The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Easter events offer religious observances and family fun

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It’s that time for egg hunters to round up their baskets and get busy. Many local events give kids and adults, alike, a chance to search for eggs. (File)

Whether they want to celebrate their faith, take the kids for an egg hunt, or just enjoy some fellowship with church friends — there are plenty of seasonal options throughout The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Check out the listings below.

LUTZ

What: While We Wait
Where: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Lutz
When: April 19 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The musical and dramatic production showcases the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion from the apostles’ perspective.
Info: Visit KeystoneCommunityChurch.org, or email .

What: The Easter Story
Where: CrossPointe Family Church, 919 Debuel Road, Lutz
When: April 19 and April 20 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: A musical will be performed depicting the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Info: Call (813) 949-7727, or visit CrossPointeTampa.com.

What: Is He Worthy?
Where: First Baptist Church of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41, Lutz
When: April 19 at 7 p.m.; April 21 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy a range of harmonious songs as the Easter Worship Choir performs in unison.
Info: Call (813) 949-7495, or visit LutzFBC.com.

What: Easter at Idlewild
Where: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., Lutz
When: April 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; April 21 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: On April 20, a special service will be followed by outdoor fun with food trucks and games for families. April 21 will begin Easter early with a worship service and performances by a choir, band and orchestra.
Info: Call (813) 264-1515, or visit Idlewild.org/Easter2019/.

What: Unexpected
Where: NorthPointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Dr., Lutz
When: April 20 at 7 p.m.; April 21 at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:35 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are invited to watch the story of Jesus dramatized through a musical performance.
Info: Call (813) 948-9420, or visit NorthPointeFL.org/Easter.

What: Easter Sunday Worship
Where: All Saints Lutheran Church, 5315 Van Dyke Road, Lutz
When: April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The Easter service will have sunrise service to start the day, followed by breakfast, an egg hunt and finishing with family worship.
Info: Call (813) 963-0969, or visit AllSaintsTampa.org.

What: Easter Sunday Communion
Where: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road, Lutz
When: April 21 at 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Opening service will consist of a communion ceremony and worship, followed by breakfast, where attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share.
Info: Call (813) 949-7171, or visit HolyTrinityLutz.com.

What: Easter at Bay Hope Church
Where: 17030 Lakeshore Road, Lutz
When: April 20, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; April 21, 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Join in the Easter celebration.
Info: BayHope.com

What: Easter at St. Timothy Catholic Church
Where: 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz
When: April 20, 8 p.m. Easter vigil; April 21, 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (The 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will be in the church and hall).
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 968-1077.

What: Resurrection Sunday at First United Methodist Church of Lutz
Where: 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
When: April 20, Sonrise Service on the Lake, 7:30 a.m.; additional services at 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., at the church. There will be special music at all services.

LAND O’ LAKES

What: Easter Basket Drive
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: April 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are encouraged to bring donations, such as Easter baskets, plastic eggs, candy, small toys, Play-Doh, arts and craft supplies, and gift cards ($5).
Info: Call Michelle Patel at (813) 957-5711, or email .

What: Out and About 2019 Expo
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: An Easter-themed expo will grant guests the opportunity to learn about local attractions and summer camps. Games and egg hunts will be offered, as well as snapshots with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Contact Diane Kortus at (813) 909-2800 or ; Jodie Sullivan at (813) 927-2730 or at .

What: Easter Sunrise and Celebration Services
Where:  Drexel Farms, 5832 Drexel Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The event will begin with an opening service, followed by a country breakfast and then an Easter celebration.
Info: Call Janis Chajkowski at (813) 777-5420.

What: SonRise Celebration in the Park
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are invited to usher in Easter with a communion service, live musical performances and hot coffee.
Info: Call Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park at (813) 929-1229.

What: Easter Sunday Mass
Where: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 at 6 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (bilingual service)
Cost: Free
Details: All are welcomed to join in the celebration of Easter Mass, which includes a sermon and a choir performance.
Info: Call (813) 949-4565, or visit LadyRosary.org.

What: Easter at The Church at Myrtle Lake
Where: 2017 Riegler Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21, Sonrise Service, 7 a.m.; free breakfast; Easter celebration, 9 a.m.; Easter egg hunt, 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 949-5516.

What: Resurrection Sunday at First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes
Where: 5105 School Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: Easter Sunday, April 21 at 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Dr. David Gibbs, founder of Christian Law Association will be the guest speaker.
Info: Visit FBCLOL.org.

WESLEY CHAPEL

What: Center Ice Egg Hunt
Where: AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
When: April 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: All are welcome as AdventHealth Center Ice offers clues for where to find Easter eggs hidden throughout Wesley Chapel.
Info: Call (813) 803-7372, or visit www.AHCenterIce.com.

 What: Egg Hunt at Avalon
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This family oriented event offers bounce houses, egg hunts and a chance to take a photo with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Call (813) 783-1515, or visit AvalonParkWest.com.

What: Cypress Creek Church Easter Event
Where: Cypress Creek Church, 5585 East County Line Road, Wesley Chapel
When: April 20 at 6 p.m.; April 21 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The church event will offer a worship service, as well as refreshments, followed by an egg hunt.
Info: Call (813) 909-4080, or visit CypressCreek.church.

What: Easter Sunday Mass
Where: Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church, 3758 Maryweather Lane, Wesley Chapel
When: April 21 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The Easter Sunday Mass will include the lighting of incense and musical performances.
Info: Call (813) 418-1281, or visit WCEpiscopalChurch.org.

What: First Baptist Church Easter Service
Where: First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel, 29716 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
When: April 19 at 6:30 p.m.; April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: A Good Friday evening service, open to the public, will usher in Easter weekend. Easter morning will begin with a sermon and song service, followed by breakfast and another ceremony.
Info: Call (813) 973-7185, or email .

DADE CITY

What: Dade City Community Good Friday Service
Where: Free Methodist Church, 37002 Howard Ave., Dade City
When: April 19 at noon
Cost: Free
Details: A Good Friday service will include music, a sermon and lunch afterwards.
Info: Contact Selena Semanco at (352) 567-8424 or .

What: Easter at the Zoo
Where: Dade City’s Wild Things, 36909 Blanton Road, Dade City
When: April 19 at 1 p.m. and April 20 at 3 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $20 for adults; $16 for ages 2 to 12; free for those age 2 and younger
Details: After an animal tour and lion encounter, kids can stay active with an Easter egg hunt around the zoo.
Info: Call (352) 567- 9453, or to purchase tickets, visit DadeCitysWildThings.com.

What: Renovate Church’s Easter Eggstravaganza
Where:  Renovate Church, 11631 Old Lakeland Highway, Dade City
When: April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This family friendly event will offer snow cones, egg hunting and face painting among other activities.
Info: Visit RenovateChurch.us/events.

What: Easter Morning Egg Hunt
Where: First United Methodist Church of Dade City, 37628 Church Ave., Dade City
When: April 21 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This event is geared toward infants to fifth-graders. It entails music, fun lessons, an egg hunt and snacks.
Info: Call (352) 567-5604, or email .

SAINT LEO 

What: Easter Triduum
Where: Saint Leo Abbey, 33601 State Road 52, St. Leo
When: April 18 at 7 p.m.; April 19 at 3 p.m.; April 20 at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The three-day ceremony will conduct mass, while focusing on Jesus’ last supper to his day of resurrection.
Info: Call (352) 588-8181, or email .

SAN ANTONIO

What: St. Anthony of Padua Easter Service
Where: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 32825 Rhode Island Ave., San Antonio
When: April 20 at 8 p.m., and April 21 at 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The services will entail an Easter vigil, as well as morning mass for attendees.
Info: Call (352) 588-3081, or email .

ZEPHYRHILLS

What: Easter Eggstravaganza
Where: Rising Star, 5026 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
When: April 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $30 per ticket for those ages 5 to 12 (guardians get in free)
Details: Kids can celebrate Easter with an array of activities, such as taking snapshots at the photobooth, decorating eggs, coloring Easter pictures and creating an Easter basket. Pizza and cupcakes will be served.
Info: For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y6zsw8yk.
For other inquiries, call (813) 618-0700.

What: Egg Drop
Where: New Walk Church, 35008 State Road 54, Zephyrhills
When: April 19 at 6 p.m.; April 20 and April 21 both at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.  A wristband will be given to those who wish to participate, during the children’s ministry preceding the hunts.
Cost: Free
Details: A helicopter will drop more than 100,000 Easter eggs out on an open field for kids to run and grab.
Info: Call New Walk Church at (813) 469-9299, or visit NewWalk.Church/Easter. 

What: Easter Breakfast Service
Where: Cornerstone Community Church, 8527 Old Lakeland Highway, Zephyrhills
When: April 21 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: After a morning Easter service, attendees can enjoy a potluck breakfast and coffee.
Info: Call (352) 567-6494, or email .

What: Easter Sunrise Service
Where: AdventHealth Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
When: April 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The hospital invites guests to bring a lawn chair and join in for a morning sermon, song service and the release of doves. Free refreshments will be served.
Info: Email Jane Freeman at .

While there is a wealth of Easter events within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, there are many other options throughout the Tampa Bay Area region.

Published April 17, 2019

Painting rocks with a spring theme

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The Land O’Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, recently hosted a rock painting event where participants were encouraged to channel their inner artist by painting rocks with a spring theme, in honor of Earth Day. Acrylic paints were used to design bumble bees, ladybugs and garden flowers. The library hosts a rock painting class one Wednesday a month. Earth Day is on April 22.

Joyce Steinmiller, of Zephyrhills, uses a hairdryer to speed up the drying process of a painted rock. She and a group of friends usually paint rocks in order to hide them in area parks, in hopes of bringing a smile to the face of the person that finds it. (Christine Holtzman)
Adult Services Librarian Catherine Seavey, holds a map of Pasco County, while showing the class how they can use stickers to mark the approximate locations of previously hidden rocks. Library Tech Alesha Hassard is seen on left.
Jelysbeth Bobadilla, of Land O’Lakes, paints the fine details of her bumblebee. She is making the rock for her fiancé, because his favorite soccer team has a bee as their mascot.
A close-up look at a painted rock featuring a garden of flowers. This masterpiece belongs to Arlene Stonestreet, of Wesley Chapel.

Central Pasco changes being considered

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A number of land-use and zoning changes are being considered on properties within Central Pasco County.

The proposals were considered by the Pasco County Commission and its advisory body, the Pasco County Planning Commission last week.

The County Commission:

  • Transmitted to the state Department of Economic Opportunity and reviewing agencies a request to amend the county’s land-use plan from a designation allowing one dwelling per acre to one that allows six dwelling units per acre on 39.93 acres at the southwest corner of Ehren Cutoff at Caliente Boulevard. The site is about one-quarter mile to the northwest of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. The applicant is proposing 120 single-family dwelling units, which would be regulated by an associate Master Plan Unit Development zoning.

The proposed 120-unit subdivision would result in 22 students for Pine View Elementary, 12 students for Pine View Middle and 15 students for Land O’ Lakes High School

Commissioners are expected to consider the final adoption for the land-use change on May 21.

  • Adopted a change to the county’s land-use map to allow a commercial development on 2.51 acres that previously was designated for residential use. The site is east of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, and 778 feet south of Wilderness Lakes Boulevard. The applicant is proposing 8,600 square feet of office uses and 9,800 square feet of office/retail, for a total of 18,400 nonresidential uses.

The county’s planning staff and its planning commission recommended approval of the request. The project is consistent with surrounding Wilderness Commons, Shamrock Plaza and Caliente Resort, according to planners.

The Planning Commission:

  • Approved a request by the Susan A. MacManus Living Trust to rezone a 5-acre site on the west side of Collier Parkway, about 300 feet south of Weeks Boulevard, extending west to Old Collier Road. The current zoning is agricultural. The proposed zoning would allow a professional office district. The current site is unimproved; the applicant proposes a 43,000-square-foot professional office park. The surrounding area is characterized by educational and religious institutions, mixed commercial and residential. County planners recommend approval. The Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction, is scheduled to hear the request on April 23, at 1:30 p.m. at the Government Center in New Port Richey.
  • Approved a request by Starkey Ranch Investment Company LLC to rezone 2.86 acres at the northwest corner of Starkey and Rangeland boulevards. The current zoning is agricultural; the proposed zoning is neighborhood commercial. Planners recommended approval of the request. The Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction, is scheduled to hear the request on April 23 at 1:30 p.m., at the Government Center in New Port Richey.

Published April 17, 2019

‘Out & About 2019’ offers fun for the whole family

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The Out & About 2019 Expo invites families to find out more about what’s happening locally, and give kids a chance to have some Easter fun.

The event, presented by The Laker/Lutz News, is set for April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

“The No. 1 reason why people read The Laker/Lutz News is because they’re looking for things to do locally,” said Diane Kortus, the newspaper’s publisher.

Four-year-old Brooklyn Holtzman is all smiles as she awaits Easter festivities. Children who find eggs at the Out and About 2019 Expo on April 20 will likely be all smiles, too. Besides an Easter egg hunt, the expo — being presented by The Laker/Lutz News — will give guests a chance to find out about fun stuff for kids and adults. (Christine Holtzman)

The expo will bring that concept to life — with people representing dozens of companies and organizations coming together to give visitors a chance to learn about local options for children and adults, alike.

Indoor booths will have representatives providing information about summer camp programs, museums, day trips, restaurants, specialty shops and area businesses.

Those visiting also will have a chance to take part in activities, and take home some swag.

Outdoors, kids will have a chance to hunt for Easter eggs at 10 a.m.

Once they find some eggs, kids will be able to exchange their eggs for “goodie bags” loaded with prizes.

But, kids won’t be the only ones having fun searching for eggs. There will be an egg hunt for adults, too, who will also have a chance to win prizes.

Other activities will include bowling and hockey games, as well.

The Easter Bunny is also expected to hop in, to pose for photos with guests throughout the event.

All of those activities will probably make people hungry, so guests will be able to partake of appetizers and other refreshments, and adult beverages will be available from Tropical Wine Shop.

The event is free and so is parking – yet limited.

Guests are encouraged to park at the Harvester United Methodist Church at 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. From there, shuttles will run throughout the event, escorting guests to and from the golf club premises.

For additional information, please contact Diane Kortus at (813) 909-2800 or  .

Jodie Sullivan, event coordinator, can also be contacted at (813) 927-2730 or .

Out and About 2019 Expo
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: An Easter-themed expo will grant guests the opportunity to learn about local attractions and summer camps. Games and egg hunts will be offered, as well as snapshots with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Contact Diane Kortus at (813) 909-2800 or at ; Jodie Sullivan at (813) 927-2730 or at .

Published April 10, 2019

Cybercrimes on the rise, expert says

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Cyber-related crimes don’t appear to be going away anytime soon.

Pasco Sheriff Sgt. Sam Pepenella knows that better than most — as the unit supervisor of the agency’s cyber and computer forensic investigations.

He shared some of his insights as the featured guest speaker at an East Pasco Networking Group meeting in Dade City last month.

The Sheriff’s Office processes about 9,000 digital devices — phones, tablets, computers — every year, a significant rise from when Pepenella helped form the special unit nearly a decade ago.

Pasco Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Sam Pepenella was the featured speaker during a recent East Pasco Networking Group meeting. Pepenella supervises the agency’s cyber and computer forensic investigations unit. (Kevin Weiss)

“It’s getting busier,” the law enforcement officer said.

In traditional crime, perpetrators use a pry bar and pop open a door, Pepenella said. Cybercriminals, he said, run their fingers over a keyboard and find a way to break in.

Much of Pepenella’s talk focused on common online scams his unit has been seeing lately.

One, known as phishing, is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

Phishing scammers often send emails or texts posing as a bank or financial institution, to try and bait users into providing their bank account information or click links or attachments that then download malicious software. He pointed out financial institutions never ask for any personal or account information, via email, unsolicited phone calls or text messages.

To protect against phishing, the speaker advised users to do their due diligence before opening and responding to any solicited emails or text messages. Securing and frequently changing passwords is another way to reduce risks.

Said Pepenella: “Make sure you know what you’re opening. Make sure you know what you’re clicking on. If you’re not 100 percent sure on who you’re receiving this information from, don’t click on it.”

The same goes for accepting friend and follower requests, and messages from strangers on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, he said.

“If you don’t know them, don’t accept them as a friend,” he advised.

The speaker mentioned that even the Nigerian scam is still prevalent and has victimized people locally. “It is happening,” he said.

These type of scams involve someone overseas offering a share in a large sum of money or a payment on the condition you help them to transfer money out of their country. While these scams originated in Nigeria, they now come from all over the world.

Stolen money is rarely recovered in these cases, Pepenella said.

He explained: “It’s not uncommon for us today to get complaints from citizens, ‘Hey, my life savings is gone.’ We find out they became a victim of a Nigerian scam. All a sudden they got an email, the scammer gains the trust of the person…and they just tug on the heartstrings.

“Unfortunately, once that money leaves this country and leaves our borders, we have no jurisdiction over it,” he explained.

The speaker also touched on some alarming figures related to online child sexual solicitation and exploitation.

Reported complaints of suspected child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has increased by more than 10 million nationwide in the past two years alone, he said.

He surmised the rise in tips to NCMEC is partially explained by the recent proliferation of family plans from cellphone carriers.

As a result, the number of digital devices have skyrocketed— and, that, combined with a lack of oversight from parents when it comes to technology, gives youth unfettered access to smartphones, tablets and computers.

The law enforcement official went on to explain that online predators will communicate with adolescents through the chat feature in Xbox and PlayStation video games.

The predators try to develop a relationship with youths, and attempt to gain their trust and confidence with the promise of gifts and money.

From there, Pepenella said, offenders begin a “grooming” process over a period of time, coaxing children to take and send sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves via cellphone.

The Pasco Sheriff’s cyber investigations unit has found children as young as age 9 who were sexually solicited by online predators, Pepenella said. Many of the offenders are in another state, he said.

Said Pepenella, “Unfortunately, in a lot of those cases, they happen out of the area. They might happen in Missouri or New York or California. What we do is put as much of the case together as possible and ship it off to that jurisdiction.”

Meanwhile, Pepenella urged parents to limit their children’s screen time, use parental controls on digital devices and have access to all passwords.

“Be nosy about what your kids are doing, and do not allow that device out of your sight,” Pepenella said.

Published April 10, 2019

Survey asks for input on Wesley Chapel road connections

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is asking for the public’s input as it evaluates three potential roadway connections between Wesley Chapel and Hillsborough County.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed options, and to provide feedback through an online survey, according to a news release from Pasco County.

The three potential connections are:

  • Between Mansfield Boulevard and Kinnan Street
  • Between Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Meadow Pointe Boulevard Extension
  • Between Wyndfields Boulevard and Wyndfields Boulevard Extension

Pasco County has not made any decisions regarding these connections, the release said.

The survey is being conducted through the end of April.

To take the survey, go to PascoResidentSurvey.com.

The survey results will be presented to the MPO at its meeting on June 13, which begins at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The MPO board is expected to make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners regarding these connections.

Published April 10, 2019

Museum aims to tell Dade City’s story

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When people visit The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum they’ll not only have a chance to learn about Dade City’s history but also to get to feel — literally — objects that are part of the city’s past.

Joy Lynn, director of the museum, said the idea is to give visitors a true hands-on experience.

Items on loan to the museum will be kept behind glass, but many of the objects in the collection will be available for guests to pick up and hold.

The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum is housed within the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Depot. The depot building was built in 1912, to replace an earlier frame structure that had been about a quarter-mile north of the building. It was the first site in Pasco County to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to a plaque on the building. (B.C. Manion)

Also, instead of reading all about the items on display, museum staff will share stories about the items with visitors, Lynn said.

It’s important that items kept in the collection help reveal Dade City’s history, Lynn said.

Objects on display at the museum must be from Dade City proper, not some nearby place, the museum director said. They also need to help provide a glimpse into the city’s history.

“Most everything in the building has a story, or some significance that will develop a memory when you leave here,” the museum director said.

“If it doesn’t have a significant story — you can buy it at a yard sale, it’s just a piece,” she said.

The official ribbon cutting for the train depot museum was on Feb. 14, a date deliberately chosen to signify that history and heritage are at the heart of Dade City, Lynn said.

The train depot, where the museum is housed, also has a rich history.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

It was built in 1912 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, now known as CSX. Originally, it accommodated freight and passenger traffic.

Ask museum staff to get details regarding the history of this trunk and quilt.

“Designed in a traditional style for southern railroad depots constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century, this building is utilitarian in layout, yet possesses finely crafted structural and ornamental Folk Victorian style details,” according to documents related to its historic designation.

The building’s architectural elements include gable dormers, bay window, wraparound loading platform, and interior finishes, the document says.

“Railroad stations served as major community commercial and social centers, linking each of the small towns with the rest of the world. At the turn of the century, therefore, railroads and associated depots play a significant role in the development of central Florida communities, such as Dade City,” the document adds.

A display of some old photographs and old cameras.

“Of the four historic railroad depots that have served Dade City, the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot is the only one that remains,” the document continues.

In addition to the collection at the museum, staff will help tell Dade City’s story through downtown walking tours.

The walking tours are offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The museum also plans to present a Haunted History walking tour on the first Friday evening of the month, which it held for the first time on April 5.

To find out more about the museum and its events, visit DadeCityHeritageMuseum.org.

The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum
Where: 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass, Dade City
When: Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Wednesdays
Cost: Suggested $5 donation
Details: The museum offers visitors a chance to see artifacts from Dade City and to hear the stories behind them. In addition to visiting the museum, it also is possible to learn about Dade City’s history by taking a walking tour downtown. Those are offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Info: Call (352) 424-5778, or visit DadeCityHeritageMuseum.org.

Published April 10, 2019

Dade City selects new city manager

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Dade City has selected someone with a familiar face to be its next city manager.

City Commissioners on April 3 voted to extend an offer and enter contract negotiations with Leslie Porter to become Dade City’s next city manager.

Porter, the city’s finance director, has been acting as the interim city manager since February. She’s also been handling her responsibilities as finance director.

Dade City has decided to enter negotiations with Leslie Porter to become the city’s next city manager. She’s been acting as interim city manager, while continuing to handle her responsibilities as the city’s finance director. (File)

If negotiations are fruitful, Porter will assume the vacancy created by Billy Poe, who left the post after nearly 12 years. Poe is now the deputy city manager in the City of Zephyrhills and is expected to move up to city manager when that post is vacated.

The decision to offer Porter the city manager job came during a special meeting, when commissioners had been expected to review and rank top candidates for the city manager position. Porter was one of the nine applicants who applied by the March 15 deadline.

It marked the second call for applications after the city was unable to come to a contract agreement with Christopher Edwards, its top candidate for the position back in February.

Edwards is a real estate associate in Tallahassee and former deputy director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economy Vitality.

Instead of selecting a list of new candidates to interview, the commission opted to proceed with Porter for the position, citing her performance as acting city manager over the last two months while also juggling her duties as finance director.

Porter has served as the city’s finance director since 2014. Before that, she spent nearly a decade working as town treasurer for the Town of Chesapeake Beach in Maryland.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and a master’s degree from George Washington University.

Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon said she’s been impressed with Porter during her stint as acting city manager role.

Like others, she previously expressed concern about Porter’s lack of city management experience to take on the post full time.

Said Newlon, “I think that Ms. Porter has done an excellent job and continues to do a great job, quite frankly doing two very large jobs, and I continue to be impressed by the work she’s doing.”

Others on the commission offered similar assessments.

Commissioner Jim Shive offered a strong endorsement for Porter, saying she’s exhibited “true leadership” and “a great propensity for achieving and personal growth.

“She continues to step up a notch,” said Shive. “I think we have a great opportunity to promote an individual from within, who’s shown a commitment and dedication to Dade City, and is up to the challenge.”

Mayor Camille Hernandez described Porter as “a no-nonsense gal” who “knows the job and the task at hand.”

“We have someone that knows our system, knows our city, is definitely committed and dedicated to the job,” Hernandez said.

She added, “It’s been interesting to watch her evolve over the last two months or so. She understands that she doesn’t know everything and there’s a lot to learn, but I love that about her, that she’s up for the challenge.”

Mayor Pro Tem Eunice Penix added of Porter: “I think she has done a great job, too. To me, we need her. She is well capable.”

Even City Attorney Nancy Stuparich weighed in on Porter: “I’ve enjoyed working with Leslie the last few months. She’s a very quick learner, and she’s had a lot of issues put on her very quickly and has been very responsive.”

Commissioner Scott Black was the lone voice to suggest the commission conduct interviews with some other applicants for the position, in addition to Porter.

Said Black, “I would feel more comfortable having a little more time to observe (Porter) for a longer period of time as different things come up that could be challenges to her, but I do think she’s done a good job.

“I do have a lot of confidence in Ms. Porter, especially given her finance background, but I’d like to talk to some of these others (that applied).”

The mayor and city attorney will now undergo contract negotiations with Porter, with an update expected at an April 23 city commission meeting.

As finance director, Porter makes nearly $86,000. However, her earnings have bumped to nearly $99,000 since taking on the additional role of acting city manager.

Provided an agreement with Porter is reached, commissioners mentioned City Hall will likely undergo some restructuring, as they look to hire a new finance director, and possibly add an assistant city manager and economic development specialist to the city’s organizational leadership chart.

Published April 10, 2019

Local club celebrates Italian heritage

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Members of the Italian-American Social Club of Tampa Bay meet monthly in Lutz with the goal of preserving their heritage for future generations.

The nonprofit club also provides a social atmosphere that’s conducive to meeting new friends.

And, it supports local charities.

“We’ll talk about events we’ll want to do – our future plans, but mostly it’s the camaraderie of the folks,” said Frank Giordano, the club’s marketing officer. “The folks really enjoy the togetherness.”

Although the Italian-American Social Club of Tampa Bay focuses on community outreach, they also know how to have a good time. Last year’s Columbus Day event, allowed members to sway with their partners on the dance floor. (Courtesy of the Italian-American Social Club of Tampa Bay)

The organization initially branched off from the Italian-American Club based in Ybor City in 2014.

Italian descendants who attended the St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz noticed the ethnic group’s large number in the Tampa Bay Area – especially in North Tampa.

So, about five years ago, the church members decided to open a new branch to accommodate residents living in this region. It was a matter of geographical convenience — because it eliminated the commute time between North Tampa and Ybor City.

“I’ve been looking for a local club, so I joined,” said Giordano, who’d been invited to a meeting by a member.

Currently, the second generation Italian-American is among the club’s estimated 150 members.

Part of the reason the club has so many members is that it welcomes non-Italians to join.

All are welcome to join, Giordano said, whether the person is married to someone of Italian descent, or has no ethnic connection whatsoever.

With a grin, Giordano said newcomers can be expected though to hear members brag about their heritage.

Indeed, he might be the one who is bragging: “I’m very proud to be Italian,” he said.

Of course, club meetings aren’t complete without delicious food. Members bring dishes to share in a potluck meal before the business part of the meeting begins.

Some of the foods they share include pizza, spaghetti, pasta, salads, sausage and chicken, to name just a few.

With Italian music playing in the background, it is customary to stay active with several rounds of bocce – an Italian ball game.

Some of the club’s members hail from the homeland, and are known to tell stories about life in Italy. They also provide advice to other members who are planning to travel to the “beautiful country,” Giordano said.

While meetings are based at the Lutz Cheval Golf and Athletic Club, members occasionally go out for social gatherings.

This includes dining at Italian restaurants.

They also host holiday functions, such as the Columbus Day event and a Christmas cookie exchange.

But, the club goes beyond building friendships and socializing. It also finds ways to give back to the community.

Members raise funds by volunteering their time doing customer service for the New York Yankees’ spring training at George Steinbrenner stadium in Tampa.

With about 20 club members on staff each game, they help to distribute memorabilia and souvenirs.

“We like doing the team store – selling the goods,” Giordano explained. “Last year, we made $20,000.”

With those funds, they contributed to the charities ALS Association of Florida, Guiding Light and Make a Wish.

The club also places emphasis on higher education for high school students.

A portion of collected funds goes toward as many as five scholarships – $1,000 each.

The club sets criteria for what makes students eligible – foremost, being a family member of someone within the organization.

Mostly made up of older generations, the club is trying to attract younger members.

One of the club’s future plans involves inviting students from Steinbrenner High School’s Italian club, in Lutz, to their meetings.

Building membership will help the club sustain itself and will help it do more charitable work, as well, Giordano said.

The club welcomes new members, he said.

“Come to a meeting; [we would] love to have you,” Giordano said.

For meeting dates or additional information, visit ItalianAmericanSocialClubTampa.com.

Published April 10, 2019

Saint Leo adding four new degree programs

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Saint Leo University will offer four new degree programs, beginning in the fall.

It also will expand its existing Bachelor of Arts in English to include additional courses and a new specialization in creative writing.

The new bachelor’s degrees will include the following majors:

  • Software Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Medical Humanities
  • Theater

“They’re wonderful opportunities for students,” said Dr. Mary Spoto, vice president for academic affairs at the university. “They’re cutting-edge programs, meet employer demands, workforce demands, and they really do prepare students.”

The software engineering program is much needed, based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Spoto said.

Inside the Tapia College of Business building, this classroom has been reconfigured for the new software engineering program, which will begin in the fall. (Courtesy of Saint Leo)

Software developer jobs are projected to grow by 24 percent, in the 10-year period between 2016 to 2026, according to bureau statistics.

The Bachelor of Science program will be available both online and on campus, with courses in software architecture, design and development.

It is also the only new program that will offer a master’s degree.

“The graduate program is a 30-credit program and you can complete it in one year, if you’re going full-time,” the vice president added.

Data science also will be a Bachelor of Science program, but will only be offered on campus.

It will delve into mathematics, statistics, computer science and even psychology, among other fields.

The Bachelor of Arts in medical humanities will branch into two divisions: the pre-medical track, and the health and humanities track.

The pre-medical option will offer courses such as biology and chemistry, and will be geared to students who may aspire to go on to medical school.

Health and humanities, however, will help prepare students looking toward social work, psychology or occupational therapy.

The medical humanities programs will be on campus, only.

The Black Box Theatre, on campus, played a role in inspiring the new Bachelor of Arts in Theater.

“Once we had that, we knew we had a good, bona fide performance space for students and would be able to launch a theater major,” Spoto said.

Besides working on campus theater projects, students will take coursework in acting, directing, production and writing.

While not all the new programs will be available online, campus-bound courses will be flexible, as they’re scheduled at various times on weekdays.

Saint Leo also has education centers in Tampa, Spring Hill and other areas for those unable to make a long commute.

The decision to implement these programs was years in the making.

The university went through a program review process, examining whether existing majors were reaching standards to achieve student success.

It also analyzed research data to see what careers were flourishing in industry, and surveyed students to determine what jobs appealed to them.

Employers from various lines of work were also asked for their feedback.

Based on the collected data, these majors were chosen as a good addition to the university.

It was also determined that courses for these majors should be incorporated with ‘power skills’ learning.

Those skills aim to teach students how to better present themselves for the workforce. That includes enhancing their verbal and writing skills, and helping them to become thoughtful problem solvers.

“Those are the skills that employers are telling universities across the country, ‘We really want these and we’re not sure we’re getting them from graduates,’” Spoto said.

She also noted that “students should pursue what is a genuine interest, because they will perform academically the strongest and have confidence in knowing that all of our programs are preparing [them] for what is to come.”

Published April 10, 2019