The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

The results are in from this year’s Pigz in Z’Hills

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Besides being a place where the community can gather to listen to music, enjoy some barbecue and have a good time — the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival also draws serious contenders for its barbecue competition.

Debbi Newman, of Lutz, balances several food containers, as her mother, Della, of Marshall, Missouri, looks on. The ladies purchased several food items, such as barbeque pulled pork and chicken, and sides like corn on the cob to enjoy from different vendors. (File)

This year’s 10th annual festival, which drew about 11,000 people, on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, was no exception, according to a news release from The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Fifty-six teams — including professional and backyard competitors — vied for top honors and trophies in four standard categories of chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.

Over the years, the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival has distinguished itself to be a qualifier for four prestigious championship contests: the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg, Tennessee; the American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City; the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational of Sanford; and, the World Food Championships in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Besides bragging rights, professional teams competed at the event for $10,000 in prize money.

These are the overall results:

Professionals

  • GitChewSum BBQ, of Venice, under head cook Allen Ponerleau: first place, winning $2,000 overall, plus $1,475 in individual category awards
  • Pig Chicka Cow Cow, of Apopka, led by Lee Thompson: second place, winning $1,500 and $500 in individual category awards

Both professional teams won trophies, too.

Backyard teams

  • Quid Pro Q, of Tampa, under Josh Zudar: first place, winning a trophy and $200
  • Smoke Meat Everyday, of Rockledge: second place under Chris Yarborough, winning a trophy and $100

Because it was the festival’s 10th anniversary, there were some new contests added on the evening of Jan. 17.

A Steak Cookoff and Kidz Grillin’ Competition sanctioned by the SCA (Steak Cookoff Association) was sponsored by Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC.

There also was a second Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by Tampa Bay Cornhole Association, with a $500 purse.

Melanie Monson, executive director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, shared some thoughts about the events in the chamber’s news release.

“We had a great time on Friday night with our new competitions. The Kidz Grillin’ Competition was a huge hit,” Monson said. “Local 7-year-old Aspen Bahr won the Kidz Grillin’ Competition by cooking a killer pork chop and was the youngest competitor. She was celebrated with hugs and cheers by her family and friends, and beamed receiving her trophy and medal. It is wonderful to see the impact Pigz has on our community,” Monson said, in the release.

“As always, our Pigz committee did a bang-up job organizing this event, and our 200 volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day to make everything go smoothly,” concluded Monson.

She also expressed gratitude for the event’s sponsors.

Published February 12, 2020

Remembering Pete ‘Hutch’ Brock II, a community servant

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Pete Hutchinson “Hutch” Brock II, a former Dade City mayor who was active in community life — passed away on Jan. 26, at age 54.

Brock served on the Dade City Commission from 2000 to 2004, then as Dade City’s mayor from 2004 to 2008, according to an obituary posted on the Hodges Family Funeral Home website.

“While he was mayor, we had an unprecedented period of annexations – undeveloped property coming into the city of Dade City,” current Commissioner Scott Black told The Laker/Lutz News. “He was looking out for the future sustainability of the city.”

Besides his work as an attorney, involvement in civic life and community service, Pete Hutchison ‘Hutch’ Brock II enjoyed outdoor activities and leisure time with family. (Courtesy of Hodges Family Funeral Home)

Brock also was involved in efforts to revitalize Dade City’s downtown and preserve its historic character, according to current Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez.

He “brought enthusiasm to the office of mayor” and his leadership left a distinct impression, she said.

“His focus on maintaining the historic charm of Dade City will not be forgotten,” Hernandez added.

Details of his public service were noted on the funeral home’s website and circulated by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Brock was an advocate for youth.

He served on the board of the Pasco Education Foundation, and he supported the work of the Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee.

He gave of his time and talents for 20 years to Sunrise of Pasco County, an organization that provides shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence.

He maintained memberships with Rotary Clubs in Dade City and Wesley Chapel, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the administrative council at his church, too.

Other areas of involvement included advocating for the renewal of Penny for Pasco, a tax initiative that increases Pasco County revenue; and, supporting the efforts of East and Central Pasco Habitat for Humanity, which helps families and individuals obtain affordable housing.

He was a sports enthusiast.

He played baseball and football in his youth, and coached youth baseball, flag football and soccer. He enjoyed outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing.

As a graduate of the University of Florida, he was an unabashed Gator fan.

Born on April 5, 1965, Brock grew up in Dade City. He attended Pasco High School before transferring to Jesuit High School, in Tampa, where he graduated.

After high school, he attended the University of Pennsylvania, before transferring in 1984 to the University of Florida, where he met his wife, Natalie.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science and Business Administration degree in 1987, then a law degree in 1990.

He was hired by Fowler White, a legal firm in Tampa, where he remained four years before moving back to his hometown and becoming a legal partner at Dade City’s Johnson, Auvil, Brock & Pratico, P.A. He remained there for over 17 years.

He launched his own practice, Brock Law LLC, in Wesley Chapel, in 2012. His legal work focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect and employment disputes.

He and his wife, Natalie, had three sons, Carson, Coleman and Connor Mack, and a daughter, Ashton. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his father Pete, and two sisters, Nancy and Haley.

Tributes on the funeral home’s website describe Brock as a great man, whose death is a loss for the community.

Commissioner Black seems to share that opinion.

“He’s always going to be revered, that’s for sure. He’ll have that legacy,” Black said.

Published February 05, 2020

Medical marijuana dispensaries allowed in Dade City

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Medical marijuana treatment centers and dispensaries may now set up shop within certain areas of Dade City.

Dade City Commissioners on Jan. 28 adopted an ordinance revising the city’s land development regulations to make the treatment facilities a permitted use in the city’s general commercial zoning district, and an allowed use in commercial and employment center planned development districts.

More specifically, the ordinance lets medical marijuana facilities be situated along U.S. 301/U.S. 98 south and north of town, and certain pockets of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) district, while avoiding much of the city’s historic downtown main street and central business district.

The ordinance requires any future standalone pharmacies and drugstores to locate within those aforementioned districts, as Florida statutes prevent municipalities from enacting regulations that are more restrictive for dispensaries than for traditional pharmacies.

Also, the ordinance includes language establishing regulations for hand-rolled cigar manufacturing within city limits, something the city had not addressed.

Hand-rolled cigar facilities would be a conditional use, permitted use or allowed use in as many as 10 different types of business or planned development zoning districts.

The commission’s action on the ordinance’s second reading was approved 3-2, with Scott Black and Eunice Penix voting no. The city passed a first reading of the ordinance on Jan. 14 by the same vote. No one from the public weighed in on the issue at either reading.

The city previously had a series of concurrent moratoriums on medical marijuana treatment centers within its municipal limits dating back to 2016, to study its possible impacts.

In September, city commissioners directed city staff to draft an amendment to the city’s land development regulations that would change that, and allow medical marijuana dispensaries in specified areas.

In other action, commissioners:

  • Adopted an ordinance of an annexation petition for JDR Investments Inc., for a 0.41-acre parcel located at 14836 U.S. 301, considered an enclave within the city
  • Adopted an ordinance of an annexation petition for Esplanade Communities of Florida, for a 0.22-acre parcel located at 36221 State Road 52, which was previously not discovered in the subdivision approval process
  • Renewed a one-year contract extension agreement with Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions Inc., for general planning and engineering services

Dade City police officer honored
Commissioners recognized Miguel Velez, who prevented a drug overdose death last fall.

Dade City police officer Miguel Velez, left was recognized by Chief James Walters, for his role in preventing a drug overdose death last fall. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

The 30-year-old Velez, a four-year veteran of the agency, was dispatched on Oct. 9 to a reported overdose on Hillside Lane in Dade City. When he arrived, he found a 23-year-old woman lying on the ground, unresponsive, with no sign of pulse or breathing.

Recognizing the symptoms of an overdose, he administered his officer-issued Narcan spray, which the police department had received through a donation eight weeks earlier from the Recovery Epicenter Foundation.

Shortly after he administered the Narcan, the woman began breathing and Velez could detect her pulse. Then, Pasco County Fire Rescue arrived and stabilized the woman, whom they transported to a local hospital, where she survived.

Dade City Police Chief James Walters presented Velez with a challenge coin inscribed with the Latin phrase, “Semper paratus, mitte me,” which translates to, “Always ready, send me.” It is the second coin Chief Walters has presented to an active member of the city’s police department. The other was given to Sgt. Robert Tungate in May, for his efforts in trying to rescue a victim from a house fire.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez commended Velez for his “heroic act,” adding, “It is those kinds of things that make our police department so special.”

Public roundtables for downtown splash park
Dade City officials want to hear local residents’ thoughts regarding the design and amenities they’d like to see for a planned downtown splash park/bike hub project.

Two public charrettes are planned to collect that input. They are scheduled for 6 p.m., on Feb. 17 and Feb. 24, at City Hall, 38020 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

The meetings will include a small presentation of the park, followed by a brainstorm of suggestions and ideas from residents and stakeholders.

The splash park and bike hub are planned on a 2.23-acre parcel at 3772 Church St., which borders the Hardy Trail and is diagonal from The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce building.

A preliminary concept plan for the project calls for a multi-use water splash pad, bike-share shelter, amphitheater, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible playground, open space, a concession area and other features.

The project will likely be completed in phases over the next several years, starting with the bike hub, which could break ground this year, in partnership with Pasco County’s tourism office.

For more information, call (352) 523-5050.

General election set April 13
Three seats are open on the Dade City Commission for this year’s election cycle.

The offices to be filled are for Groups 3, 4 and 5 — as terms expire for commissioners Jim Shive, Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix, respectively.

The election qualifying period will begin at noon on Feb. 11 and end at noon on Feb. 18.

The general election is April 13. The polling place for the election will be at Precinct 1 at First Baptist Church, 37511 Church Ave. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Those newly elected will serve a four-year term through April 2024.

Published February 05, 2020

SMARTstart helps Pasco entrepreneurs get off the ground

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Ever wanted to create your own business or startup?

If you do, the Pasco Economic Development Council’s (Pasco EDC) SMARTstart program may be able to lend a hand, or two.

Essentially, the program is designed to assist entrepreneurs — through a combination of guidance, collaboration, funding, education and workspace opportunities.

Dan Mitchell manages the Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart program. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

SMARTstart program manager Dan Mitchell detailed many of those offerings, at last month’s Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting Seven Springs Golf Club in New Port Richey.

Mitchell told those gathered: “If you’re an entrepreneur somewhere in the startup phase, or first couple years, we probably have a program that can help benefit you at some point during that journey. You just have to ask.”

Pasco EDC is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes countywide economic development, and is partnered and funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County.

Through SMARTstart, it operates two business incubators. One is in Dade City and the other in New Port Richey.

Each offers its own set of unique features, along with affordable desk spaces and professional meeting spaces with Wi-Fi connections.

One of the newer features at the Dade City site, for instance, is an incubator commercial kitchen. It aims to help those looking to launch a food business beyond farmer’s markets and vendor fairs.

Operating at 15029 14th St., the facility features a six-burner range, a single-door refrigerator, a single-door freezer, an under-the-counter ice machine, shelving, and stainless steel work tables. Mitchell said it helps food entrepreneurs facilitate wholesale distribution “to grow to that next level.”

Pasco EDC’s location in West Pasco offers its own digital media studio for podcasting, recording commercials and so on. It comes furnished with a high-quality sound board, four boom mics, green screens and white screens, which can all be used.

In Mitchell’s words, it’s “super neat.”

SMARTstart also offers educational classes, workshops and coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs. The learning sessions cover such topics as cybersecurity, crowdfunding, YouTube and social media marketing. There also are monthly entrepreneur roundtables, often facilitated by retired corporate executives who share their expertise.

Mitchell underscored the value of sessions where fellow entrepreneurs brainstorm, receive mentorship, and discover they’re not alone in their problems or roadblocks of starting a business.

The Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart program assists entrepreneurs and small business owners through a combination of guidance, collaboration, funding, education and workspace opportunities.

“We know that being an entrepreneur is hard,” he said.

SMARTstart also opens the door for more business-to-business connection for startup entrepreneurs.

The Pasco EDC’s ongoing partnerships with local chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, CareerSource and others, Mitchell said, so it can help business owners make a variety of connections.

In other words, the Pasco EDC’s deep ties throughout the community gives entrepreneurs a chance to network with people they otherwise would never meet.

“We can’t force business to happen, but we can set the table,” Mitchell said.

SMARTstart even has a microloan business financing program, designed for those that can’t secure a loan from a typical bank.

Loans are available for up to $50,000, coming from a revolving fund that must be paid back eventually. To qualify, an entrepreneur or small business owner must demonstrate the experiences and resources to be successful, Mitchell said.

Microloan proceeds may be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture and fixtures, or machinery and equipment.

The program has loaned out a total of $1.5 million to 57 businesses since being established about five years ago, Mitchell said.

The microloan program helps fill a needed niche in business financing, Mitchell said.

“If you’re a startup and the bank says, ‘Sorry, we’re not going to give you money, you’re brand new,’ come to us. We’ll talk to you, we’ll walk you through the process. You still have to have what it takes, but maybe it’s not what the bank is looking for, and just call me and we’ll talk about that,” Mitchell said.

Pasco EDC and SMARTstart also have other initiatives in the works.

They recently sponsored a free mobile application called Startup Space, for Pasco County-based entrepreneurs. It’s similar to a Facebook group, Mitchell said, but just for local entrepreneurs, where they can communicate with one another in real-time, seek advice, post business events and more.

He said of the app, “You can get a little more granular with your questions, and help each other out, ‘Hey, does anyone have a good CPA?’”

The Pasco EDC also is organizing a new event called, “Grow Pasco,” that will bring together about 200 entrepreneurs on May 9 at the Hyatt Place Tampa/Wesley Chapel.

The event’s keynote speaker will be Kevin Harrington, who’s credited with creating the television infomercial and was an original panelist on ABC’s “Shark Tank” hit television series.

The event also will have other guest speakers, panels, workshops and breakout sessions.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com, or call (813) 926-0827.

Published February 05, 2020

New route for Pasco Fair parade

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This annual Pasco County Fair parade will take on a few new twists and turns this year in downtown Dade City.

The parade, set for Feb. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will travel an alternate route, due to ongoing road closures and construction associated with the city’s downtown stormwater improvement project.

Country music star Billy Dean is grand marshal of the Pasco County Fair parade. (Courtesy of Pasco County Fair Association)

According to a news release from the Pasco County Fair Association, the alternate route will begin at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School on Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and turn south on Seventh Street until Meridian Avenue. The parade will then turn east on Meridian Avenue and continue until Third Street, ending on Live Oak Avenue.

In prior years, the parade has traveled along Seventh Street from Meridian to Florida Avenue. The event represents a kickoff to the weeklong 73rd annual Pasco County Fair, which runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 23.

Pasco County Fair chairman and board member Tracy Thompson commended the City of Dade City for accommodating the new route, in the release.

Thompson said: “Unforeseen road construction almost disrupted the parade. But, the city has worked with us to establish an alternate route. We are thankful to them. Otherwise there would be a lot of disappointed children and adults.”

This year’s parade grand marshal is Grammy Award-winning country music star Billy Dean, who also will present an acoustical concert that evening at 7 p.m., at the Clayton Way Stage, with former American Idol contestant Chloe Channell.

Dean has released 11 albums, and has been recognized with several awards and nominations during the course of his 25-plus year music career. The Quincy native also has performed and toured with some of the country music industry’s biggest stars, including The Judds, Kenny Rogers, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Wynonna Judd and others.

In addition to Dean, the parade will feature many colorful floats, and horse and buggies, and school marching bands, a tradition that dates back some 70-plus years.

Entry in the parade is free, with a Feb. 7 entry deadline. The lineup will be based on those entries, but others will be accepted until 5 p.m., Feb. 12.

Information and applications for the parade are available online at PascoCountyFair.com, or by calling the Fair office at (352) 567-6678. The fair will open at 2 pm. on Feb. 17, at the fairgrounds on State Road 52 in Dade City, and continue through Feb. 23.

Published February 05, 2020

Farm festival still draws a crowd, despite rain

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A poor forecast could not deter fans from the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s annual Farm Festival and Quilt Show.

The horse pull team of Tom Bowman of Orangeville, Pennsylvania, is seen competing in Round 2 of the lightweight class competition. The two horses, George and Willie, successfully pulled 3,600 pounds and moved onto the next round. (Christine Holtzman)

Despite rain, the Feb. 1 event at the Dade City venue drew a large crowd — as people toured the museum and watched demonstrations throughout the day.

Several dozen quilts were on display at the quilt show, and there were table runners and accessories, too. That exhibit was offered in the Mabel Jordan Barn.

Visitors had a chance to vote on their favorite quilts in a “People’s Choice” competition.

They could weigh in on seven different categories, including: machine-pieced quilts, hand-pieced quilts, applique quilts, art quilts, miniature quilts, quilted fashions/accessories, and junior exhibitor.

Winners of each category took home a ribbon, plus bragging rights.

Twelve-year-old Abigail Morreale, of Lutz, stands next to her quilt, ‘Stars & Flowers,’ that she submitted into the Junior Exhibitor division of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s quilt show on Feb. 1. This is the fifth year she’s entered the competition, and she previously has won first-place ribbons twice. Her grandmother, Patrice Neville, of Land O’ Lakes, and her grandmother’s friend, Mary Smith, both taught Morreale how to quilt when she was 8 years old.

Many of the quilts and accessories also were available to be purchased.

Brenda Grampsas, a certified quilt appraiser, also was there, available to provide written appraisals or verbal evaluations, for a fee.

There were other vendors at the festival, too, offering handmade goods and concessions.

Festival-goers also could see sugar cane grinding and syrup making.

The draft horse pulling contest, presented by the Southern Draft Horse Association, was popular.

Horse pulling is a sport were two draft horses are hitched to a truck equipped with a hydraulic weight machine, called a dynamometer. The horses then pull the weighted machine a short distance. If successful, the team moves on to the next round, and the weight is slightly increased. This process continues until just one team remains.

Waiting to be called for their Round 2 attempt, draft horses Rowdy and Harley, with team Adams/Specht of Orangeville, Pennsylvania, patiently wait with team members by the fence.

A total of 37 teams (19 in the lightweight class, 18 in the heavyweight class) took part in the competition. Nearly all the draft horses in the competition are of the Belgian breed, with only one horse being a Percheron.

Thirteen different states, including Florida, were represented in the show. Many teams travelled from as far away as Vermont, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and New Hampshire.

Terry Yoder, the president of the Southern Draft Horse Association, said that this Dade City competition draws in the “best of the best teams” and that winning is not about the cash prize, it’s about the pride. He also said this year was a special year, because it is the first time that there were four women competing in the sport that is typically dominated by men.

During an intermission – while the crew placed chains on the truck’s tires, due to muddy conditions on the course – announcer Carlene Davis told spectators about the origins of the sport, which date back to the 1920s. The activity was a way to accurately measure horsepower in the days when horses, not machines, did all heavy work around farms, she said.

She also noted how the research data collected in those days helped farmers subsequently produce a more powerful draft horse.

And, she noted that modern-day horse pulls remain a valuable part of our agricultural history.

Published February 05, 2020

A colorful quilt entered into the ‘People’s Choice’ competition, hangs inside the Mabel Jordan Barn, at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. This quilt, which measure 74 inches by 79 inches, was created by Pansy Rush, of Dade City. It was entered in the ‘Machine Pieced Quilt’ division of the contest.
Mijke and Wyatt, two Belgian draft horses with the Bowman/Root, Brown & Carpenter team from Litchfield, Michigan, make their way toward the truck for their Round 2 attempt at pulling 3,600 pounds.

The kumquat is small, but it draws a big crowd

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With its historic courthouse and local shops, downtown Dade City emanates a feeling of Southern Charm.

John Floyd, of Floyd Citrus, holds up a Nagami kumquat tree, as he makes his sales pitch to the crowd. Floyd, a 61-year resident of Dade City, said that this type of kumquat is a perfect ingredient for cakes and pies. (Christine Holtzman)

And, once a year, its streets are transformed when hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors descend on the East Pasco community to pay homage to a tiny, tart citrus fruit called a kumquat.

Now in its 23rd year, the annual Kumquat Festival was held on Jan. 25 and, as usual, people were enjoying themselves as they tasted kumquat pie, sampled kumquat ice cream, listened to music or did a little shopping from vendors, or local shops.

There was entertainment, too, with performances by such acts like the Pasco County Community Choir, Strawberry Express Cloggers, Pasco High School Jazz Band, Saint Leo University Theatre Department, Frank Savers with Influence of Music, and Nashville recording artist Kris Pierce.

Valerie Mann, left, enjoys her slice of kumquat pie, while her husband Dick, savors a spoon of kumquat ice cream. The Manns are snowbirds from Michigan, who spend their winters in Haines City.

This year, there were more than 400 vendors lining downtown streets, selling everything from handcrafted items, to produce and clothes.

It was an event for all ages. Kids could scale a rock climbing wall, take a pony ride, jump around in a bounce house or play games in the Kid’s Corral.

There was a quilt show, a car and truck show, and live entertainment, too.

And, those who came looking for kumquats?

Well, the little gold gem of the citrus industry was in great supply.

Kumquats could be purchased in the form of trees, in fresh bags of the fruit, in kumquat-infused ice cream, cookies, beer, marmalades, salsa — and, of course, the famous kumquat pie.

Published January 29, 2020

Heather Davis, of Tampa, and her husband, Andrew, admire a quilt named ‘Wild Thing,’ created by Helen Newcombe, of Zephyrhills. The quilt was one of several competing in the People’s Choice quilt competition, at the Hugh Embry Branch Library. The East Pasco Quilt Guild Inc., presented the quilt show. Tickets also were sold for a chance drawing for a quilt, with proceeds to benefit Caterpillars to Butterflies Charitable Foundation Inc.
While her husband, Rafael, looks on approvingly, Joyce Lopez-Millan, of Brandon, left, gazes into a mirror as she tries on a handmade hat made by shop owner Laura Adams, center. Adams owns ‘Hats by Laura Michaels.’ She incorporates vintage articles into her work, such as lace from an 1800s-era wedding gown.
The Pasco County Community Choir belts out a gospel tune on the steps of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse. The group was one of nine acts performing throughout the day in the historic courthouse square.
After climbing to the top of the 20-foot course, 5-year-old Olivia Antoni, of Tampa, rappels down the wall. Her parents, Jen and Mark, said that she has rock climbed before, but this course was the highest.

This female barbershop group enjoys entertaining

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For these women, snowbird season in Zephyrhills means more than soaking up the warm Florida sun — it’s also a time to harmonize in a group called the Zephyr Sound.

The all-women’s barbershop chorus entertains at senior communities and nursing homes with their collection of four-part acapella harmonies.

Zephyr Sound members come from all over. They hail from Michigan and Maine, New York and Canada. Some live in East Pasco year-round.

Zephyr Sound, a ladies barbershop singing group, performs at local senior parks and nursing homes throughout Zephyrhills. The group formed in 1998. (Kevin Weiss)

They bring a cohesive, professional sound, but the female barbershop group considers itself to be informal, and welcomes new ladies of all ages to be part of their fellowship and fun.

The only requirement to join is the ability to simply “keep a tune,” said Peggy Shear, who serves as the group’s vice president.

Shear, who sings bass, said the group really needs lead singers who have melody and can hit a Middle C note, and an octave above.

Currently, the group has nine regulars, many of whom are retired, or on the verge of retirement.

Shear, who is a New York native and Wesley Chapel resident, joined Zephyr Sound about three years ago after seeing an ad in a newspaper.

She was hooked after her first rehearsal.

Shear appreciates the challenge of the use of the human voice to make music.

She explained, “I enjoy the people and I enjoy the harmony that I’m hearing, and learning how to stay more in tune when you don’t have an accompaniment.”

Zephyr Sound formed in 1998.

Rhoda Frederick, a ‘snowbird’ from Maine, has been with the group the longest. She joined in 1999.

For Frederick, the group provides an outlet to express her passion for music and for studying harmonies.

“It’s just a part of me,” Frederick said.

Other Zephyr Sound members describe the barbershop quartet as “addicting,” — that is, they say, once you get the hang of it.

That was Carolyn Kampf’s experience.

“Once I started singing barbershop, I just couldn’t give it up,” the Michigan snowbird said. “I just couldn’t. I’ve just gotta sing that four-part harmony,” Kampf said, signaling her joy, through the glee in her voice.

New Yorker Robyne Eastman echoed similar feelings about singing barbershop-style.

“It just becomes part of you,” Eastman said. “It’s something that you go out and search, if you have been in an organization or a full chorus, and then you move, you’re going to start searching, ‘Where is one close by? Where can I sing my heart?’”

Zephyr Sound practices Monday afternoons at Zephyrhills Wesleyan Church, from mid-November through mid-April.

They have a running list of about 25 songs — a mix of blues, old-time and patriotic tunes, as well as hymns and songs from musicals.

Some of the more well-known tracks they perform include “Ain’t She Sweet,” “Baby Face,” “Rockin’ Robin,” “Carolina in the Morning,” “This Country is My Country,” “God Bless America” and “Two Nations.”

The group tries to add a new tune or two to its repertoire each year, said Zephyr Sound music director Sue Shaffer, a Dade City resident.

Right now they’re learning “Mississippi Mud,” a barbershop track once recorded by Ray Charles and others.

Learning a new song takes time and practice. It requires getting the lead, tenor, baritone and bass on the same page, members say.

Shaffer observed: “It takes a little while to work out all the parts because some people aren’t sure of their parts, and so we have to learn it.”

Zephyr Sound typically sings a 30-minute program, when they perform about town. They show up in matching uniforms: Black pants, a white blouse, a vest and a scarf.

They encourage audience participation, to liven things up.

Each Zephyr Sound set list has a narrator, Shaffer said. And, it’s organized in such a way “that makes sense in the order we do it.”

The idea, she said, is “to make it a very interesting program that people don’t fall asleep on.”

Shaffer is another longtime member of the group, having signed up in the early 2000s. She came aboard with a lengthy musical background, having directed a number of choruses and as a former member of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization dedicated to advancing the education and performance of women’s barbershop singers.

Besides her love of singing, Zephyr Sound provides Shaffer a welcoming space for friendship and camaraderie. “I’m telling you, this has been the most supportive (group) that I have ever been a part of. Ever,” she said.

For more information or to book Zephyr Sound, call Peggy Shear at (813) 991-9326.

Members of the Zephyr Sound
Sue Campbell
Robyne Eastman
Rhoda Frederick
Carolyn Kampf
Pat Nugent
Joann Pasquale
Sue Shaffer
Peggy Shear
Nancy Switzer

Published January 29, 2020

If you enjoy quilts, you’ll love this gathering

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If you’ve ever wondered what that family heirloom quilt is worth, you can find out at the 30th annual Farm Fest and Quilt Show in Dade City.

Those attending the event can find out the value of their quilt from Brenda Grampsas, a quilt historian. Verbal appraisals cost $20 and written ones cost $50.

But, that’s just one of the activities planned for the show set for Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

Visitors also can bring in quilts to put on display.

And, they can purchase a ticket to take part in a chance drawing to win a quilt, too.

At noon, spectators can see a demonstration of strength, as teams of draft horses compete to see which can pull the heaviest weight.

And, of course, there will be opportunities to buy items from numerous vendors, offering crafted items and food.

There also will be demonstrations of doll-making, and of the process of turning sugar cane into syrup.

The event also features plenty of ways for kids to have fun, including face painting and barrel train rides.

Live music will be offered by The Barking Dogs and the Dulcimer Connection, and for those who want to check out the museum, tour guides will be there to share their knowledge.

Parking is free and guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs for the horse competition.

Admission is $10 for age 13 and up; $5 for ages 5 to 12; and free for those under 5. Admission includes the museum tour.

For more information, call (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Farm Fest and Quilt Show
When: Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City
Cost: $10 for age 13 and up; $5 for ages 5 to 12; free for those under 5
Details: This Dade City event features the handiwork of quilters and the strength of draft horses.
Info: Call (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Published January 29, 2020

Medical marijuana ordinance gains first-round approval

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Dade City is a step closer to allowing medical marijuana treatment centers within its city limits.

Dade City Commissioners gave first-round approval to a zoning text amendment that would make the treatment facilities a permitted use in the city’s general commercial zoning district, and would make them an allowed use in commercial and employment center planned development districts.

The first vote took place on Jan. 14. A second hearing and approval are needed for the change to take effect.

Dade City Commissioners gave first-round approval for a zoning text amendment that would allow medical marijuana treatment facilities within specific areas of the city. A second hearing and approval are needed in order to adopt the change. (File)

More specifically, the amendment lets medical marijuana facilities be situated along U.S. 301/U.S. 98 south and north of town, and certain pockets of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) district, but avoids much of the city’s historic downtown main street and central business district.

The text amendment also would require any future standalone pharmacies and drugstores to locate within those aforementioned districts, as Florida statutes prevent municipalities from enacting regulations that are more restrictive for dispensaries than for traditional pharmacies.

The amendment also includes language establishing regulations for hand-rolled cigar manufacturing within city limits, something the city had not addressed.

Hand-rolled cigar facilities would be a conditional use, permitted use or allowed use in as many as 10 different types of business or planned development zoning districts.

The commission’s action was approved 3-2, with Scott Black and Eunice Penix voting no.

Black said: “I’m concerned about moving so quickly on the medical marijuana with this being still untested waters, but I’m also concerned about how we’re taking pharmacies out of zoning in the downtown business district.”

No one from the public weighed in on the issue.

The commission’s vote came after the Dade City Planning Board reviewed and voted to recommend the proposed amendment last month.

The city previously had a series of concurrent moratoriums on medical marijuana treatment centers within its municipal limits dating back to 2016, to study its possible impacts.

In September, city commissioners directed city staff to draft an amendment to the city’s land development regulations that would change that, and allow medical marijuana dispensaries in specified areas.

Commissioners also:

  • Approved a subdivision preliminary plan for The Cove, a new 10-lot Habitat for Humanity subdivision located between 15th and 17th streets north of Main Avenue
  • Approved a subdivision preliminary plan for Countryside, a new 25 single-family lot subdivision located east of U.S. 301 on vacant lands on Countryside Place
  • Approved a first reading ordinance of an annexation petition for JDR Investments Inc., for a 0.41-acre parcel located at 14836 U.S. 301, considered an enclave within the city
  • Approved a first reading ordinance of an annexation petition for Esplanade Communities of Florida, for a 0.22-acre parcel located at 36221 State Road 52, which was previously not discovered in the subdivision approval process
  • Approved a final plat for the Shoppes of Dade City, for the development of eight lots, generally located at the northeast corner of U.S. 301 and Clinton Avenue
  • Adopted a second reading of a zoning map amendment to approximately 3.04 acres of real property at 36830 Blanton Road, to a residential general zoning district. The moves allows for the proposed development of multi-family units at 10.5 units to 20 units per acre, directly across the street from Pasco-Hernando State College, where students and/or faculty could reside; the property is currently occupied by a quadruplex family residence. The applicant was PJW Management LLC.
  • Adopted a second reading of a zoning map amendment on approximately 61 acres of real property located at 38364 Clinton Avenue, to medium residential single-family zoning district The proposed use of the property will allow the development of a 249 single-family lot subdivision (Hilltop Pointe) at less than six dwelling units per gross acre; the property currently hosts a commercial farming operation. The applicants were Philmon Citrus Nursey LLC and Cephus Food Sales LLC.

Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon spoke out against some of the fast-moving development that’s been approved in the city of late, suggesting that potential negative traffic impacts aren’t getting enough consideration.

The commissioner directed her attention — and voted against —  the proposed 25-lot subdivision Countryside, east of U.S. 301, adjacent to a busy block that includes a McDonald’s. “We’ve approved several developments in the city limits, and it seems like traffic is kind of a cursory afterthought a lot of times,” she said.

Published January 22, 2020