The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Don’t forget, Sunday is Valentine’s Day

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Whether it’s a childhood crush, a budding romance or a lifelong love — Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the joy that your love brings to your life.

Here’s hoping you enjoy this small selection of love stories will help inspire some sweet memories for you, and that you have yourself a Happy Heart’s Day, too.

A shared love of Disney, and pets
Around 2014, I joined the online dating app called Plenty of Fish.

Both my husband and I came across each other’s profiles and our conversation started very quickly.

(Courtesy of Brittany Desmarais)

We finally agreed to meet in person and decided on a Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins Combo, because who doesn’t like coffee and ice cream?

We hit it off immediately and ended up at IHOP for a “Breakfast for Dinner” date night.

Our biggest love that we share is for Disney; he loves the parks and I love the original movies. We also both absolutely love animals.

Over the next five years, there were obstacles that came between us like jobs, distance and other potential relationships, but we always ended up going back to one another.

We finally made the decision that we were meant to be.

My husband moved into my home in February 2019, and we decided to make it official and were married in February 2020.

We bought our first home together in March 2020 following our wedding, and are hopeful for a baby to join our family this year. We have many fur babies (three dogs, two cats), two fish and a very large Sulcata Tortoise, but truly want to have a “human” baby of our own!

Happy Valentine’s Day to my husband Christopher James!

I love you and hope that our life together continues to surprise us, and make each and every single day worth it!

— Brittany Desmarais (She and her husband are from Lutz).

(Courtesy of Katie Fernandez)

What a good guy, great connection
Clark and I met eight years ago when we worked at the same restaurant together in Tampa. We lost touch after we both found new jobs, but reconnected this past year. I love him because he is my best friend, a good guy, and we have a great connection.

— Katie Fernandez (Katie is the sales assistant at The Laker/Lutz News)

(Courtesy of Mary Rathman)

Almost 37 years, and still going strong
Joe and I both lived in the same town and went to the same high school. We met in 1980, and although we have different versions of how we met, it all worked out for the best! I fell in love with him because he lets me be me, loves me unconditionally, makes me laugh, and wants to see me happy. We’ve raised three amazing kids and will be married 37 years in May.

Mary Rathman (Mary is the editorial assistant at The Laker/Lutz News)

Published February 10, 2021

Pasco Animal Services to get cooling, heating upgrade

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The Pasco County Commission is moving ahead with a project to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at its Animal Services’ Adoption Center.

Commissioners approved a staff recommendation to proceed with a project design, and build a heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrade for the Adoption Center, for a cost not to exceed $506,190. The agreement calls for utilizing Omnia Partners, with Daikin Applied Americas Inc.

The Adoption Center consumes more energy per square foot than any other county building, according to the board’s Jan. 26 agenda background materials.

The building currently averages an annual electric bill over $160,000 per year, the agenda materials say, and the installation of three new energy-saving HVAC units would save approximately $90,000 annually.

Using Omnia would allow for standardization with current systems already installed throughout the county, the agenda materials said.

In other action, commissioners allocated $40,000 to help pay for amenities at the intersection of the Starkey and Suncoast trails.

The primary source of support for the project is a $160,000 grant from a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) recreational trail program grant. Pasco County also set aside an additional $10,000, for possible cost overruns.

The money will be used to add a restroom with a composting toilet, an ADA hard-surface access trail, a well/water fountain, a bike repair station, a solar charging station, a bike rack, a wayfinding locator, and a kiosk with trail use/trail safety educational literature.

In another action, commissioners approved the purchase of 1.09 wetlands mitigation credits in the amount of $131,100 from North Tampa Mitigation LLC.

The credits are needed to offset additional wetlands impacts for the Wesley Chapel Boulevard (County Road 54) widening project, from north of State Road 56 to north of Magnolia Boulevard, according to the agenda backup.

As part of finalizing the design plans for the C.R. 54 (Wesley Chapel Boulevard) widening project

from north of S.R. 56 to north of Magnolia Boulevard, two stormwater management facilities located at the south end of the project needed to be reconfigured and relocated. In addition, a right-turn lane was added on northbound Wesley Chapel Boulevard, 54 at Compark Drive to replace the existing right-turn lane.

These design changes resulted in additional wetland impacts, which need to be mitigated in order for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to approve the county’s permit modification application.

On another issue, commissioners approved a resolution requesting the Pasco County Legislative Delegation to sponsor and support a local bill that would support a Net Metering Program in Pasco County.

At the end of 2024, Pasco County’s energy contract with Duke Energy (Duke) will expire. Presently the sale of renewable electricity supplied by the Waste To Energy (WTE) Facility accounts for approximately 40% of the solid waste department’s enterprise fund’s annual revenue, according to a county documents contained in the board’s agenda materials.

Under Duke’s currently available standard offer contract, the county’s annual electrical revenue would decrease by over $22 million, the document says.

If the proposed local bill is adopted, Pasco County would be able to realize fair market value for the renewable electrical energy that it is already generating.

Published February 10, 2021

Looking to recruit 55 good men

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Super Bowl LV has put an international focus on Tampa during the past week — with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claiming victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, at Raymond James Stadium.

The impact of the Super Bowl, however, goes far beyond football.

Heather Castle poses with Tyrone Keys. Now director of activities and training for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Castle credits Keys for having a positive influence on her life. She wants her organization to have the same kind of impact on young people helped by her organization. (Courtesy of Heather Castle)

Beyond giving Tampa a chance to show itself off to the world, the event is a magnet for megastars and offers the experience of a lifetime for many spectators.

It’s also a chance to gain a huge audience for special causes.

That’s where Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay comes in.

The organization — which covers an eight-county area, including Pasco and Hillsborough counties — has been using Super Bowl LV as its platform to recruit 55 men to become Big Brothers to boys, ages 5 to 13.

Heather Castle, director of activities and training for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, said finding more mentors is especially important during this difficult COVID-19 time.

The push for 55 men is in recognition of the 55th Super Bowl, Castle said.

“The reason for the big push on men is because we have many Little Brothers on the waitlist and not enough male role models,” she explained.

She knows the value, firsthand, of having a mentor take an interest in her.

Heather Castle was 17 when she attended her first Bucs game, accompanied by her mom, Kathy. Tyrone Keys gave Heather the tickets to the game.

Tyrone Keys, a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl championship team, became Castle’s mentor when she a 15-year-old attending Gaither High School.

After his football career, Keys founded All Sports Community Service Inc., which aims to help youths pursue college scholarships.

That’s how he met Castle.

Keys worked with her to help her achieve her dream of playing college basketball, which she did at Saint Leo University.

“He took me under his wing. He believed in me. He sat down with me and said, this is what exactly what you need to do,” Castle said.

He also taught her about the value of community involvement, and helping others, whenever possible.

And now, Castle has come full circle in her current role at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

“Because Mr. Keys equipped me with the tools, I am able to help them.”

Besides helping youths pursue their potential, the organization provides opportunities for new experiences and fun.

Heather Castle meets on the field with Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David and Litzy Maya-Nopal before the beginning of a Bucs game.

Now, Castle is able to take youths to their first Bucs football game, just like Keys did for her.

She said Keys gave her two tickets to a Bucs game when she was 17, and told her to invite a friend. She took her mom, Kathy Castle, because her mom was her best friend.

She still relishes the memory of that day, especially since her mom passed away five years ago.

While the Big Brothers Big Brothers of Tampa Bay’s current campaign focuses on drafting 55 men, the organization needs the help of women mentors, too, Castle said.

The need for help is obvious.

Her organization currently has more than 500 kids on its waiting list, Castle said, noting mentors can make a profound — and life-changing difference.

Anyone interested in learning more about getting involved can visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s website at BBBStampabay.org.

Published February 10, 2021

Office closures set for county services

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Pasco County government offices and the Pasco County Property Appraiser’s Office will be closed Feb. 15 for a Staff Development and Appreciation Day.

Departments will be performing staff development and appreciation activities focused on team building, and improving services for area communities and neighbors.

All Pasco County libraries also will be closed that day.

Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) will be in service, but will run on the COVID-19 modified service schedule on all fixed routes and paratransit. Its administrative offices will be closed to walk-in customers; however, phone lines will be open. To learn more about the route schedule, visit tinyurl.com/p66vg3d6.

In addition, these offices also will be closed on Feb. 15:

  • Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ offices, recreation complexes and community centers; however, the parks and beaches will be open to the public, from dawn to dusk
  • Pasco County Animal Services’ administration office, adoption center, intake/reclaim shelter and field services; an animal control office will be available for emergencies only

The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III and the East Pasco Transfer Station will remain open to the public and to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

Other county government constitutional offices, including the tax collector’s office and the courts, will be open on Feb. 15.

All government offices will return to regular hours on Feb. 16.

For information, visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Published February 10, 2021

Pasco schools spending ‘Penny’ wisely

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The Penny for Pasco Oversight Committee has submitted its annual report regarding the school district’s spending of Penny for Pasco tax proceeds.

The one-page report, dated Feb. 2, concluded that “the promises made by the school district to the voters of Pasco County have thus far been kept.”

The oversight committee receives reports from school district leaders of construction services, finance services, maintenance services, and planning services about student and population data, budgeting, funds collected and spent, and project status updates, the report says.

It notes that the district remains ahead of schedule and is ready to meet the needs of the district’s growing population.

“In this seventh year of the second cycle, revenue remains good, in spite of all the challenges presented by COVID 19. Current collections are almost 27% above calculated projections,” the committee reports.

“We are pleased to inform you that real progress is being made with several Penny projects. Zephyrhills High School and Northwest Elementary School will complete their remodeling this summer. Marlowe Elementary has a new wing and construction is now underway at Hudson Middle School,” the report adds.

The committee also “continues to assure voters and the community that the money collected is being prudently used for the purposes intended,” the report says.

In addition to receiving the oversight committee’s report, the Pasco County School Board, in a separate action, reappointed these community members who voluntarily serve on the committee for a two-year term: Gary Evans, Hugh Townsend, Olive (Tom) Massey, Niko Tzoumas and Paul McClintock.

They will serve for the calendar years 2021 and 2022.

Published February 10, 2021

Beware of COVID-19 vaccine scammers

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Hillsborough County officials are warning people to be aware of scammers trying to prey on people’s desire to get vaccinated for the coronavirus.

Scammers often gravitate toward products and services in high demand, and COVID-19 vaccines are no exception, a county news release says.

In recent weeks, scammers have been using the phone, the internet and social media to try to obtain money or financial or personal information, offering a coveted appointment for a vaccination as bait.

Sometimes the aim is access to a Social Security or credit card number; other scams download malware if the victim clicks on a link. Sometimes, the scam is so effective the victim shows up for a vaccination appointment that doesn’t exist, the release adds.

Hillsborough County’s Office of Emergency Management reminds people that vaccinations are free and those making vaccination appointments will never ask for payment, credit card information or a Social Security number.

A COVID-19 Consumer Alert issued by the Florida Attorney General’s Office offers information and tips for people who are approached by someone seeking to take advantage of them.

See something suspicious? Report possible scams to the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1-866-9NO-SCAM or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

You also can contact Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services.

Published February 10, 2021

Offices may go up near Cypress Creek Town Center

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a change to the county’s comprehensive plan that would allow consideration for office use on a site with 9.1 developable acres, west of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and south of Hyde Park Boulevard.

The site currently is designated for residential and conservation uses on the county’s long-range plan.

County planners recommended approval of the change, and no one spoke against the request at the Planning Commission’s Feb. 4 meeting.

The new designation would allow consideration for an office development of approximately 67,000 square feet. A rezoning also would be needed, and is being pursued.

In agenda background materials, county planners say the request is consistent with policies in the county’s long-range plan because the development would be located along State Road 54, which is an arterial roadway.

Planners also note the proposed office would serve as effective transitional use.

“Due to the existing topography and wetland features, the development will efficiently buffer

the office development from surrounding residential land uses and will not impact any wetlands on the property,” the agenda materials note.

“The proposed development abuts existing residential and commercial uses within Cypress Creek Town Center MPUD (master-planned unit development) and will be constructed as one-story office buildings. The proposed amendment will provide the surrounding community with additional employment-generating uses further supporting the intent of Pasco County’s Urban Service Area by creating a live, work, play environment to attract high quality development,” planners add, in their support of the request.

The applicant and approved agent for the request is Waterford Construction and Development Inc.

The Pasco County Commission has final jurisdiction on requested changes to the county’s comprehensive plan.

Published February 10, 2021

The circus comes to town — with dazzling sights and sounds

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The Loomis Circus came to town, delighting hundreds of young and old spectators alike, under the big tent at the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

After all, it’s not a common sight to see an aerialist performing stunts high up in the air, or watch a unicorn — decked out in colorful lights — galloping around.

There were Polynesian ponies, too.

And, of course there were jugglers, a ringmaster, and clowns.

What would a circus be without them?

The circus made a three-day stop at the shopping, dining and entertainment complex, west of Interstate 75, north State Road 54.

Ringmaster Justin Loomis introduces jugglers and performers doing great feats at Loomis Circus, a three-day event that drew hundreds of spectators. (Fred Bellet)
Three-year old, Faith Kirstein, of Wesley Chapel, discovers a bouquet of balloons in front of the World Champion Karate Center’s booth, at the Grove. The center’s master instructor, Hyun, made balloon animals for awaiting kids. Faith was there with her mom, Lucy Martinez, and dad, Tommy Kingkiner.
A Unicorn makes a spectacular entrance — galloping around the center ring, decked out in colorful flashing lights.
Mexican aerialist Gloria Castillo performs stunts high above the crowd during the first night of the special event at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, off Oakley Boulevard and State Road 54.
Four-year-old Arden Beimfohr, left, 4-year-old Abel Rhule and 3-year-old Tristan Beimfohr pay rapt attention as performers delight the crowd at the Loomis Circus. Abel’s 3-year-old sister, Aria, was nearby with their moms.

Ashes to go, a free cup of Joe

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Pastor Kevin Grills acknowledges that he’s been reluctant for years to offer “ashes to go” on Ash Wednesday.

It had a bit too much of a “fast-food feel” for his liking, the spiritual leader said, via email.

But in the midst of a pandemic, it’s important to be creative and find new ways to reach people, according to Grills, who leads the First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes.

So, this Ash Wednesday, those driving through the church’s driveway will not only receive an imposition of ashes, but also a free cup of Aroma Joe’s coffee.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten period leading to Easter.

This year, it falls on Feb. 17, and ashes will be distributed at the First Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., that morning. They will be distributed in the church’s driveway, at 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O Lakes.

Those arriving will be directed to one of two pastors — Rev. Grills or Rev. Barry White will impose the ashes and will provide some information about Ash Wednesday, the season of Lent and opportunities to worship.

No one will have to get out of their car and everything will be done with safety in mind and social distancing, Grills said.

After getting their ashes, visitors can drive to a station where coffee will be made to order by Glenn Cote, the owner of Aroma Joe’s, a community partner with the church.

Stopping at the church shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes, from start to finish, Grills said.

The church has an uncomplicated motive for offering its hospitality.

“This is simply to love our neighbors,” Grills added.

The church has wanted to offer coffee to commuters for years, but just hasn’t made that happen. Grills hopes the Ash Wednesday event is just the start of a new “coffee for commuters” outreach effort that occurs on a more regular basis during the year.

Published February 10, 2021

Home, sweet home — and, it’s mortgage-free

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U.S. Army veteran Shanique Wright and her family recently moved into their mortgage-free home in Dade City, thanks to Wells Fargo and Operation Homefront.

Wright joined the Army National Guard in 2008, and was deployed to two different locations in Iraq between 2009 and 2010, according to a news release.

Shanique Wright and her husband, Eugene Hicks III, and their son, Eugene Hicks IV, stand near their new Dade City home. Wright is a veteran of the U.S. Army and recently moved into a mortgage-free home, thanks to Wells Fargo and Operation Homefront. (Courtesy of Operation Homefront)

She moved to Tampa in 2012 to be a caretaker for her grandmother and was medically discharged in 2014.

The veteran had been living with her husband, Eugene Hicks III, and their 5-year-old son, Eugene Hicks IV, in a small duplex, but were unable to purchase their own home.

They moved into their new home on Jan. 21. Now, they live near the Veterans Administration hospital where Eugene works and Shanique receives treatments. They also live close to outdoor recreational opportunities for their son.

Through Operation Homefront’s Permanent Homes for Veterans program, formerly known as Homes on the Homefront, Wright will work with an Operation Homefront financial counselor and a caseworker to build savings, reduce debt and to grow relationships in the community. Once she and her family successfully complete the program, they will receive the deed to the home.

To date, Operation Homefront has worked with like-minded partners, such as Wells Fargo, to provide more than 600 military families with mortgage-free homes, worth a total of $90 million in home equity.

Since 2012, Wells Fargo has donated more than 140 homes to Operation Homefront, and more than 400 homes to nonprofit organizations, valued at over $60 million, for veterans and Gold Star families across the 50 states.

Published February 10, 2021