The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News

Bank loan approved to build Wiregrass sports complex

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A loan of slightly more than $20 million from Bank United will finance the construction of the proposed Wesley Chapel Sports Park, at Wiregrass Ranch.

RADD Sports will operate and manage the complex. Pasco County will own the indoor sports facility, collect rent, and also share in the anticipated profits.

Kathryn Starkey, vice chairwoman of the Pasco County Commission, supported the bank loan for Wesley Chapel Sports Park, at Wiregrass Ranch. She thinks the project will be a great addition for Pasco County.

In addition to the 98,000- square-foot indoor facility, seven outdoor sports fields, an amphitheater with an event lawn, trails, pavilions and a playground are planned.

The county also has approved a ground lease for a 128-room Marriott Residence Inn to be built with private funds at the complex.

A 2 percent increase in Pasco County’s tourism tax will serve as collateral for the loan. The Pasco County Commission previously approved the increase, bringing the tourism tax to a total of 4 percent.

The tax is collected as an add-on to rent from hotel rooms. Revenues from the “heads on beds” tax supports tourism promotion in Pasco. How much, if any, of the additional tourism tax dollars would be spent to repay the loan depend on revenues generated by tournaments and other events at the complex.

County commissioners agreed to the loan terms at their Aug. 29 meeting in Dade City. A fixed interest rate of about 3.8 percent will be charged for the first 10 years of the 18-year loan.

No penalties would apply if the county was able to prepay the loan at any time.

Three bids to finance the loan were reviewed, but an evaluation committee recommended Bank United. The other bidders were City National Bank and BBVA Compass.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano voted against the bank loan approved by the Pasco County Commission to finance construction of the Wesley Chapel Sports Park, at Wiregrass Ranch.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano voted against approving the loan. He has concerns about what would happen once the loan hits 10 years.

“This is not a good deal for us,” Mariano said. “If the rates go up, we’re going to get crushed in the end.”

He also objected to the county’s Tourist Development Council being bypassed in the decision-making. The council serves as an advisory board and makes recommendations to the County Commission.

Even Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who supported the loan and serves as the council’s chairwoman, had problems with the lack of the council’s role.

In recent months, she said the council hasn’t been able to operate at full strength due to vacancies.

“It’s unfortunate that this never went to the (Tourist Development Council), but when this all went down, we were down to one person on the council,” she said. “We really need to take them into consideration when scheduling next time.”

But, she said, “I think it’s time to move forward. I have faith that this is going to be a great addition to Pasco.”

Published September 6, 2017

Singing hopefuls flock to Tampa Bay Idol

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When 15-year-old Julia Toussaint learned American Idol auditions were coming to Wesley Chapel, she couldn’t pass up the chance at stardom.

“I told my voice teacher, ‘We have to do it,’” said Toussaint, a sophomore at Tarpon Springs High School.

Christine LaButay (bottom, left), of Wesley Chapel, waits for her daughter, (second from left) Joelle LaButay,17, to finalize registration for a chance to let the judges hear her sing acapella during the 45-second audition for Tampa Bay Idol, a semifinal for the show, American Idol. Christine selected a jazz piece by Amanda Seyfried, called ‘Mean Ol’ Man.’ (Fred Bellet)

Toussaint, who began singing as a 5-year-old, was one of 400 preregistered contestants selected for “Tampa Bay Idol” auditions, held Aug.12 at Florida Hospital Center Ice.

Like others, Toussaint was looking to strike fame via the hit television show that has launched the singing careers of Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and countless others.

“I’m hoping to pursue (singing),” Toussaint said. “I mean, I’ve been doing it my whole life — a lot of community theater, choir.”

The daylong event was hosted by ABC Action News and Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend.

Auditions began at 7:45 a.m., and continued late into the afternoon.

Ages and backgrounds of contestants varied. Singing styles did, too, ranging from pop and country, to soul and R&B.

While tryouts were closed to the general public and the media, ABC Action News and Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend were on hand for constant event updates.

Contestants each had 45 seconds to belt out an acapella tune, in front of a panel of celebrity judges — a mix of television and radio personalities, and former Idol contestants.

Following each performance, hopefuls were critiqued on voice quality, stage presence, star power and so on.

Signage brightens the Aug. 12 Tampa Bay Idol auditions held at Florida Hospital Center Ice, in Wesley Chapel. Some 400 hopefuls tried to capture the judges’ attention during a 45-second audition.

The fortunate ones received a pass to go to the head of the line at the upcoming regional American Idols auditions in Orlando on Aug. 17. The “Front of the Line” ticket guarantees a chance to be seen by show producers without waiting in the long lines; no word has yet been given on how many contestants received passes.

“The requirements are pretty high and pretty stiff to get through,” said Dennis Elsbury, director of multimedia marketing for ABC Action News.

Throughout the day, Idol hopefuls expressed feelings of excitement, anxiousness and nervousness, as they patiently waited for their shot, alongside the accompaniment of family and friends.

A few spent downtime rehearsing vocals and reviewing lyrics.

Others, like Zephyrhills resident Heather Bergthold, remained discreet, trying to manage tensions.

“I’m more excited than anything; I’m trying to cover up the nervousness,” said Bergthold, as she waited in line.

With auditions in nearby Wesley Chapel, Bergthold couldn’t resist the chance to show off her singing talents, especially with the support from her friends.

Gabriel ‘Mac’ Artis, 18, of Tampa, accompanied his friend, Trinity Lasing, 17, also of Tampa. Artis dressed warm because he expected it to be cold at the Florida Hospital Center Ice venue and he wanted to be prepared. Lasing sang, ‘Almost is Never Enough,’ by Ariana Grande.

“It’s a good thing they came back with it,” she said, “because I promised a ton of people I’d do it.”

She added: “Everybody kept telling me all these different seasons, ‘You need to try out,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, no.’ But, then I was like, ‘If they come back, then I’ll try out.’”

The Idol audition wasn’t a first for St. Petersburg’s Sierra Davis, however.

The 18-year-old tried out in past seasons, including the Tampa Convention Center in 2015. She also performed at an open Idol audition in Gainesville.

“I feel like I’ve been waiting for this (opportunity) for so long, so I’m hoping this will be my shot,” Davis said prior to her tryout.

Despite missing the cut twice before, Davis remained upbeat, and confident in her abilities.

“I have plenty of (singing) experience,” she said, assuredly. “I graduated (high school) musical theater. I was a dancer in middle school, and a singer all my life; I’ve been in a couple of productions.”

Elsewhere, Valrico’s Dennis Tomy was just happy to participate, realistic about the odds of winning.

Before his audition, the 17-year-old said he “felt blessed” to even be selected for the competition.

“I don’t think I’m the best singer,” he said, “but I’m going to try my best.”

After 15 years on the Fox network, and a one-year hiatus, American Idol is returning to television on ABC in Spring 2018.

Ryan Seacrest will return as host. Katy Perry is confirmed as one of the Idol judges. Others in the mix to join Perry include Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Charlie Puth.

Should a Tampa Bay area contestant reach the national stage, the network could air the audition footage from the Aug. 12 event.

“If somebody makes it far enough, they’ll reach back into our archives,” said Elsbury, who helped coordinate Tampa Bay Idol. “I don’t want to overplay it because they’re going through hundreds and hundreds of people, and they’re doing this across the country.”

Besides showcasing local talent, Tampa Bay Idol offered an opportunity to promote Wesley Chapel.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore called the event “a great opportunity for the county.”

“For people outside of the area, we get to highlight our county, which is nice,” said Moore, who spent the morning greeting contestants and their families.

Meanwhile, Florida Hospital Center Ice, which opened its 150,500-square-foot ice rink and sports complex in January, proved to be a worthy host site.

“When we came and saw the layout of the building and how it works, it’s a really unique venue and really good for accommodating a lot of people,” Elsbury said. “A lot of events could be here.”

Published August 16, 2017

This kiosk offers a dough-licious new treat

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Trey Seaholm and Cary Sanchez weren’t looking for a life-changing leap into adventure.

He’s an electrician.

She’s a clinical technician.

And, they’re the new owners of The Happy Dough.

Lutz resident Trey Seaholm and Cary Sanchez are owners of The Happy Dough, a kiosk that sells edible cookie dough at Tampa Premium Outlets. (Kathy Steele)

The couple sells edible cookie dough by the ice cream scoop at a kiosk at Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 56.

Eat it raw. Take it home to bake. Or, mix it with other desserts.

Cookie dough, that forbidden fruit of childhood, is the newest trend in sweet treats.

Recipe changes – using pasteurized eggs/heat treated flour – make the difference.

There’s no more need to sneak sticky-finger globs from a mixing bowl.

“We thought it was a wonderful, unique idea,” Sanchez said.  “It’s now safe to lick the bowl.”

Do, a shop near Greenwich Village in New York City, gets credit for pioneering edible cookie dough. Its customers line up out the door. Its reputation is spurring others to catch cookie dough’s rising star.

Seaholm, Sanchez and Seaholm’s mother, Debra Fuxan, hopped a flight to the Big Apple for a visit to Do. They came away persuaded that Tampa Bay needed cookie dough.

“I have entrepreneurial spirit,” said Seaholm. “I see all kinds of ideas and think I can do it all.”

Seaholm began researching the idea.

“He was talking about it. He was so excited,” Sanchez said. “He was the engine.”

Everyone pitched in to try out recipes that met the taste test, including Fuxan, who is a Realtor in Lutz.

That took months.

On a whim, the couple visited the outlet mall and met with, by chance, Stacy Nance, the mall’s manager.

It was a Saturday, when Nance normally wouldn’t be on site.

“She loved the concept,” Sanchez said. “She wanted something here.”

A kiosk spot happened to be open across from Skechers and PacSun.

The couple felt something more than chance put them in the right place at the right time. Their Christian faith is a guide.

“This is from the Lord that this is happening,” Sanchez said.

She and Seaholm plan to marry and blend their families. She has 11-year-old twin daughters, and a four-year-old son. He has two daughters, ages 9 and 11.

From opening day on July 25 to the grand opening on Aug. 4, The Happy Dough has met the couple’s expectations, and more.

Still, there is a learning curve, but in a good way.

Seaholm bought nearly 5,000 cups to serve up the dough for the first month. Sales were brisk from Day 1.

On grand opening day, the cups ran out, forcing Seaholm to rush over to Costco Wholesale to restock.

Sanchez estimates that more than 800 people bought cookie dough that day. Sometimes the lines were 20 to 30 people deep, she said.

The dough is mixed at a local commercial kitchen.

About 10 flavors, and one gluten-free flavor are available. But, the couple welcomes flavor suggestions from customers. They also are beginning to try to perfect a vegan recipe.

It’s a family commitment with Fuxan, and even, Sanchez’ brother and sister-in-law doing their part.

Sanchez takes charge of social media including The Happy Dough’s Facebook and Instagram sites. Seaholm is full-time at the kiosk. Sanchez works at Moffitt Cancer Center, and helps out as her schedule permits.

This is only the beginning, family members said.

As time goes on, they would like to see their kiosk grow into a brick-and-mortar storefront at the mall.

Published August 16, 2017

Task Force meets on vision for State Road 54/56

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A discussion on transportation solutions on the State Road 54/56 corridor will begin anew on Aug. 24, with the second in a series of meetings by the Vision 54/56 Task Force.

The 17-member, volunteer task force had an organizational meeting in April.

The study by the task force members will consider practical solutions to easing congestion, and promoting greater safety and mobility on a corridor that is bursting with new residential and commercial development.

About 100,000 vehicles a day travel through State Road 54 and U.S. 41 intersection. A task force is reviewing potential road projects to ease congestion. (File)

This is the second phase of a three-part initiative that began in 2016 with a task force that recommended 11 major highway and transit alternatives, as well as a no-build alternative.

Those recommendations will get greater scrutiny in this second phase, with more focus on design and details of potential road projects.

Some options under review include designs for elevated lanes, and redesigns at ground level. Some options include dedicated lanes for buses, and others don’t.

The entire study includes the corridor, from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard on the east to U.S. 19 on the west. However, the focus currently is on two intersections: Little Road and State Road 54 in New Port Richey, and U.S. 41 and State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

Representatives from Pasco County Planning and Development, the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, Florida Department of Transportation and consultants with AECOM are assisting in the study.

A third meeting is planned in 2017, probably in October. At least two additional meetings are planned in 2018, but no dates are scheduled.

For information, visit PascoCountyFl.net.

What: Vision 54/56 Phase 2 Task Force meeting
Where: Pasco County Utilities Administration Building, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Aug. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free, open to the public

Published August 9, 2017

Atmosphere is upbeat on teacher move-in day

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Volunteers and teachers were busy on teacher move-in day last week at Cypress Creek Middle High School.

Pasco County School Board members, the superintendent of schools, Rotary Club members, members of The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce, the Pasco Education Foundation and other community volunteers joined in with teachers to help them get ready for Day 1 at the new school at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

They hauled boxes from the parking lot.

Cypress Creek teacher Jenny Burton was busy last week, unpacking and storing supplies for her middle school art classes. She is thrilled with both the size of her classroom and the supplies she has to work with. (B.C. Manion)

They pushed carts down corridors filled with classroom stuff.

They stood in line, awaiting the elevator to carry their load to the second floor.

They unpacked boxes. Put together bookcases. They stamped books and put away supplies.

Some teachers began decorating the walls in their classrooms, adding their personal touch.

They were working, but there was a friendly banter. The atmosphere was upbeat, with an undeniable sense of excitement in the air.

Jenny Burton, a middle school art teacher, is thrilled to be teaching at Cypress Creek.

“This is like absolute heaven,” Burton said, as she organized her art supplies.

“I’ve never worked in a space like this before. I’ve worked in rooms that were a quarter of this size,” she said.

She’s also impressed by the supplies that have been provided for her class and can’t wait to begin working with her students to find out which materials they’ve used before, and which ones will be new to them.

Her next-door neighbor is Sara Connolly, a middle school social studies teacher.

First-year teacher Sara Connolly wants to bring her social studies lessons to life for her students. She’s already chosen a playlist for the first day of school, featuring music from different eras of American life.

“I want kids to realize that history is not just a book, and it’s not just someone standing up and lecturing to you, and memorizing a bunch of dates,” said Connolly, a first-year teacher, whose mother is a retired teacher and whose father teaches at Land O’ Lakes High School.

She’s been preparing for that first day.

“I already have a playlist set up of American historical music through the ages,” she said, noting the students will hear snippets of American Colonial music, the Civil War, the jazz age and other eras.

She’s also planning to have students break into teams on that day, to do a scavenger hunt in the classroom.

Burton and Connolly are already thinking about ways the two of them can collaborate to do cross-curricular lessons.

Meanwhile, down the hall, Dani Sauerwein who teaches sixth-grade language arts is equally enthusiastic about the new school year.

“It’s always exciting for a new school year to start, but this is just a whole new level of excitement,” she said, noting she’s thrilled to be part of the team opening a new school.

“We’re trying to create a community,” Sauerwein said.

She also expressed gratitude for the volunteers who were at the school, helping teachers get set up for the new year.

“Honestly, I could not do it without them. This would have taken 10 times longer if it weren’t for everyone who came out to help,” she said.

The value of such volunteer efforts goes beyond the benefit of providing help with the physical labor, said Colleen Beaudoin, a school board member.

The interactions can help build community spirit and foster greater understanding, she said.

“A lot of community members want to help, but they don’t really know what’s needed,” said Beaudoin, who was there volunteering alongside her 14-year-old son, Bryce.

When members of the community spend time inside schools, they gain greater insights into what’s needed or desired, and they can help school personnel connect with resources available through businesses or organizations, Beaudoin said.

“Sometimes, I think, that is that missing link — that connection,” the school board member said.

Published August 2, 2017

Park upgrades planned for 2018

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A proposed 2018 budget, if approved, includes initial funding for a community center at Wesley Chapel District Park. The park also would get upgrades at its basketball courts and baseball fields.

In addition, the budget would provide money for a future district park at the master-planned community of Connerton in Land O’ Lakes.

Young girls learn how to dribble a soccer ball during a 2015 practice at Wesley Chapel District Park. Pasco County’s proposed 2018 budget includes funds to upgrade the park. (File)

A first public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Sept. 13 in Dade City. The second hearing and vote are planned on Sept. 26. The approved budget would take effect on Oct. 1.

At the Wesley Chapel park, about $2 million would pay for the design and cover for four outdoor basketball courts, and the installation of 12 bleacher canopies for baseball fields. Also, the design for an approximately 4,000-square-foot community center would be completed in 2018.

Construction is scheduled in fiscal year 2019, at a cost of about $1 million.

The Connerton District Park would receive about $2.5 million, as part of a park donation agreement between Pasco and Connerton’s developer. Construction would include athletic fields and other amenities. The park would be donated to the county, but the developer would operate and maintain it, according to county records.

No construction date is available.

Published July 26, 2017

Golf course gives way to new development

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Residents came away disappointed when Pasco County commissioners approved a plan to replace Quail Hollow Golf Course with houses, offices, retail and a day care center.

Nearby homeowners had argued for months that the project would devalue their property and harm the neighborhood’s residential character.

They also expressed concerns about flooding and increased traffic on inadequate roads.

Boom Boom Drive is the entryway into Quail Hollow Golf Course, and the surrounding subdivision. Residents are opposed to a redevelopment plan to build houses, shops and a day care center on the golf course. (Kathy Steele)

Despite those concerns, commissioners voted 5-1 for the redevelopment project on July 11.

The matter first came before commissioners in March, but a final vote was postponed several times.

Commission Chairman Mike Moore cast the dissenting vote.

“We know we can’t keep the golf course open. I get it,” Moore said. “I was hoping we could stay more consistent with what the neighborhood is. That’s what (residents) were expecting for a long time to come. It sounds like they are losing that today.”

Andre Carollo, of Pasco Office Park LLC, plans to close the unprofitable golf course.

In its place, there would be up to 400 single-family houses, 30,000 square feet of office/retail and 10,000 square feet of day care.

The approval includes a long list of conditions — stemming from objections raised by residents.

There was little common ground between residents and the golf course’s owner.

When the matter came before the county’s Development Review Committee in March, it received a favorable vote.

Throughout the process, Pasco County planners also have stuck by their recommendation for approval.

“I understand. It comes down to a land rights thing,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells Jr. “We can’t tell him what he can and can’t do with his golf course.”

But, residents also claimed they have property rights. They hired Maureen Jones, a Sarasota-based attorney, to represent the Quail Hollow Neighborhood Citizens Group Inc.

Homeowners who bought their properties years ago cited a marketing campaign that convinced them that they were buying into a golf course community.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, who represents Carollo, countered that the golf course was built prior to the subdivision. She also said the existing zoning of the golf course would allow residential development, likely at a greater density than the proposed project.

Jones said no decision had been made on whether to pursue legal action to challenge the project.

Published July 19, 2017

New opportunities await at Cypress Creek Middle High

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Much of the furniture and equipment has yet to be installed at Cypress Creek Middle High School, but even without it, it’s easy to see that the school is designed to offer students a multitude of opportunities when it opens in August.

Cypress Creek Middle High Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles leads a tour of Pasco County School Board members, Superintendent Kurt Browning and other invited guests for a sneak preview of Cypress Creek Middle High School. (B.C. Manion)

Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles and members of her administrative team recently led Pasco County School Board members and Superintendent Kurt Browning on a tour around the campus at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Stops on the tour included a science classroom, the school gymnasium, the cafeteria, the weight room, locker rooms, a band room, a conference room, a variety of other classrooms and a look at the athletic fields.

The tour was similar to a walk-around that school board members and other guests took at Bexley Elementary, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, earlier in the afternoon. Bexley, built to relieve crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools, also is set to open in August.

Both schools have different types of seating and spaces that can be reconfigured to suit the needs of teachers and students. And, both are designed to foster collaboration among teachers and among students.

Cypress Creek Middle High will serve students in grades six through 11 its initial year and will add a senior class the following year.

During the tour of that campus, Hetzler-Nettles stopped in a classroom that was flanked by classrooms on either side.

“This is an area where we could put three teachers together, they could collaborate. You could open the doors to that classroom and could open up the wall (a sliding wall),” she said.

At the same time, the principal said she’s aware that parents have raised concerns about having middle school and high school students on the same campus.

To help relieve those concerns, the principal said, “they have separate locker rooms, and they will not be crossing paths (to get to the locker rooms).”

Cypress Creek Middle High also will offer high school academies in business management, criminal justice and engineering, and middle school academics in criminal justice and engineering.

Check out this water fountain at Cypress Creek Middle High. You can get a sip of water now and fill up your water bottle for later.

It also will have separate band programs for middle and high school students.

But, it will not have an agricultural program, at least initially, Hetzler-Nettles said.

Some of the features that stood out during the recent tour included water fountains that are designed to fill water bottles, similar to the fountains in some airports. Bathrooms without exterior doors, similar to those seen at airports and other public buildings.

The shower stalls in the boys’ locker room are individual stalls and are outfitted with curtains. There’s also a stall that’s designed to be accessible for a student with a disability.

And, there’s also a chiller farm near the athletic field — attesting to the big job it will be to keep the school cool.

During their visit to Bexley Elementary, board members and guests had a chance to walk around the largest elementary school that Pasco County Schools has ever built, according to John Petrashek, director of construction services for the district.

Its design was a result of collaboration between architect Harvard Jolly, four elementary principals and David Scanga, assistant superintendent for elementary schools, Petrashek said.

The elementary school was built to last, Petrashek said, noting it has an expected lifespan of 50 years.

Want to know more?
Cypress Creek Middle High is inviting students and parents in for a sneak peek before classes begin. For details, visit the school’s website at CCMHS.pasco.k12.fl.us.
For more information about Bexley Elementary School, visit BES.pasco.k12.fl.us.

Published July 5, 2017

Quail Hollow vote delayed again

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The Pasco County Commission agreed to a third delay on a vote regarding a proposal to redevelop the land occupied by the Quail Hollow Golf Course.

Commissioners agreed to the delay at the request of representatives of the golf course’s owner, who would like all five commissioners to be present when the vote is taken on the proposal to build houses on the golf course land.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey (File)

Andre Carollo, of Pasco Office Park LLC, wants to close the unprofitable golf course and build up to 400 single-family houses, 30,000 square feet of office/retail and 10,000 square feet of day care.

Commissioners had been scheduled to consider the issue on June 6. Now, they are set to consider it on July 11, at 1:30 p.m., at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The absence of Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells was known in advance. He announced in May that he would not be attending the June meeting.

As the June 6 meeting got underway, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she would have to leave early for an appointment, and might not be present for the entire meeting.

The proposed project has met stiff resistance from Quail Hollow residents who have expressed concerns about issues such as flooding, water quality and property values. They also worry about increased traffic that the development would generate on roads they already deem as being inadequate.

Opponents have hired an attorney, and a court reporter has been at meetings to document the proceedings.

The golf course owner’s attorney, Barbara Wilhite, has highlighted the owner’s property rights, and has detailed changes to the proposed development to address flooding and traffic concerns.

Published June 14, 2017

They took on the world — and they won

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Wesley Chapel Elementary’s “Catch Us If You Can” team has returned as champions from the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, which took place at Michigan State University.

Front row, from left, Jake Piller, Rowan Heyman, Justin Acosta, Jason Sherman, Mina Melaika, Isabell Barrios and Sam Cappelluti. Back row, from left, Veronica Acosta, Matt Whaley and Janet Heyman. (Courtesy of  Joelisa Sherman)

The victory thrilled the team’s members — Jake Piller, Sam Cappelluti, Isabell Barrios, Mina Melaika, Rowan Heyman, Jason Sherman and Justin Acosta, and the team’s coaches — Janet Heyman and Veronica Acosta.

Before heading to the international competition, the fourth- and fifth-graders had already demonstrated that they were contenders.

They won first place at the Gulf Coast Regional competition, and wowed the judges so much that they won the “Ranatra Fusca Award” for their exceptional creativity.

They also won first place at the state tournament at the University of Central Florida on April 8.

Still, it was the team’s first appearance on the world stage, so team members were hopeful, but also realistic.

“It was our first time going,” explained Jason Sherman, 10. “Most people on our team — like me and my friend, Jake — we knew we’d be OK if we didn’t win.

“When I was pin trading, I overheard people talking, saying, that they’d been there for over seven straight years, and they hadn’t won anything.

Coaches Veronica Acosta, left, and Janet Heyman pose with the trophy their team won at the Odyssey of the Mind World finals. The team scored 340.62 points, which is 22.55 points higher than the second-place team

“I was OK, knowing this was our first time, and we probably weren’t going to win anything,” he said.

Odyssey of the Mind is a competition that encourages students to use creative approaches to solving problems. The program emphasizes the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Ten-year-old Justin Acosta said he thinks the team succeeded because of its experience in working together and continual efforts to improve.

“The first year, we practiced. The second year, we practiced some more,” he said, and the third year, it all came together.

Ten-year-old Jake Piller said winning the competition is a pretty big deal.

“I definitely think it’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened in our school, and in our county,” he said, adding it’s “pretty big for Florida,” too.

Ten-year-old Sam Cappelluti said he was really nervous, as they awaited the results.

When they found out they had defeated China to win first place, they all screamed, he said.

“It was crazy,” said 11-year-old Isabell Barrios. “We all started crying.”

Barrios thinks the team stepped up its game for the competition.

“In the World performance, I think we did our best. We talked a lot louder and clearer,” Barrios said.

The ‘Catch Us If You Can’ team from Wesley Chapel Elementary School celebrates as it comes out of the spontaneous portion of their competition. During this part of the competition, the team enters alone without coaches and/or parents, and no spectators are allowed. The team excelled, scoring 98.16 percent from a possible 100 percent.

Barrios also noted that team members made sure they had all of their bases covered.

“This year, after we had everything done, we went through a checklist to make sure we had everything,” she said.

Sherman said the team turned it up a notch for the world competition.

“Right before we went on, we were all talking about adding more drama to it,” Sherman said.

Ten-year-old Mina Melaika thinks that the team’s ability to work well together, and to recover quickly when things didn’t go exactly as planned contributed to its victory.

“We all know each other really well,” Melaika added. Besides being teammates, many of them share the same classes.

Ten-year-old Rowan Heyman thinks a strong performance in the spontaneous portion of the competition was an important element in winning. “We worked as a team.”

As the winners were announced, the coaches kept hearing names of other countries and weren’t sure if their team would take home anything beyond the great experience it had at the competition.

So, they were ecstatic when they heard that they had won.

“I was crying,” Janet Heyman said, adding she’s proud of the team’s hard work and perseverance.

Coach Veronica Acosta said the kids have worked so closely together that “they’ve become one family.”

They’ve learned from mistakes, too, she said.

“That’s what Odyssey is about: Failing and picking up the pieces, and moving forward and going onto the next step. Not giving up —because these problems are not easy,” Coach Acosta said.

The coaches also thanked Freda Abercrombie, regional director for Odyssey of the Mind.

Without her, they said, their program wouldn’t exist.

Published June 6, 2017