The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Dade City Garden Club kicks off family program

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The Dade City Garden Club is launching a program to encourage the whole family to come out and play in the dirt.

The new program is rolling out in January — just in time to help the club celebrate its 75th anniversary year, according to a news release from the garden club.

(File)

The Family Program is designed to help people of all ages to develop a love of gardening. Those joining the program will have a chance to learn about gardening and to work with experienced members of the garden club.

Three individual events are planned during the coming year, with the cost kept to $5 per household per event.

Each session will be held at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.

Registration is open for the first program in the series, which is called “About Seeds.” That’s scheduled for Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Participants will learn all about seeds, including “What is a seed?” “What are the parts of a seed?” “How to plant seeds,” and “How to gather and save seeds to continue growing your garden.”

Each event will have targeted activities for all age groups, according to the news release.

All ages are encouraged to take part, although each household reservation should have at least one adult, age 18 or older.

For more information and to register, visit DadeCityGardenClub.com.

Family Gardening Programs

  • About seeds: Jan. 14, 9 a.m. to noon
  • Plant a garden to help pollinators: March 5, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Art in the garden: June 19, 9 a.m. to noon

All events will be held at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.
The cost is $5 per household.
For more information, contact Kathy Riley at 352-583-4994 or .

Published December 21, 2022

Zephyrhills mayor to step down after three terms

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Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield announced on Dec. 16 he will step down from the position in April.

“I have been blessed and honored to serve Our Little City as Mayor for eight and half years, and will finish my third term in April,” Whitfiled posted via the city’s social media channels in a statement titled, ‘From the Desk of Gene Whitfield, Mayor of the City of Zephyrhills.’

Mayor Gene Whitfield (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

“This has been a truly awesome experience, and I thank you all.”

He added, “Zephyrhills has a great future on the horizon and as we move forward, there will be the need for new ideas and new leaders, all the while keeping our Hearts well centered on preserving Our Great Little City.

“Yes, we are growing rapidly with residential, commercial, and industrial expansion. However, we are not alone, Florida is growing and expanding at record numbers.

“The spread of growth is all around us and upon us.”

Since 2014, when he was elected after running unopposed, Whitfield has overseen Pasco County’s largest municipality, including seeing the population rise over 18,000, the addition of thousands of home units and the completion of some major projects, such as the opening of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center.

“It is not an easy task to grow and provide all the things our citizens want, yet keep our City a hometown community,” Whitfield said in the post. “It takes all of us to help provide that Hometown atmosphere we treasure! … Our City Council and staff work every day to manage our growth as best they can with the goal of preserving our hometown heritage.

“Zephyrhills is truly a Great Little City, and we should all feel blessed to call this our home.”

Whitfield, owner of Whitfield Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Gall Boulevard, succeeded Danny Burgess in 2014 to become the city’s 20th mayor.

The mayor position is largely ceremonial, with no voting power. The city council chooses a board president — in this case, Jodi Wilkeson — to run meetings. Lance Smith is the council’s vice president, while members Ken Burgess, Alan Knight and Charles Proctor round out the council.

However, Knight’s council term is up and his seat is available in the upcoming municipal elections, which are April 11, 2023. Zephyrhills voters also will decide on a new mayor in that election.

Additionally, the city recently revised its town charter, with one of the changes moving the mayor’s and city councilors’ terms from a three-year span to four years.

Published December 21, 2022

Trying to solve a mystery involving a Purple Heart

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Do you know James W. Varden of Zephyrhills?

Purple Heart, No. 9415, with the name of James W. Varden, has been found at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. (Courtesy of Doug Sanders)

Purple Heart, No. 9415, with his name has been found at the History Center at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City.

The medal was donated to the center by M. R. Shaffer on Aug. 4, 1994, but no other information is known, including whether Varden was wounded or killed in battle.

Purple Hearts Reunited—a Vermont-based nonprofit organization—says the famous medals have been found in retirement homes, storage lockers, flea markets, abandoned houses, in old furniture and in vehicles.

As the nation’s oldest military medal, the Purple Heart was originally introduced as the Badge of Military Merit by George Washington.

With 2 million Purple Hearts bestowed to those wounded or killed in battle, “it’s easy to see how some of them are misplaced or lost over time,” according to a spokesman for Purple Hearts Reunited.

When a medal is found, this organization helps veterans to enroll in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

When Purple Hearts Reunited finds a missing medal from its Lost Hearts Database, it conducts a return ceremony if possible.

The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, wounded or killed, while serving in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services.

If you have any information about the Purple Heart awarded to James W. Varden, of Zephyrhills, please email Doug Sanders at or Purple Hearts Reunited at .

Estimated Number of Purple Hearts
World War I: 320,518
World War II: 1,076,245
Korean War: 118,650
Vietnam War: 351,794
Persian Gulf War: 607
Afghanistan War: 12,534
Iraq War: 35,411

Source: National Geographic, 2009

Published December 14, 2022

Unearthed drawings reveal life from a century ago

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Susan Maesen, a volunteer at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, was thrilled when she stumbled upon a gray box containing a collection of hand-drawings dating back to roughly a century ago.

“I could not believe my eyes when I found them!” Maesen said.

Winnie Bridge Latham’s depiction of a horse and buggy. (Courtesy of Florida Pioneer Museum & Village)

The drawings were found amidst boxes stacked with newspaper clippings, albums filled with black-and-white photographs and a purple heart belonging to James W. Varden, of Zephyrhills (see related story).

The drawings were created by Winifred “Winnie” Bridge Latham, a beloved local elementary school teacher and artist. She lived next door to Maesen’s grandparents on Church Avenue.

Latham, known locally as “Miss Winnie,”  died on April 14, 1963.

Maesen speculates the Miss Winnie’s drawings were donated to the museum by the Dayton family of Dade City.

One of the Daytons — George — was a former state senator. He served as a pallbearer at “Miss Winnie’s” funeral.

“Miss Winnie’s” artistic skills were widely known, in her community.

Winnie Bridge Latham drew this portrait of herself with her parents.

“Her favorite subjects were her parents, self-portraits and shots with animals,” Bill Dayton told The Tampa Tribune, in a story published in 1980.

When she died, at age 81, she was living alone in a frame house that was surrounded by an overgrown garden, directly across from the First Presbyterian Church.

Dewey Hudson, of Dade City, told The Tampa Tribune, that “Miss Winnie” was his second-grade teacher in 1906.

“She was an excellent teacher and an elegant lady,” Hudson recalled.

“Miss Winnie” received her teacher’s certificate in 1903 and taught elementary school for 20 years.

Winnie Bridge Latham drew this portrait of Virginia Sistrunk and Sistrunk’s son, Floyd. Sistrunk, the wife of Dr. R.D. Sistrunk, was Latham’s neighbor.

Her work in the classroom was “characterized by fidelity, patience, duty in every detail,” according to a local newspaper report.

Much of her influence stemmed from her father, Fred Bridge, who came to Pasco County after serving as a captain in the Union Army during the Civil War.

He was a well-read, educated man.

However, the Bridge family’s connection to the Union Army meant they weren’t always well received by their new neighbors in the former Confederate States of America.

Miss Winnie’s drawings and diary entries offer a glimpse of life in Dade City, during the days when a horseless carriage was first spotted on the city’s streets.

Winifred ‘Winnie’ Latham holding Dan Sistruck, who later served as a pallbearer at her funeral in 1963.

“Yes! There was an automobile in town today… Papa saw it. But I didn’t!” she wrote in her diary.

She memorialized her views on the adoption of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote: “The reason for the women’s movement, as for all great movements, is social advantage.”

Her father died in 1922 and her mother died a few years later.

“This is all very hard,” she wrote in her diary. “I’m afraid I’m losing control of my mind.”

In 1933, she married the Rev. C.W. Latham, a Presbyterian minister. She was 52.

He died in 1936, and after that, she mostly stayed inside her home.

The box of old drawings, though, offer a reminder of a woman who touched the lives of schoolchildren and used her artistic talents to help chronicle the life and times of Dade City, of nearly a century ago.

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published December 14, 2022

Come ‘Explore’ this new Zephyrhills mural

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Main Street Zephyrhills continues to paint the town.

On Nov. 16, the nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing certain elements of downtown, unveiled its latest mural in its ongoing series, presenting “Explore Our Hometown” — featuring large letters, including artistic images — on the side of the brick building housing Fraternity of Eagles 3752, at 38421 Fifth Ave.

‘Explore Our Hometown’ is the newest mural in Historic Downtown Zephyrhills. It was unveiled on Nov. 16 by artist Trinity Rivard, who took several well-known elements that represent the largest municipality in Pasco County and displayed them in the letters of ‘EXPLORE.’ (Mike Camunas)

It’s a vibrant, colorful piece of art designed and painted by artist Trinity Rivard, a Tampa native who said he’s been to Zephyrhills many times, but still really researched Pasco County’s largest municipality.

“I took my own experiences here, and did a lot of research, as well, and based on those two things, it was the elements (I chose) on here that resonated with me,” Rivard said at the ceremony unveiling the mural. “And it’s also which elements were going to be more dynamic, really stand out and something that I can have some fun with.

“I wanted the historical elements to be in there and I wanted to show what the city has to offer, recreationally, now — things that Zephyrhills is really known for.”

The mural, which is on the building wall adjacent to Seventh Street, focuses on themes in each in the letters of “EXPLORE.” They are skydiving, the Military History Museum, the Train Depot, golf and tennis, and the skate and water parks.

Rivard estimates it took him about 150 hours to complete the project that required him battling the heat, weather (including a hurricane), needing a scissor lift to reach the heights on the building and, of course, patience.

Artist Trinity Rivard stands in front of his mural, ‘Explore Our Hometown,’ the brand new painting in historic downtown Zephyrhills that took Rivard about 150 hours to complete.

“I’m honored to be able to add to this city and leave my mark,” Rivard said. “A lot of times, I was on the lift and people would drive by and sometimes you hear someone yelling at you and you don’t know if it’s good or bad.

“But sometimes they’ll pull over and stop and say, ‘Good job!’ or ‘Looks great!’ and it’s those little things that really helped while I was creating the mural.”

City Manager Billy Poe said at the unveiling that “Our downtown just became a little more colorful, but really hits on the history, too. … A mural is important because it builds a sense of community, it makes you want to go there, not just to see it, but to experience the community. … This, people will drive or walk by it and it starts a conversation.”

Main Street Board of Directors & Design Committee Chair Christine Bennett said the mural cost $10,000 to commission, with that coming from donations and other fundraising throughout the year.

This is the second of several murals Main Street has planned throughout historic downtown. The first was Ocea, which also is on Seventh Street and was painted by lead artist Jonathan Sierra and assistant artist Fonz Eljaiek. The mural centers around the idea that water is restorative and connects to the life that it has touched.

There are other murals already in downtown, including “Splash on 5th,” the “unnamed mural on 5th” that Bennett and volunteers helped paint and the “Wall of Memories” or Centennial Mural that is painted on the Fifth Avenue-adjacent wall of the Hynes Discount Mobile Homes building.

Bennett said the plan was always to try to get 10 new murals downtown in the series, but fellow board member Gail Hamilton says they won’t put a limit on how many murals are commissioned as long as they can be funded.

Bennett also added the next mural will be a crosswalk painting that will be in front of the Zephyrhills Public Library on Eighth street.

Main Street hopes to have that completed and unveiled in January.

Published November 23, 2022

Zephyrhills community keeps on collecting food

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Frances Fusco doesn’t have to bug anyone.

She doesn’t have to knock on doors or solicit or even beg.

“They just do it,” the longtime resident of Southport Springs Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills said.

Fusco is referring to her neighbors and community friends — the same ones, without hesitation, that brought large helpings of food and goods and other pantry donations for the annual food drive she heads up just before Thanksgiving.

First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills Reverend Denise Lay, left, and one of her parishioners, Tom Hannold, sort through the donated foods and goods that were brought by residents during Southport Springs Golf & Country Club food drive on Nov. 9. (Mike Camunas)

On Nov. 9, Fusco, and about a dozen helpers, stationed themselves at the community’s clubhouse and welcomed anyone from Southport — and neighboring communities — who were willing to donate to the food banks of nearby churches.

The food drive is in its fifth year and has always benefited St Joseph’s Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church of Zephyrhills and Chancey Road Christian Church. First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills was added to the congregation this year.

Fusco and company loaded up car trunks and backseats, while Reverend Denise Lay, of First Presbyterian, brought the church’s van and was able to take back plenty of food, including a frozen turkey.

“Any drive is very huge for us,” Lay said, “but this one, being included this year, has been wonderful. We’re thankful for it, as we are for all our food that comes in the door and then goes right back out.”

Lay said there has been high demand at her church’s food bank, which is why it is planning two Thanksgiving meal giveaways. One will be before the holiday, with those in need able to pick up to-go meals. The church also will host a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 24.

Southport Springs Golf & Country Club food drive coordinator Frances Fusco loads some donated goods into a car that will eventually go to First United Methodist Church. For five years now, Fusco and other residents of the Zephyrhills community have reached out and collected food and other goods for food pantries of nearby churches. On Nov. 9, about eight cars and a large van from First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills were loaded up with donations that were brought up to the community’s clubhouse from residents and other Zephyrhills citizens.

“Our food ministry has risen up to serve and we’ve served so many,” Lay said.

The Southport community runs several fundraisers or charitable activities throughout the year. In January, they’ll host one to benefit Caterpillars to Butterflies, the Dade City charity that supports at-risk children.

At Southport, Fusco says, the residents have the full support of the community management group, Sun Communities, which “gives us a general manager who is so open and responsive to all that we do as a community,” she added.

Fusco said everyone is made well aware of the food drive, from it being in the neighborhood newsletter, email blasts and reminders at the weekly coffee social.

Fusco, a former nurse in the Air Force who served in Vietnam, is proud of her community for stepping up, especially since promoting the food drive was pretty unnecessary.

Here,” she said, “you don’t have to bug people to donate, or beg from them. They have enough that they’re willing to donate their food, as well as their time and talents, to help out.

“I think more communities should do this, because this is one of the great things about Southport.”

First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Where: 5510 19th St., Zephyrhills
When: Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: Meals will be served inside the church’s Fellowship Hall to those who are alone or need a meal. No reservations required for the event. Meals will be served until all are served or food runs out.

Published November 23, 2022

Kings and queens dance the night away

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It was a night to remember.

The Zephyrhills Lions Club, in collaboration with Meals on Wheels, held the inaugural Senior Prom on Nov. 5.

Residents, age 50 and older, donned formal attire, enjoyed a lovely buffet and had some fun “gambling” before dancing “One Enchanted Evening” away — all in the name of raising money for charity.

Mary Gagmon holds her husband, Joe, tight during a romantic slow dance at the first-ever Senior Prom, held at the Zephyrhills Lions Club and presented by Meals on Wheels. (Mike Camunas)

“We were thrilled with the turnout,” said Beth Aker, the event organizer. “Who says raising money can’t just be a fun evening?”

Men in tuxedos and women in formals arrived at the Zephyrhills Lions Club, 5827 Dean Dairy Road, with nothing more on their minds than having fun.

At the same time, they were raising money for Meals on Wheels.

Aker said she would be “thrilled to raise $5,000” with proceeds coming from ticket and raffle sales, a cash bar, other donations, as well as “gambling,” with players using “funny money” on Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold ‘Em and more.

About 125 people attended the event, which featured lively music for dancing, a cake walk, giveaways and a crowning of a Prom King and Queen.

After a series of fun questions, the crowd cheered to signify whom they favored to be named the evening’s Prom King — which turned out to be Larry Wills, and Prom Queen, which turned out to be Joan Lawrence.

Aker was encouraged, and gratified, by the crowd’s enthusiasm.

“People were already asking about (prom) for next year,” Aker said. “I really hope we can make this a yearly thing because people are clearly having a great time and, maybe, we can get even more to come to prom next time!”

Published November 16, 2022

Randy Jones, left, rolls the dice as his wife, Paula Jones, left, and Sunny Gebhardt, middle, cheer him on in the hopes he rolls a hard seven and wins some “funny money” while “gambling” during the inaugural Senior Prom at Zephyrhills Lions Club.
Denny Mason dances happily with his date, Helen Druidi, for “One Enchanted Night,” at the inaugural Senior Prom held at the Zephyrhills Lions Club on Nov. 5. The fundraiser brought in money for Meal on Wheels.
Mary Gagmon, left, has a blast dancing with her husband, Joe Gagmon,during the inaugural Senior Prom on Nov. 5 held at the Zephyrhills Lions Club. “One Enchanted Evening” was hosted by the Lions Club and Meals on Wheels, with proceeds going to Meals on Wheels. The 50-and-older event included raffles, funny-money gambling and dealers from Seminole Hard Rock Casino.
Domenic Martucci holds his wife, Barbara, close during a slow dance at the inaugural Senior Prom, held at the Zephyrhills Lions club for “One Enchanted Evening” on Nov. 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Prom Queen Joan Lawrence, middle, tries to decide whether to double down or hold during a game of Blackjack, as Marcie Baker, left, and Denise Oatley-Hall, wait to see if Lawrence will win more “funny money” during some “gambling” at the Senior Prom.
Diane Shelton, left, rolls her eyes to a Prom Court question posed by Senior Prom organizer, Beth Aker, that will help determine if she will be crowned Queen at the Nov. 5 fundraising event.
Mia Clark dances like nobody’s watching. She was accompanied by her husband, Bob, at the inaugural Senior Prom.
Amy and Terry Wilson are thrilled to have Blackjack while “gambling” at the first-ever Senior Prom held on Nov. 5. Proceeds from the event went to support Meals on Wheels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roxanne Haack, left, smiles at her husband, Joe Haack, during a lovely dance for “One Enchanted Evening” at Zephyrhills Lions Club.
Barbara Martucci gets down as funky music plays during the Senior Prom at Zephyrhills Lions club on Nov. 5.
Senior Prom attendees partake in a little “gambling” with “funny money” but with actual dealers from Seminole Hard Rock Casino, with Meals on Wheels being the real winner from the event.
Mia and Joe Clark are having fun on the dance floor at the Zephyrhills Lions Club during the Senior Prom’s “One Enchanted Evening” on Nov. 5.

These families stick together — when it comes to seeking votes

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Nick Burgess has been working elections since he was a freshman in high school.

That’s when his brother, Danny Burgess, Jr., decided to run for a seat on the Zephyrhills City Council.

Danny was 18 at the time; Nick was 14.

Ever since Danny’s first election, Nick has been stumping for votes for his brother.

Ken Hagan Sr. spent nearly all of Election Day camped out at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, at 2902 W. Bearss Ave., holding a campaign sign to support his son, Ken Hagan, who was re-elected to another term on the Hillsborough County Commission. (B.C. Manion)

This year, on Nov. 8 —the day of the 2022 General Election — Nick was hopping from precinct to precinct.

“I was over in Connerton and then (the) Church of God on (U.S.) 41, there,” Nick said.

“My dad — Dan Burgess, Sr. — he’s at the back of this parking lot,” he said, referring to the election polling place at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex at 3032 Collier Parkway.

Nick said his dad told him: “Man, this precinct hasn’t stopped flowing people in here.

“I said, ‘OK, let’s tag-team it together.

“So, he’s got that entrance,” Nick said, pointing across the large parking lot, “and, I’m taking this one on.”

Other family members were in on the effort, too, Nick said.

Earlier in morning, Danny’s children were waving political signs on their dad’s behalf at Alice Hall, a polling place, at 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills, just off State Road 54.

Nick beamed with pride, as he displayed photos on his phone — showing Danny’s children waving signs for their dad.

This year, besides supporting his brother, Nick also was holding a sign to seek votes for Wilton Simpson — the father of Nick’s best friend.

Both of Nick’s candidates won.

Nick Burgess, of Zephyrhills, has been working elections for years, to show his support for his brother, Danny, who was re-elected on Nov. 8 to another term in the Florida Senate.

Simpson, a Republican from Trilby, served as President of the Florida Senate from 2020 to 2022. He will be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture.

Nick’s brother has won another term in the Florida Senate, and will be representing District 23.

Nick is proud of his brother’s accomplishments, and a big believer in the political process.

“No matter who you are voting for, it’s about getting your voice heard. And, it’s what you believe,” Nick said. “If you don’t vote, I feel like you can’t complain, ya know?

“You’ve got to get out, you’ve got to get your voice heard. That’s what’s beautiful about where we live. You have the right to vote for whoever you want to vote for — and, that’s a beautiful thing.”

In his view, local elections have a greater impact on daily life.

“It’s the government that’s closest you that has the biggest effect — city council races, things like that, county commission,” he said.

He enjoys heading to polling places on Election Day.

“You always come in very optimistic, and hopeful,” Nick said.

While the Burgess family was out waving signs for their favorite candidate in Pasco County, Ken Hagan Sr. was doing the same thing for his son, Ken Hagan, a Republican, who was first elected to the Hillsborough County Commission in 2002.

The elder Hagan camped out for nearly the entire Election Day at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, a busy polling place in north Tampa, at 2902 W. Bearss Ave.

He held his son’s political sign and, then directly above it, another sign, which proclaimed “My Son,” with a red arrow pointing down to his son’s campaign sign.

Like the Burgess family, the Hagans had something to celebrate, once the votes were tallied.

Candidate Hagan successfully fended off Democrat challenger Angela Birdsong, to win another term on the Hillsborough County Commission for District 2, which encompasses many communities, including Lutz.

Published November 16, 2022

Zephyrhills addresses exponential growth needs

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As Pasco County’s largest municipality, the City of Zephyrhills has been experiencing rapid expansion. That’s why city officials already are working to try to stay ahead of area growth, which has doubled in the past 30 years.

During an Economic Summit at City Hall, City Planning Director Todd Vande Berg addressed previous, current and upcoming work in Zephyrhills.

This map shows the City of Zephyrhills, with a population topping 18,000 — making it Pasco County’s largest municipality. The dotted lines show the city limits in 1990, while the blue areas show how the city has expanded. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The city planning director addressed how the city population more than doubled in a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020.

The current population is estimated at slightly more than 18,000.

Zephyrhills also has expanded its city limits, especially in the north and to the west.

Abbot Square, the city’s largest new residential development, has more than 700 units. It’s just off Simons Road.

In total, the city has added 3,000 residential units, Vande Berg said, characterizing that as being “a lot for us, especially our community.”

The city’s residential growth is in keeping with a trend across both Pasco County and the state, the planning expert said.

Since 2010, Zephyrhills has seen a 61% increase in the total acreage of land of the city that is residential, with 2,995 acres dedicated to it.

To go along with the residential expansion, Vande Berg said 364,400 square feet has been added for industrial and commercial use.

That expansion includes new industrial spaces, expansion of Zephyrhills Municipal Airport and the development of the historic downtown area.

Downtown changes include new businesses and buildings. There are a number of other projects, too.

Making it safer and easier for people to get around
As it grows, the city also has been and will continue to seek ways to improve traffic flow, and enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Significant roadway improvements, include:

  • A roundabout at Wire and Pretty Pond roads
  • A traffic signal at Simons Road and Eiland Boulevard
  • An extended right-turn lane on Fort King Road and Eiland Boulevard
  • Improvements to the intersection at County Road 54 and 12th Street, next to Zephyrhills High
  • An extension of Dairy Road to Kossick Road
  • An extension of Kossick Road to Wire Road
  • An alignment of Simons Road

Vande Berg said other measures have been discussed, such as identifying traffic “hot spots,” an additional extension of State Road 56, and improvements to U.S. 301.

“We’re going to look at all the areas in the city that might be considered problematic and call them out, and address those with a solution, whatever that might be,” the planning director said.

The city also has allocated $1 million of the 2022-2023 budget to improve sidewalks. All new development and redevelopment projects are required to build sidewalks adjacent to their sites.

“This will provide a safer haven, a better environment for kids to get to school and onto better sidewalks,” Vande Berg said.

Meanwhile, the city continues to grow.

Its population is expected to exceed 22,600 by 2035.

To address that growth and its needs, the city is updating its Comprehensive Plan, which aims to chart a vision and set policies for future growth through 2035.

An artist’s rendition of The Back Yard, a $250,000 open-air park at the southwest corner of Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue that will feature covered seating, metal storage containers as vendor spaces, and food truck and event space.

The city continues to accept public input, as it works on that plan.

It also is looking to “encourage smart growth,” which will concentrate on building within the city “compact, walkable urban areas to avoid sprawl,” Vande Berg said.

In essence, the city wants to encourage new development and redevelopment in downtown, rather than at its outer limits, he said.

“We can expand and develop what we have downtown and into the residential areas that are there, and that just makes the most financial sense,” Vande Berg said.

Some plans already have been identified, including The Back Yard, an open-air park at the southwest corner of Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue. It will feature covered seating under teepee-like structures, repurposed metal storage containers as vendor spaces, a stage, lighting, an event screen, plus service from food trucks.

That $250,000 project is tentatively expected to begin construction in late February 2023.

Other developments include more tennis courts at the tennis center, plus The Well, a 34,000-square-foot apartment development that can provide long-term housing for up to 90 students and families.

Other projects include a $5.4 million enhancement of Hercules Park, next to Woodland Elementary; additional expansion to the airport; a distillery being planned at an old bank on Gall Boulevard; and, more residential developments, with a variety of housing types.

“Avoiding overuse for residential land has to be key, with a better balance between that and commercial use for a sustainable economy,” Vande Berg concluded. “There is no magical formula, but it’s important not to get too oversaturated with residential.”

Published November 09, 2022

Putting a round with the family

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Chris and Brandy Whitten’s first date was at a putt-putt course.

“At the Congo River in Clearwater,” Brandy said, giving a sly smile to her husband.

“We definitely like playing it,” Chris added, flashing a smile back.

The Whittens, led by father Chris and mother Brandy, are managing 7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlour as a family operated business, with the kids either working or being home-schooled, or both, during operating hours. Pictured here at their indoor mini golf facility at 13841 Seventh St., in Dade City, back row, from left: Caleb, Brandy, Chris, Eliza and Isaac, and in the front row, from left: Levi, Audry and Micah. (Mike Camunas)

That much is obvious, especially since they’re the proud part-owners and managers of Dade City’s newest local attraction: 7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlour.

Now, with six kids in tow, the Whittens have opened this family friendly destination that features an 18-hole, indoor putt-putt course and various games. All of which this Dade City family of eight operates.

“Yeah, (putt-putt golf) is just a fun thing to do,” Brandy said. “Like, you know, (the ball is) not going to go in (the hole), it’s not going to go in there and then it happens and, you’re like, ‘YES!’ and you’re so excited — that roller coaster of emotion!”

“At the same time,” Chris added, “having six kids and living in Dade City, what else is there to do around here? So, for ourselves, mini golf popped in our minds because there isn’t really one around here in the area.

“So we were thinking of family entertainment as something we could do as a business and have it centered around that.”

The Whittens relocated to Dade City about three years ago and began discussing a business that could involve the whole family. The parents home-school the six kids, so they wanted to come up with an idea that could not only give them a space to do schoolwork, but also job responsibilities as being part of a workforce.

While Chris was continuing his job at a marketing firm, Brandy was working part-time at the nearby American Pizza Oven. There, she started having conversations with the owners, Robert and Jessica Borras, who wanted to branch out with a new business.

Well, it turns out, both the Whittens and the Borrases were having the same conversations. Both couples were talking about a family friendly place, perhaps an arcade or a putt-putt course or both.

“It was just all the same thoughts and words,” Brandy said. “We all thought the same thing — something close, down the street — and it all lined up just perfect.”

The Whittens and the Borrases started having these conversations together and started to hatch plans.

The four formed an LLC, then decided on the old brick building at 13841 Seventh St., that was built in the 1940s. It is a former Social Security building and antique store, and is at just the right location.

It took about eight months of prep, with Chris using YouTube videos to help him build the holes. He also put his marketing background to use, to create the logo, build the website and set up the social media pages.

The families opened the doors Oct. 16.

“This is a very close community that has just been wonderful and very supportive during every part,” Brandy said. “We have been welcomed from the start.”

“It’s been really great,” Chris added. “When, on a Friday or Saturday, you have groups in here and you just hear them go ‘awww’ or ‘ohhh’ (from their shots) and yelling and stuff, it just feels good to see other people have a good time.”

7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlour is an 18-hole, black-lit, indoor mini golf course in downtown Dade City, 13841 Seventh St., which also features card and board games, light snacks, monthly subscriptions and family fun.

They’re already thinking of expansion, including adding those arcade games.

In the end, they want each of their kids to have responsibility over a certain aspect at the course.

And the Whittens — including Issac, 15; Caleb, 13; Micah, 11; Levi, 9; Audrey, 6; and Eliza, 5 — will be at 7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlour five days a week.

“It’s been a leap of faith, doing what we felt God has called us to do, as a family,” Brandy said. “And it’s been a leap, it’s been hard, but it’s been a lot of fun, too.”

Chris added, “Maybe He does love putt-putt, too (laughs), but it’s also the family connection and that’s what’s always been important to us.”

7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlour
Where: 13841 Seventh St., Dade City
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: A family friendly, 18-hole, black-lit, indoor mini golf course featuring card and board games, light snacks and drinks
Cost: $10.95 for adults, children under 13 are $6.95, free for children under 3. Monthly subscriptions starting at $15 are available.
Info: Visit 7thStreetMiniGolf.com, or call 352-437-4715.

Published November 09, 2022