The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco School Board to vote on masks

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Pasco County Schools plans to require all students, staff and visitors to wear face masks or face coverings while on school campuses or at other district properties beginning this fall, according to a district news release.

Superintendent Kurt Browning placed the topic on the school board’s agenda for discussion at its July 21 virtual telephonic meeting, after The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

Browning intends to bring an emergency rule to the board on July 28 to formalize the mandate, the release says.

“Every decision is being made with input from parents, teachers, staff, the school board and health professionals,” Browning said, in the release. “This is an essential component in our strategy to create a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff.”

The proposed rule describes what qualifies as a mask or face covering and under what circumstances the mask can be removed. It also describes how the school district will make accommodations for students or staff members who have a medical condition that would prevent them from wearing a mask or face covering.

The district also noted that “the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that everyone wear a face covering to help prevent community spread of COVID-19.

“Face coverings have also been mandated by Pasco County. Current medical research shows that COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets created when a person talks, sings, raises their voice, shouts, sneezes or coughs, even when a person is asymptomatic. The face covering reduces and/or prevents the number of these droplets from making it into the environment and being inhaled by another person.

“When you wear a face covering, you help protect others around you from COVID-19, and when those around you wear face coverings, they are protecting you and others around them. While social distancing and regular hand-washing are also essential, social distancing is not always possible. In those situations, face covering provides additional protection.”

If the emergency rule is adopted, the district will join a growing list of government jurisdictions and  private businesses now requiring masks.

The mask issue, however, continues to be a flashpoint of controversy during this global pandemic.

Proponents of masks point to medical experts and scientists, and say wearing masks can save lives. Opponents are skeptical about the effectiveness of masks and say such mandates are an infringement on personal freedoms.

Published July 22, 2020

Summer camp fun returns to East Pasco YMCA

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In normal times, summer-camp kids at the East Pasco YMCA in Zephyrhills would be greeted with hugs and high-fives.

These aren’t normal times.

“Camp Cattle and Grove’’ almost is routine. It is still 10 weeks of swimming, games, activities, sports and education. But, it also includes social distancing, hand-washing, constant disinfecting and masking up. It’s summer camp in the COVID-19 era.

“It has been different, but some things haven’t changed,’’ said Alex Delgado, the East Pasco YMCA aquatics and program director who coordinates the camp. “Kids are kids. They love to see their friends. They love to have fun.

“They have been cooped up for a long time, so they are eager to get back at it. Sometimes, kids don’t understand what we’re doing. But, we make sure they don’t share supplies. We make sure every chair, every table, every basketball, every Lego, everything they use, is properly cleaned and disinfected. We’re all about having fun. But, we’re all about keeping them safe.’’

East Pasco YMCA officials Ryan Pratt, left, and Alex Delgado display the manual of activities for ‘Camp Cattle and Grove.’ (Joey Johnston)

Delgado and Ryan Pratt, the East Pasco YMCA membership and wellness director, initially wondered how the summer camp would be received. Would parents be wary? It has actually been the opposite. On the busiest week, 45 kids participated (last summer’s average was 34) and attendance has been pretty consistent.

“We actually had a pretty good trial run because we did 11 weeks of relief care (where working parents dropped off kids for all-day sessions during the school closures),’’ Pratt said. “We practiced social distancing. We saw what worked, what didn’t work. We felt pretty good about it.

“When summer camp rolled around, it was a little strange at first. We’re so used to physically encouraging them, but even the basic hug couldn’t be done this time. Some kids were uneasy at first. But, they got used to wearing masks. Pretty soon, it was, ‘Hey, this is summer camp. I get to play games and swim.’ Now it seems really normal.’’

Delgado, who has produced a weekly newsletter to detail the camp’s activities for parents, said the older group of kids had a quick grasp on the new normal, which includes masks when there was no physical activity and persistent cleanliness. The younger kids have followed that example.

The only major camp difference is a lack of outside vendors. Last summer, camp included a mobile music bus and a petting zoo of farm animals. Now more caution has been exercised, although the kids have gotten visits from Kona Ice, and Culver’s Restaurant, which provided custard.

“It doesn’t take much for kids to have fun, really,’’ Delgado said. “They are creative and imaginative. Most days, they are having a blast.’’

Summer-camp kids enjoy pool activities at the East Pasco YMCA.

The East Pasco YMCA staff has been creative as well. Delgado and Pratt — along with executive director Michael Cosentino — are wiping down equipment, sweeping floors and cleaning bathrooms.

“Whatever works,’’ Pratt said. “We’re doing a few things maybe we weren’t doing pre-COVID. But, we are dedicated to making this a memorable and safe experience for all the kids.’’

That’s true for the community at large.

The East Pasco YMCA, which mostly serves Zephyrhills, Dade City and Wesley Chapel, has morphed back to life after weeks of COVID-forced inactivity.

“In general, the membership is slowly returning,’’ Pratt said. “Once the virus is over, we’ll keep things in place. This level of cleanliness and disinfecting will be the standard, so that is a positive.

“We’re trying to let the community know that we are ready when they are ready. A lot of businesses are struggling, but we are a business, too. We are creating a safe environment for the entire family. Little by little, we are coming back and we want to be receptive to everyone’s needs.’’

This summer, that begins with the camp kids.

“Just seeing the happy faces, the laughter and the fun, that makes everything worth it,’’ Delgado said. “Summer camp and kids makes you feel like everything is back in order.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published July 22, 2020

Hillsborough launches COVID-19 dashboard

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Hillsborough County has launched a COVID-19 dashboard to help residents keep themselves better informed, to enable them make the best decisions to keep them and their families safe, according to a county news release.

The dashboard is accessible at HCFLgov.net/COVID19Dashboard.

The dashboard provides data on testing numbers, positive cases, and the number of COVID-19 patients being treated in local hospital systems.

Users can scroll through visual data charts and click on icons to review the information.

Most of the numbers are updated twice daily. The data related to coronavirus testing is updated once each week.

Sources for the data include the Florida Department of Health, Tampa General Hospital Data Exchange, the United States Census Bureau, and the Florida Office of Economic Development.

Published July 22, 2020

Dade City hires finance consultant to handle budget

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The City of Dade City has been scrambling to fill a key vacancy in its finance department — during a critical juncture where many budgetary details need to be ironed out for fiscal year 2020-2021.

To handle that chore, the municipality is turning to a financial consultant who’ll provide mostly remote services.

The finance department has been operating without a full-time finance officer. Its assistant finance officer resigned in June.

Dade City Commissioners approved the hiring of Andrew Laflin to serve as a financial consultant and interim finance officer, until the position is filled. The city’s finance department has been operating without a full-time finance officer. Its assistant finance officer resigned in late June. The municipality is now organizing its budget for fiscal year 2020-2021. (Courtesy of Andrew Laflin)

Dade City commissioners on July 14 unanimously approved an agreement with Andrew Laflin, CPA, to provide finance and budget services to the city, for an amount of $6,500 per month. The agreement is effective through Sept. 30, 2021; either party has the ability to terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice.

Laflin is expected to work from City Hall one or two days a week, and then be accessible remotely and virtually other days of the week.

He provides similar consulting services to the City of Madeira Beach and assists the Pinellas County Clerk’s finance division.

Laflin brings 17 years of public accounting experience, mainly leading an outsourcing, consulting and advisory practice devoted to serving Florida local governments, including counties, cities, transportation authorities and other special districts.

Laflin’s resume shows that he has provided consulting services to more than two dozen governmental agencies. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the fields of financial and cost accounting at the University of Tampa and Hillsborough Community College.

“I just look forward to the opportunity to serve this city and handle all the duties and responsibilities of this position, and I’m capable and eager to do so,” Laflin told the commission, during its virtual meeting.

Commissioners acknowledged the consulting arrangement — opposed to having a finance officer in-house — is far from ideal. But, they said there’s little other option at this point to get an initial budget drafted by Aug. 1.

The city originally anticipated elevating or placing additional responsibility to assistant finance officer Venus Irvine, but she resigned from her position June 24, leaving another gap in the finance department in a time where several budget workshops need to be planned, organized and executed.

“We’re really stuck in a vulnerable position,” said Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez. “We have a lot of work to get this budget done by Aug. 1, so there’s a huge void to be filled. I don’t think this is the best scenario, but it is a void that can be filled with a very capable person at this time.”

Commissioner Scott Black concurred: “We have to move ahead. We don’t have any choice in it. We may get into this (consulting arrangement) and realize this is a great option for us even to continue, so let’s go into it, see what we think. We have to do it now, so we need to proceed and we can cross all those bridges as we go along.”

The city has been unable to find a full-time finance officer since Leslie Porter was promoted from that role to city manager in February 2019. Since then, Porter’s been juggling both roles, something commissioners “never, never, never intended to be the case,” Hernandez emphasized.

“I am not happy with where we’re at a year-and-a-half later almost and having one individual assume both positions,” Hernandez said.

“The city manager has many things that we need to get done, especially in this time of all these other activities and plans and things that are happening in our city, so having that same person assuming all of those things is really not in the city’s best interest,” she added.

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive agreed, adding, “This situation with trying to get a finance director on board has taken a long time and I think we need to get this position filled as soon as we can.”

Aside from the ongoing search for a permanent finance officer, the mayor also expressed displeasure with the amount of job turnover throughout City Hall, particularly with some leading departmental roles.

Hernandez observed: “We’ve had some major positions that have been vacant or get filled and then they’re empty again, and that is not helping us at all, especially during a very busy time in Dade City’s history and all we’re trying to accomplish.

“I don’t know what we need to do, and I know the pool is limited, but we’ve got to figure this out,” Hernandez said.

July 22, 2020

Reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19

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The Florida Department of Health has issued some reminders, to help you reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.

These are some things you can do:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • Wear a face mask. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, or out in public, such as at a grocery store and other places.
  • Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.

Although people of any age can be infected by the virus, the health department reports that those who are most susceptible to serious health risks are those over age 65, and those with underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, lung conditions, diabetes and obesity.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include the following: Cough, fever, chills, muscle pain, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.

Symptom can range from mild to severe and appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your health care provide. If you have trouble breathing, get emergency medical care immediately.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the Florida Department of Health’s website, at FloridaHealthCovid19.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at CDC.gov.

Published July 22, 2020

Ice cream offers a sweet way to cool down

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Americans do love their ice cream.

In fact, in 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month, and named the third Sunday in July — this past Sunday — as National Ice Cream Day.

It turns out that the United States is the No. 1 producer and consumer of ice cream in the world

One survey says that 41% of Americans consider ice cream to be their favorite dessert, and it identified the best-loved flavors as chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream, and mint chocolate chip.

After making your vanilla ice cream, you can use it to prepare an ice cream sundae. Add flavored syrup, sprinkles, crunched candy, nuts, or other favorite toppings. For a final touch, add a cherry on top. (Courtesy of delish.com)

The origins of ice cream are not clear. Some sources trace a variation of it back to ancient China around 200 B.C., where a milk and rice mixture was kept frozen by packing it in the snow.

The Italian Explorer Marco Polo is said to have seen this during a trip to China and brought it back home in the 13th century, where it was enjoyed by the European elites and eventually made its way to North America.

While ice cream may have been created overseas, the ice cream sundae was born in the U.S.A., although exactly where it began remains in dispute.

The cities of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and Ithaca, New York, have been battling for more than a century over bragging rights as the birthplace of the ice cream sundae.

Two Rivers claims it created the ice cream sundae in 1881; Ithaca claims it came up with the idea in 1892, according to Farmers Almanac.

While that battle rages on, there’s plenty of consensus on how the ice cream sundae got its name, and how it came about.

The ice cream sundae was the result of Blue Laws, which were religious laws enacted to restrict activities considered sinful.

Ice cream soda shops began emerging at pharmacy counters in the 1870s, but soon after, one Blue Law placed restricting the sale of soda on Sundays because it seemed too close to alcohol, which also was banned for Sunday consumption.

Ice cream sodas were very popular — pharmacies sold soda since the caffeine (among other things in soda) was considered medicinal back then.

Both cities claim that someone wanted an ice cream soda on a Sunday (pharmacies were essential and open on Sundays).

Not wanting to violate the Blue Laws, but also not wanting to serve just plain scoops of ice cream, the druggist (now called pharmacist) switched out the soda and put flavored sauce on top instead (Two Rivers said it was chocolate sauce, Ithaca said it was cherry sauce).

The popularity spread quickly.

Initially, it was known as the “Ice Cream Sunday.”

The origins of the spelling change to “sundae” are not quite known, but many believe it was either to not offend those who were religious or to make it clear that the treat could be enjoyed any day of the week and not just on Sundays.

Whatever the reasoning behind the change, it stuck.

Other things, however, have changed.

Ice cream is now widely available in grocery stores, and just the idea of ice cream being sold at the pharmacy counter seems outlandish.

Although many ice cream parlors have closed over time, specialty ice cream shops remain popular.

Ice cream also comes in dozens of flavors these days, including coffee, peanut butter, and birthday cake, to name just a few. It also can be made dairy-free.

And, because it’s National Ice Cream month, you may be able to take advantage of some special prices or freebies at ice cream shops through the end of July.

You can even try your hand at making a batch, and you don’t even need fancy equipment. (Check out the recipe).

Whether you make your own ice cream, or pick some up at a shop or a store — just remember to have fun, and stay cool.

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.

Recipe
This recipe comes from delish.com; it uses plastic bags to make vanilla ice cream.

Ice cream in a bag 

Ingredients:
1 cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups ice
1/3 cup kosher salt
Toppings of your choice 

Directions:
In a small resealable plastic bag, combine half-and-half, sugar and vanilla. Push out excess air and seal.

Into a large resealable plastic bag, combine ice and salt. Place contents of small bag inside the bigger bag and shake vigorously, 7 minutes to 10 minutes, until ice cream has hardened.

Note: Oven mittens or a dish towel will help to handle the cold bags.

Remove from bag and enjoy with your favorite ice cream toppings.

Published July 22, 2020

This award winner is equally at ease in a barn, or a classroom

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Camryn Farquhar, an athlete and a scholar, keeps picking up awards.

Recently, she was named Pasco County’s Career Technical Education High School Student of the Year.

She also was named Wesley Chapel High School’s Outstanding Senior.

The barn makes a perfect backdrop, as Camryn Farquhar sports her Future Farmers of America jacket. (Courtesy of Camryn Farquhar)

And, those are just the latest of her many accolades.

She loves the classroom.

But, she feels most at home in the barn.

She grew up with horses. She used to raise hogs. Now it’s more about showing livestock, connecting with cows and learning all she can about the dairy industry.

“But, this is more than just farming,’’ Farquhar said.

The agriculture lifestyle, through the Future Farmers of America (FFA), includes training in business, leadership and public speaking. It included a stint as Champion Youth Ambassador for the Florida State Fair. It has propelled her to the University of Florida, where she plans a major in agricultural communications and education.

“When you say FFA, people sometimes have a preconceived idea of what it’s all about,’’ said Farquhar, who carried a 4.5 GPA and served in student government. “The truth is, it’s very important that the general public know about this industry. “It’s really important.

“It’s always nice to get honors, but I think it’s especially nice to be recognized in a field with so many great kids at our school and so many great kids throughout the county. I was just over the moon to be selected.’’

Farquhar, who competed in cross-country for Wesley Chapel and remains an active runner, always remembers being surrounded by animals. But, her interest really began when her mother, Erin, became an agriculture teacher.

Her mom came to the field by accident.

“I didn’t realize there were agriculture teacher jobs,’’ said Farquhar’s mother, a former special education teacher. “I was saying, ‘Why is there a barn at school?’ “But, when I stumbled into it and changed jobs, I immediately fell in love with it. It combines teaching with animals and plants. It probably would’ve been my passion earlier had I known it existed,” she said.

“It’s not like Camryn was pushed into this. She always had a natural interest. I know she got an award once and someone said, ‘Of course she did. Her mother is the ag teacher.’ But truly, she has made her own path. It’s not like we go home, sit around the kitchen table and talk about agriculture. She has developed this interest on her own.’’

Farquhar is the oldest (by 10 minutes) of triplets, along with siblings Ryan and Tifani, who are both headed to Florida State University. Ryan, who plays lacrosse and dabbles in FFA, plans a sports management major. Tifani, a projected criminology major, is best known as a standout diver, although she, too, has competed in FFA, but not to Camryn’s extent.

“We get compared to each other a lot, even though we are really different,’’ Farquhar said. “I think it’s an example of three people finding things they love and are passionate about, then following through. It’s not that one is better than the other. It’s just what you’re interested in.

“There were definitely advantages to having my mother be the (agriculture) teacher, but maybe some negative experiences, too, just an assumption that things were given to me. She has helped me and inspired me, but I worked pretty hard for everything I’ve done. It has mostly come about because I’ve loved it so much,” she said.

COVID-19 brought about a different way of celebrating Farquhar’s honors.

She learned of the CTE award (which included nominees from robotics, automotive, health and video production programs) through a Zoom call with school officials, including Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning. At Wesley Chapel, the Outstanding Senior award was noted by administrators delivering balloons, flowers and confetti poppers, along with plenty of mentions on social media.

Farquhar had been a well-decorated performer before, having earned honors at the Florida State Fair and Pasco County Fair, along with being selected to a state dairy judging group.

“These awards bring more focus to our program and that’s great,’’ Farquhar’s mother said. “We’re trying to foster a love of agriculture for the kids. They can learn about nutrition, developing foods, animal systems, environmental protections, and maybe that could become a career. At the very least, they will become more educated and become better consumers. We’re thrilled when agriculture is seen in that light and part of all aspects of school, not just having a notion that they’re just the ‘cowgirls.’

“I think Camryn was very honored just to be nominated. She was humbled by that. To actually be selected was very touching and meaningful.”

By Joey Johnston

Published July 15, 2020

Pasco Schools uncertain about COVID-19 impacts on growth

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Pasco County Schools expects to experience some growth in the coming school year, but the district remains uncertain about just how much.

The district has been projecting a growth of slightly more than 1,900 students, district-wide, including charter schools.

But, Chris Williams, the district’s director of planning, said he’s not sure whether that projection will hold up.

“I’ve been looking at the situation and the housing situation with COVID-19, and the big question is are we going to hit our 1,900 growth? I don’t know if we are, it’s hard to tell,” Williams said, during a Pasco County School Board budget workshop session on July 7.

“I do anticipate that we will have growth,” Williams said.

“I don’t know that we’ll hit our 1,900. We may. But, with a slowdown in housing, we may not get that high,” Williams said.

In a 6 p.m. board meeting the same day, Superintendent Kurt Browning addressed a parent’s concern about trying to choose an option for next school year, at a time when COVID-19 is spiking.

The school district is offering parents three choices for the 2020-2021 school year: Traditional brick-and-mortar; mySchool Online, a more structured approach to online learning than during the last part of last school year; and Pasco eSchool, which offers greater flexibility for virtual learners.

A caller into the telephonic board meeting expressed concerns about having to choose an option so many weeks before school starts, when so much still could change.

Browning reassured the parent that parents who choose the brick-and-mortar or mySchool Online won’t be locked into their choice.

There’s less flexibility with Pasco eSchool, he said, because that’s a separate entity with its own curriculum and different funding method.

The district’s initial deadline for parents to make a choice was July 1, but it extended the deadline to July 8, to give parents more time.

Browning said the district’s options resulted from extensive feedback it received from stakeholders through a Thought Exchange and discussions with stakeholder groups.

“We need to have decisions made by parents so that we, as a district, can allocate positions,” Browning said.

The district understands this is a trying time, Browning said. “We have to be flexible. We do know that things are changing literally hourly.”

The superintendent also addressed the issue of requiring face masks.

Board members appeared to be leaning toward mandatory masks during a previous workshop session, but Browning said he wants the district to hold off on that decision for now.

“We’re monitoring that situation. We’re looking at research, best practices,” Browning said, adding that the district is working with the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County.

“We’ll make a decision as we get closer to school start and that decision will be made public to our parents as soon as it is made,” Browning said.

“We will be making decisions right on up to the day that teachers return on Aug. 3, and we’ll be making decisions right on up, including to the start of school on Aug. 10.

“We know that parents are eager for information. They’re eager for accurate information.

“We’ve received hundreds, if not thousands, of questions,” Browning said.

School board member Megan Harding said that she has been flooded with emails and telephone calls relating to masks.

“I think that’s been a lot of worry for parents, on both sides,” Harding said.

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd said the district has been working on guidelines, so it will be ready to use them, if that’s the direction the district decides to take.

Browning said he prefers to monitor the situation and make a decision closer to the start of school.

“I think it’s a little premature at this point. I understand the parents want either a yes or a no, but things are changing. And, quite honestly, they are changing hourly.

“I think having guidelines in the que, ready to go for consideration, is a wise move. But, I think it’s early to make a decision about masks right now,” the superintendent said.

Published July 15, 2020

Hillsborough public schools will require masks

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Hillsborough County Public Schools will require face coverings when school resumes, Aug. 10.

Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis made the announcement on July 7.

In a video posted the same day on the district’s website, Davis elaborated on his decision.

Each staff member will receive three reusable masks when they return for pre-planning and each student will receive three reusable masks on Day 1 of the new school year.

“I spent the last few days speaking with medical professionals from the University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospitals, teachers, school administrators, business leaders and local department of health to help guide our decisions around protocols that affect the safety of our entire district.

“We all can agree that the safety and health of our students, teachers, staff and this community are paramount to the reopening of our schools,” he said.

“The CDC has identified face coverings as one of the most effective tools in stopping the spread of COVID-19, along with social distancing, handwashing and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces,” he said.

Davis said that he’s said from the beginning that the district’s reopening plan is fluid and that the district will continue to make adjustments as it continues to monitor the spread of the coronavirus within the community.

“I believe that requiring face coverings is the best option we have in providing an additional layer of protection for everyone on our campuses,” he said.

In total, the district will have more than 760,000 masks through purchases and donations from the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center and community partners, such as Humana and AVID.

“The spread of the coronavirus in our community has shown no sign of decreasing over the past three weeks,” he said.

“We have to do everything we can to keep our students, our staff and our families safe and healthy,” he said.

Meanwhile, parents of Hillsborough County students have until July 17 to indicate their declaration of intent for their preferred way of learning for their student in the new school year. Options include instruction at brick-and-mortar buildings, structured online learning, or self-paced virtual learning. Another potential option is a hybrid approach, which combines face-to-face instruction and online learning. There’s also an option for online learning only, if the district is required to close its campuses due to COVID-19.

To get more details, visit the district’s website at SDHC.k12.fl.us.

Published July 15, 2020

Caring for dad comes naturally for Vizzari sons

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Vince Vizzari, a retired City of Tampa firefighter, was always there for his three sons. He coached them in baseball. He worked with them in Boy Scouts. He was available to help with a project or share some family time.

Life changed dramatically for Vizzari on Jan. 23, 2018, when he suffered a massive stroke that affected his speech and mobility.

And now, the three Vizzari sons — Tony, Mike and Tim — are always there for the dad.

After the initial care and rehabilitation, there was no question about the road ahead for Vizzari. A specialized facility or nursing home was available, but the sons wouldn’t hear of that. Their dad was coming home.

The Vizzari sons, from left: Tim, Michael and Tony, gather around their dad, Vince, who suffered a massive stroke in 2018. The brothers have juggled other obligations, to rally around their dad. (Courtesy of Lonna Vizzari)

To make that work, they have done anything needed to assist, lightening the load on Vizzari’s wife, Lonna, and drawing the family even closer.

Tony (a retired firefighter), Mike (an active fire captain) and Tim (who operates the family’s landscaping business) are juggling their work and family obligations to help care for their dad, 73. Everyone lives close in the Lutz area. They are in constant communication to schedule their time and make sure they can help with chores or simply spend time with their dad.

“They are devoted to their father and always have been,’’ Lonna said. “They do whatever is needed, without complaint, and I derive so much comfort from that.

“It warms my heart. It just brings tears to my eyes, to see that kind of love. Each one does something different with their dad. I always know I can call them and their families also to drop what they are doing if I need them.’’

Vizzari’s left side is much weaker now. If he’s pulled over to the side of the bed, he can sit up. He’s aware of his surroundings and can say some words, including his wife’s name, but has trouble writing.

He needs a wheelchair to get around, and one of the sons takes him outside nearly every day, where he enjoys watching the birdfeeder or maybe one of his grandchildren playing at the lake. While inside, he loves watching western movies or television shows.

In 1996, while working for the fire department, Vizzari suffered a heart attack. For a while, he was reassigned to office duty until he retired on disability. Still, he continued owning a pest control business and taking care of his own mother, 92-year-old Marie, who lived in his home.

The stroke changed everything — and nothing.

“We have always been close to him, and we still are,’’ Tony said. “We’re just doing what we’re supposed to do. Family comes first.’’

“Our dad has always been a jokester, a people person, the kind of guy who helped anyone he could,’’ Tim said. “Things could be a lot worse, but they could also be better. We all want to do whatever we can for him because he deserves that.’’

At the time of the stroke, Tim and his wife were finalizing plans to become foster parents to three children, joining their two biological kids. Life’s complications can appear overwhelming, but it all seems to work.

Vizzari’s positive attitude a major plus
“He’s a great patient,’’ Tony said. “He smiles and laughs every day. He says ‘thank you’ to each of us every day.

“I’d like him to be able to transfer into his wheelchair on his own. Obviously, any extra communication would be a goal. There’s room for improvement, and we will continue to work at it. But, he has the right attitude. He keeps trying, so we keep trying with him.’’

When one of his sons arrives, Vizzari usually smiles and gives a victory hand signal.

“He might not be able to say some words, but you can go by the expression in his eyes,’’ Tim said. “When the grandkids are there, his whole world lights up. He tries to say things, but sometimes it doesn’t come out like he wants.

“It can be a stressful situation, but we all love that we can be there for him and help out. It’s about helping out our mom, too. She’s more of a trooper than anyone. She doesn’t give up, no matter how difficult it might seem.’’

In the last few months, Vizzari’s wife has utilized some caregiver help, usually in the mornings. But, nothing replaces the presence of Vizzari’s sons.

“What they have done for their father, what they have done for me, is something that should be honored,’’ she said. “They are devoted to us. They have their own families and responsibilities, but they make time.

“We are blessed to have a close family. We always had dinners and big get-togethers. We have always supported each other. This is just another example, an extreme example. Vince has improved in a lot of ways, and I think what the boys have done is a big reason for that.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published July 15, 2020