The new Guv’na of Lutz has taken his first official action.
Newly “elected” Lutz Guv’na Atlas Cortecero kicked off his term on Sept. 13 by distributing funds raised by himself and his two opponents — Stacee Campbell and David Penzer — in the race for the honorary title.
In a well-attended gathering at the pavilion in the back of the Old Lutz School House, Cortecero donned his Guv’na sash and doled out checks to local charities, clubs and organizations — totaling $25,079.07.
“It’s amazing to know how many people worked to the benefit of this city and to, even now, learn (more) about the work that people put into their community, either as people or businesses,” Cortecero, who hails from São Paulo/Brazil, said. “And it’s all for Lutz — but now that I’m Guv’na and I know about (other charities and organizations), I can help make more money for them.
“So it’s just incredible, and I’m looking forward to working for this community for my whole year,” he said.
Cortecero is the first new Lutz Guv’na since Amy Lancaster claimed the title in 2019.
She held the title longer than the traditional one-year reign because a worldwide pandemic interfered with the Lutz Fourth of July festivities.
Announcing the winner of the Guv’na’s race traditionally has been a regular feature of the community’s Independence Day celebration.
That’s when the final counting is done and organizers announce who brought in the most money in a race where the victor is determined solely on the basis of who raised the most cash to help community causes.
Typically, the total amount of contributions adds up to thousands of dollars, which are then distributed to help about 20 nonprofit Lutz groups.
This year, Cortecero led in fundraising with $11,919.11.
Candidates then earmark 10% of what they brought in for a charity of their choice.
Fittingly, this year’s Guv’na had his first assembly at the Old Lutz School House, which also is where he sent his 10% — identifying the Citizens For The Old Lutz Building 501(c)(3) nonprofit as his charitable cause.
The money will be used for renovations to the building.
The schoolhouse, built in 1927, is considered a community icon. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Aug. 15, 1996.
“I want to get a big thermometer (sign) to put it out in front of the building (facing U.S. 41) and just work to get it filled red,” Cortecero said. “For now, I have to discuss with the people at the Lutz School House how much it will cost, but as soon as I know, I will let Lutz know.
“I just want to make the place beautiful again, so as people, when they pass here and see this school, see just how beautiful it can be.”
Cortecero also took time to pass out checks to the benefactors of all the money raised.
Penzer, who raised $11,024, gave his 10% to the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. Campbell, who raised $2,135.96, gave her 10% to the Lutz Leaguerettes.
Here’s a list of recipients from this year’s Guv’na race proceeds:
- GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club
- Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum
- Old Lutz School House
- Lutz Train Depot Decorations Fund
- Learning Gate Community School
- Boy Scout Troop 339
- Lutz K-8 PTA
- GFWC Little Women of Lutz
- Boy Scout Troop 212
- Boy Scout Troop 12
- Steinbrenner Future Farmers of America
- Cub Scout Pack 12
- Maniscalco K-8 PTA
- First Baptist Church of Lutz
- Lutz Leaguerettes
- Lutz Chiefs
- Tighten The Drag Foundation
- Civil Air Patrol – North Tampa Lutz-Cadet Squadron.
Cortecero, who is married to 2007 Guv’na Michele Northrup, says he wants to host more events at the Old School House.
Some events already are scheduled, including Autumn Day on Oct. 19, Pioneer Day on Oct. 8 and Christmas at the School House in December — but he would like to do even more.
“I want to do something like a winter festival, with vendors and live music — a big festival,” said Cortecero, who generated the third-highest amount of contributions in the history of the Guv’na race. “I want to do something else (beside the trees and lights), so maybe in January or February. People can come here and hang out with the lights — like a block party, with food trucks,” he said.
“It can be to help raise money we’ll need for the renovations and then the brand new Guv’na can meet everyone from Lutz!”
Published September 28, 2022
