The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Political Agenda 06/24/2020

By

Pasco voters won’t have to pay for postage
Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley has announced that voters who wish to vote-by-mail in the primary and general election will not have to pay postage to send in their ballot.

In a news release, Corley said that the step is being taken due to the unprecedented nature of the 2020 election cycle.

“Although the impact of COVID-19 on the election cycle is largely unknown, at a minimum, I believe that social distancing guidelines may inevitably create long lines and wait times at Early Voting Sites and Election Day polling places,” Corley said, in the release. “We are promoting vote-by-mail as a third option for casting a ballot in hopes of mitigating any inconvenience to voters at the polls. In these unprecedented times we are also taking the extra step of paying return postage for vote-by-mail ballots as a way of assisting voters to safely cast their ballot.”
Florida has had no-excuse absentee voting since 2002, and in 2016 the term absentee was officially changed to vote-by-mail by unanimous vote of the Florida Legislature. Requesting a vote-by-mail ballot can be done online at PascoVotes.gov, by phone at (800) 851-8754, or by signed written request (include your date of birth) mailed to P.O. Box 300, Dade City, FL 33526.

Vote-by-mail ballots are mailed approximately 40 days prior to each election when a request is on file, but voters can continue to request ballots up to 10 days before an election with requests being processed within 24 hours.

For more information on voting by mail, see our FAQ at PascoVotes.gov.

Burgess receives endorsements
Danny Burgess, who is running to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Tom Lee, in Florida Senate District 20, has received the endorsement of Lee and Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to Burgess’ campaign. Burgess, a Republican, is facing Democrat Kathy Lewis.

Published June 24, 2020

Pasco municipal elections set for June 30

By

Municipal elections for the cities of Dade City and San Antonio are scheduled for June 30.

The local elections — which will decide various city commission seats — originally were  scheduled for April, but were delayed due to COVID-19.

The Dade City voting precinct is at First Baptist Church Dade City, 37511 Church Ave., in Dade City.

San Antonio’s precinct is at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 12110 Main St., in San Antonio.

Municipal elections in Dade City and San Antonio are scheduled for June 30. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (File)

Polls for both races will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Poll workers at each precinct will be following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines of social distancing, mask-wearing and sanitation, Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley told The Laker/Lutz News.

“Anyone that does show up for election day voting, there will be those safety precautions in place. We’re not expecting a huge turnout, but for voters that do show up, they can expect to get out of there rather quickly, and we’ll take care of them,” Corley said.

For those cautious about heading to the polls amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the elections supervisor suggests voting by mail instead. Request a vote-by-mail ballot by calling (800) 851-8754, or in writing to P.O. Box 300, Dade City, FL 33526. Vote-by-mail ballots are due back in the elections’ office by 7 p.m., election day.

Whether it’s a polling place or via mail, Corley emphasized the importance for city residents to cast a ballot in the local elections.

“These municipal offices are the closest to the people and traditionally have the lowest turnout, and it should be the opposite,” Corley said. “It’s the old adage, ‘If you don’t vote, you can’t complain,’ so I would encourage all voters to come out and get their voice heard.”

Here is a closer look at the elections:

Dade City
Six candidates are running for three open seats on the Dade City Commission — for Groups 3, 4 and 5.

In Group 3, two-term incumbent Jim Shive is facing challenger Matthew Wilson. Shive is a retired government employee. Wilson is a data entry clerk for the United Parcel Service.

Groups 4 and 5 seats will see fresh faces, as Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix are not seeking re-election. Newlon served one four-year term after she won in 2016, while Penix has held her seat since 1993.

Vying for Newlon’s Group 4 seat are Ann Cosentino and Knute Nathe.

Cosentino owns a communications/branding consulting firm. Nathe is an attorney with McCLain Alfonso P.A.

Christopher King and Normita Woodard are facing off for Penix’s Group 5 seat. King is the founder of The Gentleman’s Course Inc., a local youth mentorship charity. Woodard is a secretary at Lacoochee Elementary School.

San Antonio
Five candidates are vying to fill three open seats on the San Antonio City Commission.

Incumbents Elayne Bassinger and Sarah Schrader are running and Joseph Couture, John Vogel and Dacia Wadsworth Mitchell fill out the field.

Unlike the head-to-head matchups of other municipalities, the top three overall vote-getters earn commission seats. San Antonio commissioners serve two-year terms.

For more voting information, call the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections office at (800) 851-8754 or (352) 521-4302, or visit PascoVotes.gov.

Published June 24, 2020

Watch out for COVID-19 scams

By

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has posted information on its website about how to avoid scams during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FTC offers this advice to consumers:

  • Don’t respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government. Read more at consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04.
  • Be wary of ads for test kits. Most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and aren’t necessarily accurate.
  • Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes.
  • Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) or WHO (World Health Organization). Use sites such as Coronavirus.gov and USA.gov/coronavirus to get the latest information. Do not click on links from sources you don’t know.
  • Do your homework when it comes to donations. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money.

To download a complete guide or watch videos on how to avoid scams, to read about how COVID-19 impacts finances, or to view consumer complaint data, visit FTC.gov/coronavirus.

Published June 24, 2020

Watermelon festival offers sweet, old-fashioned fun

By

Amy Guzzo, 38, of Lutz, chows down on a slice of watermelon during the adult watermelon-eating contest at the first annual Lutz Watermelon Festival. She was declared the contest winner. (Randy Underhill)

It was billed as the first annual Lutz Watermelon Festival — and, the sweet juicy melon was a big draw.

There were watermelon-eating contests for kids and adults, a watermelon-catapult contest, and a Little Miss Watermelon pageant.

Other ways to have fun included a large hay bale walk, tire swings, a rock climbing tower and a dunk tank.

Festival-goers could grab a bite to eat from a plethora of food trucks, could do some shopping from local vendors and could enjoy music, too.

The event even had free parking.

The festival was held on June 13, an overcast day, at County Line Produce, 206 Newberger Road in Lutz. It was hosted by County Line Produce Company and Intensity Academy Gourmet & Hot Sauce Company.

By Randy Underhill

Published June 24, 2020

Harper St. Clair seems to have the queen’s wave down, as she celebrates being named the winner in the age 3 to 5 category in the Little Miss Watermelon pageant. Here, she is waving to her little sister, Savanah St. Clair. (Courtesy of Amanda Short)
These giant hay bales are no match for 3-year-old Roselie Nobles. (Randy Underhill)
Three-year-old Sebastian Ellis, of Spring Hill, takes this tractor on an imaginary spin, during the watermelon festival in Lutz. (Randy Underhill)
Pat Largo, of New Port Richey, was master of ceremonies during the Little Miss Watermelon Pageant, which had several age categories. Here, he announces Nicolette Verno, age 7 months, of Rochester, New York, in the age 0 to 2-year-old group. Her mother, Marissa Verno, holds Nicolette for a pose. (Randy Underhill)
Christian Northrup, 22, of Lutz, gets ready to enjoy a Maine Lobster roll sandwich from one of the food vendors at the festival. (Randy Underhill)
Ten-year-old Kayden Bilbery, of Trinity, shows off the trophy he won for winning the children’s division of the watermelon-eating contest. (Randy Underhill)
Six-year-old Jayceon Rivera, of Lutz, checks his footing on the rock-climbing tower at the festival. (Randy Underhill)

City manager receives performance review

By

The Dade City Commission delivered its latest review for City Manager Leslie Porter, and they identified some key areas for improvement.

They rated Porter’s overall performance at a 4.1 out of 5.0 scale, and said focus areas for improvement are in building relationships and communications.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter (File)

The five commissioners graded Porter in these categories: management in administration, adhering to governance, relationship-building, leadership, and financial acumen.

She received the evaluation at the commission’s June 9 virtual meeting.

This was Porter’s fourth review since she was officially named city manager last May. Going forward, she will receive annual performance reviews like other city department heads and administrators.

In a summary of the latest evaluation, Mayor Camille Hernandez explained Porter “scored a little bit lower” when it came to cultivating relationships with legislators, residents, merchants, The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and so on.

The mayor also advised Porter — who resides in Tampa — that she needs to better familiarize herself with the municipality as a whole, along with the various city departments and employees.

Hernandez observed, “I think the communication, listening to the citizens, getting involved and responding, and serving as an effective spokesperson are really more of the primary areas (for improvement).”

In fairness, Hernandez pointed out the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down some of those objectives she previously had discussed at length with Porter. With that, the mayor did credit Porter for keeping the community informed through social media websites and online newsletters in the last few months.

Commissioner Jim Shive thanked Porter for “keeping the city at hand” through the pandemic, adding, “We all know that Leslie is a very hard worker, and she’s doing a great job in some areas.”

The city manager’s other evaluations this past year “have continued to come in satisfactory,” Commissioner Scott Black added.

Reflecting on her first year as city manager, Porter said: “I will just say it has been a whirlwind of a year, and I’m just thankful for the opportunity, (and) to continue the opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Hernandez noted another matter to hash out is finalizing the reorganization of city administration.

Specifically, having Porter fully relinquish finance director duties — the original position she was hired for back in 2014. Porter has juggled both roles since February 2019, when she was then appointed interim city manager.

A possible candidate for the finance director post is Venus Irvine, who became the city’s assistant finance director in March.

The issue likely will be addressed further once budget conversations begin and new commissioners come aboard following the June 30 municipal election.

In any case, “a separation of duties” Hernandez said.

The mayor added: “The intent was never to have the city manager acting as the city finance director as well.”

Published June 24, 2020

Local schools join civics and debate initiative

By

Dr. John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High School are among 60 schools across Florida selected to take part in the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI).

The selections were announced during the Pasco County School Board meeting on June 16.

The initiative is supported through a $5 million grant from The Marcus Foundation.

“The mission of the FCDI is to create access and opportunities for all students to have the best civics education, including curriculum, debate programs, and high-quality teachers that are catalysts for students becoming great citizens who can preserve our constitutional republic for future generations,” according to a posting on the FloridaEducationFoundation.org website.

The idea is to increase access for all students to participate in speech and debate programs, regardless of school district, socioeconomic status, or background, according to the website.

The FCDI will develop and host the first of its kind National Civics and Debate Competition (NCDC), which will allow a broader range of students to explore, understand, and express important constitutional, legal and societal issues, the posting says.

Teachers and debate coaches also will be provided opportunities for professional development throughout the year, to enable them to learn techniques and best practices for teaching civics, speech and debate.

Published June 24, 2020

Elks Lodge opens drive-thru food pantry

By

What Donna Moyer misses most is the children filing into the cafeteria, laughing, playing and sitting down to enjoy lunch.

“We have a big party,” said Moyer, past Exalted Ruler at the Elks Lodge 2731, in Zephyrhills. “It’s a big deal. This year with all this extra nonsense, we can’t.”

COVID-19 upended the typical Feed the Kids Program, a free summer lunch and literacy program.

A young girl wrote a handmade thank you card to the volunteers who distribute free lunches at the Elks Lodge. (Courtesy of Donna Moyer)

This year, Moyer, and 10 to 15 volunteers, wave to children in the backseat of cars as their parents pull into a drive-thru food pantry organized at the lodge, at 6851 Wire Road.

Five days a week from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the volunteers hand out about 100 free lunches prepared daily at Zephyrhills’ restaurant, Tubby’s Q and Smokehouse.

The restaurant is the first participant in Operation Feed Pasco, a collaboration between the Pasco County Commission, United Way of Pasco County, Thomas Promise Foundation and the Elks Lodge.

The initiative has a dual purpose: To bolster area food pantries and help restaurants that took a financial loss from the COVID-19 shutdown.

A nonprofit, Harper Valley Son’s Food Pantry based in Wesley Chapel, is independently providing boxes of vegetables, pre-cooked meat, fruit and milk to parents who come to the Elks Lodge.

Joe Simmons, left, executive director of the Thomas Promise Foundation, and Robert ‘Cowboy’ Harper, founder of Harper Valley Son’s Food Pantry, discuss food distribution standing beside a food truck Harper drove to the Elks Lodge. (Kathy Steele)

On Wednesdays, the Elks Lodge also gives out bags filled with craft activities and books to boost reading skills.

On Fridays, Thomas Promise provides meals to carry families through the weekend.

Thomas Promise’s mission is to feed hungry children in Pasco. It typically serves 1,600 students in more than 25 schools, but this year the need is greater because of COVID-19.

The nonprofit is a longtime supporter of the Elks Lodge, so coming together for Operation Feeding Pasco was a natural fit.

“I immediately thought of Elks Lodge because that’s exactly what we do,” said Joe Simmons, executive director of Thomas Promise.

When Moyer realized the Elks Lodge members had to reinvent an on-site program now in its sixth year, she stayed up nights wondering if they could pull it off.

But, Moyer said, “We just kind of got it all together.”

The Elks Lodge is one of many nonprofits and food banks that is helping families that are struggling to pay bills, put food on the table and stay safe during the pandemic.

Even as businesses begin to reopen in Florida, and more people are venturing out to shops and restaurants — a great need for help continues.

Before COVID-19, Feeding Tampa Bay distributed food in its 10-county region to about 600,000 “food insecure” individuals. Since the shutdown, that number has more than doubled, to about 1.3 million.

“The need is continuing to climb,” said Shannon Hannon Oliviero, external affairs officer for Feeding Tampa Bay.

Volunteers Harriett Hinton, left, and Ilene Nutting put together craft bags. Nutting, a former day care worker, organizes the giveaway for the Elks Lodge. (Kathy Steele)

The nonprofit began opening drive-thru food banks, known as “mega-pantries,” in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Polk and Pasco counties.

One mega-pantry now operates at Pasco High School in Dade City.

Volunteers with Make a Difference, a nonprofit in Dade City, distribute food supplied by Feeding Tampa Bay every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 36850 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Oliviero said an early survey completed after the shutdown revealed about 70% of those coming to food banks were doing so for the first time in their lives.

Many had either lost their jobs or are on furlough, she said.

She said the help will continue.

“We’re going to be here for as long as needed. That’s what we’re here for,” Oliviero said.

About 700 food bags were given away at the first drive-thru at Pasco High, said Larry Guilford, founder of Make a Difference.

“One woman cried while driving through,” he said. “That’s when we know we’re doing the right thing. That’s telling us it’s needed.”

Volunteers bagged up lunch meals prepared by Tubby Q’s and Smokehouse, a Zephyrhills restaurant participating in Operation Feed Pasco. (Kathy Steele)

The same community spirit abounds at the Elks Lodge. Volunteers arrive around 7:30 a.m. Duties include bagging the days’ meals, snacks and crafts. On some days they also prepare frozen meals, such as pancakes and sausage, meat subs and spaghetti. Those are kept in the freezers for use as needed, said Moyer.

On average about 100 meals are distributed for the summer program, but on one recent day about 150 meals were handed out, she said.

“Thank you,” is the phrase of the day, as parents and children accept the food bags.

“It’s an amazing resource,” said Kimberly Mahon, who drove through with her children, ages 3 and 7.

Brad Odell, a Wesley Chapel High School teacher, drove through with his family — but also took home food packages for neighbors unable to leave their home.

“It helps me,” he said, adding, “but I have neighbors that are elderly, and a woman with five children. I try to help out as many people as possible. It makes me feel good.”

Area food banks/pantries
Here is a partial list of food banks operating in Pasco. (Please call ahead to be sure the pantry is open and to find out its hours of operation):

Food Pantry at Emmanuel Ministries
12639 Candlewood Drive, Dade City
For information on hours, call (813) 713-0305.

Farmworker’s Self-Help
37240 Lock St., Dade City
Provides fresh fruit, meats, dairy and more
For information, call (352) 567-1432.

Neighborhood Care Center
5140 Sixth St., Zephyrhills
This nonregional, nonprofit offers free groceries and hot meals
For information, call (813) 780-6822.

Life Community Center
6542 Applewood St., Wesley Chapel
For information, call (813) 994-0685.

Christian Social Services
5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
For information, call (813) 995-0088.

Suncoast Harvest Food Bank
5829 Ehren Cutoff Road, Land O’ Lakes
Open third Saturday of the month
For information, call (813) 929-0200.

St. Vincent De Paul
Serves various locations in Pasco
For information, call the district office at (727) 868-8160.

Father and Son Love Ministries
21418 Carson Drive, Land O’ Lakes
Operates a food pantry on Tuesdays, from noon to 2 p.m.; Fridays, from noon to 3 p.m.; and on Sundays, starting at 12:30 p.m.
For information, call (813) 383-8410.

Helping Hands, a food pantry at Atonement Lutheran Church
29617 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
Call (813) 756-8866 to find out when it is open.

Daystar Hope Center
15512 U.S. 301, Dade City
Call (352) 523-0844 to find out when it is open.

Published June 17, 2020

Florida Avenue Brewing ready to begin pouring

By

Craft beer lovers get ready for the taste of some new brews in Pasco County.

Florida Avenue Brewing Co., anticipates opening by the end of July, possibly as soon as July 15.

“We’re super excited about it,” said Anthony Derby, chief executive officer of Florida Avenue Brewing.

“This project is bigger than what I imagined it to be – in a good way,” said Derby, who also is a founder and CEO of Brew Bus Brewing in the Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa.

Anthony Derby, chief executive officer of Florida Avenue Brewing (Courtesy of Florida Avenue Brewing)

When Florida Avenue Brewing opens in Wesley Chapel, Derby anticipates it will be able to produce 60,000 barrels a year, and claim its place as the largest locally owned brewery in Florida.

A grain silo will allow storage of grain in bulk.

The brewery will have about 14 distributors selling its craft beers statewide, from Tallahassee to Key West.

The Pasco County Commission recently approved an economic incentive payment of about $253,000. In return, Florida Brewing will create at least 42 jobs related to the manufacturing activities of the brewery, according to the county’s agreement.

The payment also will fund an employee training grant for Pasco-based employees, and reimbursement of county utility service connection fees.

Derby anticipates that as many as 150 jobs in manufacturing and retail, including restaurant positions, will be created over time.

The brewery will open in the former Sports + Field, at 2029 Arrowgrass Drive.

Florida Avenue Brewing will open in July at the former Sports + Field in Wesley Chapel. Remodeling of the building is nearing completion.

Construction work on a major remodel of the building is nearly complete.

Florida Brewing will have a full restaurant, a 3,500-square-foot outdoor beer garden, a private beer garden for special events, an open kitchen, and a large closed kitchen.

Patrons will have an open view through glass into the brewery from inside the dining room, as well as from the outside.

Derby envisions Florida Brewing as a community gathering place to enjoy craft beers, family and friends, sports on television, dining, music, and games such as corn hole and bocce.

In the midst of COVID-19, there were a few delays in construction. But, everything is coming together, Derby said.

The cannery line, for example, came from Italy, a hot spot for COVID-19. Brewing equipment from Washington State, also a COVID-19 hot spot, will be shipped shortly, Derby said.

Patrons’ safety is foremost, so Derby said Florida Brewing is closely watching changing guidelines on opening for business, including social distancing and allowable capacity.

Florida Brewing will be ready for everything, said Derby.

“We’re preparing disposable menus,” he added.

Florida Avenue Brewing will sell its craft beer to distributors across the state.

The Wesley Chapel site eventually will produce about 80% of the company’s beer products, and will be the company’s flagship location, Derby said.

Brew Bus Brewing and Florida Avenue Brewing are affiliated, but Florida Avenue Brewing is the company’s flagship brand.

Operations will continue in Seminole Heights at Brew Bus Brewing, a popular Tampa and Seminole Heights destination, and a starting point for public and private beer tours throughout Tampa Bay.

Florida Brewing is making an investment of about $12 million at its new location, including renovations to the building.

County officials estimate Florida Brewing Bus will contribute an average of $15.7 million to the Gross County Product.

Pasco’s economic potential is well-known to Derby, whose mother-in-law lives in Wesley Chapel.

Before settling on the Arrowgrass site, the company looked at a vacant 15-acre site near the Tampa Premium Outlets.

“It just wasn’t right for us,” Derby said.

The former Sports + Field building — with its large size and prime location near ongoing development off State Road 56 — felt like the perfect fit.

“I’ve seen this area grow,” he said.

For information and job opportunities, visit FloridaAveBrewing.com.

Published June 17, 2020

Back to school will be different this fall

By

Efforts are in high gear, as Pasco County Schools prepares for the coming 2020-2021 school year.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has said the district will announce its comprehensive plan for the upcoming school year on or before July 1.

In light of continuing concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the district must take precautions it hasn’t had to take in previous years.

In preparation for developing its plan, it has hosted focus groups, conducted a survey and used a tool called Thought Exchange, which drew participation from thousands of people.

“You let us know what you thought and we listened,” Browning said, in a video posted on the school district’s website.

“Several themes came through, loud and clear,” Browning said.

“Many parents and staff expect and welcome a return to a traditional school setting in the fall.

“You want a safe and healthy learning environment.

“You want us to provide options because not everyone feels comfortable, returning to the school campus or to the workplace.

“You want online learning to include more opportunities for students to interact directly with their teachers.

“You want us to ensure that there are clear rules and procedures for when a child becomes sick and that those rules are enforced. You want more mental health resources for students and staff. And, you want to have opportunities to experience all of the things that make for a rewarding school experience, including all of the extracurricular activities that make school fun.”

Browning said the district remains focused on “providing a world-class education and closing the achievement gap.”

It also needs “to ensure that our classrooms and workspaces are regularly cleaned and have a plan in place to replenish soap and cleaning supplies.

“Our plan has to be flexible to meet the varying needs of students and staff. It also needs to be consistent and predictable at all grade levels and worksites.

“As they say, the devil is in the details,” so the district has several work groups focused on working out those details, he said.

At a Pasco School Board meeting on June 2, Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, expressed appreciation for being invited to take part in district focus groups to brainstorm about concerns and offer suggestions.

As the district moves toward the goal of returning to brick-and-mortar sites, Peace asked district officials to continue welcoming input from the union.

“Please allow us to continue in conversations that will help evolve how this plays out.”

The union leader also noted that he’s heard from parents and employees who are concerned about returning to school campuses.

“Whether real or imagined, the fear some people have will drive decisions regarding school and work attendance,” Peace said.

Published June 17, 2020

More restaurants, entertainment coming soon

By

Cypress Creek Town Center is adding a rock-themed, family restaurant; a game and entertainment venue; and a cigar emporium to its retail roster.

Rock & Brews, Main Event and Cigars International are under construction on the south side of State Road 56, on stand-alone parcels adjacent to Tampa Premium Outlets.

Rock & Brews, a family restaurant, is likely to open in October, according to the restaurant’s general manager. (B.C. Manion)

Rock & Brews general manager Tim Patituce anticipates an October opening.

COVID-19 likely will determine the date.

“With everything going on, you can’t pull the trigger on hiring until we get to 100% capacity without 6-foot separation. We want to make sure you get the whole Rock & Brews experience,” the general manager said.

Patituce emphasizes that despite the “Rock” in the name, this is a family friendly restaurant.

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, members of KISS, are “corporation ambassadors,” Patituce said. KISS, a rock band from the 1970s, is known for their painted faces, futuristic costumes and pyrotechnic effects during live performances.

The décor features rock n’ roll posters. Televisions play music videos. And, diners can play shuffleboard, corn hole and foosball.

The menu includes burgers, pizzas and creative salads — made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients.

The restaurant also boasts a large selection of craft beers and an outdoor patio.

“We’re really excited to have Main Event and Cigars International within walking distance. We want to have a partnership together.”

Main Event is an approximately 49,000-square-foot venue that will feature 22 bowling lanes, billiards, laser tag, gravity ropes, shuffleboard, games and two banquet rooms.

Patituce grew up in Florida. He helped open another Rock & Brews in Kissimmee. The Wesley Chapel location will be the fourth restaurant in Florida.

Main Event is an approximately 49,000-square-foot venue that will feature 22 bowling lanes, billiards, laser tag, gravity ropes, shuffleboard, games and two banquet rooms.

An opening is expected in 2020.

Cigars International’s website describes the company – known for its online and catalog sales – as the “King Kong” of the cigar industry.

Its headquarters is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; its corporate owner is Scandinavian Tobacco Group.

According to permits issued by Pasco County, the store will be nearly 13,000 square feet including the outdoor patio. The company’s online menu lists more than 1,600 cigar brands, accessories and a Cigar of the Month Club.

Representatives for Main Event and Cigars International weren’t available for comment.

Published June 17, 2020