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Things to Do in Pasco County During Spring Break

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In Pasco County, spring break 2022 is quickly approaching.  

Here are some fun things to do locally, with your friends and family:

(Courtesy of Pasco County)

Giraffe Ranch
Giraffe Ranch, a hidden gem in Dade City, is Florida’s second largest wilderness area that consists of live oaks, orchids, pastures, and wetlands. This family-owned native wildlife preserve offers five kinds of intimate safaris that are led by experienced driver-guides. They also offer drive-thru safaris that allow visitors to stay in their own vehicle and follow a guide while listening to their real time commentary on their FM car radio. The preserve also allows visitors to choose to go on a guided custom safari by camel-back, riding an off-road Segway X2, or by walking with one of the preserves’ llamas.

Throughout the safari, visitors will learn about native and exotic animals and the habitats they live in along with seeing the conservation efforts with endangered species. Each safari, except for the drive thru, includes giraffe feeding. Giraffe Ranch focuses on giving visitors a close-up experience and allows you to go right up to a camel, rhino, Brazilian tapir, and a pygmy hippo. 

To book, visit its website. Tours are strictly limited in size to ensure each adventure is safe, fun, and educational for visitors. 

(Courtesy of Brenda Sexton)

Epperson Lagoon
Epperson Lagoon, a first-of-its-kind amenity here in Pasco County, is an enormous 7-acre, 16-million-gallon swimming pool with crystal clear water that stretches the length of five football fields.

Located in Wesley Chapel, the lagoon features sandy beaches, swim-up bars and restaurants built along their shores. Water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Lagoon’s water slides, kayaking docks, snorkeling, paddle boarding and small sailboats. Those wanting quiet conversations and relaxing in the sun will enjoy the Cabana pools.

A day pass is $40/adult and $30/kids and includes access to a tropical beach paradise, swimming in clear, blue water, water slide, family lawn games, beach volleyball, and access to the Sandbar swim-up bar. 

For an extra fee, you can enjoy kayaking and/or paddle boarding, challenge yourself to a water obstacle course, and rent a tiki, cabana, aquabana, beach umbrella, or have premium seating in the lagoon’s exclusive cabana cove VIP area.

For more information, go to the Epperson Lagoon website.

(File)

Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center
This world-class athletic and wellness center in the heart of Zephyrhills is a 7,400-square-foot facility that offers many options for professional athletes, casual players, or anyone looking to create a healthier lifestyle.

According to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center website, the facility includes 11 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, four padel courts, cryotherapy, a salt room, sauna, sports counseling, fitness center, and a restaurant.

Vesh, the restaurant within the facility, is a full-service caterer that has been in business for over 15 years. Vesh is open to the public serving breakfast and lunch along with smoothies, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.

For hours of operation and more information on the different services the facility offers, click here.

(Courtesy of Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals)

Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals
Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals is based in New Port Richey and offers rentals for pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes. The company also offers captained pontoon charters and Tiki Bar Boat trips.

According to its website, the rental company is open Friday through Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Boating experience is required to rent a boat.

Visit Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals website for more details about reservations.

(Courtesy of Kelli Carmack)

Joy-Lan Drive-In Theatre
For nearly 70 years, the Joy-Lan Drive-In has given locals a chance to watch outdoor movies on a giant screen.

Joy-Lan Drive-In, which is Pasco County’s last remaining drive-in theater, presents a slice of nostalgia. Music from the ’50s plays as movie-goers pull into the lot and get ready to view the film.

Families can bring snacks, spread out on blankets or settle into their lawn chairs to escape to the world of the movies, under a starry sky. Tickets are $6 for adults, and $2 for kids ages 4 through 9, and are good for two screenings. Screenings are Wednesday through Sunday, with the first movie starting at 8:30 p.m.

Check out our full story on the drive-in theatre here.

Where: 16414 U.S. 301, Dade City; Info: JoyLanDriveIn.com

(Courtesy of Old McMicky’s Farm)

Old McMicky’s Farm
According to its website, Old McMicky’s Farm brings the beloved tradition of farm life to a new generation. The farm offers the opportunity for people of all ages to interact face-to-face with American farm animals.

In addition to playing with adorable animals, you can enjoy an exciting hayride, explore the farm’s barn maze, milk a cow and so much more.

Old McMicky’s Farm also offers professionally guided farm tours and field trips all year for families, schools, camps, private groups, corporate outings, etc. 

Take in the beautiful views of Crescent Lake while eating lunch by the farm’s oak tree-shaded picnic areas.

(Courtesy of SunWest)

SunWest Park
SunWest Park is an outdoor sports and recreation park in Hudson, FL that offers visitors a mile-long white sandy beach wrapped around a spring-fed freshwater lake, volleyball courts, concession stands and the Lift Adventure Park. The Lift Adventure Park includes a Sesitec Full Size Cable, System 2.0, and Wibit Aqua Park to visitors looking to enjoy the inflatable aqua park, practice wakeboarding, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

SunWest Park is open daily for family fun on and off the water. Check out the Lift Adventure Park website to reserve your spot.

By Kelli Carmack and Nicole Sanchez

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Back 9 Bistro Wants to Serve You

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When Simone Tolley saw the opportunity to take over the restaurant in The Groves Golf and Country Club, she took it.

“When we first drove through, me and my husband thought to ourselves that the community clubhouse might be the best place to open a cute little quaint bistro,” says Tolley. “Golfers are awesome and we love the community!”

Simone Tolley teaches free line dancing on the first and fourth Wednesday of every month.

Being in the restaurant business is not new to Tolley. In fact, she’s been in the industry since she was 18 years old. Once she graduated from University of South Florida she pursued other ventures like owning her own marketing company and becoming a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader. But, going back to her roots, she eventually opened up two restaurants and most recently opened her third here in Land O’Lakes.

Even though it’s in a gated community, Back 9 Bistro serves the public and offers American-style food like burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads.

“We try to have a good variety to make everyone feel happy, so we offer a lot of side options too,” says Tolley. “We really want to try and give a comfort-food feel.”

The bistro has a full menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a daily happy hour.

“Our most popular dish is definitely our club salad, but I personally love our burgers and sweet potato fries,” says Tolley.

One of the biggest draws to the clubhouse in The Groves is the event hall that’s attached to Back 9 Bistro.

“The event hall can hold up to 150 people,” says Tolley. “It’s perfect for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and so much more.”

All the community has to do to rent the space is reach out to Tolley herself and get the event approved by the clubhouse.

“We have the liquor license, so we can cater food and drinks,” says Tolley.

On a weekly basis, the bistro holds free public events that have become a staple for locals, including Tuesday Trivia Night and Thursday Karaoke.

Tolley teaches free line dancing on the first and fourth Wednesday of every month. On the second Wednesday of every month, the Bistro hosts bingo that the public can participate in.

“I’m very excited to be here and I’m very excited to see where we can take this restaurant,” says Tolley.

Tolley has lived in Land O’ Lakes for three years, residing with her husband, Mike, and her 8- year-old son, Blake.

If you’re interested in learning more about Back 9 Bistro go to thegrovesgolf.com/golf-at-the-groves/the-groves-grill/or visit their Facebook Page.

Published February 23, 2022

Congratulations to the winner of our “Tell Us Your Love Story” Valentine’s Day-themed contest…. Edna Villanueva!

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Here is her love story:

“I want to tell you about our story of more than 17 years together. Our relationship is the most important thing for us and represents a second chance at love after being in toxic relationships. It is a story of hope and self-respect.

This is how our love story began:

“They were just having coffee, except it wasn’t really coffee at all; he was staring at her and she was staring back at him and it was hearts fluttering eyes flirting and cheeks blushing it was more like souls catching fire so in between each sip of hot steaming coffee never mistake it for “just coffee’ when they were secretly burning for each other.” – N.R.Hart (The Art of Having Coffee)

We took a chance at love and after 17 years we still treat each other like newlyweds. We support each other in good and bad because when someone is down, the other is always there for support and making things better. We have built a community of love around us and now he helps me take care of my parents. We always say that we hit the lotto when we met and are eternally grateful for that first kiss. Winning this contest will help me show my husband how we all appreciate his love and invaluable importance to our families. Just to think that everything started with coffee and a kiss…we are beyond grateful!”

– Edna Villanueva

Thank you to all who voted and stay tuned for our next contest in March.

Avalon Applauds GFWC Woman’s Club

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Congratulations to the GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) Woman’s Club, a nonprofit 501(3)C group in Wesley Chapel, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club is dedicated to community improvement and helping those in need, through volunteer service and fundraising events. The organization is likely to focus much of its efforts on domestic violence and awareness, homelessness, hospice, and foster care, among other community issues.

The GFWC Woman’s Club has been together since February 2020. It is a small organization led by strong female community members, like newly elected president Shantel Meyers.

In just a small amount of time, the nonprofit provided Luggage of Love with suitcases for children in foster care, raised $500 in college scholarship money for a young lady, installed a little free library in Lexington Oaks, and helped other nonprofits such as Planned PetHood, the Ronald McDonald House, and Caterpillars to Butterflies.

The club also worked closely with Sunrise Domestic Violence Shelter, where it adopted its own room and provided bed linens, wall decor, etc.

“We wanted to dress up the room for women and families for a fresh and positive look for their recovery,” says Meyers.

Meyers and the club also hosted a food drive to provide food for the shelter, and gifted purses stuffed with women’s essentials.

“The most rewarding part about being involved with this organization is the personal satisfaction of helping others and the unexpected personal growth from what we learn and do,” says Meyers.

The club meets once a month, on the first Wednesday, at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“We are always looking for new members to join us,” says Meyers.

For more information, email , or search GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club Inc., on Facebook.

To help support the GFWC Woman’s Club, please mail your donations to: GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club, 7702 Timberview Loop, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545.

Published February 09, 2022

Avalon Applauds

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Congratulations to Martin J. Levins II, a senior at Saddlebrook Preparatory School in Wesley Chapel, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Martin is an exceptional student both inside and outside of the classroom. He dedicates his time to studying and has been a member of the National Honor Society since starting high school. The National Honor Society organization recognizes students that commit themselves to values such as scholarship, service and leadership.

Martin also has been recognized nationally for his academic prowess over the years by the executive branch of the United States of America.

“I am a proud recipient of the President’s Award for Educational Excellence each year from 2017-2020,” said Martin.

The award focuses on a recipient’s success within the classroom, and maintaining grades that average from 90-100+ points on the grade point scale.

On Sept. 29, 2019 Martin received his Eagle Scout award, the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve in the Boy Scouts of America program. Only 4% of scouts go on to achieve this rank by completing merit badges that benefit the community and continuously exemplify the scout oath and law.

“I wanted to become an Eagle Scout to learn leadership and responsibility that could aid me in all aspects of my life,” said Martin. Even to this day, he continues to scout, and is currently a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.

Service is at the forefront of how Martin determines his extracurricular activities. Not just as a Scout, but by using other local organizations as tools of service to give back.

“I’m a School Spartan Ambassador, which involves using the school to raise money for the community,” said Martin. “In November, we raised funds for November Needs. During Christmas, we raised money for a toy drive for underprivileged children, and a campus cleanup.”

In 2020, Martin was awarded the Saddlebrook Preparatory School Community Service Award. He was also was awarded the Green Ball Award for recycling over 40,000 used tennis balls in Saddlebrook.

Martin owes his drive for success and passion to succeed in life to the great example of his father.

“My father has always been my role model and a man that I look up to. He instilled the values in me I hold close in all I do, to this very day,” said Martin. “I am so grateful to have learned about the world from him.”

Let Your Pet Make a Mess! TPS Handles the Rest!

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There are some jobs that most people really just don’t want to do. That’s where Tampa Poop & Scoop (TPS) enters. No mess will ever be left behind by your pets, again.

Bathroom messes, to be precise.

Tampa Poop & Scoop ushers in a new era of pet/owner freedom. Now we can let our fluffy friends relieve as they please, without the hassle of wondering “when” or “where” the backyard business has taken place. It’s the true definition of out of sight, out of mind.

“We take care of the No. 2 so you can spend more time with your No. 1,” said owner Josey David.

It’s professional work, but David will be the first to admit it’s certainly not glamorous. For him, that’s OK. The less time owners have to spend picking up after their pets, the more time they can spend loving them.

“I wanted to find an industry that so many turn away from, come in as a young mind, and bring a new perspective to the idea of what good service can be,” said David.

TPS offers an all-inclusive pet waste cleanup. It will show up, clean up and head out leaving nothing behind for you to worry about. It also will keep you updated along the way, which saves you time to go about your day. If the yard needs to be cleaned by tonight in your rush to prepare for company, TPS is on it.

“My mindset is: I don’t make customers wait around for an estimate,” said David. “I’ll be out there the next day, or even the same day, if need be.”

A Wesley Chapel native, David currently studies within the entrepreneur track at the University of Tampa. He has one more semester until he graduates and already is making a name for himself within the Tampa area as a motivated, young business professional.

His love of animals and desire to keep them happy bore the necessity to create TPS. That, paired with his long-term effort of using his business as a vessel to donate to local animal rescue efforts, being the very best answer to our pet’s nature call made sense.

Moving forward, he looks forward to the day when he can give back to entities such as the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

“It comes down to keeping animals healthy and happy,” said David. “If I can do that, while giving back to animals that need help in our community, then I’ve provided the service I want to give.”

For more information on rates and scheduling visit TampaPoopAndScoop.com.

Published December 29, 2021

Boardwalk Wealth Solutions is Here to Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals

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Ralph Sevelius learned early on that trustworthy financial advisors can really add value to their clients’ lives. This led him to become an advisor in 2007.

“As an independent advisor, I can provide much better service and value to my clients because I can run my business in a way that always serves my clients’ best interests,” says Sevelius.

Located in Tampa, Boardwalk Wealth Solutions offers financial planning, investment management, estate planning and tax planning to its clients all over the country.

According to LivingFacts.org, only 37% of non-retired Americans said in 2019 that their retirement savings were on track. Conversely, 44% of non-retirees said that their retirement savings are not on track, and the rest are not sure. In other words, at least 63% of non-retirees in the U.S. are not confident that their money will last as long as they do.

“Basically, I provide comprehensive wealth management and planning,” says Sevelius, “I help address and minimize risks in my clients’ lives and assist them in achieving their goals.”

Even though Sevelius is very diligent about how many clients he takes on, Boardwalk Wealth Solutions still offers free consultations to every potential client who is looking for guidance.

“If a person isn’t fit for me to take on as a client, I always make sure they are pointed in the right direction and give them resources that can help them at some point achieve their goals,” says Sevelius.

When first meeting with a potential client, Sevelius has them set and quantify their fundamental goals, while still reaching for their dreams.

This basic flight plan helps Sevelius get an idea of what the client wants to achieve financially in the future.

“My favorite part is seeing people achieving goals they thought they’d never achieve; that’s what it’s all about,” says Sevelius.

When creating each plan, Sevelius likes to figure out each client’s current situations, resources, how much they’ve saved, their income, etc. He makes sure to address their fears and goals so he knows what to avoid and what to achieve in the process.

It’s important to keep in mind that flight plans, or initial plans, are never set in stone because life has many variables to it.

“Your plan needs flexibility to make adjustments,” warns Sevelius.

The sooner you start taking the steps to achieving your dreams, the better.

“What makes me sad is when someone is ready to retire, but they have never sat down and made a plan. I end up having to be the one to break the news to them and let them know that it’s essentially too late. We end up having to make other goals and they, unfortunately, have to be a bit humbler with their goals. It makes me wish that I would have met them years ago, so we could have put them in a better position,” says Sevelius.

For more information on Boardwalk Wealth Solutions, go to BoardwalkWealthSolutions.com, or call 813-616-3770.

By Nicole Sanchez

Let’s put one myth to bed for good: Vaccines do not cause the flu

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Influenza is so common that sometimes the risk it poses is overlooked. But the truth is, the flu can cause serious illness that leads to hospitalization or even death – especially when the virus is coupled with a significant underlying health condition. Despite the availability of the flu vaccine, some still resist, in some cases falling prey to the misguided notion that the vaccine causes the flu. This is fiction.

“We’ve had influenza vaccines for many years, and the components have been refined and formulations are now safer than ever,” says William Russell, M.D., Managing Partner, Conviva Care Center® Palm Beach. “We continue to push hard to get flu vaccines into the arms of everyone, especially those in a high-risk category.”

Dr. Russell said scientists and doctors continue to learn more about the flu, including its effects on certain age groups. “If you look at the general population, those seniors 86 and above are at the greatest risk and need the vaccination the most,” he said. “COVID technology is relatively new, but the influenza technology has been refined over many, many years. It’s safe and effective and the best way to protect you and your family.”

The reason a person might think they are getting the flu following a flu shot is the natural response of the body’s immune system. “You don’t get the flu from a flu shot, and any symptoms are normally very mild,” said Dr. Russell.

Respiratory viruses can be devastating to older adults, but are largely preventable with immunizations that preserve a good quality of life. “It’s always good to talk to your primary care physician because they know science, and they know you,” said Dr. Russell. “They will help in the decision-making process of which flu vaccine works best for you based on dosage and formulation.”

In Palm Beach, well over 90 percent of at-risk seniors have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Now, well into flu season, Dr. Russell and his team remain on-message that people can receive a COVID-19 vaccination and a flu shot at the same time, without fear of complications or severe side effects.

“Make no mistake about it – Flu A and Flu B are always out there ready and waiting to pounce, so the best defense is to maintain your health by getting a flu shot,” says Dr. Russell. “It’s smart to protect yourself and your family. What we saw during the pandemic was, in many cases, people behaving with incredible responsibility, and we’re hopeful that same behavior carries over as we get further into flu season.”

At Conviva Care Center, the mission is one of service to its senior population. Fulfilling its mission requires living the values and delivering on the promises of doing whatever it takes to make sure patients age well. More than eight million seniors reside in Florida and caring for their unique needs is Conviva’s biggest priority.

Visit ConvivaCareCenters.com.

Premier Martial Arts Lutz Aims To Empower Its Students

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Students at Premier Martial Arts Lutz are being empowered with lessons that have remained firm for over a thousand years.

This martial arts school helps its students develop the personal skills that are necessary to build a successful life, as well as learn how to take on any task, in an environment that fosters inclusion and social belonging.

Its unique curriculum combines the styles of Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga and kickboxing to help its students become well-rounded martial artists and human beings.

Owners Dan and Deb Favuzza are excited to teach kids the importance of discipline paired with self-defense.

“A lot of kids don’t get that ‘training’ much anymore where they learn discipline, respect, self-confidence, etc.,” says Deb. “If we can instill some of these values along with martial arts, then it’s a huge win for our students.”

Premier Martial Arts Lutz offers both kids and adult classes. Its adult classes focus on the highly effective self-defense arts of Krav Maga and kickboxing.

Krav Maga is a technique taught to give you reality-based self-protection techniques, tactics and mindset designed to keep you safe. It also is a fantastic way to burn body fat and improve your level of conditioning.

For its kid classes, the martial arts school trains children’s muscles and minds.

One of Dan’s favorite parts of the kid classes are the “mat chats.” This is when the kids will sit down on the mat and discuss a positive topic such as kindness. He and his team will then assign homework for the kids to accomplish during the week that’s relevant to the topic discussed, such as performing five acts of kindness.

“In such a short amount of time, we are already seeing the change in our students,” says Dan.

Dan and Deb both know first-hand how powerful that change can be.

They were first introduced to the practice when their son was in first grade. He was extremely shy and they decided to try martial arts to build his self-confidence.

Their son began to open up and flourish. He ended up spending six-and-a-half years in karate and earned his black belt. He then went on to graduate high school at 16, study abroad at 18, graduate college at 20, and the day after graduating college, moved into his own place.

“I really feel that martial arts helped give him self-confidence, discipline, and definitely brought him out of his shell,” says Dan.

“We thought, if we can help other kids like our son… that’s the positive difference we want to make in this community.”

For more information on Premier Martial Arts and to learn more about its free introductory class, go to PremierMartialArts.com/landolakes/.

Avalon Applauds

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Congratulations to Lana Guzman, a senior at Wesley Chapel High School, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Lana Guzman

Guzman was recently chosen as Pasco County’s 2021 – 2022 Outstanding Senior. She serves as the Student Government Association’s executive president, Student Advisory Council chairman and the school’s National Honor Society secretary. She was also a Teen Play Leader for Glazer Children’s Museum where she provided information about exhibits, monitored activities and prepared materials for small groups.

“Each leadership position and community involvement I have been blessed with has granted me the ability to inspire others through compassion and knowledge,” says Guzman.

Maintaining a driven mindset has allowed Guzman to hold a 4.36 grade point average all throughout high school.

“As a student, my goal has always been to strive for highest level of success and my motivation has been driven by my desire to reach my fullest potential,” says Guzman.

On top of all that, Guzman was also the 2018 – 2019 Agriculture Student of the Year, which is an industry she is extremely passionate about. Guzman is currently the Wesley Chapel High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter president, which has over 50 members. Guzman works alongside both the club’s advisor and officer team to organize events, competitions, meetings and volunteer opportunities.

“Despite coming from a suburban background, agriculture has shown me the importance of an industry that makes up the food, fiber and shelter of our daily lives,” says Guzman.

Upon graduating from Wesley Chapel High School, Guzman plans to attend the University of Florida where she will pursue a degree in agriculture education.

“As a teacher, my goal is to build future leaders, create educated consumers and teach students to have respect for agriculture industries,” says Guzman.

Guzman would like to thank her agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor, Mrs. Farquhar, for her support throughout the years.

“She never failed to always be there whenever I needed her. I am forever grateful for the life changing impact Mrs. Farquhar has been in my life,” says Guzman.