The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Photos of the Week

The Easter Bunny, jelly beans and huge bubbles — oh my!

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One-year-old Emma Dewey delights at the sight of bubbles while on her father, Garrett Dewey’s shoulders. (Fred Bellet)

Event-goers to the Jelly Bean Fling at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City, had the chance to visit the Easter Bunny, grab a bite to eat, make an Easter bonnet, search for eggs and take in a bubble show, among other things. For a more detailed look at the festivities during the March 20 event, see the full story.

A ‘spectacular’ sight

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Michael Ereon caught his barred owl perched atop a couple of street signs in Lexington Oaks, in Wesley Chapel. Barred owls roost quietly in forest trees during the day, though they occasionally can be heard calling in daylight hours. At night they hunt small animals, especially rodents, and give an instantly recognizable ‘Who cooks for you?’ call.

Tribute to fallen officer

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(Courtesy of Mary Rathman)

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office alongside the Tampa Police Department paid tribute to MPO Jesse Madsen, of Wesley Chapel, who was killed in the line of duty on March 9. This flag, on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, honors Office Madsen and his service.

Award-winning smile

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Ten-year-old Corbin Stringer, of Tampa, sports his special ‘Olympics’ sunglasses during the Special Olympics Showcase, at Achievers Day School in Lutz. See more photos in full story. (Fred Bellet)

Looking for adventure, they found it at the fair

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The COVID-19 pandemic continues — but the 74th annual Pasco County Fair found a way to work around it — offering rides, midway games, food, fun and entertainment. There were also plenty of social distancing signs and hand sanitizer stations, and masks were required inside of the buildings. See more about the fair and more photos in full story.

Eight-year-old Vashaun Smith, center, tosses rings at the ‘Ring-a-Bottle’ game, while family members cheer for him. The Dade City family was spending the day at the Pasco County Fair on Feb. 20. From left in back: Za’keyia Obanner, 16; Breshae Obanner, 15; and Anthony Lane, 13. From left in front: Ashley Washington, 8; Vashaun Smith, 8; Jeremiah Harris, 9; Rashawn Washington, 6; and Jawaun Washington, 9. (Christine Holtzman)

Looking for a great catch

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Gary Owens snapped this incredible shot of an osprey on Lake Heron, where he lives. Ospreys search for fish by flying on steady wingbeats and bowed wings or circling high in the sky over relatively shallow water. This bird of prey often will hover briefly before diving, feet first, to grab a fish. An osprey’s wingspan is about 5 feet.

Clowning around at the circus

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Loomis Circus clown Sammy Marchant, of Dallas, left, sees eye-to-eye with 1-year old, Octavion Brown, of Tampa. It was Octavion’s first circus experience and he was checking things out. He was at the Grove with his mom, Maya Brown, older 5-year-old sister Justice Brown and 5-year-old Empress Moore, of Tampa. See more photos in story below. (Fred Bellet)

Friendly rivalry

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(Mary Rathman)

Ahead of Super Bowl LV, pitting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Kansas City Chiefs, Mary Eberhard of The Laker/Lutz News (left), and Karen Carr, building manager of Copperstone Executive Suites, support their favorite teams by wearing their respective game gear. Super Bowl Sunday is Feb. 7.

Sporting a bit of Spring

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club celebrated National Hat Day on Jan. 15. The women sported a favorite or fun chapeau, choosing a variety of jaunty, floral, big brims and sporty hats to help to elevate their moods and bring a bit of cheer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The club has not been able to resume in-person meetings.