor Kevin Grills and the retired Rev. Barry White stand near a cross at First United Methodist Church in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C. Manion)

The First United Methodist Church in Land O’ Lakes, for instance, offered “Ashes to Go, a free Cup of Joe,” to motorists streaming by the church, located on U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

At Saint Leo University, in St. Leo, students and staff could get ashes at various locations on campus.

Meanwhile, Bishop Gregory Parkes, who presides over the Diocese St. Petersburg, offered  guidance for Ash Wednesday observances.

During this season, “Catholics are reminded to turn away from faithless ways and to be renewed in their faith,” Parkes said, in a news release.

The sign of the cross received on Ash Wednesday serves as an “external sign of this inner reality,” Parkes adds, in the release.

The release also said that Parkes had “determined that the distribution of ashes can be done in a safe manner as long as certain protocols are in place. Some parishes will distribute ashes by sprinkling on the crown of the head, a method commonly used in other countries. Masks are to be worn by ministers and recipients during the distribution, and the minister will take a pinch of ashes and silently sprinkle them over the head of each recipient.

“Additionally, parishes have the option to distribute ashes via a swab or cotton ball, as long as masks are worn by ministers and the cotton balls or swabs are replaced after application. Also, ministers may choose to apply ashes with the thumb as long as they and the recipients wear masks during the distribution and ministers sanitize their thumbs before and after the distribution.”

Sam Boehne uses ashes to make the sign of the cross on the forehead of Danny Torres, left, as Saint Leo University Music Minister Lucas Nocera distributes ashes, right. (Courtesy of Sam Gonzalez/Saint Leo University)

Meanwhile, back at First United Methodist Church in Land O’ Lakes, Pastor Kevin Grills and retired Rev. Barry White, stood ready early Feb. 17 to distribute ashes to motorists who wanted to receive them, while passing by on their way to work.

Sue Shea, a church volunteer, and Glenn Cote, a church member and owner of Aroma Joe’s coffee, also were on hand, to offer coffee to those dropping by.

Cars zoomed past the church quickly.

Chances are that motorists didn’t see the sign posted near the entrance to the church’s driveway. The church also extended the invitation, by posting signs in nearby neighborhoods, welcoming people to drop by to receive some ashes and a free cup of Joe.

But, there weren’t many takers on Ash Wednesday morning.

Still, the ministers and the volunteers weren’t discouraged.

“I just love to be part of what God is calling us to do,” said Cote. “Part of his commandment is to go out and to serve, and to make disciplines. So, we’re hopefully able to do that,” he said.

Shea has belonged to the church since its inception in 1959, when it was located in Lutz before moving to Land O’ Lakes in 1974.

“I am a servant,” Shea said. “I am always excited about being able to serve the community, and share God’s love.”

Rev. White said the church’s efforts are in response to the impacts of COVID-19.

“These are different times. You’ve got to offer things, to hopefully reach out to the community,” White said.

The outreach, Pastor Grills said, is a sign that the church desires to go out to the people.

“It’s not about people coming inside the walls,” Grills said.

He added, it’s a chance for motorists streaming by to see, “we’re out here — at least attempting, meaning well.”

“It’s an opportunity to pray for every car that goes by,” Grills said, and “that’s certainly what we’ll do, when we close up here, we’ll spend some time in prayer.”

Published February 24, 2021