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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Zephyrhills seeking artist for next mural

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Main Street Zephyrhills issued a call for artists for the city’s ongoing mural series that is meant to brighten up, beautify and even modernize the constantly transforming historic downtown district.

The Zephyrhills Public Library, and its crosswalk in front of the building on Eighth Street, will be the site of the city’s next mural and is tentatively scheduled to be finished by the end of May 2023. (Mike Camunas)

The next mural is slated to be painted on the crosswalk in front of Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St. All local artists are welcome to apply to be awarded the project, which will not exceed a budget of $5,000.

Those interested must submit an application demonstrating experience in the execution of art projects from concept to completion; meeting a specific budget and time frame; and, working in the public realm with public agencies. A combination of experience and creative design also will be considered.

Deadline to apply is March 17 at 3 p.m.. The artist will be selected by March 31.

The artist will then propose and finalize concept artwork by April 28, then given a month to complete the project by May 31.

The artist(s) are responsible for all arrangements and site preparations, including pressure wash of surfaces and applying primer and final sealant, costs, including delivery of equipment, and tools, as necessary to provide a completed and installed work.

All installations must be able to withstand Central Florida subtropical weather conditions. Safety is crucial for the artist and general public. Artists are responsible to ensure a safe environment while their work is in progress.

This mural will serve dual purposes of adding flare to a traditional crosswalk and being an identifier of a safe place for pedestrian crossing.

Applications must include:

  • Application cover sheet
  • Itemized budget clearly defining costs associated with the project. The total cost cannot exceed $5,000.
  • Professional resume, previous work on display and location, current gallery affiliations, documented exhibits and so on.
  • Links to digital portfolios including examples of work, news articles, accolades, etc.

Artists must deliver their package to: Main Street Zephyrhills, Attention: Erin Beasley, 5335 Eighth St.

Zephyrhills, FL 33542.

Additional questions can be emailed to .

 

Shining a spotlight on a century-old lumber business

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Long before most of Pasco County’s residents settled here, the San Antonio Lumber Company was meeting customer’s needs for building supplies.

The Pasco County Commission took a few minutes on Jan. 10 to congratulate members of the Schrader family, whose members have been involved in the business since 1923.

Tom and Sarah Schrader, and some other family members were there, when the county board passed a resolution honoring the company’s 100th year.

Originally, Herman Schrader was involved in the business with J.P. Lynch in 1929, but Schrader bought out Lynch and ran the lumber company until 1937, according to the county’s resolution.

Members of the Schrader family pose with the Pasco County Commission and other county officials during the county board’s Jan. 10 meeting, where the Schrader’s company, San Antonio Lumber, was honored for its century of business operations. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Next, Arthur Schrader took over and remained at the helm for two decades. Then, Arthur Schrader Jr., took over in 1957.

Arthur Schrader Jr., is credited with expanding the store and its business operations, by heading up regional agriculture pilot programs and forging an alliance with the Purina Chow Company.

When Arthur Schrader Jr., died in 1994, his son, Thomas Schrader, took over the company, and now, Thomas Schrader’s daughter, Sarah, is the lumber company’s president. She joined the family business in 2012 after graduating from Stetson University and working several years in other industries.

“We are the largest independent lumber company in East Pasco County, and the only one, by the way,” Thomas Schrader told board members.

“We’ve had a lot of great customers over the years. A lot of good employees — some have been there 40, 50 years. All of the family has been involved with the business, at one time or another.

“My grandfather is over on the wall,” he said, pointing to photographs of former county commissioners, whose portraits line a wall in the county board’s chamber on the second-floor of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse. “Teddy (Ted Schrader) is over on the wall. They were both county commissioners.

“We’re just glad to still be here. We have about 22 employees now. They’ve all been there many, many years,” he said.

Sarah Schrader added: “We just want to thank you for acknowledging our business. We appreciate it.”

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes San Antonio, said his relationship with the lumber company spans 40 years.

“I built my first home buying material from San Ann (San Antonio) Lumber, back in the ’70s. I’m building my last home, right now, finishing up, buying materials from San Ann Lumber.

“And, I’ve done other homes and other projects for my company and my family — over the years, so many different ways we’ve been able to use your company and get what we need, as far as building construction needs,” Oakley said.

“I congratulate you. Not many companies last 100 years. They don’t have anybody to take over, they’re sold, or gone. Thank you, for all that you’ve done for our community and for East Pasco and for working with us.

“It’s been a joy to do business with you all, and your family. You’ve been a great asset to the community,” Oakley said.

Commissioner Seth Weightman noted one thing he thinks that’s unique about San Antonio Lumber is that Mr. Schrader has been known to write personal thank you notes to customers.

“That’s something unique to the business, that I thought was pretty special,” Weightman added.

Commissioners Kathryn Starkey marveled at the company’s staying power.

“Any business that can survive that long, that’s fantastic,” she said.

Commissioner Gary Bradford added: “I can appreciate the longevity of your business, so well done.”

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano told the Schraders: “Congratulations on 100 years. That’s a great accomplishment. Your family has done a great service for this county — made it better and better.”

Published January 25, 2023

Setting the stage to remember fallen law enforcement officers

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Crews cut trees last week to prepare for the construction of the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial.

That’s just one step needed to erect the planned memorial on the front law of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in downtown Dade City.

It’s a project that’s been a longtime coming — but now that the money has been raised to pay for the permanent tribute, it won’t be too much longer before the vision becomes reality.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley gave his colleagues an update on the project during the county board’s Jan. 10 meeting.

This is a rendering of what the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial will look like, when construction is completed in coming months. (File)

He expects construction of the memorial to be complete within the next three months to four months, weather permitting.

“We hope to see that memorial out on the front lawn, on the corner, next to Meridian Avenue and Seventh Street,” Oakley said, during the meeting, held in the board’s second-floor chambers in the historic courthouse.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano reacted enthusiastically to the news: “Looking forward to that!”

Oakley added: “Yeah, it’s been a long wait. We’ve been waiting like nine years to get that done.”

Mariano expressed the county’s gratitude to Oakley for the commissioner’s private efforts to raise the money for the project.

Oakley thanked others who were involved, as well.

The project was started almost a decade ago.

Tim Hennigan, who has been involved in the efforts since the beginning, recapped the history during a groundbreaking ceremony for the memorial in October.

He told those gathered about the event that inspired the effort to pursue a permanent memorial.

It was windy and rainy one year during the Pasco Sheriff’s annual memorial ceremony for fallen law enforcement office, recalled Hennigan, who is president of the board for the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and Benefit Foundation Inc.

Photos of the fallen officers began blowing away, he said.

Hennigan said his wife encouraged him to put together an organization to pursue the construction of a permanent memorial, so he did.

Hennigan enlisted his friend, Skip Stone to get involved and they sat down with an accountant to get the ball rolling.

Fundraising efforts began small, but others joined in, including Craig Laporte, an attorney who is a former Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputy.

Oakley, his friend Randy Blankenship, and others recently helped push the fundraising effort for the memorial over the finish line.

When the memorial is completed, Pasco will join the state’s other 66 counties that already have permanent memorials to their fallen law enforcement officers.

“We have a lot of citizens that look forward to that being placed there, in support of our law enforcement,” Oakley said.

Published January 18, 2023

Zephyrhills will make election decisions in April

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(Mike Camunas)

Residents of the City of Zephyrhills will be choosing a new mayor and selecting a representative for Seat 2 on City Council, during the Municipal Elections, set for April 11.

Here are the important election dates and information regarding the election.

Important Dates

  • Municipal Candidate Qualifying begins at noon on Feb. 7.
  • Municipal Candidate Qualifying ends at noon on Feb. 14.
  • Mayor’s Caucus is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Feb 17 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 5335 Eighth St.
  • Municipal Election: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on April 11, at Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyr Park.

Candidate Requirements

  • All candidates must be a qualified and registered voter of the City of Zephyrhills and have been a resident of the city for a six-month period immediately preceding the next election to qualify for any City elective office.
  • The City Council may set filing fees to be paid by candidates at the time of qualifying to run for elective office.
  • The nomination of all candidates for elective offices shall be made by nominating petitions. The name of any elector of the City having the necessary qualifications to hold the office may be nominated for the election to such office when a petition shall be filed with the City Clerk, signed by not less than 25 registered voters of the City.

For additional information, please visit the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections website at PascoVotes.com.

Published January 18, 2023

Blue Triton Brands plans bottled water plant expansion

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Blue Triton Brands Inc., formerly known as Nestle Waters North America Inc., has secured permission to vacate a portion of platted right of way, to help accommodate the company’s planned plant expansion in Zephyrhills.

After hearing from county staff and a representative for Blue Triton Brands, the county board voted on Jan. 10 to unanimously approve the request to vacate a portion of Leaf Lane, which is a platted right of way, and to vacate portions of Camphorwood Lane and Breezewood Drive.

Zephyrhills Bottled Water Plant, at 4330 20th Street, will get an expansion through its parent company, Blue Triton Brands. (Mike Camunas)

Joann Ravida, a real property professional in the county’s Real Property & Planning Division, told the county board: “The purpose of the vacation (of the property) is to allow for the area to be utilized for parking and water retention, to serve the expansion of the petitioner’s existing plant.

“There were no objections to this petition and the team recommends approval,” she added.

Linda Pearson, a planner representing Blue Triton Brands, told the county that approval of the request was needed to accommodate the company’s plant expansion plans.

Pearson told the county board: “We’re not affecting anything or any access used currently, now or in the future, by the residents to the south that are currently in Pasco County.

“They have no access to it. There’s nothing there. Our company has owned that company for some time. It’s vacant,” she said.

Pearson also noted that the three homes that are affected are a considerable distance away.

The planned plant expansion will add 30 new positions and convert 45 of the existing 56 positions into full-time roles, Pearson said.

Salaries will generally range from about $44,000 to $64,000, in connection with the expansion, she added.

“Blue Triton Brands purchased the Nestle Corporation in April of 2021. They purchased all of the U.S. and Canadian plants, approximately there are 27 of them. And, they’re making their biggest capital investment this year, in this plant,” Pearson said.

Pearson told the county board that Blue Triton Brands has a pending application to annex into the City of Zephyrhills. She showed county board members a map indicating the only portion of its property that’s currently outside the city limits.

“We are being very careful in anything we do, to minimize the impact to the surrounding community,” Pearson said.

The landscaping and buffering provided will exceed code requirements, she added.

Commissioner Ron Oakley asked if the City of Zephyrhills could vacate the rights of way in question, if the land is being annexed.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said an argument could be made along those lines, but the original plat likely was recorded in the county records, and since the applicant had already gone through the county’s process, the board might as well take action.

Pearson agreed, noting the plan was recorded in the county and her company believes its best to have the county board take action, to ensure everything is legal.

The City of Zephyrhills is scheduled to consider the annexation, a comprehensive plan amendment and a zoning request on Jan. 23, Pearson said. Another neighborhood meeting is planned before then, she added.

Although no one spoke against the request during the board’s afternoon public hearing, Marlene Mann, a neighbor to the water plant, had voiced opposition during the morning public comment portion of the board’s meeting.

After Mann voiced her objections, Steinsnyder informed the board that her remarks were related to an item that would be heard by the board in the afternoon.

Mann signed up to speak during the afternoon session, but was unable to wait until the board took it up.

In the morning, she told board members: “I just want to go on record to say that I oppose the petition to vacate a portion of three platted rights of way by Blue Triton.

“I know it won’t do any good, but I speak on behalf of the neighborhood, that used to be a nice quiet neighborhood of 16 homes, dead-end street.

“We’re in the county, but right next to us used to be Nestle’s Zephyrhills Bottled Water, now owned by Blue Triton.

“Our neighborhood was there before Blue Triton or Zephyrhills Bottled Water was ever built,” she said.

Nestle bought eight of the 16 homes and bulldozed them, she said.

She objected to Blue Triton Brand’s planned expansion.

“They’re going get rid of a lot of big oaks, over 200 trees. They’re going to bring this retention pond within 75 feet of our backyards,” she said.

“None of the neighbors want this. We don’t want our peaceful neighborhood destroyed, with mosquitoes close by, all of the trees, big oaks, disappearing, plus the big noise factor of the trucks, which are 24 hours a day, which’ll be right close to our backyards and the big lights.

“I know there’s probably not much hope because big city and big companies always win, but thank you for hearing me out,” Mann said.

Published January 18, 2023

More changes, growth coming to Zephyrhills

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The City of Zephyrhills continues to grow and change as it enters 2023.

“I think the biggest thing is, we’re not just a snowbird community anymore,” City Manager Billy Poe said. “We’re growing leaps and bounds, and now, as a city, we have to ask ourselves, ‘What do we want to be when we grow up?’ And what we want is everyone on the same page as we head into what is expected to be a busy future for Zephyrhills.”

Poe’s current passion project is the city rebranding. From the town slogan, logo and even color schemes, it’s a citywide image change that will be based on research and resident feedback.

The City of Zephyrhills — the largest municipality in Pasco County — has several projects in the works and planned for 2023. The city expects its population to reach nearly 20,000 within the next couple of years. (Mike Camunas)

“It’s to tell everyone who we are, what kind of city we are and have become, and what we have to offer,” Poe said.

In July 2022, city leaders brought in North Star Place Branding + Marketing, a Jacksonville-based consulting firm that will conduct research within the community to uncover how Zephyrhills is perceived, attitudes that people have about it, and to explore the city’s unique offerings. The firm then launched a survey in October, asking residents those questions. Since then, Poe said, there have been nearly 1,000 responses.

Poe hopes the rebranding will be complete by mid- to late-2023 to unveil to the public.

The city’s $100-million budget is nearly 33% more than it was last year, reflecting Zephyrhills’ growth.

It has earmarked $1 million to repair and add sidewalks throughout the town, especially around schools.

Poe says this is to “connect any missing links,” so residents can get around town without crossing streets or have neighborhoods connecting to the schools via sidewalks.

The sidewalks are coming at the right time and coincide with several road work projects, such as extensions of Dairy Road and Kossick Road, and improvements to the intersection at County Road 54 and 12th Street, next to Zephyrhills High.

In addition, Poe said the city was excited to welcome a new distillery — Dunamis Premium Spirits — which opened a tasting room by the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport off Chancey Road.

The distillery plans to convert the old SunTrust Building on Gall Boulevard into a two-story, glass-fronted tasting room and banquet hall that will be available for events.

“That could be a real game-changer for downtown Zephyrhills and a real shot in the arm for Gall Boulevard,” Poe said. “This project will be pretty cool, and I think that it’s exciting because, while not right downtown, it’s a couple of blocks away and could be a real catalyst in connecting that strip there into downtown.

“Because, let’s be honest, we’re almost at 18,000 here in Zephyrhills, so it won’t be much longer before we’re at 20,000.”

An estimated 1,200 to 1,800 residents are expected at the Abbott Square development off Simons Road, which is adding 600 homes.

“You want to grow at a controlled pace for several years to come, and we’ll see what happens — certainly we want to move forward, but we have to do it the right way,” Poe said. “Our goal is to grow a great community, with a balance of commercial and residential properties, so it becomes — and this is going to sound cliche, but it’s so true — where everyone wants to live, work and play.”

Additional Zephyrhills projects include:

Hercules Park: Plans are being finalized for a new $5.4-million park project that will be on the 12-acre parcel of land at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, adjacent to Woodland Elementary. City officials hope to have the full plans for City Council approval in time for a late spring/early summer groundbreaking. The park will include a splash pad, restroom, picnic shelters, a playground and trails.

The Backyard: An open-air park at the southwest corner of Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue will feature covered seating under teepee-like structures. Repurposed metal storage containers will serve as vendor spaces. There will be a stage, lighting, an event screen, plus service from food trucks. The initial design on the project came in over the $250,000 budget, so the city is having conversations to scale back the project. If officials can’t settle on budgetary concerns, the project may be shelved until a later time.

Multi-use indoor sports complex: A 30,000-square-foot multi-use indoor sports complex is planned to come to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, but also is facing funding issues. Money for this project had been planned through state appropriations, but that was pulled back due to Hurricane Ian. Facility plans call for room for four full-size tennis courts and other athletic events. The space also would be used for trade shows, banquets and ceremonies. City officials are looking to scale back some on this project and, of course, await the funding, with a late 2023 start date being very tentative at this time.

Airport additions: More state appropriation money has been given to the city to add a new terminal, two box hangers and a taxiway. This also would include jet parking after the airport finished a $5.9-million, 1,200-foot runway expansion in the summer that will allow the city to welcome larger planes, including private jets. Since 2011, the city has spent $32 million improving the airport and has another nearly $7 million of state appropriated funds to spend on it.

National Guard Armory Complex: A $25-million armory complex is expected to be completed by 2026, also built by state appropriated funds. This also will mean extending South Avenue to the north up to County Round 54. Bidding on this project will commence soon and future development will come at a later date.

Published January 11, 2023

The kumquat soon will be king for a day, in Dade City

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On the same day that ‘pirates’ take over downtown Tampa in that city’s annual Gasparilla invasion and parade, the city of Dade City expects to embrace a more genteel invasion of its own — with thousands of visitors arriving for the 26th annual Kumquat Festival.

The festival — which draws its name from a tiny, sweet and tangy citrus fruit — began more than two decades ago when Phyllis Smith, Roxanne Barthle and Carlene Ellberg were trying to find a way to inject new life into downtown Dade City.

All sorts of products featuring kumquats will be available at the 26th annual Kumquat Festival, in downtown Dade City on Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.(File)

They decided to have an event to celebrate the kumquat because the Kumquat Growers, based in Dade City, are the nation’s largest producers of the fruit, sometimes described as “the little gold gems of the citrus family.”

The festival began small, on the lawn of the historic Pasco County Courthouse.

Over the years, the event spread through the city’s historic downtown core, and it routinely attracts thousands of visitors from the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

Besides giving people a chance to sample the distinctive flavor of kumquats, the festival also offers them a chance to experience Dade City’s hospitality, at a family friendly event, according to John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

It’s affordable, he added. There’s no admission charge, and there’s free parking, entertainment and activities.

The event is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Jan. 28. It will be held, rain or shine.

The event showcases Dade City’s “wonderful merchants and shops and restaurants” in the city’s historic downtown, Moors said.

Festival-goers who enjoy shopping can check out offerings from about 350 vendors — including an array of arts, crafts and other creations.

“It is a juried show, so the items that are being sold are quality items,” Moors said. Also, organizers “only allow certain amounts of various items in the show, which keeps it very eclectic.”

Entertainment will be offered at various locations around downtown, and there will be a vintage car show, children’s activities and other things to see and do.

Food and drink options will be plentiful.

Besides going to downtown restaurants, festival-goers also will be able to grab a bite to eat from food trucks and food vendors, too.

Those who enjoy adult beverages will be able to sip on kumquat beer or kumquat wine as they stroll from place to place, because on Kumquat Festival day, the entire downtown will be wet-zoned.

Of course, the kumquat is king at this event. And it will be available in myriad forms, including kumquat salsas, kumquat jelly, kumquat marmalade, kumquat marinade, kumquat salad dressing and kumquat barbecue sauce.

There’s kumquat ice cream and, of course, kumquat pie — which has been declared Pasco County’s official pie.

Moors expressed gratitude for the event’s dozens of sponsors, including headline sponsor AdventHealth.

The chamber executive also noted the festival relies heavily on volunteers, estimating that about 200 are pitching in this year.

26th annual Kumquat Festival
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 28
Where: Downtown Dade City
Cost: Admission is free, parking is free, entertainment is free.
Info: Call 352-567-3769, or visit DadeCityChamber.org.

Kumquat pie is Pasco County’s official pie. Would you like to buy a slice? You can purchase one at the 26th annual Kumquat Festival, or, if you prefer, you can buy some kumquats and follow these directions to make your own.

Ingredients:
1 9-inch baked pie crust
1 can condensed milk
1 8-ounce container of whipped topping
2/3 cup of Kumquat puree
1/2 cup of lemon juice

Directions:
Beat condensed milk with whipped topping. Add lemon juice and beat until thickened. Add Kumquat puree. Pour in pie crust and chill for several hours. Garnish with Kumquats and mint leaves.

Source: Kumquat Growers website (Original recipe is from Rosemary Gude)

Kumquat facts
Kumquats have been called the ‘little gold gems’ of the citrus family. They are believed to be native to China and have a very distinctive taste. Kumquats are the only citrus fruit that can be eaten whole. The peel is the sweetest part and can be eaten separately. The pulp, which contains seeds and juice, is sour. Together, the peel and pulp taste sweet and sour. The seeds contain pectin, which can be removed by boiling for use in jams and jellies.

Source: The Kumquat Growers Association

Published January 11, 2023

Dade City looks to renovations, redesigns in 2023

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As 2023 gets started, Dade City is looking toward the future.

And while Pasco County’s oldest city plans to keep its history and small-town feel as vibrant and forefront as possible, officials are excited about its various plans and upcoming projects in store for the ever-changing town.

“Absolutely, it is an exciting time to be in Dade City and for our residents,” City Manager Leslie Porter said. “We have a number of projects in development and it would be hard to pick just one we are most excited about.”

However, Porter acknowledged she is perhaps most enthused about the Seventh Street Streetscaping Improvement Project the city is about to undergo, which is “basically going to change to a whole new look” in the downtown Dade City area, Porter said.

Dade City has some big plans for 2023, from adding a splash pad near the Hardy Trail to streetscaping Seventh Street in downtown, in a move to reduce traffic speeds and reinvigorate the shopping and entertainment district. (Mike Camunas)

“The feedback and concern we always get is that Seventh Street is like a raceway,” Porter added. “The usual concern is cars driving too fast, so the streetscaping will not only be safer, but it will also give downtown’s main intersection and roads a whole new look and feel.

“So we’re on the cusp of doing something very big.”

Porter said the city worked with Johnson Engineering, which is preparing renderings on what streetscaping would do to downtown. Not only would this reconfiguration calm traffic, it also would bring about new sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping and lighting.

Porter says the city is expecting the renderings this month and there will be more workshops then to prepare for actual design.

Also in the works is the development of a splash pad and all-inclusive playground on the land next to The Spoke: Dade City’s Market Place and Visitors Center on Church Avenue at the start of the Hardy Trail. The $1-million project funded by the Community Development Block Grant would include restrooms and is out to bid now for a project management team.

“The playground would be the first one of its kind in Dade City,” Porter said. “We know we are starting to have younger families, so the splash park and new playground are going to be even more amenities for people to enjoy.”

Additional projects mentioned by Porter that are in planning phases include:

Morningside Drive Extension
The city is currently in the design phase to take Morningside Drive from U.S. 301 and extend it west to connect to State Road 52. It’s a long-range project, but one that City Manager Leslie Porter says will create a new traffic route, and allow direct and quicker access to AdventHealth Dade City with a whole new access point.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Design
This project is still a few years out, but a contract was awarded to design a new wastewater treatment plant. It will replace the current plant near the  Mickens-Harper neighborhood, which officials hope to remove by 2026.

New Civic Center
The city is about to undertake a study to determine exactly what type of new building will be built at the James Irvin Civic Center, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd. It has already been determined that the current building was beyond renovation.

Dade City, with a nearly $41-million budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, 64% higher than the previous year, is growing and expanding rapidly, and Porter recognizes this. 

With the influx of new businesses downtown, the renovation of the Hugh Embry Library, several projects on the horizon and a population nearing 8,000, Dade City is looking to beyond 2023 and into the future.

“We’re getting new businesses all the time and thanks to things like First Friday and The Block, I think it’s getting realized that there is a nightlife now,” Porter said. “We’ve got a wine bar downtown, and the brewery and restaurants, and there’s a whole new crowd of people in Dade City. We even have an indoor mini golf place!

“And you can see that new crowd especially when the Art Walk was a great success, so with everything going on in this town and where we’re headed, it’s a very exciting time to be in Dade City.”

Published January 04, 2023

Back again, Pigz in Z’Hills looks to be bigger, better

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Even though the annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival has never missed a year — even from COVID — organizers are still excited for the event to be back.

And, organizers hope this year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever.

Entering its 13th year, the barbecue and blues fest is looking to get back to pre-COVID attendance numbers, bring in an influx of tourism into Zephyrhills and make even more money for the local nonprofits and scholarship funds.

Lamar Marshall, of Lakeland, pitmaster for the Smoke Shack BBQ team, prepares ribs and sausage to feed hungry patrons during the 2022 Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. (File)

“We are pretty excited,” said Vicki Wiggins, director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce that hosts the annual festival. “We’re hoping for about 10 (10,000) to 13,000 in attendance, which is pre-COVID numbers for us. But we’re also just hoping to make some money, which we turn around and donate to several of the nonprofits in the community.”

Pigz in Z’Hills has helped The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce to provide $48,000 in scholarships for local Zephyrhills area students since the event began.

Students aren’t the only ones benefiting. 

Many local 501(c)3 youth groups and charities volunteer their time at the event. Its success has allowed the chamber to “Pay it Forward” with donations to scholarships, youth leadership programs and children’s charities every year.

“(The festival) really does have an impact on everyone in the (Zephyrhills) community,” Wiggins said. “Folks come over and spend the night, then they eat and shop downtown and in Zephyrhills, so we expect everything and everyone to be very busy that weekend. I know that all the hotels are full and that the restaurants will get full — if you bring 13,000 into the community, everyone gets super busy.

“But that makes for a huge economic impact on this area.”

The festival will once again include its Kidz Grillin’ Competition. Through community donations and sponsorships from Sonny’s BBQ, Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC, Home Depot and Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills, 30 barbecuing youths will compete while being mentored by local Pitmasters.

“We’re really looking forward to that (competition),” Wiggins said. “We’ll have the judges going over their food, but we love the kids cooking and grilling just like mini adults. Watching them in their aprons using grills is just so cute!”

Additionally, there will be a cornhole tourney on both days of the event, a Kidz Zone with various activities and the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History also will be open for visitors to see its unique collection of memorabilia.

Patrons patiently waited in line to pick up some ribs, chicken and sausage from the ‘Off the Bone’ vendor’s tent. The grilling crew was one of many vendors serving up barbecue during the 2022 Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. The tent is adorned with flags from some of the team’s past BBQ competition wins. (File)

There will be plenty of Blues music, too, featuring numerous bands, with music playing both days. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy music starting at 11 a.m. on Jan. 14.

“I think that the only thing that is different this year is that we’re really focused on the food and the bands,” Wiggins said. “We’ll continue the cornhole tournament and the Kidz Zone and can’t wait for the Kidz Grillin’ but we’re focused on food, bands and, of course, fun.

“We love that this event is in January because we like to use it to kick off the year right — and we all want to have a really good 2023!”

13th Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival
When: Jan. 13, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, 39421 South Ave., Zephyrhills
Cost: $5 entrance fee, free parking
Music acts: Friday – Chuck Riley’s All-Stars; Paul Correia and The Sandspurs. Saturday – Mark Shane, Snake Farm Band, R.J. Howson, Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones
Details: In addition to the barbecue, vendors and live blues music, the Kidz Zone will feature face painting, arts & crafts and games provided by the East Pasco Family YMCA. There also will be a Kidz Grillin’ Competition on Jan. 13, with up to 30 youth in a cookout competition, and a cornhole tourney on both days.
Info: Visit tinyurl.com/mebb43t7, or the event’s Facebook page.

Published January 04, 2023

History center staff provides more information about Purple Heart

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Editor’s Note: The Laker/Lutz News published a Knowing Your History column on Dec. 14 seeking information about the owner of a Purple Heart that had been in storage at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s history center. It turns out, we failed to seek information at perhaps the most obvious place. Here is a follow-up to that column.

A column published in The Laker/Lutz News on Dec. 14 sought to track down more information about the owner of a Purple Heart medal in storage in the history center at The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village.

This Purple Heart was bestowed to James W. Vanden and donated to the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village nearly two decades ago. (File)

It turns out that our reporting would have benefited from starting with the museum’s staff.

After our column published, Andy Warrener, associate curator at the museum, reached out to provide additional information about the medal.

The Purple Heart was donated in 1994, according to Warrener.

It belonged to James Wayman Vanden, not James W. Varden, as our original column reported.

Warrener said the back of the metal was clearly stamped James W. Vanden, but allowed that in his experience of doing this type of research, t’s can look like l’s and r’s can look like n’s.

James W. Vanden was interred at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Lemay, St. Louis County, Missouri. (Courtesy of Andy Warrener, Florida Pioneer Museum & Village/Findagrave)

Here is what Warrener was able to track down, regarding the medal.

James Wayman Vanden was born in Cairo, Illinois, on Aug. 10, 1924. Shortly after that he moved to DeSoto County in Jefferson, Missouri.

Vanden was employed by the International Shoe Company and lived at 822 South Second, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 16, 1943.

His civil occupation listed on his enlistment card was: Skilled mechanic, repairman, motor vehicles.

He was assigned to the Army’s ordinance department, and served there for nine months to 11 months.

“It gets a little murky from there,” Warrener continues.

Vanden was listed as killed in action, but his hospital admission card says that he was treated for a non-battle injury having to do with frostbite on his toes, Warrener reports.

Vanden died on July 27, 1944.

He was interred at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri on April 16, 1948, making it likely that Vanden was cremated, according to Warrener’s research.

Vanden’s next of kin is listed as Bert Shaffer, husband of M.R. Shaffer, who lived at 33541 Isabelle Drive in Zephyrhills in 1994, when the item was donated.

Since the artifact doesn’t have much to do with Florida history, Warrener said he likely will try to contact a museum in Missouri that might have an interest in the item.

Published December 28, 2022