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A vigil to honor a life gone too soon

June 22, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A bouquet of heart-shaped balloons separated and floated skyward into the night air, carrying messages of love for Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz.

Below, candles burned brightly, held aloft by more than 400 people who filled the stands at Ron Allen Field at Gaither High.

Junior Sanfeliz, the older brother of Christopher Sanfeliz, is consoled by friends at a candlelight vigil at Gaither High School. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Junior Sanfeliz, the older brother of Christopher Sanfeliz, is consoled by friends at a candlelight vigil at Gaither High School.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

They had gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of the 24-year-old Sanfeliz, one of 49 people killed during a mass shooting on June 12 at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

“Chris was taken way too soon from the world,” Stephanie Woychowski, president of Gaither’s Parent Teacher Student Association said during the June 15 vigil. “Remember Chris. Remember love.”

Besides killing 49 people, the lone gunman armed with an assault rifle, injured 50 others before he was killed by law enforcement.

The mass shooting, reported as the largest in the nation’s modern history, targeted a club popular among the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.

The Gaither community responded immediately, with former classmates, current students and faculty coming together to organize the vigil for Sanfeliz, a member of the class of 2010.

“Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy,” said Teresa Trumbach, a teacher at Gaither, known as the home of the Cowboys.

Trumbach met Sanfeliz when he was a freshman.

Friends and family dropped photographs into a memory box during a candlelight vigil for Christopher Sanfeliz, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando.

“He was just one of those great guys,” Trumbach said. “I find it impressive that so many of you came back.”

Before filing into the stands, people stopped to pick up candles, drop donations into a box, or leave photographic mementos of Sanfeliz in a memory box.

Friends and family clung tightly to each other in long hugs. And, they shed tears.

Amid the sorrow, though, they found a way to share the joyous times and recalled Sanfeliz’ love of life.

They talked about a young man who was the friend that everyone wanted. He was loyal, funny and compassionate. He was always ready to do whatever it took to make his friends happy.

He also had his own way of doing things.

“Chris loved cottage cheese. He loved Disney. He would walk around the house and sing Disney songs,” said Ben Mercado. “He loved Selena (the movie).”

Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz (GoFundMe.com) — Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz
(GoFundMe.com)

Mercado said he and Sanfeliz came out as gay at the same time. Sanfeliz was Mercado’s first date with a boyfriend.

“He was just so comfortable with himself. It was such a privilege to have Chris as a friend,” Mercado said.

Brian Dell, former band director at Gaither, remembered Sanfeliz, who played in the saxophone section.

“He loved every minute of it,” Dell said. “He always had a smile on his face. He said hello every day.”

The Gaither marching band took to the field to play the school’s alma mater.

Cindy Stuart, vice chairwoman of the Hillsborough County School Board, and Anna Brown, assistant superintendent of Student Services, attended the ceremony.

“This weighs heavy on our hearts,” Brown said.

More than 400 people held lighted candles aloft to honor Christopher Sanfeliz, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12.

The Sanfeliz family came from Cuba in the 1960s, with nothing, said Mike Wallace, a family friend.

Sanfeliz grew up in Carrollwood and attended Hillsborough Community College. About three years ago, he began working for JP Morgan Chase as a teller, and recently was promoted to personal banker.

Michele Tweedle also works for JP Morgan Chase, but not at the same branch as Sanfeliz. Her 16-year-old daughter, Rayna Tweedle, plays in Gaither’s marching band.

“It’s a sad situation,” Michele Tweedle said. “The community has got to come together.”

Yunielquis Valdespino didn’t know Sanfeliz well, but saw him occasionally at nightclubs in Tampa.

“He loved to dance,” Valdespino said. “He’d get along with anybody.”

Love is the meaning Mercado hopes people take from Sanfeliz’s life, not the hate behind the action that led to his death.

Mercado honored his friend with words from a sonnet written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, winner of a Tony award for his Broadway musical, “Hamilton.”

“Love is love is love,” said Mercado. “And, we love Chris.”

Want to help?
If you would like to make a donation, visit GoFundMe.com/297mht34.

Published June 22, 2016

Tiny dog’s barking saves family from fire

June 15, 2016 By Diane Kortus

Peanut, a tiny black Chihuahua, saved the lives of three generations of a Lutz family on June 3, when his insistent barking awakened family members at 3 a.m., alerting them to a fire in the rear of their home.

Fire ravaged the DeRolf’s family home in Lutz. Persistent barking by the family’s dog, Peanut, alerted the family to the fire. Peanut perished from smoke inhalation. (Suzanne Beauchaine/Staff Photo) — Fire ravaged the DeRolf’s family home in Lutz. Persistent barking by the family’s dog, Peanut, alerted the family to the fire. Peanut perished from smoke inhalation.
(Suzanne Beauchaine/Staff Photo)

Peanut’s barking from her crate awakened Jeff DeRolf and his 26-year-old daughter, Maria, who together started down the stairs to see why the dog was barking.

“When I was about halfway down the stairs, I heard my mother scream at the top of her lungs,” said Maria. “Our French doors leading to our back patio were engulfed in flames.”

Those screams woke up the rest of the family — Maria’s 22-year-old brother, Jeff, her 7-year-old daughter, Michelle, and a friend of Jeff’s who was spending the night. They all were able to get to the front of the house and get out safely.

Sadly, Peanut did not survive.

“My dad and brother started back into the house to get Peanut, but by then the smoke was thick and was pouring out of the house,” Maria said. “My brother actually had to hold my dad back to stop him from going back in.”

Peanut, just 6 pounds and still a puppy at a year-and-a-half, was technically her daughter’s dog, Maria said. “But, everyone loved Peanut. Her barking saved all of our lives — she is our hero.”

Seven-year-old Michelle DeRolf holds Peanut. (Photos courtesy of the DeRolf family) — Seven-year-old Michelle DeRolf holds Peanut.
(Photos courtesy of the DeRolf family)

The family escaped from the house with just the clothes on their backs.

“We were able to retrieve my grandfather’s ashes and a few pieces of clothing, but that was all,” Maria said.

That means everything else was gone — every treasure that a family of five has amassed after 30 years of living in one place.

Jeff and Carmen DeRolf moved into their two-story home at 17838 Morninghigh Drive in the Barrington subdivision before they had their children.

“This is the house that we lived in for our whole lives. It’s where we took our first steps, as well as the next generation’s,” said Maria.

A Go Fund Me Account under the DeRolf name has been established for the family to help with expenses not covered by insurance. As of June 13, more than $4,700 had been raised.

“The amount of love and support coming our way is amazing. Thank you to everyone who has donated. Whether it be money or physical items, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” Maria said.

The DeRolf family wants people to know the house had working smoke detectors.

The DeRolf family has lived in Lutz for over 30 years. Front row: Margarita Ruiz and Michelle DeRolf. Other members of the DeRolf family, in the back row, from left, are son Jeff Jr., mother Carmen, daughter Mariah, father Jeff and daughter Maria.

“The fire started in the back of the house and the smoke detectors were more towards the front, so the dog woke us up before the smoke detectors went off,” Maria explained.

The family’s homeowner’s insurance is paying for temporary housing at the Marriott Residence Inn in Telecom Park until a rental home can be leased.

Maria said the home is a total loss, and insurance company says it will be at least a year until their home is rebuilt.

Maria said the cause of the fire has not been found, and the fire marshal has begun an investigation.

In addition to suffering the loss of his home, Jeff DeRolf is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Moffitt Cancer Center for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Maria said her father’s cancer was first diagnosed in 2008, and occurred again just six months ago.

The family gathered the day after the fire to bury Peanut — the little dog that saved them all — in their backyard, next to Duke, a German Shepard they had before Peanut.

“When the firefighters retrieved Peanut’s body, her body was not burned, and we know she died of smoke inhalation,” said Maria. “We were thankful for that.”

Here are ways you can help
Monetary donations
GoFundMe.com, Search DeRolf Family Fire Recovery

Clothing for Michelle
Girls size 8
Shoes size 2-3
Maniscalco Elementary School Uniforms
Collared shirts in white, blue, grey and maroon
Jeans, pants and skirts in white, blue, grey and maroon

Questions?
Contact Maria DeRolf at .

Those wishing to contribute clothing or other items are welcome to bring them to The Laker/Lutz News office, at 3632 Land O’Lakes Blvd., Suite 102, in Land O’ Lakes. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, call (813) 909-2800.

Published June 15, 2016

No progress yet on reopening Lake Park

June 8, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A park in Lutz that draws an estimated 300,000 users each year will not be reopening anytime soon.

Lake Park, at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, has been closed since Dec. 2 due to a sinkhole that spans 6 feet across and is about 90 feet deep.

Lake Park typically draws 300,000 visitors annually. The 589-acre site features an archery range, a BMX bicycle track, two equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track. (File Photo) — Lake Park typically draws 300,000 visitors annually. The 589-acre site features an archery range, a BMX bicycle track, two equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track.
(File Photo)

No progress has been made in repairing the sinkhole because Hillsborough County has not yet negotiated a new lease with the City of St. Petersburg, which owns the park, said Forest Turbiville, Hillsborough County’s director of conservation and environmental lands management.

A meeting regarding the lease has been set for June 23.

“During those discussions, we will talk about sinkholes, who’s responsible for paying to remedy that situation, and other issues, too — like the term of the agreement,” Turbiville said.

The county prefers a lease that lasts around 30 years, Turbiville said.

“If we’re going to be spending several hundred thousands of dollars over the next few years to make various improvements, whether it’s filling in the sinkhole or paving the main road, upgrading facilities — we want to make sure we have a long-term agreement,” Turbiville explained.

The existing lease agreement for Lake Park expires on June 3, 2019. Under that deal, Hillsborough County pays just $1 per year to the City of St. Petersburg to operate the park.

However, Turbiville said the City of St. Petersburg has proposed a new lease agreement requesting $3,000 per month, or $36,000 per year. It also is requesting $2,000 per month from the county to lease Lake Rogers Park. That lease agreement expires on Sept. 30.

“One of the things we’re going to discuss in our meeting (with St. Petersburg) is what the basis is for those numbers,” Turbiville said.

The low-end estimate to repair the sinkhole is $103,000, but Turbiville said the cost could be nearly double that amount, based on the county’s previous experience in repairing sinkholes in other locations.

He also noted the sinkhole repair would likely take six weeks to eight weeks, after a new lease agreement is executed.

“We’re hopeful that (the park) will be open sometime this year; that’s the best I can say,” Turbiville said.

Flooding on Lake Park’s central road also must be addressed, Turbiville said.

Two lakes situated near the flooded road have begun to merge — caused by a significant drop-off in water pumping by the aquifer, he said.

“Those lakes are…filling up almost like a bathtub, and they’re going over the road, so about nine (months) to 10 months out of the year, we have a couple of feet of water over the road,” Turbiville explained.

“Ever since 2013, the pumping has dropped from 10 (million gallons) or 12 million gallons down to 1 million gallons per day. As a result, the lakes and the wetlands within the park have come back up, so what you have now is a much wetter park than you did even five years ago,” Turbiville said.

Turbiville believes the nearly three-quarter-mile stretch of road will have to be repaved and elevated.

The estimated cost for the project, which is about $850,000, would likely fall on the shoulders of Hillsborough County, he said.

The project would require culverts or some other type of system that would allow water to flow underneath the road, he noted.

Other long-term Lake Park improvements include renovations to the park’s main offices and restrooms, and upgrades to the concession area.

Lake Park, a 589-acre site, features an archery range, a BMX bicycle track, two equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track.

Based on revenue figures from 2014-2015, the park typically nets about $10,000 per month in revenue from park-goers.

Due to Lake Park’s closure, Turbiville said most of the park’s employees have been temporarily reassigned to other locations within the regional park system. A skeleton crew remains at Lake Park for upkeep and maintenance.

Published June 8, 2016

‘Adopt a Hero’ aims to improve veterans’ lives

June 1, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Some staff members at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home have come up with an idea they think will enrich the lives of the residents.

They’ve launched an initiative they’re calling “Adopt A Hero.”

The concept is simple, but they need a corps of volunteers to pull it off, and they’re reaching out to the community to try to bring their vision to life.

Johanna Snee, left, and Rebecca Pinson, staff members at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home have come up with an idea they’re calling ‘Adopt a Hero.’ It’s a simple concept, but could yield powerful results. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Johanna Snee, left, and Rebecca Pinson, staff members at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home have come up with an idea they’re calling ‘Adopt a Hero.’ It’s a simple concept, but could yield powerful results.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Rebecca Pinson, social work program manager, and Johanna Snee, activity director, hope that “Adopt A Hero” will give the veterans something to look forward to each week, while giving volunteers a chance to make a meaningful contribution.

In essence, they’re asking for volunteers who are willing to spend one hour per week engaging with a veteran.

“A lot of veterans don’t have visitors,” Pinson said. “Their friends have passed,” she said, and family members may not live in the area.

Each volunteer would be paired with a specific veteran, Pinson said.

“We would try to connect the volunteer with the resident that has similar interests, hobbies or skillsets,” Pinson said.

For instance, Snee said, “we have a resident who just enjoys playing chess.”

Unfortunately, Pinson said, he doesn’t have someone to play chess with.

Volunteers could come at their convenience, Pinson said.

Once the volunteer arrives, it will be up to the volunteer and the veteran to decide how they want to spend their time together, Snee said.

“They can read to them, if they’d like,” she said. Or, “they could help them to write letters,” Snee added.

Or, they could help the veterans figure out how to use new technology, Pinson said.

Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, at 6919 Parkway Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, is a 120-bed nursing home for veterans.

“Someone who likes to sing and play instruments — they could come and do that,” the social work program manager said.

“They would do whatever they like. If they wanted to play a game with the resident, if they wanted to just chat, maybe have lunch with them,” Snee said.

In fact, lunch would be a pretty good deal for the volunteer, the women said.

“For $3.50 they can have lunch with them,” Snee said, noting there is a wide array of choices.

“The food is good, too,” Pinson said.

The nursing home is seeking volunteers who are at least 18 years old, who are willing to make an hour commitment every week, for at least a year, Snee said. They want the continuity to make the program meaningful for the veteran.

Those who are interested can come over to tour the facility and fill out an application form, Snee said.

They can give it a try a couple of times, to see if it is a good fit, she said.

This statue of a soldier in the foreground and the emblems of the various armed services in the background are symbolic of the sacrifices made by the men and women at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in service to the nation.

If they want to proceed, a background check will be done at the state’s expense, Snee said. That’s necessary to protect the nursing home residents and its staff, she explained.

The nursing home, which opened in 1999, is a 120-bed facility at 6919 Parkway Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Pinson and Snee have high hopes for this new volunteer program.

“It will make a big difference in some of our veterans’ lives, to have that social connection,” Pinson said, noting that the lack of personal relationships can lead to loneliness and depression.

Snee also encouraged anyone who wants to help at the nursing home, even if they’re not drawn to this opportunity, to give her a call. There are plenty of ways to pitch in, she said.

For more information, call Snee at (813) 558-5000, ext. 1424.

Published June 1, 2016

‘Prom Promise’ drama aims to save lives

May 25, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The crushed beer cans on the grass help to set the scene at this assembly for students at Wiregrass Ranch High School.

As students pack the stands on one side of the school’s football stadium, they can see a giant black tarp — hiding a scene behind it.

Then, they begin to hear voices.

During the dramatization of a drunk driving accident, a Pasco County firefighter prevents Olivia Speer, 14, left and Vanessa Reyes, 16, from approaching the ‘dead girl’ lying on the hood of the opposing car. The dead passenger played by classmate, Emily Snider, 15, a sophomore, is sprawled on the hood of the car, ejected through the windshield because she did not buckle up. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — During the dramatization of a drunk driving accident, a Pasco County firefighter prevents Olivia Speer, 14, left and Vanessa Reyes, 16, from approaching the ‘dead girl’ lying on the hood of the opposing car. The dead passenger played by classmate, Emily Snider, 15, a sophomore, is sprawled on the hood of the car, ejected through the windshield because she did not buckle up.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

“St. Paul, I can’t believe you’re still drinking beer. How many beers have you had tonight?” his prom date asks. “I thought I was going to drive, if you were going to drink.”

“Babe, I only had a couple in the last hour or so. I’ll be able to drive,” St. Paul responds.

“I think maybe you should let me drive. You’re going a little fast. You’re starting to scare me,” his date continues.

“I’ll get us home fine,” he says. “If you’re so worried, why don’t you wear your seatbelt?”

“We’re almost home,” she responds, “and I didn’t want to get my dress wrinkled by wearing my seatbelt.

“Look out! There’s a car,” she shouts, and then begins screaming.

There are sounds of a collision, and the tarp is removed to reveal two smashed cars.

The drunk driver, bloodied, steps out of the car looking dazed.

Emerging dazed and confused from the crash, the drunk driver (left) St. Paul Allen, 17, a junior, and two occupants of the other vehicle try to make sense of what had happened during Prom Promise, a dramatization of a drunk driving accident.

The windshield of his car has been broken and his date is sprawled across the hood of the car.

She’s not moving.

The driver of the other car is trapped in her seat. Passengers in her car get out, their dresses spattered in blood.

As the scene plays out, Marianella Campos, a rescue training officer for Pasco County Fire Rescue, narrates what’s happening.

Calls go into 911 and emergency crews from Pasco County Fire Rescue, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol, respond to the scene.

While a law enforcement officer administers a field sobriety test to the drunk driver, emergency crews use the Jaws of Life to free the other driver from her car.

A helicopter from Bayflite swoops in to airlift another victim to the hospital.

The deceased girl is covered with a sheet, on the hood of the car.

The stands on one side of Wiregrass Ranch High School’s stadium are packed with students watching Prom Promise, the dramatization of a head-on fatal drunk driving collision involving students attending prom.

Meanwhile, the deceased girl’s mother, performed by Enid Fernandez, has been frantically looking for her daughter. When she arrives at the scene, she’s told by the passengers of the other car that her daughter is beneath the sheet. At first, she refuses to believe it could be her daughter. When reality sinks in, she’s inconsolable.

As the helicopter lifts off, another crew places the deceased girl in a body bag. She’s then moved into an ambulance, which represents a hearse.

Ten students, wearing prom attire and white face makeup, walk silently behind the ‘hearse’ as it rolls away. They represent those who have died from drunk or distracted driver incidents. They will remain silent throughout the day — to emphasize the losses that can occur because of careless behaviors.

The event, called “Prom Promise” aims to heighten awareness of the potentially deadly results of driving while impaired.

The timing was excellent because it was held on May 20, the day before Wiregrass Ranch High’s prom, said Greg Finkel, facilitator of the school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club.

“It’s going to hit home,” he predicted.

Students who helped to organize the event agreed.

A Bayflite helicopter assisted the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and Pasco County Fire Rescue to simulate the reality of ‘what happens’ at an alcohol-related, crash scene.

“We’re using people that are well-known,” said Beliz Esen, a leader in the SADD club. “They’ll be able to empathize more, with someone they know, rather than someone they don’t know. As in, this is actually something that could actually happen to me,” she said.

Alexia Diamond, another SADD leader, said: “This actually happens every day. It’s not just in movies and TV shows.”

Jonathan Jerez, 17, also a leader of SADD, said the event will make a difference: “Being able to see the scenario, with people they do know, I think is going to change their decision making.”

Seventeen-year-old St. Paul Allen played the role of the drunk driver.

“This is such a serious thing,” he said. The event may not get through to some kids, but it will to others, he said.

The message is important, said 15-year-old Emily Snider, who played the role of the deceased prom date.

“A lot of people are lost. A lot of people die every year, just from regular car accidents. Coming home from prom, while drinking, it’s even more devastating,” she said. “They’re kids. They’re just kids.”

Victoria Stitcher, who played the role of the driver whose car was hit, said she knows that people will likely drink regardless of the dramatization, but she added: “I’m hoping that they’ll think twice and not drive.”

Olivia Speer, who played the role of a passenger in Stitcher’s car, said people tend to forget that those drinking and driving aren’t the only ones at risk.

“This can happen to absolutely anyone. It doesn’t necessarily have to be them that’s in the car drinking. It can be anyone,” she said.

Vanessa Reyes, another passenger in the car, agreed: “They think it won’t happen to them, but it happens so much. They need to see that.”

Kailee Barboza, another passenger, was glad to take part. “If at least one person decides that they’re not going to drink or text, while driving, we made a huge difference.”

The school’s two school resource officers, Cpl. Anthony Justice and Cpl. Patrick Cottrell, think the event will have an impact.

“If you have a real serious crash, this is actually what happens,” Cottrell said. “There may be somebody that does die. There are people that are flown out.”

Teenagers tend to think they’re invincible, Cottrell added. “They don’t understand how fragile life is.”

Published May 25, 2016

Local artist is making some noise

May 18, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Eden Shireen is making a name for herself in the local music scene.

Thousands of YouTube views for her cover songs and the March release of her five-song ‘Shadows’ EP (Extended Play) have made the 20-year-old Land O’ Lakes singer-songwriter an up-and-coming artist.

Her popularity has been steadily increasing since she became a 2015 Florida GRAMMY Showcase semifinalist, that helped to propel her career.

Local artist Eden Shireen has made a name for herself since she became a 2015 Florida GRAMMY Showcase semifinalist. (Photos courtesy of Eden Shireen) — Local artist Eden Shireen has made a name for herself since she became a 2015 Florida GRAMMY Showcase semifinalist.
(Photos courtesy of Eden Shireen)

Shireen, a 2014 graduate of Land O’ Lakes High School, describes her musical style as a “clash between pop, indie and folk.”

That unique style was formed during her high school years, when she was heavily involved in her school’s choir and theater programs.

“I was about 14 or 15 when I started to write short stories and poems, and then I got involved in musical theater…and I was like, ‘Oh, my poems are literally just songs.’ Then I started the whole writing process, and it was great,” Shireen said. “I really found my voice through acting and realized, ‘Wow, I love doing this.’”

Listening to alternative bands like Bleachers, Of Monsters and Men, The 1975 and First Aid Kit were major influences during her formative high school years when she started creating music.

“I started to not just listen to what was on the radio,” she said. “Being a musician, you want to find what’s going to inspire you the most, so I really just dove into Pandora (Internet Radio) and Spotify, and any different kind of playlists I could find.”

She continued, “I always grew up listening to great music in my house with my family. I knew who The Sundays and The Cranberries were before anybody else.”

As she manages her burgeoning music career, Shireen is working toward an associate degree at Pasco-Hernando State College, before she relocates to Orlando to enroll in the University of Central Florida’s Entertainment Management degree program.

She plays a lot of shows in Tampa, including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, but Orlando appears to be more ideal location for generating more buzz about her work.

“Land O’ Lakes and Tampa do not have the kind of music scene that I knew how to jump into when I first started getting into music, and the Orlando music scene is much younger—the teen crowd, teen bands, early 20s bands,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shireen is working with local venues on an EP release show around mid-June, and then plans to embark on a music tour throughout the state.

Someday, Shireen hopes to be able to create a full-length album. For the time being, though, she’s content with sharing her music through short EPs.

Eden Shireen is a 2014 graduate of Land O’ Lakes High School. She’s currently a business major at Pasco-Hernando State College.

“The cool thing about writing EPs is you’re really developing your sound, developing stories that you want to tell,” Shireen explained. “You’re building an audience and you kind of create a feeling on longing — people want more, people are going to connect with you on one level. Writing a record is financially a little bit of a hit with studio time, and I want to find the right people that can really help me craft my sound even more.”

Jotting down lyrics and creating music is a constant for the young artist, whether she’s in the recording studio, relaxing at home, or even out shopping with friends.

“Making music for me is a relief of some kind. It’s the most satisfying feeling once you finish a song and you’re like, ‘Wow, I really believe in this’…and other people are going to relate to this. It’s a very powerful feeling knowing that you can impact people in what hopes to be a very positive way.”

Despite Shireen’s eclectic sound and her growing popularity locally, she still feels that one of the biggest challenges ahead is developing more of a widespread audience.

“There’s a lot of music out there, there’s a lot of talented musicians, and there’s a lot of very powerful people who have the power to change your life if they hear you. But, having those people hear you, and having people really turn their heads and look at you, sometimes it can be the biggest challenge, because there is so much music all over the Internet.

“It is just a challenge being heard.”

Land O’ Lakes singer-songwriter Eden Shireen released her five-song ‘Shadows’ EP on March 25.

But, that challenge doesn’t discourage her from living out her dream, and encouraging other aspiring artists to do the same.

“Never discredit that little voice inside of you that says to do it,” she said. “Believe in what you write…and don’t let anybody else diminish what you created.

“If you want to become an artist, just have that self-belief and that passion in knowing whatever you create is original, and you have the power to make it something.”

“Shadows” is available for download and streaming on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music.

For more information on Eden Shireen, visit EdenShireen.com.

A closer look at Eden Shireen
In this conversation with Eden Shireen, the singer-songwriter from Land O’ Lakes:

Shares how her interest developed in singing and songwriting
“I think that always being an avid reader and always knowing that stories were a place where magic kind of happens. I always loved reading other people’s stories, and feeling a little bit like an outsider in school…I was just kind of in my own world, and from there I wrote. It was a place where I could find my own solace and I found myself.”

Describes her musical style
“I think it’s definitely eclectic. Kind of every song is going to have a different undertone to it, but I’m definitely pop. I like to say I’m a little bit indie and folk because my voice isn’t all completely pop — with the way the inflections are in some of the songs, so I think it’s a clash between pop, indie and folk.”

Explains what inspires her song ideas
“I think there’s a story within everything, whether it’s a little bird that we see taking a bath in a puddle, or the wind blowing in a certain way. …I just enjoy believing in something that’s so much bigger than myself that isn’t exactly tangible. It’s the idea I can grow it into whatever I choose…and I have the power to manifest it in a way where other people are going to understand.”

Shares her writing process for her ‘Shadows’ EP
“I started writing it in the end of 2013 and I finished the record in June 2015, but I took a little time to figure out how I wanted to come out with it — what the title track should be, how I wanted to structure the photo shoot, all of that. For all of the songs and the singles— and how am I going to work to design it — I really took my time on the after-effects of writing the EP. But, it did take about two years to write the record, and about six months after that to get to a good place to put my songs out there.”

Talks about ‘Stick Around,’ one of her favorites on ‘Shadows’ EP
“It’s a single from the record, and I like the message of the song. I had written the whole album from a sad place, and I was coming out of a very toxic situation with someone. For me, the whole idea of the record and the title being ‘Shadows’ is…the idea that it’s darkness, it’s hidden, you’re playing with shadows and you’re hiding — all of these different kind of themes are playing throughout the whole record. But, when you get to the song “Stick Around” at the very end, it’s about feeling empowered. …Ending with that song definitely leaves an impression on how you can develop, even in your darkest moments.”

Published May 18, 2016

He offers a ‘hypnotic’ form of entertainment

May 11, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Hypnotist Michael C. Anthony shares the stage with 30 or so people who don’t mind a bit of suggestive fun.

They might fall asleep. Or forget their names. Or break into dance. Or, they might even be convinced that a belt is a wriggling snake.

They might even find true love, of a most unusual kind.

Hypnotist Michael C. Anthony will perform at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. (Courtesy of Michael C. Anthony) — Hypnotist Michael C. Anthony will perform at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.
(Courtesy of Michael C. Anthony)

“I made a guy fall in love with a broom,” said Anthony, who will bring his Hypnotized Live! Show to Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts on May 20 and May 21.

He invites audience members to leave their seats and become part of his show. But, they have a choice.

They can “SEE the show or BE the show.”

“I don’t pressure anybody to come on the stage,” Anthony said.

There is never a problem of getting people to join in the act.

Anthony, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, starts his performances with a few minutes of stand up comedy so the audience knows “this is going to be fun. At the end of the show, you’ll be glad you did this.”

The full-time hypnotist has been performing for about 20 years displaying his skills in theaters, at corporate events and at colleges. He’s been to every state except Alaska and to several foreign countries, as well.

More than a year ago, Anthony joined The Illusionists as an entertainer with the group’s theatrical touring company. He works with six magicians when he does those shows.

“That’s a lot of fun,” he said. “We do huge theaters.”

Anthony has entertainment roots.

His great uncle, Joe LaMonico, performed as a hypnotist on cruise ships and at resorts in the Catskills Mountains in upstate New York. LaMonico lived in Buffalo most of his life, but Anthony said his uncle lived in Hudson for many years.

Though born in New York, Anthony moved with his mother to Canada when he was about 2. He’s been living in Land O’ Lakes for about 15 years.

“Most of my work is in the United States,” Anthony said. “I can live anywhere but thought ‘Let’s go somewhere warm.”’

As a youngster, Anthony performed magic tricks for friends. But magic soon morphed into a passion for hypnotism.

“I got fascinated with it all on my own,” Anthony said, though he did get encouragement from his uncle.

He is a board-certified hypnotherapist but Anthony said helping people quit smoking wasn’t nearly the fun of being a stage artist.

He began working as a hypnotist full time during his early 20s. Besides staging shows at colleges, universities and corporate events, he’s also played nightclubs and comedy shows.

More often, now he performs in theaters and at colleges around the country including New York University and Cornell University.

Anthony knows some people come to the theater as skeptics about hypnotism. But he said, “They leave as believers because I entertain the pants off them.”

Hypnotism has taught Anthony a few things about body language after years of observing his audience members who, in a hypnotic trance, can fall asleep and go limp with the snap of his finger.

Nearly two years ago he wrote “Body Language Secrets: How to Read minds by Reading bodies.”

He recently appeared on WFLA television station’s “Daytime” show to discuss body language of presidential candidates including Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Both have been guilty of jabbing their index finger into the air to emphasize a point, Anthony said.

“People don’t want that,” he said. “They feel they are being scolded.”

But Trump and Clinton appear to have followed advice from media experts. Now, Anthony said they do what he described as “modified” finger pointing, with the hand held up while the index finger touches the thumb.

At the Straz Center, Anthony will concentrate his thoughts, not on body language and politics, but on entertaining the crowd.

“I’m the director of a play with a cast of 30, who have never seen the script,” he said.

The audience can expect the unexpected, and at times, Anthony is just as surprised.

He watched one night as a young woman, in a trance, suddenly walked around a row of chairs heading toward the man amorously hugging the broom he loved so much.

“She got to the broom and just slapped it across the face,” Anthony said.

Turned out, she was the man’s girlfriend.

WHAT: Hypnotized Live!
WHERE: Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, in downtown Tampa
WHEN: May 20 and May 21 at 7:30 p.m.
COST: Tickets are $39.99 and $49.99
INFORMATION: Contact the ticket office at (813) 229-7827 or 1-800-955-1045

Published May 11, 2016

Local students shine at nationals

May 4, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Five students from Land O’ Lakes Christian School claimed national awards at the 39^th annual American Association of Christian Schools National Competition held at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina.

The contest, held from April 12 to April 14, drew approximately 1,800 competitors from 29 states. Participants earned the right to compete by capturing the top awards in their state contests.

The students represented nearly 200 Christian high schools. They competed in 76 categories in the areas of Bible, music, speech, art and academics.

Three students from Land O’ Lakes Christian School won first place awards in the competition and two others finished among the top five.

These five students from Land O’ Lakes Christian School were among the top five finishers at the 39th annual American Association of Christian Schools National Competition. In descending order, they are: Tommy Campbell, Logan Juday, Paul Wei, Ruth Zhang and Emily Mengel. Campbell, Zhang and Mengel all brought home first place honors. (Courtesy of Land O' Lakes Christian School) — These five students from Land O’ Lakes Christian School were among the top five finishers at the 39th annual American Association of Christian Schools National Competition. In descending order, they are: Tommy Campbell, Logan Juday, Paul Wei, Ruth Zhang and Emily Mengel.
Campbell, Zhang and Mengel all brought home first place honors.
(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Christian School)

Tommy Campbell took first place in Topical Preaching and first place in Original Persuasive Oratory.

Ruth Zhang took first place in Calligraphy, third place in Algebra/Geometry and third place in Advanced Math.

Emily Mengel took first place in Printmaking.

Paul Wei took second place in Extemporaneous Speaking and Logan Juday took third place in Accounting.

The Bible competition included Bible quiz teams, preaching and teaching. The academic competition included academic testing and a science fair. The music students challenged each other in solo and group competitions, in both vocal and instrumental music.

Speech contestants competed in such categories as debate, dramatic interpretation, original oratory, acting and other categories.

Art students displayed their works for judging.

The Land O’ Lakes Christian School students were thrilled and surprised by their impressive showing.

“I was not expecting to win. The other people were extremely good. I thought I would be blessed just to place. Even at state I wasn’t expecting to win,” said Campbell, a senior.

In the Topical Preaching category, he preached about faith, with his remarks aimed at encouraging people to “have faith and trust God” in their decision-making.

Ruth Zhang demonstrated her considerable calligraphy and artistic skills in the 39th annual American Association of Christian Schools National Competition, and she brought home a first place award to Land O’ Lakes Christian School. (B.C. Manion/Staff photos) — Ruth Zhang demonstrated her considerable calligraphy and artistic skills in the 39th annual American Association of Christian Schools National Competition, and she brought home a first place award to Land O’ Lakes Christian School.
(B.C. Manion/Staff photos)

For Original Persuasive Oratory, he focused on generational values.

“It was about how the generation that our grandparents grew up (in), during their time, they were taught to have manners and people didn’t put so much value on material possessions and people valued the family unit, things like that — and how our generation lacks a lot of that today,” he said.

Campbell plans to attend Pensacola Christian College and to major in Bible Pastoral Ministries. He said he’ll go wherever God leads him, but he hopes that will be to be a pastor of a church.

Even though he claimed the top prize for in the preaching category, Campbell said he discovered something surprising.

“I’ve been working really hard at this for a few years now and I always thought that the ultimate joy and happiness would come from when I finally won. But now that I’ve actually won best in the nation … I realized that I’ve had the same happiness all along and that actually came from just being able to be used of God. I already had the ultimate happiness,” Campbell said.

Zhang, a junior, did an elaborate work to win the top prize in Calligraphy.

She’s interested in pursuing a degree in architecture and has identified Cornell University as her ideal school. A native of China, she has been living in the United States for two years.

She also placed in the top five in two mathematics categories. She noted that the mathematics exams at the national level were more difficult than those at the state competition.

Emily Mengel impressed the judges with her printmaking skills, capturing top honors at the 39th annual American Association of Christian Schools National Competition.

Mengel depicted a skyline in her Printmaking entry. “I love being up high because you see everything,” she said, explaining her fascination for skylines.

Like her school mates, the sophomore was delighted by her first-place finish. “I didn’t think I was even going to place, so it was a big shock,” she said.

Juday, a senior, said he previously competed in photography but decided to give accounting a try this year, after being encouraged by a teacher.

“I didn’t know I placed first until I got to the state competition and they called my name. I had no idea,” said Juday, who took third at nationals.

Paul Wei, a junior, won second in Extemporaneous Speaking. “I was very excited,” Wei said. It was his first competition and he plans to compete again, he said.

It was a great bonding experience for students, Wei said.

Published May 4, 2016

Crystal Lagoon start date coming soon

April 27, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Developers at Epperson Ranch anticipate a construction start in May on the “Crystal Lagoon” that will be a showpiece for their master-planned community, and the first of its kind in North America.

Model homes at Epperson could be under construction by summer.

Home prices will start in the mid-$200,000 range.

Metro Development Group is finalizing the permit process before digging dirt on a 7-acre manmade lagoon.

In this artist’s rendering, a sunbather enjoys the crystal lagoon at Cabo San Lucas. (Images courtesy of Crystal Lagoons Inc.) — In this artist’s rendering, a sunbather enjoys the crystal lagoon at Cabo San Lucas.
(Images courtesy of Crystal Lagoons Inc.)

The water body is designed with patented technology by Crystal Lagoons Inc., and the lagoon will be filled with about 16 million gallons of crystal blue water.

Construction could take a year.

The Epperson Ranch project is also the site for another first for Pasco with plans for creating a “Connected City” corridor with ultrafast Internet connections.

The project is a state-approved, 10-year pilot program that envisions state-of-the-art technology embedded in the design of residential and commercial development in a 7,800-acre special district. The district’s borders are Interstate 75, State Road 52, Curley and Overpass roads in east central Pasco.

Metro Development Group and Crystal Lagoons are partnering on the creation of several Crystal Lagoons’ communities, including a second location in Pasco, and in Fort Myers.

Pasco’s growth boom and the availability of such a large swath of vacant land were motivators for the companies’ partnership, according to an email from Greg Singleton, president of Metro Development.

“Our hope is that we are one part of a collective group of planners, thinkers, educators and others who see Pasco County as a destination for more jobs, top schools, premier shopping, dining and entertainment,” the email states.

Biochemist and real estate developer Fernando Fischmann created and built the first Crystal Lagoon at San Alfonso del Mar in Chile in 2006.

The lounge area at Cabo San Lucas overlooks the crystal lagoon in this artist’s rendering.

According to the company’s website, the lagoons are eco-friendly and need to be filled with water only once. They use 100 times less chemicals than a traditional swimming pool and more than 30 times less water than an 18-hole golf course, the website states.

Lagoons typically are deep enough to allow for a variety of water sports and recreational activities, including swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding.

In his email, Singleton said the lagoon will be in a gated community where the lagoon’s upkeep would be included in fees paid to a homeowner’s association.

There is potential for packages, day rates or memberships to the lagoon for nonresidents. However, Singleton in his email said, “Nothing has been outlined or finalized yet.”

Published April 27, 2016

Predatory towing under fire

April 20, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County commissioners want to put the brakes on predatory towing of vehicles.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore brought the matter up in February after receiving complaints from residents who chose to call a taxi or a friend for a ride home after an evening of drinks and dinner.

“Someone is being responsible,” said Moore, who discussed the problem again at the April 12 Pasco County Commission meeting. “They take Uber, or they ride home with a friend. They are not putting our citizens at risk on the road.”

But, Moore said some towing companies sweep through parking lots in the wee hours of the morning, especially on weekends, and haul off any vehicles they find.

Residents wind up paying hefty sums to get their cars back, even though they did the right thing by not driving, Moore said.

On April 26 at 1:30 p.m., a public hearing will be held to consider an amendment to the county’s towing ordinance. The hearing will be in the boardroom of the West Pasco Government Center, at 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

The City of Tampa and Hillsborough County have similar ordinances, and Pinellas County is considering one, county officials said.

The amendment would ban removal of a vehicle between 9 p.m. and noon when parked at an establishment licensed to sell beer, wine and alcohol for consumption on premises. The exception would be if the property owner signs an order permitting the removal of a particular vehicle.

A towing company would be required to have such an order prior to hauling off a vehicle.

“It sounds like a reasonable solution to predatory towing,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader.

Published April 20, 2016