The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Zephyrhills voters head to the polls

By

Voters in Zephyrhills will decide the outcome of two city council seats in an election set for April 10.

In District 3, Devin J. Alexander, Cory P. Sommers and Jodi Wilkeson are competing for the seat vacated by Kenneth Compton, who chose not to seek re-election.

In District 4, incumbent Charles E. Proctor will face challenger William D. Seville.

Brian Corley, Pasco County supervisor of elections

Voters can pick up carry-out absentee ballots through April 9, at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5344 Ninth St.

On April 10, voters must cast their ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyr Park.

Although voter turnout is historically low for municipal elections, Brian E. Corley, supervisor of elections for Pasco County, thinks there could be an uptick in participation this year.

Voters “appear to be a little more energized than in the past, which certainly makes me a happy camper,” Corley said.

Plus, there’s a sizable number of voters who, for the first time, requested Vote by Mail ballots for the 2016 election cycle, leading up to the presidential and general election, Corley said. They requested ballots through every election for two cycles, he said.

These voters typically don’t vote in city elections, but ballots have been mailed to them.

So, now, “literally, all they have to do is fill in a couple of ovals, and drop it in the mail, or get it back to our office by 7 p.m. on the 10th, and it will obviously count.”

Corley finds it ironic that voter turnout “is through the roof” for elections when voters are choosing the nation’s president, but local elections have low turnouts.

“Your city council members — those are the ones you pass by, going to church, going to Walmart. They make very important decisions that deal with the future of your city. It really kind of baffles me that people don’t get involved in coming out to vote in those elections,” Corley said.

“They need to get off the sidelines. They need to get in the game and have their voices heard,” he added.

Meanwhile, voters won’t need to do a thing in Dade City, San Antonio or St. Leo on election day.

The results of those are already known — since the candidates in those races drew no opposition.

In Dade City, Scott Black and Camille S. Hernandez won seats on the City Commission.

In San Antonio, Elayne Bassinger, Sarah Schrader and Eric C. Stallworth won seats on the City Commission.

And, in St. Leo, Donna H. DeWitt, James E. Hallett and Richard Christmas won seats on the Town Commission.

Published April 4, 2018

Club meetings planned, endorsements announced

By

Upcoming club meetings

Land O’ Lakes Democrats
The Land O’ Lakes Democratic Club will host Stephen Perenich, who is running for U.S. Congress in Florida District 12, at the club’s April 4 meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. The club meets at Brick City Eatery, 16540 Pointe Village Drive in Lutz.

Wesley Chapel Republican Club
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club meets April 12 at 6:30 pm at Lexus of Wesley Chapel, 5350 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The guest speaker will be State Sen. Wilton Simpson. There will be coffee and desserts. There is no admission charge. For more information, contact Peter Cracchiolo at (813) 360-9813 or .

Republican Club of Central Pasco
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley will speak at Republican Club of Pasco County’s meeting on April 23. The club encourages anyone that seeks to be involved in the political process to attend. It meets at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. A social begins at 6:30 p.m., and the business meeting starts at 7 p.m. For more information, call (813) 996-3011.

Trinity Democratic Club
The Trinity Democratic Club welcomes Melissa Erickson, co-founder and executive director of the Alliance for Public Schools (All4Schools.org), as guest speaker at its April 25 meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. The group meets at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. Doors open at 5 p.m., for those wish to purchase dinner and/or drinks. For more information, call (415) 609-3633 or email .

Endorsements

  • #VOTEPROCHOICE has endorsed Kelly Smith, who is running in the District 2 race of the Pasco County Commission. Smith supports reproductive rights in Florida, according to an announcement from her campaign.
  • The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 29 Labor Unit has endorsed Mike Moore, who is running for re-election in the District 2 race of the Pasco County Commission, according to an announcement from his campaign.

Published April 4, 2018

County commissioners plan future road projects

By

Pasco County commissioners favor a pair of road projects for segments of Curley Road and Prospect Road that are aimed at handling more traffic in a rapidly developing area of the county.

The roadwork is part of a network of projects, by the county and the Florida Department of Transportation, to improve connectivity with State Road 52, Clinton Avenue, Curley and Prospect roads.

Residents check out proposed road improvements in northeast Pasco County. (File)

In the next 20 to 30 years, traffic counts in the area are expected to triple, according to data from the road studies.

Road widening, realigned designs, and a roundabout are on the drawing board.

County commissioners reviewed two traffic studies and voted on recommended projects at their March 14 meeting in Dade City.

An open house for the Prospect Road/Happy Hill Road Route Study was held in 2017 and was attended by more than 50 people.

County commissioners considered four construction alternatives, as well as a no-build option.

One alternative shifted the road east; another went west; a third also went west, but with a roundabout. A fourth modified the westward option with the roundabout to avoid taking right of way from properties on the east side of Happy Hill Road.

The County Commission approved the modified option, as recommended by HDR, the study’s consultants.

The adjustment to Happy Hill eliminated seven parcels from a potential list of right of way purchases. Consultants said that was possible only with a roundabout.

An initial design with bicycle lanes striped off on the road shoulder and 5-foot sidewalks didn’t please Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

She asked consultants to consider a multi-use trail, on at least one side of the road, and to think about a link with the proposed Orange Belt trail. The bicycle lanes would be insufficient, she said.

“That doesn’t work for our families,” Starkey said. “They’re just not going to put their kids on the road.”

By 2041, traffic is expected to triple to about 24,000 vehicles per day, according to the study.

County commissioners also looked at two alternatives recommended in the Curley Road North Route Study.

The study was initially done in 2005, but was updated last year by URS Corporation Southern. It looked at Curley Road, from north of Wells Road to north of a realignment of State Road 52.

One alternative widened Curley Road to four lanes by acquiring right of way on both sides of the road, but generally follows the existing route. The second took a major share of right of way from the east side of Curley Road, from Wells Road to Kiefer Road. From there to McCabe Road, right of way would come from both sides of Curley, with the four-lane segment transitioning to two lanes north of McCabe Road.

Recommendations also were made on traffic signals versus a roundabout where Curley Road, Prospect Road and Mirada Boulevard meet.

Mirada Road is a new road that is part of the master-planned community of Mirada, which is within the Connected City corridor.

More than 60 area residents attended an open house in 2017 to look at maps, and offer public comment.

County commissioners opted for the second alternative, and the roundabout.

Published March 28, 2018

Pasco projects win big in 2019 state budget

By

Gov. Rick Scott signed off on an $88.7 billion state budget for fiscal year 2019, and had a light touch with his veto pen.

He cut about $64 million in contrast to the $410 million that was axed from the previous year’s $82.4 billion budget.

Gov. Rick Scott

Pasco County got most of the items on its wish list, including $15 million for the Overpass Road interchange at Interstate 75, and $4.3 million for the Thomas Varnadoe Forensic Center for Research and Education located at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.

The city of Zephyrhills also will receive $1 million for the proposed Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center, $5.9 million for upgrades at the municipal airport, and $750,000 for a road study.

“They are a great boost to us in improving our area,” said Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina. “It’s very helpful. We’re just really pleased.”

Overall, Pasco County did much better in 2019 than 2018. Several projects that were cut previously made it safely through the budget process this year.

The new budget becomes effective July 1.

The redesigned Overpass Road interchange is a high priority for Pasco as part of an evolving road network to handle growth along the Connected City corridor. The 7,800 acres within the corridor’s district includes new developments, such as Epperson and Mirada. But, more residential and commercial projects are expected to bring new residents, and a more urbanized landscape to northeastern Pasco.

A monument sign was unveiled on May 12, 2017 at a dedication ceremony for the Adam Kennedy Forensics Field. The ‘body farm’ is part of a project to build a forensics research and training center next to Pasco County’s jail. Gov. Rick Scott vetoed a funding request for the project last year, but approved it this year. (File)

The forensic center is a joint venture with Pasco County, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco-Hernando State College and the University of South Florida’s Institute for Forensics and Applied Science.

Construction on the multi-building campus is expected to begin in late summer or early fall, according to Chase Daniels, assistant executive director at the sheriff’s office.

Research already is underway at the Adam Kennedy Forensic Field, also known as a body farm.

The city of Zephyrhills will receive funds for several projects, including the planned regional tennis center. A management company for the facility is in place.

The approximately $3.4 million project is in planning stages. The city’s city council was expected to approve a contract for the design at its meeting on March 26.

The funds for the airport will help pay for extending the runway, building an internal road and expanding hangar capacity.

A planning and engineering study will look at extending State Road 56 to U.S. 301, State Road 39 and Chancey Road.

“That would make it kind of a bypass,” said Spina.

The biggest loss in the governor’s veto items is the $4.7 million requested for the Morningside Drive extension in Dade City. Scott cut the funds, citing in a budget letter that the project didn’t go through proper evaluation protocol.

This rendering of the Zephyrhills Tennis Center shows 10 courts (eight clay, two hard surface), three mini-courts and one exhibition court. The tennis center is also expected to feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces. A second level, if added, will contain an observation deck, players lounge and concessions. (File)

It was one of a handful of road projects rejected for the same reason.

Officials with Bayfront Health Dade City are eager to see the extension built. Funding hasn’t been available through Dade City’s budget, so state funding was sought.

The project would link U.S. 301 to King Fort Road, where the hospital is located. Hospital officials have said the extension would improve access to the hospital’s campus.

State Rep. Danny Burgess said funding would be requested again for fiscal year 2020.

“It is a critical game-changer for the Dade City community,” said Burgess in a text message to The Laker/Lutz News.

Other Pasco County projects included in the 2019 budget are:

  • $1 million for a planning and engineering study for the U.S. 301/U.S. 98/Clinton Avenue intersection realignment.

The goal is to improve east-west traffic from I-75 to the west and Interstate 4 to the south.

  • $250,000 for the Veteran’s Alternative which aids veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury
  • $50,000 for AmSkills, a program that aids high school students, adults, and veterans seeking manufacturing jobs

Published March 28, 2018

Region offers Easter festivities

By

Easter events are scheduled across the region this week, offering ways for families to have affordable fun, and opportunities for spiritual reflection and celebration.

The Easter Bunny is expected to make an appearance at various events during Easter weekend. He was at the Jelly Bean Fling last year at the Pioneer Florida Village & Museum. (File)

There are also a number of Passover events scheduled, which are included in an accompanying story.

Many churches offer Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday services, which is March 29 this year, as well as Good Friday services on March 30, Easter vigil services on March 31 and Easter services on April 1.

This list is just a sampling of the events and services being offered in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Please check local church websites for more details.

LUTZ

  • All Saints Lutheran, 5315 Van Dyke Road, will have Maundy Thursday services at noon and 7:30 p.m.; Good Friday services at noon and 7:30 p.m.; Easter Vigil at 7:30 p.m.; and Easter services at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., and an egg hunt at 9 a.m.
  • Bay Hope Church, 17030 Lakeshore Road, will have a new Good Friday Experience, which invites families to walk with Jesus during his final hours. The experience lasts about 30 minutes, and is offered between noon and 2 p.m., and 5 and 7 p.m., on Good Friday. Services will be on March 31 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and on Easter at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
  • Crosspointe Church at 919 Debuel Road is hosting egg hunts for pre-kindergarten and elementary age children on March 31 at 5:30 p.m., and on Easter, which is April 1, at 10 a.m. There also will be opportunities to meet and greet the Easter Bunny at this free event.
  • First Baptist of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41 N., will have Good Friday services at 7 p.m.; and Easter services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
  • First United Methodist Church of Lutz will present a Good Friday reenactment in downtown Tampa, beginning at Tampa City Hall steps at noon. It will present another reenactment in the church sanctuary, at 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in the evening, at 7 p.m. Other events on the church’s Holy Week schedule include a Seder meal and Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the guarding of the tomb, from Good Friday until Easter; and Easter services at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. There also will be a Jelly Bean Jamboree on March 31, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road, will have Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m.; Good Friday at noon and 7 p.m., and Easter services at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • Idlewild Baptist Church, at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., will have an Easter family festival from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 31. That will include services at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., a barbecue, bounce houses, a giant slide and an egg drop, scheduled for 5 p.m. There will be an outdoor sunrise service on Easter at 7 a.m., and other services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
  • Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, will host Good Friday services, 7 p.m.; Easter services, 8:30 and 11 a.m.; Easter breakfast, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; and an Easter egg hunt at 10:15 a.m.
  • NorthPointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Drive, has Easter services at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
  • Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church, 601 Sunset Lane, has an Easter sunrise service at 7 a.m., and other Easter services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Land O’ Lakes

  • Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway: Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m.; Good Friday, 7 p.m.; Community Easter Egg Hunt, March 31, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (bounce house, face painting, refreshments, a goody bag for each child), Easter sunrise service, 7 a.m., and other Easter services, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
  • Our Lady of the Rosary, 2348 Collier Parkway: Holy Thursday at 7 p.m., Good Friday, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Spanish); Easter Vigil, 7:45 p.m., and sunrise on Easter Sunday at 6 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. (bilingual). There also will be a blessing of Easter foods from noon to 1 p.m., on March 31.

Wesley Chapel

  • Avalon Park West, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive: Easter egg hunt, face painting, food trucks, bounce park, March 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The egg hunt is at 11 a.m.
  • Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54: Maundy Thursday service, 7 p.m.; Good Friday service, 7 p.m.; Easter sunrise service, 7:15 a.m.; other Easter services, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Zephyrhills

  • The Zephyrhills-Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association will have its traditional Good Friday Walk of the Cross beginning at 5:30 p.m., outside of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 5316 11th St., Zephyrhills. Those who participate will take a pilgrimage with a cross through the streets of Zephyrhills marking the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Along the way, there will be seven stops at local churches to reflect on the last Seven Sayings of Christ on the Cross. The evening concludes about 6:45 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 38635 Fifth Ave.
  • Community Easter sunrise service on Easter at 7 a.m., at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, on the front lawn of the hospital at 7050 Gall Blvd. This service, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is presented by the hospital and the Zephyrhills-Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association. Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket because seating is limited. The service will include music, a special Easter message, and a dove release at the conclusion of the service.

DADE CITY

  • The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village is hosting its second annual Jelly Bean Fling on March 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5, and free for children under age 5. Parking is free. Admission includes rock painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting, a petting zoo, an Easter bonnet parade with Mr. Tommy and other activities. For more information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Published March 28, 2018

Passover begins March 30

By

The holiday of Pesach, or Passover, is an eight-day festival celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan.

This year, it runs from March 30 to April 7.

The eight-day festival of Passover runs March 30 through April 7 this year. The highlight of Passover is the Seder, observed on each of the first two nights of the holiday. Symbolic foods of a Passover Seder include maror, saltwater, charoset, zeroah, beitzah and karpas. (File)

Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Following its rituals allows the Jewish community to relive and experience the freedom of their ancestors.

Observances: Passover is divided into two parts. The first two days, March 30 and March 31, and the last two days, April 6 and April 7, are full-fledged holidays. Holiday candles are lit at night, and holiday meals (Seders) are enjoyed both days. The middle four days are referred to as Chol Hamoed, or semi-festive “intermediate days.”

Seders: The highlight of Passover is the Seder, which is observed on each of the first two nights of the holiday. The Seder is a 15-step, family-oriented tradition and ritual-packed feast.

Focal points of the Seder include:

  • Eating matzah, which is unleavened bread
  • Eating bitter herbs to commemorate the bitter slavery endured by the Israelites
  • Drinking four cups of wine or grape juice to celebrate the newfound freedom
  • The recitation of the Haggadah, a liturgy that describes the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The Haggadah is the fulfillment of the biblical obligation to recount the story of the Exodus on the night of Passover.

Symbolic Seder foods:

  • Maror—bitter herbs, usually horseradish, to serve as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery
  • Saltwater—symbolizing the tears of the slaves
  • Charoset—sweet paste made of fruit and nuts, symbolizing the mortar the slaves used to build the Egyptian pyramids
  • Zeroah—shank bone, representing the Passover sacrifice
  • Beitzah—hard-boiled egg, symbolic of life and birth associated with the spring season
  • Karpas — a leafy green vegetable, usually a piece of lettuce, symbolizing hope and redemptionSome traditional Ashkenazi Passover dishes include gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, brisket, tzimmis (sweet carrot and fruit dish), and macaroons and sponge cake (made from matzah meal) for dessert.

Passover events

Where: Chabad at Wiregrass, 2124 Ashley Oaks Circle in Wesley Chapel
What: Community Seder, complete with gourmet Passover cuisine, wine and hand-made Shemurah Matzo, while reliving the exodus and discovering the eternal message of the Pesach.
When: Friday, March 30 at 8:15 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation of $30 per person, $100 per family, or $250 per sponsor
Info: Call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadAtWiregrass.com.

Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa
What: Erev Pesah I Services/Shabbat Services; Shabbat Candle Lighting
When: Friday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 962-6338, or email .

Where: Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway
What: A Minha Minyan Before Pesah! A brief afternoon service in advance of Passover celebrations.
When: Friday, March 30 at 5 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.

Where: Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave.
What: Second Night Passover Seder
When: Saturday, March 31 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 968-8511, or visit BethAmTampa.org.

Where: Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue of Wesley Chapel
Where: 24152 State Road 54, Lutz
What: Shabbat Service, Nosh & Fellowship, and After Service Program
When: Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 831-5683, or visit ShoreshDavid.org.

Compiled by Kevin Weiss

Published March 28, 2018

An ‘unsung hero’ seeks to help others to grow tasty food

By

When a crowd gathered in January to celebrate the dedication of the Watson Park Community Garden in Dade City, there was a man standing quietly in the background — as the festivities progressed.

That man, Brightman Logan, played a vital role in providing the support to help make the garden happen, Whitney C. Elmore, who leads the Pasco County Extension Office, told the crowd — characterizing him as an “unsung hero.”

Brightman Logan says ‘it’s so easy’ to grow delicious food, once someone understands the basics. He’s been instrumental in helping the Pasco County Extension Office in its quest to introduce more community gardens in Pasco County. (B.C. Manion)

As it turns out, Logan helped financially, but he also has given his time to help the Pasco County Extension Office pursue its plans to nurture the growth of community gardening across the county.

Logan thinks it’s important work, and he’s glad to join the University of Florida, the city of Dade City, Pasco County Schools, master gardeners and other volunteers in a quest to make it easier for people across the county to grow their own food.

“It’s really so easy, once you understand it,” said Logan, who has had affinity for the outdoors since he was a child.

Although he grew up in South Tampa, his family had a farm in Pasco County, and he always enjoyed being there.

“My family is from an agricultural background, forestry and things. My grandfather was in naval stores — (the) turpentine and pitch business.

“I grew up listening to his stories about the woods, that’s really what got me to the feel of it,” he said.

He went on to get a degree in biology and then ended up creating his own native plant nursery, and then an organic vegetable farm.

His native plant business flourished for years.

“We did all kinds of neat projects. We did work all over the state. We worked with Disney. We worked throughout the Southeast,” he said.

“When the economy went down in 2008, it just took us out. It went from great to just nothing,” he said, noting he did what he could to hang on, but ultimately had to cease operations.

Next, he branched into other things.

“We actually had an organic vegetable farm up here, called Magnolia Organics, and we ran that for about four years, 2008-2012,” he said. “We grew great food. It was so awesome.

“We would bring classes out. These kids were just blown away that you would actually just pull a carrot out of the ground. They just thought you went to Publix, where it was wrapped up, and you bought it there,” he said.

But, there just wasn’t enough buy-in to keep the organic farm going, he said.

“We were kind of ahead of the curve,” he said.

So, even though he’s shifted into different directions, he wants to share his knowledge with others.

“There are people starving out there. It’s so easy to grow your own food. We need to start teaching people and reaching out to people, and show them what they can do,” Logan said.

He’s been working with Elmore to see how he can help to create a momentum for community gardens across Pasco County.

By supplying what’s needed to establish a garden plot and by teaching people how to tend to their plots, the idea can catch on and take hold, Logan said.

“You want everybody involved,” he said. ““When you have all of these people, you have this synergy.”

By getting youths involved, he said, “you can have a lifelong impact.”

“I’ve been so blessed in my life, I want to try to help other people,” said Logan, who is married to Nan, and they have two grown children, Brightman Logan Jr., and Martha Jean Logan. They also have two granddaughters.

Published March 28, 2018

Close encounters with manatees on the rise

By

Chances of a close encounter between Florida manatees and boaters increase in the spring.

That’s when manatees leave their winter refuges and travel along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and through inland waters.

(Stefanie Burlingame)

For boaters, it is the time to be especially vigilant to avoid colliding with these large aquatic mammals.

From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being struck by motorboats or personal watercrafts.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s enforcements officers will be on patrol in state waters to remind boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and take enforcement actions when deemed necessary.

Underwater manatees can be difficult to detect, so operators of boats and personal watercrafts can help by following these tips from the FWC’s Manatee Management Program:

  • Wear polarized sunglasses to help spot manatees.
  • Look for large circles in the water, also known as manatee footprints, indicating the presence of a manatee below.
  • Look for a snout sticking up out of the water.
  • Follow posted manatee zones while boating.
  • Report an injured, distressed, sick or dead manatee to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-3922.

Manatee zones and maps are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee, by selecting “Protection Zones” for links to the county maps.

Published March 28, 2018

Music, food and fun mark Land O’ Lakes Music Festival

By

Singer Carmen Harrell, of Orlando, performs with Marlon Boone and his band, City Groove, giving the audience a treat with her soulful voice and high energy performance. (Christine Holtzman)

Festival-goers were dancing, relaxing and generally just enjoying a day of continuous entertainment at the third annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival, held March 24 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Some there, including April Genter, of Land O’ Lakes, were obviously having a good time — grooving to tunes performed by a band called the Actual Bank Robbers.

Four-year-old Morgan Keith, of Lutz, was having a ball — while sailing down the large bouncy slide. The little girl was also excited about Stonegrey’s appearance at the festival because she considers lead guitarist Tristan to be her ‘boyfriend.’

Singer Carmen Harrell entertained the crowd by belting out a high-octane version of Ike and Tina Turner’s Proud Mary, as Marlon Boone jammed on the saxophone.

April Genter, of Land O’Lakes, moves to a song performed by the Actual Bank Robbers at the third annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.

There were a lot of people there to support friends, or simply revel in a sunny Saturday afternoon, while supporting a local event.

This year’s festival was the first to utilize the new Heritage Park Stage, a venue which took years of advocacy, and a considerable number of partnerships among governments, local businesses and community volunteers to achieve.

The slate of entertainers included Stonegrey, Solar Exposure, City Groove, Fred Chandler, Actual Bank Robbers, Trigger City Trio and Sowflo.

While the live music played non-stop, festival-goers also could check out the beer and wine tent, and food trucks, do some shopping to find out more about the goods and services offered by local businesses.

Children could have fun, too, at the Kids’ Zone, sponsored by My Pediatrics, which offered balloon animals, games, a bouncy house and inflatable slide.

Admission was free to the event, which was hosted by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and was presented by Ierna’s Heating & Cooling. Parking was $10, with proceeds benefitting local schools.

By Christine Holtzman

B.C. Manion contributed to this report.

Published March 28, 2018

Eight-month-old Griff Miller, of Land O’Lakes, is clearly enjoying himself in the Kids’ Zone at the festival.

 

Lynn Vanmeter, of Spring Hill, shows off her ‘Crazy Hat’ just outside the Kids’ Zone. Lynn is a practice manager for My Pediatrics, sponsor of the Kids’ Zone.

 

Leslie Brown, lead singer of Solar Exposure, belts out the first tune at the festival. Solar Exposure is based in Land O’ Lakes.

 

Deon Coogle and her husband, Stephen, are having a good time while listening to the band Solar Exposure.

 

The band Actual Bank Robbers energizes the crowd with its performance of the Bruno Mars hit ‘That’s What I Like.’

Families find out about options at Summer Camp Expo

By

Parents dropped by information booths to learn about all sorts of summer options for their kids at the second annual Family Friendly Summer Camp Expo on March 24.

While parents found out more about potential summer camps and activities for their kids, the kids took advantage of the event, too.

Linda Colozza, who lives in New Tampa, was at the expo with her three children, 6-year-old Christian, 8-year-old Emma and 10-year-old Nicolas. She liked the idea of being able to pick up lots of information in just one place. (B.C. Manion)

Children could get an Easter egg from the Easter bunny, pick up treats at various booths, or try their hand at games or crafts, as they made their way around the expo.

Kids seemed to be having fun, jumping around in a bounce house, bopping around inside giant plastic balls, going for a ride down an inflatable slide or playing in a ball pit.

There was also a mobile gaming van that seemed to be attracting a sizable share of attention.

Glenn Paulsen was there, too, making balloons in all sorts of shapes, fulfilling requests, as families entered the expo, at Florida Hospital Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Parents attending the event said they found it useful.

Linda Colozza, who lives in New Tampa, was there with her three children, 6-year-old Christian, 8-year-old Emma and 10-year-old Nicolas.

“I really need to find a camp. It’s the first year that I’m working. I’ve always been a stay-at-home mom,” Colozza said.

She came to the expo because it seemed like a convenient way to find out about a lot of possible options.

“I find this is a great tool for parents who need to find the information, in one place,” Colozza said. “Otherwise, I’d be on the computer all day trying to find out about location, pricing (of summer camps).”

Monica Dromgoole, of Wesley Chapel, was there with her 8-year-old son, Slade.

She said her son has attended summer camp before, but she wanted to branch out and learn about other potential options.

Miriam Cook, founder of Family Friendly Tampa Bay, organized the expo. She said the goal was to give parents a way to get the information they need to make the best decisions for their families, while also giving exhibitors a chance to share information about their services.

Cook estimated there were about 1,500 people at the event, and she said she received lots of positive feedback, both from parents and from exhibitors.

Published March 28, 2018