The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

What’s Happening (11/13/24): Christmas classics coming to theater

By

Families catch a screening of the Christmas comedy “Elf” at Tampa Theatre. Photo courtesy of Tampa Theatre.

TAMPA – When you visit the historic Tampa Theatre, you’re not just coming for a movie – you’re coming for an experience. 

One of the brightest and most beloved of those experiences is the tradition of sharing favorite holiday films on the big screen with family and friends and singing along to holiday carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show.

Guests attending the “Miracle on 34th Street” screening on Nov. 24 can get a photo with Old St. Nick, starting at 2 p.m., in front of the tree in the lobby. Photo courtesy of Tampa Theatre

Here are some upcoming screenings

  • ”Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) at 3 p.m. Nov. 24
  • ”White Christmas” (1954) at 3 p.m. Dec. 1 (sing-along)
  • ”Elf” (2003) at 3 p.m. Dec. 8
  • ”It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) at 7 p.m. Dec. 19, 20, 22 and 23, and 3 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23.
  • ”Home Alone” (1990) at 3 p.m. Dec. 29
  • ”Frozen” (2013) at 3 p.m. Jan. 5 (sing-along)

Get tickets at the historic Franklin Street Box Office or online at www.TampaTheatre.org.

The Holiday Classics series is presented by Bank of America, with promotional support from WEDU PBS. Additional support is provided by Moorelaughs, Bolin Law Group & Bolin Philanthropic Trust, and Smith & Associates Real Estate Foundation.

 

Nov. 13

Betmar Bandstand

Betmar Bandstand resumes its Wednesday evening entertainment in Clubhouse 2 at Betmar. Jam Bandits will perform during the opening event. Admission is free. Free popcorn is available. 

6 p.m.;  37137 Lakewood Drive Zephyrhills

 

Steinway Piano Series 

New Tampa Arts Center’s new Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand will be featured in a performance by the Nikolov-West Duo featuring Viktor Nikolov and Jane West. With over 30 years of combined experience, they proudly bring music to the beautiful Tampa Bay area communities. General admission tickets for Steinway Piano Series event costs $20. Buy them at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

7:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

Nov. 15

Movie Night

Harvester Community Church screens “Big George Foreman” during a free community movie night. A children’s movie will be shown for younger kids. Popcorn and fellowship are available. 

6:30 p.m.; 2432 Collier Pkwy., 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. 15-17 and 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

 

Nov. 16

Fall Festival 

Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church hosts a fall festival with a large yard sale, vendors, mini plant swap, bake sale, chili and hot dog sales, and boutique items. Funds support local charities as well as nonprofits across the country and world. 

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz

 

Park Event

Be Seen Be Heard hosts Saturday @ Zephyr Park with artisans, food trucks and vendors at Zephyr Park. beseenbeheard.us/events/

9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 38116 5th Ave., Zephyrhills

 

Train Show/Sale

Regal Railways presents a Model Train Show/Sale with more than 60 tables of vendors selling various trains and toys at Elks Lodge. There will be a running train layout and a train to be an engineer. Admission costs $6 for adults or free for children 12 and younger. Credit cards are accepted to get into the show. Prepay at www.regalrailways.com.

9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 7201 Congress St., New Port Richey

 

Art Workshop

Susan Huskey conducts a workshop with the theme, “Painting Outside the Lines with Watercolor,” at the 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

 

Pasco Flea Fest

The Pasco Flea Fest: Fall Edition features vendors, a flea market, food vendors, a swap meet and live entertainment at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.. Tents, tables, tarps and tailgates cost $30 for a 10-by-10-foot space. Call Community Market & Events at 727-365-6411 or email FleaFest@CommunityMarkets for vendor and swap information.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Open House

Christian Social Services holds its annual Holiday Open House with treats, raffles, sales and a first look at its Christmas inventory. Purchase supports the ministries which help to meet the needs in the community.  

10 a.m.-4 p.m..; 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Fall into Art

The free festival features original, handmade art and crafts at San Antonio Pottery. Expect pottery, jewelry, turned wood, paintings and photography from Florida, Utah and North Carolina artists. A special exhibition and sale showcases the work of the students of San Antonio Pottery. The Chipco Creek String Band & Tasty Treats will perform music. Try your hand at the potter’s wheel. Have fun while donations support artists impacted by the recent hurricanes. $10 for 10 minutes with hands on clay. Visit potteryflorida.com or call 352-588-4228 for details. 

2-6 p.m.; 11903 Curley St., San Antonio 

 

Nov. 17

Catholic-Jewish Studies

Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies hosts its Eternal Light Award Dinner: An Evening of Dialogue at Higgins Hall at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Joseph Sievers, professor emeritus of Jewish history and literature of the Hellenistic period at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, will receive the Eternal Light Award. Registration is required by Nov. 1. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at https://your.saintleo.edu/ccjs/elad. Contact Laurie Gens at or (352) 588-7711 for details. 

6-9 p.m.; 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa

 

Nov. 19

Book Sale

The Friends of the Land O’ Lakes Library holds a Christmas Book Sale, while supplies last, during library hours in the bookstore. Fiction, nonfiction and children’s Christmas books, all reasonably priced.

10 a.m.-8 p.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes

 

Five-Dollar Flicks

New Tampa Arts Center screens “Fences,” the film adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning play starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and Stephen Henderson. Catch a movie on the big screen for $5 a ticket. Buy tickets at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

7:30 p.m.; 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Nov. 23

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

 

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. 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

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

 

 

 

Bikes For Christ gears up for busy holiday season

By

Daphne and daughter Everleigh received their bike through Hillsborough County Schools. Photo courtesy of Bikes for Christ

DOVER – Bikes For Christ is preparing for another busy holiday season.

The need for bicycles becomes even greater around this time of year and Bikes For Christ needs help this Christmas season to continue supporting those less fortunate.

Bikes For Christ partners with over 100 organizations in the Tampa Bay area, providing bicycles as transportation for the clients these agencies serve. 

Its main focus is on veterans overcoming hardships, underprivileged children and individuals striving to escape poverty and challenging circumstances. 

Each bicycle is accompanied by a copy of the Gospel of John, reflecting the organization’s mission to share Christ’s love and care.

In addition to its ongoing holiday activities, Bikes For Christ has added a few events: 

  • Ribbon Cutting: Bikes For Christ will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 14 to dedicate its new building at 2500 Al Simmons Road. facebook.com/share/17vBkETCq8/
  • Bicycles and Holiday Bells Fundraising Event: Belleair Towers in Clearwater will host the Bicycles and Holiday Bells fundraiser. The family-friendly event includes a ride on the Pinellas Trail, pictures with Santa, refreshments, raffles and auctions. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 7 at 1100 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Clearwater. www.eventbrite.com/e/bicycles-and-holiday-bells-tickets-1055289432099

This year, Bikes For Christ has received several accolades, including:

  • Nonprofit of the Year – Valrico FishHawk Chamber.
  • Finalist for Nonprofit of the Year – South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Pasco school leaders recognize outgoing superintendent

By

LAND O’ LAKES – School board members took turns Nov. 5 praising Kurt Browning for 12 years of leadership at Pasco County Schools. 

Browning was first elected as superintendent of schools in November 2012 and reelected in 2016 and 2020. He decided in 2022 not to seek a fourth term. Former Florida Sen. John Legg was elected superintendent on Nov. 5.

Nov. 18 will be Browning’s last day.

District 1 school board member Al Hernandez told Browning that he had shown “unwavering dedication and profound commitment” while serving as superintendent.

Hernandez, who was elected in 2022, also told Browning that all the things he had accomplished over the last 12 years should be celebrated. 

“He has stood as a beacon of resilience and vision,” Hernandez said. “We’ve come a long way in this last 12 years.”

District 3 representative Cynthia Armstrong said Browning was going to be missed. 

“We have been innovative and we have become a standout district, leading the way for many other districts in the state,” Armstrong said. 

District 2 representative Colleen Beaudoin spoke positively about both Browning and vice chairwoman Allison Crumbley, whose 14-year tenure on the board will end Nov. 19. Jessica Wright defeated Crumbley to claim the District 4 seat in the nonpartisan school board election in August. 

“I know how deeply you both care about our community and the countless hours you’ve spent advocating for championing public education locally and in Tallahassee,” Beaudoin said. 

Things that were added to the district during their tenure included the Cambridge, STEM and STEAM programs. After thanking the board members for their remarks, Browning looked back at some of the things that had been achieved over the past 12 years.

One of those was saving families millions of dollars in tuition charges because of opportunities in the district.

Browning said he never thought when he graduated from Pasco High School nearly 49 years ago that he would one day be superintendent of Pasco County Schools.

Browning added that he hadn’t considered running for a third term in 2020. However, Browning changed his mind  because he loved the job, the district’s staff and what had been accomplished during his tenure.

He credited the school board and the district’s staff with helping to make those things possible. 

“The superintendent is powerless without a great school board and just as importantly the superintendent is powerless without an incredible team that supports that superintendent,” Browning said. “After 12 years you really become a family and it’s hard to divorce yourself from people that you’ve worked with day in and day out.”

 

Makeup days picked for hurricanes Helene and Milton

Pasco County Schools will make up for instructional time lost to hurricanes Helene and Milton by operating on Jan. 29, Feb. 26, March 26 and April 30.

Assistant Superintendent Kevin Shibley told the school board Nov. 5 the four days would allow the district to meet the state minimum for instructional time. Those days would not interrupt other upcoming vacations and holidays.

The school board voted 4-1 on the plan. District 2 representative Colleen Beaudoin cast the dissenting vote because she thought more makeup days were needed. The district canceled two days ahead of Helene and seven days before and after Milton. She favored Feb. 14 and April 21 as additional makeup days. 

“I’m just having a hard time coming to terms with losing so much time,” Beaudoin said.

Other members were concerned about the number of days students had lost. However, they settled on the four dates after Assistant Superintendent Cortney Gantt told them too many employees wouldn’t be available on Feb. 14 and April 21.

“We believe we will have so many staff absences that it will become, for lack of a better term, babysitting,” Gantt said.

A similar situation could be avoided in the future, Shibley said, if the administration planned to place three-day weekends into the spring semester. Those could be converted into four-day weekends if makeup days were not needed, Sibley said.

 

Saint Leo University earns stripes as top school for military

By

Student-veteran Josh Thornsberry receives a Quilt of Valor in 2022. Thornsberry earned a bachelor’s in psychology in 2023 and is in Saint Leo’s psychology graduate degree program. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

ST. LEO – The Military Times has included Saint Leo University in its list of top colleges and universities for military service members and veterans. 

Saint Leo earned rankings of No. 120 among all schools in the United States; No. 34 among schools offering both in-person and online degrees; No. 27 among all private, nonprofit schools in the United States; No. 32 among schools in the Southeast; and No. 9 in Florida.

More than 900 students at Saint Leo are affiliated with the military. This includes members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard; National Guard members; retired military officers and enlisted veterans; and military spouses and dependents.

Each year, Military Times surveys colleges and universities nationwide to evaluate their veteran-focused programs. 

Its team analyzes these survey responses along with public data from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs to produce the rankings. 

“Saint Leo University recognizes the special needs of our veterans, those serving in the military, and their families, and strives to provide the best educational opportunities for them,” said Ed Dadez, university president. “It is an honor to be recognized by Military Times for the work we are doing to support the success of our student-veterans, helping them transition into civilian life and continue their education. Saint Leo advocates for its military-affiliated students and student-veterans whether they study at University Campus, online, or at one of our education centers.”

In addition to its residential campus in St. Leo, students are educated at teaching locations in Florida and Georgia, including at Naval Air Station Key West and MacDill Air Force Base, as well as through an online program.

“As a son of a deceased U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, I am grateful to be part of a university that provides a welcoming and supportive environment that values our military-affiliated students’ service and fosters their success,” said Anthony DeSantis, associate vice president of student affairs and director of the Office of Military Affairs & Services. 

Part of that support includes special programming for student-veterans and military-affiliated students. 

Saint Leo University hosts several signature events for these students and the community, including Conversations About Success Beyond Service. The monthly webinar features speakers who share their personal journeys or discuss opportunities to find resources.

Other programming includes the 22 Push-Up Challenge for Veteran Suicide Prevention; Welcome Back “We’ve Got Your Six” events; and Veterans Appreciation Month events.

Student-veterans also are supported through a Military Resource Center, a Veterans Affairs work-study program, a Student Veterans of America chapter, a Military Excellence Fund, and several endowed scholarships.

In 2021, Saint Leo created an undergraduate degree devoted to veteran studies, and in 2024, Devon Wilson of Riverview, FL, became the first Bachelor of Arts in Veteran Studies Degree graduate. In the fall, the university expanded the program, and the degree now is offered online, in addition to being taught on campus. A veteran studies minor also is available in this emerging field.  

Students in the program study the distinctive lives and cultures formed by military service and by retirement from service. The degree program is open to all students, not only those who have a military background.

  • 001: Saint Leo University’s For Those Who Serve sculpture was unveiled at the university’s residential campus on Veterans Day in 2010 and honors the branches of the military as well as students and staff. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University
  • 002: Student-veteran Josh Thornsberry receives a Quilt of Valor in 2022. Thornsberry earned a bachelor’s in psychology in 2023 and is in Saint Leo’s psychology graduate degree program. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Soule expands into Penny for Pasco-backed building 

By

North Tampa Bay 75 Business Center was an industrial park supported through the Penny for Pasco program. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

PASCO COUNTY – The Soule Co. is pursuing its second major expansion in less than four years. 

The woman-owned manufacturing company will occupy 127,820 square feet at North Tampa Bay 75 Business Center, where the firm will hire 10 new employees and invest $400,000 in new racking systems and facility buildout. 

The company now has three locations and employs 100 people throughout Pasco County, where it manufactures and packages medical supplies. This building will allow the company to expand its existing medical device manufacturing operations.

“Soule has continued to grow and thrive in Pasco County. They are a prime example of why Pasco EDC focuses on providing resources and opportunities to our existing industry,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco EDC. “They are creating new jobs for our residents. I am happy they continue to see all that our county has to offer them and there is no need to look anywhere else.”

Soule manufactures and distributes patient positioning products. Its positioners are designed to reduce pressure management injuries, such as pressure sores, ulcers, tissue ischemia and necrosis. 

This expansion will help increase production and productivity to support the needs that are being driven by new and extended contracts with medical group purchasing organizations throughout North America. 

“Our outstanding reputation for manufacturing these quality products within the medical industry has propelled this growth and continues to open new doors of opportunity,” said Lindsey Osborne, president of Soule. “We have greatly appreciated the continued support that Pasco EDC has provided to our company and employees through hiring opportunities and training. Our goal is to continue to grow in Pasco County and provide a great place for people to work within our community.”

In 2019, the Pasco Board of County Commissioners approved a $3.7 million Penny for Pasco forgivable loan to ROOKER to build North Tampa Bay 75, an industrial park, to meet the demands of Pasco’s rapidly growing industrial sectors. 

ROOKER closed on the purchase of the 85-acre property in December 2021, with the intention of redeveloping a surplus county-owned property. 

“The Pasco County/ROOKER partnership took a surplus county property, paying no ad valorem taxes, and created a major employment and tax-generating business park,” said Ron Oakley, chairman of the Pasco Board of County Commissioners.  “ROOKER has been a reliable partner delivering on its obligations to Pasco County.”

Building one is a 187,000-square-foot facility designed to accommodate multiple tenants. It was completed in 2023 and is located within half a mile of the I-75 interchange at Overpass Road in Wesley Chapel. 

ROOKER will invest an additional $2 million in tenant improvements to modify the facility for the two tenants.

“The Soule Co. expanding into this new speculative space is a great example of why we support preserving certain areas for industrial growth,” said Seth Weightman, District 2 representative on the Pasco Board of County Commissioners. “By having inventory available at this size, a local company was able to expand operations for the second time in four years and remain in Pasco County.”

The remaining 59,180 square feet of building one has been leased to a Fortune 1,000 company in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry.

“The leasing success we have achieved at North Tampa Bay 75 Business Center is a testament to the vision and commitment of Pasco County’s leadership,” said John Rooker, CEO of ROOKER. “The county has made substantial investments in recent years in infrastructure, road improvements and even a new I-75 interchange in this area. Those investments are now attracting high quality employers to locate and grow in the area.”

North Tampa Bay 75 can accommodate up to 850,000 square feet of Class-A industrial space in four buildings. Future buildings within the park can accommodate tenants ranging in size from 40,000 square feet up to 300,000 square feet. ROOKER expects to construct the next building in the park in 2025.

  • Expansion 001: The Soule Co. has three locations in Pasco County, where it manufactures and distributes medical devices. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC 
  • Expansion 002:  The Soule Co. serves clients throughout North America. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC 
  • Expansion 003: North Tampa Bay 75 Business Center was an industrial park supported through the Penny for Pasco program. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

 

Pasco County to get a new senior center

By

Pasco County’s new senior center is currently under construction at 13906 Fourth Street in Dade City. Photo courtesy of Joe Potter

DADE CITY – Pasco County is in the process of completing the construction of a building that will serve as a senior center sometime next year.

The 7,334-square-foot building is located at 13906 Fourth St. in Dade City. 

Pasco County obtained the two-acre lot free of charge from Community Aging & Retirement Services Inc., also known as CARES, on Nov. 4.

Wilton Simpson donated the property to CARES a couple of years ago. Simpson is commissioner of Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Prior to that, he was president of the Florida State Senate.

CARES had planned to name the new center in Dade City after Simpson to honor him for having donated the property where it’s located. It’s not known if Pasco County will have Simpson’s name associated with the new facility when it opens within the next six to 12 months.

Pasco County received $1.3 million in state funds to complete construction of the building, according to Sarah Andeara, one of the county’s public information officers.

Ryman Construction of Florida Inc., based in Pasco County, was the contractor on the building project while it was still owned by CARES. It’s not known if Ryman Construction will continue in that capacity or if the county will request bids from other potential contractors to complete construction of the building.

The services at the county’s current senior center in Dade City will be relocated to 13906 Fourth St. once that building is ready for occupancy, according to Brian Hoben, the county’s community services director. 

The county’s current senior center is located at 13853 15th St., which is 10 blocks from the new location. That senior center is located in a 4,225-square-foot building that was constructed in 1965, according to Pasco County property appraiser’s records.

Services at the new senior center will consist of congregate dining along with a variety of senior activities, according to Hoben. Additionally, the new site will be used to load home-delivered meals, which is also offered at the county’s current senior center location, according to Hoben.

The leadership team will be the same at the new location on Fourth Street when it opens and the same team members will be working there as are now working at the location on 15th Street, according to Hoben.

 

First United Methodist Church blesses pets

By

Photo courtesy of Candace Darden

LAND O’ LAKES –  First United Methodist Church of Land O Lakes had its first Blessing of the Pets on Oct. 5.

This celebration ended a five-week series on the Season of Creation, culminating in St. Francis of Assisi Day on Oct. 4. Twenty five family pets were blessed by Pastor Lance Newton and an assistant, Andrew May.

Photo courtesy of Candace Darden

Families brought 23 dogs, one cat and one bird to the church property. Some used the drive-thru. Others got out of their cars and had their photos made at the photo booth. 

Dogs and cats received goodie bags with treats and toys. The canines also got a complimentary “pup cup” of whipped cream.

Land O Lakes Ice Cream was on-site (they are church members) with treats for sale. Attendees also brought pet food to benefit Pasco Animal Services.

Candace Darden serves as creation care coordinator for First United Methodist Church of Land O Lakes.

 

Legg wins superintendent’s race in Pasco County

By

John Legg was elected as Pasco County Superintendent of Schools on Nov. 5. 

Legg, who is a Republican, received 177,836 votes, or 58.92% of the votes cast, compared to the 123,983 votes, or 41.08%, garnered by Chris Dunning who was running as a No Party Affiliation (NPA) candidate.

The results were provided by the office of Brian E. Corley, Pasco County’s Supervisor of Elections.

Legg will be sworn in as Superintendent during the Nov. 19 meeting of the District School Board of Pasco County. 

Kurt Browning decided in 2022 to not seek a fourth term as superintendent.

Jessica Wright will also assume her seat as the District 4 representative on the board on Nov. 19. She narrowly defeated Alison Crumbley in a nonpartisan race that was held on Aug. 20.

 

County commissioner races

All four incumbent Pasco County commissioners won new terms in office.

Lisa Yeager, who represents District 4, will serve the remaining two years of former Commissioner Gary Bradford who died on April 21. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Yeager, who is a Republican, to serve in Bradford’s place. 

She overcame challenges from two other candidates in the Aug. 20 primary election. Yeager received 193,982 votes on Nov. 4 compared to the 105,742 cast for her Democratic Party challenger, Danny Ackroyd-Isales.

Jack Mariano, who represents District 5, received 190,539 votes compared to the 103,026 received by Thomas Celotto, who ran as a NPA candidate. This will be Mariano’s sixth term as a county commissioner. He was first elected in 2004.

Ron Oakley, the commission’s chairman and District 1 representative, received 177,043 votes compared to the 120,172 votes garnered by Lisa Moretti, who ran as a NPA candidate. This will be the third term for Oakley who was first elected in 2016.

Kathryn E. Starkey, the commission’s vice chairwoman and District 3 representative, received 226,645 votes compared to the 26,647 votes cast for write-in candidates. This will be Starkey’s fourth term on the commission. She was first elected in 2012.

 

 

Entrepreneur draws from military experience, kitchen incubator

By

Mary Katherine Mason-Alston’s shortbread went from serving as client gifts to becoming a serious source of dough. Photo courtesy of Mary Katherine Mason-Alston

DADE CITY – Combat-injured Marine Corps veteran Mary Katherine Mason-Alston makes shortbread with a family recipe that dates back to her great-grandmother.

Mason-Alston stands as a shining example of a person who served our country and now works as an entrepreneurial shortbread maker.

“Her path to success is the exact model we hope others will follow,” said Whitney Elmore, director of UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County. “A dream, hard work and using the available resources effectively all led to her success.”

Mason-Alson opened her store in May 2021 and calls it “Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread.”

“Lanky” because she stands nearly 6 feet. 

“I’m a tall girl, and I make shortbread,” Mason-Alston said. “Plus, I wanted it to be alliterative.” “Lassie” means “young girl” in Scotland.

Her journey as a budding shortbread entrepreneur started when she worked as a sales representative for the hotel industry. She made shortbread as gifts for clients. After she lost her job at the height of the pandemic in 2020, she started making shortbread, partly, as she says, because she had to make enough money to feed her children.

“One of my co-workers said, ‘this is the best shortbread I’ve ever had,’” she said.

She later won the shortbread competition at the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games with her Great-Grandma Murray’s recipe and started her shortbread business, mostly as a hobby in 2011.

“My mother always made shortbread for Christmas, and her grandmother made shortbread cookies for Christmas. People loved it,” Mason-Alston said.

What’s the secret? She credits her thicker, softer shortbread.

Word began to spread, and people would drive to her home to buy it. But she wanted more exposure, so she messaged people through the Dade City Life Facebook page.

Dade City Life asked if she was selling to local businesses. But she said she could not without a commercial kitchen.

She hoped the people at Dade City Life could share posts from her business and they gladly did. Mason-Alston discovered the Pasco County incubator through Dade City Life as well.

Turns out the SMARTstart Incubator Kitchen was just three miles from her house.

“I wasn’t actively looking for a kitchen,” she said. “I was thinking I would have to go to Tampa. It’s awesome it all worked out.”

She contacted Dan Mitchell, director of SMARTstart.

Mitchell helped connect her with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and guided her through the licensing process. That led to her getting her food permit, allowing her to sell wholesale. She now sells wholesale and retail from her store.

“He always had the answers I needed or connected me with those who did,” she said. “When I learned about the incubator, I sought guidance on setting up the business correctly, including legal wholesale practices.”

In addition to the incubator, Mason-Alston credits her business success to her military experience.

While a freshman at the University of South Florida, terrorists attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. That fateful day, she decided to serve her country. She always had a competitive fire in her belly from her days as a high-school athlete. Also, her brothers were already in the Marine Corps and told her it wasn’t for girls. That only fueled Mason-Alston’s fire to join.

“I wanted to do the hardest branch,” she said. “They held themselves to a higher standard. I love that type of fierceness.”

Mason-Alston served in the Marines from 2002 to 2008 and was injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

“The grit and tenacity instilled in me as a Marine make it impossible to quit or fail,” Mason-Alston said. “I draw from the Marine Corps’ 14 leadership traits — JJDIDTIEBUCKLE: Justice, Judgement, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Dependability, Initiative, Decisiveness, Tact, Integrity, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, and Endurance. Living by these principles has been invaluable to my success.”

News Briefs (11/06/24

By

Donate to Toys For Tots Central Pasco

LAND O’ LAKES – Central Pasco/Land O’Lakes will hold a Toys for Tots distribution day on Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Register in advance by emailing . Families will be given a time slot to pick up toys. Organizers ask that only one adult come for the event and that children are not present. Pick-up will 6 be at Grace Family Church in Land O’Lakes. 

Toys for Tots serves children from 1 to age 14. Registration ends on Dec. 1.

Businesses that would like to have a box for toy collection in their offices or buildings may call David at  813-825-0610. Boxes will be dropped off Nov. 8 and 9 and then toys will be collected Dec. 7, 9 and 10. 

Toys collected in the Land O’Lakes region will stay within the community for families in central Pasco. Last year’s campaign served just shy of 800 children.

If you or your organization would like to give a monetary donation to help buy toys, call 813-995-7664 and Tammy will be in contact with you. 

 

GoPasco offered free rides to polls

PASCO COUNTY – GoPasco County Public Transportation offered free bus rides to the polls Nov. 5 thanks to a partnership with the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections.

Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said the partnership epitomized good government. 

“Every citizen should be guaranteed the right to vote, and not having transportation is an obstacle GoPasco can help with,” GoPasco Director Jannina Elkin said.  “We are proud to support every Pasco County citizen who has this opportunity to have access to the voting polls.”

 

HART wants feedback streetcar fares

TAMPA  – The Hillsborough Transit Authority invites riders, residents and stakeholders to participate in a public hearing regarding the reinstatement of fares on the TECO Line Streetcar. This discussion comes after the expiration of several Florida Department of Transportation grants and partnerships that previously covered customer fares.

The public hearing takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at HART Ybor Administrative Offices (third floor), 1201 E. 7th Ave. 

On the web: tecolinestreetcar.org/fares/

 

Hillsborough extends state of local emergency

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an executive order Oct. 28 extending a state of local emergency.

The original order went into effect on Sept. 23 as what eventually became Hurricane Helene approached Florida. The extension is in effect through Nov. 4.

A state of local emergency can be in effect for only seven days, unless rescinded or extended. The emergency declaration gives the County Administrator and emergency managers the ability to quickly take certain actions to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community, and it provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses.