The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco attracts company through incentives

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The Pasco County Commission approved an $85,000 incentive to a Land O’ Lakes company that plans to create 17 jobs, with an average wage exceeding $107,000.

The company Retail Process Engineering LLC operates at 20537 Amberfield Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

It offers a range of strategic, functional and technical retail supply chain consulting focused exclusively on retail.

The company, which is known as RPE, works with leading midsize retailers across the United States and Canada.

Some of its clients include Boy Scouts of America, Dollar Tree, Fifth & Pacific, Francesca’s Collections, It’Sugar, KatzGroup, Kipling, Mark’s, Michael Kors, Newfoundland Labrador Liquor, Papyrus, Rexall, rue21, Spencer’s, The North Face, VF Corp, vineyard vines, and XS Cargo.

In addition to approving the economic incentives for this company, commissioners heard a 2015 progress report from John Hagen, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council

So far, in 2015, the county has attracted five companies and created 154 new jobs.

It also has had 64 new leads so far this year, compared to a total of 205 last year.

Those new opportunities include a plastic injection molding company, a distribution facility and support office, a medical product manufacturer, a medical service provider, a medical product supply and distribution company, and an aerospace technology firm.

The economic development council has made 29 company visits and presentations, attended trade shows and development conferences. and used social media and news releases to traditional media to tell Pasco County’s story.

It also uses contractors’ roundtables and developers’ roundtables to encourage growth and stability, and has several upcoming events planned to help stimulate growth and share information regarding job creation, site selection and other economic topics.

Published February 4, 2015

Riggleman benefit offers display of true community spirit

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Barbecue smoke wafted through the air, musicians sang on the stage, and women sold plants under the shade of an oak tree during a Feb. 1 fundraiser to benefit Lewis and Diane Riggleman of Dade City.

A fire swept through the couple’s home days before Christmas, causing damage that’s so severe the house cannot be repaired.

Donna Messenger and Susan Maesen were at the City of San Antonio Park bright and early on Feb. 1 to help sell plants at a community benefit for Diane and Lewis Riggleman. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Donna Messenger and Susan Maesen were at the City of San Antonio Park bright and early on Feb. 1 to help sell plants at a community benefit for Diane and Lewis Riggleman.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Fire and smoke damage ruined most of the couple’s other belongings, and their dog, Taz and cat, Christopher, perished in the blaze.

Lewis is an ornamental blacksmith and has been involved in blacksmithing in the local community for years. He has participated in many arts and crafts shows, as well as worked as a true crafts demonstrator. As owner and operator of the Ramshead Forge in San Antonio, he offers an introduction to blacksmithing as well as advanced training for more experienced students.

Diane is a storyteller and craftsperson who demonstrates broom making, rope making, and other traditional crafts throughout Florida and the Southeast.

The community event at the City of San Antonio Park was an incredible outpouring of love and generosity — and a bit overwhelming, Diane Riggleman said.

When she and Lewis arrived, they knew a benefit was being held in their honor, but they had no idea how many people would be there.

The crowd was so big that Diane thought there were two events going on at the park.

Diane Riggleman said she and her husband, initially, didn’t want people to go out of their way to help them. There are many other people who have gone through worse trials, she explained.

But many people pitching in at the benefit said it was a pleasure to help the couple.

In many ways, the community festival felt like a giant reunion, Diane Riggleman said.

People showed up that the couple hasn’t seen in years, she said.

She said she and Lewis don’t use the word “awesome” to describe things, but in this case the character of the event truly merits the description.

The benefit ran from noon to 5 p.m., but volunteers began assembling hours before festivities began. They set up folding chairs so spectators could enjoy the bands playing on stage. They lugged plants to sell under the shade tree. They arranged gift baskets and auction items on tables. They prepared food to sell.

Chet Taylor, owner of the Dade City Animal Clinic, spent hours slow-cooking the pulled pork that he transported to the event to be sold to help feed the hungry masses, while raising money to help the Rigglemans.

Once the event got under way, volunteers were busy selling and serving food, pouring beer and selling chances for the drawings.

Everyone seemed happy to be playing a part.

Donna Messenger, a native of Dade City who lives in North Carolina now, was there with Susan Maesen, selling plants.

Both women have known the Rigglemans for decades.

“They’re just a very neat couple,” Maesen said.

“They’re definitely people-people,” Messenger added.

“I think they’re astounded by people doing this.”

“My slogan has been: They need cash now,” Messenger said.

One of the event organizers, Dennis Devine, said he’s known the couple “forever.”

The couple didn’t have insurance, but the community is stepping up, Devine said.

“We’ve got thousands of dollars of donated stuff, beautiful items,” he said.

Wendy Clifford, from St. Joseph, was there helping, too.

Her husband, Joe Clifford, and the Rotary Club played a huge role in putting on the event.

“The both of them are really good people,” Wendy Clifford said. “So, now we’re trying to help them. This is all community.”

Besides helping them, the event was fun, Diane Riggleman said.

“There was great dancing. There was food. It was amazing,” she said.

“We slept last night, like babies.”

Want to help?
The Rotary Club of San Antonio is collecting donations through its 501(3)(c) nonprofit fund to qualify the donations as tax deductible.

Funds raised will be deposited in the Rotary Club of San Antonio, FL Fund Inc., account at the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union prior to full distribution to the Rigglemans.

Online donations may also be made through Go Fund Me at GoFundMe.com/jrxxpg.

Published February 4, 2015

Keeping rural Pasco rural

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After waiting a decade, residents in northeast rural Pasco County are finally embarking on a quest to create development standards for their quiet neck of the woods.

During a Jan. 27 Pasco County Commission meeting, county staff told commissioners that they plan to begin holding stakeholder meetings on the issue in February.

The county’s work plan cites a goal of adopting Northeast Pasco Rural Development Standards in December.

Two residents in the affected area, near Dade City, praised commissioners for getting the ball rolling on the effort.

“This is a banner day for us,” said Nancy Hazelwood.

“Please take into consideration that you have a group that’s been interested in this for 10 years,” she told commissioners.

She also made this request: “Please keep the meetings in the Dade City area.”

Richard Riley offered his gratitude for the inclusion of the issue in the county development department’s work plan.

“It appears our prayers have been answered,” Riley said.

He also urged commissioners to ensure that any voting members in the stakeholder process have a personal stake in the area, not outside influences.

“The Northeast Rural area should be represented by people with a real passion for that area,” Riley said.

Anyone should be allowed to offer input and make presentations to the stakeholder group, but not have a vote on the committee, Riley said.

Published February 4, 2015

Freedom High shocks district with playoff berth

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When a soccer team finishes the regular season with a 2-8-3 record and a seven-game winless streak, most people wouldn’t expect them to advance past their district tournament and into the regional playoffs.

Not even their coach.

Senior Ruben Gutierrez fights to maintain control on the field. In the district tournament, Freedom fought past a tough season to earn a spot in the regional playoffs. (Courtesy of Freedom High School)
Senior Ruben Gutierrez fights to maintain control on the field. In the district tournament, Freedom fought past a tough season to earn a spot in the regional playoffs.
(Courtesy of Freedom High School)

“Realistically, no,” said Freedom High School boys’ soccer coach Charlie Haueter. The team finished a tough early part of their schedule 2-2-2, and he felt like they had a good chance to finish strong with their remaining opponents. But when that didn’t happen and the losses piled up, he thought it just wasn’t their year.

But, the Patriots proved a lot of people wrong.

In the first round of their district tournament, they knocked off Mitchell High School, who had a 17-5-1 record at the time. In the second round, they scored a season-high five goals and defeated Chamberlain High School. That doubled their season win total, put them in the district finals and earned them a berth in the regional tournament.

“I think my seniors realized it was about to end, and they didn’t want it to (end),” Haueter said. Their good play didn’t end there, either: Although they lost in the finals to Wiregrass Ranch, who was 23-1-1 at the time, they took a 1-0 lead in that game and were tied at the half.

Even though the Bulls won the district title by a 3-1 score, Freedom’s effort wasn’t lost on Wiregrass Ranch coach David Wilson.

“They’re one of those teams that put all the pieces together at the right time,” he said. “The coach did a really nice job with them, too.”

Haueter’s job was pretty tough this year, overcoming a number of obstacles on the team’s way to the playoffs. First, their star player, Mohammed Saad, missed most of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He had scored five goals in the first six games, and they missed his skills on the pitch.

He also had disciplinary problems during the season. The better high school players tend to play club level soccer in addition to high school soccer, Haueter explained. With the majority of his players also participating in club soccer, many of them weren’t giving enough attention to their high school team.

So he had them sign a contract, agreeing to give their full effort and participation. And when they failed to live up to that promise, there were consequences.

“We had to bench guys,” Haueter said. “I don’t think they believed that we were going to stick to the rules.” That means benching seniors, playing freshmen, and suffering losses. Throw in more injuries and the negative attitudes that can stem from losing, and a district run seemed out of the question at the end of the year.

But when they bought in to the system, and started being accountable for their participation, they pulled together and earned a berth in the regional tournament. Seeing the players overcome their early struggles was rewarding for the coach, who also teaches Advanced Placement classes at Freedom.

“Anytime you see kids maturing in high school, it is a great and wonderful thing,” he said.

Unfortunately, the regional playoffs didn’t have a great or wonderful ending for the team. They lost to Kathleen on Jan. 29 by a 3-1 score that included several disciplinary cards issued and Haueter being ejected toward the end of the game. The coach said the ejection was unwarranted, there were many complaints about the officiating that day, and he’s writing a letter to the Florida High School Athletic Association.

But regardless of the final outcome, Freedom went from a two-win team in the regular season to playing in the regional tournament. And playing younger players while others were being disciplined means, they’ll have more experience when next season rolls around.

And, since the team knows that full effort is required to participate in Freedom soccer, Haueter thinks next year’s team will be more dedicated and able to focus on winning.

“I’m a pretty firm believer that we’re not going to have any of the same issues,” he said.

Published February 4, 2015

 

Business Digest 02-04-15

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Lennar names new Tampa director of sales
Steve Seeger is new director of sales and marketing for Lennar, responsible for the homebuilder’s 39 communities in Tampa.

Seeger has been involved in sales and marketing for the homebuilding industry since 1995. He has held executive sales and marketing positions with companies in Phoenix, Houston, San Diego and Los Angeles.

He is a graduate of the University of West Florida and also has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.

Pure Health & Fitness Studio opens another location
Pure Health Studios has opened a second location in Wesley Chapel for its women-only personal training, group fitness and weight loss programs.

Located a half mile north of The Shops of Wiregrass at 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 205, Pure Health’s new 3,600 square foot facility includes a custom studio for private and semi-private personal training sessions.

It also has a large area for Fit Body Boot Camp members and an area where children can play while their mothers work out.

The new Wesley Chapel location joins Pure Health & Fitness Studio’s Land O’ Lakes location at 2206 Knight Road.

Samantha Taylor owns and manages both centers. She is a nutrition and health expert, certified personal trainer and professional speaker.

For more information call (813) 377-3739, or visit PureHealthStudios.com.

Ideal Massage opens second location in Lutz
Ideal Massage has opened its second Pasco County location in Lutz at 17749 Hunting Bow Circle, off State Road 54 in the Ballantrae Professional Center. 

Ideal Massage is a wellness center that provides advanced therapeutic and relaxation massage in a safe, comfortable and pleasant environment. All services are customized to aid in the rehabilitation of physical injuries as well as relaxation, and include essential oils and hot towel treatment.

Ideal Massage is open seven days a week and offers services with no contracts.

It is a family owned business that is headed up by Dawn Langley, a licensed massage therapist. It also has a location in Wesley Chapel at 27317 Cashford Circle.

For more information, call (813) 609-0444, or visit MyIdealMassage.com.

Women-N-Charge to meet
A business women’s group called Women-n-Charge will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., on Feb. 6 at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

The meeting includes lunch, a feature speaker and time to network. The cost is $15 for members, paid by the Tuesday before the meeting, and $18 for members paying later, and for guests, too.

February’s speakers will be Rosa Quintela and Shanita D. Jones, who will be speaking on “Business and Personal Tax Tips for Filing your Taxes.”

Register at Women-n-Charge.com.

For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

North Tampa Chamber meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting Feb. 12 at 11 a.m., at Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway.

Guest speaker will be Mary McDonald, director of development with The Spring of Tampa Bay.

Doors open at 11 a.m., for informal networking. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m., and the program starts at 11:45 a.m.

For early bird registration, people should RSVP to the chamber office by 5 p.m., on Feb. 10 to get the discounted rate of $16 (The charge applies, whether or not you eat). Reservations will be accepted after that date on the attendee check-in list for $21 payable online or at the door.

For directions or information, call (813) 908-7023.

NetFest sponsors needed
The Pasco Economic Development Council is hosting its 13th annual NetFest, which is short for Networking Festival, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 5 at Starkey Ranch on State Road 54 in Odessa.

The council is seeking sponsorships ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The event is a casual night of food, drink and music — and a great chance to network.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Central Pasco Chamber to host new expo
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is launching a new event this year called the 2015 Community Fun Day and Business Expo.

The event, open to everyone, will spotlight businesses and service providers in the northern area of Hillsborough and the central area of Pasco counties.

There will be fun and games for kids, live entertainment, door prizes and a food truck rally.

The event’s theme is “Keeping It Local — Moving our Businesses Forward.”

The two-day event, free to the public, will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on March 6 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 7. It will be at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Sponsorships and booth spaces are available.

Visit CentralPascoChamber.com for an application.

For more information, call (813) 909-2722, or email .

Jobs on the go
CareerSource Pasco Hernando has reintroduced its Mobile One Stop, a 38-foot bus retrofitted with 13 computer stations. It’s complete with satellite Internet, telecommunications, printing, copying and scanning — everything anyone would need to find a job.

It provides service to more than 100 people every month with stops that include the New River Branch Library in Zephyrhills among others.

For details on where Mobile One Stop will be, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.

Small Business Help
If you’re launching a new business or trying to expand, the Pasco Enterprise Network may have information that can guide and assist you.

The network is a collaborative effort of nonprofit agencies committed to ensuring the success of small businesses in Pasco County. Network partners provide consulting, counseling, education, and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

To find out more, visit PascoEDC.com/pen.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

 

Business Digest 01-28-15

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Women-N-Charge to meet
A business women’s group called Women-n-Charge will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., on Feb. 6 at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

The meeting includes lunch, a feature speaker and time to network. The cost is $15 for members, paid by the Tuesday before the meeting, and $18 for members paying later, and for guests, too.

February’s speakers will be Rosa Quintela and Shanita D. Jones, who will be speaking on “Business and Personal Tax Tips for Filing your Taxes.”

Register at Women-n-Charge.com.

For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

NetFest sponsors needed
The Pasco Economic Development Council is hosting its 13th annual NetFest, which is short for Networking Festival, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 5 at Starkey Ranch on State Road 54 in Odessa.

The council is seeking sponsorships ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The event is a casual night of food, drink and music — and a great chance to network.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Central Pasco Chamber introduces new expo
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is launching a new event this year called the 2015 Community Fun Day and Business Expo.

The event, open to everyone, will shine a spotlight businesses and service providers in the northern area of Hillsborough and the central area of Pasco counties.

There will be fun and games for kids, live entertainment, door prizes and a food truck rally at the event, which has the theme of “Keeping It Local — Moving our Businesses Forward.”

The two-day event, free to the public, will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on March 6 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 7. It will be at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Sponsorships and booth spaces are available.

Visit CentralPascoChamber.com for an application. For more information, call (813) 909-2722, or email .

Wesley Chapel author writes about personal finance
Wesley Chapel resident Dave Robbins has written a book aimed at helping people achieve financial success.

He wants to help people learn to earn more, spend less and live debt-free.

His book is called, “Rich Little Piggy: Build a Financial House of Brick.”

His book is available on Amazon. You can also visit Facebook.com/richlittlepiggy.

Pasco Tax Collector’s office raises $60,000 for charities
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office has raised $60,000 for various charities between October 2013 and the end of 2104.

During the past 15 months the following organizations have received donations and/ or partnered with the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office to provide goods and services to those in need: The Able Trust, Blind Services Foundation of Florida, Prevent Blindness Florida, The Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program, The James Patrick Work Incentive Program, Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living, Support Our Troops, Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive, Be a Santa to a Senior, Farm Share, The Volunteer Way, Lighthouse for the Blind, Gulfside Hospice & Palliative Care, Guardian ad Litem Program, Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation, Lifelink/ Donate Life, ARC Florida – Center for Independence, Pack-a-Sack 4 Kids, AAA Traffic Safety Foundation, Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, Terri’s Tears Foundation, Toys 4 Tots and One Community’s Hunger Walk.

Jobs on the go
CareerSource Pasco Hernando has reintroduced its Mobile One Stop, a 38-foot bus retrofitted with 13 computer stations. It’s complete with satellite Internet, telecommunications, printing, copying and scanning — everything anyone would need to find a job.

It provides service to more than 100 people every month with stops that include the New River Branch Library in Zephyrhills among others.

For details on where Mobile One Stop will be, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.

Small Business Help
If you’re launching a new business or trying to expand, the Pasco Enterprise Network may have information that can guide and assist you.

The network is a collaborative effort of nonprofit agencies committed to ensuring the success of small businesses in Pasco County. Network partners provide consulting, counseling, education, and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

To find out more, visit PascoEDC.com/pen.

State program could generate 25,000 new jobs
An independent analysis by Florida TaxWatch has determined that expanding GrowFl could result in 25,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.

GrowFl is a state program designed to grow and develop the biggest job-creating companies in Florida.

Florida TaxWatch is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research institute.

In addition to boosting job growth, investing in GrowFl would help diversify the state economy and provide positive return on Florida’s investments, Florida TaxWatch said, in a news release.

PEDC board names new chairman
The Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc. has named Lex Smith as the new chairman of its board.

Smith is city president-Nature Coast of SunTrust Bank.

Smith has been involved with the Pasco EDC board since 2010 and has served in various roles.

Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida, where he played both quarterback and linebacker for the UF Gators football team from 1989 to 1992.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

 

Penny for Pasco funds to help spur local economy

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Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker said the county wants to keep an application process open to private parties to submit unsolicited applications for part of the Penny for Pasco proceeds to spur economic development.
Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker said the county wants to keep an application process open to private parties to submit unsolicited applications for part of the Penny for Pasco proceeds to spur economic development.

The Pasco County Commission soon will be deciding how to allocate funds from Penny for Pasco proceeds to create jobs and spur the county’s economy.

Before they can do that, though, they must adopt a resolution that establishes how funds from the Penny for Pasco Jobs and Economic Trust Fund will be allocated.

The resolution will define eligible applicants, such as Pasco County, the Pasco Economic Development Council and private industry, that can submit unsolicited proposals.

Commissioners had a workshop on Jan. 20 to discuss how to proceed in choosing investments and allocating funds.

The particulars haven’t been ironed out, but the process is expected to include an application process, a ranking system and an economic investment council.

Commissioners will appoint an economic investment council, which likely will have members possessing expertise in a variety of fields, such as manufacturing, commercial/industrial, site selection, real estate and agriculture.

Commission Chairman Ted Schrader told county staff that the council should include a representative from the health care industry.

“Health care obviously is the economic engine in Pasco County,” Schrader said. “I think that’s critically important.”

Pasco is notorious for the tens of thousands of residents who head out of the county for work in the morning and return to the county at night.

It’s been trying to shake the image of being a bedroom community for years and wants to use Penny for Pasco funds to inject energy into the county’s economic development.

With so many people leaving the county each day, it’s obvious that Pasco has an available work force, said Commissioner Mike Moore.

“What jobs are they leaving for?” Moore asked. “That’s where our focus should be initially.”

The primary goal of the trust fund is to attract jobs to Pasco, said Richard Gehring, the county’s planning and development administrator.

Gehring said the county has a number of opportunities.

There’s a railroad corridor in East Pasco, as well as heavy industrial zoning, which the county could use to create new opportunities, he said.

There are also buildings that can be recycled for other uses, he said.

The county needs to develop a method for scoring applications because those who are not selected will want to know why, Gehring said.

The county is expected to generate $45 million to $50 million for economic development through Penny for Pasco.

The goal is for the county to get a 4-to-1 return on investment, said Melanie Kendrick, senior planner for economic development in Pasco.

The county is going after jobs being generated in the Tampa Bay region, with the aim of Pasco becoming a prime player, Gehring said.

John Hagen, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council, said putting money into acquiring an industrial site would not create jobs directly, but would set the stage for that to happen.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey would like the county to invest in infrastructure into areas where it could attract numerous end-users.

County Administrator Michele Baker said that allowing private applicants to make unsolicited applications could result in attracting potential development the county had not even imagined.

“Part of the problem is not knowing what ideas are out there that might come forward,” Baker said. “We don’t know, what we don’t know.”

Hagen urged the county to adopt a process that is easy to understand.

“If it is too complicated or too difficult, people will go, ‘I can’t deal with that,’” Hagen said.

Since the board cannot take action at a workshop, the Jan. 20 session was intended to give the staff additional direction before preparing a resolution to bring back for the board’s consideration.

Published January 28, 2015

 

Big competition: Students prep livestock for fair judging

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Land O’ Lakes High School has nice football and baseball fields. But if you go past them, you might see something unusual.

Like a barn with livestock, and students training them.

Stephanie Dahm, a junior at Land O’ Lakes High School, works with Dixie, a 700-pound heifer at the school’s barn. Dahm and Dixie will compete at the Florida State Fair and Pasco County Fair. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Stephanie Dahm, a junior at Land O’ Lakes High School, works with Dixie, a 700-pound heifer at the school’s barn. Dahm and Dixie will compete at the Florida State Fair and Pasco County Fair.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

“People think we’re crazy,” said sophomore Augusta Browder. “They think we’re just out there rolling around with them (the animals). They don’t think we’re being serious about it.”

But they’re not being crazy; they’re being competitive. The school’s members of Future Farmers of America, now known as the National FFA Organization, are prepping their livestock to be judged along with other animals at the Florida State Fair and Pasco County Fair next month and other competitions throughout the year.

Some of the animals stay on school property. Other students own their animals and have homes that can maintain them, so they live on their land.

But wherever they stay, caring for them is hard work.

Browder gets up around 5:30 a.m., every morning, to feed her animals at her home, and does it again at the end of the evening. She can’t take extended time off, and she also has to practice with them so they’ll perform well when the time comes to be judged in categories such as appearance and showmanship. She’ll show a heifer and a steer this year, and she has a bull named Buster that she’s already planning to show next year.

Actually showing them only comes after getting the animals, caring for them and learning their behaviors and traits. The students often are showing large animals that are several times their weight, so developing a strong relationship is important.

“It’s spending time with them. If you don’t spend time with them, they’re not going to do what you want,” said Stephanie Dahm, who’s showing a 700-pound heifer named Dixie at the Florida State Fair and Pasco County Fair.

While Dahm said that Dixie is a calm heifer with a good demeanor, she still has to spend a lot of time with her. That means at least an hour or two each day during the week and then more time on the weekend.

Dahm has shown animals before, and had a Florida White rabbit that won Best of Breed at the Florida State Fair and the Pasco County Fair last year.

The jump to livestock is good practice for her; she plans to study livestock management and ranch management when she goes to college.

Browder, who wants to be a large animal veterinarian, also has a lot of experience raising and showing animals. And while she wants to win when she competes, it’s the experience and the friendships that make it worthwhile.

“I actually met one of my best friends at the Pasco County Fair two years ago,” she said. “We all realize that we’re doing this for responsibility, for leadership, to do something,” she added.

In order to do something special with their four-legged partners, they have to practice quite a bit. On many afternoons, FFA members will be out with their livestock, going through movements and practicing techniques. Even if some people at the school don’t even know they’re out there.

A lot of people at our school, when I say we have a barn, they’re like ‘We have a barn?’ Not many people know about this,” Browder said.

But for around 30 members of the school’s FFA program, it’s an important part of their high school experience. They learn how to handle different animals, they learn time management skills, and they get to spend time with both schoolmates and show partners.

“I love being out there with my friends, and I love being out there in the ring. Some people do sports, and I do cows,” Browder said. “I love it.”

Dahm agrees.

“There’s something about cows,” she said.

Published January 28, 2015

Wanted: Donations for the Woman’s Club annual flea market

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The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club is putting the word out that it is seeking donations for the annual Woman’s Club Flea Market at the Old Lutz School.

The annual sale is a great way for people to clear out closets, attics, garages, patios and sheds — and to help good causes at the same time, according to Pat Serio, co-chairwoman of the flea market.

Verna Johnson helps out during a recent Flea Market at the Old Lutz School and does a bit of shopping, too. This year it will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 6 and March 7 at 18819 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz. (Courtesy of GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club)
Verna Johnson helps out during a recent Flea Market at the Old Lutz School and does a bit of shopping, too. This year it will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 6 and March 7 at 18819 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz.
(Courtesy of GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club)

While residents can clear some of their clutter — others can benefit from a bargain, Serio said, noting the items at the flea market are priced to sell quickly.

“We have the best prices,” Serio said.

As always, the flea market will feature a wide range of goods. There will be items for the home, such as linens, lamps, china, and pots and pans.

Big pieces of furniture will be under tents outdoors, and plants will be sold, too, Serio said.

There also will be a room called Trinkets and Treasures that will feature higher quality and higher priced items, Serio said.

In previous years, the club has had a half-price sale the weekend after the flea market, but has decided not to do so this year, Serio said. Any items that are left over after the flea market will be distributed to a variety of charitable organizations, she said.

Putting on the flea market is a big project, Serio noted.

Generally, about 60 club members volunteer to help receive donations, to sort through them and get ready for the sale.

“We also rope in husbands and children and significant others,” Serio said, with a laugh.

Proceeds from the sale support local charities and the club’s scholarship fund.

It’s the club’s second largest fundraiser of the year, Serio noted. It’s second only to the club’s annual Arts and Crafts Festival at Lake Park.

To prepare for this year’s sale, club members will accept donations at the Old Lutz School on Mondays and Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to noon, through the month of February.

Besides helping the club, the flea market also serves a community need, Serio said. Many people are in the market for affordable furniture and house goods, she said.

It’s also fun to look through the assortment of items that turn up every year at the market, she added.

The club also can arrange to pick up large items, but appointments must be made, Serio said.

The club is unable to accept large appliances or items that are heavy, such as sofa sleepers.

For more information about the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandoLakesWomansClub.org and like them on their Facebook page.

For more particulars on flea market donations, please call Phyllis Hoedt at (813) 949-1937 or Pat Serio at (813) 948-4752.

Published January 28, 2015

Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest draws record crowd

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About 8,000 people attended the fifth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest, breaking another record for the event founded in 2010 by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Besides attracting thousands to enjoy the barbecue and bands, the event on Jan. 17 at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, also lured 51 teams to compete to see who makes the best barbecue. Thirty-nine teams competed at the professional level, and there were 12 backyard barbecue teams, according to a news release issued by the chamber.

With limited room for dancing, Cindy Crismon of Zephyrhills, center, managed to strut her stuff in the crowd while jamming to the music of The Lauren Mitchell Band. This was her first Pigz In Z'Hills BBQ & Blues Fest. She is a winter resident from Lake Orion, Michigan. (Fred Bellet/Photo)
With limited room for dancing, Cindy Crismon of Zephyrhills, center, managed to strut her stuff in the crowd while jamming to the music of The Lauren Mitchell Band. This was her first Pigz In Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest. She is a winter resident from Lake Orion, Michigan.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)

Figures have not been tallied, but organizers estimate the event exceeded last year’s proceeds of $30,000.

The money raised benefits local youth and education programs and community services of the Chamber of Commerce.

A crew of more than 100 volunteers pitched in to make the event a success. Many worked the entire week, some arriving at dawn and staying past sunset, to get things ready for the festival and to take it down and clean up the grounds.

“Beyond even our own optimistic projections, Pigz in Z’Hills belongs to Zephyrhills,” Vonnie Mikkelsen, executive director of the chamber, said in an email.

“I’m thrilled by the positive outcome and so very happy for the volunteers, the participants and the community who came together to make it happen,” she said.

There were thousands who arrived by car, and at least 26 private aircraft took advantage of the airport’s “Fly-in” option.

Besides enjoying barbecued foods of many styles, spectators had the chance to listen to music performed by TC Carr & Bolts of Blue, The Lauren Mitchell Band, Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones and Cold Iron.

The event venue was larger this year, too, to make room for increased demand for kids’ activities, vendors, a classic car show, and aviation and military history displays.

The Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ competition is sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association and is a qualifier for three prestigious championship contests: the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg – considered the Superbowl of BBQ contests; American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City – the world’s largest and oldest contest; and the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational – the FBA’s newest contest.

Wink’s Barbecue led by Wink Yelverton of Fort Walton Beach, FL won Grand Champion Professional Division qualifying his team for all three prestigious contests. Peter Golob of Extra Mile BBQ from Loveland, Ohio took Reserve Champion. In the Backyard Division, Bettern Store Bot, Dave Grantham of Bushnell won Grand Champion while Bamboo Warrior, head cook Curley McKenzie of Thonotosassa took Reserve Champion.

Pigz In Z’Hills BBQ & Blues benefits local youth and education programs and community services of the Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org, call (813) 782-1913, or visit the chamber’s Facebook Page.

Published January 28, 2015