The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Joy Bar celebrates Christmas all year

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Joy Bar is filled with Christmas décor and games like pool, darts, giant Jenga, beer pong, spin the wheel and mystery shot. Photo courtesy of Joy Bar
Joy Bar offers games, live music, rare whiskey bottles and drink deals. Photo courtesy of Joy Bar

TAMPA – Joy Bar, a 365-day Christmas-themed bar, is serving up holiday cheer and adding fun stuff to the bar this December.   

Joy Bar was previously known as VIP Lounge. Trey Lawson took over the bar six years ago from his father. They have been in business for 34 years. 

Law came up with the Christmas concept last year. 

“Joy Bar is Tampa ‘s only 365-day year Christmas themed bar,” Lawson said. “We have been adding a lot of fun games, new drinks and whiskey offerings to the bar. Come in for a holiday inspired cocktail and great deals while you enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

Each weekend in December, the local dive bar will have live music and a brand takeover.  Guests can enjoy spirits specials from brands including Teremana Tequila, Fireball, Crown Royal and Patron along with Santa’s naughty elf pouring drinks.

New beverage offerings include whiskey slushies, strawberry lemonade and frose ($5).  Enjoy the Christmas themed Joy Bar shots and newly launched signature shots that will change throughout the year. 

Whiskey enthusiasts have over 100 options to choose from, including 10 of Joy Bar’s personal single barrels. The whiskey selection is always changing and growing year-round.

Joy Bar is located at 6905 N. Armenia Ave.

On the web: LiquorDepotTampa.com.

How the sweet potato casserole became such a staple

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While sweet potatoes are not as ubiquitous as pumpkin, this time of year (I have yet to see sweet potato coffee creamer and sweet potato oatmeal), the sweet potato deserves some spotlight, too.  

After all, you can do so much with them, not to mention their health benefits make them a superfood.  

They have high levels of Vitamin A (as beta-carotene), Vitamin C, several B vitamins, manganese, potassium (good for regulating blood pressure), while being low in fat and calories.  

They have anti-inflammatory elements, are good for digestion thanks to their high fiber content, and have a moderate glycemic index for managing blood sugar levels.  

As for their versatility, they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways for breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers, side dishes and dessert: sweet potato pancakes, sweet potato soup, sweet potato and black bean tacos, sweet potato fries, sweet potato pie, and so on.  

Of course, the Thanksgiving meal is not complete unless there is sweet potato casserole on the table.  

But how did this naturally sweet root vegetable get paired with a sweet, processed treat?  

Marshmallows go hand-in-hand with desserts and campfires, not so much vegetables.  

But if you can’t picture a sweet potato casserole without marshmallows, you can thank marketing from over 100 years ago for that.

Sweet potato pudding was in America’s first cookbook, “American Cookery,” published in 1796.  

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, with more cookbooks coming out, there were other recipes for candied or glazed sweet potatoes that called for coating boiled sweet potatoes with sugar syrup, according to Smithsonian Magazine.  

Marshmallows weren’t around yet.

In 1907, the company Angelus Marshmallows (known as Campfire later on), who also made Cracker Jacks, began mass-producing marshmallows, but households didn’t see it as a common food item.  

So the company reached out to the founder of the Boston Cooking School Magazine, Janet McKenzie Hill, to develop recipes with marshmallows in them.  

It was in this cookbook, published in 1917, that the first sweet potato with marshmallow topping first appeared (as well as marshmallows in hot chocolate).  

It gained popularity, and became a staple on Thanksgiving by the mid-20th century.  

And so, thanks to a company trying to increase their sales, we have this standard Thanksgiving dish.  

While the marshmallows don’t offer much in nutritional benefits, the sweet potato casserole isn’t the most calorie-damaging dish you’ll have on the holiday (the buttered rolls, stuffing and mashed potatoes with gravy have more calories per serving than the sweet potato casserole).  

With the average person eating 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving just for the dinner (not including drinks, dessert, or appetizers), it’s usually not a day for calorie counting, but to indulge.  

Making a healthier version of this dish isn’t going to make a significant difference in total calories consumed on the holiday, but if you prefer marshmallows with dessert instead of the main course, try out this version from Nebraska Extension.

 

Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole

Yield: 4 servings

 

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed with a clean vegetable brush under running water, peeled, and cut into ½ inch cubes
  • 1 baking apple (Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady are good for baking), gently rubbed under cold running water, sliced
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries or raisins

 

Directions

  • Wash hands with soap and water. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease or spray a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a small sauce pan over medium heat, mix together the orange juice, brown sugar, butter or margarine, cinnamon, and dried cranberries or raisins. Heat and continue to stir until the sugar is dissolved and the butter or margarine is melted.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the sweet potatoes, apples and orange juice mixture. Transfer to a casserole dish.
  • Bake covered for one hour or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
  • Stir the mixture before serving to coat the sweet potatoes and apples with the juices accumulated at the bottom of the dish before serving.
  • Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

 

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.

AdventHealth opens Northdale ER 

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The AdventHealth Northdale ER team is ready to serve the community. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
AdventHealth leaders, health care professionals and community partners gathered to celebrate the facility’s opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 6. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – AdventHealth Northdale ER celebrated its first full day of providing emergency care Nov. 13 to patients in one of the fastest-growing areas in Hillsborough County. 

The 13,379-square-foot emergency department at 16446 North Dale Mabry Highway features 12 private exam rooms, a resuscitation room, two triage rooms and dedicated spaces for bariatric patients. 

The $23 million facility is equipped with advanced imaging technology and a full-service lab.

“North Dale Mabry is an ideal location for our new AdventHealth Northdale ER, allowing us to expand access to high-quality, compassionate care for this growing community,” said Bruce Bergherm, president and CEO of AdventHealth Tampa. “With this new ER close by, we’re reducing travel times and enhancing access to AdventHealth’s whole-person approach to emergency care, so families have faster, more convenient support when they need it most.”

The facility is designed to meet the community’s growing health care needs, including specialized support spaces and an EMS lounge to improve response times and efficiency. AdventHealth Northdale ER joins the AdventHealth West Florida Division’s network of 14 hospitals and eight offsite emergency rooms.

Since 2019, AdventHealth has invested more than $790 million in Hillsborough County.

On the web: AdventHealthNorthdaleER.com

Construction underway for AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER

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AdventHealth and Robins & Morton leaders sign the beam for AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER. (Photo courtesy of AdventHealth)
Wilbur, AdventHealth’s chief barking officer, “signs” the beam for the new AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER. (Photo \courtesy of AdventHealth)

WESLEY CHAPEL – Community leaders signed a beam Nov. 8 to mark the progress of the AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER, a new off-site emergency department in East Pasco County.

The more than 13,000-square-foot emergency department will include 12 patient beds and two triage rooms when completed in the first half of 2025. It will also offer imaging and lab services.  

“The Meadow Pointe ER is located in a rapidly growing part of Pasco County and AdventHealth wants to make sure we’re meeting the needs of our community there,” said Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton. “We are committed to expanding our footprint of emergency care services and making it easy for our neighbors to access AdventHealth’s robust network of care.”  

The signed beam was placed over what will become the main entrance of the ER. The names of those who helped make the $26 million project a reality will welcome future patients through the door.

The opening of the new emergency department will create more than 30 jobs in Pasco County.

“Reaching this milestone in such a short period of time is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, teamwork and innovation,” said Todd Watson, manager of Robins & Morton Florida Division. “We are proud to be working on a project that will enhance health care access and deliver vital services to our community.”

The AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER joins the organization’s nine other freestanding emergency departments across the Tampa Bay area. 

This also includes an EMS fleet with 21 ambulances and AdventHealth AirStar 1, a medical helicopter dedicated to critical patient transport across the Tampa Bay region.    

What’s Happening (11/20/24): #IMOMSOHARD coming to Tampa Theatre 

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#IMOMSOHARD coming to Tampa Theatre 

TAMPA – Jen and Kristin – the creators of #IMOMSOHARD – dive into all things womanhood, motherhood and friendship during an upcoming stop on The Flashback Tour.

This show is rowdy, raucous and a little bit naughty asd they talk about surviving marriage, fashion and the tween-teen years. The show is intended for ages 18 and older.

Get a group of your lady friends, or fly solo, you can even bring your husband (make sure he sits in the front row) and get ready to laugh.

The show starts at 8 p.m. March 28 at Tampa Theatre. 

Tickets range from $49.50 to $69.50 plus applicable taxes and fees. Get them at the Franklin Street Box Office and online at www.tampatheatre.org. 

A limited number of VIP add-on tickets will also be available in advance for an additional $85 plus applicable taxes and fees, which include a meet and greet with Kristin and Jen.

 

Nov. 20

Holiday Stroll Buy

The Friends of the Starkey Ranch TLC present a book and craft sale in the lobby of the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. The sale continues through Dec. 22. pascolibraries.org

10 a.m.-8 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack leads a mat yoga class for adults at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. pascolibraries.org

4-5 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Charity Fundraiser

The Murray Family Foundation hosts a Music for a Cause benefit concert with Roger and Todd at Stonewater Grill. The event includes a live auction. https://themurrayfamilyfoundation.org/

6-9 p.m.; 4422 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Night Market

SaucyQueen presents Lutz Night Market with local artisans, live music by Gary Coco and drink specials at Forty Thieves. 

6-9 p.m.; 2741 E. County Line Road, Lutz

 

Trivia Night

Timeless Entertainment holds a Trivia Night at McAnderson’s House of Brews. Play for prizes. 

7-9 p.m.; 17683 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Lutz

 

Nov. 21

Garden Club

The Zephyrhills Garden Gate Garden Club meets at the First Presbyterian Church. The topic is “Cooking with Herbs.” Light refreshments will be served. Call 813-310-9165 for details.

9:15 a.m.; 5510 19th St., Zephyrhills

 

Storytime Fun

Toddlers and preschoolers listen to songs and stories during Storytime Fun at Zephyrhills Public Library. pascolibraries.org

10-10:20 or 10:30-10:50 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Preschool Storytime

Youth listen to stories and songs during Preschool Storytime at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. pascolibraries.org

10:15-10:45 a.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Preschool Storytime

Children, ages 3-5, listen to stories and songs during Preschool Storytime at Land O’Lakes Library. pascolibraries.org

10:15-10:45 or 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Book Club

The Land O Lakes Book Club discusses “The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World” by Laura Imai Messina at Land O’Lakes Library. The club is for adults. pascolibraries.org

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Mom & Baby

The Mom & Baby Support Group provides insight and resources involving breastfeeding at the Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-345-3307 for details. pascolibraries.org

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack leads a mat yoga class for adults at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. pascolibraries.org

4-5 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Dungeons & Dragons

Teens play Dungeons & Dragons at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. Call 727-815-7126 to register in advance. pascolibraries.org

4-6 p.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Trivia Night

East Pasco Entertainment presents a Trivia Night at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Wilderness Lakes. Play for prizes. 

7-9 p.m.; 7040 Land O Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Nov. 22

Art Workshop

Pamela Varricchio conducts a workshop with the theme,  “Beginner Oil (Water Soluble) Painting,” at West Pasco Art Guild. Members pay $40. Others pay $50. Register in advance at or visit westpascoartguild.org. 

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey

 

Thrifty Crafters

Adults create crafts during Thrifty Crafters at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-780-0064 to register. pascolibraries.org

9:30-10:30 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Toddler Storytime

Children, ages 1-2, listen to stories during Toddler Storytime at Land O’Lakes Library. pascolibraries.org

9:45-10:10, 10:15-10:45 or 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Ukulele Jam

The Tampa Bay Ukulele Society jams at Hugh Embry Library. Intermediate to advanced players are invited. Call 352-567-3576 for details. pascolibraries.org

1-2:30 p.m.; 14215 4th St., Dade City

 

Book Club

The Spill the Tea Book Club discusses “Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell at Zephyrhills Public Library. pascolibraries.org

3-4 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Moonlight Market

Florida Penguin Productions presents Friday Night Moonlight Market at The Hub at Bexley. The event includes live music and vendors. floridapenguinproductions.com

5-9 p.m.; 6751 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Theater Production

Live Oak Theatre presents its latest production, “Beauty at the Beast,” at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts. Future performances are held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday on Nov. 22-24. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children and free for 13 and under with the purchase of an adult seat. Buy them at  ​​liveoaktheatre.org/current-production.

7:30 p.m.; 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

 

Live Music

60 West performs live music at Ukulele Brands. ukulelebrands.com

7:30-10:30 p.m.; 4805 Land O Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Live Music

The Danny Bub Combo performs at Rock & Brews – Wesley Chapel. dbcband.com

8-11 p.m.; 26000 State Road 56, Lutz

 

Nov. 23

Vendor Fair

Southern Eaze Bar & Grill invites families to a Holiday Vendor Fair with crafts, food vendors, raffle and Santa. Bring a gift for a child or teenager to donate to Joshua House. 

9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 18430 Livingston Ave., Lutz

 

Thankful for Dessert

Children make Thanksgiving-themed desserts using premade food items during Thankful for Dessert at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-780-0064 to register. pascolibraries.org

10-11 a.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Fall Tea

Friends of the Library sponsors a Flavors of Fall Tea & Brunch for people ages 16 and older. Register in advance at pascolibraries.org.

10-11:30 a.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Friendsgiving Food

Students in grades K-5 share food and engage in crafts during Friendsgiving Food and Fun at Hugh Embry Branch Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details. pascolibraries.org

2-4 p.m.;  14215 4th St., Dade City

 

Comedy Show

Max Amini performs stand-up comedy at Tampa Theatre. Amini burst into comedy in Los Angeles in 2002. This show, which features mature themes and adult language, is intended for ages 13 and older. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets range from $45 to $110 plus taxes and fees (VIP tickets for front four rows cost $125). Buy them at tampatheatre.org.

7 p.m.; 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa

 

Live Music

Jimmy Griswold performs live music at Ukulele Brands. ukulelebrands.com

7:30-10:30 p.m.; 4805 Land O Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Nov. 24

Live Music

Tre Dicci performs live music at Ukulele Brands. ukulelebrands.com

4:30-7:30 p.m.; 4805 Land O Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Nov. 25

Ukulele Social Hour

Tampa Bay Ukulele hosts an informal gathering for players with basic skills at Hugh Embry Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details. pascolibraries.org

10:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 14215 4th St., Dade City

 

Baby Storytime

Babies up to 1 year old listen to stories in parents laps during Baby Bookworm Story Time at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. pascolibraries.org

10:15-11 a.m.; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Chair Yoga

Dianne Orcher leads a chair yoga class for adults at Land O’Lakes Library. Register in advance. Call 813-929-1214 for details. pascolibraries.org

10:30-11:30 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Friendsgiving Food

Teens in grades 9-12 create and eat a Thanksgiving dish during Friendsgiving Food and Fun at Hugh Embry Branch Library. Teens must sign a waiver. Call 352-567-3576 for details. pascolibraries.org

3-4 p.m.; 14215 4th St., Dade City

 

Nov 26

Medicare/Medicaid

Adults can get help applying to Medicare/Medicaid and food stamps at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call José Rodríguez at 813-420-3013 for details. pascolibraries.org

9 a.m.-noon; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Book Sale

The Friends of the Library holds a weekly book sale on the patio of Land O’Lakes Branch Library. pascolibraries.org

10 a.m.-noon; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Toddler Storytime

Toddlers, ages 1-3, listen to stories and songs during Little Bookworm Story Time at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. pascolibraries.org

10:15-11 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.-noon; 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

 

Tai Chi

Adults learn basic tai chi moves during a class at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-780-0064 to register. pascolibraries.org

11 a.m.-noon; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Tween/Teen Gaming

Youth, ages 9 and older, play board and video games during Tween/Teen Gaming at Zephyrhills Public Library. Snacks will be provided.  pascolibraries.org

3-4 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Trivia Night 

East Pasco Entertainment presents a Trivia Night at Black Sheep American Pub. 

7-9 p.m.; 18450 U.S. 41, Lutz

 

Live Music

Ukulele Brands hosts an open mic night at the bar and grill. ukulelebrands.com

7-10 p.m.; 4805 Land O Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Nov. 27

Toddler Storytime

Children, ages 0-2, listen to stories and songs during Toddler Storytime at Hugh Embry Branch Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details. pascolibraries.org

10:15-11 a.m.; 14215 4th St., Dade City

 

Baby Storytime

Babies up to 1 year old listen to stories in parents laps during Baby Storytime at Land O’Lakes Branch Library. pascolibraries.org

10:15-10:45 or 11-11:45 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Preschool Storytime

Children, ages 3-5, listen to stories and songs during Preschool Storytime at Hugh Embry Branch Library. Call 352-567-3576 for details. pascolibraries.org

11:15 a.m.-noon; 14215 4th St., Dade City

 

Chair Yoga

A yoga instructor leads a chair yoga class at Zephyrhills Public Library. Call 813-780-0064 to register. pascolibraries.org

10:30-11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Mat Yoga

Michelle Mack leads a mat yoga class for adults at Zephyrhills Public Library. Bring a mat. pascolibraries.org

4-5 p.m.; 5347 8th St., Zephyrhills

 

Nov. 30

Indoor holiday fair

A Lutz Indoor Holiday Craft Fair includes unique handmade crafts made by local artisans. Visit the Facebook page for details. 

9 a.m.-1 p.m.;  2155 Northpointe Pkwy., Lutz

 

Dec. 6

Preschool Praise and Play

Dade City First United Methodist Church opens its sanctuary every first Friday of the month for a free community preschool playtime. The church offers a scripture story, music, craft and playtime with new friends. Activities are geared toward toddlers and preschoolers but all ages are welcome. Contact for questions.

9:30-10:30 a.m. 37628 Church Ave, Dade City

 

Dec. 7

Holiday Arts & Crafts

Koren’s Quarters Arts & Crafts Show  includes vendors, food trucks, holiday shops, Christmas music and pony rides. Admission and parking are free. Vendor spots cost $50. Visit Koren’s Quarters Show Facility on Facebook for details. 

9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 1120 Swilley Road, Plant City

 

Arts & Crafts

Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club presents its 45th annual Arts & Crafts Show at Keystone Prep Academy. The show features over 175 vendors and food booths with artwork, handcrafts, jewelry, festive holiday and artisanal items plus lots for children.  

10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 18105 Gunn Hwy., Odessa

Dec. 8

Arts & Crafts

Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club presents its 45th annual Arts & Crafts Show at Keystone Prep Academy. The show features over 175 vendors and food booths with artwork, handcrafts, jewelry, festive holiday and artisanal items plus lots for children.  

10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 18105 Gunn Hwy., Odessa

Christmas in the Park

The San Antonio Founders Garden Club hosts its annual Christmas in the Park celebration with community Christmas cards, caroling, Christmas treats and raffles at San Antonio Park. All are welcome to this long standing community tradition.

7 p.m.; 32625 State Road 52, San Antonio

Dec. 21-23

Talk to Santa

The East Pasco Amateur Radio Society lets children talk to Santa via ham radio during the Church Street Christmas Walk in Dade City. The free event is open to the public. Kids will receive a card from Santa and a candy cane after they make contact with the North Pole.  Call Chris at 224-221-5064 or visit eparsonline.org for details. 

7-9 p.m.; 37744 Church Ave., Dade City 

 

Jan 25, 2025

Ham Radio

The East Pasco Amateur Radio Society hosts its Winter Field Day event at the San Antonio Train Depot Museum. Local amateur radio operators will be on the air for 24 hours straight. This is a practice for emergency radio communications. The free event is open to the public. Call Chris at 224-221-5064 or visit eparsonline.org for details. 

Noon; 32627 Railroad Ave., San Antonio

 

Jan. 31, 2025

Comedy Show

Comedian Becky Robinson brings her Members Only Club Tour to the Tampa Theatre. You may know her as the Entitled Housewife, the outspoken viral golf character Becky, or from her time as a regular on MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out with Nick Cannon.” Tickets cost $39.50-$59.50 plus taxes and fees. Buy them at tampatheatre.org.

8 p.m.; 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa

 

Battle for Veterans features WWII vehicles, weapons

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Two reenactors stand beside a M4AE Sherman tank on the left and a M36 Jackson Tank on the right. Photo courtesy of Joe Potter
A reenactor prepares to demonstrate how the weapon he’s holding would sound when it’s discharged. Photo courtesy of Joe Potter

ZEPHYRHILLS – Thousands of people attended the Battle for Veterans from Nov. 8 to 11 in Zephyrhills.

The Zephyrhills Museum of Military History held the event at a 25-acre site owned by the City of Zephyrhills at 5200 Airport Road. The museum needed a space that was 12.5 times larger than its grounds. 

Hundreds of participants from throughout Florida enjoyed their roles while conducting what was billed as the state’s largest Veterans Day experience.

Several military vehicles of World War II vintage that had been used by Armed Forces of both the United States and Germany were displayed. These included Jeeps, staff cars, half-tracks, tanks and a tank destroyer.

People could also see firearms that had been used by the military during WWII. Handguns, rifles and a machine gun that had been used by members of the Russian military were on display. 

Bill Zukauskas, a member of the St. Augustine-based organization, Soviet Weapons of the Great Patriotic War, gave some interesting information about the weapons.

The one garnering the most attention from onlookers was a submachine gun that had been used by a Russian soldier on the war’s Eastern Front. A German soldier gained possession of the weapon after the Russian soldier’s capture. Eventually, an American serviceman on the war’s Western Front secured the submachine gun when the German soldier was captured. That soldier brought it back to the U.S. where it has remained since then.

Two M4AE Sherman tanks at the event were each armed with a 105-millimeter gun.  These medium-size tanks were the first the U.S. ever manufactured with this powerful gun inside a fully traversing turret. That heavily armored turret was large enough to accommodate three of the tank’s crewmembers.

Also on display was a M36 Jackson Tank, which was designed to ambush and destroy German Panther tanks from a safe distance. 

Several participants fired handguns, rifles and submachine guns loaded with blanks as the crowds looked on. The tanks fired several rounds of blanks while reenacting part of a battle. 

The noise was so great that it caused several people living nearby who weren’t aware of the event to call the Zephyrhills Police Department 

Plans are in the works, according to a museum spokesperson, for another Battle for Veterans in 2025.

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INFOBOX: Event presents awards

Two awards were granted during this year’s Battle for Veterans event.

  • Grenadier-Regiment 211 – Florida Reenacted was honored for having the Best Living History Display. That group is for representation of the 71st Infantry Division, 211th Grenadier Regiment of the German Army during WWII. 
  • A 1942 Humbler Light Reconnaissance Car, owned by Verne Jenkinson, was recognized as the Best Vehicle. The vehicle, also known as a Humberette or Ironside, was a British armored car produced during WWII.

 

Flooding concerns, wetlands delay Tall Timbers rezoning

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DADE CITY – The Pasco County Planning Commission discussed a rezoning Nov. 7 that would allow the development of the Tall Timbers project in the Connected City.

But members weren’t ready to make a recommendation to county commissioners, opting to discuss the proposal more at their Dec. 12. meeting. 

Xtreme Team 41 LLC in Tampa wants to develop 380 multi-family dwelling units consisting of front-loaded and rear-loaded townhomes and vertically mixed-use apartments on 38 acres on the north side of Tyndall Road.

The applicant also wants to designate 180,000 square feet for non-residential uses, such as offices and associated infrastructure.

Xtreme Team 41 is seeking to rezone the property from an Agricultural District to a Connected City Master Planned Unit Development District.

The Connected City is a new community under development in a special planning area generally located between Wesley Chapel and San Antonio, bordered by State Road 52 on the north, Overpass Road on the south, Interstate 75 on the west and Curley Road on the east.

Neighbors expressed concerns about flooding in the area that Xtreme Team 41 wants to develop. 

Michael Pultorak, who lives nearby on Kenton Road, urged the planning commission to not recommend approval because he believes his home would be flooded if Tall Timbers was developed.

Nancy Hazelwood, who lives in rural Dade City, said she thought it might be “prudent at this time to put some applications on hold until we figure out where that flooding would go.” 

Rodrigo Halveston, who lives on the south side of Dade City, said it seemed to him that building is being done on top of places that are used to drain water out “and you don’t think there’s any correlation.”

The other reason for the delay was that the applicant might not be able to accomplish objectives it had negotiated with Pasco County’s Department of Planning, Development and Economic Growth prior to the Nov. 7 hearing.

The applicant submitted a binding concept plan that indicates it wants a significant amount of the development to occur in the northwest and southwest corners of the property.

Planning commission member Jon Moody said it appeared to him that between 20% and 30% of the property are wetlands and that the majority of those wetlands are in the northwest and southwest corners of the property. It was also noted that floodplains are located in those areas.

Planning commission members also noted that the master plan the applicant had submitted with its rezoning request didn’t show what would happen to the wetlands if they were dredged or filled in so development could occur where they had once been located.

Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection requires permits to be granted by either that department or the Southwest Florida Water Management District to allow either the dredging or filling in of wetlands and other surface waters, according to its website.

“I’m not thinking someone’s going to be able to get a permit to blitz all of these wetlands,” Moody said. 

Moody added that he was hesitant to grant an entitlement for something that may not actually be achieved.

Moody then asked why the non-residential uses and the vertical mixed-use apartments couldn’t be developed instead on an uplands portion of the property.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein advised that moving the buildings elsewhere on the property would result in a substantive change in the binding concept plan. William Vermillion, a county planner, agreed that would be true. 

This would cause the applicant to have to come back to the planning commission with a different plan, according to Vermillion.

Jamie Girardi, vice chairman of the planning commission, said there wasn’t anything written in the plan submitted to them on Nov. 7 “to stop this from a townhome project coming in, building out the townhomes, and then trying to negotiate the build out of the more difficult property.”

Planning commission members suggested county staff and the applicant work together to see if a more practicable application could be presented at the Dec. 12 meeting.

In other business on Nov. 7, the planning commission recommended county commissioners approve a proposed development agreement for the Watergrass MPUD. Changes in the development agreement, which are being requested by CKB Development LLC, include the donation of a 2.142-acre site to Pasco County for the construction of a library and the reduction of commercial/retail entitlements from 123,511 square feet to 100,000 square feet in order to add 200 age-restricted multi-family apartment units as a permitted use. 

This item is the first amendment to a development agreement that was originally established and approved by commissioners on June 4, 2019.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider this agreement during their Dec. 10 meeting in New Port Richey.

 

Pasco County Fire Rescue gets new fire chief

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Ryan Guynn was promoted to fire chief of Pasco County Fire Rescue. He started his career with the Dade City Fire Rescue in 1999. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

PASCO COUNTY – Ryan Guynn officially took over command of Pasco County Fire Rescue following a confirmation ceremony at the Nov. 12 county commissioners meeting.

Guynn brings more than 25 years of experience in public safety to the role. He most recently served as the assistant chief and interim fire chief of Pasco County Fire Rescue. 

Guynn said he is honored to continue serving the community and lead Pasco County Fire Rescue.

“Chief Guynn’s step up from assistant chief highlights our commitment to cultivating talent from within,” County Administrator Mike Carballa said.  “His dedication to the community, combined with his leadership experience, make him an outstanding fit to guide Pasco County Fire Rescue forward. His vision for a strong foundation and team unity aligns with our mission to prioritize people, purpose and performance.”

Chief Guynn began his career at Pasco County Fire Rescue in 2003. He has risen through the ranks from firefighter, driver engineer, captain, division chief, deputy chief and assistant chief.

“Over the past two years, I’ve personally watched Chief Guynn grow professionally in his role as the assistant fire chief,” Assistant County Administrator J.J. Murphy said.  “I have zero doubts that Chief Guynn is ready to take the helm of the agency and move Pasco County Fire Rescue into its next chapter.”

 

Economic development veteran joins commercial real estate firm

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Commercial Asset Partners Realty has appointed economic development and electric utility veteran Danielle Ruiz as vice president.

Ruiz, who most recently served as director of economic development for Duke Energy Corporation, has over 20 years of economic development experience. 

Ruiz supported the recruitment and expansion of a number of companies to the 34-county Florida service territory during her nearly 11 years at Duke Energy. 

She also has held director and manager positions at the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation – now known as the Tampa Bay EDC – ConMed Corporation, Pinellas County Economic Development and the State of Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, now known as CareerSource Florida.

“Part of what Danielle brings to the table for our team is her executive-level experience and leadership in various public, private companies and economic development organizations throughout the state,” said Heidi Tuttle-Beisner, broker-owner at CAP Realty. “Her priorities align with mine, in that we want to see our communities grow and redevelop, and to really make a difference that goes beyond simply closing transactions.”

Ruiz will focus on commercial real estate brokerage services in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. The company says Ruiz’s relationships in other counties may help expand its service footprint. 

While at Duke Energy Corporation, Ruiz was involved in many deals impacting the greater Tampa Bay area:  

  • MiTek, an international building supply company, announcing plans in 2024 to open a new, $77.6 million, 480,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and warehouse in Zephyrhills; 
  • Bauducco Foods, a Brazilian multinational company specializing in baked food products, purchasing 72 acres in Zephyrhills, in 2023 for a $200 million facility expected to create 600 new jobs; 
  • Attracting Nucor, North America’s largest steelmaker, to Polk County for its Frostproof steel mill, creating 250 jobs; and 
  • Relocation of San Diego-based life sciences defense contractor Amaratek to Dunedin in 2023, creating dozens of high-paying local jobs.

“I was seeking an opportunity to work with a company that shares my commitment of making an impact on the local economy while also understanding the community’s broader vision and collectively matching this with my clients’ needs,” Ruiz said. 

Ruiz belongs to several organizations and has served in many leadership roles during her career. She has served on the boards of the Pasco Economic Development Council, the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation and Hernando Progress. She is also a founding advisory board member of IDEA Schools Tampa Bay.

“Danielle has been involved in real estate transactions in the greater Tampa Bay area and other parts of Florida for many years,” said Tuttle-Beisner. “In her new role with our firm, she’ll simply be looking at deals from a different angle and using her skills and knowledge to make deals happen from the brokerage standpoint.”

 

What’s Happening (11/13/24): Christmas classics coming to theater

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Families catch a screening of the Christmas comedy “Elf” at Tampa Theatre. Photo courtesy of Tampa Theatre.

TAMPA – When you visit the historic Tampa Theatre, you’re not just coming for a movie – you’re coming for an experience. 

One of the brightest and most beloved of those experiences is the tradition of sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen with family and friends and singing along to holiday carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show.

Guests attending the “Miracle on 34th Street” screening on Nov. 24 can get a photo with Old St. Nick, starting at 2 p.m., in front of the tree in the lobby. Photo courtesy of Tampa Theatre

Here are some upcoming screenings

  • ”Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) at 3 p.m. Nov. 24
  • ”White Christmas” (1954) at 3 p.m. Dec. 1 (sing-along)
  • ”Elf” (2003) at 3 p.m. Dec. 8
  • ”It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) at 7 p.m. Dec. 19, 20, 22 and 23, and 3 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23.
  • ”Home Alone” (1990) at 3 p.m. Dec. 29
  • ”Frozen” (2013) at 3 p.m. Jan. 5 (sing-along)

Get tickets at the historic Franklin Street Box Office or online at www.TampaTheatre.org.

The Holiday Classics series is presented by Bank of America, with promotional support from WEDU PBS. Additional support is provided by Moorelaughs, Bolin Law Group & Bolin Philanthropic Trust, and Smith & Associates Real Estate Foundation.

 

Nov. 13

Betmar Bandstand

Betmar Bandstand resumes its Wednesday evening entertainment in Clubhouse 2 at Betmar. Jam Bandits will perform during the opening event. Admission is free. Free popcorn is available. 

6 p.m.;  37137 Lakewood Drive Zephyrhills

 

Steinway Piano Series 

New Tampa Arts Center’s new Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand will be featured in a performance by the Nikolov-West Duo featuring Viktor Nikolov and Jane West. With over 30 years of combined experience, they proudly bring music to the beautiful Tampa Bay area communities. General admission tickets for Steinway Piano Series event costs $20. Buy them at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

7:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Nov. 15

Movie Night

Harvester Community Church screens “Big George Foreman” during a free community movie night. A children’s movie will be shown for younger kids. Popcorn and fellowship are available. 

6:30 p.m.; 2432 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Theater Production

Live Oak Theatre presents its latest production, “Beauty at the Beast,” at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts. Future performances are held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday on Nov. 15-17 and 22-24. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children and free for 13 and under with the purchase of an adult seat. Buy them at  ​​liveoaktheatre.org/current-production.

7:30 p.m.; 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

 

Nov. 16

Fall Festival 

Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church hosts a fall festival with a large yard sale, vendors, mini plant swap, bake sale, chili and hot dog sales, and boutique items. Funds support local charities as well as nonprofits across the country and world. 

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz

 

Park Event

Be Seen Be Heard hosts Saturday @ Zephyr Park with artisans, food trucks and vendors at Zephyr Park. beseenbeheard.us/events/

9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 38116 5th Ave., Zephyrhills

 

Train Show/Sale

Regal Railways presents a Model Train Show/Sale with more than 60 tables of vendors selling various trains and toys at Elks Lodge. There will be a running train layout and a train to be an engineer. Admission costs $6 for adults or free for children 12 and younger. Credit cards are accepted to get into the show. Prepay at www.regalrailways.com.

9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 7201 Congress St., New Port Richey

 

Art Workshop

Susan Huskey conducts a workshop with the theme, “Painting Outside the Lines with Watercolor,” at the West Pasco Art Guild. Members pay $40. Others pay $50. Register in advance at or visit westpascoartguild.org.

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey

 

Pasco Flea Fest

The Pasco Flea Fest: Fall Edition features vendors, a flea market, food vendors, a swap meet and live entertainment at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.. Tents, tables, tarps and tailgates cost $30 for a 10-by-10-foot space. Call Community Market & Events at 727-365-6411 or email FleaFest@CommunityMarkets for vendor and swap information.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Open House

Christian Social Services holds its annual Holiday Open House with treats, raffles, sales and a first look at its Christmas inventory. Purchase supports the ministries which help to meet the needs in the community.  

10 a.m.-4 p.m..; 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Fall into Art

The free festival features original, handmade art and crafts at San Antonio Pottery. Expect pottery, jewelry, turned wood, paintings and photography from Florida, Utah and North Carolina artists. A special exhibition and sale showcases the work of the students of San Antonio Pottery. The Chipco Creek String Band & Tasty Treats will perform music. Try your hand at the potter’s wheel. Have fun while donations support artists impacted by the recent hurricanes. $10 for 10 minutes with hands on clay. Visit potteryflorida.com or call 352-588-4228 for details. 

2-6 p.m.; 11903 Curley St., San Antonio 

 

Nov. 17

Catholic-Jewish Studies

Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies hosts its Eternal Light Award Dinner: An Evening of Dialogue at Higgins Hall at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Joseph Sievers, professor emeritus of Jewish history and literature of the Hellenistic period at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, will receive the Eternal Light Award. Registration is required by Nov. 1. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at https://your.saintleo.edu/ccjs/elad. Contact Laurie Gens at or (352) 588-7711 for details. 

6-9 p.m.; 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa

 

Nov. 19

Book Sale

The Friends of the Land O’ Lakes Library holds a Christmas Book Sale, while supplies last, during library hours in the bookstore. Fiction, nonfiction and children’s Christmas books, all reasonably priced.

10 a.m.-8 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Five-Dollar Flicks

New Tampa Arts Center screens “Fences,” the film adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning play starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and Stephen Henderson. Catch a movie on the big screen for $5 a ticket. Buy tickets at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

7:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Nov. 21

Garden Club

The Zephyrhills Garden Gate Garden Club meets at the First Presbyterian Church. The topic is “Cooking with Herbs.” Light refreshments will be served. Call 813-310-9165 for details.

9:15 a.m.; 5510 19th St., Zephyrhills

 

Nov. 22

Art Workshop

Pamela Varricchio conducts a workshop with the theme,  “Beginner Oil (Water Soluble) Painting,” at West Pasco Art Guild. Members pay $40. Others pay $50. Register in advance at or visit westpascoartguild.org. 

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey

 

Theater Production

Live Oak Theatre presents its latest production, “Beauty at the Beast,” at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts. Future performances are held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday on Nov. 22-24. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children and free for 13 and under with the purchase of an adult seat. Buy them at  ​​liveoaktheatre.org/current-production.

7:30 p.m.; 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

 

Nov. 23

Comedy Show

Max Amini performs stand-up comedy at Tampa Theatre. Amini burst into comedy in Los Angeles in 2002. This show, which features mature themes and adult language, is intended for ages 13 and older. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets range from $45 to $110 plus taxes and fees (VIP tickets for front four rows cost $125). Buy them at tampatheatre.org.

7 p.m.; 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa

 

Nov. 30

Indoor holiday fair

A Lutz Indoor Holiday Craft Fair includes unique handmade crafts made by local artisans. Visit the Facebook page for details. 

9 a.m.-1 p.m.;  2155 Northpointe Pkwy., Lutz

 

Dec. 7

Holiday Arts & Crafts

Koren’s Quarters Arts & Crafts Show  includes vendors, food trucks, holiday shops, Christmas music and pony rides. Admission and parking are free. Vendor spots cost $50. Visit Koren’s Quarters Show Facility on Facebook for details. 

9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 1120 Swilley Road, Plant City

 

Arts & Crafts

Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club presents its 45th annual Arts & Crafts Show at Keystone Prep Academy. The show features over 175 vendors and food booths with artwork, handcrafts, jewelry, festive holiday and artisanal items plus lots for children.  

10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 18105 Gunn Hwy., Odessa

Dec. 8

Arts & Crafts

Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club presents its 45th annual Arts & Crafts Show at Keystone Prep Academy. The show features over 175 vendors and food booths with artwork, handcrafts, jewelry, festive holiday and artisanal items plus lots for children.  

10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 18105 Gunn Hwy., Odessa

Dec. 21-23

Talk to Santa

The East Pasco Amateur Radio Society lets children talk to Santa via ham radio during the Church Street Christmas Walk in Dade City. The free event is open to the public. Kids will receive a card from Santa and a candy cane after they make contact with the North Pole.  Call Chris at 224-221-5064 or visit eparsonline.org for details. 

7-9 p.m.; 37744 Church Ave., Dade City 

 

Jan 25, 2025

Ham Radio

The East Pasco Amateur Radio Society hosts its Winter Field Day event at the San Antonio Train Depot Museum. Local amateur radio operators will be on the air for 24 hours straight. This is a practice for emergency radio communications. The free event is open to the public. Call Chris at 224-221-5064 or visit eparsonline.org for details. 

Noon; 32627 Railroad Ave., San Antonio

 

Jan. 31, 2025

Comedy Show

Comedian Becky Robinson brings her Members Only Club Tour to the Tampa Theatre. You may know her as the Entitled Housewife, the outspoken viral golf character Becky, or from her time as a regular on MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out with Nick Cannon.” Tickets cost $39.50-$59.50 plus taxes and fees. Buy them at tampatheatre.org.

8 p.m.; 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa