The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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It’s never too early to learn code

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Story time happens every week at New River Branch Library, but the program on Dec. 5 was particularly special because the library was one of 250 public libraries across the country to receive a grant from the American Library Association’s  ‘Libraries Ready to Code’ initiative.

After listening to Ms. Judy (Judy Curran) read two tech-inspired books during story time, 18-month-old Ava Edouard, of Wesley Chapel, sets her attention on the New River Branch Library’s newest piece of technology, a Fisher Price Code-A-Pillar. (Christine Holtzman)

The initiative, sponsored by Google, aims to help implement and plan coding activities during Computer Science Education Week.

The grant allowed the library to purchase a toy called a Code-A-Pillar by Fisher Price, which can be used to teach young children the basics of computer coding.

In recognition of Computer Science Week, the library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, also set up coding stations, robots, crafts and cool projects throughout the week to teach toddlers to teens about computer science.

By Christine Holtzman

 

Judy Curran, the New River Branch Library’s Youth Services Provider, far right, adds another segment of code to the Code-A-Pillar’s body as children and parents watch to see what command the Code-A-Pillar performs next. Code-A-Pillar’s commands on each body segment are picture-based, providing an intuitive way for children to learn the basics of computer coding. The children, from left: 2-year-old Madison Kidd, of Zephyrhills; 1-year-old Astrid Banks, of Wesley Chapel; 3-year-old Austin Banks, of Wesley Chapel; 2-year-old Emma Maxwell, of Wesley Chapel; and, 2-year-old Penda Pavon, of Zephyrhills. The adults in the back, from left: Kathy Doss (Emma Maxwell’s grandmother) and Elisa Kidd (Madison Kidd’s mother).
Judy Curran, the Youth Services Provider at the New River Branch Library, gets a high-five from 2-year-old Emma Maxwell, of Wesley Chapel, at the beginning of Story Time with Ms. Judy, also known as Judy Curran, on Dec. 5.

 

Flapjack Run offers exercise, flapjacks

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Hot pancakes topped with syrup will be the sweet treat awaiting patrons for the Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run.

The event, celebrating its 25th year this year, offers free admission to spectators and patrons.

Connerton Plaza at 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes, is the venue for the event, which will be on Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

As in past events, runners of all ages are expected to participate in this year’s 25th Flapjack Run on Dec. 8. (File)

The 5K run is set to begin at 8 a.m. The 1-mile fun run, or walk, will start at 8:45 a.m.

Vendors also will offer various crafts and food, and Santa will pop in, too, according to Suzanne Beauchaine, of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, which is organizing the event.

A rummage sale also will be held, with a variety of items available for purchase.

Runners at the event will receive free flapjacks, while others can purchase a plate for $5, said Beauchaine, executive director of the Chamber.

Those intending to run can register at the event, but they are encouraged to do so in advance, online, to guarantee a T-shirt and a medal.

The cost is $25 for the 5K for adults; and a $17 fee for kindergarteners through 12th-graders.

The 1-mile run will be a flat rate of $15. Children under 5 can take part for free, when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Trophies for first and second place winners will be awarded to each age group by decade, starting from age 14.

Winners also can be awarded by family members splitting into teams of two.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is presenting the event and proceeds benefit the Pasco County Parks Department.

To register online, visit tinyurl.com/ycnowb8d.

For additional information, contact The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722 .

Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run
Where: Connerton Plaza, 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes
When: Dec. 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free to spectators and patrons; 5K run is $25 for adults and $17 for kindergarten through 12th-grade runners; 1-mile run is a $15 flat rate; free admission for runners age 5, accompanied by an adult.
Details: Attendees can enjoy a run or walk, a pancake breakfast, a rummage sale and purchase crafts from vendors.
Info: Contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or .

Published December 5, 2018

Updated mobility fees proposed in Pasco

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The Pasco County Commission is expected to take final action on an update to the county’s mobility fees at its Dec. 11 meeting.

Commissioners are expected to approve several changes, which include adding new categories and reducing some fees.

Mobility fees are based on the transportation impacts caused by new development, which is typically expressed in the number of trips the development generates.

These fees are one-time charges to new construction.

The update calls for reducing fees in these categories: High-rise condominiums; age-restricted communities; congregate care facilities; college/university in suburban/rural areas; churches in suburban areas; hospitals; and hardware/paint stores (but not big box stores, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot).

The update also introduces five new land uses: Non-veterinary kennel; breakfast/lunch only restaurant; fast-casual restaurant; ice-skating arena; and active/passive warehouse.

The update also calls for reducing the fee for residential development in rural areas on lots of 5 acres or more.

Currently, the mobility fee for a new single-family home is $9,800 in the rural district; $8,570 in the suburban district; and, $5,835 in the urban district.

Under the proposed rate schedule, a new single-family home built on 5 acres or more in the rural district would pay the same fee as the same-size home built in the suburban district, which is $8,570. Those built on smaller lots in the rural district would continue to pay $9,800.

Besides changing specific categories, there’s also a proposal to update the mobility fee schedule every five years, instead of approximately every three years, as has been the practice.

Lengthening the time between updates, coupled with an increasing number of permit applications, would allow the county to reduce the permit administration fee from $392 per permit to $136 per permit.

The update also proposed additional incentives to spur development along U.S. 19.

During a previous workshop, commissioners talked about dropping discount rates for market-rate apartments in the urban district and removing discounts for mini-warehouses.

Now, commissioners appear likely to move ahead on the mobility fee package, but to have staff take a deeper look at the issue of market-rate apartments and mini-warehouses.

They want staff to look at those issues, both in term of mobility fees and zoning. That process could take months to complete.

Commissioner Mike Moore was unsuccessful in persuading his colleagues to drop the incentive for high-end apartments.

He makes no secret of his opposition to what he views as an oversaturation of apartment development along State Road 54/State Road 56.

Besides taking up space that would be better left for other types of development that creates jobs, Moore said he’s concerned about potential long-term consequences of too much apartment development.

Moore said he’s not talking about dropping the incentive for apartments that have already been approved.

“There are quite a few entitlements currently out there already. I understand that some people have already budgeted for their project and increasing the fees at this time could have a negative impact. I get it. They’d be grandfathered in,” Moore said.

But, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey offered a different perspective.

“I think multifamily serves an important need in our community,” Starkey said.

“It’s not whether I like them or not. Do I think there’s a use in the community for people who can’t afford a house in a gated community? Yes, I do.

“I think the market will dictate whether these get built or not,” she said.

She also noted that when the extension of State Road 56 is completed between Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel and U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills, there likely will be demand for apartments there.

“I would think that some of that community might like some nice, new apartments,” she said.

Commissioner Mike Wells said he supported the planning commission’s recommendation on the mobility fee update.

Wells also agreed with Starkey: “The market decides.”

Land use attorney Clarke Hobby, who served on the county’s mobility fees committee, noted the committee did not discuss whether the fees should be changed for apartments or mini-warehouses.

That discussion came up during a board workshop on the issue, after the mobility fee committee completed its work.

“We didn’t know this was an issue,” Hobby said, adding that’s a significant issue to address without getting the mobility fee committee’s input.

Hobby also pointed out that the county has expressed a desire to prevent urban sprawl.

“Now, you’re just saying you want suburban sprawl in the urban service area, if we go down that route,” Hobby said.

Commissioners didn’t take any action during the first public hearing on the updated fee schedule held on Nov. 27, but based on their discussion, it appears likely they will approve the updated mobility fee schedule at the Dec. 11 public hearing.

Published December 5, 2018

Pasco shelter offers haven from abuse

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Abuse can come in many different forms.

It can also be a sensitive issue for victims to divulge, especially if it occurs within their own households.

It’s a nationwide problem, and efforts have been made nationally and locally to provide safer environments for adults and children who have been abused.

Pasco County is among those striving to improve services for people in this situation.

Kelly Sinn has been working at Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., since 2002, helping survivors of domestic abuse rehabilitate. In 2013, Sinn succeeded Penny Morrill as CEO of the organization. (Courtesy of Sunrise of Pasco County Inc.)

Pasco has been engaged in this issue since 1982, when a group of Pasco residents formed a small coalition group which later became known as the Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., Domestic and Sexual Violence Center.

“It started as a grassroots organization,” explained Kelly Sinn, current CEO of Sunrise. “Initially, it was community members that saw that there was an issue.”

Under the helm of a female abuse survivor, the organization recruited volunteers within the community who were willing to open their homes for a night or two.

While it provided a temporary solution, it was understood that there needed to be something in place more long-term.

Sunrise started with one office in Dade City and, over the years, expanded with a shelter, a thrift store and outreach sources for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

During its 35-year history, Sunrise has grown, and now has facilities in Dade City and New Port Richey serving all of Pasco County.

The problem is well-documented. In Pasco County alone, during 2017 there were more than 4,000 reported incidents of domestic abuse, which includes sexual assault, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The number of reported cases has risen steadily since 2013, figures show.

Sunrise works to reduce incidents of abuse through prevention programs, such as its collaboration with the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the initiative has trained counselors from Sunrise who travel to Pasco middle schools and high schools to teach students about such things as safe dating, healthy relationships and anti-bullying.

The students also are taught about being aware of their surroundings and learning to recognize — and avoid — areas that are prone to violence, both on and off campus.

All Sunrise employees go through a certified training, said Sinn, and when a counselor is told by a student that there is abuse occurring within their home, the counselor is obligated to make a report to authorities.

On the collegiate level, Sunrise has implemented the Green Dot Program at Saint Leo University, which teaches students how to safely intervene and de-escalate tense situations on campus.

When it comes to the legal aspect, Sunrise constantly works with all Pasco police departments to relay vital information.

This initiative was partially propelled by the Intimate Violence Enhanced Service Team (InVEST) established in 2009.

In addition to communicating with law enforcement, InVEST is a program that allows Sunrise to use both East and West Pasco courthouses as meeting places for survivors and legal advocates, as well as attorneys.

Here, survivors can learn the best options for their situation whether it is getting legal representation, getting a restraining order or an injunction.

Immense resources must be put in place for all these factors to play out.

That’s where the recent Reindeer Run held on Dec. 1, and Peace Breakfast, set for Dec. 6, come in.

While they can be enjoyable events, they also raise money to support Sunrise.

The Peace Breakfast is free; however, generous donations are accepted.

Aside from these benefits, the organization also receives federal, state and local funding, as well as private donations.

This makes it possible to provide three meals a day and counseling to victims, and direct them to resources for employment, housing and financial aid.

The 40-bed shelter, which houses individuals for a minimum of eight weeks, is a launching pad for progression said Sinn.

However, in some cases it may take an extended three to four months.

“Sometimes eight weeks isn’t long enough for a family to be able to find employment, child care [and] save up enough money to rent their own apartment,” she explained.

Sunrise also works with the welfare system to make sure that children are not split from their nonoffending parent, reducing the number taken into foster care.

While people tend to think of women and children as being targets of abuse, Sinn said there are men, too, that can be abused.

Sunrise does take in men, from time to time, and they have their own separate shelter.

While the organization typically deals with difficult and traumatizing issues, it also witnesses survivors who are able to pick up the pieces of their lives.

This is something Sinn credits to “such a supportive and embracing community” in Pasco County.

Sinn remembered a call she received several years ago from an abuse survivor who was in a happy marriage, with a child going off to college.

“That’s really humbling,” she said.

“Thank Yous come in so many different forms,” Sinn said.

Besides phone calls, Christmas cards, hugs and tears, there are also those who come back to work or volunteer at Sunrise, a place that helped them regain a sense of security.

If you have experienced abuse and you need help, Sunrise’s hotline staff is available 24 hours a day at (352) 521-3120.

Sunrise of Pasco’s 15th Annual Peace Breakfast
Where: Greenfelder Board Room at Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in Saint Leo
When: Dec. 6 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Cost: Free with a voluntary donation
Details: Courtney Weil and her children will speak at the breakfast about being survivors of domestic violence and prevention efforts.
Info: To RSVP, contact Sunrise at (352) 521-3358 or .

Published December 5, 2018

Zephyrhills opens doors to new City Hall

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The brand-new Zephyrhills City Hall has been in operation since October — but local residents and dignitaries got an up-close view of the digs during a Nov. 27 open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

At 19,000 square feet, the $6.2 million building represents a major upgrade to the former City Hall facility, which was 11,000 square feet and was built in the 1950s.

The new $6.2 million Zephyrhills City Hall is more than 19,000 square feet. The two-story building is located at 5335 Eighth St. (Kevin Weiss)

The two-story building, at 5335 Eighth St., has a modernized brick and stone exterior, and is accented with a fountain and courtyard plaza.

The interior has a similar majestic feel.

On the whole, the new City Hall features more open workspaces and multifunctional meeting rooms, which can flexibly be used to accommodate public events.

The first floor is spotlighted by its sizable council chambers — outfitted with high ceilings, large windows and modern decor. It seats up to 80 people and is equipped with large flat-screen televisions to help attendees see presentations.

Also on the first floor, is a large main lobby and a sizable reception area, for those waiting to meet with the city’s utility, building and planning departments.

Much of the second floor features administration and IT office spaces, as well as a conference room and break room. Several of the second floor spaces are double-door rooms, which may later be converted to more offices as the city grows.

Technology is another a significant feature in the facility. It has automatic lighting and upgraded thermostats, as well as security cameras and access-control keypads. Meeting rooms are equipped with Smart TVs that are integrated with office computers for greater efficiency and planning purposes.

Multiple restrooms, stairwells and an elevator are some other noted features.

City officials expressed excitement about the City Hall during the open house event.

The new Zephyrhills City Hall was christened with a Nov. 27 open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This is a beautiful facility,” Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield said. “The first thing I thought of when I came in after it was finished was, ‘Wow!’”

He added: “We’re very proud of it and very proud we could do this for our citizens. It’s their building. It fits our community, and we’re really proud of that and we’re proud to have the honor of serving the community.”

Zephyrhills City Council president Lance Smith was enthusiastic about the building, too. He noted the former City Hall felt “kind of like a dungeon.”

“It was well past time we needed this new building,” Smith said. “It’s just a beautiful building, and I think that’s what a public structure should be — it should be something that everybody’s proud of and it’s to be used by the community.”

Smith also took time to encourage more residents to utilize the council chambers to host meetings, events and other activities. “I just want everybody to use this. …Instead of being used once every two weeks, I want to see that thing used,” he said.

Fellow City Council member Jodi Wilkeson expressed these sentiments, regarding the new City Hall: “I believe in my heart that the people who hold this city together — the workers— they deserve a structure like this, as do the citizens of our community.”

The City Hall project was designed and built by Harvard Jolly and A.D. Morgan.

It took more than a year to build the facility after the old City Hall was demolished last September. During construction, Zephyrhills staffers worked from the city’s old police station on Ninth Street, while City Council meetings were held at the Zephyrhills Public Library.

Assistant City Clerk Jessica Carter remembers her co-workers being elated to finally move into the new City Hall on Oct. 8.

“That was a day we were all looking forward to. We didn’t mind coming into work that Monday,” Carter said with a chuckle.

Though pleased with the entire facility, Carter noted the break room, of course, is a favorite among city employees, herself included.

Said Carter: “It’s a happening place; lots of counter spaces.

“I don’t know if anybody saw the old City Hall, but our break room was more like a closet with a refrigerator, so this is definitely a huge upgrade,” she added.

The new building is still undergoing a few final finishing touches, according to Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc. Those include correcting minor painting flaws, window treatments and other punch list items. Work is also being done on the courtyard fountain and an additional parking lot, which is expected to be finished by January.

Published December 5, 2018

Tennis center plans are progressing

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The approved renderings for the exterior design of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center include brick elements and flat awnings that blend the features of some of the City of Zephyrhills’ newer buildings, such as the library and City Hall, and the city’s older downtown historic buildings.

Shown here is the front exterior rendering of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center that was approved by the Zephyrhills City Council. A final architectural design for the project will be presented at a later date. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The Zephyrhills City Council came to a consensus on the design for the much-awaited facility during the council’s Nov. 26 meeting.

The exterior also is accented with signage, a large-picture window and glass fixtures, based on the rendering.

The rear view includes a memorial statue of Sarah Vande Berg — named after the former Zephyrhills High School district champion who died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Before being presented to the City Council, multiple tennis center designs were reviewed by the Zephyrhills Parks and Recreation Board, and a committee made up of City Manager Steve Spina, Planning Director Todd Vande Berg, Public Works director Shane LeBlanc, Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson and professional tennis instructor Pascal Collard, who will manage the tennis center.

The council has gone back and forth since September on various renderings to best match the municipal architecture of the city.

A final design and floor plan now will be completed by the project’s architectural firm, Fleishman-Garcia Architects.

The process of selecting a design wasn’t easy, Wilkeson said, but she believes the city now has “a very clear direction for the architect.”

The rear exterior rendering.

The tennis center project, expected to cost about $3.5 million, will be located on about 5 acres of donated land at The District at Abbott’s Square, a new real estate development situated north of Dean Dairy Road and west of Simons Road.

The tennis center will be 7,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet. Plans call for it to include a fitness/wellness center and cryotherapy room, a pro shop, a restaurant, conference and multipurpose rooms, a kid’s club and playground, a common area, office spaces and other features.

Next to the indoor center, there will be 11 full-size outdoor courts — a mix of clay and hard surfaces — built to U.S Tennis Association (USTA) professional standards.

At some point, there’s also a possibility of phasing in a covered/indoor tennis court building that would have four full-size courts.

Discussions about the entire project began in 2016.

Planning Director Todd Vande Berg said there’s not yet a set date for breaking ground, but noted the city ideally would like to begin construction sometime in the first quarter of 2019.

He explained the tennis facility could be finished by late 2019 or early 2020 “if we get started when we think.”

In other action:

  • The City Council unanimously approved a contract for incoming assistant city manager Billy Poe. Per its terms, Poe, 42, will earn a $105,000 annual base salary and will be enrolled in the city’s health insurance policy. Poe, who’s served as Dade City manager for the past 11 years, will begin his new role on or before Feb. 7, 2019. He is expected to replace Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina once he retires sometime next year. Poe was offered the assistant city manager position during a special city council meeting on Nov. 7.
  • The City Council passed the city’s 2018-2018 fiscal year budget of more than $59.4 million, based on a millage rate at 6.35.

Published December 5, 2018

Zephyrhills meetings may go ‘live’

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Residents and others may soon be able to listen and watch the City of Zephyrhills’ public meetings online.

The idea has been floated to city leaders by video production company IntellisMedia, a division of WUSF Public Media.

Under its initial proposal, IntellisMedia would agree to live-stream and record designated city meetings (city council, planning commission, airport commission and so on) from the City Council chambers for a fee of $750 per meeting ; the city would have to agree to live-stream and record a minimum of three meetings per month, costing about $2,250. The company would provide all labor and equipment necessary to process the live-stream and recordings.

Live-streamed, and audio and video recorded meetings would be available on the city’s official website, as well as other platforms, such as Facebook and YouTube. Recorded meetings may also air on Pasco County’s government-access television channel, which IntellisMedia also manages.

Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina told the City Council he will consult with city staff to look into other live-streaming options and proposals before making a final decision.

“I think it’s a good idea, and I think some of our staff are pretty excited about the idea of live-streaming our meetings and kind of getting up with times,” Spina said, “but this was the first and only proposal we had, so it might be worthwhile to look at it a little more.”

Some other Pasco municipalities, including Port Richey and New Port Richey, stream and record their meetings through their official city websites and YouTube.

“I know a lot of other municipalities and counties do have those things available for people to watch and tune into,” Spina said.

“I think it’s something of interest,” Spina added.

Zephyrhills City Council president Lance Smith said, “It’s something we need to look into, for sure.”

Published December 5, 2018

Plantation Palms drainage project approved

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Plantation Palms and Pasco County have agreed to a deal that will result in a $2.99 million drainage project — which will be paid for by residents in the Central Pasco community through the creation of a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU).

As part of the deal, the county will stabilize the north ditch, with a project that’s approximately 1,700 feet long.

Plans have been prepared by the county’s consultant — Coastal Design Consultants — at the county’s expense, and the estimated cost for the project, including a 10 percent contingency, is $2,986,000.

The construction costs will be covered through annual payments on property tax bills of the residences of the 821 members of Plantation Palms Homeowners Association Inc.

The project will be paid for over a period of 30 years, with an interest rate set at 3 percent, which results in an annual payment per member of $195.32, according to county documents.

However, the document also notes that the assessments will be finalized before September 2019.

The county also notes that Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has said his office will waive the normal 2 percent administrative cost for projects of this type.

The homeowners association owns the ditch, but needs the county’s help to fund the project.

The bids are already out, advertised and will be closed on Dec. 14.

The county attempted to obtain funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the project, but was unsuccessful.

Jim Hammond, president of the Plantation Palms Homeowners Association, said “The HOA board unanimously supports an MSBU being formed, as do a majority of our homeowners.”

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore was pleased to see the issue resolved.

He praised the county’s staff and the HOA for working out a solution.

Moore said the county should continue to seek assistance on costs form SWFMD.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed: “I think we should continue to go after that SWFMD funding, or FEMA funding, whatever it would be.”

The board voted 5-0 to support the project and the creation of the MSBU to pay for construction.

Published December 5, 2018

Benefit set to help Christopher Starnes

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As Christopher Starnes was leaving an establishment in Dade City on a spring afternoon, he expected nothing other than to return home to his family – instead he woke up in a hospital.

As he was leaving the business, he was brutally attacked by two men.

He sustained a head injury, spent five weeks in a coma and underwent several surgeries to stop internal bleeding.

After returning home from a long stay at the hospital, the community was astonished by how well he was progressing.

“They said they had never seen anything like him,” said John Dragneff, of the Trilby Masonic Lodge 141.

Starnes had recovered and had gone back to work, but then suffered a relapse and had to undergo another brain operation.

To help him, Trilby Masonic Lodge 141 is hosting a benefit called Trilby’s Great Steak Dinner.

The event will be on Dec. 15, at the Dan Cannon Auditorium at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

With a $40 admission fee, the night includes a meal, dancing and a live performance by the Johnny Shelton Band. There also will be chance drawings.

Those who are coming will need to come hungry: The meal will consist of a 1-pound steak, baked potato, green beans, salad and a dinner roll.

Dragneff organized the benefit because of his close association with Starnes.

Most of the proceeds from the event will be used to help cover Starnes’ medical expenses.

A small portion will go to funding Masonic Lodge 141 youth activities, including the Trilby Boy Scouts.

For more information, call John Dragneff at (352) 206-2002 or email him at .

Trilby’s Great Steak Dinner
Where: Dan Cannon Auditorium at Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City
When: Dec. 15 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $40
Details: The fundraiser for Christopher Starnes will include live music, dancing, raffles and a steak dinner.
Info: Contact John Dragneff at (352) 206-2002 or .

Published December 5, 2018

’Tis plenty of holiday cheer to go around

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Whether you’re looking for something fun for the family to do, you want to share the magic of the holidays with someone special, or you’d like to entertain out-of-town company, there are plenty of choices across The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area.

We’ve compiled some of your options and share them here.

Land O’ Lakes and Lutz

22nd Annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School
When: Dec. 6, Dec. 8, Dec. 11, Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Dec. 16, Dec. 18, Dec. 20, Dec. 21, Dec. 22 and Dec. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 in Lutz
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy nightly entertainment inside the historic school, which will be dressed up for the holidays, and have trains and refreshments. Children also can enjoy breakfast with Santa on Dec. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets for that event are $4 each.
Info: Contact Stephanie Ensor at (813) 244-2256 or .

This Christmas, This Peace
When: Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Where: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz
Cost: Tickets for reserved seating are $10, $15 and $20
Details: The church will offer live performances with a choir, orchestra and nativity scene.
Info: Call Idlewild Baptist Church at (813) 264- 8707, or visit Idlewild.org.

Beyond the Noise
When: Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54 in Lutz
Cost: Free
Details: The church’s choir and drama team will put on a cantata, conveying Christmas through the eyes of a young girl.
Info: Call Keystone Community Church at (813) 948-4522, or visit KeystoneCommunityChurch.org.

Traditions on the Green Holiday Concert
When: Dec. 1 from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: Live performances from local school bands and choirs, a tree lighting ceremony and refreshments served.
Info: Call Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park at (813) 929-1229.

A Journey Through Bethlehem (for kindergarten through fifth grade)
When: Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Children asked to bring a canned good item for admission
Details: Harvester United takes kindergarten through fifth-graders on a tour that’s 2,000 years back in time, to experience the food and drinks, marketplaces, shepherds and the birth of baby Jesus.
Info: Call Harvester United at (813) 948-2311.

Pancakes, PJ’s and Putt-Putt
When: Dec. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Tickets are $10 for those age 13 and older; $8 for ages 4 to 12; free for ages 3 and younger.
Details: Enjoy a pancake breakfast while in your pajamas, indulge in arts and crafts as well as golf activities, and take snapshots with holiday characters.
Info: To purchase tickets, call (813) 331-5579.

The Mercy Manger
When: Dec. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Riegler Road in Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: The Myrtle Lake Baptist Church invites the public to listen to their adult choir’s performance, “The Mercy Manger,” to help usher in the holiday.
Info: Call Myrtle Lake Baptist Church at (813) 949-5516.

Lutz, Odessa, San Antonio, St. Petersburg and Palm Harbor

Tampa Bay Tour De Clay
When: Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Studio stops include (each studio will have a kiln opening on Dec. 8):

  • Schiemann Pottery, 4635 Eighth Ave., St. Petersburg (MatthewSchiemmanPottery.com); 9 a.m. kiln opening
  • Pottery Boys Studio, 30 Bogie Lane, Palm Harbor (PotteryBoys.com); 11:30 a.m. kiln opening
  • Hidden Lake Pottery, 16705 Hutchison Road, Odessa (HiddenLakePottery.com); 1:30 p.m. kiln opening
  • Wellman & Welsh Pottery, 17202 Whirley Road, Lutz (WellmanAndWelsch.com); 3 p.m. kiln opening.
  • San Antonio Pottery, 11903 Curley St., San Antonio (SanAntonioPottery.net); 5 p.m. kiln opening (studio will stay open until 8 p.m.)

Cost: Free
Details: Studios offer demonstrations, an opportunity to purchase pottery, chance drawings, refreshments and more.
Info: Call (813) 961-7106, or visit TampaTourDeClay.com.

Wesley Chapel

Symphony in Lights
When: Through Dec. 31, on the hour, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: The event features a giant Christmas tree with holiday lights synchronized to music, along with special guest performances.
Info: Call (813) 994-4010.

Avalon Aglow
When: Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, in Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: Take pictures with Santa under a large Christmas tree, enjoy a bounce house, and fireworks. Vendors will offer food and hot chocolate.
Info: Call Avalon Park West at (813) 783-1515.

Zephyrhills, San Antonio, Dade City

34th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 2 from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Front lawn of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: The event will have the decorating and lighting of more than 50 trees, bounce houses, games, a visit from Santa, fireworks, and food trucks with refreshments.
Info: Call Florida Hospital Zephyrhills at (813) 788-0411.

Christmas in the Park
When: Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Where: San Antonio City Park, 32819 Pennsylvania Ave., San Antonio
Cost: Free
Details: Enlarged Christmas cards will be lit and performances will be given by the Piney Grove Baptist Church choir, and Dennis Devine and Friends. There will be a chance drawing for gift baskets, with tickets selling for $1 each.
Info: Call Donna Swart at (352) 588-3631.

Zephyrhills Festival of Lights
When: Dec. 8 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: In addition to the parade, there will be refreshments, craft vendors, snapshots with Santa and a drawing for a child to win a free bicycle.
Info: Call Main Street Zephyrhills at (813) 780-1414.

Magical Night Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Dade City on Seventh Street in Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: Decorated floats, dancers, marching bands and Santa Claus will make their way down the parade route.
Info: Call the Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769.

Country Christmas and Vintage Market
When: Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for students or those who bring a toy donation; free for those younger than age 5
Details: There will be free photos with Santa from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; opportunities to purchase presents from vendors; food trucks; a petting zoo; and, live entertainment.
Info: Call Brenda Minton at (352) 206-8889, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org. 

33rd Annual Country Christmas Stroll
When: Dec. 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City, Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue in Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: Local restaurants and shops will be open, and there will be vendors selling items. There also will be musical performances, cookie samples and a visit from Santa.
Info: Call the Dade City Merchant’s Association at (352) 424-0601.

Dade City Symphony: ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly’
When: Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: Pasco Middle School Auditorium, 13925 14th St., in Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: The Dade City Symphony Orchestra and vocalist Jennifer Regal Ferguson will perform.
Info: Call the Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCitySymphony.com.

Church Street Christmas
When: Dec. 21, Dec. 22 and Dec. 23, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Church Avenue in Dade City (the avenue will be closed starting at 6 p.m.)
Cost: Free admission and free parking
Details: Stroll along Church Avenue to see decorated homes and Christmas cards, with nightly entertainment by area church groups and musicians. Guests can park at First United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church or First Presbyterian Church, all on Church Avenue.
Info: Visit ChurchStreetChristmas.org.

Published November 28, 2018