After 23 Years of Service, Commander Sets Sail For New Horizons
Service to one's own country can be a difficult decision. It’s never easy to put on hold relationships, personal goals or any other ties we may have, to give up our time for something greater than ourselves. The Laker/Lutz News would like to thank Commander Jason Cummings for his 23 years of service, as he retires from his position with the U.S. Navy. Because of ...
Must-see movies at these must-see theaters
Summer’s around the corner, which means lots of highly anticipated blockbuster films are heading to the big screen such as “The Lost City,” starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, and “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson. If you’ve asked yourself, ‘What’s a good movie theater near me?’ to watch these buzzworthy films, check out our recommendations below. The Grove 16 The Grove 16, formally known as ...
Eight Movies You Have To See On The Big Screen This Summer
Already thinking of ways to escape the summer heat? There's nothing better than kicking back to one of these cool, hit movies coming out in theaters soon! From sequels to beloved classics, novel-adapted movies, a biopic of an American legend and so much more, there’s a blockbuster for everyone to see. Check out these featured films below: Top Gun: Maverick Release Date: May 27 Movie ...
Things to Do in Pasco County During Spring Break
In Pasco County, spring break 2022 is quickly approaching. Here are some fun things to do locally, with your friends and family: Giraffe Ranch Giraffe Ranch, a hidden gem in Dade City, is Florida’s second largest wilderness area that consists of live oaks, orchids, pastures, and wetlands. This family-owned native wildlife preserve offers five kinds of intimate safaris that are led by experienced driver-guides. They ...
A Guide for Summer Camps in Pasco County
Summer break is quickly approaching and organizations throughout Pasco County are offering camps for children of all ages. Looking to enroll your child in fun interactive activities? Check out these local summer camps! Camping at the Creek Summer Basketball Camps Cypress Creek Middle School is offering “Camping at the Creek 2022” basketball camps, for students entering fifth grade through 10th grade. Students will receive a ...
Avalon Applauds Kids Helping Kids Pasco County
Congratulations to Kids Helping Kids Pasco County for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2018 by president Michelle Patel, who was looking for ways for her family to serve the community together. Patel didn’t find many local opportunities for children to be involved, until a sandwich-making project in the community became the ‘building blocks’ for Kids Helping Kids ...
Dynamic Duo Transforms Wedding Events
From diverse family backgrounds rooted in Vietnam and Puerto Rico, Bich (pronounced Bic) Le and Sandy Baez run Plantation Palms Golf Club’s new, elegant Banquet Center overlooking the golf course. With over 40 years of combined event planning expertise, the two deliver an unparalleled wedding experience in Plantation Palms’ new venue. By listening to their clients, Le brings their vision to life, and Baez builds ...
Live Jazz is Back at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
Supporting the arts and providing a venue for local artists have always been core goals of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, a master-planned community located east of Interstate 75 on State Road 54. The latest addition to this vision is Jazz Under the Starz, which has been hosting monthly concerts at Avalon Park’s downtown area. “There is something about music that soothes the soul and brings ...
Not even a year in, and Dr. Rosh is still changing lives
No two days are the same at the Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Laser Institute in Lutz. “That’s what makes this so fun,” said Roshni Ranjit-Reeves, M.D. She’s commonly referred to by her patients as Dr. Rosh, and has become a staple for those in the community looking to become the best version of themselves. “What drew me to oculofacial and reconstructive surgery is how my ...
USF Federal Credit Union Opens Odessa Branch
USF Federal Credit Union (USF FCU) has opened its doors to Odessa. “The Odessa/Land O’ Lakes/Lutz area is growing by leaps and bounds,” says Bill Steiger, director of Brand Strategy and Marketing Communications for USF FCU. “We thought that was a perfect place to open a branch and move into that market.” USF FCU was founded in 1959 by 16 members, with the total assets ...
Why is Proper Digestion So Important?
When people think of digestion issues, most think about uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms such as bloating, passing gas, burping, constipation and diarrhea. But there are some lesser-known symptoms, which include feeling full after eating a couple of bites; feeling tired shortly after eating; loss of taste for meat; anemia; strong body odor; and sleeping problems. If you are not breaking down the foods you eat, ...
Avalon Applauds Sunrise of Pasco County
Congratulations to Sunrise of Pasco County (Sunrise), a certified domestic and sexual violence program, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Sunrise hopes to shed light on the fact that sexual violence does exist, and survivors are out there. “It’s really easy for people to say ‘Oh, this doesn’t happen in my community,’ and we certainly understand ...
Congratulations to the winners of our Spill The Ink Poetry Contest!
Popular Choice Winner: Sophia Sullivan “Live” Don’t you dare be so immobilized by fear that you forget to sing. Neglect not your happiness at the expense of another's opinion – you cannot afford such a thing. Our finite residence on this earth will destroy you, should you not choose to dance. You are poor of time. The hour hand is resting on your heart and ...
Must-Try Breweries in Pasco County
Pasco County is home to some of the best breweries in Florida, giving visitors and local residents unique craft beers and unforgettable experiences. From Odessa to Zephyrhills, check out these must-try breweries! Florida Avenue Brewing Co. Florida Avenue Brewing Co. was established in 2010 and has worked for over 12 years to provide visitors with a memorable, Florida-style craft beer experience. Its Wesley Chapel location ...
Avalon Park Applauds the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. This nonprofit organization helps support local and international causes. The club has helped raise money for high school seniors, first responders, families in need, and even an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) park in Wesley Chapel. The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel has committed to devoting its efforts over ...
Back 9 Bistro Wants to Serve You
When Simone Tolley saw the opportunity to take over the restaurant in The Groves Golf and Country Club, she took it. “When we first drove through, me and my husband thought to ourselves that the community clubhouse might be the best place to open a cute little quaint bistro,” says Tolley. “Golfers are awesome and we love the community!” Being in the restaurant business is ...
Congratulations to the winner of our “Tell Us Your Love Story” Valentine’s Day-themed contest…. Edna Villanueva!
Here is her love story: “I want to tell you about our story of more than 17 years together. Our relationship is the most important thing for us and represents a second chance at love after being in toxic relationships. It is a story of hope and self-respect. This is how our love story began: “They were just having coffee, except it wasn't really coffee ...
Avalon Applauds GFWC Woman’s Club
Congratulations to the GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) Woman’s Club, a nonprofit 501(3)C group in Wesley Chapel, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club is dedicated to community improvement and helping those in need, through volunteer service and fundraising events. The organization is likely to focus much of its efforts on domestic violence and awareness, homelessness, hospice, ...
Avalon Applauds
Congratulations to Martin J. Levins II, a senior at Saddlebrook Preparatory School in Wesley Chapel, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Martin is an exceptional student both inside and outside of the classroom. He dedicates his time to studying and has been a member of the National Honor Society since starting high school. The National Honor Society organization recognizes students that commit themselves ...
See What Some Of Stephanie’s Past Clients Have To Say
Congratulations to Stephanie Meid for 30 years of providing real estate service to the Tampa Bay area. A native of Tampa and resident of Land O Lakes, Stephanie offers her years of experience to buyers and sellers looking for someone to guide them through the complexities of the current real estate market. She can be reached at 813-695-0234 or . "I have known Stephanie Meid ...
Let Your Pet Make a Mess! TPS Handles the Rest!
There are some jobs that most people really just don’t want to do. That’s where Tampa Poop & Scoop (TPS) enters. No mess will ever be left behind by your pets, again. Bathroom messes, to be precise. Tampa Poop & Scoop ushers in a new era of pet/owner freedom. Now we can let our fluffy friends relieve as they please, without the hassle of wondering ...
Let’s put one myth to bed for good: Vaccines do not cause the flu
Influenza is so common that sometimes the risk it poses is overlooked. But the truth is, the flu can cause serious illness that leads to hospitalization or even death – especially when the virus is coupled with a significant underlying health condition. Despite the availability of the flu vaccine, some still resist, in some cases falling prey to the misguided notion that the vaccine causes ...
Boardwalk Wealth Solutions is Here to Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals
Ralph Sevelius learned early on that trustworthy financial advisors can really add value to their clients' lives. This led him to become an advisor in 2007. “As an independent advisor, I can provide much better service and value to my clients because I can run my business in a way that always serves my clients’ best interests,” says Sevelius. Located in Tampa, Boardwalk Wealth Solutions ...
Premier Martial Arts Lutz Aims To Empower Its Students
Students at Premier Martial Arts Lutz are being empowered with lessons that have remained firm for over a thousand years. This martial arts school helps its students develop the personal skills that are necessary to build a successful life, as well as learn how to take on any task, in an environment that fosters inclusion and social belonging. Its unique curriculum combines the styles of Karate, ...
Avalon Applauds
Congratulations to Lana Guzman, a senior at Wesley Chapel High School, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Guzman was recently chosen as Pasco County’s 2021 – 2022 Outstanding Senior. She serves as the Student Government Association’s executive president, Student Advisory Council chairman and the school’s National Honor Society secretary. She was also a Teen Play Leader for Glazer Children’s Museum where she provided ...
Communicate better, with Affordable Hearing Help
William Morehouse, a local hearing aid specialist, wants to educate and to help people in the local community who suffer from hearing loss. Morehouse, a resident of Zephyrhills for over 20 years, opened up Affordable Hearing Help, a discount hearing aid store, in January of 2019. His services include a no-cost hearing test, a risk-free trial, adjustments, cleanings, and repairs. Morehouse claims more people suffer ...
The “Artist” at Artistic Dental Associates
When you think of an "Artist,” you think of a professional, someone highly talented and someone who has perfected their trade. Artistic Dental Associates has earned the right to that name. They provide a professional, friendly, and comprehensive dental service to families living in Zephyrhills and the neighboring communities of Wesley Chapel, Dade City, Plant City, Lakeland and more. Led by Dr. Kulwant S. Bedi, ...
Valentino’s Fine Jewelers Now Located at Tampa Premium Outlets
Clyde Wilcox is no stranger to the finer things in life, and his passion for the jewelry business proves just that. Wilcox is the general manager at Valentino’s Fine Jewelers, which celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. The high-end store first opened in Zephyrhills, and recently has relocated to Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz. The family owned, local business is the product of decades of ...
Avalon Applauds David Castro
Congratulations to David Castro, a senior at Zephyrhills High School, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Castro is a shining example of a young adult making a positive impact in his local community. His passion is to help educate and train younger kids about two sports he loves — tennis and billiards. Castro began playing tennis in fifth grade when his parents won ...
Bring The Family To The 10th Annual Paulie Palooza Music Festival
Saturday, Oct. 16 from noon to 9 p.m., in downtown Zephyrhills Paul Correia was introduced to Gulfside Hospice back in 2008 when a friend, Kymberly Corkum, asked him to play with his musician friends at the annual Ride for Hospice — an event she helped organize with the Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse to raise money for the nonprofit. “That was my first experience with hospice, ...
Avalon Applauds Celebrate Birthdays
Congratulations to Celebrate Birthdays, a nonprofit based in Tampa, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Celebrate Birthdays’ mission is to ensure that every foster child and all children, ages 1 through 18, regardless of personal or financial circumstances, has the opportunity to celebrate their birthday. The nonprofit services Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Co-founders Belinda Leto and Celina Saunders are full-time nurses by ...
Drew Hudgins’ Love Affair With Pasco County
Drew Hudgins’ love affair with Pasco County began 38 years ago when the Tampa native and his wife, Kerri, bought a weekend getaway on Lake Linda in what they called “Land O’ Lutz, Florida.” “I had just started my career at a fast-paced law firm in downtown Tampa, often working 70-hour weeks,” Hudgins recalls. “We needed, and loved, our little lake place getaway, and began ...
How and Where to Add Plants in Your Home
So you want to become a plant parent? How do you make sure your new green “baby” will thrive in your home or apartment? When selecting the best spaces in your home for different types of plants, it’s important to consider light, humidity and maintenance requirements, as well as the benefits that type of plant will bring to the space. From bathrooms to bedrooms to ...
Affordable Living At Club Wildwood
Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood in Hudson, which boasts affordable homes, first-class amenities and a five-minute drive to the beach. Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County, with close to 500 homes. Living in a large community means there is always someone to share things with, including swimming ...
Avalon Applauds Boy Scouts of America
Congratulations to Boy Scouts of America for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is an international youth program that focuses on character development and values-based leadership training that is meant to prepare both young men and women for life. Clarissa Castillo, the Suncoast District executive for the BSA since 2019, says the local western Florida ...
ASAP Pressure Cleaning Keeps The Mold Away
Mold can be a huge problem for homeowners, especially during the summer months when humidity is higher than ever. That’s where ASAP Pressure Cleaning comes in. The company not only helps to get rid of mold and mildew growth, it also provides an array of other cleaning services, including gutters and downspouts, screen enclosures, exterior paint prep, fences (vinyl, wood and metal), brick/block walls, pavers, ...
Botkins & Spoor Insurance LLC Gives Customers The Best Deals
When Larry Botkins became Tom Spoor’s son-in-law in 2014, Botkins had no idea that one day they would be in business with each other. Spoor, who had an insurance agency in upstate New York for 25 years, decided to sell his business in 2016 and retire to his winter home in Dade City. In 2019, Botkins expressed interest in insurance, so together with his father-in-law, ...
Gateway Wellness & Rehab Accepting New Medicare Patients For Primary Care
There’s good news for seniors in the Land O’ Lakes area looking for a primary care practitioner who accepts new patients with Medicare coverage. Erica Williams, a nurse practitioner who is board certified in primary care, has joined the medical team at Gateway Wellness & Rehab, at its Wisteria Plaza office on U.S. 41, just south of the Wilderness Lakes subdivision. Williams is providing family ...