The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Burglars can’t steal softball league’s spirit

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Lutz Softball Inc., formerly known as the Lutz Leaguerettes, isn’t going to let a recent burglary ruin its season.

While still picking up the pieces from a March 8 break-in, the league is moving forward with practices and games, as usual.

“We are not going to have the girls suffer,” said Mike Cook, president of Lutz Softball.
“We’re still going to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off, and try to spin it in a positive direction, someway, somehow.”

Two suspects burglarized the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex in the early morning hours of March 8, causing losses in excess of $5,000.

While Hillsborough County owns the park, Lutz Softball has a field-usage agreement, working closely with the county’s parks and recreation department.

The hooded suspects stole approximately $1,000 in cash, $1,000 worth of sporting equipment, $1,500 in food, and caused $2,000 in property damage, according to information from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Lutz Softball Inc., is having several fundraisers after a burglary at the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex caused about $5,000 in losses for the organization. The recreational fast pitch league caters to girls, ages 5 to 18.
(Courtesy of Lutz Softball Inc.)

Released video surveillance footage shows the suspects used pry bars to break into the concession stand, office and equipment storage areas.
“They took whatever they could get their hands on,” the league president said.
The footage also shows the suspects loading the items into an unknown vehicle parked on the west side of Crooked Lane, just south of West Lutz Lake Fern Road.
Pilfered items included an 80-pound safe, safe shields, shin guards and softballs.

“It’s unfortunate they got into the equipment room,” Cook said. “I’m guessing it’s probably just stuff they can sell quick, and get a couple of bucks for.”
Bulk quantities of various concession items also were swiped by the burglars, the league president said.
“They took everything in the freezer,” Cook said. “They took the hot dogs, the buns, the cheese, the chicken tenders, the mozzarella sticks, the onion rings, the bacon —everything.”

The recreational fast pitch organization has created a GoFundMe page to recoup the thousands of dollars in losses.

So far, more than $1,000 has been raised, including numerous donations from players’ families.
“We’re a strong unit, a strong network,” Cook said, “and everybody’s come together on this.”

There will also be another major fundraising opportunity on April 1, when the league hosts its annual Super Saturday event.
Described as a “fun-filled day,” the event will feature a parent softball tournament, along with various games, a bounce house and dunk tank. There’s also a silent auction and basket raffles.
“It’s a huge day for us,” Cook said. “It’ll certainly help in recovering and recouping from (the burglary).”

To Cook, the hardest part to grasp from the incident is the impact on the league’s young players, who range from 5 to 18 years old.
“You’re not stealing from the parents there. You’re not stealing from the executive board. You’re stealing from these girls, who just want to go to a place where they’re not playing video games or hanging out on the street corner,” Cook said.

Besides raising money to replace lost items, the league is working with Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation to repair the broken locks and doors, and one of the damaged fields.
Cook noted the sports complex was last burglarized about three years ago.
Additional security measures to prevent a similar instance are being discussed with the league’s executive board, he said.
“We’re trying to figure out what the best route is, but we certainly want to upgrade our current surveillance system, with some other precautionary measures,” he said.

Besides the burglary, it’s been an eventful year-plus for the softball organization.
In January 2016, Lutz Softball announced it would offer a recreational fast-pitch league for the first time in its 37-year history.
Just six months later, the league discontinued its slow-pitch leagues altogether, citing dwindling registration figures and an overwhelming preference for fast-pitch.
Cook said the league now has about 200 girls (ages 5 to 18), the highest number since he joined the organization four years ago.
“The transition to fast pitch is going really, really well,” he said.
The Leaguerettes are a PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth) Softball affiliate.

To donate, visit GoFundMe.com/eyqzb-lutz-softball.
Anyone with any information on the burglary is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.

Published March 15, 2017

 

Golf course could be replaced by houses

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Despite impassioned pleas from residents of Quail Hollow, it appears that the Quail Hollow Golf Course & Country Club soon could give way to residential and retail development.

Property owner Andre Carollo, of Pasco Office Park LLC, is proposing to build a maximum of 400 single family homes, 30,000 square feet of office/retail and 10,000 square feet of day care.

The golf course is located on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

More than 20 residents attended a public hearing of Pasco County’s Development Review Committee on March 9 in Dade City.

Committee members agreed to recommend approval of the project to the Pasco County Commission.

County commissioners will have another public hearing, where they will make the final decision.

Many residents speaking in opposition to the proposal said they bought their homes decades ago when it was marketed to them as a golf course community, with large lots, ranging from 1 acre to 3 acres.

Land use attorney Barbara Wilhite said the golf course – built in the 1960s – pre-dated the home sales.

There never was a master-planned golf course community, said Wilhite, who represents Pasco Office Park LLC.

The golf course shut down in 2008 and reopened in 2011.

Its website touts Quail Hollow as “more than just a golf course” with a restaurant and banquet facilities for weddings, parties and special events.

Residents are worried about losing their rural enclave.

But, they also raised issues about ongoing flooding in the neighborhood and concerns about increased traffic.

Boom Boom Drive currently is the only access road off Old Pasco Road into the golf course.

A traffic engineer for Pasco Office Park described intersection improvements that would add right- and left-hand turns on Old Pasco to improve traffic flow. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2019, about the time new residents would be moving into their homes.

Flooding already is a chronic problem for homeowners, said Edward Glime, who lives in the area.

“We can’t stop them from building on the golf course,” he said. But, he asked: “Is it (water) going to be running like a river? “What kind of erosion is going to be happening to my property?”

Engineer Greg Singleton said a drainage system would be designed to “provide more area for floodwaters to spread out.”

Resident Jeanne Luczynski was skeptical.

“The flooding is tremendous in the rainy season,” she said. “We need more assurances that this is not going to be worse.”

Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker expressed sympathy for the residents’ plight.

But, the reality she said is that “golf courses are a dying breed.”

At least three in Pasco County have shut down, including the now-closed Magnolia Valley Golf Course in New Port Richey.

Residents either face redevelopment or finding a way to buy the land to stave off new housing construction.

Plantation Palms Golf Course, in Land O’ Lakes, is one community that opted to hold onto its golf course, but Baker said it was at a “premium.”

She did make a promise to residents about flooding when the final plan came to the county commissioners.

Baker came to Pasco County initially as its emergency management director. She also has dealt with flooding problems countywide in recent years from heavy summer rains and tropical storms.

“I hear you,” she said. “We will be reviewing it with a very jaundiced eye and make sure there is no negative impact.”

Published March 15, 2017

Quest continues for Ridge Road permit

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Pasco County officials are hoping a letter of support from Gov. Rick Scott, and an executive order from President Donald Trump, could finally lead to a permit to build the Ridge Road extension.

For 19 years, the county has pursued the permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for an approximately 8-mile road extension that would cut through a portion of the Serenova Preserve. The road extension is a high priority for the county to give residents an additional evacuation route during hurricanes.

But, critics of the project vow to fight an extension of the road.

Clay Colson, chairman of the nonprofit Citizens for Sanity Inc., said development, not a hurricane route, is behind the county’s efforts to extend Ridge Road through the preserve.

“The county had this idea of entitlement,” he said. “They think they are entitled to the permit.”

A county delegation, including Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker and Pasco County commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Jack Mariano, went to Washington D.C., in early March, to lobby for the project.

During an unexpected meetup with the governor, Baker asked him to write a letter supporting the project.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis also wrote a letter of support and sent it to President Trump.

According to the president’s executive order, the White House Council on Environmental Quality would have 30 days to respond to the governor’s request for priority status for Ridge Road.

Scott’s office has not responded to The Laker/Lutz News to inquiries about the letter.

The president’s executive order directs federal agencies to give priority to longstanding infrastructure projects with pending environmental reviews.

“The wheels are definitely moving to try and get it finalized,” Baker said, during the March 7 county commission meeting in Dade City.

Besides running into Scott, the group also met Ted Boling, the acting director of the White House’s council on environmental quality.

While the county may be making progress toward obtaining the permit, opponents of the road say construction of the road should not be about political pressure from letters and executive orders.

“They (federal agencies) are supposed to do their job,” Colson said.

His group and others will file a lawsuit, if the permit is granted, Colson said.

The county initially submitted its application for Ridge Road in 1998. The road dead-ends at Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey. The extension would provide a link to U.S. 41, with a connection to Suncoast Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reviews permit applications to determine if projects meet regulations within the Clean Water Act. If approved, projects should do a minimum of damage to the environment.

About 58 acres of the 6,000-acre Serenova Preserve are under review. The land was set aside years ago to mitigate about 200 acres of wetlands lost due to construction of the Suncoast parkway.

An elevated road design to limit environmental damage is among potential alternatives for how the road extension would be built.

Over the years, environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club and Audubon Society, have opposed the Ridge Road project, saying it would destroy wildlife habitat and degrade water quality.

Pasco commissioners hired Washington D.C. consultants with Dawson & Associates in 2016 to lobby for the permit. The county is paying the firm about $28,000 a month.

The costs expended on the project so far, including land acquisitions and consultants, is about $19 million.

Published March 15, 2017

You’ll probably like how this tour ends

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If beer is your thing, a visit to Yuengling Brewery is well worth your time.

Tours at Yuengling Brewery give visitors an up-close look at the machinery used to brew beers. Here, tour visitors peek inside a brew kettle.
(Fred Bellet)

Free guided tours provide the history behind the nation’s oldest American-owned brewery, as visitors stroll along, seeing how beer is made and bottled.

And, of course, at the end of the tour, those who are legally permitted to quaff a brew will get a chance to sample various brands of Yuengling.

One recent weekday morning, a dozen or so gathered at the brewery’s gift shop to take the tour. Most were tourists from out of town, but a few locals rounded out the group.

A group of friends from Iowa came for a national softball tournament in Tampa. But, they took advantage of the time they had, while waiting for their flights to go home.

“It’s interesting,” said Iowa resident Kent Juergens. “I like trying different beers.”

Diana Martinez and William Lopez were on vacation from Miami.

The Yuengling Brewery logo, with an eagle, is displayed outside the office of the brewery.

“It’s pretty amazing how they make beer,” Lopez said. “It’s nice to know they take pride in their beer.”

For the Yuengling family, brewing beer is a family legacy dating back five generations.

Brewer G.D. Yuengling was a young immigrant from Germany when he opened the “Eagle Brewery” in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in 1829. In 1873, the brewery changed its name to Yuengling & Son.

The brewery’s headquarters and operations remain in Pottsville to this day. The brewery building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Yuengling brewery has been in constant production since 1829. Not even Prohibition could shut it down.

The company produced “near beer,” with alcohol content low enough to pass inspection. Yuengling also began making ice cream. On the day Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Yuengling sent a truckload of a specially brewed “Winner Beer” to President Franklin D. Roosevelt at The White House.

A Yuengling Brewery employee shepherds bottles through the conveyor system, where labels are added before the beers are packed and shipped.

Richard L. Yuengling, the current president of the company, is known as a hands-on boss who arrives at work at 4:30 a.m.

He has four daughters, Wendy, Jennifer, Debbie and Sheryl. One or more of them will likely take over the company.

The business isn’t inherited.

Each succeeding generation of Yuenglings has to buy the brewery from the retiring generation.

But, whoever steps in for the sixth generation will make history as the first woman to run Yuengling.

It was a Christmas gift to their father that brought Yuengling brewery to Tampa. Yuengling always wanted to play baseball with professionals. He got a vacation of a lifetime at the Philadelphia Phillies Phantasy Baseball Camp in Clearwater.

Tampa resident Dylan Bredengerd joins his friend, Gary Recktenwald, of Augusta, Georgia, in a lager toast at the end of a tour of the Yuengling Brewery, off 30th Street in Tampa.

Amid the hustle of shagging baseballs and cracking bats, Yuengling heard a rumor that Stroh had its brewery on the market.

To everyone’s surprise in Pottsville, Yuengling returned home with plans to start up brewing operations in Tampa. The brewery is one of three operated by Yuengling — and the only one outside of Pennsylvania.

The facility bought by Yuengling has changed hands several times since it was built by Schlitz in 1958. It later was sold to Stroh, then to Pabst, and back again to Stroh before Yuengling took over.

The flagship brand is its Traditional Lager, but other choices include a porter, a black and tan, and an India Pale Ale.

By volume, Yuengling is the largest American-owned brewer of craft beers, even besting the Boston Beer Company that produces Sam Adams’ beers.

Yuengling is sold in 19 states, primarily in the northeast and southeast.

In recent years, as the micro-brewery world of craft beer has captivated beer lovers, Yuengling has adapted.

“Craft brewing has kept us on our toes,” Fletcher said.

Seasonal beers, including a summer wheat, have been added to Yuengling’s craft beer roster.

Riverview resident Dylan Bredengerd and his friend, Gary Recktenwald, of Augusta, Georgia, are both Yuengling enthusiasts.

Although it is mass produced, Bredengerd said, “It’s craft beer quality.”

Yuengling Brewery guided tours
Where: 11111 N. 30th St., Tampa
When: Monday through Friday from at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m.; Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and noon; gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Tours begin at the gift shop and last about 75 minutes. Guides recount the brewery’s history and explain the process of making beer.
All ages are welcome. No pets are allowed. Visitors must wear closed shoes. Photography and video are allowed.
The brewery isn’t handicap accessible. However, a video tour can be provided upon request.
A valid identification must be shown to sample beer at the end of the tour.
Info: Call (813) 972-8529, or visit YuenglingBrewery.com.

Published March 15, 2017

Using the written word to help process grief

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While the journey through grief is a singular experience for those who have suffered a loss, there are tools that can help, said Tiffany Kring, a bereavement counselor at Gulfside Hospice.

One approach uses the power of the written word to work through the grieving process, said Kring, who will be leading a free workshop called “Journaling Through Grief.”

The session is scheduled for March 23 at 2 p.m., at the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care in Zephyrhills, at 5760 Dean Dairy Road.

It is open to the public, but the session is limited to 10 participants, so the seats will be given, based on the order of those signing up.

“Generally, it’s about a one- to two-hour workshop. It’s using some different writing and journaling techniques to help process thoughts, feelings and things associated with the grieving process,” Kring said.

“It’s especially helpful for people who have a hard time verbalizing, or sharing feelings,” said Kring, who has been a counselor for about 25 years and has used writing as one of her counseling tools throughout her career.

“I think it’s a very effective tool,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realize how beneficial it really is.”

Some exercises involve free-flow writing, others are more structured, such as asking participants to do some writing based on a writing prompt, or writing about a specific topic, she explained.

There’s something about the writing process that frees thoughts and feelings, she said.

“Sometimes when they just sit down with pen and paper … they’ll find that it helps to release what’s going on,” she said.

“Even if they are in counseling for it (grief) or have friends, or someone, they’re talking to, it’s still a good way to get those things out, especially because it’s something people can use when they’re alone, or in those late-night hours when they get up,” Kring said.

Kring said if more than 10 people call in to sign up, she’ll keep a list of those she can’t accommodate, and she’ll reach out to them when she has her next “Journaling through Grief” workshop.

The deadline for signing up is March 17. Those interested should call Kring at (727) 247-7510.

Published March 15, 2017

Land O’ Lakes library is a Hulafrog favorite

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library is feeling the love from Hulafrog families who voted in an annual survey for favorite library, according to a press release from Pasco County.

Hulafrog is an online resource that connects area parents to local kid-friendly events and businesses.

The Land O’ Lakes library, at 2818 Collier Parkway, won top spot among other libraries in Wesley Chapel, Lutz and New Tampa. Residents who are subscribers to Hulafrog voted in the annual “most loved awards” survey.

This photo was taken during the ‘Play, Make Discover! Silly Dance Party’ at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library on Collier Parkway.
(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Branch Library)

Other categories included “Most loved learning center,” “Most loved kid-friendly restaurant,” and “Most loved pediatrician.”

Among the fun and educational programs available at the Land O’ Lakes library are the Play, Make, Discover! Program on Saturdays; Tinkering Tuesdays every second Tuesday in the month; and weekly story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

“We’re extremely proud to be recognized by the community we serve and to know that our patrons love us as much as we love them,” said Kathleen Rothstein, in a statement from the press release. Rothstein is regional branch manager at the Land O’ Lakes library.

Two suburban mothers in New Jersey launched Hulafrog in 2010. Since then, Hulafrog has expanded to about 100 markets in 2,200 cities in 28 states. Florida has 75 Hulafrog communities on the Internet.

Parents can log in and subscribe for free, to learn information about upcoming events and activities.

The Week Ahead, for instance, highlights one event for every day of the week. There also is Save the Date and Weekend Guide information. Announcements include coupons and promotions offered by area businesses.

Business owners with children’s activities can have a free profile on Hulafrog, and post information about their events, classes, camps and birthday parties.

Hulafrog is funded through advertising packages.

For information, including the full list of “Most loved” awards, visit Hulafrog.com/wesley-chapel-lutz-fl.

Or, visit the Facebook page at Hulafrog Wesley Chapel-Lutz.

Published March 15, 2017

This event gets dogs’ tails waggin’

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Dogs’ Day in Dade City, now in its eighth year, is an event that’s aimed at giving dogs a chance to have fun, while their owners have a good time, too.

Dog owners bring decked-out wagons, so their dogs can ride in style during the Dog Wagon Parade at Dogs’ Day in Dade City. This year the event is March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Courtesy of Lucy Avila)

Rain put a damper on last year’s festivities, but event organizer, Lucy Avila, hopes this year’s Dogs’ Days will enjoy better weather.

The event is scheduled for March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Agnes Lamb Park, at Meridian Avenue and Ninth Street in downtown Dade City.

Those attending the event typically come from Dade City and the nearby communities, such as Zephyrhills and Brooksville, but also from Tampa, Wesley Chapel, New Port Richey and other communities.

Dogs must be kept on a leash.

There are all sorts of activities planned, including a dog wagon parade, a dog costume contest, a K-9 challenge, a Canine Got Talent contest and an ice cream/yogurt eating contest.

In the ice cream/yogurt eating contest, Avila said, “The dog gets the dog yogurt, the human gets the ice cream. When they say, ‘On your mark, get set, go,’ they take the lids off of their containers and the humans hold the one for the dog, and the humans hold their own, and they can only use their mouth, their tongue.

“It’s great. It is so much fun,” Avila said.

The K-9 challenge has been very popular, too, she said. Dogs compete in the small, medium and large categories.

This pup was having fun showing off a few moves at a previous Dogs’ Day in Dade City. The event, now in its eighth year, aims at bringing dogs and dog-lovers together to have some fun

They have to complete a course, which is timed. But, there are things along the way to sidetrack them, including treats, a ball and other distractions.

“That has been a hit,” she said.

“We are just really proud of our community to be able to put this on,” she said.

Another highlight of the event will be a 1 p.m. presentation by a speaker from Canine Partners for Patriots, of Brooksville.

“We are so proud to have them come to our event,” she said.

In that program, dogs and veterans are connected. The speaker will be sharing stories of those special connections.

“The dogs mean so much to these people. They just have made a better quality of life for them,” she said.

The “‘Canine Got Talent” portion of the event is always a big hit, as people show off dogs who can jump through hoops, bark along with music and do other fun pet tricks, Avila said.

Dogs’ Day in Dade City
Where: Agnes Lamb Park, at Meridian Avenue and Ninth Street in downtown Dade City (Across from the Edwinola on Meridian)
When: March 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, free parking
Details: People and dogs can both have fun at this shindig. There will be a dog wagon parade, dog costume contest, a K-9 challenge, a Canine Got Talent contest, as well as vendors selling items meant for dogs and for humans.

Published March 15, 2017

Paulie Palooza rocks out at new venue

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When people gather this year to check out the music at the fifth annual Paulie Palooza, they’ll be arriving at a new event venue.

This year, the bands will be performing at the Zephyrhills Community Event Venue, at 5200 Airport Road.

Paulie Palooza will be playing at a new venue this year. The event is scheduled for March 18 at the Zephyrhills Community Event Venue. It will feature live bands, vendors, a silent auction and more. Proceeds benefit Gulfside Hospice.
(Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

The bands will start playing March 18 at 10 a.m., and performances will continue throughout the day, until 5 p.m.

The musical lineup includes:

  • Cold Iron
  • The Dade City Connection
  • David Teague
  • Backwaters Own
  • The Jase Randall Band
  • Ralph’s RV
  • White RV

But, there’s more than music at Paulie Palooza. The event also features local vendors, silent auctions, a car show, food and drawings, said Kirsty Churchill, of Gulfside Hospice.

The cost for admission is $5, and those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

Event proceeds support hospice patient care in Pasco County through Gulfside Hospice.

The event all began with Paul Correia’s desire to do something for Gulfside Hospice, which provided care for his father as he was approaching his death.

It started out as a birthday party, which has turned into an annual fundraiser, Churchill said.

Gulfside Hospice appreciates Correia’s work and generosity, Churchill said.

Paul Correia launched Paulie Palooza to raise money for Gulfside Hospice, who provided care to Correia’s father before his death. Since its inception in 2012, Paulie Palooza has raised more than $20,000 to support Gulfside Hospice.

Every penny helps, she said, noting that no patient is ever turned away from Gulfside Hospice because of an inability to pay.

Churchill said it’s not known yet how the new venue will affect attendance, but the venue is large — enabling the event to have more options for things to do for event-goers.

When the venue was used this year for the first time for the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival, it drew an estimated 11,000 — the festival’s largest crowd ever.

The 14-acre site has a 20-by-40-foot stage and enough stalls, equipped with water and electricity, to accommodate 48 vendors.

Gulfside Hospice serves patients living in Pasco County who are facing end-of-life illnesses.

The interdisciplinary care team provides medical care focusing on symptom management and pain control. It also offers emotional and spiritual care from social workers, chaplains and volunteers.

For more information about Gulfside Hospice, call (800) 561-4883, or visit GHPPC.org.

Paulie Palooza
Where: Zephyrhills Community Event Venue, at 5200 Airport Road
When: March 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $5 admission, free parking; proceeds go to Gulfside Hospice
Details: Live music, local vendors, car show, food and more
Info: To find out more, contact Ashley Thibedeau, special events coordinator, at (727) 845-5707 or , or visit Facebook.com/GHPPC.

Published March 15, 2017

Land O’ Lakes festival offers music, car show, food

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Things didn’t go exactly as planned.

The permanent stage event organizers had hoped to use remains under construction.

Soul Circus Cowboys were the headline act at the second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.
(Courtesy of Suzanne Beauchaine)

There were also some pre-event traffic snarls. And, electrical problems threw off the schedule, precluding Stonegrey, the first musical act, from being able to perform.

Those at the festival had the chance to hear performances by The Higgins Brothers, Shalyah Fearing, City Groove and Soul Circus Cowboys.

The event was presented by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, as a way to give back to the community.

David Gainer, the event chairman and president-elect for the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, was disappointed things didn’t go as smoothly as planned.

“With all the pre-planning and walk-through the day before, we somehow still had a couple of issues. It was disappointing not to have Stonegrey open the show.  We sincerely apologize to them and, more importantly, their fan base who came out to see them,” he said.

Overall, though, those attending the second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival seemed to be having a good time.

Gloria Dale and Rosie Heim were working a booth to try to drum up support for Heim, who is campaigning to become the new Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes. Dale is the deputy honorary mayor a title she’s been given for life.
(B.C. Manion)

People were checking out the vintage Cadillac and old-school Nova, the Teslas, and the other vehicles that owners were showing off at the Al and Ida Silver Memorial Car Show.

Event-goers also were grabbing a bite to eat, including barbecued meals served by Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, hot dogs from D&R Specialty Dogs, and food and drink from other vendors.

And, the mood was generally upbeat, as people strolled up and down vendor aisles, checking out displays and picking up freebies at the March 11 event at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center and Park.

“This is a great day,” said Phyllis Bross, who was working at the AARP Land O’ Lakes Chapter’s booth to raise awareness about the organization. “People seem happy, and I see children with balloons. Everyone loves the food.”

Rosie Heim was at the festival trying to garner support for her bid to be the next Land O’ Lakes Honorary Mayor. She wants to win the race so she can make more people aware of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, a volunteer organization involved in countless community causes and events.

Heim was there with her sidekick, Gloria Dale, who has been named the deputy honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes for life.

The two ladies were selling “I love Land O’ Lakes” buttons and chances for prizes, to help raise money for Heim’s campaign.

Shalyah Fearing, a performer whose familiar to fans of the television program ‘The Voice,’ performed at the second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival on March 11.

Tim Clayton Sr., and his son, Tim Clayton Jr., were there working the Knight Pest Control booth. The presence of a life-size replica of a knight in shining armor helped draw attention to their booth.

“We go to all of the chamber events,” said Tim Clayton Sr., whose company is a member of Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and has offices in Pasco, Hernando and Pinellas counties.

He was particularly pleased that the event featured a car show, in addition to the music and vendors.

“There are a couple of Teslas over there,” he said. “They’re beautiful cars.”

There were scores of other businesses and organizations with booths at the event.

Lowe’s Home Improvement had a booth and so did Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Seal Swim School was there, and so was Connerton. The Laker/Lutz News had a booth, too.

Organizers estimate attendance at about 1,000. Admission was free, except for reserved seating at the concert. Parking was $10.

Gainer said the experience “was definitely a learning process for us (event organizers), but it will help us with the planning of our future events.

“Overall, we believe it was a success, and we can continue to build from this. We understand that it takes time to grow an event such as this, and we intend to see it become a signature event that the Land O’ Lakes community can look forward to annually,” he said.

Published March 15, 2017

Baking Irish soda bread for St. Paddy’s Day

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Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 is a tradition around the world.

You can serve it on a plate or in a basket, it really doesn’t matter how you deliver it — what matter is how it tastes!
(Courtesy of Betsy Crisp)

It’s a day when the Irish and the “Irish-at-heart” celebrate Irish culture with parades, dancing and special foods, as well as green everywhere — including turning rivers green and drinking green beer.

So, why all of the green?

In the beginning, green wasn’t the color associated with St. Patrick, it was blue. Over time, it changed because green represent the emerald isle, which refer to the beautiful green landscapes of Ireland.

At first, people put green shamrocks in their lapels, and later green showed up in clothing, to represent the day.

A typical St. Patrick’s Day meal consists of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and, of course, crusty Irish soda bread.

This recipe will help you bake the bread to enjoy at your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Crusty Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 1 cup to 2 cups raisins (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup margarine/butter
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg

Plus: 2 Tablespoons melted butter/margarine mixed with 2 Tablespoons buttermilk to brush on top of loaf.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F.

Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and ½ cup softened margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 2 tablespoons of buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an ‘X’ into the top of the loaf.

Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness after 30 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter-buttermilk mixture while it bakes.

Interesting note: John Gallagher, former administrator of Pasco County, is widely known for his family recipe for Irish Soda Bread. He would make the bread to bring it to the office during this time of year for his staff to enjoy.

Published March 15, 2017