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Lutz church hits three-quarter century mark

January 6, 2016 By B.C. Manion

There was just a smattering of businesses along U.S. 41, when the Rev. Heard T. Burnette began the First Baptist Church of Lutz, in the community north of Tampa.

The first meeting was in the home of J. B. and Maude Laurence, which was on the ground where Lutz Elementary School now sits.

Joan Fletcher recalls the church’s first meeting, held in the living room of her grandparents’ home.

A look at the First Baptist Church of Lutz during its early days. This is the original wooden church, after it was expanded. (Courtesy of Joan Fletcher) — A look at the First Baptist Church of Lutz during its early days. This is the original wooden church, after it was expanded.
(Courtesy of Joan Fletcher)

“I was a little kid. We were excited,” Fletcher said. “We all spent the night at grandma’s house, so we’d be sure to be there.”

Most of the people at that first service were members of the family, Fletcher recalled.

The church met at Fletcher’s grandparents’ home until its first wooden building was erected.

That church was later expanded, and over the years, a larger church and a Fellowship Hall were built on the grounds, and an office and student building were constructed across the street.

Now, as the church prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary, it’s inviting anyone who has ever been a part of the church to come to the celebrations.

It will be a time to see old friends and to reminisce, members of the anniversary committee said.

Hazel Nalls has accumulated scores of memories since she joined the church around 1941.

This is the wedding party at Hazel Nalls’ wedding in 1954. Since then, her son was married at the church, and this August, her grandson will be married there, too. (Courtesy of Hazel Nalls) — This is the wedding party at Hazel Nalls’ wedding in 1954. Since then, her son was married at the church, and this August, her grandson will be married there, too.
(Courtesy of Hazel Nalls)

Back then, Fletcher Avenue was still a dirt road, she said.

“I accepted Christ here, in ’42. I was baptized in Lake Keen,” Nalls said.

She was married at the church in 1954, and since then, her son has been married there, too. The third generation of her family — her grandson — is planning to be married at the church in August.

Fletcher keeps a scrapbook containing photographs and other memorabilia from the church through the years.

Many of the photos have burnt edges. They are the photos she was able to retrieve after her house burned down.

They help tell the story of the church.

There are images of the old wooden church, of church picnics, of the church choir, of baptisms in Lake Keen, of weddings and other celebrations.

“This church was built on prayer,” Nalls said.

“The men went back here behind the church in the woods and had prayer meetings on Tuesday night and the women met in the church,” she said.

The current church building was financed through the purchase of blocks, with church members purchasing what they could every fifth Sunday, Nalls and Fletcher recalled.

Members of the First Baptist Church of Lutz used to be baptized in lakes. This shot was taken of a group being baptized in Lake Keen. The edges of the photograph are charred, because the photo was salvaged after Joan Fletcher’s house burned down. (Courrtesy of Joan Fletcher) — Members of the First Baptist Church of Lutz used to be baptized in lakes. This shot was taken of a group being baptized in Lake Keen. The edges of the photograph are charred, because the photo was salvaged after Joan Fletcher’s house burned down.
(Courrtesy of Joan Fletcher)

Newspaper clippings and church memorabilia also help detail the church’s history.

The church was built out of a mission of the Calvary Baptist Church of Tampa at 10th Street and 36th Avenue, according to a church document.

“On the second Sunday of May 1940, with a small building 30 by 30 feet and only half of this floored, no windows or doors, we held our first service here in the church,” according to one account. The church had 45 charter members.

Other missions sprang out the church, one in Odessa in 1942, which became a church in 1943. And, another at Amelia began near Darby in 1943, which became a church in 1944.

Senior Pastor Charles White has led the church since 1990.

It now has about 400 regular worshipers who come primarily from Lutz and Land O’ Lakes. But, its scores of ministries reach across the region, the country and the world, current church members said.

It has more than 30 people trained to respond to natural disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and flooding.

Its other ministries have helped to build churches in Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota, to start schools in Haiti and to help launch a seminary in Haiti, too.

Closer to home, church ministries feed the homeless, make car repairs, do home repairs and visit prisoners.

Church member Ron Waters said he thinks people are drawn to First Baptist Church of Lutz by its “disorganized chaos” at the start of each service. “Everybody gets up and hugs everybody, and greets everybody and shakes hands with visitors,” he said, adding that visitors seem to find that warmth inviting.

Jim Hall, chairman of the 75th anniversary committee, said he believes “the presence of the Holy Spirit” attracts people to the church.

“People can feel it,” he said.

Church picnics were a great way to bring members together. This is one of those gatherings. The church will be having a dinner to celebrate its 75th anniversary on Jan. 17. (Courtesy of Joan Fletcher) — Church picnics were a great way to bring members together. This is one of those gatherings. The church will be having a dinner to celebrate its 75th anniversary on Jan. 17.
(Courtesy of Joan Fletcher)

Fletcher said the church has a welcoming atmosphere: “It doesn’t matter who you are, you’re welcome at First Baptist Church of Lutz.”

Paul Vahue, who joined the church’s staff five years ago, said he felt drawn by the church’s warmth when he arrived from Atlanta 20 years ago.

“It’s that feeling of love and generosity, and kindness,” said Vahue, associate pastor of administration for the church.

And now, three-quarters of a century since the church’s inception, members said they’re delighted to play a role in connecting people to God.

“We’re very mission-minded, in terms of what we do as a church here,” Hall said.

“There’s over 30 lay-led ministries at the church that minister to folks, locally and globally,” Vahue said.

75th anniversary
Where: First Baptist Church of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41 in Lutz
When: Jan. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., ice cream social and memorabilia in the student building at the First Baptist Church of Lutz. And, Jan. 17, church services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., followed by an old-fashioned dinner on church grounds.
Please RSVP as soon as possible via the church’s website, LutzFBC.com, or by calling the church office at (813) 949-7495. (The church is supplying the fried chicken, soft drinks and cake, and participants will bring a dish to share).

Published January 6, 2016

2015 marked by growth, loss, compassion

December 30, 2015 By B.C. Manion

New construction captured many headlines during the year 2015 in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

But, so did traffic issues and changes happening in area schools.

Other news chronicled setbacks and tragic losses. But, there were inspiring stories, too.

Tampa Premium Outlets, a 441,000-square-foot mall with 100-plus designer brand shops, opened in October off State Road 56, near the Interstate 75 interchange.

Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio held a dedication ceremony in February, to celebrate the school’s new brick classroom building. (File Photos) — Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio held a dedication ceremony in February, to celebrate the school’s new brick classroom building.
(File Photos)

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel embarked upon a $78 million expansion project – 2 ½ years ahead of schedule — to add 112,000 square feet and renovate 11,000.

Florida Hospital Center Ice, a new 150,000-square-foot sports facility, broke ground on Feb. 24. It will have an Olympic-sized hockey rink, four other rinks and the ability to accommodate other sports.

Lutz and Land O’ Lakes also saw their share of growth.

New homes and apartments are popping up along the State Road 54 corridor and along portions of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

A Lowe’s home improvement store opened on State Road 54, the Land O’ Lakes Community Park underwent a $2.3 million upgrade, and a new Pasco County Utilities Administration building opened off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41.

Just outside Dade City, an aerial adventure park, known as Tree Hoppers, began operation, and a number of new businesses have settled into the downtown historic district.

Of course, the new development has added to the area’s traffic jams, which won’t be resolved in the short term.

But, there are efforts being made to address the issue.

The Florida Department of Transportation is exploring solutions to address traffic flow at U.S. 41 and State Road 54. There are efforts to extend State Road 56 between Meadow Pointe and Zephyrhills, and, construction work continues at the I-75 and State Road 52 interchange.

On the education scene, there was a changing of the guard in top leadership at Saint Leo University, just outside Dade City. Dr. Arthur Kirk retired, and Dr. William J. Lennox Jr. assumed the top post.

Pasco-Hernando State College also has a new president, with Dr. Timothy Beard being named to the post after the retirement of Dr. Katherine Johnson.

This photo, taken in the 2014-2015 school year, gives an idea of the crowding that Wiregrass Ranch High was experiencing before it went to a 10-period school day. The school went to a staggered schedule this school year, to reduce the impacts of crowding.

The state college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch also hit a milestone, announcing that it would be surpassing the 3,000-student enrollment mark.

On another front, Sanders Memorial Elementary School reopened in Land O’ Lakes, as Pasco County Schools’ first magnet school. It is a STEAM school, with a curriculum that focuses on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Pine View Middle School also launched an effort to become the public school district’s first International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

And, Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel began operating on a 10-period school day, to reduce the number of students on campus at the same time.

A more permanent solution to Wiregrass Ranch’s overcrowding is expected to occur when the district opens a new school for grades six through 12 that is being constructed on Old Pasco Road.

In another change, the district adopted new boundaries for a new elementary school in Wesley Chapel, off Mansfield Boulevard, which is scheduled to open next fall.

The new school will relieve significant overcrowding at Seven Oaks Elementary. The boundary shifts, which were controversial, will increase enrollment at Denham Oaks Elementary in Lutz.

In other school news, St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz opened the Saint Paul II Youth Center and opened a new elementary school to house Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School.

Saint Anthony Catholic School also marked a milestone — dedicating a new brick classroom building in February.

While much of the news in 2015 was about progress and new beginnings, not all of the news was positive.

For instance, the GFWC Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club was forced to cancel its 36th annual arts and crafts show, because a sinkhole developed at Lake Park.

Chairman Ted Schrader, holding scissors, slices through the ribbon, as he and other dignitaries celebrated the opening of the Utilities Administration Building.

The annual two-day event, which has drawn about 30,000 shoppers a year, was the club’s biggest fundraiser. So, besides disappointing shoppers and about 300 vendors, the cancellation also will reduce the club’s ability to help scores of community organizations and charities.

The year also was marked by the passing of Land O’ Lakes cross country coach Kris Keppel and Laura Hauser, a former non-instructional employee of the year, who worked at Wesley Chapel Elementary before she became too ill to work. Both lost battles with cancer. And, car accidents claimed the lives of Pasco High student Jordan Ivie and Wesley Chapel High.

These deaths inspired demonstrations of respect, generosity, compassion and kindness — to help those grieving their loss.

In another show of support, the community of San Antonio rallied to hold a benefit for Lewis and Diane Riggleman, whose home was destroyed by fire.

Other uplifting moments involved Suellen Smith, the cafeteria manager at Zephyrhills High, who continues her tradition of collecting and giving away dress shirts, dress pants, gowns and dresses to help outfit young men and women for prom, homecoming, weddings and other special occasions.

Another big moment for 2015 involved Leigh Dittman, a Gaither High student from Lutz.

The 15-year-old recently reached a goal she set when she was 7: To raise $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The young woman has a disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease.

During a recent interview, she said she was motivated to raise the money for Shriners because of how giving it has been to her.

“They are such an amazing group of people, and they’ve given me so much, with my life. It seemed like the right thing to do,” Dittman said.

Published December 30, 2015

Fifteen-year-old raises $1 million for hospital

December 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Leigh Dittman always knew that she would achieve her goal of raising $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children – she just didn’t know she’d do it by age 15.

The Gaither High School student, who has a disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), said she was motivated to raise the money for Shriners because of how giving it has been to her.

Leigh Dittman poses near the family’s Christmas tree at her home in Lutz. She recently was honored for raising $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children. She has a bone disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly called ‘brittle bone disease,’ but, she said she’s not defined by her OI. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Leigh Dittman poses near the family’s Christmas tree at her home in Lutz. She recently was honored for raising $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children. She has a bone disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly called ‘brittle bone disease,’ but, she said she’s not defined by her OI.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“They are such an amazing group of people, and they’ve given me so much, with my life. It seemed like the right thing to do,” the young woman said during an interview at her Lutz home.

She began raising money for Shriners when she was turning 3. She said she’d rather have friends and family give money to the hospitals, instead of giving her presents.

The first year, she raised $5,000.

It grew from there.

When she was 7, people began asking her: “How far do you want to go? What’s your goal?

“As a 7-year-old, I was like, ‘A million dollars seems like a really big number. Why don’t we shoot for that?’ ”

She expected to meet the goal at some point, but not within eight years, she said.

The money was raised by annual events that initially were tied to her birthday, but later were held separately.

The event was a combined live auction, silent auction and raffle event. People could bid on items or buy raffle tickets for all sorts of prizes, including sports memorabilia, theme park tickets and stays at a cabin in North Carolina.

“We would spend the majority of our summer going to different organizations and different companies, and asking them – seeing if they would like to donate. We met great people who would help us continuously throughout the years,” the 15-year-old said. Now that they’ve hit the million-dollar mark, the family plans to take a year off, she said.

Leigh Dittman has a gold plaque on the philanthropic wall at Shriners Hospitals for Children, signifying that she’s responsible for raising $1 million in donations. (Courtesy of Shriners Hospitals for Children) — Leigh Dittman has a gold plaque on the philanthropic wall at Shriners Hospitals for Children, signifying that she’s responsible for raising $1 million in donations.
(Courtesy of Shriners Hospitals for Children)

The young woman was honored on Dec. 14 at Shriners Hospitals for Children, where the hospital and its Board of Governors swapped the teenager’s bronze fundraising plaque for a gold one, signifying donors who have given at least $1 million, according to a hospital news release.

At that ceremony, Board Chairman Tom Edwards described his first encounter with Leigh when she was 5.

Edwards said he was supposed to carry Leigh through an archway during a program. He recalled her telling him: “Mr. Shriner, be careful. I break easy.”

Leigh’s mother, Ellen, said none of this would have happened had she listened to doctors who advised her to have an abortion.

She knew early in her pregnancy there were problems, she said.

“Shriners Hospitals said they were sure they could fix her legs. And, they put her on a waiting list, not even knowing was going on with her, other than we knew that with her legs there was something major going on,” she said.

Leigh was born, via C-section, with five broken ribs and a broken femur that had already healed.

Since then, she’s had 14 surgeries and about 40 fractures.

But, Leigh refuses to define herself by her OI, commonly called “brittle bone disease.”

“I know some people have the same condition, who have made it their entire life. That’s all their life is,” she said.

This is how she defines herself: “I’m a sophomore. I’m an older sister. I’m a violinist. I’m a straight-A student. It’s the afterthought of, ‘And, oh, I have OI,” Leigh said.

Her disorder makes her bones weak.

“That’s why I’m shorter than average. That’s why I break so easily. That’s why I us a wheelchair as my main mode of transportation,” she said.

When people see her in her wheelchair, they often mistakenly assume she has a mental condition, she said.

“I have a lot of people that will start talking to me and speaking to me in a different tone of voice, and speak to me like I’m at a lower maturity level than what I am. I’ll have people come up and talk to me like (I am) a 2-year-old and ask me how I’m doing,” she said.

Once she responds, she said, they realize they’re mistaken.

She has a positive attitude and optimistic outlook, but said she has experienced darker times.

Seventh-grade year was particularly difficult. She had four surgeries, two broken legs, a broken collarbone and a scar infection.

“So, I did, for a little while, go: “Why God, why me? Why did you do this?’

“And then, I realized, it was so I could tell people my story, so I could show, yeah, life’s not always rainbows and butterflies, but you get through it. You’ll be OK.”

She wants to use what she’s been through to help others.

“I want to go into nursing,” she said, adding she’s known that since she was 7.

“Maybe I’ll have that kid that just had spinal fusion,” she said.

She’ll be able to tell that child: “You’re going to be OK, and you’re going to get through this and do whatever you want in life. It’s not going to stop you, because guess what, I did the same thing. I had the exact same story as you. I’m here. I’ve made it. You can do it.’ ”

About Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily. It is also known as “brittle bone disease.”
A person is born with this disorder and is affected throughout his or her lifetime.

The disorder is caused by a mutation (change) in a gene that affects bone formation, bone strength and the structure of other tissues.

OI occurs equally among males and females and in all racial groups. It is estimated that approximately 25,000 to 50,000 people in the U.S. have OI. With good medical management and supportive care, the majority of people who have OI will lead healthy, productive lives and can expect an average life span.

Source: Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF.org)

Published December 23, 2015

No easy fix for local traffic jams

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

An elevated toll road flying over U.S. 41 could split the community and shut down some longstanding Land O’ Lakes businesses, according to area business owners who spoke at a public hearing about redesigning the intersection at State Road 54 and U.S. 41.

Residents studied maps, and asked questions of state highway representatives, at a public hearing on ways to ease traffic congestion at State Road 54 and U.S. 41. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Residents studied maps, and asked questions of state highway representatives, at a public hearing on ways to ease traffic congestion at State Road 54 and U.S. 41.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

They told representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation that a “no build” option is the best choice, at least for now. Several suggested that a by-pass to direct traffic around the intersection would work better than an elevated State Road 54.

More than 100 people took part in the public hearing on Dec. 10 at the Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, off State Road 54.

Those attending could see exhibits of proposed road construction, could watch a video and could offer public comment.

“We are not against development, but development should not be done for one group at the expense of so many others,” said Elayne Bassinger, president of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

Bassinger renewed an earlier request for the state transportation department to schedule workshops to permit a more in-depth discussion of the issues for residents and business owners.

While some favor a no-build option, others want solutions for an intersection that often is described as being “a nightmare.”

About 99,000 vehicles per day cruise through the intersection, according to state data. By 2040, state highway officials predict that to more than double — with an estimated daily count of 208,000 vehicles.

John Spear moved into a subdivision off State Road 54 in 2010.

He said he and his wife often sit in traffic for five minutes or more.

When they first arrived in Land O’ Lakes, he said, “Traffic used to be light. Now the lanes are full. I’m appreciative of something like this being done. It looks like a lot of thought has gone into this.”

Kirk Bogen, with the Florida Department of Transportation, addressed more than 100 people at a public hearing, at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church.

Stephen Riddell, a Canadian snowbird, recently returned from Ontario. “In the last six months traffic has increased tremendously,” he said. “I think improvements are needed. I don’t know which alternative yet.”

But, some think an elevated roadway would essentially be a wall, separating Land O’ Lakes and Lutz.

They said the purpose of the new interchange seemed to offer more benefits to motorists from other counties, including Pinellas.

“The Land O’ Lakes community deserves to be more than a high-speed avenue carrying cars east and west through our community,” said Ann Childers. “No build, that’s the only thing I could vote for as a resident in good conscience.”

The state department of transportation is conducting a study to evaluate the project before settling on the design and type of improvements for the intersection. The completion date for the study is spring 2016.

About $3.4 million is available for design work. However, no money is budgeted to purchase rights of way, or for construction.

Improvements to the intersection are among Pasco County’s 2015 list of top 10 traffic priorities.

Two construction alternatives would elevate State Road 54 over U.S. 41, and both would have toll lanes. A no-build option is possible, too.

One proposal for the State Road 54 flyover would cost about $160 million. That would require about 70 acres in rights of way. About 24 businesses could be relocated based on loss of property, according to state transportation data.

The new intersection would have four through lanes on U.S. 41 in each direction, two through lanes at-grade and two elevated lanes on State Road 54.

The more expensive alternative would cost about $180 million, and would require about 30 acres in rights of way. No additional lanes would be added to U.S. 41, and turn lanes would not change. There would be two through lanes at-grade and two elevated through lanes, again on State Road 54.

Under this option, six businesses could potentially be relocated including Russell Adams Realty, MCOR Automotive, Pinch a Penny, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, McDonald’s, 7-Eleven and CVS Pharmacy.

Keystone Community Church also could be in the pathway of construction.

The hearing was intended to gather input from the public, and that will be considered before a decision is made, said Kirk Bogen, environmental management engineer for FDOT in District Seven.

“They are both viable alternatives,” he said. “We’re coordinating with county planners.”

Bogen said the no-build alternative also remains an option.

Meanwhile, property owners say they are in limbo.

“It’s the waiting game until they decide,” said Russell Adams, owner of Russell Adams Realty on U.S. 41. “You can’t build more, and it’s hard to sell.”

Adams said he can see that something has to be done, but said poor planning has been the problem.

Thousands of homes in new subdivisions have been approved over the years, and he said, “They know when you plan homes, you’ll have 2.5 cars (per home).”

Trinna Van Nostrand’s family has owned a bar on U.S. 41 since the mid-1970s. It was known as Sam’s Place when her father operated it, and mostly recently as Rock Harley Saloon.

Like many business owners, Van Nostrand said the previous widening of U.S. 41 chopped off part of her property. The bar now sits a few feet off the road.

The new road project could chop off even more land.

“If they are going to take my building, I don’t want to spend a lot of money on it,” she said. “I’m fortunate to have enough in the back to move back, but being in limbo, I can’t do anything.”

Published December 16, 2015

Wanted: More instruments to strike up the band

December 9, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When Pine View Middle School puts on a concert, there’s a good chance that some of the instruments it’s using are on loan from other schools.

And, when students want to practice at home, they often have to take turns checking out the instruments.

In one way, it’s a good problem: More students are enrolling in the school’s music program.

In another, it’s not so good. Students don’t always have access to instruments, losing time they could use to improve their skills.

Volunteer Sue Castellano and teacher Amarilys Barbosa pose with some old instruments in front of Pine View Middle School’s marching band uniforms. On the plus side, the school is experiencing a surge of enrollment in its music program. On the down side, it needs more instruments and will soon need additional marching band uniforms. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Volunteer Sue Castellano and teacher Amarilys Barbosa pose with some old instruments in front of Pine View Middle School’s marching band uniforms. On the plus side, the school is experiencing a surge of enrollment in its music program. On the down side, it needs more instruments and will soon need additional marching band uniforms.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Amarilys Barbosa, who teaches band and chorus, and Sue Castellano, a devoted grandparent volunteer, are on a quest to drum up community support for the band.

There are different ways the community can help, they said.

One way would be for people who have instruments they are no longer using to donate them to the school’s band program.

People who took band or music lessons years ago may have instruments they no longer use, Barbosa said.

There are professional musicians, too, who may be able to part with some of the instruments they used when they were just starting out, she said.

Instruments of all types are welcome, the band director said. “They’ll certainly go to a good home.”

While happy to accept any donated instrument, the band’s greatest needs are for tubas and French horns.

During a recent concert at The Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, the school had to borrow a tuba from Wesley Chapel High School, she said. “There are eight tuba players, but only seven tubas.”

There’s a shortage of French horns, too. “My other shortage is French horns. We had to borrow three from other schools,” Barbosa said.

In some cases, the school has an instrument, but no case, so students can’t borrow those instruments.

Enrollment gains triggered the increased need for instruments.

Some instruments at Pine View Middle are beyond repair. They’re stored in a room that students have dubbed the ‘instrument graveyard’ and are used for parts.

The enrollment increases are a result of Pine View Middle’s effort to be designated as an IB Middle Years Programme.

“The very, very cool thing about this program is that now all of the so-called elective classes, they are now becoming core classes,” Barbosa said. “The idea is to expose them to a world-class education.”

Last year, her largest band was 45 students.

“This year, I’m double that,” she said.

There are 240 students enrolled in the music department, including beginning, intermediate and advanced band, and chorus.

And, the program will continue to grow.

“Within the next couple of years, they’re going to make a transition in which every single student is going to be required to take a performing arts class,” she said. “Currently, we only have three that we offer, either band, chorus or drama.”

Beyond meeting basic needs, Barbosa would like to give her band students a chance to learn additional instruments.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have the instruments to loan out to them,” she said.

Uniforms are going to become another issue, Barbosa said.

As the band continues to grow, it won’t have enough marching band uniforms — and it’s unlikely they’ll be able to find any that match because the current uniforms are several years old, she said.

As it is now, Castellano spends countless hours helping to keep the band looking sharp. She takes hems out and puts them in. She sews on new buttons, and so forth.

Besides asking for instruments, planning efforts are underway for “Night Under the Stars,” a fundraising event that will take place on March 12 at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center.

The event will feature musical performances by Pine View students, but also will include outside silent auctions.

Gift baskets — containing items that have been donated by family, friends and businesses — will be auctioned to help raise money to meet the band’s needs. And, tickets will be sold to the event, although the admission price has not yet been set.

While the shortage of instruments is challenging, both Castellano and Barbosa are excited about getting more students involved with music.

“You may have a lot of children that don’t have anything that they can call their own,” said Castellano, whose 13-year-old grandson, Micahel McBride, plays alto saxophone.

“Their parents can’t afford to put them in sports. But, they can come into the music department at the school, and they can learn an instrument,” Castellano added, noting band members can feel a sense of accomplishment that comes from being able to play an instrument.

Barbosa is passionate about the value of music.

“I think music is a vital, vital part of our culture and our community,” Barbosa said. “There’s a reason why it’s lasted through the ages. There’s a reason why it continues to grow and expand.

“Music is that universal language,” Barbosa said.

What: Traditions on The Green, a family event featuring pancakes with Santa, children’s activities and concerts on the green, including a performance by Pine View Middle School’s band.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.
When: 9 a.m. until noon on Dec. 12
Who: The public is welcome
How much: Admission is free

Want to help? If you have instruments you would like to donate or want to help Pine View Middle School’s band in other ways, contact Amarilys Barbosa at the school, (813) 794-4800.

Published December 9, 2015

Overpass at State Road 54 and U.S. 41?

December 2, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting a meeting to gather public comments on a proposed overpass at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54.

The event, which includes an open house and formal presentation, will be on Dec. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, at 2017 Riegler Road in Land O’ Lakes.

The presentation will be made at 6:30 p.m. The state is seeking public comment on two recommended options to address traffic problems at the intersection.

Traffic zips and rumbles through the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41. A proposal to improve the intersection could affect area businesses including Tibbetts Lumber Co., seen in the left background. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Traffic zips and rumbles through the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41. A proposal to improve the intersection could affect area businesses including Tibbetts Lumber Co., seen in the left background.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Both options would elevate State Road 54 over U.S. 41, and would require relocating some businesses and purchasing land for the project.

Businesses that could be in the path of the roadwork include Tibbetts Lumber Co., the CVS pharmacy, MCOR Automotive, a discount mattress shop, and Pinch A Penny patio and pool supply shop.

The state department of transportation is conducting a study to evaluate the project before settling on the design and type of improvements for the intersection. The study’s completion date is spring 2016.

Area business owners and the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce had hoped for additional opportunities to discuss the matter.

On Oct. 30, the chamber sent a letter to the state agency requesting a public workshop. Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore also brought up the request at a Nov. 12 meeting of the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

State transportation officials were at that meeting to present the 2015 priority list for county road projects.

However, they said the public hearing is the only meeting on the schedule.

“Sometimes with workshops you have more time to discuss an issue than at a public hearing,” said Elayne Bassinger, president of the Central Pasco Chamber. And, area business owners, she said, “want an opportunity to speak.”

No one doubts that improvements are needed at the heavily travelled intersection.

According to the state transportation department, the intersection’s crash rate is higher than the state average.

About 99,000 vehicles per day travel through the intersection, but by 2040, state highway officials predict an estimated 208,000 vehicles per day.

Both highways are part of the county’s evacuation route, and they also are regional roadways for trucks that deliver goods to and from Tampa International Airport, Port Tampa Bay and Port Manatee.

One alternative would cost about $160 million in total, including about $91 million for more than 70 acres of rights of way. More than 40 parcels, including existing businesses at the intersection, would be affected. About 24 businesses could be relocated, according to state transportation data.

The new interchange would provide four through lanes on U.S. 41 in each direction, two through lanes at-grade and two elevated lanes on State Road 54.

The other alternative would cost about $180 million in total, including about $50 million for nearly 30 acres of rights of way. About 20 parcels would be involved, but only six businesses would be relocated, according to state data.

Under this option, no additional lanes would be added to U.S. 41, and turn lanes would not change. There would be two through lanes at-grade and two elevated through lanes on State Road 54.

Draft documents describing the project are available to the public through Dec. 21 at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. They also can be viewed at the state transportation department’s District Seven office at 11201 N. McKinley Drive in Tampa.

Statements, and exhibits and oral comments, will be accepted at the hearing. Also, all exhibits or statements must be postmarked or emailed no later than Dec. 21 to be part of the official public hearing record. A court reporter also will be available at the hearing for one-on-one comments.

Send statements to Kirk Bogen, Environmental Management Engineer, FDOT, District Seven, 11201 N. McKinley Drive MS 7-500, Tampa, FL 33621-6456.

For information, contact Stephanie Pierce, FDOT project manager, at (813) 975-6445 or .

Published December 2, 2015

Lutz Arts & Crafts Show canceled

November 25, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival — an event that’s attracted around 30,000 people in recent years — has been canceled because of a possible sinkhole in a road at Lake Park.

Signs on Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry Highway let people know that the show has been canceled, and news releases have been sent out to help spread the word.

“Hillsborough County Park Rangers have discovered a sinkhole which has recently opened on the main ingress/egress roadway into the park, and due to safety concerns and liability issues, the county has deemed the road unusable until remedial measures can be taken,” according to a news release from the woman’s club.

The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival has been canceled because of a possible sinkhole in Lake Park. This is the first time in more than three decades that the show won’t go on. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival has been canceled because of a possible sinkhole in Lake Park. This is the first time in more than three decades that the show won’t go on.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The problem with the road could not be fixed in time for the 36th annual show, scheduled for Dec. 5 and Dec. 6, said Shirley Simmons, the art show’s co-director.

“We’re all disappointed,” Simmons said.

The woman’s club did not find out about the problem until it was too late to find an alternative venue that was large enough to accommodate the show, Simmons said.

So, for the first time in more than three decades, the show won’t go on.

The popular event has been a draw for vendors from all over the country, and has been the largest annual moneymaker for the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

“It probably affected about 300 vendors,” Simmons said. “I had room for one photographer – that was it.”

The show has been a popular stop for vendors who travel about the South to sell their wares and art works at shows and festivals, Simmons said.

For some of them, it’s their best show of the year, she said.

The two-day event also has been a big draw for people who enjoy buying unique holiday gifts.

“It’s always such a wonderful community event,” Simmons said. “It gets everybody into the Christmas spirit.”

Besides giving vendors a quality venue and shoppers a fun place to pick up presents, the show has generated money to help scores of local organizations.

The lack of the revenue will decrease the woman’s club’s ability to help other organizations, causing a ripple effect that will touch many lives.

Published November 25, 2015

Commuter trains coming soon?

November 18, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Nearly 80,000 Pasco County residents commute daily to jobs in neighboring counties, clogging the highways north and south with cars. But, CSX Florida could be on board to ease those traffic jams with a future commuter rail line chugging through the heart of Land O’ Lakes.

CSX officials are putting 96 miles of railroad tracks, from two separate rail lines, on the market. The tracks are lightly used for hauling freight, but could become available for passenger service.

One line would link downtown St. Petersburg with downtown Clearwater, head to Oldsmar, the Tampa International Airport and terminate in Ybor City.

The second line would start at the University of South Florida, follow along U.S. 41 through Land O’ Lakes, and end near Brooksville in Hernando County.

These railroad tracks, parallel to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, could become part of a commuter rail line to ease traffic jams in the region. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — These railroad tracks, parallel to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, could become part of a commuter rail line to ease traffic jams in the region.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Since the 1990s, efforts to start some type of commuter or light rail service have gone nowhere. But, with CSX in play as a potential partner in a regional agreement, supporters say this time could be different.

The Florida Department of Transportation could play a major role in the project in partnership with CSX.

“I think there is momentum,” said James Edwards, Pasco County’s transportation manager.

The vision for a regional commuter line operating in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties is gaining traction from a regional advisory group, the Tampa Bay Management Area Leadership Group (TMA).

The organization is composed of representatives of the Metropolitan Planning Organizations from all three Tampa Bay counties.

On Nov. 12, Pasco County MPO got a briefing on the proposal. A few days earlier, Bob O’Malley, vice president of CSX Florida, had made a presentation to TMA.

A commuter rail system should not be confused with light rail. Commuter trains generally operate in more suburban areas with heavier train cars at higher speeds and more passenger volume than light rail. Light rail is better able to navigate urban streets with lighter-weight cars, quicker starts and stops, and fewer passengers.

Still, the proposal is preliminary. There are many unanswered questions — including costs, funding sources, the role of the MPOs, and who would operate the rail system.

Edwards said he hoped to bring some of those answers back to the Pasco MPO at its Dec. 10 meeting.

One model for Tampa Bay would be the Sunrail, a commuter system operating in the Orlando area.

CSX agreed to sell 61 miles of tracks for Sunrail. Total cost estimates were about $1 billion including land costs, track upgrades, rail car purchases and station construction. About 30 miles are operating now between Orlando and Winter Park. Another 30 miles is planned into Osceola County as well as a link to Orlando International Airport.

“We’re kind of mimicking their approach to this, but it is going to take some effort,” Edwards said.

The county’s high growth area now is centered along State Road 54 and State Road 56 where the Tampa Premium Outlets recently opened.

But, the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41 also is set to boom as more master-planned communities, retail, hotel and offices are either under construction or ready to turn dirt.

Bexley Ranch, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, is a prime example of what is to come, said Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.

The property, recently divided into Bexley North and Bexley South, falls north and south of Tower Road. It extends east to Suncoast Parkway and the CSX corridor.

As much as 1 million square feet of offices could be built there, Mariano said.

“Try to imagine if we put a rail stop there. It would be a huge economic boon if you look at that area,” he said.

Published November 18, 2015

This coach is something special

November 11, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When Vicky King took her coaching job at Land O’ Lakes High School in the mid-1980s, it came with the duty of coaching athletes with special needs.

She embraced the role.

As time went on, she found herself becoming more and more involved.

Land O’ Lakes High School coach Vicky King is savoring the moment during the opening ceremonies at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. King recently was named Special Olympics Florida Coach of the Year. (Photos courtesy Pasco County Schools/Andy Dunn) — Land O’ Lakes High School coach Vicky King is savoring the moment during the opening ceremonies at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. King recently was named Special Olympics Florida Coach of the Year.
(Photos courtesy Pasco County Schools/Andy Dunn)

Her dedication — along with the efforts of the athletes she coaches — led to the selection of the Land O’ Lakes unified soccer team to represent Team U.S.A. at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, which yielded a bronze medal when the team defeated China, 2-1.

The team competed in a division that has seven athletes on each side of the ball. It is a unified team, which pairs athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Special Olympics athletes play alongside partners, who are there to provide support and help.

While members of the Land O’ Lakes came home clutching bronze medals, King, herself was in the spotlight on Sept. 26 when she was named the Florida Special Olympics Coach of the Year during a gala at Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.

Sherry Wheelock, president and CEO of Special Olympics Florida, said King was singled out for the award because of her passion for athletes, both with and without disabilities.

“She’s been a driving force for the success of Special Olympics Florida unified sports in Pasco County, but she’s also provided and trained more than 50 other Special Olympics soccer coaches throughout the state,” Wheelock said.

“She’s also been responsible for introducing new schools to this unified competition format,” she added.

King also coaches a traditional team at her school.

She treats all athletes the same, Wheelock said. “She has high expectations for all of the athletes to perform at their top level.”

Lisa Eckel, whose daughter, Haley plays on King’s team, is delighted about King’s recognition.

“I think it’s a well-deserved honor. It couldn’t have been awarded to anyone better,” Eckel said.

“She (King) spends lots of time and effort with all of the kids in the community and in the school, and she just brings out the best in all of them,” Eckel said.

The Land O’ Lakes Special Olympics unified soccer team pose with their coach, Vicky King, and with the bronze medals they won at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. The team defeated China, 2-1.

“My daughter (a partner on the team) has been super fortunate to have these past three years with her (King), on and off, the soccer field.

Eckel traveled with her husband, her other daughter and her sister-in-law out to L.A., to attend the opening ceremonies and to watch the games.

“It was amazing. You can equate it to what we watch on TV for the Olympics,” Eckel said.

She was impressed by the camaraderie she witnessed between the teams from different countries, and was excited to hear the roar of cheers and applause for Team U.S.A. when the athletes walked out, she said.

The Land O’ Lakes team took part in an event that featured athletes from 170 nations competing for international medals. The games included 21 Olympic-style sports.

Getting to those games took a year of preparation and fundraising, with King playing a pivotal role in both.

“It was definitely a year of a lot of training, fundraising, spreading the word about Special Olympics, those kinds of things,” she said.

“We raised about $42,000,” King said. “It was hard work.”

But, it was rewarding in more ways than one, she said.

“We met new people through the fundraising,” she said. “The community really stepped up and helped us.”

When the team left for the games, there was a big send-off at Land O’ Lakes High.

“The day that we left was a year to the day that we actually found out that we were going,” King said.

“We trained all year. During the summer, we trained three days a week for two hours, from the end of school until we left in July.

“They (team members) spent practically the whole summer together. They got closer and closer the more that we were together. The bonds became stronger,” King said.

The experiences were equally enriching for both the Special Olympics athletes and their unified partners, King said.

“They both did things they never have experienced before,” she said.

“For everyone, it was being away from home for two complete weeks and living with people you hadn’t lived with,” she said.

They also were living on a schedule beyond their control.

They would rise at 4 a.m., have breakfast at 5 a.m. and board buses at assigned times. They also had to make scheduled appearances, King said.

It was busy, but exciting, too.

The team and three coaches went to Disney Studios and rode through Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

They went to a four-day training camp in Riverside before arriving in L.A., and while in Riverside, they marched in a parade, King said.

The players were treated like celebrities.

People who didn’t know them, wanted to pose for photos with them, King said. They wanted to meet the athletes that were representing Team U.S.A.

“Young kids wanted balls signed, shirts signed,” King said.

Being part of the World Games and winning the bronze medal were exciting experiences, King said.

But, she added: “The biggest reward was to see the accomplishments of the athletes, have them gain confidence in themselves, self-esteem, being able to travel, meet other people, make lifelong friendships,” she said.

No doubt the World Games were a highlight in King’s coaching experience, but she also enjoys the day-to-day work that she does.

She said she coaches to win, but also teaches other things along the way, such as sportsmanship, fair play and rules of the game.

Published November 11, 2015

Opening day a hit

November 4, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Shoppers flock to Tampa Premium Outlets

Margie Hamman was one of the earliest birds to land at the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Almost too early.

Her 5:30 a.m. arrival at the fog-shrouded parking lot, off State Road 56, surprised one parking lot attendant who said she should come back later.

After being first in line at Coach, Margie Hamman of Homosassa makes her way through the crowd en route to Gap at the grand opening of Tampa Premium Outlets. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — After being first in line at Coach, Margie Hamman of Homosassa makes her way through the crowd en route to Gap at the grand opening of Tampa Premium Outlets.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

As she began driving off, a man “in a suit and tie” flagged her down and ushered her back to the parking lot, she said.

She was rewarded for early arrival when she came away with a bag full of coveted handbags and the bragging right of being the first customer inside the Coach store when the mall opened at 10 a.m.

She got a steal for her 10 designer purses, and then she moved on over to Gap.

“I’ll be making a lot of trips to my car,” said Hamman, who drove from Homosassa to her daughter’s home in Odessa the night before. “I’m doing my Christmas shopping.”

She was among thousands who thronged the walkways on Oct. 29, the opening day for the highly anticipated outlet mall developed by Simon Property Group.

Hamman expects to be back, again and again.

The Ellenton Premium Outlets (also a Simon mall) is no longer her go-to destination, especially when she has a daughter living so close to Tampa Premium Outlets.

Fountains shoot water into the air as the Market Hall food court towers over the Lagoon Court at the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Like Hamman, there are others who will forego outlet malls in Ellenton and Orlando to jingle cash registers in Pasco County instead.

The outlet mall will be an economic shot in the arm, Pasco County Commissioner Chairman Ted Schrader, said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We know it’s going to be a very big success, building on this momentum,” he said. “We are so looking forward to shoppers spending so much time in Pasco, maybe looking around, staying and living here.”

About 800 people gained full and part-time jobs at the outlet mall, and local labor hired about 500 people to help build it.

The outlet mall adds cache to the Tampa Bay region and will help boost tourism, said Ed Caum, Pasco’s tourism manager.

Visitors to the area can be expected to spend their money in more than one county and at more than one venue, he said.

“It will have a regional influence,” said Caum. “People will fly in to Tampa International Airport. They may stay in Clearwater, but eat at Ulele (in Tampa), and come here to the mall.”

Foreign visitors, especially from Canada and Brazil, are frequent shoppers at the Orlando Outlet Mall. And, Caum said Pasco plans to focus some of its marketing on Central and South American countries including Venezuela, Argentina and Mexico.

With counties sharing in the tourism pool, Hillsborough County’s tourism agency, Visit Tampa Bay, will include materials on the Tampa Premium Outlets in its marketing packages at an upcoming trade show in London.

“Everything that’s in Pasco, we’re going to be working very closely with them,” said Kevin Wiatrowski, regional media relations manager for Visit Tampa Bay. “All of our materials have this built into it along with our regular stuff. It’s an impressive time to be here.”

Wesley Chapel resident Rita Faddoul came from Lebanon more than 20 years ago. She remembers when the community had “one store, one light.”

Now, she says relatives coming from Europe will enjoy something unique in her neighborhood.

“It’s better than the International Mall,” Faddoul said. “I want to stay until midnight.”

Cool vibe and good deals

When all of its stores have opened, the 441,000-square-foot mall, with its “Key West” décor, will boast more than 100 designer brand shops selling top-line merchandise at 25 percent to 65 percent discounts daily.

Many stores sweetened the bargains with larger discounts, coupons and giveaways during the mall’s opening weekend from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.

Karen Jenkins, and her mother, Beth McDonald, sat on a bench studying a brochure and a map of the outlet mall.

“I’m really just looking to see what they have,” said Jenkins. “If I see something I like, I’ll buy it.”

Tampa Premium Outlets has some stores that shoppers won’t find at Ellenton, including Naturalizer and The Limited.
The duo registered with the Tampa outlet’s VIP Shopper, and got a few coupons including a discount on Ralph Lauren merchandise.

“We’re thrilled we’re not driving to Ellenton,” said Jenkins who lives in Land O’ Lakes. But, she added: “My husband’s not happy about this.”

Kaiya Davis and her son, Jamal McIntosh, had a quick hop to the mall, from their new home in Lutz.

Davis took the day off to check out the shops.

Stephen Yalof, chief executive officer of Premium OUtlets for Simon, talks about the opening of Tampa Premium Outlets, located on State Road 56, near Interstate 75.

McIntosh is starting a job with the Florida Department of Transportation and soon could be working on highway projects to ease traffic woes at the interchange of Interstate 75 and State Road 56.

“Lots of new beginnings,” said Davis.

Besides a being new shopping venue, the new homeowner sees an added bonus from the mall.

“The price of property values are going to go up,” she said.

Another Lutz resident Karen Fortin, and her mother, Margaret Carreiro, left Columbia Sportswear, one of their favorite stores, carrying bags containing shoes and a fleece jacket.

The travel time to the shopping destination can’t be beat, they said.

“We’re right here, 2 minutes from home,” Fortin said.

Caralee and Charles Shapero had a longer trip, coming over from Clearwater. But, they might come back.

“We will see,” said Caralee Shapero. “It’s missing a Bath & Body Works, but it is closer. So far so good.”

They are Yankee Candle enthusiasts and were ready to snap up a deal – five candles for $50.

“We’ll be walking out with 10,” said Caralee Shapero.

Natalie Scheer and Blanca Jordan sat down on a bench with Disney Store Outlet bags at their feet. They rattled off stores they had been to and others they were ready to take on.

“We’re only halfway there,” said Scheer, who along with Jordan, works at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

They expected to spend two hours to three hours scouring the mall for bargains.

“We threw our bags in the car already,” said Jordan. “This is our second round. It’s wonderful. We don’t have to go all the way to Orlando.”

Jordan said she sometimes goes to Westfield Citrus Park. But, she added: “Outlets are much better. You get better deals.”

The women liked the setting, too.

Jordan held out her cellphone showing off a picture of the two framed in the background by the mall’s blue water lagoon and bridge.

“It looks like we’re on vacation,” said Scheer.

Published November 4, 2015