The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Kumquat Festival ushers in a new decade

By

It’s time to indulge in a tiny, tart fruit called the kumquat.

After all, the fruit is considered to be the centerpiece of the Kumquat Festival, now celebrating its 23rd year.

This year’s Kumquat Festival will once again offer various kumquat treats, as well as activities for the public. Live entertainment also will amplify music for the masses. (File)

Besides offering fun family activities, the festival showcases downtown Dade City, offering visitors a chance to sample a taste of Old Florida and some Southern hospitality, too.

The free event is set for Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in downtown Dade City, near the Historic Pasco County Courthouse.

Thousands of people flock to the area every year in an event that gives downtown Dade City merchants a chance to show off their shops and gives entertainers a place to showcase their talents.

It’s also an annual gathering that draws upon the generosity of local volunteers and sponsors.

“This is a marvelous event that is truly a local volunteer-run festival,” said John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. “I know the hundreds of folks involved are very proud of their community for producing such a quality show every year.”

As always, the kumquat fruit, known as the “little gold gem of the citrus industry,” will be found in all sorts of treats and beverages, including pies, cookies, ice cream, smoothies, marmalade, salsa, beer and wine.

Hundreds of vendors will be there, offering not only kumquat-related foods, but arts and crafts, and other items. Local restaurants will be serving up food, too.

There will be a quilt challenge and a Festival Collector Car Show.

There will be face-painting, and kids will have an activity area, too.

All public parking is free, and there will be free shuttle rides from two satellite parking areas. One is at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, on State Road 52. The other is at next to Jarrett Ford, at 38300 Dick Jarret Way, in Dade City, on the U.S. 301 truck route.

Those wishing to volunteer should call Melody Floyd or Mary Beth Lumbra at (352) 567-3769, or email .

A volunteer orientation dinner also has been scheduled for Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m., at Hampton Inn Dade City-Zephyrhills, 13215 U.S. 301, Dade City.

For additional information about the Kumquat Festival, call (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCityChamber.org/Annual-Kumquat-Festivalr.

Kumquat Festival
When: Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City
Cost: Free admission
Parking: Parking is free. Free shuttles run continuously from two satellite parking areas. One is at the Pasco County Fairgrounds on State Road 52 and the other is located next to Jarrett Ford, at 38300 Dick Jarret Way, in Dade City, on the U.S. 301 truck route. Parking also is available at various locations just outside of festival area, but that fills up fast.
Details: The festival, now in its 23rd year, will feature live entertainment, an array of activities, vendors and all things kumquat.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCityChamber.org/Annual-Kumquat-Festivalr.

Published January 15, 2020

Landowners who preserve wildlife to be recognized

By

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Landowner Assistance Program has created a program to recognize landowners who are actively managing and improving their property to benefit wildlife.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a Gopher Tortoise Management Plan aimed ‘to restore and maintain secure, viable populations of gopher tortoises’ across the state, according to myFWC.com. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

The Wildlife Habitat Recognition Program was developed to show appreciation for the important contributions to wildlife conservation made by private landowners.

Private landowners play a critical role in wildlife conservation by protecting and restoring rare habitats like the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem, and managing farms, ranches and forests that provide habitat to many species.

While public land protects some species of wildlife, these lands form a fragmented landscape of habitat.

Private lands provide critical corridors between publicly managed conservation lands.

To be recognized by the program, landowners must submit a request for an FWC biologist to evaluate their property to determine qualification.

To qualify, properties must have ample food, cover and water opportunities for wildlife.

If the property meets these criteria, the landowner will receive a sign to display on the property, as well as a certificate of recognition.

Properties working toward meeting the requirements will be offered a written management plan to guide the landowners in meeting the habitat management standards for the program.

Requests for a property evaluation can be made online at MyFWC.com/LAPapplication.

To learn more about managing wildlife on your property, visit MyFWC.com/LAP and click on the Managing Your Land section.

Published January 15, 2020

Construction crews busy on area road projects

By

Anyone who drives around Pasco County on a regular basis knows there aren’t many east-west roads that cut through the county’s vast expanse, and that it isn’t   a bit unusual to have to wait in traffic.

There are a number of projects, however, that are in the works, on the drawing board, or have been recently completed that are aimed at making life easier for Pasco motorists.

Of course, as more development arrives, more drivers use local roads — so complaints about “too much traffic” and “not enough roads” may persist, at least for the foreseeable future.

But, here is a look at some of what’s happening on the local transportation scene.

A diverging diamond interchange is under construction at the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange. The project, expected to wrap up by late 2021, aims to keep traffic flowing at the busy interchange.

Diverging Diamond Interchange
The diverging diamond interchange, currently in development, will reconfigure the current interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 56 to improve traffic flow at a location that frequently is bottlenecked, especially during peak traffic periods. Work on the $33 million project began in January 2019 and is expected to be completed by late 2021. For more details, visit FDOTTampaBay.com/project/262/430573-1-52-01.

Ridge Road Extension
Construction is expected to begin in January on the Ridge Road Extension, a project that Pasco County has been seeking to build for two decades. The project will create a third east-west corridor in the county, extending existing Ridge Road from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey to the Suncoast Parkway, initially, and then to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes. The extension will give drivers who are heading east or west across Pasco a new option. Currently, motorists heading east and west use State Road 52 or State Road 54. It also will be another evacuation route in the event of an emergency.

However, environmentalists have expressed concern about the project. The extension will run through the Serenova Tract of Starkey Wilderness Preserve. Tim Martin, chair of the Sierra Club Florida Conservation, said this will harm the preserve’s wetlands and its animals.

Phase one of the project costs an estimated $90 million. Phase two has not been funded yet. Construction completion is scheduled for the 2025-2026 timeframe.

State Road 54 widening, Zephyrhills to Wesley Chapel
State Road 54 is being widened from two lanes to four lanes, with a divided median, between Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills. The 4.5-mile stretch will run east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road. The $42.5-million development is expected to finish by the Summer of 2021.

Interstate 75/Overpass Road interchange
This project will create a new access point onto Interstate 75 at Overpass Road. The project includes widening Overpass Road — between Old Pasco Road and I-75 — from two lanes to four lanes. To the east, Overpass Road will be expanded to six lanes, between I-75 and Boyette Road. Off Overpass Road, Blair Drive will connect to Old Pasco Road, and Boyette Road will connect with McKendree Road. These connections with Overpass Road will create new access points between Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

A new State Road 52 corridor is expected to be built, branching off from the existing one. It will be another means of heading further east in Dade City.

New State Road 52 alignment
A new alignment of State Road 52 will provide a new way to travel east through Dade City. The new stretch of road will run south of the existing State Road 52. It will begin east of the Bayou Branch Canal and continue east to the intersection of Prospect Road and Clinton Avenue. Clinton Avenue will be widened to a four-lane road leading to Fort King Road. The existing State Road 52 also will be widened to four lanes between Uradco Place and the Bayou Branch Canal. At Bayou Branch Canal, the existing corridor will branch off into the new one.

Improvements completed in 2019 include:

Widening of State Road 52, from Bellamy Brothers to Old Pasco Road
A 1.5-mile stretch of State Road 52 has been widened from Bellamy Brothers Boulevard to Old Pasco Road. The road was widened from two lanes to four lanes, with a median. There also is a multi-use path on the north end of State Road 52 and a sidewalk on the south end. Construction on the $13.4 million project started in 2016.

State Road 56 extension
A new 6-mile extension of State Road 56 has created a new east-west corridor, between Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel and U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills. The extension gives motorists an alternative to State Road 54, which also links the two communities. State Road 54 also is undergoing improvements. The State Road 56 extension is a four-lane road, divided by a median. It has a multi-purpose trail, a sidewalk and bicycle lanes. Traffic lights also were incorporated at Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301.

The right turn and left turn lanes for eastbound traffic on State Road 54 onto U.S. 41 have been extended. The improvement aims to reduce traffic backups for motorists heading onto U.S. 41. (File)

State Road 54, turning lane improvements
The right-turn and left-turn lanes on State Road 54 have been lengthened to ease turning movements and reduce congestion. The $1.1-million project provides more room in the turning lane for motorists who are heading east on State Road 54 and intend to turn onto U.S. 41. The change reduces wait time for motorists turning north or south onto U.S. 41. Another improvement modified the median opening where State Road 54 intersects with Hunt Road. The change allows eastbound traffic on State Road 54 the option of turning onto Hunt Road or making a U-turn. It allows westbound traffic to turn off of Hunt Road, but motorists coming from that direction can no longer make U-turns.

Published January 08, 2020

Starting a new year, with a home of their own

By

It was a momentous day when Carla and Dwayne Gude were able to enter a home of their own, in Dade City.

The house dedication ceremony marked the culmination of a collaboration between the couple and Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County.

Carla and Dwayne Gude are the new owners of a home that has been renovated in Dade City. The house, which was dedicated last December, was the 150th home project by the Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County. (Brian Fernandes)

The event also marked the branch’s 150th house project.

On the morning of Dec. 19, Crystal Lazar, president and chief executive officer for the Habitat’s local branch, told those gathered: “This is one of the best and our favorite times for Habitat for Humanity. We’re celebrating the hard work that the Gude family has put into this house.”

After applying for a Habitat home two years ago, Carla and Dwayne spent a year designing what would be their new residence.

It was a collaborative effort as they were assisted by many volunteers offering their time.

Unlike most Habitat homes, this one wasn’t built from the ground up. But it was renovated, to meet Dwayne’s needs.

Dwayne needed a home that could accommodate the wheelchair from which he lives life.

This home does just that. It has two ramps – one leading to the front door and one leading to the home’s side door.

The home’s bathroom has a shower equipped with open space, so Dwayne can use it.

While the home is outfitted with a new fridge, microwave, stove and cabinets — Carla is most impressed by the handicap-accessible amenities.

And, being that they moved in during the holidays, there was another nice touch: A Christmas tree with gifts beneath it, in the home’s living room.

The balloons on Carla and Dwayne Gude’s newly renovated home signify a milestone for Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco. This is the organization’s 150th project.

In addition to the living room, there’s a spacious dining room, and down the hallway, there are three bedrooms and a laundry room.

For the Gudes, their new residence represents a notable upgrade from their former Dade City home.

The dedication day was a big day for Carla.

“It’s awesome. We’ve been waiting for two years for this,” Carla said.

As part of the celebration, the Gudes received several gifts.

They received bread, salt, sugar, a broom, a candle and a Bible — each gift signifying a symbolic meaning for what a home should be.

The East Pasco Quilt Guild brought the family a colorful quilt, which they held up for the crowd to see.

Laurel Weightman, development director at the Habitat branch, blessed the house key before it was handed over to the couple.

“It takes many hands, many hours to get a Habitat house prepared and ready,” she said.

The house sponsors, Wesley Chapel Honda and Wesley Chapel Toyota were there, too, and their staff helped to hold up the big ribbon for the ceremonial cutting, before the key opened the front door.

Carla expressed her gratitude for her family saying, “Every obstacle [has] been a roller coaster for me, but I’m thankful for my family being there anytime, with a listening ear of encouragement and prayers. I love you.”

Carla’s father, Kenneth, said he was proud and happy for his daughter to finally have this home.

In addition to celebrating the couple’s home, Habitat also celebrated its milestone event.

“Building 150 houses, we’re talking about 600 people in the community that are directly impacted by those houses,” said John Finnerty, the branch’s inaugural executive director.

Published January 08, 2020

New online program encourages creativity

By

A new online program available through Pasco County libraries, offers tutorials to help people explore their creativity.

Creativebug, introduced in November, walks patrons through video tutorials on trying out such activities as crafts, sewing, quilting, knitting, home décor and jewelry.

“We love Creativebug, our newest database, on our website,” said Angelo Liranzo of Pasco County Libraries. “[It’s] very easy to use and our patrons are really taking to it.”

Angelo Liranzo, of Pasco County Libraries, gives a tutorial of a new online program called Creativebug that is now available to library patrons. The program gives users a chance to learn how to make their own creations. (Brian Fernandes)

So far, knitting and crocheting seem to be the most popular online courses, Liranzo said.

The Pasco library system’s newest online feature offers an online blog, giving users an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas with one another.

The Creativebug home page offers various categories for patrons to choose from.

But, there also is a search engine that allows patrons to seek specific tutorials. The search engine also allows users to select the instructor they prefer.

The online program provides an alternative to in-person sessions that are scheduled at a specific time, Liranzo said.

Creativebug can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“It’s just one of the ways that we want to put information in peoples’ hands,” Liranzo said. “It’s very easy to use, self-explanatory. The video instruction is very clear.”

The site has courses for beginners, intermediates and experts on particular subjects. There are categories for all age groups, too.

For children, for example, there are tutorials to create holiday-oriented crafts, drawings, paintings and costumes.

Those unable to finish a course can download a transcript that provides step-by-step instructions and lists the materials that are needed.

The program can be used at the library, but also can be accessed at home, Liranzo said.

For patrons, their library card number can be used at the library or at home. There is also a subscription plan available for those who don’t have a library card.

To learn more about Creativebug and other library programs, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published January 08, 2020

Dade City is adding population, new attractions

By

As a new decade begins, the City of Dade City plans to resolve its longstanding stormwater issues, enliven its downtown with more shops and entertainment, add new attractions and to increase residential development.

The Dade City Commission also is expected to vote on the issue of allowing medical marijuana dispensaries within the city limits during the first quarter of 2020.

Here is a closer look for what’s in store for 2020, and beyond.

Resolving stormwater issues
Dade City’s downtown streets and sidewalks have been known to be swallowed in at least 6 inches to 7 inches of standing water for days at a time after heavy summer rains.

Much of that should be resolved soon.

Construction is in full swing to fix the downtown flooding and drainage issues — via a $2.3 million stormwater capital improvement project, paid for with a combination of state appropriations, and funding from the Florida Department of Transportation and Dade City.

The project takes underground concrete piping through multiple downtown streets into an existing conveyance system into a reconfigured Irwin Pond, just past U.S. 98 and the CSX railway.

Work has been paused to accommodate the Jan. 25 Kumquat Festival in downtown, but the project completion is expected around mid-year.

Meantime, the city is seeking state appropriations and disaster recovery funding for a another multimillion dollar stormwater project in the Dade Oaks community.

A bike hub/splash park is coming
City staffers recently closed on a $800,000 land purchase that will become the location of a splash park/bike hub to the city’s downtown area — on a 2.23-acre parcel on Church Street, which borders the Hardy Trail and is diagonal from The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. (The contract sale price totals $1.3 million, as the property owners have agreed to donate the difference toward the park project.)

A preliminary concept plan for the project calls for a multi-use water splash pad, bike-share shelter, amphitheater, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible playground, open space, a concession area and other amenities. The next step will be developing and finalizing a master plan for the project, with input from residents and city officials, then moving onto a final design and engineered site plan.

According to Dade City Manager Leslie Porter, the project will likely be completed in phases over the next several years, starting with the bike hub, which could break ground this year, in partnership with Pasco County’s tourism office.

Events venue and retail shops
What was once a vacant car dealership in downtown Dade City will soon be a hub for retail and social entertainment, called The Block.

The development, at 14313 Seventh St., involves converting two existing buildings, totaling 21,000 square feet.

The main plaza will have an area for retail spaces, along with a venue to accommodate events, such as weddings, parties and fundraisers. There also are potential plans for a bridal shop and a brewery there, too.

The second building is being turned into a CrossFit gym.

An outdoor patio and bar will run between the two complexes, complete with seats and tables,  and string lights hanging above.

While inclusive to all, it is geared toward the younger-adult demographic, somewhat inspired by the mixed-use Armature Works facility in Tampa Heights.

Expected to open in phases beginning this year, The Block is the brainchild of local realtor and investor Larry Guilford and Melanie Armstrong, owner of Savory Roots Catering and Events.

Dade City will be home to Florida’s first-ever snow park attraction, called Snowcat Ridge. (Courtesy of Point Summit Inc.)

A snow park in Dade City?
Come November, Dade City will be home to a very unique recreation attraction — the state’s first-ever snow park, called Snowcat Ridge.

The one-of-a-kind snow park will feature a 60-foot-tall and 400-foot-long snow tubing hill, where visitors will be able to ride in single, double, or six-person tubes down the hill; a 10,000-square-foot snow play dome to make snowmen and snow castles; and, an Alpine Village serving food and hot cocoa.

For those wondering, snow will be made with technology that can stay in place for an extended period of time, provided the temperature is under 80 degrees.

The project is being developed by Point Summit Inc., which also manages TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park and Scream-a-Geddon Horror Park. It will be located at 27839 Saint Joe Road.

Residential development on the rise
Like neighboring Zephyrhills, Dade City anticipates a surge of new rooftops in the coming decade, as the municipality has roughly 4,000 residential unit entitlements — which means they are actively under construction or review.

This year, the city will see 25 single-family homes come online at Countryside, a development situated behind McDonald’s that sits at U.S. 301, while affordable workforce/affordable housing communities Osprey Pointe (110 multi-family units) and Arbours at Hester Lake (80 multi-family units) are expected to begin leasing in the next few months.

Other residential developments on tap include the following:

  • Highland Trails: 1,110 single-family
  • Wickett: 892 single-family, multi-family, assisted living, townhomes
  • Summitview: 812 single-family, townhomes
  • Philmon: 510 single-family
  • Suwanee Lakeside: 302 single-family
  • Abbey Glenn II: 170 single-family

Vote expected on medical marijuana dispensaries
Dade City has had a series of concurrent moratoriums on medical marijuana treatment centers within its municipal limits dating back to 2016, but that could change in the new year.

City commissioners in September directed city staff to draft an amendment to the city’s land development regulations that would permit medical marijuana dispensaries in the general commercial zoning district. That district generally spans U.S. 301/U.S. 98 south and north of town, but avoids much of the city’s historic downtown main street and central business district.

A drafted ordinance is expected to come before the city’s planning board and the city commission sometime during the first quarter of 2020.

Published January 08, 2020

Pasco County is eyeing new rental registry

By

The Pasco County Commission is considering a new regulation that would require a registry for all vacant and rental properties in unincorporated areas of the county.

The registry would be implemented and maintained by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and would require owners to designate a property manager to be responsible for receiving legal warnings, notices and citations for vacant and rental properties, according to a county agenda memo.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells wants Pasco County to adopt a new regulation that would require a registry for all vacant and rental properties in unincorporated areas of the county. Having the registry, he said, is a life-safety issue. (File)

The proposed ordinance requires annual renewal of registrations and updates, when information changes.

It also gives owners the ability to ask for notification when a tenant or occupant is warned or cited by the county or the Sheriff’s Office for violating county codes, and gives the owner the opportunity to partner with the Sheriff’s Office to trespass any persons found on the property.

The registry does not include an inspection component or require owners to provide services, such as garbage, electric or water, the agenda memo says.

Also, there will be no fee to register, update or change information in the registry.

There will be a fine, however, if after a warning the owner does not comply with the registration requirements.

The County Attorney’s Office has recommended a fine of $125 for the first offense, which would double for each violation thereafter, up to a maximum of $500 per day.

The fine amount will be set by resolution, at the time of the ordinance’s final adoption, the agenda memo says.

The idea for the rental registry came up in April, when Commissioner Mike Wells said the county needed to have a way to find property owners quickly, when the need arises.

He characterized it as a “life-safety” issue.

At the time, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey threw her support behind the idea, noting she thinks a tool is needed to be able identify who is accountable for code violations and other issues at properties.

The county now appears ready to move forward with the ordinance and is planning a public hearing in January.

Published January 08, 2020

Dipping into serenity, beauty and fun

By

Science tells us if you want to live a longer, healthier life, get out into nature.

Take a walk, watch birds fly, reduce your stress by kayaking in tranquil waters – and leave your phone at home.

For a great escape, take off in one of many waterways in a kayak. (Karen Haymon Long)

Kayaking, even more so than walking, helps you escape, takes you into watery worlds – worlds far away from highways, noise and worries.

Take a kayak trip around here and you’ll likely see majestic great blue herons, bubblegum pink roseate spoonbills, cackling kingfishers, leaping dolphins and beauty beyond anything you normally see day to day.

We’re lucky, this part of Florida has it all – the salty Gulf of Mexico, mostly shallow and calm Tampa Bay, lakes galore, sounds, marshes and bayous.

If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent one from local outfitters. And, you can choose from one-person or tandem varieties, use paddles or your feet on the increasing popular pedal kayaks.

You can fish, race or coast. You can explore canopied mangroves. Or, you can paddle along marked trails.

No matter which way you float, you’ll be exercising and mentally decompressing – far from phones, politics, crazy drivers and information overload.

Here is a look at five local places sure to be worth a kayak trip:

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, 8737 U.S. 19 N., Port Richey
This park offers 4 miles of Gulf coastline, inlets and bayous and many springs, including Salt Springs, where you can view dolphins, bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, red-tailed hawks, and all sorts of shorebirds and songbirds.

From the parking lot, a lengthy boardwalk leads to the kayak launch, so you must carry your own, which could be a hardship for some. The park does not rent kayaks.

Ranger-led tours are given the first Saturday of the month, starting at 10 a.m., at the kayak launch. You must have your own kayak and make reservations by calling (727) 816-1890.

This park also has picnic tables, restrooms, and nature trails through pine woods to springs. The trail to Salt Spring is a quarter of a mile long and is highlighted by a waterfall created by a spring that’s 351 feet deep.

Park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset daily; fee is $3 per car with up to eight people, and $2 for bikers and pedestrians.

For more information about the park, call (727) 816-1890, or email .

If you worked up an appetite kayaking or hiking and didn’t bring a picnic lunch, a variety of restaurants line U.S. 19. We like Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill, 7835 Bayview St., Port Richey, on the Pithlachascotee River, called “the Cotee” by locals. Call (727) 815-1178, or visit WhiskeyJoePortRichey.com, where you can make reservations.

Anclote Gulf Park, 2305 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday
This 23-acre park straddles the Anclote River and the Gulf of Mexico, so it offers lots of watery beauty. You can launch a kayak from a sandy spot next to a fishing pier that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and paddle the river and Gulf.

The park itself is open from dawn to dusk daily. On a recent visit, anglers caught mangrove snappers, a night heron stood guard next to the pier and chattering kingfishers dove into the Gulf. Two men said they had just spotted three dolphins in the Anclote.

For more information about this Pasco County Park, call (727) 942-4030, or visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Historic Tarpon Springs is close-by and offers many good places for lunch. Our favorites are Tarpon Tavern, at 21 N. Safford Ave., for pub food. Call (727) 945-1000, or visit TarponTavern.com; and Mykonos, at 628 Dodecanese Blvd., for Greek specialties. Call (727) 934-4306.

Dunedin Causeway, Pinellas County
Take Florida 586 (Curlew Road) west to Causeway Boulevard
You can drop a kayak just about anywhere into St. Joseph Sound from the causeway to see dolphins, shorebirds and manatees in the warmer months. People who fish from kayaks tend to stay on the more tranquil north side of the causeway, but others try their luck on the south side near a small bridge leading to Honeymoon Island State Park.

A woman kayaks back to shore after paddling in St. Joseph Sound.

Skilled kayakers can go farther afloat into the Gulf, or stay in the sound and paddle to Caladesi Island State Park, a barrier island in the Gulf that  has a marina and kayak trails. Kayak rentals are available for $25 for one hour to three hours, at the park’s cafe.

Sail Honeymoon on the south side of the causeway rents kayaks for $35 for two hours, $45 for four hours, or $60 all day. The outfitter also rents fishing kayaks and tandems. For details, visit SailHoneymoon.com/kayak-rentals, or call (727) 734-0392.

A word of caution: On weekends, the sound can be crowded with boats and big yachts, whose captains don’t always see kayaks, so wear bright colored lifejackets, carry a whistle, keep close watch and wave your paddle in the air if you face danger.

For good food and good vibes, eat lunch at Frenchy’s Outpost Bar & Grill, at 466 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin. Call (727) 286-6139, or visit FrenchysOnline.com.

Philippe Park, 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor; and, Safety Harbor City Marina Area, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor
This Pinellas County park has a boat launch and lots of grassy, low-lying spots in picnic areas where it’s easy to slip a kayak into Old Tampa Bay.

A Roseate Spoonbill stands in the shallow waters off Old Tampa Bay, at the south end of Philippe Park in Safety Harbor. The Pinellas County park is a popular place to kayak.

You can tool around the bay as far as you’d like. Much of it is shallow and safe, and within sight of land. We’ve seen beautiful birds along the shore – spoonbills, herons, egrets, pelicans and even flamingos. Once, a huge manatee scared us by popping up for breath right next to our kayak.

Park hours are 7 a.m. to dusk; admission is free.

You can also launch kayaks into the bay at the city marina and, on weekends, you can rent them from Tocobaga Tours, across the parking lot from the marina. Ken Bambery, a teacher who owns the company, charges $20 per hour, $25 for two hours, or $45 for a full day. He’s not always there, so call (727) 389-8687 for reservations.

Just across the street from the marina, Barfly Saltwater Grill, at 100 Main St., has tasty Caribbean seafood and other fare. Call (727) 400-4790, or visit BarflySafetyHarbor.com.

Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, 8001 Double Branch Road, Tampa
This park has one of the best kayak launches in the bay area. It’s a floating dock with bars you can hold onto to glide yourself into waterways that lead to Tampa Bay. Along the way, you’ll pass dense mangroves, salt marshes, pinewoods and thick hammocks.

Marked kayak trails lead the way to all sorts of wondrous sights. We once saw a dozen dolphins frolicking in the waters between the kayak launch and bay. Another time, we counted 27 roseate spoonbills in mangroves off the bay. It’s a wonderful place to see butterflies, and mullet, snook and red drum. Best of all, the waters here aren’t usually very crowded with boats, since it’s so shallow in most places.

The park rents kayaks for $25 for up to four hours. Other amenities include picnic areas, nature trails, a fishing pier and a nature center, closed now for renovations. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fee is $2 a car.

For more information about this park, call (813) 855-1765, or visit HillsboroughCounty.org.

For a tasty lunch and good craft beer, head to nearby Tampa Bay Brewing Co., at 13937 Monroes Business Park, Tampa (off Race Track Road, south of Tampa Bay Downs). Call (813) 247-1422, or visit TBBC.beer.

These suggestions are just a small sampling of places for kayaking in the Tampa Bay area. So grab a paddle, launch away, and savor the silence.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published January 08, 2020

Dade City announces road closures for stormwater project

By

The City of Dade City has announced updated road closures that will take effect after the Kumquat Festival, for when construction resumes on the city’s downtown stormwater capital improvement project.

Following the Jan. 25 festival, Seventh Street will be closed between Church Avenue and Pasco Avenue, for approximately one month to complete construction of the stormwater improvements, and provide a staging area for equipment and materials. Pasco Avenue will remain open to two-way traffic between Seventh Street and Fifth Street until the water main construction, anticipated in March.

While Seventh Street will be closed, the city has secured permission from several private property owners to be able to utilize their existing parking areas for public use.

Customers can utilize the city’s public parking areas on Eighth Street and Pasco Avenue, as well as Bank of America and the former site for San Antonio Credit Union on Church Avenue. Additionally, on-street parking will be available in surrounding blocks.

City officials are encouraging visitors traversing the downtown area to watch for construction crew members, and yield to all the construction signs and workers. Traffic patterns and detours will change in the upcoming weeks as construction continues, city officials say.

The city will be posting regular updates in the upcoming weeks on their website at DadeCityFl.com.

For more information, call (352) 523-5050.

Published January 08, 2020

Spotlight on Talent marks 37th year

By

While television talent competition shows, such as “America’s Got Talent,” “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars” draw massive audiences — a local event has those national programs beat in terms of staying power.

This will be the 37th year that Spotlight on Talent has invited young people with assorted talents to show off their skills at a regional competition.

Showstoppers took first place among older competitors in the group competition with their musical theater number during a previous Spotlight on Talent. (Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

Besides communities in east and central Pasco County, competitors come from such places as Brooksville, St. Petersburg, Tampa and West Pasco, according to a news release from the Heritage Arts Center Association, which puts on the annual contest.

Typically, hundreds compete for a chance to perform in the showcase. A wide range of acts compete, including vocalists, dancers, musicians and various entertainers that can include baton twirlers, bands, gymnasts and others.

Students — up through 12th grade — may compete individually, as part of a group, or both.

There are two age divisions, with younger contestants competing during the matinee performance and older ones competing at night.

This year’s deadline for applications is Jan. 23 and tryouts will take place on Jan. 27.

The final competitions are set for March 7, at noon and at 7 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

Winners vie for bragging rights, trophies and $4,000 in cash prizes.

Awards are presented in numerous categories, and the senior scoring the highest number of points receives a $1,000 scholarship.

The competition aims to encourage aspiring performers, according to the news release.

Many former competitors have gone on to receive college scholarships and be selected for positions with performance organizations.

Just a couple of years ago, Zach D’Onofrio, gained notoriety when he competed in 2018 on “American Idol.” Last year, he won the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship by receiving the highest score in the Spotlight competition.

Typically, hundreds of people attend each show, giving contestants a chance to experience what it feels like to deliver a live performance.

It’s a tough competition, too.

Participants are judged primarily on talent, with additional points for stage presence.

Judges for the competition are from Central Florida and are outstanding in their respective fields, the release says.

Information about the competition is available on the HeritageArts.org website, and also is distributed to each school music teacher in Central Pasco and East Pasco; many dance, vocal and instrumental studios; and, local chambers of commerce.

Each year, the Moonlight and Ivory Concerts raise money to help support scholarships in the visual and performing arts. This year, the matinee and evening Moonlight and Ivory Concerts are set for Feb. 1, at the Historic Dade City Woman’s Club.

37th annual Spotlight on Talent
This youth talent competition gives young performers a chance to show off their talents and possibly win a trophy or cash award.
Important dates:
Application deadline: Jan. 23
Tryouts: Feb. 8
Final competitions: March 7 (matinee at noon; evening show at 7 p.m.)
Applications and information are available at HeritageArts.org.
For more information, contact Barbara Friedman at (352) 567-1720 or .

“Moonlight and Ivory” Concerts
The 23rd  annual “Moonlight and Ivory” concerts sponsored by the Heritage Arts Center Association help to support the arts, including two annual $1,000 scholarships — one in the performing arts and the other in the visual arts.

Here is the information about this year’s concerts and art exhibitions:

What: Moonlight and Ivory Concerts: Event includes music, art and refreshments
When: Feb. 1 at 2 p.m., with art exhibition following the concert; and, 7 p.m. art exhibition, followed by a 7:30 p.m. concert.
Where: Historic Dade City Woman’s Club, 37922 Palm Ave., in Dade City
Details: Local musicians perform in a variety of styles – jazz, classical, folk, sacred and Broadway among them. Refreshments are served during intermission, and an art show is included in both concerts.
Cost: Tickets are $15 for the matinee and $25 for the evening show. They may be purchased at  The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce; American Eagle Antiques in Dade City; or online at HeritageArts.org.
Info: Contact Jessica Werckman at (561) 400-1404 or .

Published January 08, 2020