The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Celebrating the kumquat’s place in history

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Every year, for one day, a small, oval-shaped fruit called the kumquat takes center stage during a festival that was established by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce in 1998.

The annual event celebrates everything that makes the Dade City area unique.

Casper Joseph Nathe came to what is now known as St. Joseph and planted an acre of the fruit trees in 1912.

(Courtesy of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce)

The Nathe family used the fruit for preserves and orders started coming in. In less than 15 years, Florida Grower magazine crowned Casper Nathe “the world’s Kumquat King.”

Since the town of St. Joseph was already known as the Kumquat Capital of the World, the chamber decided that this little fruit with the funny name could be the focus of an annual Kumquat Festival.

Thousands stream to historic downtown Dade City each year to attend the festival, which is held on the last Saturday in January.

The event features local music, arts and crafts, and myriad opportunities to sample the fruit, whether it be kumquat pie, marmalade, cookies, salsa, ice cream, or a sip of kumquat beer.

This year, besides playing its starring role at the annual festival, the tart-tasting fruit also will be the centerpiece for the annual Dade City Garden Club Christmas ornament, which honors the Kumquat Festival.

Ornaments are $22, payable by check to The Dade City Garden Club, and can be purchased at The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St.

For information, call (352) 567-3769.

Published October 09, 2019

Having fun and helping others, at the same time

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Laughter echoes throughout the Lutz Community Center, as women — some donning purple spray paint in their hair — settle in for some friendly games.

These women have come to a benefit, organized by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, to support Sunrise of Pasco County, Inc., a domestic and sexual violence center.

Sunrise provides free counseling, advocacy, and support services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence. It also serves family or friends that have been affected by violence through its outreach program.

The ladies gathering for the event had fun playing games and socializing, while supporting an organization that helps survivors of domestic and sexual violence. (B.C. Manion)

Many of those attending the event came bearing bags of all shapes and sizes, filled with items intended to help those arriving at Sunrise’s shelter.

The donated goods included soaps, shampoos, hair products, lotions, fragrances, socks, toothpaste, cotton swabs, hand sanitizers and other items.

Annette Bellingar, first vice president of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, said some women brought in bags filled with stuff. Others just brought in items off the list, and there were others who donated money or gift cards, she said.

Amanda Markiewicz, chief programs officer for Sunrise of Pasco County, Inc., said “we’ve had collaboration with this club and a lot of the other GFWC clubs in the area for a long time. We appreciate the support.”

The event was timed to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is in October.

“We have a 40-bed shelter,” Markiewicz said. “We provide them (people at the shelter) with anything you would think is in a household. Basic hygiene items. Clothing.

“We’re able to help them with support services, crisis counseling, advocacy, help with finding jobs or housing or any kind of case management.”

Nearly all of the ladies at the brunch wore purple, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

While raising $900 in contributions — including a $15 donation per person for the brunch, the ladies also donated enough items for the shelter to fill an SUV and another car.

Besides doing good, they had fun.

They played games and socialized. And, they dined on a homemade brunch buffet that included everything from French toast, to chicken salad sandwiches, to fresh fruit, hash browns, casserole dishes and more.

To learn more about Sunrise, call (352) 567-1681 or visit SunrisePasco.org.

Want to help? Here’s a list of items needed at Sunrise of Pasco County Inc.

Shelter items needed

Batteries

All-purpose cleaner

Foil

Baby formula

Body wash

Canned goods

Deodorant

Disposable gloves

Dryer sheets

Feminine pads

Forks, spoons, cups

Floor cleaner

Hair brushes

Hair ties

Hand soap

Headphones, ear buds

Ibuprofin (children and adult)

Pillows

Cushions

Lice treatments

Light bulbs

Long-handled dustpan

Mop

Pacificiers

Pepto Bismal

Petroleum Jelly

Phone chargers

Q Tips

Shampoo

Socks

Sponges

Stomach medicine

Tissues

Underwear

Vicks VapoRub

Ziploc bags

Published October 09, 2019

Arts center offers program for low-income families

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The Morean Arts Center (MAC) has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Association of Children’s Museums, to encourage people of all backgrounds to build a lifelong affinity to the arts and culture.

The program will enable low-income families to visit the Chihuly Collection, presented by MAC, for a minimal admission rate of $3 per person when they present an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, or a Women, Infant and Children (WIC) benefit card.

The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center showcases Dale Chihuly’s colorful glass creations. (Mary Rathman)

And, all children younger than age 5 are free.

Admission includes the Morean Glass Studio, and non-ticketed exhibitions at the Morean Arts Center and Morean Center for Clay, all for one minimal fee.

Partnering with the Juvenile Welfare Board on this initiative, MAC wants to ensure that families who can benefit from the program know about it and have ways to actively engage.

The Morean also offers two free weekly programs for families — ‘Saturdays at the Morean’ and ‘Sundays at the Morean’ — as well as non-ticketed exhibitions year-round.

Museums for All provides access to museums and encourages families of all backgrounds to visit regularly.

By offering this resource and teaming up with the Juvenile Welfare Board, MAC hopes to inspire creativity and a love for the arts, for all.

The Morean Arts Center is at 719 Central Ave, in St. Petersburg. For information and events, visit MoreansArtsCenter.org.

Published October 09, 2019

Cruise-in for a trip back in time

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Strolling through this Dairy Queen parking lot is like journeying back to a bygone era.

Here, you can take a trip down Nostalgia Lane to a time when AM radio ruled the airwaves, and fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror were all the rage.

Many car owners raised the hoods of their automobiles, to show off what’s underneath. Here, two classic American Muscle Cars are on display, showing off their large V-8 engines. From left, 1960s AMC AMX and a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle 350. (Christine Holtzman)

That’s because dozens of cars, most of them American classics, are on display every Thursday evening at the Dairy Queen Grill & Chill Cruise-In, 23671 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Proud owners happily show of their rides.

They exchange stories with fellow gearheads and enthusiasts, alike.

Many of their tales center on the painstaking work it takes to restore these beauties, as well as the rigorous maintenance schedules needed to keep them in tip-top shape.

This show is just of one of several hosted in the Tampa area by Paul Figoni of Let’s Roll Promotions.

Vintage cars are lined up in the Dairy Queen parking lot for the weekly Cruise-In event that is held every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

He began his car show at the Dairy Queen in Citrus Park about 14 years ago.

When it started, it was geared toward American classic and muscle cars, but over the years it has evolved to include a wider array of styles — which, as a result, has captured the hearts of a diverse population of car enthusiasts.

As the sun was beginning to set on the last Thursday in September, the sounds of “Crossroads,” a Land O’ Lakes oldies band filled the air.

They provided the perfect soundtrack to this voyage back in time.

John Addison of Lutz, tinkers under the hood of his 1976 Chevy Corvette. Addison said that a wire had come loose.

Car enthusiasts visiting the show could drool over dozens of classic vehicles, including a 1960s Plymouth Sport Satellite, a couple of 1950s-era Ford Thunderbirds, an iconic 1954 Cadillac, a 1930s Ford Model A hotrod, a 1970s era Toyota Celica, a late 1960s model Chevrolet Chevelle, a 1968 Triumph TR250, a few vintage Corvettes, and a rare Studebaker Avanti.

And, it’s simple to participate. You just cruise in.

There are no fees to include your ride at the show. But those registering do get a chance to win the 50/50 drawing and door prizes.

Want to know more? Check out Let’s Roll Car Shows Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/letsrollcarshows.

Published October 09, 2019

Daniel Kester of Land O’ Lakes, left, and Dennis Whelan of Lutz, shoot the breeze in front of Kester’s 1954 Cadillac Series 62 car. Kester bought the classic car in 1996 for $900, and has been restoring it ever since. Whelan was at the show with his 1968 Triumph TR250.
A close-up look of the steering wheel of a 1963 Studebaker Avanti. The luxury coupe was produced from 1962 to 1963.

 

At just 11, he’s already found his voice

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Marcus Mitchell isn’t even a teenager yet, but he already knows how he wants to spend his life.

He wants to make music, and to perform it for others.

He’s already writing songs, and in November, the Land O’ Lakes Christian School student will be taking the stage with the Florida Orchestra to perform a solo part.

He will be singing the solo in Movement 2 of Chichester Psalms under choral composer/conductor Eric Whitacre.

Eleven-year-old Marcus Mitchell has been selected to perform a solo part with the Florida Orchestra. He will be performing the part in Hebrew. He also enjoys writing songs, singing songs and playing his ukulele. (B.C. Manion)

Chichester Psalms, a composition by Leonard Bernstein, must be sung in Hebrew.

Marcus sings with Lumina Youth Choirs, based at St. Andrew Episcopal Church, in downtown Tampa. The audition-based organization attracts singers from across Tampa Bay.

Marcus’ parents, Chad and Nereida, are delighted by their son’s selection to perform with the orchestra.

“When I first found out that he had the opportunity to be with Florida Orchestra, I was at a loss for words, but so excited at the same time,” Chad said.

“We thank God for the talent and the passion that he (Marcus) has.

“He’s so passionate. He loves, loves, loves to sing,” he added. “I knew this would be a great opportunity for him. I want his talent to be heard and seen,” Chad said.

Nereida added: “It’s just an honor. I’m thankful that he has this opportunity so young, at 11 years old.”

Marcus lives with his parents, and his brother, 9-year-old brother, Lucas, in Wesley Chapel.

The Land O’ Lakes Christian School sixth-grader said he has loved music for as long as he can remember.

When he was just a little boy, he went to a Justin Bieber concert with his mom. Bieber’s performance left an impression.

“I remember how he commanded the stage,” Marcus said. He said that’s what he wants to do.

While some young musicians need to be encouraged to practice, Marcus’ parents said they have the opposite problem: They have to urge him to stop to make time for other things.

Besides singing in the choir, he plays piano and ukulele and composes his own songs.

One day, not too long ago, Marcus was practicing part of a piece and his voice was somewhat hoarse.

He told his dad: “I just hope I’ll be ready for November.”

His dad told him: “You are going to be absolutely ready.”

Marcus is slated to sing with the Florida Orchestra in November, one performance each at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa, Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

Published October 09, 2019

Weather hurricanes: Prepare early

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Early preparation and preparedness are vital when it comes to weathering hurricanes or other life-threatening storms.

That was the main message that Andrew Fossa, emergency management director for Pasco County, delivered during a Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce September breakfast meeting at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club.

The county’s emergency management division deals with all kinds of hazards, ranging from wildfires and extreme heat, to sinkholes and tornadoes — but Fossa focused much of his talk on hurricanes and tropical storms, or what he refers to as “gray sky days.”

Pasco County emergency management director Andrew Fossa was the featured guest speaker at last month’s Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club in Trinity. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The emergency director told the audience that once the county begins notifications regarding an imminent storm — such as announcing shelter and sandbag locations — local residents should ramp up their evacuation preparation and strategy within the next 120 hours.

“You guys got to start thinking about what you’re going to do, where are you going to go, and when are you going to do it,” Fossa said.

He emphasized that residents need to have a disaster supply kit, or “go bags” stocked up well before  any announcement is made.

Those preparation kits should include medications, important documents, driver’s license, passport, clothing, cash, non-perishable food, water, and so on. Motorists should fill up their vehicles before an impending storm hits.

“You’ve got to make sure you take that stuff with you because once we order an evacuation, you’re not going to be allowed back into your house or wherever you live,” said Fossa, who spent nearly three decades with Pasco County Fire Rescue before retiring there as deputy chief.

When it comes to finding a safe place during ordered evacuations, Fossa said local residents  need not go far.

Aside from staying at county-designated shelters, the emergency management director recommends first traveling to a family or friend’s house more inland or in the north-central part of the state.

He advised against driving all the way out of state due to a hurricane’s “cone of uncertainty,” or playing a “guessing game” on the range of possibilities the center of the storm could hit.

A storm targeted for a certain part of Florida just as easily could veer off to Georgia, Texas or somewhere else, Fossa said.

“You don’t have to go hundreds of miles,” he said. Instead, he suggested, “go 10 miles.”

Residents should take pictures of everything valuable in their home or apartment prior to evacuating, Fossa said. Those will come in handy in the event their property is damaged and they need to file  insurance claims.

He surmised: “I guarantee your insurance company is going to say, ‘Do you have photos before (the storm)?’”

Fossa cautioned the audience that media outlets have a tendency to hype hurricanes and related tropical storms, which he said can lead to community unrest.

He directed residents to the Weather Channel, National Hurricane Center or the county’s MyPasco app, to get the latest information.

“The media is going to make it a hype,” Fossa said. “That storm could still be coming off the coast of Africa and they’re start telling you, ‘It’s knee-deep in Pasco County right now.’”

Fossa also told the crowd that a “hurricane watch” isn’t cause for immediate panic.

“A lot of people think when you get that ‘watch’ you gotta run now, you gotta go hide. All the watches are saying is, ‘It’s possible,’” he explained.

For more information on the county’s emergency management division, visit pascoemergencymanagement.com.

For other questions, email or call (727) 847-8137.

Disaster supply kit and checklist
Here’s a list of items Pasco County Emergency Management recommends residents have on hand in case of a tropical storm or other disaster.

  • Water— one gallon for each person for three to seven days
  • Food — enough food for at least three to seven days, non-perishable packaged or canned food and beverages, snack foods, juices
  • Non-electric can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic cups
  • Grill, cooking tools, fuel, charcoal
  • Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags
  • Clothing, seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes or boots
  • First aid kit, prescriptions, medications, sunscreen, aloe, bug spray
  • Special items for babies, elders, persons with disabilities
  • Toiletries, hygiene items and sanitary wipes
  • Flashlight and batteries (Do not use candles)
  • Spare house and car keys, office keys name badges
  • Cash — banks/ATMs may not be available after a storm
  • Radio — battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather radio
  • Books and games
  • Important documents
  • Document all valuables
  • Hand tools, automotive repair tools
  • Vehicle — keep your vehicle filled with fuel
  • Pet care items — pet food and water, proper identification, medical records, carrier bag, muzzle and leash, medications
  • List of important telephone numbers, including county emergency management office, evacuation sites, doctors, bank, area schools, veterinarian, etc.

Published October 09, 2019

These drivers make safety a priority

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The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) honored 17 operators for their stellar safe-driving records, and inducted them into the One Million Mile Club and the Two Million Mile Club.

New members of the Two Million Mile Club (Courtesy of HART)

To qualify for membership in the One Million Mile Club, a bus, van or streetcar operator must demonstrate an exceptional dedication to safe vehicle operations by completing 14 consecutive years without a preventable accident, according to a news release from HART.

To get into the Two Million Mile Club, an operator must accumulate 27 years without a preventable accident.

“Many of our operators are special, but this group represents the best of the best. We are proud to salute them,” said HART Chief Operating Officer Ruthie Reyes Burckard, in a release.

Burckard added that it takes skill and vigilance at all times to achieve this elite Million Miler status.

The newly inducted members to the Million Mile Club are: Robert Baker, Sabrina Brown Mills, Fernando Burga, Crystal Edwards, Debra Eskridge, George Freeman, Bernier Lalime, Gregory Lester, Carlos Martinez, Dwight Phillips, Gabriel Siragusa and Manuel Tejada.

The Two Million Mile Club has three new members: Philip Burgos, Rafael Camacho and Ronald Watkins.

Rafael Rosado is only the second TECO Line Streetcar motorperson to achieve the Streetcar One Million Mile.

Published October 09, 2019

Plant growers benefit from new website

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The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) hopes to help growers with solutions for their plant problems.

The school’s Plant Diagnostic Center has launched a new website, Diagnostics.ifas.ufl.edu, to expedite the process of finding answers to plant questions.

The launch of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ new online Plant Diagnostic Center aims to help expedite finding solutions to plant problems. (Courtesy of Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS)

Carrie Harmon, director of the Plant Diagnostic Center, said in a release, “Maybe it’s a farmer who has spotted an unfamiliar bug in the fields, or a homeowner whose once-healthy garden has developed discoloration on some leaves. In these instances, growers just want solutions.”

The new website aims to be a one-stop shop, connecting the internal and external audience to the plant problem solutions needed, in just a few clicks.

The internal audience is an extensive network of UF/IFAS Extension agents in every Florida county, the Florida Master Gardeners program, and several plant health clinics throughout the state.

The website’s external audience is anyone who is seeking help for their plants, whether that involves disease, pest or weed identification; soil and water quality testing; or resources and suggested management methods for a known problem.

Harmon said, “We need people to know that they’ve got this incredible resource in the community.”

Of course, those seeking answers can still visit their local Extension office and get to know the agents and master gardeners to take full advantage of the expertise and help they can provide.

Published October 09, 2019

Land O’ Lakes route to lose bus stop, weekend service

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Bus Route 41, in Land O’ Lakes, no longer will be making a stop on Collier Parkway — and also will discontinue operating on Saturdays.

Those changes were approved by the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board on Sept. 12.

Pasco County Public Transportation will remove the bus stop on Collier Parkway from Route 41, which runs in Land O’ Lakes. The entire route, which mainly runs along U.S. 41, also will exclude Saturdays from its service.(Courtesy of Pasco County Public Transportation)

The changes were prompted by a recommendation from Pasco County Public Transportation based on its research and public feedback.

“We received some concerns from some of our riders on Route 41,” Kurt Scheible  director of public transportation for the county told the MPO board.

“Unfortunately, it’s not one of our better routes.”

The route begins at the U.S. 41 intersection with Central Boulevard. It continues south to multiple stops, including where U.S. 41 meets Gator Lane, State Road 54 and the apex where U.S. 41 and North Dale Mabry Highway branch off.

Although other stops are along U.S. 41, the route also included a jog onto State Road 54, over to Collier Parkway, where riders could pick up the bus near the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

However, Scheible said, very few patrons took advantage of the stop and those riding the bus considered the stop to be an inconvenience because it delayed them in getting to their destinations.

A study done by the transportation department in June revealed a low volume of riders on Route 41, Scheible said.

There were only 250 trips made on weekdays and 20 on Saturdays during the month, he noted.

During 2018, of all of the county’s 825,767 bus trips, Route 41 only had slightly over 1,900 – making it the lowest performing route in the county’s transportation system, he said.

The study also showed that barely any riders used the service on Saturdays, he added.

The director also noted that those using the Collier Parkway stop were primarily using it to get to shops along State Road 54.

Because of the findings, the bus service decided to drop the Collier Parkway stop and to end Saturday services on the route.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who sits on the MPO board expressed agreement.

“Obviously we wanted to make sure that everybody had access to our public facilities, including the library and the rec center,” he said. “But if nobody’s taking part in it, [it is] obviously understandable that we need to reevaluate that.”

The MPO board’s approval was the final action needed to push the initiative forward.

Scheible also mentioned future plans to extend Route 41 further north up to State Road 52, once that corridor has widened.

While services are being reduced in one part of the county, the MPO board took another action that may have the effect of boosting ridership countywide.

The board approved free bus transportation for veterans, active military and county employees who present proper identification.

The Pasco County Commission made the change official during its Sept. 18 meeting.

“The whole idea is: walk on [with a] picture ID, they hit the button and they’re riding for free wherever they need to go to,” Scheible said during the MPO meeting.

The changes to Route 41 and the free bus rides will take effect in October, the transportation director said.

Published October 2, 2019

East Pasco to receive new, upgraded veterans clinic

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in the midst of building a new outpatient clinic in Zephyrhills.

As a branch of Tampa’s James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, the facility will be an upgraded replacement to the current Zephyrhills Community Based Outpatient Clinic. It will serve former members of the military.

“I’d say accessibility is probably our biggest reason for building a new clinic,” said Shayna Rodriguez, public affairs specialist at James A. Haley. “It will be easier for veterans to use, and we’ll have more capability and accessibility for them.”

This rendering offers an idea of what the appearance will be of the exterior for the new Zephyrhills VA outpatient clinic. The facility, set to open in mid-2021, will replace the existing facility and will have more rooms.
(Courtesy of Shayna Rodriguez/James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital)

Danny Burgess is the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The Zephyrhills native said he’s anticipating the added amenities this new facility will offer service men and women.

Burgess stated that, “The new VA clinic in Zephyrhills will be a game changer for veterans in East Pasco. The expansion will provide increased access to quality healthcare. We are so excited for this commitment to our community by USDVA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs); and FDVA (Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs) looks forward to growing our strong relationship with our federal partners.”

The 14,000-square-foot facility will offer more space, housing both primary care and mental health services within the same building.

Ten rooms will be devoted to primary care, while six rooms will be used for treating mental health.

The expansion of rooms indicates the VA’s efforts to provide more access to psychiatric care, Rodriguez noted.

The clinic will be designed to accommodate the handicapped, and will offer new services such as podiatry and physical therapy.

It also will include anticoagulation pharmacy services and a lab. Telehealth – services provided remotely over the phone — also will be available.

Each patient will have an assigned “patient-aligned care team,” Rodriguez said. The team will consist of a physician, nurse, social worker and a mental health provider.

Patients will be referred to and treated at the James A. Haley hospital for surgeries and extensive therapy.

Those without their own transportation will be able to take advantage of a pick-up service to receive free rides to their doctor’s appointments.

“When we do these studies,” said Rodriguez, “we take a very close look at where is going to be most convenient for them, where the bulk of veterans live.”

Based on travel time, veterans may be eligible for reimbursement when commuting to the clinic in their own vehicle.

Veteran women’s health has been ongoing, but additional services will be provided  at the new clinic – especially for those with infants.

“We’ll also be adding a lactation room because women veterans are one of our fastest-growing demographics,” Rodriguez said.

The increase in the number of veterans living in Tampa Bay has led to a need for more clinics.

The James A. Haley hospital is not exclusive to just its VA clinics in Zephyrhills and New Port Richey, but branches out cross-county.

These counties include Hillsborough, Hernando and Polk, with Citrus County expected to join the list.

In September of last year, alone, there were over 6,000 visits to the current Zephyrhills clinic, Rodriguez said.

She also noted there’s typically an increase of veterans needing services, as snowbirds flock to Florida near the end of the year.

The U.S. Congress approved more than $12 million to fund the new complex, back in April. Construction on the Eiland Boulevard facility started in June.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2020 and to open by mid-2021. Once operational, the current Zephyrhills clinic will be closed down.

Published October 2, 2019