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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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News Briefs (04/09/25): Club donates to the arts

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Maureen Robak and Lois Cohen (Photo courtesy of Pennee Bowen)

 

Club donates to the arts

LAND O’ LAKES – The March General meeting for GFWC Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club included a fundraiser luncheon presented by the Arts and Crafts CSP. CSP members provided Irish food and various “green” desserts. 

Proceeds will be donated to Arts for All. 

Visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org for information about membership.

 

Luncheon to empower women

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco County’s Commission on the Status of Women is hosting its third Women Uplifting Women luncheon to unite our community, share ideas and inspire others.

From CEOs to frontline workers, this annual luncheon offers something for every woman in Pasco County. 

The Women Uplifting Women Luncheon takes place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 29 at Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus, Third Floor Conference Center, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

“Understanding the broad issues impacting us daily is crucial for women,” said Jennie Yingling, chair of the Commission on the Status of Women. “It’s inspiring to see strong, successful women united to discuss and identify solutions to our community’s challenges.”

Keynote speaker Effie Santos, founder of Madi’s Movement and author of “The Power of the Pause,” will discuss the significance of pausing and delve into life’s unexpected twists and the choices women confront. 

Attendees will also gain valuable insights from a panel of women who will address critical issues impacting women today and explore solutions for a brighter future.

RSVP no later than April 22 by visiting mypas.co/UpliftingWomen2025

Event Registration is $10, including a boxed lunch limited to 140 participants.

 

Extension hosting Earth Day celebration

DADE CITY – UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension is celebrating Earth Day with a family-friendly, educational event that aims to increase environmental stewardship and awareness.

The Earth Day 2025 Celebration takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 at Pasco County Extension One Stop Shop, 15029 14th St., Dade City.

Activities and educational opportunities Include a Master Gardener Volunteers’ Plant Sale, 

hydroponic gardening, new garden tours/Q&A, touch a truck for kids, vertical oyster, gardens, composting and pollination.

Representatives from various Pasco County departments and state agencies will explain how to become better Earth ambassadors and introduce free or low-cost county and state services.

Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service assists people in Pasco County by developing and delivering practical, educational programs in environmental horticulture; sustainable agriculture; 4‑H and youth development; and family and consumer sciences. 

Visit mypas.co/UFIFASPascoExt for details or volunteer opportunities.

 

Pasco County opens registration for 4-H camp

PASCO COUNTY – Summer is right around the corner, so now is a great time to enroll your child in a variety of fun activities to keep them active.

Join UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension 4-H for a weeklong, overnight summer camp adventure June 16 to 20, 2025.

The week’s theme is Eco-Discovery, which focuses on classes and activities about the environment.  It is also filled with activities including swimming, kayaking, archery, campfires, herpetology and arts & crafts.

4-H Overnight Camp is for children, ages 8 to 17. The camp will be held at 4-H Camp Cloverleaf, 126 Cloverleaf Road, Lake Placid. The cost for the camp is $400.

Kids 14 years and older who want to be a Junior Counselor must complete an application.  

Email to register or more information. 

 

‘Lamb of God’ performance brings different faiths together

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Harmony of Faith is a nonprofit that fosters interfaith unity through the arts. The group performs Rob Gardner’s “Lamb of God” March 29 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel. Photo courtesy of Gina Dotson

WESLEY CHAPEL – Harmony of Faith offered an opportunity for people of different faiths to come together in celebration of hope and shared humanity during a performance of Rob Gardner’s “Lamb of God” March 29 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel.

The concert, which is about the final days of Jesus, also provided an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the upcoming Easter season.  

“This performance is more than just a concert,” said Zach Tanner, director of Harmony of Faith Florida. “It’s a celebration of the strength that comes from coming together across differences to create something beautiful and transformative. We believe that through music, we can bridge divides and inspire each other to live with greater hope and empathy.”

Garret Steed, who played Thomas in the production, is part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Garret said he hoped those who came out felt a connection to their Savior through the music. 

Indiana Duncan plays bass in the orchestra and worships at a non-denominational Christian Church.

“The thing that has touched me most about this experience is the music because I have found that the messages found in ‘Lamb of God’ are so powerful and they never fail to bring me hope,” Duncan said. 

Susan Duncan, who is part of the Society of Friends faith, recalled how she didn’t want to leave after bringing her son to his first orchestra rehearsal last year.

“It’s because of what I get just from being near the energy of so many talented people all working towards the same goal and with the same passion,” she said. “I hope that those who attend the concert that feel lost, less than, weary, or broken will feel the truth through this music.  That truth that Christ gave us all the greatest gift: the gift of hope.”

Want to learn more?

Harmony of Faith hopes to build bridges between communities of different religious backgrounds, fostering dialogue, mutual respect and shared values. Email for details about Harmony of Faith and how to get involved.

 

Tampa Bay pro athletes raise awareness for nonprofits

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TAMPA  – The Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation announced that Brandon Lowe, second baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay won the 2025 Giving Bowl. 

The Giving Bowl brought together five Tampa Bay athletes from the Buccaneers, Lightning, Sun FC and Rays, to help raise awareness, money and support for charities through a three-week bracket-style fundraising challenge.

“This has been an amazing three weeks of giving back to the Tampa community, and we are honored to play a small part in the great work the crisis center and all the participating charities do for the Tampa Bay community,” Emily Mayfield said. “A huge thank you to all the athletes and charities who participated. We hope this continues to bring Tampa closer together, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things we can all do together in the years to come.”

Lowe and the Crisis Center outshined Ryan McDonagh and First Responders Children’s Foundation as well as Erika Tymrak and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in the bracket challenge. 

“I want to sincerely thank all those who generously donated to support our cause,” Lowe said. “It is truly remarkable that we were able to raise awareness about mental health. The funds raised and prize money from the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation will ensure that individuals in need have access to the Crisis Center’s services. I can’t thank you all enough.”

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay earned a $50,000 donation. 

“We so appreciate Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays for choosing us as his charity partner, and to the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation for hosting the Giving Bowl,” said Clara Reynolds, president & CEO for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. “This event was not only enjoyable but also significantly contributed to raising awareness about our mission throughout the community.”

While the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay came out on top, every participating charity received a donation from the foundation and leveraged the Giving Bowl opportunity to raise funds and awareness from the community at large. The Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation donated a total of $92,500 across the five participating charities.

Participating athletes and charity winnings were as follows: 

  • Brandon Lowe (Tampa Bay Rays) and Crisis Center of Tampa Bay – $50,000.
  • Erika Tymrak (Tampa Bay Sun FC) and Humane Society of Tampa Bay – $20,000.
  • Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and After-School All-Stars – $10,000.
  • Ryan McDonagh (Tampa Bay Lightning) and First Responders Children’s Foundation – $10,000.
  • Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Team Godwin Foundation  – $2,500.

The Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation provides programs, scholarships and philanthropic opportunities to help others tackle life’s challenges in order to “BE” the best version of themselves. The foundation recognizes the resilience of the human spirit and supports those who persevere despite difficult circumstances. 

On the web: bemayfield.org

Pasco school leaders hold breath during legislative crunch time

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LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools Superintendent John Legg told members of the school board April 1 that the budget forecast for the district is “not looking favorable.”

“We’re heading into the peak legislative time of year,” Legg told the school board. “I want to say this delicately. I want to say for 48 out of the 52 weeks of the year, I don’t get wrapped up into the drama of what the legislature does.”

But Legg told school board members now is the time to pay close attention, particularly to bills that start to see action in those four specific weeks. 

“Over the next four weeks, there’s going to be a lot of action happening,” Legg said. “It will have an impact on our budget. It will have an impact on our policies. It will have an impact on our strategic planning on how we go forward on some of these initiatives.”

This budget cycle will be interesting because the district won’t have Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Funds. These federal dollars were distributed to overcome impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

District 4 representative Jessica Wright credited Legg with keeping the school board focused when it comes to legislation. She said one of her biggest frustrations is reading media coverage about issues that stress staff and families out that never make it to the governor’s desk. 

Wright and her colleagues were in Tallahassee during spring break for a conference of school board members. Being in the capital allowed them to have dialogue with Pasco County’s state legislators. 

“We were able to meet with almost everybody on our delegation and they really took the time to have authentic conversations with us and really understand the different barriers we face and what we can do to reduce some of those barriers so that our students have access to high quality education,” Wright said. 

District 5 rep Megan Harding said there were meaningful discussions on sidewalks, hazardous walkways, transportation and school safety issues in Tallahassee. 

Harding said board members have ongoing communication with the legislative delegation. She has updated state leaders on school openings during Hurricane Helene, invited them to district events and discussed issues that need fixing. 

Harding said legislators also reach out to the board to get feedback about issues that come across their desks. 

Legg also told the school board that staff is starting to look at planning for next year. Legg would like to start updating the district’s strategic plan and goals.

“This is not revamping what we already have established,” Legg said. “This is looking at updating our measurables.”

Staff will try to get feedback from school board members individually and collectively toward the end of the fourth quarter to have measurables in place by next school year, Legg said.

 

Pianist, vocalist win Spotlight on Talent scholarships

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Larkin Mainwaring sings during Spotlight on Talent. Photo courtesy of the Heritage Arts Center Association

 

WESLEY CHAPEL – The Heritage Arts Center Association awarded $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors Conway Theel and Larkin Mainwaring during the Spotlight on Talent Performing Arts Competition on March 15 at Wesley Chapel High School. 

Barbara Friedman presents the Suncoast Credit Union Scholarship Grants to Conway Theel and Larkin Mainwaring. Photo courtesy of the Heritage Arts Center Association

Theel’s performance on the piano and Mainwaring’s vocal range received high scores from the show’s judges. 

They were among more than 120 young people, ages 6 to 18, that performed during Spotlight on Talent. 

A handful of people in 1983, led by Sally Blackwood, envisioned a competition that promoted the performing and visual arts. Spotlight on Talent has grown from 30 acts at the county fair to an $18,000 event spanning two shows.

A matinee showcased younger students and groups. An evening show focused on older students and groups.  

A 15-member board of directors worked for three months to coordinate the show. The final production team included eight additional community friends who gave their time.  

Barbara Friedman was the executive producer. Lauretta Brown, Michelle Twitmyer and Laurel Weightman were assistant producers.  Clint Roberson, David West and Ben Alexander served as masters of ceremonies. 

Thirty-one corporate/community sponsors donated toward the over $6,000 for cash prizes, trophies and ribbons. A large donation from Suncoast Credit Union allowed the Heritage Arts Center Association to award two scholarships instead of one. 

 

Matinee Show Winners

  • CATEGORY 1: Adelynn Erickson (first place, contemporary dance), Amber Luu (second, piano), Addie Pereira (third, piano) and Ruby Ricardo (fourth, musical theater).
  • CATEGORY 2: Akshath Anand (first place, vocal & piano), Gabriella Tigley (second, piano), Savanna Nelson (third, ballet dance) and Naomi Reed (fourth, piano).
  • CATEGORY 3: Kennedy Kring (first place, pointe dance), Chloe Adams (second, contemporary dance), Tenley Ryman (third, contemporary dance), Jacob Burkett (fourth, piano) and Penelope Whipple (fifth, lyrical ballet).
  • YOUNGER GROUPS: Avery & Kailani (first place, contemporary dance), Velvet Voices (second, vocal duet), AIM’s Melodic Stars (third, vocal) and Titanic Duo (fourth, violin & piano).

 

Evening Show Winners

  • CATEGORY 1: Tavin Groomes (first place, musical theater), Paul McGill (second, piano), Rio Ricardo (third, musical theater) and Jerry Lee (fourth, piano).
  • CATEGORY 2: Makenna Henry (first place, contemporary dance), Naomi Lopez (second, lyrical dance), Anna Hutchinson (third, jazz dance), Logan Gilbreath (fourth, guitar) and Srikruthi Neralla (fifth, vocal).
  • CATEGORY 3: Conway Theel (first place, piano), Samuel Wu (second, piano), Reagan Ricardo (third, musical theater), Larkin Mainwaring (fourth, vocal) and Alynza McBride (fifth, ballet dance).
  • OLDER GROUPS: AIM Stars Acting (first place, acting), AIM’s Harmonic Stars (second, vocal) and Star Company I (third, contemporary ballet). 
  • PASCO HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIPS: Conway Theel (piano) and Larkin Mainwaring (vocal).

 

Pups party with their owners in Zephyrhills

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John Cooperwhite loves his twin chihuahuas Bijou and Bobby. Photo courtesy of Pat Fletcher
Dogs greet each other during National Puppy Day. Photo courtesy of Pat Fletcher

ZEPHYRHILLS – Forest Lake Estates had a festive day March 23 with a dog party in honor of National Puppy Day. 

The event was well attended with dogs and their owners enjoying a doggie parade, stories, music and snacks. 

Photographer Denise Cooperwhite was on hand to take pictures for display on clubhouse walls.

Pasco County expects a ‘very lean budget’

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County is approaching budget season conservatively as staff projects modest revenue gains while dealing with must-pay expenses that put increased pressure on the general fund, according to Budget Director Amielee Farrell.

She led a discussion March 25 with county commissioners on revenue projections for the 2026 fiscal year. 

“We’re looking at a limited ability to increase or expand services going into the next fiscal year,” Farrell told them. “We’re going to be running a very lean budget.”

Ferell reviewed data and metrics that help the county predict taxable assessed values, such as new home permits and new construction. 

“What we’re kind of keeping an eye on right now is fourth quarter fiscal year 2024 and first quarter fiscal year 2025, where we’re seeing a slight drop,” Farrell said of new home permits. “We’re not sure yet if this is attributed to all of the hurricane-type stuff that’s been happening in this county, so we’re keeping an eye because that could potentially impact us about two years out.”

Not only are new home permits leveling off but staff believes commercial plus residential new construction will start leveling off as well. A slide showing the ebbs and flows of assessed values over the past 25 years noted that the county can’t expect assessed values to remain at this level. 

Farrell also points to revaluations over the past three fiscal years experiencing double digit growth, driven in part by a Northern migration. She believes the market conditions are starting to correct themselves and that the growth won’t be as high with the next budget cycle. 

Her office has been running financial models at 5%, 7% and 9% growth to help prepare for the release of preliminary assessed values in June. 

She also shared key expense drivers for the coming year, including the operational costs associated with the detention center expansion, constitutional budget increases, personnel increases related to workers comp and retirement, general inflation and government growth to keep pace with the demands for service. 

In the coming months, county staff will meet with commissioners for one-on-on briefings and hold board meetings to discuss departmental budgets. 

Commissioner Jack Mariano told Farrell that he’d like to focus during one-on-one meetings on the costs associated with the detention center as well as how the county is coming along on road paving projects. 

The county will receive preliminary and final taxable assessed values in June and July. The board will adopt tentative millage rates and a budget in July. After a pair of public hearings, commissioners will adopt final millage rates and a budget in September. 

 

Townhome project approved near schools in Holiday

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This map shows the 46-acre site outlined in red. Some of its neighbors include Anclote High School, Paul R. Smith Middle School, a Duke Energy easement, Holiday Lake Estates and a recently rezoned parcel. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

HOLIDAY – Lennar Homes has received approval from Pasco County commissioners to develop 190 townhomes by Anclote High School and Paul R. Smith Middle School.

The company had to get the county to rezone the 46-acre site from agricultural uses to a master planned unit development district to move forward.
The future land use plan calls for residential uses to the tune of six units per acre. The site is just north of the Dominion Anclote affordable housing project approved last year for 220 multifamily units. 

“We’ve got a great plan here,” said Clarke Hobby, of Hobby & Hobby P.A., speaking on behalf of the applicant. “We’ve got really attractive townhouses that Lennar is building with a newer product style that they have just reworked their architecture on. I think it’s going to be a great credit to the community but this is ideally situated next to the Dominium site and right in the middle of all the schools. It should be really great for the area.”

Commissioner Lisa Yeager said the townhomes will be available at a great price point that will be affordable to teachers. 

Hobby described the Lennar Homes project as the first chance of homeownership for people in the area. 

“I have to credit Lennar for stepping up its game,” he said. “About five, 10 years ago, not all the townhouses were great. The newer ones are showing six or seven different architectural finishes on the front and they look completely different and a big step up from the old ones. I think it’ll be good for the community.”

To the north and east of the site is a Duke Energy easement. 

The project will connect to the Coastal Anclote Trail via a multi-use path, according to Pasco County senior planner Willaim Vermillion. He said this will allow pedestrians to access both school sites. 

 

Butterflies, bees & garden enthusiasts to explore Dade City

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DADE CITY – Putting aside the disappointment and losses suffered from Hurricane Milton, the Dade City Garden Club is gearing up for a day of celebration with butterflies, bees and free family fun taking centerstage. 

The Dade City Garden Club is partnering with the city to present the Monarch Butterfly Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5 at the newly renovated Touchton Park with festivities flowing into Dade City Garden Club gardens.

Main attractions will include a plant sale, a Kids’ Zone, strolling entertainment, educational exhibits and presentations, food, prizes and an eclectic market that will satisfy shoppers. Live butterflies displayed during the event will be released into the gardens at the close of the day. 

The Dade City Garden Club is also holding its biennial National Garden Clubs Small-Standard Flower Show, Blooms & Bees – The Buzz in the Garden, with the purpose of educating club members and the viewing public; stimulating an interest in horticulture and floral design; and providing an outlet for creative expression. 

After the participants’ entries are evaluated by accredited Florida Federation of Garden Clubs judges, the show will open to the public on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dade City Garden Club, across the street from Touchton Park.

The Jolley Trolley will be in town thanks to the Community Foundation Tampa Bay. Visitors will be able to park downtown and hop on the free trolley to the festival and/or flower show from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. One pick-up/drop off location will be adjacent to the Robert B. Sumner Judicial Center (38033 Live Oak Ave.) and the other location at the Dade City Heritage Museum and Welcome Center (37800 Church Ave.). Parking is available in city and county-owned lots and other areas around the downtown. 

Attendance at both events is free. Email or visit dadecitygardenclub.com for more information.

Bauducco Foods expansion is a treat for Pasco County

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Zephyrhills Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson is excited about the number of jobs and investment that Bauducco Foods is making in her hometown. Photo courtesy of Bauducco Foods

ZEPHYRHILLS – Bauducco Foods broke ground on a production and distribution facility March 21 at Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park.

Bauducco USA CEO Stefano Mozzi explains why Zephyrhills was the best place to invest $200 million into a production and distribution facility. Photo courtesy of Bauducco Foods

The company, which produces more than 400,000 tons of baked goods annually, analyzed over 160 potential sites across seven states for its expansion, according to Bauducco USA CEO Stefano Mozzi.

“Zephyrhills stood out as the ideal location,” Mozzi said. “From the business-friendly environment to the fantastic support from the business development teams in the state, county and the city, we knew Zephyrhills was the right place.”

Bauducco expects to invest over $200 million into a facility on its 72-acre site. 

The facility will be used to produce and distribute its products across the U.S. Products will include biscuits, wafers and its signature Panettones.

With advanced production technologies in place, Bauducco will have greater flexibility to expand its product offerings, bringing new products to market.

“Their investment not only brings hundreds of high-wage jobs and economic growth but also reinforces our city’s reputation as a prime destination for business and industry,” Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson said during the groundbreaking. “We look forward to a prosperous partnership and the sweet success that lies ahead!” 

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley (above) and Zephyrhills Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson have described Bauducco Foods’ investment as a new chapter for the area. Photo courtesy of Bauducco Foods

The Zephyrhills facility will be developed in three phases. The first phase is expected to be operational by mid-2026, the second phase by 2028 and the third by 2030. 

Bauducco anticipates creating 600 new jobs in the Tampa Bay area, of which 120 full-time positions will open during the first phase. 

“We are grateful for the meaningful partnerships that Bauducco has already formed in our community, and we are looking forward to seeing this project progress,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council. “There will be many new jobs coming to Pasco County in the near future as a result of this investment in our community.”

On the web: bauducco.com