Photos of the Week

The weather was perfect for this gathering of Volkswagen lovers, and there was plenty to see and do, at the 32nd annual Bug Jam, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, in Dade City.

There was food and entertainment, as well as a VW car show and plenty of parts — and stories — to swap.

This cloudless sulphur butterfly lends itself to a colorful backdrop of flowers. According to ButterflyInsight.com, there are many myths, symbolisms and meanings attached to a yellow butterfly. To some Native American tribes, the yellow butterfly brings guidance and is a sign of hope. A yellow butterfly also can represent joy and creativity, and it can remind us to have fun. A yellow butterfly flying around you is said to bring happiness and prosperity. Some believe that seeing one means that something fun and exciting is on its way. And, in general, a yellow butterfly can symbolize change or transformation; also, like most butterfly symbology, they represent renewal and rebirth.

There’s nothing subtle about the way the Simandls celebrate Halloween. These dinosaurs are just one small part of their seasonal display.

The Pasco County Commission honored efforts of the county’s fire rescue workers and recognized Fire Safety Week through a resolution at the board’s Oct. 6 meeting. This year, Fire Safety Week focused on the importance of preventing house fires — with a particular emphasis on staying safe in the kitchen. Many house fires occur because of cooking food left unattended on stove tops. Shown here, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, Commission Chairman Mike Moore, Commissioner Ron Oakley, Commissioner Jack Mariano, County Administrator Dan Biles and Fire Chief Scott Cassin pose with members of Pasco Fire Rescue.

Note: National First Responders Day is on Oct. 28 and recognizes the heroic men and women who make it their business to take immediate action when disaster strikes. 

Alec Brown, a fourth-grader at Bexley Elementary, took this photo of an alligator in one of the Bexley ponds, in Land O’ Lakes. He submitted the photo for a youth art exhibition, called the ‘Mini Matisse Show,’ at the Carrollwood Cultural Center and won first place.

See Alec himself in Chalk Talk, under the Education tab!

Hundreds of people turned out recently for the Taco Festival at the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

The festival, held Sept. 19 and Sept. 20, gave event-goers the opportunity to listen to live music, taste mouthwatering tacos and drink refreshing beverages, such as margaritas and mojitos.

Homemade salsa and authentic Cuban cigars were available for purchase, and those attending could sample different types of tequila.

Food and drink were the highlight of the festival, but there were lots of fun, kid-friendly activities, such as hot air balloon rides, rock climbing, festival games and bounce houses.

GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members donated sanitizing supplies, paper products and student necessities that were needed in teachers’ classrooms. The women also included treats and thank-you cards to show their appreciation. Members of the Education & Libraries Committee delivered donations to Chris Holten of Shady Hills Elementary School. For more on the club, visit LutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.