The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Land O’ Lakes to get Dairy Queen, apartments

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A Dairy Queen and a long-planned apartment complex at Terra Bella are under construction on State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, between Livingston Road and Via Bella Boulevard.

The fast-food restaurant is expected to open in two to three months, possibly by the Fourth of July weekend, according to Keith Bennett, owner of Retail Site Development.

Dairy Queen is expected to open by July 4 on a parcel next to the Terra Bella subdivision off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Dairy Queen is expected to open by July 4 on a parcel next to the Terra Bella subdivision off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The Dairy Queen location is one of several outparcels adjacent to Terra Bella that are available for commercial development. These smaller commercial projects are benefiting from proximity to shopping malls such as The Grove in Wesley Chapel, The Shops at Wiregrass and the soon-to-open Tampa Premium Outlets, Bennett said.

“Between those three projects…you’re getting outward growth,” he said. “It’s natural for commercial development like this, with interested companies like Dairy Queen.”

The fast-food restaurant will seat about 75 people and have a drive-through window. Bennett owns additional commercial parcels adjacent to the Dairy Queen site.

Once that project is complete, he said, “We’ll look to see what we choose to do with the balance.”

Southeast Commercial also is marketing commercial outparcels fronting State Road 54 at Terra Bella.

Behind the Dairy Queen site, along Venezia Avenue, construction also is under way on Alta Terra Bella, an apartment complex of 311 garden apartments in 14 three-story buildings.

The North Carolina-based Wood Partners is building the complex as the final residential phase of Terra Bella, a community of more than 250 single-family homes.

A groundbreaking was held late in 2014. Construction is expected to finish by May 2016, but leasing could begin as early as September of this year, according to a press release from Wood Partners.

The project is projected to generate $24.5 million in local income, $2.5 million in taxes and other revenues for local governments, and nearly 380 jobs. The data provided by Wood Partners in its press release is based on a formula used by the National Association of Home Builders.

Published May 13,2015

People and pets gather for dog park opening

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When residents (and their dogs) showed up to commemorate the grand opening of the Rotary Club of New Tampa Dog Park on May 2, they admired the new facility located at 17302 Commerce Park Blvd.

But they might not have known how much time and effort went into it.

Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn shook hands and gave dogs a friendly scratch or two at the opening of the Rotary Club of New Tampa Dog Park on May 2. (Courtesy of Bob Thompson)
Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn shook hands and gave dogs a friendly scratch or two at the opening of the Rotary Club of New Tampa Dog Park on May 2.
(Courtesy of Bob Thompson)

“We actually started on this two years ago,” said Joyce Gunter, the Rotary Club of New Tampa’s committee chairwoman for the dog park. “It took a long time, and we’re so excited that it’s finally open.”

It took $25,000 and a couple of years of planning and coordination with the City of Tampa to bring the dog park to fruition.

The Rotary Club of New Tampa approached the city looking to start a public/private partnership on a project that would benefit the community. The city suggested the dog park, which was planned but not fully funded. If the rotary club could match their funds, the city explained, the project might get completed.

So the group set to work, obtaining sponsors to help raise the money. They also sold space at the park itself, one little block at a time. Engraved bricks in two different sizes have already been placed to outline concrete at the park. The Rotary Club of New Tampa sold more than 300 bricks at a cost of between $50 and $100.

That kind of positive response not only reinforced the idea that residents wanted a dog park in the area — there isn’t one for at least 13 miles — but showed the community’s willingness to step up and financially support the cause.

“It confirms my thought that there are a lot of great people in this community, and all you have to do is ask and talk about things you can do, and people are willing to help and join in,” Gunter said.

Now that the park is finished and open for guests, people in the community can enjoy its amenities. At just under an acre, they had room for benches and picnic tables, stations containing cleanup bags, and a water fountain with special accommodation for four-legged visitors. There’s also a large special section specifically for smaller dogs.

Shade was a big part of the design.

Some dog parks, Gunter explained, have very little shade, which can be uncomfortable when it’s hot outside.

The Rotary Club of New Tampa Dog Park has plenty of trees which provide an abundance of shade, which makes for a more pleasant visit.

After just a few days, they’ve already received some feedback as to potential improvements.

For instance, mud puddles can be a big attraction to dogs, but they aren’t welcome with owners. So, a dog-washing station to help everyone come home clean is one possible improvement.

In addition to plenty of canine representation at the opening, two-legged dignitaries were there as well. Lisa Pontilione from the Tampa City Council, state representative Shawn Harrison and Mayor Bob Buckhorn all came out for the event, alongside brick purchasers, Rotarians and those who were eager to use the facilities.

One guest was not able to be there, unfortunately.

Gunter’s labrador mix, Linkin, passed away before the park opened.

He would have loved it, Gunter said. She plans to frequent the park with another pet at some point in the future.

Until then, she’s happy to see others use the park and appreciate the hard work and time put in by the Rotary Club of New Tampa.

“It’s so nice to drive by there and see a lot of people utilizing the park, and seeing the dogs having a great time,” she said.

The dog park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

Published May 13, 2015

Once again, the Lutz Guv’na sash is up for grabs

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Campaign season has begun again in Lutz.

Candidates for Lutz Guv’na will gather on May 16 at the Old Lutz School to lie, make promises they’ll never keep and try to grab a little cash for their campaign.

Lutz wouldn’t have it any other way.

Last year's Lutz Guv'na candidates had to show off their knitting skills to impress the community. There are new, secret challenges for this year’s crop of hopefuls. (File Photo)
Last year’s Lutz Guv’na candidates had to show off their knitting skills to impress the community. There are new, secret challenges for this year’s crop of hopefuls.
(File Photo)

The candidates aren’t running for political office. They’re vying for the ceremonial title of Lutz Guv’na, an annual tradition that reduces the campaign to its lowest common denominator: Money.

The amount of money — raised by each candidate in creative ways — is how a winner is determined.

But the money raised by these candidates doesn’t go to slick television ads or campaign tour buses like you might see in a political election. It goes directly to local organizations and charities, making the Lutz Guv’na race an elaborate community fundraiser with some unusual traditions.

According to Suzin Carr, the ceremonial kickoff on May 16 is a fun way for the public to meet the candidates and enjoy the spectacle.

“It is a great thing to watch some small-town silliness at its finest,” she said.

Carr is quite familiar with this brand of silliness because she’s been the Guv’na — twice.

Now she gets to enjoy the festivities from the other side, playing the role of candidate recruiter and all-around Guv’na ambassador.

The candidates will be put through their paces that afternoon, taking part in a question and answer session that demands creative answers.

They’ll also have a chance to make outlandish campaign promises that defy logic, science and common sense. And they’ll be forced to play some games that remain secret so as not to give them any hints at what’s in store.

Overall, the goal is to raise money, and the Guv’na race does it well. Last year the candidates raised $9,000 in all, with less than $20 separating the winner — Dr. Cindy Perkins — from the runner-up.

But all of the candidates played a role in helping around 20 different groups, including scout troops, the Lutz Civil Air Patrol and the Old Lutz School.

The annual Guv’na’s race also fosters a sense of closeness for area residents in an era when old neighborhoods tend to lose their identity over time. Carr sees small-town events like the Guv’na race as a way for Lutz to keep its character intact.

“I think that when you have things like this, it brings to the table how important a small community is,” she said.

But a race is only as good as its candidates, and Carr said there are three good ones this year. Jennifer Rankin, Cheryl Lynn Ayres and Karen Sue Molis have thrown their hats into the ring, and Carr expects them to work hard until the race ends and the winner is announced, traditionally on Fourth of July weekend.

“We have three really solid, dynamic, fun candidates, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this year turns out,” she said.

Of course, that number is subject to change, Carr said.

Individuals with a sense of charity (and good humor) are still welcome to join the race. So, anyone looking to improve the fortunes of local Lutz groups is welcome to vie for the Guv’na sash and test their fundraising mettle against this year’s crop of hopefuls. And it wouldn’t hurt to make some wild promises that aren’t grounded in reality, Carr said.

The final tally of candidates will gather for fun and games on May 16, and they hope more of the public will show up to support them and the crazy race they’ve signed up to run over the next several weeks.

Carr will be there to make sure things stay just as crazy as ever. Even though she doesn’t don the sash anymore, it’s still a part of her commitment to the community.

“Once a Guv’na, always a Guv’na,” she said.

The free event runs from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The Old Lutz School is located at 18819 U.S. 41 N. For information about joining the race, contact Carr at (813) 453-5256.

Published May 13, 2015

Pasco merges county departments

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Pasco County will merge its parks and recreation department and its environmental lands program and create a new division – the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department.

The Pasco Commission approved the merger at its May 5 meeting.

Pasco County is preparing to implement a 10-year master plan to improve existing parks and add new ones. The plan was crafted with public input. (File Photo)
Pasco County is preparing to implement a 10-year master plan to improve existing parks and add new ones. The plan was crafted with public input.
(File Photo)

The restructuring comes as the county prepares to implement a master plan for county parks. The focus is on improving efficiency, better customer service and keeping up with the growth from new development.

“It all comes down to funding really,” said Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services.

The restructured department would have three managers for natural resources, fiscal and support services, and parks and recreation, who would report to a director of parks, recreation and natural resources.

“We’re going through the budget now,” Pearson said. “It’s been a challenge.”

The parks department has struggled since 2009 through lean times with budget cuts and job layoffs. To fill in financial gaps, the county began charging user fees four years ago at 11 of its parks, including $2 parking fees. Youth league teams, co-sponsored by the county, including the Central Pasco Soccer Club, the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association and the Dade City Little League, also have been charged fees.

Some commissioners would like to see an end to the parking and athletic participation fees.

“We’re taxing things that we’re trying to encourage,” said Commissioner Jack Mariano.

But losing revenues means more tough budget decisions.

Parks and recreation employees have done a “tremendous” job keeping up with services, but Pearson said, “We’re really struggling. Hopefully we’ll come up with some creative ideas.”

Revenues since 2009 have increased from about $840,000 to about $1.5 million currently. But the department’s overall budget in that same time dropped from about $10 million to about $8.9 million.

The loss of parking and athletic fees would mean about $440,000 in lost revenues, Pearson said.

During public comment at the May 5 meeting, Jeff Olsen of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association made a plea for commissioners to restore the parks and recreation’s budget to a level more in line with budgets prior to the recession.

“A lot of money has been siphoned away from some important needs,” Olsen said.

A job description for the newly created position of natural resources manager will be advertised in the next week or so.

Along with the reorganization, Rick Buckman, the county’s current parks and recreation director, will take on a new role as park supervisor for Moon Lake Park, Robert Strickland and Robert Rees Memorial parks.

He also will provide support during the transition, said Pearson, adding that finding a natural resources manager could take months.

Another newly created position of program coordinator will not be filled until the manager is on board and can decide if the position is needed, Pearson said.

The county has budgeted $160,700 for salaries and benefits for the two positions. The manager’s salary would be in the range of $70,000 to $85,000.

The decision to step away from the director’s job was one that Buckman made on his own, said Pearson.

“It was a surprise to me,” she said.

Buckman’s new job as parks supervisor became available as the result of another employee’s retirement.

“Rick Buckman has been a tremendous asset for the county, building a tremendous team, ” said Land O’ Lakes resident Sandy Graves.

Chairman Ted Schrader also had praise for Buckman.

“I think we all realize the work Mr. Buckman has done through trying times,” he said. “You never complained. You managed to get your job done.”

Published May 13, 2015

Giving these beauties a home of their own

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For years, Jim Hawk was all about roses.

But then, he just couldn’t take it anymore.

Florida’s humidity is conducive to black spot, and Hawk got tired of waging a chemical war to protect his floral beauties.

“Even though I would spray every week, I would still lose the battle,” said Hawk, who lives in Odessa.

Jim Hawk’s orchid collection began with just a few and has grown into nearly 300. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Jim Hawk’s orchid collection began with just a few and has grown into nearly 300.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“I didn’t like the fact that I would have to put on a mask and get a backpack spray, and go out in the yard and be walking around in a cloud of fumes. I thought it was probably killing me,” he said..

So, around 2003, he gave up on roses and made the switch to orchids.

At first, he had just a few.

The Hillsborough County master gardener reasoned that he should have a sampling, so he could learn more about them.

“Well, it got infectious, and I just couldn’t stop myself,” said Hawk, who is the corresponding secretary of the Tampa Orchid Club.

“Of course, you have to really protect orchids at about 45 degrees,” Hawk said. So, every time he heard a weather report that the temperature would be dipping into the 40s, he’d get busy.

“I would have to haul the orchids around the house — because I was growing them here in the pool cage — and put them in the garage,” he said.

That’s no problem when you just have a few orchids, but it gets tougher when you have 100 or 200 – or roughly 300, like he has.

Hawk decided to create a new environment for the orchids in his care.

He replaced his old pool cage with a greenhouse.

It’s large enough to hold the family’s pool and its waterfall. It includes a place to eat meals and to entertain guests. And, there’s plenty of room for his vast orchid collection.

Many of his orchids sit in pots on shelves. Others suspend from hangers, with their roots dangling out.

All are under Hawk’s watchful eye.

He makes sure they get water – but not too much. He shields them from the cold.

“In the winter, if I close the windows in midday, I’ve never seen it get below 54 degree,” Hawk said.

The family still uses the pool, but it serves another role, too.

“What this, in essence, is now, is a 15,000-gallon humidifier for the orchids,” Hawk said.

As his collection has grown, so has Hawk’s knowledge about these plants with the exotic blooms and complex names.

“Orchids, generally speaking, like to be warm — not hot, but warm. They don’t like temperatures in the 40s,” Hawk said. “They like to be humid. They like to be watered, but they don’t like to sit in too much water. I think watering is probably one of the biggest killers of orchids — poor watering techniques.

“Orchids are, generally speaking, shade lovers,” he said. There are some, though, that prefer the sun.

“You need to read about them, and find out what they like and what they don’t like.

“Just like with all plants, I think people go to nurseries and buy stuff because it looks pretty,” he said. Unfortunately, he said, many people “don’t take the time to research the plant. They just don’t care for it properly.”

Hawk enjoys experimenting.

He has one orchid growing in a natural sponge he purchased in Tarpon Springs. Another is nestled in a small log that he bought in the lizard section at a pet store.

Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they need air.

“Orchid pots have slits up on the side, not only the hole in the bottom. That increases the air that you get in there. Instead of using dirt, you use bark or stones or chunks of tree fern and things like that.

“Plastic pots are really kind of a no-no. Clay pots breathe,” Hawk said.

There is a nearly endless variety of orchids.

“There are more orchids than any other plant. They come from all over the world, except for major deserts and Antarctica. There are orchids growing in the wild everywhere,” Hawk said.

Hybridizing orchids require specialized equipment and expertise, Hawk said.

“I just buy, and grow and enjoy,” Hawk said.

Published May 13, 2015

State loan may help widen State Road 56

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The Pasco Commission agreed that a low-interest state loan to fund the widening of additional lanes on State Road 56 is worth exploring, if developers take responsibility for paying it back.

Commissioners voted unanimously to direct county administrators and staff members to gather details about the loan and prepare a letter of interest to be sent to the State Infrastructure Bank. The letter must be submitted by May 29 for state officials to consider granting a loan in its 2016 cycle.

‘I do have some reservations. People here believe growth should pay for itself.’ – Pasco County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader
‘I do have some reservations. People here believe growth should pay for itself.’ – Pasco County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader

The infrastructure bank provides loans and other assistance to public or private entities for projects that qualify for aid under federal and state law.

Commissioners are expected to vote on the matter at their May 19 meeting.

“There’s a lot of details that need to be worked out on this,” said Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein.

Goldstein and Richard Gehring, the county’s planning and development administrator, sought permission at the commissioners’ May 5 meeting to pursue the loan option.

A lot of staff time will be needed, Goldstein told commissioners.

“I think this is a regional road, not a local road, and will be a benefit for the entire county,” said Commissioner Mike Moore. “There may be options, many ways the loan can be packaged.”

But commissioners also had concerns about potential costs and who would be held accountable for repaying the loan.

“I do have some reservations,” said Chairman Ted Schrader. “People here believe growth should pay for itself.”

Gehring said the county would be the lead applicant for the loan but would collect repayment funds from developers through mobility surcharge fees and potentially special property assessments.

County officials hope the city of Zephyrhills will agree to pay 10 percent of the annual loan payments not covered by developers’ contributions.

The Zephyrhills City Council was expected to discuss the matter at its May 11 meeting.

The state loan option arose out of a February town hall meeting to discuss transportation issues. Since then county officials, State Sen. John Legg, State Rep. Danny Burgess and state highway officials have had additional meetings on the loan plan.

Current plans are to extend State Road 56 from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills, as a two-lane road.

Zephyrhills’ residents and city officials have pushed for the additional lanes as a boost to the area’s economy. They also have said it would be less costly to build four lanes now rather than later.

Gehring said the agreement might be crafted along the lines of a similar one that paid for roadwork for the Villages of Pasadena Hills. In that instance, the Florida Department of Transportation and developers each paid for two of the four lanes built to accommodate increased traffic generated by the development project.

If needed, other funding sources could be tax increment financing and gasoline taxes.

However, Gehring cautioned commissioners that if these funds were used, the county might have to defer other road projects.

Commissioners said developers should bear the burden of repaying debt from the project.

“Other developers have already been paying,” said Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Published May 13, 2015

 

Business Digest 05-13-15

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Honoring small businesses
The Pasco Commission recently approved a resolution to recognize May 4 through May 8 as Small Business Week.

Commissioners also recognized the Pasco Economic Development Council, the SMARTstart Business incubators and the chambers of commerce throughout the county.

Small business makes up 99 percent of all employers in Pasco and 80 percent of the county’s private work force. More than 8,700 small businesses in the county produce more than $2.7 billion in payroll and have helped lower the county’s unemployment rate to 6.2 percent, about half the unemployment rate of five years ago, according to data provided by John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Commissioners also approved a resolution recognizing May as Pasco County World Trade Month. Pasco has about 80 companies whose exports contribute $53 million to Pasco’s economy.

Tourism grows
The “VisitPasco” Tourism Office is headed toward a record year in tourism as Pasco County and the state of Florida enjoy increased travel to the Sunshine State. Tourism provides about 12,000 full-time jobs in Pasco, according to Tourism Manager Ed Caum. About 500,000 visitors have come to Pasco with travel spending topping $465 million annually.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is making its contribution through events such as the Kumquat Festival and other events. The annual kumquat celebration generated 400 to 500 “room nights” this year, according to John Moors, the chamber’s executive director.

“These results are indicative of the hard work and community spirit it takes to make a successful tourism destination,” Moors wrote in an email. “Congratulations to all, and a special thanks to our community.”

Dual mixer
Enjoy a dual mixer with the Pasco-Hernando Hispanic and the Central Pasco chambers of commerce on May 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Pilot Bank, 17635 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa.

For information, call (813) 435-1499 or (813) 909-2722.

Business seminar
The Pasco-Hernando State College will host BizGROW2.0 on May 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch. The half-day conference is for entrepreneurs, start-up business owners and established business owners, and will include panel discussions, advice and inspiration on growing your business and lots of networking.

The cost is $35 per person. Registration is required.

For information, visit PascoEdc.com/events.

Free seminars
Pasco-Hernando SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) hosts free weekly business seminars. Upcoming events include “Using the Internet in Your Business” on May 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Regency Park Branch Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey. We will demystify much of the gobbledygook and walk you through an eight-step process of key activities needed to allow you to quickly leverage this technology in almost any business.

On May 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., SCORE will host “How to Really Start Your Own Business” at New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills. You will learn how to structure your business, develop a business plan and understand how to manage cash flow.

For information, contact SCORE at (727) 842-4638, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Wee Care Clinic will host a ribbon cutting on May 15 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a grand opening on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 38184 Medical Center Ave., in Zephyrhills. The facility is a pediatric urgent care clinic.

For information, contact .

Luncheon
The Pasco-Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon on May 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road in Lutz.

The cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 435-1499.

Treat mom, save money this weekend

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Mother’s Day is an opportunity to spend quality time with your mom, grandmother, spouse or anyone who best fits that “mother” role.

It’s a day to do something special.

But it’s not a time to be irresponsible with your finances. Sure, you could spend a bunch of money on expensive flowers and take her to a fancy lunch. But what message would you be sending? That you’re not watching your money? That you’re not the kind of person who looks for good deals?

You won't be the only mother-child pair at the zoo on Mother's Day. (Courtesy of Lowry Park Zoo)
You won’t be the only mother-child pair at the zoo on Mother’s Day.
(Courtesy of Lowry Park Zoo)

Mom taught you better than that.

No, if you want to really impress mom, show her that you’re responsible when it comes to your wallet. Show her that you can have a good time and be smart with your money, too. Let her see how much time you spent finding great values that you can both do on a budget.

Actually, you’re not really spending a lot of time looking for deals. You’re just reading this column. But she’ll be impressed either way.

The truth is that you can have a great time with your mom all weekend and save a lot of money. A few different places have Mother’s Day specials that make it easy to spend the weekend doing fun things. Here are some ways you can spend time with mom, without spending a fortune:

  • Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Mom gets in absolutely free with a paid child or adult admission. You can check out all their regular exhibits that cover areas like astronomy, robotics and other modern technologies. That includes a special exhibit on 3-D printing and a large area called “Disasterville,” which simulates the effects of natural disasters such as tsunamis, tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanoes. They also have “The Amazing You,” “Mission; Moonbase” and other interactive exhibits to keep everyone entertained. Outside they have a butterfly garden and forest preserve, too.

If mom likes science and technology, this is a great place to take her. There’s a lot to do, and it’s always changing. So if you haven’t seen and done everything, put this on your Mother’s Day agenda.

By the way, this deal also includes an IMAX movie and a Planetarium show. That’s a great deal, and saves you around $23.

  • Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. If seeing live animals appeals to mom, she gets in free at the zoo with a child or adult admission. And we have a good zoo in Tampa: “Parents” magazine named Lowry Park Zoo one of the top 10 zoos in the country for kids. And whatever’s good for kids is probably good for moms, too.

The zoo is split up into different areas. Safari Africa and Ituri Forest is the place to see cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and many other animals. At the Asian Gardens and Sulawesi Aviary, there are tigers, crocodiles, komodo dragons and leopards, not to mention more than a dozen bird species at the aviary. There’s also a free-flight aviary with even more birds.

The Florida Manatee and Aquatic Center is not only a place to see underwater animals, but the world’s only nonprofit manatee hospital. Primate World has primates (naturally) and Wallaroo Station has a goat petting station, water play area and koalas.

(The koalas don’t play in the water area, but it would be awfully cute if they did).

The zoo also has regular feedings the public can attend, a special “Spirits of the Sky” show featuring birds of prey, and animal keeper talks throughout the day. It’s a full day of diverse animal exhibits and attractions. And most of it is outside, so if the weather is nice, it’s a great place to walk around. Finally, if you or mom like photography, it’s hard to find a better place to bring the equipment and add to your collection. Plus you save about $28.

  • Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive in Tampa. “Parents” magazine also likes our aquarium, naming it a top-five kid-friendly aquarium. And they have a lot of things to see, and moms are free with a paid admission.

The aquarium is a lot more than giant tanks with fish swimming around. Outside, they have a 2-acre water play area for kids. The Wetlands Trail explores Florida’s ecosystem, while the Journey To Madagascar focuses on the wildlife from that island. They have a giant coral reef exhibit, a special penguin area and a number of shows throughout the day.

Just creating a habitat for all the different types of sea life is impressive.

The aquarium, which has been a part of the area for 20 years, features both educational and interactive exhibits, offering lots of ways to appreciate the thousands of animals and plants that live there.

If you or mom has a special affinity toward the water, this is a great place to take her for Mother’s Day. This special saves you between $22 and $24, depending on where you buy the ticket.

Now, you might think that three fun places is simply too much for just one day. And you’re probably right.

But the great thing about these promotions — aside from saving a lot of money, of course — is that they’re good both Saturday and Sunday. So you can take mom to one of them the first day, and visit the others the next day. Or whatever your schedule will allow.

Besides, why should celebrating mom be limited to just one day? Go ahead and make a weekend of it.

On a budget, of course.

So while other people are emptying their wallets on flowers that will be thrown out in about a week or an expensive lunch that will be forgotten by dinner, you’ll creating a weekend of memories with mom.

Which plan is she more likely to remember?

Besides, if you’re worried about food, McDonald’s usually has a free breakfast for mom on Mother’s Day. It’s not fancy, but it’s just the place to plan out your fun day together, and talk about how much money you’re saving.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Published May 6, 2015

Library is all-in for robotics

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Edgar is a show-off.

He flips a large exercise ball into the air with a thumping, quick-action lever.

But the roving robot – a compact collection of digitized metal, plastic and wires – would be nothing without his human creators – the Edgar Allan Ohms Robotics Team.

The little guy- all 15 pounds or so – couldn’t even whir and zip across the floor without a human programming a computer and toggling a joystick.

Edgar the robot rests quietly after demonstrating his throwing skills to Regan Kubus, left, Lego club mother Audrey Pease, Bryce Kubus, Felix Nguyen, Maaz Khan, Danny Urbonas, Dylan Pease, Corey Drexler and library administrator Sean McGarvey. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Edgar the robot rests quietly after demonstrating his throwing skills to Regan Kubus, left, Lego club mother Audrey Pease, Bryce Kubus, Felix Nguyen, Maaz Khan, Danny Urbonas, Dylan Pease, Corey Drexler and library administrator Sean McGarvey.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The human operators are impressed at what robots can do at their commands.

“They can do whatever you want them to,” said 15-year-old Logan Boudreau. “The way each component works with other components to complete a task is fascinating.”

Boudreau is among about 25 members of Edgar Allan Ohms, a nearly two-year-old robotics team that is sponsored by the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

The library’s sponsorship is unique and possibly the only one of its kind in the nation, the robotics team’s website says. So far no one has found a similar team at any state or regional competitions where most teams are based at area middle and high schools.

Library officials are taking another step forward in their commitment to robotics by creating FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League teams for youngsters who could be the next generation of engineers for the robotics team.

With help from NASA grants, the goal is to have seven teams that can compete in FIRST Lego League competitions.

Grants from NASA and the county, each for $5,000, helped seed the Edgar Allan Ohms team in 2014. Business sponsorships and about $3,000 from fundraising also paid initial costs.

“The one thing you know is there are a lot of very nice people in the community,” said Joel Croteau, an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer and lead mentor for the robotics team.

Library officials kicked off the Lego efforts last month at area libraries.

“We’re trying to get a feel for how we can get this to work for us and for them,” said Alicia Haney, youth services librarian at the Land O’ Lakes branch. “We want kids to have an opportunity to get interested.”

The Danish-invented brand – Lego – is a titan among children’s games, almost a rite of passage for youngsters who love piecing together its interlocking building blocks.

Their creations can be as basic as a house or as complex as a movie-themed action figure.

Lego’s “Mindstorms” game takes imagination to the next level with creations that are programmable and mobile.

Haney said children learn the importance of precision, math and step-by-step logic.

“It’s the first step before you get to the robotics team,” she said. “It’s an eye-opening thing. They find out: This is how my game works. We’re also trying to keep it fun,” Haney said.

Lego fun piqued the interest of many on the robotics team. Miller Bacon, 15, and Boudreau remember Lego games from seventh grade.

“We’ve all had an interest in robots somewhat since we were little,” Bacon said.

Phoebe Mitchell, 15, didn’t have robotics on her radar when she went to a library-sponsored Rockus Maximus battle of the bands. But a robot got her attention. “I was allowed to drive it a couple of minutes,” she said. “I decided to try it. It’s fun.”

In 2014, the rookie team placed 43rd among 62 competitors at the FIRST Robotics Competition Orlando Regional. The theme was “Aerial Assist.” The Pasco County Commission honored the team with a resolution.

FIRST was founded by Dean Kamen, the inventor of the Segway.

The Edgar Allan Ohms team built a second, larger robot, dubbed 2chainz, for the 2015 competition with the theme of “Recycle Rush.”

Team robots picked up and stacked recyclable containers and totes to earn points for accomplished tasks. The Land O’ Lakes team landed in 45th spot against 66 regional and international competitors including teams from Florida, Georgia, Germany and Turkey.

“That was a good showing for a second-year team in a very competitive event,” said Croteau.

Team members attend Land O’ Lakes, Sunlake and Wiregrass Ranch high schools. Some members are home-schooled.

In April, the Land O’ Lakes library set up the county’s first “makerspace” in a former computer lab, providing 3-D printers, an auto-CAD (computer-assisted design) computer and 3-D virtual reality gaming glasses.

The robotics team is in keeping with the goal of encouraging technology and creative arts.

With the regional FIRST challenges under its belt, the team isn’t idle. After school, they tinker with Edgar and 2chainz to make them better.

Other competitions, including clashes between “battle bots,” are on the horizon. These robots are smaller, speedier and designed to flip and disable competitors.

“The thing about battle bots is to build the most destructive robot within the guidelines,” said Boudreau. “That’s the hope. The more destructive the better.”

On a recent afternoon the robotics team and the Land O’ Lakes Lego club shared space to work on their own projects.

Edgar got a brief work out, tossing the giant ball.

Lego club members took turns programming a “Mindstorms” Lego robot they had built from scratch.

“The program is real simple and easy,” said Sean McGarvey, library administrator. “If you have any experience on a computer, you can start right away. You can get really intricate.”

Dylan Pease, 11, sat at the computer tapping in instructions for the robot that would be “a little, little more complicated.”

His brother Matthew Pease is on the robotics team, and that is Dylan’s goal when he gets to the ninth grade.

Their mother Audrey Pease supports her sons’ passion for robotics.

“I hope they learn a bit about program management, time management, team work and gain leadership skills,” she said. “I watch and support, but I don’t mess with it.”

The focus was on getting the Lego robot to either pick up and stack an object, or roam across a game board in search of a brown dot.

“It’s kind of complicated, and I like it,” said 10-year-old Regan Kubus who is home-schooled with her 11-year-old brother Bryce Kubus. “Sometimes you get to build them, and that’s really cool.”

Bryce Kubus busied himself drawing a banner for the team and waiting a turn at driving the robot. “I like putting it together,” he said.

Team member Corey Drexler, 11, said he really liked programming the robots. “Basically it’s controlling the robot, like mind control.”

McGarvey said robotics is one more way libraries are expanding their knowledge base and keeping children interested in learning.

The library helps kids develop talents they didn’t know they had, McGarvey said.

“It’s a very good program. Kids learn a lot,” he said.

Published May 6, 2015

Aldi grocery store set to open on U.S. 301

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A busy section of U.S. 301 will get even busier as developers move forward with plans to build a small shopping plaza with an Aldi grocery store at the intersection of Pretty Pond Road.

Demolition crews began razing Rainbow Court and Brightside Manor mobile home parks in March. MQ Pretty Ponds LLC, a subsidiary of MQ Partners of Dallas, bought the two parcels in 2014, and gave notice to residents they would need to relocate to make way for the plaza.

No construction date has been announced.

This Aldi store is in a shopping plaza off of U.S. 41 and Bearss Avenue. A new store is planned for Zephyrhills. Company officials have said they want to open 650 new stores in America by the end of 2018. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
This Aldi store is in a shopping plaza off of U.S. 41 and Bearss Avenue. A new store is planned for Zephyrhills. Company officials have said they want to open 650 new stores in America by the end of 2018.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

For the moment, city officials and developers are grappling with how to get approval for a new traffic signal at Pretty Pond.

A traffic signal currently operates at the Townview and Merchant’s Square Shopping centers, directing traffic flow into and out of their parking lots on opposite sides of U.S. 301. But Florida Department of Transportation officials say a light at Pretty Pond can only be considered if the existing signal comes down. Two traffic signals so close together don’t meet national highway standards for safe road design, state road officials say.

Commercial and residential growth justifies installing a traffic signal at Pretty Pond to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic volume, said Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina.

Zephyr Commons, a shopping center anchored by a Publix grocery store, is in the same area as the proposed Aldi. And, about 230 new apartments are due for construction, Spina said.

“Its (traffic) all got to come out somehow,” Spina said. “We have to come up with something,”

Spina said he intends to meet with owners of the shopping center to discuss options.

Aldi is a leading international retailer in the discount grocery market. Shoppers bag their own groceries and are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags. Stores are stocked with about 1,400 quick-selling food items including fresh produce, meat, dairy, wine and beer. In contrast, a typical grocer might stock as many as 30,000 items. The goal is low overhead expenses, which Aldi representatives say translates into major savings for its shoppers.

The company was founded in the mid-1940s in Germany and today operates more than 9,000 stores in 18 countries. The United States division is headquartered in Illinois.

In a news release issued this year, Aldi announced the goal of opening 650 new stores in America by the end of 2018. That represents more than a $3 billion investment in land, facilities and equipment.

Aldi was named the nation’s top discount grocery store for four consecutive years, and also one of the top three favorite grocery store chains in America, based on consumer surveys by Market Force Information Inc.

Published May 6, 2015