The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Threat of COVID-19 disrupts rhythms of daily life

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Health and economic threats loom large in light of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), but there have been great costs, as well, on a personal level.

Life as we knew it, just a few weeks ago, has been turned upside down.

Recommendations to limit gatherings to 10 people are killing plans for personal celebrations — such as weddings, graduations and retirements, as well as birthday and anniversary milestones.

Concerns about spreading COVID-19 are causing parents to keep their children away from the grandparents.

Spring break trips and visits to theme parks — that families had been looking forward to for months, were cancelled.

And, even memorial services for loved ones are being postponed to allow for a larger celebration of life, later.

Retired teachers Judy and Glenn Alvarez, of Lutz, said the COVID-19 pandemic caused an unwanted cancellation in their life.

“We were supposed to go the Master’s — a bucket list thing,” Judy said.

She also noted that it’s annoying to be unable to find things in the grocery store. “Chicken, for example, there wasn’t any fresh chicken.”

The retired Lutz Elementary School teacher said she’d be surprised if schools reopen this year.

“I think that’s disappointing, too. Kids — playing their last game — not knowing they were playing their last game,” she said.

Glenn, a former baseball coach added: “If you’re a senior, this was your big chance in high school to shine. And, all of a sudden, it’s shut down.”

People across The Laker/Lutz News region noted that some view COVID-19 as a serious threat, while others, not so much.

Eighty-four-year old Bettie Coupland, of Dade City, said precautions are necessary.

“It’s a very serious thing,” she said. “We only go where we have to go.”

In fact, she and her husband, Lester, weren’t sure whether they would head to the polls on March 17 for the Presidential Preference Primary.

Ultimately, they decided to go — but, they wore masks.

Charissa Garcia, of Zephyrhills, said “a lot of people are not taking it seriously.”

Her husband, Joe, agreed: “We’re not preparing enough. We’re not ready for what’s coming, and everybody around here is acting like, ‘Oh, it’s just the common cold,’ and all this other stuff, and there’s going to be a rude awakening here.”

He also noted that there’s a lack of consistent messaging from the government and a lack of available tests.

“We’re all walking time bombs, and we don’t know who has what. We could all be carrying it asymptomatic and we don’t know that, and we’ve got nothing but snowbirds around us that are ready to migrate back home,” Joe said.

The couple said they’re doing their best to stay out of public places.

Even though the government is urging people to use social distancing — that is staying 6 feet away from each other to avoid spreading the virus — many are failing to comply.

“I see what’s going on in Italy, and they were in this same situation 10 days ago, and us being Americans — we’ve never dealt with something like this here,” Joe said.

He also noted that Americans tend to believe that things that happen in other countries couldn’t happen here.

So, he said, “people aren’t taking it seriously, and we’ve got a lot of tough times to go through.”

Thirty-four-year-old Brandon Bristow, an educator from Zephyrhills, said he thinks people need to take necessary precautions — but, he also believes that the threat has been blown out of proportion.

At the same time, though, he added: “It’s better safe than sorry.”

Bristow said he works with children, so he’s constantly washing his hands.

“Also, I am watching how much people interaction I’m having,” he added, and being sure to use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces.

Church congregations are being affected, too.

Instead of holding regular services, churches are livestreaming them.

Fred Perkins, the pastor of New River Methodist Church, off State Road 54, in Zephyrhills, planned to broadcast his service on YouTube, according to his daughter-in-law, Amanda Perkins.

The church has been broadcasting its contemporary service on My Facebook Live for a couple of years, she said. But, the church has two other services that are primarily attended by senior citizens.

“They’re not able to come to those, so we are going to be, for the first time, going to be broadcasting on a YouTube channel this weekend, so they can hopefully tune in,” she said.

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes, also live-streamed two Masses on March 22, one in English at 9:30 a.m., and one in Spanish at 11:30 a.m.

To give the services a more personal touch, the parish asked families to email a photo of their family to the church office.

They planned to enlarge the photos to place them on chairs in the church, so the priests could see the faces, while celebrating the Masses.

Kevin Weiss contributed to this story

Published March 25, 2020

Project provides inclusion for those with sight impairments

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The mission of the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind (LVIB) is to educate, empower and employ people who are sight impaired and blind.

This rendering shows the new Sensory Garden and Accessible Playground that will be built at the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind in New Port Richey. (Courtesy of Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind)

The organization provides residents of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties with no-cost vision rehabilitation, and opportunities to maintain and increase independence.

Recently, LVIB hosted a groundbreaking for its new Sensory Garden and Accessible Playground that will be built at the New Port Richey Lighthouse, 9130 Ridge Road.

The project will be a one-of-a-kind resource because of its level of accessibility for people who are visually impaired and blind.

Sounds, textures, smells, and signage and other identifying markers will allow those with sight impairments to use all their senses to navigate and benefit from being outside.

The area will be used to teach people of all ages independent living skills and white cane skills. It also will keep them safe while they learn, play, relax and garden.

The design will incorporate a waterfall that guests can stand close to and touch, too.

There also will be a garden club and playdates with community groups, to increase learning and social integration.

To learn more about the Lighthouse, visit LVIB.org, or call (727) 815-0303.

Published March 25, 2020

Woman’s club forming in Wesley Chapel

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When Marie Ambrosino moved to Wesley Chapel last year, she wanted to join a woman’s club for her surrounding community.

After all, she had been involved with GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) organizations for nearly four decades — most recently with the GFWC Woman’s Club of West Broward in South Florida.

The new GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club was established last month. From left: parliamentarian Marie Ambrosino, secretary Andrea Edwards, treasurer Kim Hanscel, president Cindi Nalon, vice president Shantel Meyers and GFWC Florida District 8 director Kay Taylor. (Courtesy of Shantal Meyers)

With the help of social media, word-of-mouth and some other GFWC connections, the GFWC Woman’s Club of Wesley Chapel came to life.

And, it happened in a mere matter of months.

The club was established in February with 12 charter members. That came less than a month after a group of six GFWC-minded women met for dinner with the idea of forming a new club that puts its focus on the burgeoning Wesley Chapel community. Many of the members had past affiliations with other GFWC clubs, such as the GFWC Pasco Junior Women’s Club.

The group is now in the process of seeking its 510c3 status, and is being sponsored by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

The new club is actively looking for new members — women over 18 years old. There is no requirement to live in Wesley Chapel.

Though most members are Wesley Chapel residents, the club’s vice president, Shantel Meyers is a Lutz resident, for instance. “I could’ve joined (other) clubs, but I wanted to be a part of joining a whole new group,” Meyers said.

The group welcomes anyone who is interested, said Kim Hanscel, club treasurer.

“If somebody lives in Zephyrhills and wants to come here (to our club) because they travel here all the time, or whatever’s convenient for them, absolutely they’re welcome to come,” Hanscel said.

Kindness and helping others is the group’s purpose, club leaders say.

Ambrosino, the club’s parliamentarian, said the common thread among the ladies is this: “We are women who care about our communities, and that’s our mission.”

She added: “We share the same bond, and that’s just to make our world better.”

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club is dedicated to community improvement and helping those in need through volunteer service and fundraising events. The organization is likely to focus much of its efforts on domestic violence and awareness, homelessness, hospice, and foster care, among other community issues.

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club is seeking new members over 18 years old. The group focuses its volunteer efforts on arts, conservation, domestic violence and awareness, education, home life, internal outreach and public issues.

The group is currently brainstorming various club projects for those purposes, as well as fundraisers and events for other local charities, in the way of bingo nights, bunco nights, casino nights, golf tournaments, murder mystery games and so on.

“Everyone in the group is very energetic and looking forward,” club president Cindi Nalon said. “We all just want to jump in and get busy, and do things.”

She added, “I think we’re going to grow quick. We’ve started off quick with 12 members off the bat, and with everything we’ve got going, I think we’re really going to grow.”

Besides working to better the Wesley Chapel community, the group will be mixing in some social activities to build camaraderie — whether it’s seeing a movie, shopping or having dinner together. “We do have fun, as well,” Nalon quipped.

In her short time with the upstart club, Ambrosino has come away ecstatic with her new peer group.

Not only are they “very warm and welcoming,” she said, but they’re also go-getters ready to make a difference.

“This group of women are absolute doers,” Ambrosino said gleefully. “I’ve been thoroughly impressed with them, being in club work for a while and seeing how things go, these girls have jumped right on board.

“I keep telling my friends down south, ‘You’ve gotta meet these girls.’”

In Florida, there are over 9,000 members in over 230 GWFC-affiliated clubs, according to the state chapter’s website.

It’s the many lifelong friendships forged that make each club special, Ambrosino said.

“We help each other, we’re supportive of each other,” she said. “We’re there for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, deaths — the good times and the bad times, and that’s really what life is about.”

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club meets the first Wednesday of every month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, 28739 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. The next meeting is April 1, which will feature guest speaker and member Amanda Markiewicz, director of outreach for Sunrise of Pasco County Inc. — Domestic & Sexual Violence Center.

Attendees are asked to wear teal as a symbol of sexual assault awareness.

For more information, email , or search GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club, Inc., on Facebook.

Published March 18, 2020

Under Construction 03/18/2020

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This rendering shows an example of what all 10 buildings will look like inside the Stonewood Professional Park in Lutz. (Courtesy of John Westfall of Waterford Construction and Development)

Addition to office plaza
The Lutz Stonewood Professional Park is currently adding two new buildings to its site. This comes as its first building was erected last year. The structures will both stand at over 3,600 square feet, serving as medical and office space along State Road 54. There are plans to incorporate 10 buildings, in all, within the plaza.

 

 

 

Office space springs up in Wesley Chapel
The Professional Office Building is under construction at 2663 Lajuana Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The structure will be set up to accommodate professional, medical and dental offices. It also will stand three stories high, each floor being 5,000 square feet. And, it will be situated across from the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex of Pasco County.

Car wash coming soon
Lutz will be the home to the new Woodies Wash Shack. Located at 24823 State Road 54, the carwash will be a part of the soon-to-come Shoppes at Cypress Creek. It will consist of a drive-thru washing tunnel and 19 parking spaces for self-service vacuum cleaning. The facility will total more than 5,000 square feet.

Taco shop added along 54
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is expanding its chain into Land O’ Lakes. The site is at 19651 State Road 54, in the same vicinity as a new 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station. The 8,000-square-foot restaurant will serve its trademark tacos, guacamole, chips and frozen margaritas. It will be the newest location of more than 100 branches nationwide.

Curious about something new that’s popping up in your community? Please send us the location — along with the address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out. Send your email to .

Main Street Zephyrhills garners statewide recognition

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Main Street Zephyrhills annually puts on some of the city’s largest and most popular downtown events, such as the Festival of Lights, the Founder’s Day Parade & Heritage Festival, Music & Motorcycles, and others.

The 501c3 nonprofit, too, has been a crucial component in several large public projects of late — cultivating interactive art murals and mounting wireless electronic speakers downtown to serve up daily music for pedestrians, for example. It also works with city leadership on other initiatives, such as installing public Wi-Fi downtown and more public park benches.

Main Street Zephyrhills was designated the March 2020 Florida Main Street Program of the Month. (Courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills)

The organization’s varied efforts have not gone unnoticed: It recently was designated Florida Main Street Program of the Month by Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee.

The selection was based on its development achievements and participation in the Florida Main Street program.

Since its founding in 1994, Main Street Zephyrhills has reported more than $19.5 million in public and private reinvestment, more than 1,000 new jobs, and 185 new businesses within its district boundaries. It also has accumulated more than 26,000 volunteer hours.

“I am so impressed by Main Street Zephyrhills’ growing success,” Lee said, in a release. “Their district continues to build on the community’s assets to celebrate and recognize their distinctive history and heritage.”

The monthly honor is believed to be the first for Main Street Zephyrhills, according to the organization’s coordinator, Anna Stutzriem.

“I was just floored when they called and told me about it,” she said.

Under Stutzriem’s leadership, Main Street Zephyrhills has seen business and residential membership increase more than 10-fold in the last 2 ½ years, rising from seven members to 82.

Last year, the organization achieved national accreditation by the Main Street America program “for generating impressive economic returns, preserving community character, and celebrating local history.”

Stutzriem began as a Main Street volunteer about five years ago, working her way from board member to coordinator — the organization’s only city-funded employee position.

The majority of the organization’s funding comes from memberships, sponsorships and donations.

Stutzriem, who also co-owns a day care center in Zephyrhills, credited the organization’s string of accomplishments to its collection of “hard-working” and “dedicated” board members and volunteers.

She estimates the organization has roughly 130 volunteers to 150 volunteers throughout the year, ensuring events and programs run smoothly and effectively.

Main Street Zephyrhills was designated the March 2020 Florida Main Street Program of the Month. Programs are selected based on their development achievements and participation in the Florida Main Street program. Since its founding in 1994, Main Street Zephyrhills has reported more than $19.5 million in public and private reinvestment, more than 1,000 new jobs, and 185 new businesses within its district boundaries.

“They’re just people in the community that care about the community, and I think that helps a lot,” she said. “These people come in, they get paid nothing, and they give their blood, sweat and tears, and I’m just so honored to be associated with them.”

The amount of support and collaboration from City Hall has likewise led to more completed initiatives throughout the municipality, Stutzriem said.

“The support we get from the city is just amazing,” she said. “I look at the other Main Street programs, we talk, and I think we have got to be one of the most supported Main Street…and I’m just honored to be a part of it.”

Main Street Zephyrhills facilitates new business to the historic downtown district, offering commercial property listings on its website, and a resource guide for entrepreneurs to get in contact with the proper city officials, such as the planning department and CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency).

Within the last couple months, the organization helped welcome a new hair salon and a CBD store to Fifth Avenue in downtown Zephyrhills, Stutzriem said.

Stutzriem explained the organization’s role like this: “Our mission and our goal is to promote not only the downtown, but our local businesses, our mom and pops. We want to make our downtown a destination, and a safe, fun place for our families and our communities to come to…”

While generating more downtown business is important, Stutzriem emphasized it’s important for Zephyrhills “to keep that small town charm.”

“We’re growing leap and bounds, we’re just exploding over here in Zephyrhills with growth, but I still think it’s important to have the small town, know your neighbors, and gather with them,” she said.

The organization’s event hosting has been “improving greatly” in recent years, she also noted.

For instance, December’s Festival of Lights drew somewhere between 13,000 to 15,000 attendees. She characterized that turnout as “quite extraordinary for a small town event.”

The organization, too, has gone about drawing bigger acts to events — such as booking the Greg Billings Band for September’s Music & Motorcycles.

Event partnerships with nonprofits have expanded, Stutzriem said. Those partnerships include Gulfside Hospice on Paulie Palooza; Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association on the Harvest Festival; and Zephyrhills Pregnancy Care Center on the Founder’s Day 5K race, among others.

To find out more about Mainstreet Zephyrhills, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org, or email .

Published March 18, 2020

Project aims to improve emergency access

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Construction is underway to make it easier for emergency services to get between New Tampa and Wesley Chapel.

The connection of Mansfield Boulevard and Kinnan Street will be barricaded as construction is set to begin in March. The corridor will be an easy access point for first responders traveling between Pasco and Hillsborough counties. (Brian Fernandes)

Mansfield Boulevard is in Wesley Chapel.

Kinnan Street is in New Tampa.

An improvement will connect the streets, but will be accessible only to first responders.

The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board approved the connection last June.

It was one of three corridor projects – all interlocking Wesley Chapel and Tampa, that the MPO passed.

The Mansfield-Kinnan connection was initially proposed as a public road for motorists.

The AECOM consulting firm took surveys in 2017 and 2018 to get public feedback about each project. Findings showed that the Mansfield-Kinnan connection was not popular among those responding to the survey.

This was due in part to concerns that an influx of traffic along Mansfield Boulevard could be hazardous to students.

Wiregrass Ranch High School, Dr. John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Elementary School are all located either on or just off that roadway.

As a result, the Mansfield-Kinnan connection proposal was changed to operate as an emergency-vehicle-only corridor.

Pasco County, Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa are all involved in the construction of the connection.

Mansfield Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel, has residencies and schools along its stretch. The roadway soon will become a corridor for emergency vehicles traveling to and from Tampa

The developer of Tampa’s K-Bar Ranch will initiate the paving of the connection, scheduled to begin mid-March.

Hillsborough County will then help with construction, such as striping the road and the installation of an emergency gate.

The gate will only grant cross-county access to emergency vehicles.

Only first responder equipment will open the gateway and Pasco County will oversee its operation.

The Pasco County Commission is expected to approve an agreement for the gate to be used only for emergency vehicles.

Bicyclists and pedestrians will have access, too.

The project calls for the sidewalks on both streets to connect.

Barricades will enclose the construction site.

Completion is expected in the summer.

Published March 18, 2020

Pasco wants crash debris off the street

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When tow-truck crews clean up after a crash, it should be a thorough job.

At least that’s how the Pasco County Commission sees it.

The county board soon will be considering a provision that will require the people who remove damaged or wrecked vehicles from roadways to be sure to clear the roadway of glass and injurious debris.

“This is sort of a local version of a state law that is basically aimed at tow-truck drivers,” said Kristi Sims, senior assistant county attorney. “They’re operating on rotation and remove vehicles after accidents from our roadway.”

The aim is to hold them to the standard that the state law requires, which is clean up all of the debris that results from the incident.

“By codifying it in our local ordinances, we have a local chance to use code enforcement to enforce it. At the state law, it’s only enforceable through issuance of a uniform traffic citation.

“At our level, it will be enforceable obviously through issuance of a county court citation, which is punishable up to $500 per day.

“The local amendment that we’re proposing also will have a provision that requires the person removing the debris to lawfully dispose of it,” Sims said.

Commission Chairman Mike Moore said he wants to make sure that this ordinance doesn’t require towing companies to remove biological hazards, in the event that someone is hurt or killed in an accident.

“This is aimed at all of the glass, hardened plastic, that is getting pushed and accumulated into sort of the center of every intersection in Pasco County,” Sims said.

It requires “tow truck drivers on the rotations to do a good job, it’s part of their contract to pick up that debris, that causes flat tires, that flies up and scratches other people’s paint, etc.,” she said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said: “I thought it was required already.”

Sims responded: “It is under state law, we just haven’t duplicated it on a local level.”

Commissioner Mike Wells said: “I don’t think it’s every hauler, but again, we need to hold them accountable.”

Wells added: “There’s no excuse for them not cleaning it up.”

Sims said coordination will be needed between the county and law enforcement agencies to determine whom should be cited when crash scenes are not cleaned up.

Board members voted to set a public hearing date on the new requirements for April 7 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be in the boardroom, on the second floor of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

Published March 18, 2020

Scout project creates fun options for dogs at park

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When Sean Monahan brainstormed ideas to gain the rank of Eagle Scout, he finally settled on a way to help man’s best friend.

The scout decided to incorporate new accessories for dogs at the Carolyn Meeker Dog Park in Lutz.

The member of Boy Scout Troop 12 – also in Lutz – had to tackle a project that betters his community as one of his requirements to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 12, in Lutz, rallied around Scout Sean Monahan to help build new equipment at the Carolyn Meeker Dog Park. The project was done as part of Monahan’s quest to advance to the rank of Eagle Scout, while providing more fun options for dogs at the park. (Courtesy of Todd Pratt, Hillsborough County Media Relations Strategist)

Monahan said that his adoration for dogs sparked the idea to create a more fun and energetic environment for them.

“I thought adding agility equipment in both the big and small dog areas would kind of give them a little something more to do,” the 16-year-old said.

Joe Monroe is the recreation program supervisor for Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation.

The scout approached Monroe and explained the upgrade he wanted for the dog park.

“Before that, there were actually zero obstacle course pieces there,” the supervisor said.

Monahan unveiled several schematic drawings of what he had in mind.

He took a survey and found that visitors wanted new amenities for their dogs, too.

With the help of his fellow scouts, Monahan raised $3,100, pushing his agenda forward.

The team also worked together to install the equipment.

The bigger park area now has two loops for dogs to jump through, as well as an accessory to jump over. The smaller area has a tunnel for dogs to run through and a platform where dogs can learn commands from their owners.

The four new pieces of equipment were placed in the park during a span of three days.

Monahan did not take full credit for the project.

“I led it, but I did have a lot of help from a lot of other people, the Scout said.

Monroe admired the Scouts’ ability to wrap up the effort in less than a week.

“We were impressed by the timeline,” he said. “The planning took a lot longer than the actual installation of the project.”

It was a win for Hillsborough County, the Scouts and the community, Monroe added.

In his six years in Troop 12, Monahan has helped his community in other ways, too.

He has handed out cool drinks at the Lutz Fourth of July Parade, and he has picked up trash on U.S. 41.

Monahan has earned numerous merit badges. He and his fellow Scouts also have gone on camping expeditions, including out of state.

Eventually, he wants to become a Sea Scout, advancing his boating skills.

He thinks other youths should be afforded these same opportunities, and find ways to better their environment.

He believes this recent accomplishment, at the dog park, has helped to build his character.

“I feel like finishing the project really helped me more clearly define my definition of leadership,” the Scout said. “It taught me that if you’re doing something, you’ve got to be prepared for every single thing.”

Published March 18, 2020

Dade City flood relief in final stages

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Construction is nearing completion on a project in downtown Dade City — which aims to address flooding that plagued the area for years.

The project involves installing new underground stormwater piping.

The concrete pipeline has been lengthened longer than its initial 2,400-linear-foot projections, said Abu Nazmurreza, Dade City’s public works director. New curb drains also have been incorporated.

Behind Dade City’s City Hall, a portion of Pasco Avenue is being unearthed to facilitate new piping. This is one of several routes to see pipe placement that will help diminish flooding in the downtown region. (File)

These improvements will ease the flow of rainwater as it goes down the piping system, passing U.S. 98 and the CSX railway, to the east. The water is then stored in Irvin Pond.

The new system runs from Seventh Street’s intersections with Church Avenue and Pasco Avenue. Then it heads east on Pasco Avenue to Third Street, before heading north up to Meridian Avenue.

Although the majority of construction has been completed, work on Pasco Avenue still needs to be done, Nazmurreza said.

“We are installing a new 6-inch water main through Pasco [Avenue] between Eighth Street and Fifth Street,” he added.

Currently, there are sections of Pasco Avenue that are still unearthed and await repaving.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has to certify the completion of the project by analyzing water pressure, and checking for any bacterial content.

At that point, the existing pipeline will connect with the new one, and Pasco Avenue will be resurfaced.

Modifications also have been made to Irvin Pond to better accommodate the additional stormwater.

The body of water has been expanded by 50% from its original width, according to Nazmurreza.

“The pond on Canal Street was not sufficient enough for taking all the water from the downtown area,” he explained.

The wider area also will extend the time period for the wastewater to be treated.

And Canal Street, east of the pond, has had its culvert pipe reconfigured, as well.

The metal pipe has been replaced with concrete piping, due to rusting.

The street will have to undergo repaving now that the new culvert pipe has been installed.

The road has been temporarily laid with gravel for motorists.

The $1.8 million project is scheduled to wrap up in the coming weeks, Nazmurreza said.

Currently, a detour has to be made on Pasco Avenue. Shop owners, however, are not currently affected by construction.

Published March 18, 2020

Aldi opens Odessa store

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Customers were ready when the Aldi in Odessa had its grand opening celebration on March 12.

The Aldi store is one of the grocery chain’s new locations in Pasco County, and new stores are planned off State Road 56, near Wesley Chapel Boulevard, and another off U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Customers were lined up on March 12, waiting for the new Aldi in Odessa to celebrate its grand opening. The store is one of Aldi’s new locations in Pasco County. (Brian Fernandes)

Patrons were lined up awaiting the store to open in Odessa.

Store Manager Katherine Garner oversees the Aldi store. She held the scissors for the ceremonial ribbon cutting outside.

Matt Thon, Aldi division vice president, helped officiate at the grand opening.

“We’re really excited to open the Odessa, Florida store,” he said. “It’s our 93rd store in our division here [and] about the 150th in Florida.”

It also is now among 1,900 Aldi grocers in the U.S.

Thon also noted that Pasco County’s growing population is what appealed the grocery chain to build a number of its stores within the region.

The newest Pasco store adopts the same interior design found in many of those in the country.

The aisles are filled with various food items – some commercial brands, but mostly Aldi brands.

The store also offers healthy food alternatives, such as vegan and organic products.

Many of these foods can be found in the new refrigerated section, which provides additional space to stock.

New and already-existing stores will follow this model, as well.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the more popular items, Thon said.

“From the consumer feedback that we’ve received, and what our customers tell us each and every day, is produce drives their shopping decisions,” he said.

The key is to put fresh food with high quality on the line within a timely manner, Thon said.

Shopper Cynthia Cameron, of Hudson, came to the store to support the opening of the Odessa branch.

Aldi’s Matt Thon, Haines City division vice president, is joined by Store Manager Katherine Garner and District Manager Sopheap Bednarski. The trio took a moment to pose for a photo during the store’s March 12 grand opening.

Cameron noted that even when she’s in another county, she’ll shop at the nearest branch.

“I do like Aldi, and I think they’re a great store to shop at,” she said.

She enjoys Aldi’s chicken and its produce. She’s impressed by the store’s prices.

Thon noted that the store’s Keto bread is a popular item.

It sells quickly, he said, noting the Keto diet — which avoids carbohydrates — has helped popularize the bread, Thon said.

One aisle alone is stocked with various Aldi name-brand wines.

Also, items like Barissimo coffee and Elevation energy bars are placed at the front end of aisles as stand-out products.

This includes the gluten-free LiveGFree products.

“What I hear from customers is they come in for our gluten-free line and they’re shocked at the price points,” Thon said.

Cost-efficient items are what keeps loyal shoppers, he added.

The store also stocks appliances and décor items.

Items include bedroom accessories, shelves, chairs, ovens and handicap equipment.

Those who enjoy gardening also can select from a variety of flowers and plants.

The carts used at the store are interesting, too.

Each can be pulled from its space when a quarter is inserted in a slot, located on the bar handle. Customers get the quarter back once they return the cart.

Thon noted that he wants customers to have that same comfort level when they walk into the new Odessa store.

The upcoming Lutz-Wesley Chapel branch is scheduled to open in the summer.

Published March 18, 2020