The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Local author hopes his story will help inspire others

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Remington Walls hasn’t let his disease define him — and he wants the same for those dealing with similar circumstances.

The 18-year-old Land O’ Lakes native has lived a life without regular food or drink since he was diagnosed at age 4 with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a rare, incurable disease where all food deteriorates his esophagus.

Remington Walls (Courtesy of Stephanie Walls)

His only source of nutrition has come via a hypoallergenic amino acid-based liquid formula, called Neocate EO28 Splash.

The abnormal disorder has not stopped him from living a normal life, however.

Remington overcame the hardship to become a standout varsity baseball player at Land O’ Lakes High School — and good enough to be selected to play in the Pasco County Senior All-Star Baseball game last year.

He was also a solid student, earning multiple college scholarships.

Remington is now a freshman a Valdosta State University (Valdosta, Georgia) where he’s studying to become an athletic trainer. He is also a volunteer assistant with the Valdosta State baseball team.

Published author can also be added to Remington’s list of accomplishments.

‘Homeplate: A True Story of Resilience’ follows the journey of Land O’ Lakes native Remington Walls who has a rare esophageal disease that prevents him from consuming regular food or drink. Walls persevered to become a standout varsity baseball player at Land O’ Lakes High School and Pasco County Senior All-Star selection. He is now a freshman at Valdosta State University, where he is studying to become an athletic trainer. (Courtesy of NOW SC Press)

His autobiography, “Homeplate: A True Story of Resilience,” delves into his foodless life, with the hope of inspiring others.

The 118-page book is co-authored by his mother, Stephanie Walls, who shares her memories and insights on coping with the disease from a parent’s point-of-view.

The book will be released on Nov. 25.

“Remington wanted just to kind of motivate people and encourage people that regardless of your situation, find a way to overcome and persevere. There’s some pretty powerful things he has to say in his book,” Stephanie Walls said during a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

The book, which was written this past summer, is particularly geared toward anybody dealing with a life-altering disease, said Stephanie, an eighth-grade language arts teacher at Cypress Creek Middle High School in Wesley Chapel.

“The book is really more of an inspiration from Remington’s perspective,” she said. “We can either choose to wallow over the cards we’ve been dealt in life, or we can just pick up those pieces and somehow make a way to where there is no obstacle that’s going to get in our way.”

Last year, Remington’s life was thrown another curveball when his family’s insurance no longer covered the liquid formula that’s required for sustenance.

Since then, Remington and Stephanie have both advocated for state and federal legislation for formula coverage for medical nutrition. They also continue to work closely with the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED), a nonprofit advocacy organization for those living with eosinophilic related disorders.

To order the book, visit NowSCPress.com/product-page/homeplate.

Remington Walls book release

Book Signing
Where: Barnes & Noble, The Shops at Wiregrass, 28152 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: Nov. 25, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Info: (813) 907-7739

Book Launch
Where: Barnes & Noble Carrollwood, 11802 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
When: Nov. 25, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Info: (813) 962-6446

Published November 7, 2018

Veterans set to cruise through Zephyrhills

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Main Street Zephyrhills Inc., is welcoming all to attend the Veterans Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony to honor the nation’s men and women in uniform — in events planned for Nov. 10 and Nov. 11.

Spectators are guaranteed a lively musical performance by a marching band at the Nov. 10 Veterans Day Parade in downtown Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills Facebook page)

The parade will also feature a Classic Car Cruise-In on Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at Historic Downtown Zephyrhills.

The parade is set to begin at the Main Street Zephyrhills building, at 38537 Fifth Ave., and head up to Ninth Avenue.

Participants will include active and retired military, veteran organizations, a marching band and decorative floats, said Anna Stutzriem, coordinator of Main Street Zephyrhills Inc.

Local businesses who would like to take part in the Car Cruise-In that do not have a veteran on staff will have to pay a $15 entry fee.

Food vendors with refreshments, as well as a live DJ performance, will be offered for Nov. 10 only, and pets will be allowed on the premises.

On the following day, Zephyr Park at 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, will have a Remembrance Ceremony at 11:11 a.m., to commemorate the nation’s servicemen and servicewomen, both past and present.

For additional information or to apply for the Car Cruise-In, call Main Street Zephyrhills at (813) 780-1414, or visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Veterans Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony
Where: Parade at Historic Downtown Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave.; Ceremony at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
When: Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to noon for parade; Nov. 11, 11:11 a.m. for ceremony
Cost: Free
Details: Downtown Zephyrhills will host a parade and car cruise-in, as well as a commemoration for our veterans.
Info: Call (813) 780-1414, or to apply for the cruise-in, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Published November 7, 2018

Early numbers reveal voters are engaged for midterms

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Early numbers reveal that Pasco County voters are enthusiastic about midterm elections, said Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley.

“Voters are definitely more engaged this time, for a midterm, than we’ve seen in some time,” he said.

“As we approach the general (election), it’s a very, very long ballot, with a lot of amendments on it, but so far, I’ve got to tell you, the turnout has been phenomenal,” Corley said in an Oct. 29 interview.

While Election Day is Nov. 6, many voters are choosing to vote early, he said.

Pasco has already surpassed the total Vote By Mail ballots cast in the 2014 general, which was slightly more than 46,000, and it is already over 52,480. “We’re not done, obviously. So, that’s going to be up substantially,” he said.

Corley also noted that early voting has been expanded in Pasco County because there was an obvious need.

“With early voting, we’re right now, as I’m talking to you, at a little more than 26,000 and the total early votes cast in the 2014 general was 32,000,” he said.

Corley also offered assurances that there are plans in place to address any security issues — cyber or physical — that could arise.

“We have worked very closely with Sheriff (Chris) Nocco and his people, along with the county’s emergency management folks,” he said.

As voters head to the polls, Corley advised: “Be voter ready. Make sure your address is up to date. Study the amendments ahead of time, so you’ll know ahead of time, yes or no.”

Whatever method voters choose — whether voting early or on Election Day, they have plenty of decisions to make.

They’ll be deciding on races and issues, ranging from who will be Florida’s representatives in Congress, to who will occupy the state’s governor’s mansion, to who will make local decisions affecting everything from job creation, to road congestion, to the quality of local schools.

Pasco and Hillsborough voters also will decide the outcome of 12 constitutional amendments or revisions.

In Pasco, voters also will decide the fate of four general obligation issues to pay for a jail expansion, additional fire protection, enhanced libraries and enhanced parks. The bonds would be repaid through increased property taxes.

In Hillsborough, voters will decide the fate of a referendum to raise the local sales tax to support transportation improvements; and, another referendum to raise the local sales tax to support air conditioning and other capital improvements in public schools.

Here’s a recap of key races on the 2018 ballot within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area; a listing of local early polling places; and a reminder of what voters should bring with them to the polls.

Key races
Federal
U.S. Senate: Rick Scott vs. Bill Nelson

U.S. Rep. District 12: Gus Bilirakis vs. Chris Hunter

State
Governor: Ron DeSantis vs. Andrew Gillum

Attorney General: Ashley Moody vs. Sean Shaw

Chief Financial Officer: Jimmy Petronis vs. Jeremy Ring

Commissioner of Agriculture: Matt Caldwell vs. Nicole ‘Nikki’ Fried

State Senate District 20: Kathy Lewis vs. Tom Lee

State Senate District 10: Michael Cottrell vs. Wilton Simpson

State Representative District 37: Tammy Garcia vs. Ardian Zika

State Representative District 38: Danny Burgess vs. David “TK” Hayes

State Representative, District 64: James Grant vs. Jessica Harrington

Local
Pasco
Pasco County Commission

District 2: Mike Moore vs. Kelly Smith

District 4: Mike Wells vs. Brandi Geoit

Pasco School Board

District 5: Megan Harding vs. Tara M. O’Connor

Hillsborough
Hillsborough County Commission

District 5: Victor Crist vs. Mariella Smith

District 7: Todd Marks vs. Kimberly Overman

Hillsborough School Board
District 1

William Henry Person vs. Steve Cona

District 6

Karen Perez vs. Henry “Shake” Washington

Sheriff: Chad Chronister vs. Gary Pruitt

Early Voting Places (located within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area)

Pasco County: Through Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • East Pasco Government Center, Lobby, 14326 Sixth St., Dade City
  • Alice Hall Community Center, 36116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
  • New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
  • Florida Hospital Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
  • Utilities Administration Building, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

Hillsborough County: Through Nov. 4,  7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
  • Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, Odessa
  • New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa

What Voters Should Bring
Florida law requires voters to present both signature and photo identification. This can be achieved with one form of identification, such as a Florida driver license or U.S. Passport, or two separate forms of identification, such as a membership card with your photo and second form of identification with your signature. If you don’t bring your ID, you may vote a provisional ballot.

For more information, visit PascoVotes.com and VoteHillsborough.org.

Published October 31, 2018

Proposed Constitutional amendments

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There are 12 proposed amendments to Florida’s Constitution on the 2018 ballot. There were 13, but one was removed by the Florida Supreme Court.

Here’s what voters will be deciding:

Number 1: Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption

Ballot summary: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to increase the homestead exemption by exempting the assessed valuation of homestead property greater than $100,000 and up to $125,000 for all levies other than school district levies. The amendment shall take effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Number 2: Limitations on Property Tax Assessments

Ballot summary: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to permanently retain provisions currently in effect, which limit property tax assessment increases on specified non-homestead real property, except for school district taxes, to 10 percent each year. If approved, the amendment removes the scheduled repeal of such provisions in 2019 and shall take effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Number 3: Voter Control of Gambling in Florida

Ballot summary: This amendment ensures that Florida voters shall have the exclusive right to decide whether to authorize casino gambling by requiring that in order for casino gambling to be authorized under Florida law, it must be approved by Florida voters pursuant to Article XI, Section 3 of the Florida Constitution. Affects articles X and XI. Defines casino gambling and clarifies that this amendment does not conflict with federal law regarding state/tribal compacts.

Number 4: Voting Restoration Amendment

Ballot summary: This amendment restores the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions after they complete all terms of their sentence, including parole or probation. The amendment would not apply to those convicted of murder or sexual offenses, who would continue to be permanently barred from voting, unless the Governor and Cabinet vote to restore their voting rights on a case-by-case basis.

Number 5: Supermajority Vote Required to Impose, Authorize or Raise State Taxes or Fees

Ballot summary: Prohibits the legislature from imposing, authorizing or raising a state tax or fee, except through legislation approved by a two-thirds vote of each house of the legislature in a bill containing no other subject. This proposal does not authorize a state tax or fee otherwise prohibited by the Constitution and does not apply to fees or taxes imposed or authorized to be imposed by a county, municipality, school board or special district.

Number 6: Rights of Crime Victims; Judges

Ballot summary: Creates constitutional rights for victims of crime; requires courts to facilitate victims’ rights; authorizes victims to enforce their rights throughout criminal and juvenile justice processes.

Requires judges and hearing officers to independently interpret statutes and rules rather than deferring to government agency’s interpretation. Raises mandatory retirement age of state justices and judges from seventy to seventy-five years; deletes authorization to complete judicial term if one-half of term has been served by retirement age.

Number 7: First Responder and Military Member Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges and Universities

Ballot summary: Grants mandatory payment of death benefits and waiver of certain educational expenses to qualifying survivors of certain first responders and military members who die performing official duties. Requires supermajority votes by university trustees and state university system board of governors to raise or impose all legislatively authorized fees if law requires approval by those bodies. Establishes existing state college system as constitutional entity; provides governance structure.

Number 8: By order of the Florida Supreme Court of Florida, Revision 8 was removed from the ballot.

Number 9: Prohibits Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling; Prohibits Vaping in Enclosed Indoor Workplaces

Ballot summary: Prohibits drilling for the exploration or extraction of oil and natural gas beneath all state-owned waters between the mean high water line and the state’s outermost territorial boundaries. Adds use of vapor-generating electronic devices to current prohibition of tobacco smoking in enclosed indoor workplaces with exceptions; permits more restrictive local vapor ordinances.

Number 10: State and Local Government Structure and Operation

Ballot summary: Requires legislature to retain department of veterans’ affairs. Ensures election of sheriffs, property appraisers, supervisors of elections, tax collectors and clerks of court in all counties; removes county charters’ ability to abolish, change term, transfer duties or eliminate election of these offices. Changes annual legislative session commencement date in even-numbered years from March to January; removes legislature’s authorization to fix another date. Creates office of domestic security and counterterrorism within department of law enforcement.

Number 11: Property Rights; Removal of Obsolete Provision; Criminal Statutes

Ballot summary: Removes discriminatory language related to real property rights. Removes obsolete language repealed by voters. Deletes provision that amendment of a criminal statute will not affect prosecution or penalties for a crime committed before the amendment; retains current provision allowing prosecution of a crime committed before the repeal of a criminal statute.

Number 12: Lobbying and Abuse of Office by Public Officers.

Ballot summary: Expands current restrictions on lobbying for compensation by former public officers; creates restrictions on lobbying for compensation by serving public officers and former justices and judges; provides exceptions; prohibits abuse of a public position by public officers and employees to obtain a personal benefit.

Number 13: Ends Dog Racing

Ballot summary: Phases out commercial dog racing in connection with wagering by 2020. Other gaming activities are not affected.

To review the entire text of the proposed amendments and revisions, visit PascoVotes.org, and click on the appropriate link.

Published October 31, 2018

Keeping a piece of Dade City history alive

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When Jo and Bob Larkin bought the R.D. Sistrunk House at the corner of 14th Street and Church Avenue, they knew they were buying a property with a rich history — that required a lot of work.

Jo Larkin enjoys talking about the transformation of the home at 14th Street and Church Avenue, known historically as The Sistrunk House. It is featured as this year’s Dade City Garden Club ornament. (B.C. Manion)

“We renovated the house completely,” said Jo Larkin, who has a title company and previously owned an antiques shop.

Her husband, Bob, who is a builder, said it was the most extensive renovation project he’s ever tackled.

“It had plaster walls inside, and so we gutted all of the walls and ceilings.

“The only thing that was left from before we started remodeling was the frame walls, the siding and the flooring.

“We took out all of the electrical and all of the plumbing, anything in there except, for the structure,” Bob said.

The couple purchased the Sistrunk House in 2004 from Earl McKinney, a man they’d known all of their lives.

This sunny reading room is an enclosed porch that used to be a gazebo.

“Earl was not well,” Jo said. “One of the reasons that we got the house, truly, is because Earl had been over to see me, when I had the bed and breakfast (The Lark Inn, next door), and he couldn’t believe what Bob and I had done.

“He said, ‘I never had the money to do to this house, what I wanted to do.”

He asked Jo: ‘Do you think you and Bob would take this on?’

When Bob gutted the Sistrunk House, he found out where a lot of the original stuff had been located, Jo said. “He put it back originally, the way it was.”

There’s original glass in a window looking onto Church Avenue, and in the beveled glass front door. Much of the lighting is original, too.

This clock, on the mantel of the TV room, is one of many antique clocks in the house, and each of them works.

There’s only been four owners since the house was built in the early 1890s. First, there was Laura Inglis, of Iowa; then Dr. Sistrunk, a beloved Dade City physician, and his family. Earl McKinney bought it in the early ’70s, and then the Larkins.

During the restoration, a library was created by enclosing a porch; a reading room was made by enclosing a gazebo; and a carport was converted into a kitchen.

Upstairs, Bob created new spaces, too.

“You have to understand, there were no bathrooms or closets when we got this. So, what Bob did, was — he bumped out the walls, and he added a closet and he added a bathroom,” Jo said.

The list of work done during the renovation goes on and on.

This is a stained glass piece Bob had made for the 14th Street door transom to match the original stained glass in the front window on Church Avenue.

After giving the home new life, the couple loaded it up with interesting items.

“This is the fun part of doing houses,” Jo said. “You can tell I had an antique store.”

The dining room table was built using the legs from a square grand piano.

There’s a piece of furniture known as a “Larkin Side by Side,’ which was available from the Larkin Soap Company. The soap company gave out stamps with soap purchases, which customers saved to buy items from a catalog.

There are conversation pieces throughout the 4,000-square-foot home, which has 13 rooms, including three bedrooms and three baths.

Jo is thrilled that her home was selected to be featured as the Dade City Garden Club’s annual ornament.

This is what the home, owned by Bob and Jo Larkin, looks like now.

She buys the ornament every year. “In fact, all of my sisters, who have moved away, I buy for them and ship it to them because they all want it. Bob’s sister, too. It’s a great gift. It just reminds you of home, so many great things.

“I think it’s such a shame that Earl died and could not see what has happened with the home. That kind of thing would have just made his day.

“If anybody was in love with his home, it was Earl. He really was obsessed with it.

“He was a real character.

“He was interesting to talk to, but you never knew what Earl was going to say, and you never knew what was embellishment and what was the truth.”

The couple has the house on the market now, as they plan the next phase of their lives.

“It’ll take the right person. It’ll take someone who wants to be part of Dade City,” she said.

Dade City Garden Club annual ornament
The Dade City Garden Club’s annual ornament this year features The R.D. Sistrunk House, which is located at the corner of 14th Street and Church Avenue.

The two-story wood-frame house, at 37441 Church Ave., was the home of one of Dade City’s prominent pioneer doctors, Dr. Robert Don Sistrunk. Originally, it was a plain two-story square box, finished by Laura Inglis, from Iowa, in the early 1890s.

Doctor Sistrunk and his bride, Frances Bedgood, moved to the Church Street home in 1906. They remodeled it extensively in 1910, enlarging it, and adding porches and arts and crafts-style columns. They lived in the house the rest of their lives.

Earl McKinney bought the house in the early 1970s. He added porches, gazebos, and replaced the arts and crafts columns.

When McKinney’s health was deteriorating, he approached Bob and Jo Larkin about buying the house and restoring it. The Larkins bought the house in 2003 and began renovations in 2005.

The ornament commemorating the Sistrunk House is available for $22, by check only, from the Greater Dade City Chamber.

Published October 31, 2018

General Obligation Bond issues

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Pasco County is asking voters to approve four general obligation bond issues during the Nov. 6 general election.

The bonds would be repaid over a 30-year period through additional charges on tax bills. The charge will appear on the bills as “voter approved debt service.”

These are the four different bonds, and the estimated annual charge on a home assessed at $100,000.

Jail expansion
Bond: $132,150,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $16.75
Details: Currently, taxpayers pay $2 million to house inmates outside of Pasco County because the county’s jail has reached capacity. The bond issue would pay for a jail expansion.

Fire service
Bond: $70,200,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $8.89
Details: The county would build four new fire stations in areas that don’t have any fire stations and replace five outdated stations. It also would add 10 new emergency vehicles and would construct a new Fire Rescue Training Facility.

Parks
Bond: $20,200,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $2.55
Details: Projects would be done at all district, wilderness and neighborhood parks. Existing athletic facilities would be improved. Recreational complexes, community centers and aquatic centers would be renovated.

Libraries
Bond: $18,600,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $2.35
Details: The county’s libraries were built in or before the 1980s. The bond issue would be used to upgrade and remodel library branches.

If all four bond issues pass, the total average annual impact on taxpayers owning a home assessed at $100,000 would be $30.54.

Published October 31, 2018

It’s ‘bug’ season in Dade City

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The Pasco County Fairgrounds will soon see a swarm of ‘bugs’ outside – Volkswagen Beetles, that is.

The Florida Bug Jam is open to spectators on Nov. 10, beginning at 11 a.m., and on Nov. 11, beginning at 9 a.m.

Guests are sure to be attracted to — not repelled by — a swarm of Volkswagen Bugs at Dade City’s annual Bug Jam on Nov. 10 and Nov. 11. (File)

More than 700 Volkswagens are expected to be there, with owners convening from across the globe, said Randy Yoho, event promoter. Only about 7 percent of the participants hail from Pasco County.

There will be live performances on stage, contests, and vendors offering food.

On Nov. 10, a five-stop, 40-mile poker run around Dade City will begin at the fairgrounds with a start time between 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

From 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., drivers can engage in “Bugs on the Track,” where they take their Volkswagens for a spin around the Dade City Motocross Track.

A long line of Bugs will be showcased in the VW Parade, traveling from the fairgrounds to downtown Dade City at 2 p.m.

Aside from food, swap vendors also will be available on Nov. 11 to trade car parts with customers.

Also on Sunday, there will be a car show at 9 a.m., to display the various models, and more than two dozen Volkswagens will be on sale.

Parking is a $5 fee and admission is $10 per day or $15 for both days. Children age 10 and younger are free, but are encouraged to bring a can of food to help supply The Thomas Promise Foundation.

For those staying overnight, camping is available on the premises.

Car show registration online is $30 and at the event, if available, for $45.

To reserve a campsite or preregister, visit FloridaBugJam.com.

For additional information, call Randy Yoho at (352) 588-4697.

Florida Bug Jam

Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City
When: Open to spectators on Nov. 10, starting at 11 a.m., and Nov. 11, starting at 9 a.m.
Cost: $10 for those age 11 and older; ages 10 and younger are free, but asked to bring a canned food donation
Details: Volkswagen Beetle enthusiasts from around the world congregate to race, sell and trade.
Info: Randy Yoho at (352) 588-4697 or FloridaBugJam.com.

Published October 31, 2018

Hillsborough to cast votes on road, school taxes

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Hillsborough County voters have the option of raising sales taxes to help pay for transportation, and for school air-conditioning and capital improvements.

The transportation improvements would be made by voting to amend the County Charter to enact a 1-cent sales surtax that would be levied for 30 years and deposited in an audited trust fund with an independent oversight.

That tax would be in addition to the current 7 percent sales tax and is estimated to raise $278 million annual, and $552 million in the first two revenue years. The revenues would be shared by the Hillsborough Regional Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and using a population-based formula by the Hillsborough County Commission, the City of Tampa, and the City of Temple Terrace.

The money would be used for road and bridge improvements; expanded public transit options; to fix potholes; enhance bus services; relieve rush hour bottlenecks; improve intersections; and, make walking and biking safer.

Hillsborough voters also have the option of authorizing a ½-cent sales surtax for 10 years to fund air conditioning replacements and repairs, capital improvements and construction of other schools, building enhancements for school security and other maintenance needs.

The new ½-cent tax is in addition to the current 7 percent sales tax. It is estimated to raise $138 million annually. Expenditures will be governed by the Aug. 24, 2018 Hillsborough County School Board resolution.

Published October 31, 2018

Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church makes ‘house calls’

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When the Rev. Adrienne Hymes was considering ways to reach out into the community surrounding the new Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church, she hit upon an idea that literally involves making house calls.

The Rev. Adrienne Hymes sprinkles holy water in Pete and Sharon Soto’s Wesley Chapel home as part of a home blessing. (B.C. Manion)

She has made herself available, by appointment, to visit a house or apartment — or business or other gathering space, for that matter, to lead a ceremony to bless the space.

Recently, she visited the home of Pete and Sharon Soto, of Wesley Chapel, and read from scriptural text, as she and those gathered took part in a rite aimed at welcoming and acknowledging God’s presence, and asking for blessing and protection.

The couple, their daughter, and some friends and neighbors joined in reading passages, at certain points in the rite.

Hymes used salt and a blessing, seeking to turn ordinary tap water into holy water — used to bless every room in the home.

Salt is used for purification, she explained.

And, near the home’s front door, Hymes recited a pray, which said in part: “Almighty and everlasting God, grant to this home, the grace of your presence, that you may be known to be the inhabitant of this dwelling and a defender of this household.”

As she and the others made their way throughout the home, she sought blessings for each room.

In the bedroom, for instance, Hymes prayed: “Guide us, waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep, we may rest in peace.”

Family and friends gather to join in a sacramental ritual to bless Pete and Sharon Soto’s home in Wesley Chapel.

Others attending the ceremony were Jeri Jeffries, Maggie Thomas, Christine O’Donnell, Karen Bauer and Michelle Flemming, the Sotos’ daughter.

“As we go on our spiritual journey, and our deeper relationship with God, we started to realize that we need extra protection,” Sharon Soto said.

“We lived 30 years in the other house and we didn’t get it done, so when the opportunity came up for this house, we couldn’t pass it up,” Pete Soto said. “That was just like a God-sent message.”

The Sotos moved to Wesley Chapel a couple of years ago.

“We were ready to downsize to a smaller home, and we have a daughter, a son-in-law and two grandsons that live in Wesley Chapel.

“It’s not that we don’t feel the presence of God here, we already do. It just is kind of an affirmation, I guess,” Sharon Soto said.

Hymes said besides blessing homes, she’s available — by appointment — to bless other spaces, too.

“More and more, as people are pushed into very determined sacred and secular spaces, I think it’s important to remind people that showing up where they live, work and play, and saying, ‘You know what, all of it is sacred,’ ” she said.

“Ritual is so important for us to memorialize different milestones in our lives. One of those would be that now, we have a new home, or we have a home that we now want to make sure that is adequately blessed, particularly if you’re a religious person,” Hymes said.

“It’s one way for the church to say, ‘We’re new here,’ but we also want to be able to bless you in whatever way that we can. Interacting with people, not just on the street corner, or the place where we’re shopping — but to be able to go into their home, is a very intimate space. And, I think that connects with people on a very different level.”

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, email Hymes at .

New church begins Sunday services
What: Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church is beginning to offer a Sunday morning service
Where: 3758 Maryweather Lane, Wesley Chapel
When: Nov. 4 at 8 a.m. (This will be the new church’s first Sunday service, which it plans to offer each week at 8 a.m.)
Details: Besides offering a Sunday service, the church also offers home blessings and other activities aimed at promoting spiritual development.
Info: Visit WCEpiscopalChurch.org, or call (813) 418-1281.

Published October 31, 2018

Portion of Starkey Park Equestrian Trail temporarily closed

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A portion of the Starkey Park Equestrian Trail is closed, while a project is done by Tampa Bay Water to improve water levels and ecological function at Bonnet Lake.

Construction crews will install a 12-inch pipe to divert water from Grassy Prairie to Bonnet Lake. While that work is done, a portion of the trail will be closed to keep trail users safe.

The trail will remain open to the north and south of the construction area, and will be accessible to trail users. Signs will be placed at trail closure locations with a map to help trail users navigate the closure area.

The closed portion is expected to reopen in February 2019.

Residents can follow the project’s progress by monitoring Tampa Bay Water’s Twitter and Facebook feeds for updates. For specific concerns or questions, call the dedicated construction hotline at (866) 463-6426.

Published October 31, 2018