Local News

Library upgrades online catalog

March 13, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Hillsborough County library cardholders will now have easier access through mobile devices to the new online catalog, called HCPLC Connect, allowing interaction with other readers, as well.

The catalog has undergone a major upgrade to better connect users with books, movies, music, technology and new experiences.

The improvements were made in response to feedback from library patrons.

Among the new features are:

Improved search experience to help readers to easily and quickly find what they’re seeking
Mobile-friendly catalog that works with a variety of devices
Reading recommendation features that include personalized reading lists and ‘while you wait’ lists for popular titles
Community-created content that allows customers to rate and review titles, and then share them with others through the catalog and social media

To try out the new catalog and see the upgrades, visit HCPLC.org.

Celebrating diversity through literature

March 6, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

As Kaila McAlpine spoke, her passionate tone filled the gymnasium, captivating the audience.

She was among a host of students and faculty members taking part in the Wiregrass Ranch High School’s Poetry Slam on Feb. 22.

With “Diversity Rules” as the theme, participants could share a poet’s work, or deliver their own literary creation, on stage.

The Poetry Slam on Feb.22 offered both students and faculty of Wiregrass Ranch High School a platform for reading literary work – and, in some instances, works they created. (Brian Fernandes)

The school’s Black History Club conceptualized the theme and coordinated the second annual event, which was timed to coincide with Black History Month.

“I think diversity was the best way to bring everyone together,” said Averi Willins, vice president of the club. “Black history shouldn’t just be for black people. I feel like it’s an awareness for everyone.”

Willins, along with club president Sa’Derrica Tate, welcomed the audience before Fiona Williams, of Saint Leo University, performed the national anthem.

A special tribute was given to Jimmy DuBose, a former assistant principal at Wiregrass Ranch, who also made an appearance at the event.

Posters displaying the faces of prominent African-American writers, such as Langston Hughes, Tupac Shakur, Alice Walker and James Baldwin, among others, flanked both sides of the stage.

Rose Daniels recited “My People” by Langston Hughes – conveying the value of humanity through the wonders of astronomy.

“The night is beautiful, so the faces of my people,” the sophomore recited. “The stars are beautiful, so the eyes of my people. Beautiful also, is the sun. Beautiful also, are the souls of my people.”

In another piece, Juanita Lamprea Garcia also spoke on the constellation of stars as they relate to people. The writing expressed that while each star is different, they all work together to brighten the dark sky.

One literary work used the analogy of a seed to emphasize the importance of human growth – breaking free from its shell in order to flourish.

Another drew a comparison between people and crayons: a diversity of colors, opposed to just one, combine to make a picture complete.

Even Wiregrass Ranch’s Principal Robyn White offered words of inspiration.

In the poem “You Stand Out,” she spoke of a world where unity outshines individual differences.

“What really stood out in that poem, was the commonalities that we all have – things that we enjoy.

Between poetry readings, the Wiregrass Ranch High step team displayed their unique marching style.

“No matter who we are or what we stand for, these are all beautiful things in our lives,” the principal said.

During an intermission, the school’s step team, led by McAlpine, put on a lively presentation.

The gym echoed with rhythmic hand claps and foot stomps as the team performed their march with precision.

With an energized crowd, the presenters kept the momentum going as they continued to speak with emotion.

William Cuebas presented another literary piece that told the story of a person’s introspective journey in life – peacefully interacting with different ethnicities.

The 16-year-old said he found this reading compelling because it exemplifies how society should coexist.

“We should be treating ourselves not only as equal, but we should celebrate our differences,” Cuebas stated.

After reading a quote, Wanda Diehm took the time to commend Wiregrass Ranch High.

“We do diversity here so well,” the social studies teacher said. “I see it in my classroom, in the hallways, in the cafeteria, and I love it.”

Writer Charles Bennafield’s words were eloquently recited as Willins read “I Am Diversity.”

“My name is Diversity and yes I stand tall,” the senior quoted. “Recognize me and keep me in the mix. Together there’s no problem that we can’t fix.”

Willins stated that the poem was moving because it gave her the opportunity to look at diversity not only as a concept, but as a person.

McAlpine admitted that poetry helped her discover a newfound appreciation for literature.

“When I write poems, I draw from my emotions and my perspective,” the 16-year-old explained.

That was evident as she presented her own literary work “Blend” at the Poetry Slam.

In the poem, McAlpine expresses her views as a young African-American lady while encouraging everyone to “blend” as one people.

Cuebas also acknowledged “Blend” stating that it “really took the crowd by storm.”

He added that, “Art is a way of presenting concern, our creativity, opening our imagination, and I feel like that’s what we’re doing with this.”

Published March 06, 2019

Session highlights area roads

March 6, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Pasco County residents had the chance to gain insight on three local road projects at a Feb. 26 open house presented by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The state road department officials fielded questions from residents during the session at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in Wesley Chapel.

Residents could view poster boards and watch videos to learn more about these three projects:

The Diverging Diamond Interchange connecting State Road 56 with Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel.
The State Road 56 extension from Meadow Pointe Boulevard to U.S. 301
Widening Old State Road 54 east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road

While residents appeared to be interested in all three projects, the Diverging Diamond seemed to attract the most attention.

“This is the one that matters most to me,” said Lee Anne Pete, noting she drives in the State Road 56 and Interstate 75 area “every day, at least once.”

John McShaffrey, left, of the Florida Department of Transportation, informs Mike Lin on the operation of the Diverging Diamond Interchange in Wesley Chapel. (Brian Fernandes)

Since she and her husband moved to the area a decade ago, they have witnessed the growing development along State Road 54 and State Road 56.

The Wesley Chapel resident said she often gets stuck in traffic congestion on the northbound ramp leading onto State Road 56, from I-75.

One comforting solution for Pete is a third lane being added to the ramp leading west onto the State Road 56 bridge.

Currently, the 2-mile ramp branches off: Two lanes head west on State Road 56 and two lanes head east.

Greg Deese, FDOT resident engineer said: “This has been a long time coming in regard to congestion relief. We’re hopeful that’s what this is going to accomplish.”

Since construction began in January, workers are continuing to install drainage pipes under the southbound ramp heading onto I-75 and the northbound ramp heading onto State Road 56.

This, in conjunction with a lane expansion on the northbound ramp, may result in future lane closures.

However, any closures will continue to occur only at night from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The next phase will be reconfiguring lanes on State Road 56 to crisscross before reaching the bridge, Deese said.

“Most of the time, you’re going to see during traffic shifts [that] they’re going to be working behind concrete barrier walls,” the engineer added. “You’re going to see the construction, but they’re not going to close lanes – especially during the day.”

The state transportation department projects that impacts to normal traffic flow will not be an issue whether traveling on or off the bridge.

Although the reception has been generally positive regarding the interchange, there are those who have expressed their concerns.

Mike Lin is somewhat skeptical of the added traffic light where the northbound ramp leads east onto State Road 56.

Currently, traffic on the ramp merging eastbound onto State Road 56 becomes congested even with no stop light present.

With the addition of the light, the New Tampa resident fears it will only worsen an already existing problem.

And, while the state transportation department assures that the bridge will not need to undergo an expansion for additional lanes, Lin has doubts about that, as well.

“How do you get it to fit in the existing bridge?” Lin asked. “Unless you’re going to make the lanes narrower, I don’t know how you do that,” he added.

The project plans to have three lanes heading eastbound on the State Road 56 bridge.

Westbound traffic will hold six lanes as studies show there is heavier activity on that route.

The $33-million interchange project is set for completion in late 2021.

Another road project featured at the meeting was the extension of State Road 56, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

The $59.2-million project is of much interest, as it creates a direct link from Wesley Chapel into Zephyrhills.

Along State Road 56, pedestrians will be accommodated with a multipurpose trail on the south end, a sidewalk on the north end and bicycle lanes on both ends of the road.

The 6-mile project is expected to be completed later this year.

Another project featured at the open house involves the widening of Old State Road 54, east of Curley Road in Wesley Chapel to the east of Morris Bridge Road in Zephyrhills.

The 4.5-mile project will expand Old State Road 54 from two lanes to four lanes, divided by medians.

A sidewalk will be added to the north end, while a multipurpose trail will be added to the south end.

The $42.5-million project is expected to be complete by mid-2021.

Published March 06, 2019

Political Agenda 03/06/2019

March 6, 2019 By B.C. Manion

Sample ballots and early voting
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has announced that Sample Ballots for the April 9 Municipal and Special Primary elections are available online at PascoVotes.com.

The supervisor’s office also intended to send the vote-by-mail ballots for the more than 12,000 requested on March 5, after The Laker/Lutz News print deadline.

Voter turnout will be posted daily on PascoVotes.com, as vote-by-mail ballots are returned.
The Municipal Elections are for voters who reside within the city limits of New Port Richey, Port Richey and Zephyrhills. The Special Primary is for voters who reside within House District 38, and per Florida Statutes 101.021, is a closed primary for registered Republican voters.
To be counted, vote-by-mail ballots must be returned to the elections’ office by mail or hand delivery by 7 p.m., on Election Day. Mail ballots may also be returned to city halls but may not be turned in at the polls. Voters can check the status of their vote-by-mail ballot at PascoVotes.com/Vote-by-Mail/Check-Request-Status.aspx.

Vote-by-mail ballot can be requested by calling (800) 851-8754 or request one online at PascoVotes.com.

Voters who wish to vote in person before Election Day may vote at City Halls beginning March 8.

Early Voting begins March 30 at East Pasco Government Center and Central Pasco Professional Center. See PascoVotes.com for addresses and times.

Election results will be posted on-line at PascoVotes.com beginning at 7 p.m., on Election Day.

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet March 18 at 6:30 p.m., at Omari’s Grill at Scotland Yard Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301 in Dade City. The speaker will be Kelly Smith. Dining a la carte is available from 5 p.m. For more information, visit EastPascoDems.com, or call (813) 383-8315.

Democratic Environmental Caucus of Pasco
The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, Pasco County Chapter will meet on March 13, at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., but networking begins at 6 p.m. For more information, email DECFPasco@gmail.com.

Dade City outlines priority projects

March 6, 2019 By Kevin Weiss

Municipal business in Dade City is proceeding as usual, even as it continues its search for its next city manager.

Dade City finance director Leslie Porter, who’s serving the role of interim city manager, outlined several priority projects for the near term, ranging from personnel issues to facility upgrades to transportation updates, during a Feb. 26 regular commission meeting.

Dade City finance director Leslie Porter is also serving as the city’s interim city manager. (Courtesy of Dade City)

Porter said the city’s human resources department has begun reviewing personnel rules with city staff — looking to update any policies that may need to be tweaked and introduce any new ones that don’t currently exist.

Porter added the department is working to standardize employee evaluations to ensure each city employee has an annual review “so they know where they stand, what they’re doing right and what they can strive to do better.”

Developing a retail strategy is another ongoing priority during the city manager vacancy, Porter said.

The city is currently seeking professional firms for the creation of a retail market analysis and development plan, to help understand the retail landscape in the city’s market and broker potential business prospects.

Request for proposals for that project are due March 7.

From there, Porter said city administration will organize a special workshop or presentation, depending on the number of responses.

“We’ll see how many we have and come up with a game plan,” Porter said.

Porter said amending the city’s water rate ordinance is another objective — with plans to schedule a workshop in early April.

The interim city manager told commissioners she’s had preliminary discussions on water rates with City Attorney Nancy Stuparich and found “there are multiple areas that we feel need to be addressed.”

In 2017, commissioners approved a 2 percent water rate increase and 6.5 percent sewer rate increase each year over the next five years. It marked the first time those rates were raised in eight years.

Porter also noted city staff members are consulting with the Florida Department of Transportation to gain approval to install entrance signs at the city’s north and south apex. They also are working with the state transportation department on various other road projects within city limits.

Meanwhile, the interim city manager received direction from commissioners on a handful of other projects.

Commissioners appeared to be particularly interested in improving the restrooms and concession stand at Mickens Fields.

Multiple citywide projects are set to be addressed by interim city manager Leslie Porter, who’s also the city’s finance director. (File)

They directed Porter to obtain cost estimates on renovating or rebuilding those facilities and to bring that issue up as an agenda item within the next few meetings.

That particular fix-up project has come to the forefront of late with the Dade City Youth League’s Mickens Wildcats planning to use the football field this year.

The fields are located at 14318 Canal St.

“We owe it to that community to have (upgrades) out there, whether it’s for that group or for somebody else,” Mayor Camille Hernandez said.

“(Even) if the Wildcats aren’t coming, those bathrooms and that concession stand are in need of desperate repair and rehab, so either way we need to do it.”

Commissioner Scott Black concurred: “If we want that to be a viable ball field well into the future, we need to have those facilities there.”

The city previously obtained quotes on the Mickens Field repairs about a year-and-a-half ago, but no action was taken at the time, Porter said.

Elsewhere, commissioners advised Porter to gather real estate appraisals on the former police department building on Pasco Avenue, which has sat vacant since 2015.

Some possible options include selling the property, or demolishing the building and selling the lot.

The mayor called the vacant building an “eyesore” to the community.

“We want to put our best foot forward and that’s not our best foot forward over there,” Hernandez said. “Keeping status quo over there just like that and doing nothing is not an option.”

Also during the meeting, Hernandez thanked Porter for “keeping the ship sailing” by stepping into the interim city manager role.

Longtime Dade City manager Billy Poe left his post on Feb. 7, taking a similar position with the City of Zephyrhills. He announced his exit from Dade City in November.

The commission named Poe’s replacement in January, but were unable to come to a contract agreement last month.

“I know there’s lots to do on the project side as well as the personnel side, so I appreciate (Porter’s) willingness to do that, to keep us moving forward at this time,” the mayor said.

Applications for the new city manager will be accepted through March 15 at 5 p.m.

Published March 06, 2019

Baseball school strikes out on permit

March 6, 2019 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Planning Commission has denied a special exception request by Ryan A. and Elizabeth J. Prior for a private baseball and softball school in Wesley Chapel.

The request was to allow the private school on a 5-acre property, 320 feet south of the intersection of Hadlock Drive and Elkmont Lane.

It is surrounded by several agricultural uses, which include boarding stables, several equine veterinarians, some other horse stables, and agricultural uses, including single-family dwellings.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite represented the Priors during a planning commission public hearing and Cynthia Spidell, a planner for King Engineering, outlined the proposed use.

The applicants had agreed to a number of conditions.

They agreed to limit the hours of operation; limit to 20 the number of students who could be there on a daily basis, and no more than four at a time; required road maintenance; prohibited glare from lights; and, a number of other conditions.

The county’s planning staff recommended approval of the request.

But, neighbors objected.

Allison Doucette, an attorney representing opponents to the request, said the 15-foot-wide gravel road leading to the site “is really not intended to service any kind of commercial business.”

She said her clients own the horse farm that surrounds the proposed site of the baseball school, and they regularly cross over the easement with their horses.

Neighbor Fred Byrd, of 29439 Hadlock Drive, also objected.

“I don’t want Mr. Prior fixing that road.

“If that road is smooth, we’re going to have people doing 30, 40 miles an hour down that little easement. It’s not safe,” he said.

Besides the neighbors’ horses, Byrd said, “We’ve got a granddaughter. There’s animals out there. There’s dogs and cats.”

Besides the safety issue, dust kicked up by motorists is a problem, too, he said.

“When it’s dry, and the amount of traffic that goes by, if we leave our bedroom window open, our bedroom is covered with dust,” he said.

If the baseball school is approved and there are violations, he doesn’t believe that Code Enforcement would be able to put an end to the problem.

“Code Enforcement basically lived out in this area with all of the problems we had with the prior baseball ranch. They were operating illegally. They were asked to stop. They continued. They were asked to stop. They continued. There were numerous violations.

“Code Enforcement was out there and it didn’t stop them before,” Byrd said.

He also noted that not all of the proposed site is usable. “Half of it is back in a cypress head and part of it is a pond,” he said.

Byrd said he has nothing against baseball.

“I love baseball. I played baseball. I coached baseball.

“There’s a proper place for it. This is an equine community,” Byrd said.

Planning commissioners denied the request, but the applicants have the right to appeal that decision to the Pasco County Commission, if they should choose to do so.

Published March 06, 2019

Development projects underway in Zephyrhills

March 6, 2019 By Kevin Weiss

Much development is on tap for the city of Zephyrhills — from new commercial and residential properties, to ongoing road construction projects.

Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg discussed a number of those projects as the guest speaker of the East Pasco Networking Group’s February breakfast meeting.

Among the most ballyhooed is the Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, which will be situated west of Simons Road.

Zephyrhills city planner Todd Vande Berg discussed several city development projects at a recent East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City. (Kevin Weiss)

The speaker said the $3.5 million project is expected to break ground in May or June: “We’re getting real close with the final engineered site plan, as well as the architect plans.”

The facility will include a mix of 11 full-size outdoor clay courts and hard courts, including an exhibition court to attract various United States Tennis Association (USTA) sanctioned tournaments.

It also will feature multiple pickleball and padel courts, racquet sports “becoming more and more popular,” Vande Berg said.

Meanwhile, the indoor portion of the center will include a lobby and seating area, community room, kid’s club room, fitness center, plus “other unique elements,” like cryotherapy and salt room chambers. Additionally, Wesley Chapel-based Buttermilk Provisions restaurant will have an in-house bakery and coffee shop with artisan offerings.

The project is a public-private partnership between the city and Tennis P.R.O and its owner, Pascal Collard, who will operate and manage the tennis facility.

The tennis center is named after Vande Berg’s daughter, a former Zephyrhills High School district champion, who died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Much of the project’s funding is being offset by various impact fees and grants, Vande Berg said.

The city planner believes the tennis center could have international draw.

He said the USTA recently inquired about having the facility someday host matches for the Fed Cup, regarded as the premier international team competition in women’s tennis.

“It’s going to be a unique opportunity for all Pasco County and the region,” Vande Berg said of the tennis facility. “It’s going to be a huge deal.”

The speaker also noted some indoor/covered tennis courts could potentially be phased in later, at the discretion of the facility’s management team.

“That would make us very unique in the state of Florida, because there’s only one other facility in the state that offers that,” he said.

Also in the arena of business development, Vande Berg mentioned the city is working on a master plan for its industrial corridor — which encompasses about 4,000 untapped acres of property along the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport — to create a regional hub for light manufacturing companies.

Vande Berg said the master plan ties in with the four-lane extension of State Road 56 to U.S. 301.

The speaker noted Zephyrhills is also pursuing an additional extension to State Road 56 that would link to State Road 39; the city received $1 million in the Florida 2019 budget to fund a planning study for the project.

“One thing that we’ve heard from some manufacturers was, ‘Well, we need access to a four-lane road,’” Vande Berg said, “so that’ll make a big difference.”

Aside from trying to expand its industrial footprint, other commercial projects are in the works in Zephyrhills.

The city is set to get a Chick-Fil-A, Aldi Supermarket, PetSmart, Marriott Fairfield Hotel and Dollar General, along with other businesses.

Florida Medical Clinic is also undergoing a major health care facility expansion along Eiland Boulevard and Simons Road, Vande Berg said.

“There’s a lot going on in Zephyrhills,” the city planner said.

Vande Berg also touched on the city’s residential development, noting thousands of new homes and apartments will be coming online in the next decade.

Some of the larger developments include The District at Abbott’s Square, Zephyr Lakes, Hidden River, and expansions to the Silver Oaks and Silverado communities, while Wire Ranch Apartments and Pretty Pond/Wire Road Apartments are some the larger multifamily units in the works.

“The residential housing is booming,” Vande Berg said. “We have a couple thousand units coming on board and they’re not all retirees. A lot of these homes are single-family, younger families with kids.”

Published March 06, 2019

Dogs’ Day set for furry fun in the sun

March 6, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Owners and their canines will have the chance to display some team effort at the annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City event on March 16.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the function will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The day will have a host of fun activities designed for patrons and their furry friends to work collaboratively.

Once again ‘man’s best friend’ will be the center of attention at the 10th annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City event on March 16. (Courtesy of dogsdayindadecity.com)

At 10 a.m., the Dog Wagon Parade will allow owners to showcase their dogs in stylish costume.

Owners may also bring their own custom-designed wagon for their pet to cruise in.

This will be followed by the Dog Costume Contest at 11 a.m., where the best-dressed pooches will be eligible to win prizes.

The noontime K-9 Challenge will encourage owner and dog to work through an obstacle course.

As the newest edition, Bow-Wow Rally will run throughout the event – a game of strategy.

And, if your dog has certain skills to show off, then don’t miss the Canine Got Talent competition at 12:30 p.m.

Owners and their furry friends can prepare to get their faces messy with the Ice Cream/Yogurt Eating Contest at 1:30 p.m.

Local vendors will also be available to offer food, as well as pamper dogs with massages, manicures, treats and clothing.

The event will be at Agnes Lamb Park at 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City.

Proceeds will go toward the Pet Pantry for Love One Another ministries.

For additional information, call Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972.

Dogs’ Day in Dade City
Where: Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., Dade City
When: March 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Patrons can bring their furry friends out for a parade, team activities and food, among other things.
Info: Call Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972.

Published March 06, 2019

Lutz Elementary prepares to add seventh grade

March 6, 2019 By B.C. Manion

Lutz Elementary launched a middle school program at the beginning of the school year and, now, it is gearing up to add seventh grade in the fall.

Lori Branham, principal at Lutz Elementary, is trying to get the word out about the school’s middle school program, which began with sixth grade this year and will add seventh next year. (B.C. Manion)

The school, at 202 Fifth Ave., S.E., in Lutz, began by adding sixth grade in the fall of 2018, and will add seventh grade in the fall of 2019. It will add eighth grade in 2020.

Each class has space for 110 students.

Its inaugural sixth-grade class had 67 students, meaning there are slots available in the seventh-grade class and will likely have some spots available in the incoming sixth-grade class, as well.

Parents who are interested in learning more about the program are invited to a parent information night on March 12, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., said Principal Lori Branham. The session will be in the school’s multipurpose room.

Branham said she believes that many people were not aware of the middle school program when it was time to decide where their children would attend middle school.

Noah Song, Georgia Crim and Gage Holeman participate in Ancient Olympic games.

“It was very quick. We started this process in February of last year. A lot of people had already made their choice as to where they were going to go,” she said.

She expects to have more students in the coming year’s sixth-grade class.

“I have 104 fifth-graders. Not all of them will come. Some of them are in Pasco County and they’ll go to middle school in their neighborhood.

“For the most part, most of our kids are coming back. So, we’ll have a much larger population next year, for our sixth grade,” she said.

Parker Jones said he enjoys being a sixth-grader at Lutz Elementary. Besides liking his classes, he also has enjoyed the school’s intramural program and not having to start over making friends at a new school.

Teacher Jennifer Shaffer, who has taught at the school for 17 years, is glad Lutz Elementary has added a middle school.

“I was all for it,” she said. “My three children went here. They would have continued through eighth, if we had it.

“The community has always wanted a middle school. They’re a close-knit community. They wanted to have their children stay in the community,” she said.

Shaffer said the school’s middle school program features small classes.

“We know them (students) really well. We can help them meet their goals,” she said.

Students also have opportunities to do hands-on learning, she said. They switch classes and they have the chance to operate more independently than elementary students.

Plus, the middle-schoolers can serve as mentors to younger students, she added.

Jennifer Shaffer enjoys teaching middle school students at Lutz Elementary. She says the teachers and students know each other well, and they are able to do many hands-on activities.

“We’ve done things with other classes throughout the school,” she said.

For example, “I just sent a student — she did an oral interpretation of a story — so, I just sent her down to a first-grade class to do it,” she said.

“For the students, it was an easy transition, moving up to sixth grade,” Shaffer said. “One of our biggest challenges was having them feel like sixth-graders.”

The students switch classes and are allowed more freedom on campus, such as not having to walk in line to lunch, she said.

They also are involved in community service projects.

The day before Christmas break, we split our sixth grade, and half went to the senior center and half went to Feeding America, Shaffer said.

Eleven-year-old Parker Jones is glad that Lutz Elementary added a middle school program.

For one thing, he didn’t have to get to know a new group of friends, and he already knows teachers, there, too.

He enjoys school.

“I feel like the teachers really make what you do in class fun,” he said.

Katie Holeman, the president of the Lutz Elementary School PTA, is thrilled that the school added a middle school program that began this year. She thinks it’s great for family life, for families with multiple children. Plus, she said, the classes are small, and the teachers and students know each other well.

That’s even true in Spanish, which he didn’t think would be fun, he said.

He also enjoys the school’s intramural program, noting that he played flag football and volleyball, and plans to play basketball.

The sixth-grader also is president of the school’s Junior Civitan club.

Katie Holeman, president of Lutz PTA, has three children at the school — one in sixth grade, one in fourth grade and one in first grade.

“We’ve been here for seven years,” she said. “We were so excited when we found out last year that we were transitioning to K-8 (kindergarten through eighth grade).

“It’s great for family life, for people with multiple children,” she said.

Lutz Elementary offers a sense of community and a neighborhood feel, she said.

“All of the teachers know the kids. The kids know the teachers,” she said.

Branham observed: “The Lutz community, to me, is different from any other community in this county.”

It’s a tightknit place, with a strong sense of tradition, she said.

When the school did a fundraiser with engraved bricks, there was one brick representing the sixth generation of a family with Lutz roots, she said.

Parent Information Night
What: Parents can learn about the middle school program at Lutz Elementary School
Where: In the multipurpose room at Lutz Elementary School, 202 Fifth Ave., S.E.
When: March 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Info: (813) 949-1452

Published March 06, 2019

Having fun in downtown Zephyrhills

March 6, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The seventh annual Paulie Palooza drew hundreds to Fifth Avenue in Downtown Zephyrhills for food, music and fun on Feb. 23 The event, held at Main Street Zephyrhills, featured live music throughout the day, food trucks, vendors, face painters, auctions and drawings for prizes donated by local businesses. Proceeds from the event benefit Gulfside Hospice and help support patient care and bereavement services for Pasco County residents.