Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Dade City looks to renovations, redesigns in 2023

January 3, 2023 By Mike Camunas

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

January 3, 2023 By Mike Camunas

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

December 27, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

Dade City Garden Club kicks off family program

December 20, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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.

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

December 20, 2022 By Mike Camunas

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

December 13, 2022 By Doug Sanders

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

December 13, 2022 By Doug Sanders

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

November 22, 2022 By Mike Camunas

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

November 22, 2022 By Mike Camunas

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

November 16, 2022 By Mike Camunas

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