The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Several area women featured in 2025 Hooters Calendar

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Amanda Brown (Odessa), Kiana Mahabir (Odessa) and Tichelle Pender (Clearwater) are featured models in the 2025 Hooters Calendar. Photo courtesy of HMC Hospitality Group

CLEARWATER – Kiana Mahabir has been selected as the cover model for the 2025 Hooters Calendar.

Mahabir has worked at Odessa Hooters for over three years. She is studying diagnostic medical sonography.

“Being on the cover means more to me than just an amazing photo,” Mahabir said. “I get to represent my store and make my family, my corporate family, managers and all the people who have supported me over the years, proud. That’s the best feeling in the world to me.”

All of the 200 women in the calendar work at Hooters restaurants across the country and were selected from thousands of candidates.

Several of the women will be available to sign copies during a Tampa Bay Calendar Tour from Dec. 5 to 7, including Tichelle Pender (Clearwater), Amanda Brown (Odessa), Alyssa Watts (Chicago, Illinois) and Lissette Miranda (Joliet, Illinois).

Stops on the calendar tour include:
• Dec. 5, 6 to 7 p.m. – Hooters of Odessa, 16070 State Road 54, Odessa.
• Dec. 6, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. – Hooters of South Tampa, 4420 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa.
• Dec. 6, 6 to 7 p.m. – Hooters of North Tampa, 13606 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa.
• Dec. 6, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Hooters of Brandon, 10023 E. Adamo Drive, Tampa.
• Dec. 7, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. – Hooters of 4th St., 4125 4th St. N., St. Petersburg.
• Dec. 7, 6 to 7 p.m. – Hooters of Clearwater, 2800 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater.

The calendar costs $16.99 and comes with over $100 of coupons to use throughout the year. They are available for purchase at all Tampa Bay area Hooters restaurants.

A pull-out poster that comes with each calendar also features eight additional Tampa Bay area women.

HMC Hospitality Group, founders of the Hooters concept, own and operate 22 Hooters Restaurants in Tampa Bay and Chicagoland and three Hoots locations in Chicagoland.

Hillsborough commissioners get organized for new term

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners selected Commissioner Ken Hagan as chair and Commissioner Christine Miller as vice chair Nov. 19 during its annual organizational meeting.

Commissioner Gwen Myers will be the board chaplain. 

 The organizational meeting followed the investiture ceremony this morning for two returning commissioners and a newly elected commissioner.

Taking the oaths of office were re-elected Commissioner Ken Hagan for District 2; Commissioner Christine Miller for District 4, who won election after being appointed by the governor in June to serve in the then-vacant seat; and newly elected Commissioner Chris Boles for Countywide District 6.

Chair Hagan has served as a commissioner since 2002 and this marks the eighth time he has been selected to serve as board chair. He has served as the Board of County Commissioners’ representative on key economic development boards including Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa/Hillsborough Expressway Authority, and the Tampa Sports Authority, as well as the Florida Association of Counties and the Hospital Authority.   

After choosing leadership positions, the BOCC voted to keep unchanged the commissioner assignments to boards, committees, and councils. Commissioner Boles will assume the positions formerly held by Pat Kemp, who had served the maximum allowable two consecutive terms as Countywide District 6 commissioner.

Some of the positions include:

  • Affordable Housing Advisory Board – Gwen Myers  
  • Arts Council of Hillsborough County – Chris Boles
  • Aviation Authority – Harry Cohen
  • Children’s Board of Hillsborough County – Gwen Myers
  • Environmental Protection Commission – Gwen Myers and Harry Cohen  
  • Hillsborough Transit Authority0 – Gwen Myers, Christine Miller, Joshua Wostal, and Donna Cameron Cepeda
  • Hospital Authority – Ken Hagan and Donna Cameron Cepeda  
  • Juvenile Justice Board – Donna Cameron Cepeda
  • Port Authority – Christine Miller
  • Public Safety Coordinating Council – Donna Cameron Cepeda
  • Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council – Member, Harry Cohen; alternate, Donna Cameron Cepeda
  • Tampa Bay Water Board of Directors – Harry Cohen and Joshua Wostal
  • Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp. – Ken Hagan
  • Transportation Planning Organization – Christine Miller, Harry Cohen, Gwen Myers, Chris Boles, Joshua Wostal, and alternate Ken Hagan
  • Tampa Sports Authority – Ken Hagan

 

News Briefs (11/27/24): Women’s Club supports breast cancer walk

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Club members Darlene Choe, Linda Mitchell, Nancy Branham and Melba Piniero were joined by a six-member team of Little Women of Lutz (on the big chair). Photo courtesy of GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club

 

Club members Melba Piniero, Darlene Choe, Nancy Branham and Linda Mitchell work the information booth. Photo courtesy of GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club

Women’s Club supports breast cancer walk

WESLEY CHAPEL – GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club members and their affiliated teen club, the Little Women of Lutz, participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at the Shops at Wiregrass.

Members walked, worked the information tent, handed out water and generously donated funds in support of this important cause, which has affected many woman’s club members personally.  All money raised by the club and the Little Women of Lutz were donated to the American Cancer Society.

On the web: lutzlandolakeswomansclub.org 

 

Keep Pasco Beautiful collects 31 tons of trash

PASCO COUNTY – More than 1,360 volunteers took part in the annual Keep Pasco Beautiful cleanup event in September, collecting over 31 tons of trash along roadways, public spaces, and waterways.

The event saw 1,363 volunteers log 4,787 volunteer hours to pick up 62,000 lbs. of trash in 59 locations in Pasco County. 

“It’s estimated that 80% of the trash in our waters originates from land,” Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Ligia Buchala said. “Thirty-one tons is the most we’ve ever collected, and by doing this we’re stopping trash from moving through rivers and stormwater systems into the Gulf of Mexico – which is truly impactful!”

The event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated by Ocean Conservancy.  

 

The Am Vets Post 550 of Zephyrhills have donated $6,000 recently to the Homeless Veterans of Florida. (Photo courtesy of Am Vets Post 550)

Joy Bar celebrates Christmas all year

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

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

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

Law came up with the Christmas concept last year. 

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

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

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

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

Joy Bar is located at 6905 N. Armenia Ave.

On the web: LiquorDepotTampa.com.

How the sweet potato casserole became such a staple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marshmallows weren’t around yet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole

Yield: 4 servings

 

Ingredients

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

 

Directions

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

 

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

AdventHealth opens Northdale ER 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the web: AdventHealthNorthdaleER.com

Construction underway for AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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#IMOMSOHARD coming to Tampa Theatre 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Nov. 20

Holiday Stroll Buy

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

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

 

Mat Yoga

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

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

 

Charity Fundraiser

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

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

 

Night Market

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

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

 

Trivia Night

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

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

 

Nov. 21

Garden Club

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

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

 

Storytime Fun

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

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

 

Preschool Storytime

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

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

 

Preschool Storytime

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

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

 

Book Club

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

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

 

Mom & Baby

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

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

 

Mat Yoga

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

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

 

Dungeons & Dragons

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

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

 

Trivia Night

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

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

 

Nov. 22

Art Workshop

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

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

 

Thrifty Crafters

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

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

 

Toddler Storytime

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

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

 

Ukulele Jam

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

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

 

Book Club

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

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

 

Moonlight Market

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

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

 

Theater Production

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

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

 

Live Music

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

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

 

Live Music

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

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

 

Nov. 23

Vendor Fair

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

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

 

Thankful for Dessert

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

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

 

Fall Tea

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

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

 

Friendsgiving Food

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

2-4 p.m.;  14215 4th St., Dade City

 

Comedy Show

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

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

 

Live Music

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

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

 

Nov. 24

Live Music

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

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

 

Nov. 25

Ukulele Social Hour

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

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

 

Baby Storytime

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

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

 

Chair Yoga

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

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

 

Friendsgiving Food

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

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

 

Nov 26

Medicare/Medicaid

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

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

 

Book Sale

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

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

 

Toddler Storytime

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

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

 

Tai Chi

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

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

 

Tween/Teen Gaming

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

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

 

Trivia Night 

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

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

 

Live Music

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

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

 

Nov. 27

Toddler Storytime

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

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

 

Baby Storytime

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

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

 

Preschool Storytime

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

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

 

Chair Yoga

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

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

 

Mat Yoga

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

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

 

Nov. 30

Indoor holiday fair

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

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

 

Dec. 6

Preschool Praise and Play

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

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

 

Dec. 7

Holiday Arts & Crafts

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

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

 

Arts & Crafts

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

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

Dec. 8

Arts & Crafts

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

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

Christmas in the Park

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

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

Dec. 21-23

Talk to Santa

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

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

 

Jan 25, 2025

Ham Radio

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

Noon; 32627 Railroad Ave., San Antonio

 

Jan. 31, 2025

Comedy Show

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

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

 

Battle for Veterans features WWII vehicles, weapons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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INFOBOX: Event presents awards

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

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

 

Flooding concerns, wetlands delay Tall Timbers rezoning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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