The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

FDOT budgeting future land purchases for 54/41 project

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A local task force is expected to make recommendations next year on a traffic fix for the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41, but the Florida Department of Transportation already is budgeting about $32 million for land purchases connected to the project.

The funding is slated for fiscal year 2023, as part of the agency’s five-year work plan.

Florida Department of Transportation is budgeting about $32 million for rights of way purchases in fiscal year 2023 for an as-yet-undecided project to improve State Road 54 and U.S. 41 intersection. (File)

The funding for the rights of way for the State Road 54 and U.S. 41 intersection is a conservative amount programmed in advance to give Pasco County time to do outreach, and determine the community’s vision for this project, according to FDOT spokeswoman, Kris Carson, in an email response to The Laker/Lutz News.

“The amount may be reduced or increased or we can shift the funds elsewhere if the no-build is selected,” Carson wrote.

The department also is working on interim improvements for the intersection, she added.

One anticipated project would lengthen some of the turn lanes at the intersection to improve traffic flow.

In October, the 17-member Vision 54/56 Task Force scheduled a workshop to review in more detail traffic projects that are being proposed as solutions.

The group’s options include 11 major highway and transit alternatives, as well as a no-build alternative for the intersection. Some alternatives would be at-grade re-designs with express transit lanes; others would have flyovers, and toll lanes.

The task force is expected to schedule its next public meeting in November or December. Additional public meetings into 2018 also are expected in order to complete the second of three phases of the traffic study.

The entire study includes the State Road 54/56 corridor, from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard on the east to U.S. 19 on the west. However, for the current phase of the study the focus is on two intersections: Little Road and State Road 54 in New Port Richey, and U.S. 41 and State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

The Land O’ Lakes segment is getting intense scrutiny as it is among the busiest intersections, with nearly 100,000 vehicles per day.

Representatives from Pasco County Planning and Development, the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, FDOT and consultants are assisting in the study.

The FDOT also is expected to fund a detailed analysis and evaluation of the State Road 54 and U.S. 41 intersection, likely in 2018. MPO officials say it is the only segment included in the study that has funding.

The MPO established the task force in 2015, and started with two separate groups. One studied issues for west Pasco; the other for east Pasco.

In late 2016, a single task force, with some members from the first groups, began studying a list of potential options. They include 11 major highway and transit alternatives, as well as a no-build alternative for the intersection.

The task force initiative got underway after the FDOT proposed a flyover for the intersection, with room for express toll lanes. The project met with opposition from the community, and FDOT officials agreed to back off while a task force tried to reach consensus on what should be done.

The FDOT’s five-year work plan is updated annually.

Some projects to redesign, expand and resurface roadways are slated for 2018/19. They are:

  • Resurfacing U.S. 41 from north of Ehren Cutoff to north of Caliente Boulevard for about $2.3 million
  • Resurfacing U.S. 301 from Pond Avenue to north of Long Avenue/Pioneer Museum for about $2.3 million
  • Realignment, widening and new construction on State Road 52 from Uradco Place to west of Fort King Road for about $83.3 million
  • Widening State Road 52 from two lanes to six lanes, from west of Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41 at cost of about $75 million. This also includes intersection improvements, sidewalks and 12-foot trail.
  • Right of way purchase for U.S. 41 from north of Connerton Boulevard to south of State Road 52 for about $739,000. Construction of that project, in 2020, would cost about $20.3 million.

For more information, visit FDOT.gov.

Published November 15, 2017

Denham Oaks offers patriotic welcome to veterans

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Denham Oaks Elementary School was awash in red, white and blue as children and staff offered a warm welcome to about 75 area veterans at a Nov. 10 celebration.

A group of Boy Scouts served as the color guard at the Nov. 10 tribute to veterans at Denham Oaks Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

As they arrived, a series of signs posted outside the school honored the men and women who have served in the nation’s military.

There were posters and other artworks all over campus carrying the same message of gratitude.

Fourth- and fifth-graders expressed their appreciation through a gallery of patriotic artworks. Second-graders made ornaments for the veterans to take home, and third-graders made them greeting cards.

All of the school’s students learned patriotic songs to sing at the event.

“As you can see, our whole school is decked out to celebrate our veterans,” said Principal Mardee Kay Powers, who leads the elementary school at 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz.

Principal Mardee Kay Powers chats with Sgt. Maj. Daniel Billiott, of Wesley Chapel, before the tribute to veterans began.

Music teachers Amarilys Barbosa and Jodi Mark, art teacher Lee Taylor, and physical education teachers Fred Cornelius and Justin Partain organized the event, which included all 725 students and the school’s staff.

Mark brought the event to Denham Oaks two years ago, from Lake Myrtle Elementary, where she used to teach.

Veterans attending the celebration were clearly touched by the school’s gesture.

Some came wearing military uniforms, while others dressed more casually.

They took turns at the microphone, telling the crowd what branch of the military they served in and where they served. They also gave shout-outs to their sons or daughters, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or others who had invited them.

A crowd of school children and spectators paid tribute to men and women who served in the nation’s Armed Services.

Several expressed gratitude for the obvious preparation the school had made for the day, for their appreciation of the armed forces and for their reverence toward the American flag.

Teachers involved in putting together the program seemed pleased to play a part.

“It happens to be my favorite performance because it’s teaching them (students) the respect for their country, the respect for the veterans. It’s also the only event where we can get the entire school — because of the numbers — all together at the same time,” Mark said.

“All of the kids are getting into it,” Partain said.

Cornelius agreed. “It’s special because they see the value of what our vets did for us.”

A line of first-graders makes its way to a celebration for veterans at Denham Oaks Elementary School.

Barbosa also noted: “When we’re teaching these songs, we’re teaching them what it means to be a veteran. We’re teaching them why this country is so great and what makes it so great.”

Edwin Aguiar said he couldn’t resist attending the ceremony.

“My granddaughters (Lilliana Nazar and Gracey Jayska) — you cannot say ‘No’ to them, so I decided to take the day off and come in,” Aguiar said.

Derrick Jayska, another Army veteran, is Gracey’s dad. He said he also has a niece and nephew at the school.

“It’s awesome to come out and see all of the stuff they did.”

Army veterans Edwin Aguiar and Derrick Jayska view artwork created by Denham Oaks Elementary students to thank veterans for their service.

“It’s nice to see that they’re teaching them the history behind things.”

Caryl Wheeler, a spectator, from Lutz, was pleased that her husband and other veterans were honored.

She also was impressed by the ornament and greeting cards the children made for veterans to take home.

“They thought enough to give this to our veterans, the people who served our country — when there is so much hatred now for the American flag,” Wheeler said.

“I’m glad that this school and other schools throughout Pasco County are doing a great job of promoting the flag and the country,” she added.

Published November 15, 2017

‘Stocking Stuffers’ spread holiday cheer

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They don’t look like elves, but a quartet of International Baccalaureate students from Land O’ Lakes High School has set off on a mission to make the holidays merrier for preschoolers in foster care.

The IB students — Deah Bhojani, Geanna Alamares, Ariana Rao and Angelina Rodriguez — dreamed up the idea for an operation they’ve dubbed “Stocking Stuffers.”

From left, Angelina Rodriguez, Deah Bhojani, Geanna Alamares and Ariana Rao are banding together on a project aimed at providing at least 50 stuffed Christmas stockings for children in foster care.
(B.C. Manion)

It’s a simple concept, but the teenagers hope it will have a profound impact on the children receiving the holiday stockings.

And, they’re asking for the community’s help.

To get things started, the young women set out collection boxes on Nov. 1 at the clubhouse at Wilderness Lake Preserve, Lake Bernadette and Meadow Pointe. They also placed two boxes at Land O’ Lakes High School.

Those wanting to help can either donate a stocking that’s already been stuffed, or can contribute items to help stuff a stocking.

Since the stockings will be given to preschoolers, the gift items should target that age group. Small purses, little cars, coloring books, art supplies, costume jewelry, dolls, stuffed animals and puzzles are the kinds of items they’re seeking to collect.

The idea is for the item to be small enough to fit in a stocking, but not small enough to pose any kind of hazard to a young child.

The organizers also are asking contributors to refrain from donating any type of food.

The collection boxes will remain up through Dec. 11.

The young women also are appealing to large businesses that may buy in bulk to donate some items for the cause.

Bhojani said she came up with the idea because her dad owns a preschool, and some of the children he serves come from foster families.

She also volunteered to feed the homeless and saw firsthand how those children struggle.

She saw a young boy who was freezing cold.

“He was wearing shorts and a jacket that was way too small for him,” she said.

“I’ve just been very fortunate. I’ve never really had to go through the holidays without family and support,” she said. “So, I just wanted to do something for kids who might not be as lucky as I am during this time of the year.”

She also noted that many people give to large charities that help people in far-away places, but people sometimes fail to notice the need for help right here.

Rodriguez said she wants to help share Christmas joy.

“To me, Christmas is a season of giving, and love and charity. I love Christmas. I’ve always loved it,” she said.

Alamares said she wanted to get involved because she understands there are people who are much less fortunate, including some of her own relatives who live in the Philippines.

She also has seen that need locally.

When she did some volunteer work at Tampa General Hospital on the children’s floor, she met children who live in difficult conditions.

“It was eye-opening for me,” she said.

Rao said the idea appealed to her because she could see that it’s the kind of project where “small gestures can have a broad effect.”

The IB students hope to collect at least 50 stockings to distribute to foster children through the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco County.

That’s one goal they hope to exceed.

Want to help?
If you would like to help make the holidays merrier for some foster children, contact Angelina Rodriguez at .

Published November 15, 2017

Looking for sinkhole solutions

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Remedying a massive sinkhole in Land O’ Lakes has taken a minor step forward, four months after it opened and swallowed two homes on Ocean Pines Drive in Lake Padgett.

Residents of the Lake Padgett community were presented several preliminary solutions for fixing the sinkhole long-term, during a Nov. 8 meeting at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center.

The audience also had the opportunity to ask questions and offer input to county officials.

Kevin Guthrie, assistant county administrative of public safety, led the meeting.

He offered up three possible solutions for “success” in the sinkhole’s remediation:

  • Build a fence around the sinkhole with a cul de sac on each side (estimated cost of $1.7 million)
  • Connect the sinkhole to Lake Saxon while adding a cul de sac to each side of the lake (estimated cost of $2.5 million)
  • Rebuild the original road through the sinkhole (estimated cost of $800,000)

The first two options would require the county to purchase several properties, either to connect the sinkhole to Lake Saxon and/or develop a cul de sac.

The sinkhole opened on July 14 at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, and swallowed two homes, a motorcycle and a boat. Five more houses on both sides of Ocean Pines have been condemned. Remediation costs are estimated anywhere from $800,000 to more than $2.5 million. (File)

The third option, meanwhile, requires the reconstruction of Ocean Pines Drive using a sheet piling methodology. Fences then would be placed around bodies of water on either side of the road — similar to how retention ponds have fences around them.

A fourth option consists of leaving the sinkhole “as is,” adding a chain-link fence and signage around its perimeter. The option would cost about $50,000.

The Pasco County Commission will have the final say on how to proceed with long-term recovery efforts at the sinkhole site.

The sinkhole opened on July 14 at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, and swallowed two homes, a motorcycle and a boat. Five more houses on both sides of Ocean Pines have been condemned.

On July 31, the county approved $1.3 million for an initial cleanup of debris, and stabilization of the site. That work has been completed.

Guthrie said additional geotechnical investigation is required before any remediation can be done, which would cost an additional $100,000 to $200,000.

The University of South Florida also is recommending a resistivity survey be completed to determine how the sinkhole interacts with underground surrounding areas. The cost would be another $15,000.

Dr. Lori Collins is a research professor at USF, and is a part of the team of geologists and postgraduate students researching the sinkhole since Day 1.

She explained further testing is needed to truly understand how the sinkhole penetrates the Florida aquifer and connects to the lake system.

“We want to make sure science tells us what the alternates should be first. Right now, we don’t know…what’s going on underneath the ground,” Collins said.

The necessary prep work could take another 45 days, Guthrie said, before a final recommendation is presented to county commissioners.

“We want to do it right the first time and not keep coming back, time and time again,” Guthrie said.

Kevin Guthrie, assistant county administrative of public safety, served up three possible solutions for ‘success’ in the sinkhole’s remediation. (Kevin Weiss)

Since the sinkhole involves private property and a county road, the county is a stakeholder in the situation. Had the sinkhole never touched the roadway, it would’ve strictly been a private property issue, Guthrie said.

Regarding funding, Guthrie mentioned municipal service taxing units  (MSTU) or municipal services benefit unit (MSBU) as options that have been used in the past.

Utilizing the county’s general fund reserves is another possibility. However, the county is already “significantly dipping” into those reserves following Hurricane Irma, Guthrie said.

Assistance through grants and the state also will be vetted, he said.

“We’re trying to get whatever we can,” Guthrie said. “It’s going to be very difficult…to help pay for this.”

Terence Doohen was one of several sinkhole victims who attended the Nov. 8 meeting.

He said the public forum proved beneficial to affected homeowners and community members.

“I felt there was some good information there that had not been communicated to me,” he said, “so I thought it was well worth my time and some other people’s time.”

The 44-year-old, along with his wife and 10-year-old son, in August had their lakeside property red-tagged by the Pasco County Building Inspectors Office.

Doohen said he’s in favor of “whatever is the safest solution for everyone involved.”

“I would go to bat for long-term, whichever is the safest option,” he said.

Doohen also supports the county taking a thorough look at the sinkhole matter before making any major decisions.

“I’m fine with the time that’s gone by,” he said “I think it’s fine, if everybody’s dotting all the ‘i’s and crossing all the t’s, and if it moves at a little bit slower pace than one expected; I think you’ve just got to kind of live with it and roll with it.”

Several additional community meetings are expected over the next several months.

Guthrie acknowledged the sinkhole matter will be handled in a methodical fashion, likely extending well into 2018.

“We are at step one on a ladder that’s probably about 10 stories long,” Guthrie said.

Published November 15, 2017

Land O’ Lakes park and community center have a new name

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The Pasco County Commission has renamed the community center and park in Land O’ Lakes as the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Commissioners adopted the new name on Nov. 7, at the request of Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

“They are trying to have more of an identity in that area,” said Moore. “I think they’ll be excited by this.”

Heritage Stage made its debut in August as community, school, business and civic leaders had a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Land O’ Lakes park and community center also now have a new name – Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. (File)

Moore said he consulted with members of the board of directors for the Heritage Foundation before making the suggestion.

The word “heritage,” it appears, is becoming a unifier in that effort.

A newly built Heritage Stage made its debut in August at the park.

And, the Heritage Park Foundation, is a longtime voice of advocacy for the community at large, as well as the park.

The foundation grew out of initial efforts to preserve the parkland, and later attempts to raise money to build a stage for community gatherings at the park.

The completion of the stage marked a major milestone for the foundation, which had long pushed for improving opportunities for community unity, through social gatherings in the park.

More is on the way as the foundation plans to install a story board to honor Land O’ Lakes’ history, and the park. “There’s a history of the park being a community-built park,” said Sandy Graves, who spearheaded efforts to get the stage.

She is working with local historian Susan MacManus on the story board.

The outdoor stage was built through a partnership between Pasco County, Pasco County Schools, the Florida legislature, local businesses and volunteers.

A Pops in the Park holiday performance, featuring the brass section of the Florida Orchestra, is planned for December.

The new name could have another benefit.

For years, the Land O’ Lakes Community Center has been located at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., and the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, at 3032 Collier Parkway.

The similarity of names has been a source of confusion.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’d hear people say ‘I thought it was at the rec center’,” Graves said.

There was some discussion about renaming the park Heritage Park, but keeping the name of the community center intact.

Paula O’ Neil, Pasco’s clerk of court and comptroller, favored renaming the entire complex to create greater clarity. County commissioners and county staff also supported one name.

With the name change, that leaves a well-worn sign outside the community center, with the old name.

That’s not expected to last long.

“You’ve renamed the park. So, get ready for a new sign,” Moore said.

Published November 15, 2017

The Samaritan Project appoints new leadership

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Roxanne Geisenheimer is the new executive director of The Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills, according to a news release from the nonprofit organization.

The Samaritan Project is a one-stop program that helps people in Zephyrhills who need help with rent, housing, food and utility bills. Local business owners and the Zephyrhills-Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association started the project in 2008.

Roxanne Geisenheimer
(Courtesy of The Samaritan Project)

Geisenheimer was already working with The Samaritan Project on special events, including the recent Harvest Festival. She also is organizing the 12th annual Golf Scramble, and the Christmas Cards on Fifth. The latter is an annual project done in partnership with Goin’ Postal and Skywatch Signs.

“I believe The Samaritan Project does great work in our community, but there is always room for it to grow and expand in scope of how many people we can help,” said Nick Deford, in a written statement. He is a Samaritan board member, and had been acting executive director until Geisenheimer’s appointment.

“As long as there are people dealing with homelessness and issues that lead to it, we have more work to do,” he said. “It is time for The Samaritan Project to grow, and I believe Roxxy is the person to lead us through that growth.”

Zephyrhills is Geisenheimer’s hometown.

She attended Colorado Mountain College, where she majored in English and humanitarian courses, such as ethics and psychology. She returned to Zephyrhills in 2008, and operated a design and technology business.

Geisenheimer has been active with Main Street Zephyrhills and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, where she is the marketing and operations coordinator.

“Her education and experience will be a tremendous asset to the program,” said Carol Greene, also in a written statement. She is service coordinator for The Samaritan Project.

Geisenheimer said she is honored to serve the community in this new capacity.

“The Samaritan Project holds a critical role in helping our neighbors in need,” she said. “I am excited to see how we can grow together.”

Published November 15, 2017

It’s the holidays: Time for yummy traditional Southern pies

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When it comes to Southern pies, Florida has its famous Key Lime pie.

Georgia has a classic Buttermilk Custard pie.

And, North Carolina has its Chocolate Chess pie.

But when it comes to the fall, seasonal favorites are apple, pecan, pumpkin and sweet potato — in alphabetical order.

That’s because the ingredients needed for the seasonal pies are at their peak.

And, it turns out that these pies often add the exclamation to a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

Many recipes are passed from one generation to the next, to carry on the family traditions.

Last year, the editors of Delish conducted a national Favorite Turkey Day Pie survey, which revealed that pumpkin remains the No. 1 favorite, with 36 percent of those polled choosing it. Pecan pie came in second, with 15 percent of the vote. Apple came in third, at 14 percent, sweet potato pie garnered 10 percent of the top votes and chocolate pie scored 8 percent. The remaining pies — cherry, blueberry, lemon meringue and others — received 5 percent of the votes or fewer.

The survey data was broken down even more. Evidently, pumpkin is more popular in the western part of that nation, where 46 percent ranked it first, compared to 39 percent of Midwestern voters and 33 percent of northeastern. Surprisingly, pumpkin pies scored only 30 percent of the top vote in the South.

Among age groups, pecan pie scored the second highest votes and apple pie ranked third, among Gen Xers, between the ages of 38 and 53. Pumpkin pie was most popular with the baby boomers, ages 54 to 72; and traditionalists, ages 54 to 72 , but slightly less than a third of millennials, ages 18 to 37, ranked pumpkin pie first.

Here are some cooking tips to help you, as you create new pie traditions to enjoy, as you gather to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Cooking Tips:

  • Use a prepared pie crust. That saves time, trouble and cleanup. If crusts are refrigerated, rest on counter for approximately 15 minutes to reach room temperature, or microwave on defrost for 10 seconds to 20 seconds, before unrolling.
  • To make your own cinnamon sugar: Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons (or more) of ground cinnamon. Mix well and store in a small, air-tight jar.
  • To make your own pumpkin pie spice: Use 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, and 1 ½ teaspoons cloves. Mix well and store in a small, air-tight jar.
  • The best apples for baking include Braeburn, Cortland, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, McIntosh and Rome.

By Betsy Crisp
Betsy Crisp, MS, LD/N, Professor Emeritus, UF/IFAS Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences

Recipes

Pumpkin-Pecan Pie with Cinnamon-Pecan Crust and Streusel Topping

Ingredients

Crust:

½ (14.1-ounce package) ready-prepared/refrigerated piecrusts

Spray cooking oil

½ teaspoon cinnamon sugar

1½ tablespoons finely chopped pecans, toasted

Filling:

1 can (15 ounce) pumpkin (not pie mix filling)

1 cup fat-free evaporated milk

½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

¾ cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons butter, melted

½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Open package and remove one roll/pie crust. Bring to room temperature and then unroll into a 9-inch pie plate, lightly-greased (with spray cooking oil).
  • Evenly sprinkle dough lightly with cinnamon sugar and pecans. Lightly press into dough with back of spoon. Fold under edges and crimp into points with fingers, or with tines of fork, and set aside.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together pumpkin, milk, sugar, eggs, spice and salt. Pour into pie plate.
  • In another bowl, add together all topping ingredients, mix well, and set aside.
  • Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove pie from oven. Carefully cover edges with a 3-inch wide strip of aluminum foil to prevent burning and return to oven for 40 more minutes.
  • Remove pie from oven. Remove aluminum and add streusel topping. Return to oven for 15 minutes to 20 minutes. You may have to cover top of pie with aluminum foil after 10 minutes to prevent topping from burning.
  • Cool completely on a wire rack. Makes 8 servings. Leftovers must be refrigerated.
(Betsy Crisp)

Apple-Cranberry Pie with Cinnamon Crust

Ingredients

Crust:

1 package (14.1 ounce) / two ready-prepared/refrigerated piecrusts

Spray cooking oil

1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar, divided

Filling:

½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

1½ tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon ground allspice

1½ pounds (approximately 5 cups slices/5 medium) baking apples, washed, cored and thinly sliced

½ cup dried cranberries

1½ tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Topping:

water

½ teaspoon cinnamon sugar

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Open package and remove one roll/pie crust. Bring to room temperature and then unroll onto flat surface covered with waxed paper or parchment. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon cinnamon sugar on each side of crust before pressing into a 9-inch pie plate, lightly-greased (with spray cooking oil). Set other roll aside.
  • In a bowl, combine sugar, lemon juice, flour, salt and spices. Stir in apples and cranberries.
  • Turn fruit mixture into pastry-lined pie plate. Dot with butter pieces.
  • Cover with top crust. Fold under and crimp edges to seal. Cut several slits in top.
  • Brush crust lightly with water and sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
  • Bake 15 minutes. Cover edge with 3-inch wide aluminum strip and continue baking.
  • Bake approximately 25 minutes to 35 minutes more, until crust is brown and juices begins to bubble thru the slits in the top crust. Let cool 2 hours before cutting.

Published November 15, 2017

Avalon Park West signs first commercial tenant

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Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel announced its first commercial tenant for the master-planned community’s “town center.”

Power Martial Arts signed a five-year lease for about 2,500 square feet of retail space in Downtown Avalon Park West, according to a news release from Avalon Park Group.

A groundbreaking is expected in 2018, with a grand opening in 2019.

Power Martial Arts currently operates at the Lake Bernadette Community Center in Zephyrhills.

The town center for Avalon Park West is planned as a central gathering spot for residents in the Wesley Chapel area.

“We’re very excited about getting this place, a permanent home to teach martial arts to the community,” Matthew Brown, the owner of Power Martial Arts, said in a written statement. “To be part of the launch of this great concept will be a great adventure.”

Avalon Park West is at 33613 State Road 54, about 7.5 miles east of Interstate 75. It is within easy access of The Shops at Wiregrass and The Groves at Wesley Chapel.

At build out, the community will have about 4,800 residences, including single-family houses and apartments. About 560,000 square feet of commercial space and about 120,000 square feet of offices are planned.

Avalon Park Group, based in Orlando, has already built or is currently building about 700 single-family homes. Construction will begin on the town center in 2018, including a mixed-use building and a charter school. Openings are planned by 2019.

For information, visit AvalonParkWest.com.

Published November 15, 2017

Get close to the animals at ‘Barnyard Bash’

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Families looking for a close encounter with animals may want to check out the “Barnyard Bash” at the Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue in Wesley Chapel.

Valerie Burke’s affection for animals began when she was ‘knee-high to a grasshopper’ and has never waned. She now operates Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

Children and adults, alike, can meet Arnold the Pig, Ollie the Goose, Effie the Goat and other animals at the event on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the rescue, 4129 Fox Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Besides getting a chance to meet the animals, there will be an education tent, food, a bounce house, games and other activities.

Those wanting to visit the barnyard will be required to wear sneakers or other close-toed shoes.

“We did this last year, and we had a ball,” said Valerie Burke, the founder of Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue.

About 100 people turned out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, said Burke, who said her love for animals began when she was “knee-high to a grasshopper” and has stayed with her for life.

Last year, she said, “we had kids face-painting kids,” she said, which was fun for the kids and fun for adults to watch.

Ollie the goose, also known as Oliver, was rescued from a parking lot at a lawyer’s office in the Westshore business district in Tampa.

Burke began the barnyard rescue operation because she saw a need for it.

It began with one injured animal.

“One thing led to another,” Burke said. “People would bring me injured animals and sick animals, from as far away as the Panhandle. I’ve had several come from Gainesville.

“We do a lot of special needs animals here,” she said. Without the rescue operation, many of the animals would be euthanized, Burke said.

“One of our ducks is missing half her bill. I have a parrot missing his leg. Some are missing toes,” she said. “We try to make it comfortable for them.”

Currently, she has 40 ducks, three geese, seven goats, a pig, 20 or so chickens and some parrots.

They come to her in different ways.

Oliver, also known as Ollie, is her Chinese goose. He was dropped off at a lawyer’s office, off Westshore Boulevard in Tampa.

Valerie Burke knows how to make her goat, Effie, happy.

Ollie’s girlfriend, Greta, an African goose, was dumped with her mate in Safety Harbor. Her mate was killed by a predator.

“So, she came here; her and Ollie are best friends,” Walker said.

Harley, one of the ducks, is named for the Harley-Davidson dealership in Brandon that found her.

Burke said she has been the recipient of animals that were starved nearly to death, or were abandoned at apartment complexes.

“We take in the ones that are the forgotten ones,” she said.

The barnyard bash is a way for people to have fun, but also develop a greater understanding of animals, Burke said.

And, while visitors to the Barnyard Bash are invited to get closer to the animals, they are not permitted to chase them, Burke said.

“This isn’t a petting zoo. It’s all about respect. This is their home, so you have to respect them in their home. If they come up to you, great. If they don’t, well, they don’t,” Burke said.

She is looking forward to the event.

She’s confident that the adults and children will have a good time.

Plus, she added, “I’m going to have a great time.”

Barnyard Bash Family Event
Where: Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue, 4129 Fox Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel
When:  Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free event, but donations are accepted.
Details: Kids and adults can meet barnyard animals, learn about caring for animals, enjoy games and refreshments. There will be take-aways, a bounce house, an education tent, an opportunity to take pictures, ask and answer questions, and win prizes. Sneakers or close-toed shoes are required in the barnyard.

Learn ways you can help by visiting HSHARTampa.org.

Published November 8, 2017

Land O’ Lakes SwampFest looks to take center stage

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When the dumpster arrives at Land O’ Lakes Community Park, that’s a sure sign that the carnival equipment to set up the Midway is soon to follow, according to Doug Hutchinson, coordinator for the Land O’ Lakes SwampFest.

SwampFest 2017 will feature a few new twists, according to Hutchinson, the longtime coordinator of the community fair.

First off, the event will be using Heritage Stage, the newly opened stage at Land O’ Lakes Community Park.

The Midway at Land O’ Lakes SwampFest will feature rides of all types, for children and adults, alike. (File)

“We’re pretty excited about that,” Hutchinson said, noting the ones who seem most delighted about the stage are the dance groups that will be performing on it.

“When I told them that we were going to be on the stage, not under a tent, they were all excited,” he said. “It’s so good for the community.”

The entertainment lineup for this year’s event includes Nunes at Night, on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. and 3-Dom Band, on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. On Nov. 12, there’s a larger slate of entertainers, with Nicole’s Dance Center at noon; Show on the Road at 1 p.m.; Beyond Chaotic at 2 p.m., and Suncoast Dance at 3 p.m.

The event also is adding some food trucks this year, in addition to the foods that can be purchased on the Midway, Hutchinson said. Otherwise, the rides and the food on the Midway will be similar to those at the event last year.

There are also plans for a beer garden, Hutchinson said, but added that he was awaiting official approval.

Armbands for unlimited rides will be sold in advance for $15 and at the Midway for $25, Hutchinson said. Parking is free on Nov. 9, the preview night, and $5 on other days of the festival.

The event is getting more popular every year, Hutchinson said, noting it tends to attract between 500 and 750 people on Friday night and Sunday, and about 2,000 on Saturday.

On Saturdays, families generally come during the day, with a younger crowd at night, he said.

SwampFest started out as a community carnival, then evolved into the Flapjack Festival, which eventually moved to Dade City and then died.

This event is smaller than Flapjack was and that’s what organizers want it to be, Hutchinson said. “We want it to be more of a community fair.”

Proceeds from SwampFest benefit the venues that help sell the tickets and Land O’ Lakes High School’s athletic booster club, where they benefit the whole school.

“We don’t want to build something for one team and use all of the money for that,” Hutchinson said. “It’s better to use that money for items that benefit everyone.”

For instance, for a few years in a row, SwampFest proceeds were used to purchase equipment for the weight room, he said.

That benefits all students, not just athletes, he said. “They have a weightlifting class.”

Event proceeds also paid for the high school’s sign, which is out near Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41.

“It takes some really dedicated people to pull this thing off,” Hutchinson said, noting there’s about eight or 10, who really do a lot of the work.

“It takes months to put it together,” he said, and then, at the event, there are scores of volunteers who help with parking, garbage collection and other chores.

Land O’ Lakes SwampFest
Where: Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Nov. 9, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Nov. 10, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Nov. 11, noon to 11 p.m.; and Nov. 12, noon to 6 p.m.
Cost: Parking free on Nov. 9; $5 on Nov. 10 through Nov. 12. Armbands for unlimited rides are available for $25 each at the Midway; $15 each, in advance. They are available on the SwampFest website and at Land O’ Lakes High School, Sanders Elementary School, Pine View Middle School, Sugar and Spice Learning Center, and at the Village Lakes Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Wilderness Lakes Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and Sunlake Beef O’ Brady’s.
Details: Rides, games, food, live entertainment.
Info: LOLSwampFest.com

Published November 8, 2017