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Snow in Florida? This local theme park brings it

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The local forecast was a toasty 85 degrees and sunny — yet somehow there was snow and ice.

At Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park, those contradictory climate conditions are the norm.

This is the main entrance to Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park in Dade City. The 20-acre property is promoted as the first-ever snow park in Florida. The seasonal facility will generally be open between November and March each year. (Kevin Weiss)

Florida’s first-ever snow park is now open for business, at 27839 Saint Joe Road in Dade City.

The wintry theme park was officially unveiled during a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony last month.

There are three main attractions on the 20-acre site.

The most prominent of them is called Snowy Slopes.

It’s a 60-foot-tall, 400-foot-long snow tubing hill featuring single, tandem and family-style snowtubing.

While the adrenaline-charged attraction doesn’t actually feature snow per se, there is a thin layer of ice spread along the 25-lane downhill slopes, where speeds can reach up to 25 mph.

A Florida-style Santa Claus, Tampa Bay Lightning’s Thunderbug and the Tampa Bay Rays’ Raymond all came out to the celebrate the opening of Florida’s first snow park. (Kelli Carmack)

And, it’s not a hike up the hill, as riders are transported to the top via a pair of moving walkway conveyor lifts.

Meanwhile, the ‘real’ — or more precisely ‘manmade’ — snow is found at the park’s Arctic Igloo attraction, a 10,000-square-foot enclosed circular space that is covered in snow, which is thick enough to build snowmen, and make snow angels and snowballs.

The 50-foot-tall rounded igloo also features a bunny slope for kids age 3 and younger.

And, just because you’re heading to this snow park in Florida — don’t forget to bring your jacket. Temperatures in the dome hover at 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Situated between the steep slopes and snowy igloo is Alpine Village, an expansive concourse area that exhibits a line of local vendors offering an assortment of food, drinks, beer, wine, craft goods and holiday gift shopping.

Snowcat Ridge’s most prominent feature is its alpine snow slope. The 60-foot-tall, 400-foot-long snowtubing hill features single, tandem and family style tubing. While the adrenaline-charged attraction doesn’t actually feature snow per se, there is a thin layer of ice spread along the 25-lane downhill slopes. Tubing speeds can reach up to 25 mph. (Kelli Carmack)

The open walking space also features a campfire seating area — perfect for roasting s’mores and drinking hot cocoa — along tables and benches that offer a scenic view of the slopes. It takes on added importance in the evening hours, where a nighttime music and light show takes place atop the slopes.

Snowcat Ridge, which broke ground in March, has been in the making for some five years, according to Benjamin Nagengast, the park’s CEO.

The attraction sits on land adjacent to other popular attractions the Nagengast family operates: TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure and Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park.

Turning Snowcat Ridge from vision to reality took millions of dollars in investment and “a lot of engineering and research and feasibility,” Nagengast said. “A lot of folks didn’t think it was possible, (but) it is possible,” he said.

The looming question everyone asks: So, how do you make it snow in Florida?

“Two parts magic, one part water,” Nagengast quipped, when describing the snowmaking process.

A conveyor belt transports riders to the top of a 60-foot-tall, 400-foot-long snowtubing hill, known as Snowy Slopes. (Kelli Carmack)

He also joked that it would take a two-hour lecture to explain the process. Then, he said,  “suffice it to say that we use a lot of new technology to be able to do it, without using very much water at all, actually, and we’re able to keep the snow cold.”

Snowmaking machines and cooling systems are running throughout the park 24 hours a day.

Since work ramped up in early Spring, the project experienced various construction and equipment delays amid the coronavirus pandemic and tropical storm scares, Nagengast said.

The park recently endured a setback when Tropical Storm Eta blew through, knocking out the power.

The incident caused the park to “start from scratch” in producing snow, ice and other frozen materials, he said.

Snowcat Ridge CEO Benjamin Nagengast speaks at the theme park’s Nov. 20 ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony in Dade City. The Nagengast family also owns nearby TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure and Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park. (Kelli Carmack)

The park’s CEO put the journey toward getting to opening day into perspective: “There’s been a lot of different challenges in keeping our staff safe, and there’s been plenty of additional expenses, but I will say we’re very happy that Florida has taken a stance to make sure that people are safe, while still being able to get outside and enjoy facilities like this.”

Daily attendance will be capped at the park — with the aim of creating a more intimate, enjoyable experience for visitors and families, while at the same time adhering to COVID-19 health and safety protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“When you’re out here on Saturday, you will not see thousands of people,” Nagengast said. “We actually keep that number down to make sure that we give a top-notch experience to our customers and make sure they have a great time,” he said.

Initially, the park will prioritize serving locals, and then market to tourists visiting the region.

That strategy has worked with the family’s other attractions, the CEO said.

“We love tourists, but for us, we’ve always found that whenever we service that local population, then the tourists find out about us and they tour it as well,” Nagengast said.

Local tourism officials, meanwhile, are buzzing about the park’s potential to attract visitors to the county, the greater Tampa Bay area, and Central Florida as a whole.

Just beyond the Alpine Village shopping and dining area is the snow-filled Arctic Igloo, a 10,000-square-foot enclosed circular space covered in snow thick enough to build snowmen, and make snow angels and snowballs. Temperatures measure some 30 degrees Fahrenheit inside the 50-foot-tall dome. (Kelli Carmack)

Pasco County tourism director Adam Thomas was seen donning a thick scarf despite the warm conditions at the park reveal.

When the county last year rebranded it’s marketing destination as Florida’s Sports Coast, he joked, “We really weren’t anticipating to add snowtubing and snowball fights to our destination’s repertoire of activities.”

Thomas underscored his excitement: “What’s more unique than a mouse, a rollercoaster and a beach? A snow park in Florida, right? How amazing is that?”

VisitFlorida regional partnership manager Jen Carlisle was similarly enthusiastic about how Snowcat Ridge fits into the area’s tourism and visitor portfolio of attraction.

It is, she said, “a huge win for our tourism state and our tourism economy.”

“Florida is renowned for its beautiful weather and diverse array of destinations and attractions, and while we get to enjoy summertime all year round, with Snowcat Ridge we now have the best of winter right here at our fingertips in Florida’s Sports Coast,” Carlisle said.

The project, she added, “will surely enhance the unique Sunshine State vacation experience for all, and for many years to come.”

Snowcat Ridge is a winter snow park, giving visitors a chance to go snowtubing, engage in snowball fights, make snow angels and have other wintry fun.
Where: 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City
When: Operates daily, except Christmas, from around November through March
Park hours in December are 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., on Friday and Saturday
Cost: Tickets start at $24.95.
Info: Visit snowcatridge.com, or call 813-576-1450.

Dade City artist thrives — with a community of happy clients

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Mark Hannah is a busy guy. So busy, in fact, that he hasn’t used a business card in about 10 years. “I really should have one,’’ he said. “One of these days.’’

One of these days, when his work slows down … and that doesn’t appear to be anytime soon.

Hannah, a Dade City artist who specializes in handmade signs, logos and murals, has a lineup of Pasco County businesses that want his services. It’s all word of mouth — and the word is good.

Mark Hannah poses by his Elton John mural, which was produced for Wesley Chapel’s Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant. (Courtesy of Mark Hannah)

In a 2020 world where such art is driven by digitally created computer creations, Hannah remains hopelessly old-school. He hand-sketches everything, then paints it on a wall. He uses a grid system that produces an uncanny reproduction. And, it looks a lot better than a vinyl logo that was purchased online.

“Watching Mark work is the craziest thing you’ll ever see,’’ said Amber Langston, owner of Wesley Chapel’s Four Leaf Cross Fit. “Our logo has a circle in it. You can’t really mess with a circle. It would look terrible if it’s the slightest bit off. It’s so perfect.

“Everybody wants their picture in front of that mural so they can put it on social media. It’s amazing branding for us. That mural makes our gym pop. It embodies our brand and it means a ton to us. Outside of purchasing equipment, it was the best money we’ve spent.’’

With artist, quality is job one
Brian and Rebecca DeCook work out at Four Leaf Cross Fit. They loved Hannah’s mural. So when they opened Highland Axe Throwing at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, they knew who to call.

“I was stunned by that huge mural at Four Leaf,’’ Rebecca DeCook said. “It looks like professional street graffiti, something you’d see in Los Angeles or New York. I didn’t know the guy (Hannah), but I knew we had to use him.

“I have pretty high standards. People say, ‘Oh, I’d never do work for you.’ For him to meet my expectations would’ve been a challenge for him. He exceeded them. He had no idea what he was walking into, but he wowed me.’’

Mark Hannah uses his painting skills to help businesses convey what they have to offer.

DeCook said it’s all about Hannah’s personal touch. She was leery of anyone trying to replicate her company’s intricate Highland cow logo, but she said it turned out beautifully.

“When you hire him, you’re not hiring a company, you’re hiring Mark,’’ DeCook said. “You’re hiring an artist. You’re hiring the Van Gogh. It’s not like when you hire a company and they sent you someone that does just enough where you won’t complain and you settle. His prices are fair, but it’s not about the money. It’s about the pride he has in his work. I would never use anyone else. When you consider the price and craftsmanship, no one can come close.’’

Elsewhere in the Grove, Hannah’s work is displayed at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant. He painted a mural of Billy Joel sitting at the piano. It was so good, he followed it with an Elton John mural, then one of Alicia Keys.

Mark Hannah’s artistry helps set a mood for many local businesses.

“Mark’s work gives our place a lot of personality,’’ Treble Makers owner Jamie Hess said. “It makes us unique. And, it’s a local artist, so it fits because we like to have local musicians.

“It was very entertaining for me to watch him at work. He showed me a drawing of what he was thinking for Billy Joel. He absolutely nailed it. He gets up on the ladder, free-hands the whole mural and does his thing. He has a gift like you see in so very few people.’’

Hannah said he always felt comfortable doing artwork — or any kind of work, really. He was a self-described “class clown and partier’’ who hated school and wound up getting his GED. He went to commercial art school and learned how his drawings could be used for consumers. He did layout for newspapers, then some screen painting.

Mark Hannah hand-paints signs and murals on the walls of local businesses.

But, around Dade City, he learned the craft of sign painting from some veteran artists and fell in love with the concept.

“Some business owners just like the hand-painted feel of a sign, especially in Dade City with the quaint antique stores and the old downtown,’’ said Hannah, 53.

Always a free spirit, Hannah worked at a number of jobs, including machinist, tree surgeon, landscaper and house painter before venturing into his own sign-painting business in 2003. He was moderately successful, but toward mid-2009, when the American economy had tanked due to the Great Recession, he was desperate.

Whether it’s a portrait of a widely known entertainer, or a detailed painting of a tree — Mark Hannah uses his artistic touch to help convey a message or add beauty to many Pasco County places.

“I had no work because everything had dried up,’’ Hannah said. “Oh, I had a safety net with family and friends that would’ve bailed me out. But, I had five bucks to my name. Literally. Five bucks. That’s how bad it was.’’

He walked into Francesco’s New York Style Pizza in Dade City.

He had just enough money for one slice and a soda.

“I was still wearing my work uniform, splattered with paint,’’ Hannah said. “The owner walked out and said, ‘Are you an artist? I want to do a mural on this wall. Can you do that?’

“I was like, ‘Yes sir, I can,’ and I was like Speedy Gonzalez getting my stuff together. That moment was really when it all started.’’

Mark Hannah is known widely in Dade City for creating murals that help businesses convey a theme.

Since then, Hannah has enjoyed a few side gigs, such as producing giant papier-mache replicas of political candidates, including one of Mitt Romney that was used at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa and another of Donald Trump that wound up on MSNBC.com’s front page.

He’s also the lead guitarist in a rockabilly band (Skinny McGee and his Mayhem Makers), which has taken him to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Europe (six times).

But, at his core, he’s a hometown artist.

He mostly does mural work, sign painting and lots of projects for the Pasco County Fair. He couldn’t imagine anything better.

“I think part of it is I’m from here and people know me,’’ said Hannah, whose business is known as Hannah Designs Artwork. “I really love my life and what I do. It’s so important to have good people skills. Every time you get a new job, it’s a new client and potentially a new referral.

“My goal is always to work with somebody, give them what they want, be fair, do a great job, make them extremely happy and have them tell somebody else. I’m extremely blue-collar — more that than artsy — so I understand the importance of work and being timely. It’s going well. I could do stuff on a computer, but that’s nothing like being on the ladder and swinging paint. I’m one of those fortunate guys who’s doing what he loves to do.’’

Hannah can be reached at  or (352) 467-0664.

By Joey Johnston

Published November 25, 2020

Retired marine gets surprise bench

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Otis Felder, a retired U.S. Marine, was already having a pretty good Veterans Day — even before he made his daily trek to the dog park at the Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex, off Collier Parkway.

He’d started the day by catching up with some of his fellow Marines on Facebook, and was feeling pretty good about that.

Then, when he and his basset hound, Chopper, arrived at the dog park, his day got even better.

Judy Hudson arrived early at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex’s dog park on Veterans Day because she wanted to put up these patriotic balloons along the chain-link fence of the compound. (B.C. Manion)

Patriotic balloons bobbed from the perimeter of the chain-link fence at the compound, and there was a big surprise waiting inside.

His friends, Judy Hudson and Leslie Friedel, of Wesley Chapel, shouted out greetings to Felder.

“What’s up?” Felder asked, as he entered the dog park’s gates.

Hudson encouraged him to check out the new bench there.

As he approached it, he realized that the bench was dedicated to him.

“In honor of Otis Felder,” it says. “Thank you for 20 years of service.”

Below those words there’s an image of a flapping American flag.

“Holy mackerel,” the 84-year-old Felder said.  “I’m really impressed. Wow.

“I never expected anything like that.

“Well, who did this?” he asked.

Hudson was not forthcoming: “I guess, God,” she replied.

“It’s awesome,” said the veteran, whose 20 years in the Marine Corps included two tours of duty in Vietnam, and assignments in such places as California, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Virginia, Hawaii, North Carolina and Michigan.

Otis Felder finds out that the new bench at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex’s dog park is dedicated to him. The surprise presentation happened on Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day. Felder served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years.

Planning for the Nov. 11 surprise started a few months ago, Hudson said.

That’s when she began reaching out to see if she could persuade a company to donate a bench to honor Felder.

It took persistence, but the work paid off when Polly Products, a company based in Mulliken, Michigan, agreed to provide the bench.

Next, Tommy D’Iorio, a park site supervisor for the Pasco County parks, recreation and natural resources department, made sure his team assembled the bench for the big surprise.

They even wrapped it up, to make sure no one sat on it before Felder.

Hudson and Susan Bernardino, another one of Felder’s friends, chipped in to pay the shipping costs for the bench.

The parks department spruced up the dog park, too, in honor of Felder’s special day.

As a finishing touch, Hudson brought a chocolate sheet cake, decked out with frosting depicting an American flag.

The three friends and their dogs, enjoyed their time together — despite a light, persistent  rain.

Otis Felder, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years, tests out a bench that honors his military service. It’s in the dog park at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, which Felder visits daily.

Hudson, who has known Felder for 10 years, was pleased to pay tribute to her friend.

“It’s my honor to do it for him,” she said.

People come and go to the dog park, as they move into and out of the area — but some who have moved away still make it a point to come back to see Felder, she said.

Even some who have lost their dog continue to drop by to chat with him, she added.

“He’s become a fixture,” Hudson said.

Friedel, a user of the dog park for four years, speaks fondly of Felder.

“I love Uncle Otis. He’s great. I love his stories,” she said.

She’s happy that he was honored.

“I freaking love it,” she said. “I think that’s awesome.”

Felder, who has been married 54 years to his wife, Janet, lives in Land O’ Lakes. Their son, Otis, is an attorney in California and their son, Dallas, is an architect in Chicago. A third son, Jason, is deceased.

Besides retiring from his military career, Felder worked for 21 years in the brewery industry, before retiring and doing some additional contract work in that field. He also was a chauffeur and an armored car driver, before he finally stopped working at the age of 72.

With such a full life, he has plenty of tales to share and he often shares them with his friends at the dog park.

Hudson said Felder is particularly fond of telling people: “That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.”

For her part, she thinks Felder is a special man, whose story is worth sharing.

Published November 18, 2020

Help needed to deliver Thanksgiving meals

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The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH) is in need of volunteers to sign up to deliver “Holidays on Wheels,” a Meals on Wheels for Kids program.

This program was developed in partnership with Metropolitan Ministries, to ensure every child and family has a meal for Thanksgiving.

In Tampa Bay, more than half of those who are hungry are children, and TBNEH is asking community members to be a part of the solution to help solve hunger this holiday season, according to a TBNEH news release.

At least 300 volunteers are still needed to help deliver more than 1,000 Thanksgiving meals (including turkey and stuffing) to families that are homebound or do not have access to transportation.

Deliveries will take place starting at 10 a.m., on Nov. 17. Volunteers can pick up route sheets and special delivery items from assigned pick-up sites closest to their home or work address, and will use their own vehicles to make the deliveries.

Once the volunteer’s car is loaded, the route will take about one hour to complete.

The mission of TBNEH is to end hunger in Tampa Bay by bringing people together to find solutions that eliminate barriers, increase access and knowledge, and expand the amount of nutritious food available.

For those interested in helping to deliver Thanksgiving meals, sign-up is online at NetworkToEndHunger.org/volunteer.

The network also is accepting donations at NetworkToEndHunger.org/holidays, to help support the Holidays on Wheels program.

For information, call (813) 344-5837.

Published November 11, 2020

Real-life superheroes give young boy an epic parade

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In many ways, David Castle is a typical 8-year-old boy.

He loves superheroes, WWE, Fortnight, motorcycles, fast cars and fishing.

Eight-year-old David Castle, who has been in cancer treatment nearly a year, gives two thumbs up when he hears the sirens of the approaching parade that is heading down his street, in the Ashley Lakes community in Odessa. (Christine Holtzman)

But, unlike most boys his age, he’s been undergoing cancer treatments for the better part of a year.

Last October, he was diagnosed with a Stage 4 Wilms tumor in his right kidney.

After 46 weeks of aggressive treatment — including the removal of his right kidney, he recently was diagnosed with two new cancerous tumors in his right lung.

A ministry outreach group called Bringing the SON Light, organized a massive Halloween parade — including 250 to 350 vehicles. The ministry, based in Spring Hill, also organized a barbecue fundraiser to benefit David and his family.

Las Insportables Tampa Bay, Crystal Harley-Davidson, KW Morrow Electric Inc., were other sponsors, too.

Eight-year-old David Castle waves at the fleet of passing Pasco County Fire Rescue vehicles that kicked off the Halloween Day parade that was organized just for him. As she stands behind him, his mother, Tammy Miller, is overcome with emotion as rescue vehicles drive by.

Vehicles taking part in the parade included exotic sports cars, motorcycles, 4-by-4s and emergency vehicles from Pasco Fire Rescue, Lealman and Tarpon Springs.

They rolled by and packed David’s street, in the Ashley Lakes subdivision, in Odessa.

Many of those taking part dressed up as David’s favorite superheroes, and gave the 8-year-old gifts and cards.

Parade participants performed, too, burning their rubber tires on the asphalt to provide a smoke show for David.

The boy was obviously delighted.

A participant of the Halloween day parade for David Castle burns rubber on the pavement outside of the young boy’s Odessa home. Those taking part were encouraged to dress as superheroes and to do smoke shows — because those are some of the 8-year-old’s favorite things.

After the parade, there was a big barbecue fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting David’s family.

David’s mother, Tammy Miller, was thrilled by the outpouring of generosity for her son and her family.

It has been a challenging year, and more challenges lie ahead.

But, on Halloween, David was one happy boy — surrounded by his favorite things, in a community that clearly cares.

If you would like to help, a GoFundMe account has been set up for David and his family. Visit Go Fund Me online and search for “Help Fight the Fight for David.”

Published November 04, 2020

Dale Stutz, of St. Petersburg, receives a hug from 8-year-old David Castle. Stutz, who dressed as Thor for the Halloween event, is the president of a local chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.
A steady stream of motorcycles, sports cars, emergency vehicles, and 4-by-4s, made their way to the Odessa community of Ashley Lakes — giving 8-year-old David Castle, a supersized Halloween parade. An estimated 250 to 300 vehicles joined in to treat the young cancer patient to a special day.
Tammy Miller — who is David Castle’s mother — can’t hide her excitement, as her son shows her one of the toys he received during the parade. The flatbed of a pickup truck was packed with toys for the 8-year-old.

A book of supernatural stories, local history

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When Madonna Jervis Wise was considering the opportunity to do a book venturing into the realm of the unknown, she wasn’t so sure she wanted to pursue it.

After all, she’d spent much of her life meticulously researching the history of the people and places in Pasco County, and she didn’t want to take any chances of damaging her credibility.

But the more she thought about it, the more intriguing it became.

Madonna Jervis Wise has put her researching skills to work to dig up stories about unexplained events and unusual stories in Pasco County’s past. Her book is called ‘A Haunted History of Pasco County.’ (Courtesy of Madonna Jervis Wise)

So, in true Madonna Jervis Wise fashion, she soon was immersed in the hunt for ghost tales and other unexplained phenomena in Pasco County.

She used social media tools to solicit stories.

Wise said she had no idea she’d get the response that she did — adding, apparently there’s a huge following for these kinds of stories.

“Folks would call me up and say, ‘I heard this story. I wanted to tell you about it,’” Wise said.

Her book, “A Haunted History of Pasco County,” shares the tales, while not attempting to be a final authority on the veracity of the claims. She also mixes in stories about Pasco County’s history along the way — drawing from a vast storehouse of knowledge she’s built up through decades of research.

As a result, there are stories involving widely known community landmarks, as well as accounts of odd and unusual characters and events.

Wise said she used her discretion to exclude stories that seemed to be a bit too outlandish, but based on some of the stories that did make the cut, those must have been doozies.

She describes the story of Georg Karl Tanzel as “the creepiest story in the book.” So, we’ll start with an excerpt of that story, and share excerpts of other stories, too.

The macabre ‘Sleeping Beauty’ in Zephyrhills
Georg Karl Tanzler, a native of Germany and a medic in World War I, was living in Zephyrhills when he became obsessed with 17-year-old Elena Hoyos Mesa. After her death — he abducted her body from a private mausoleum he had funded — and meticulously reconstructed it, and experimented further with radiation in attempts to revive her.

Georg Karl Tanzler, a native of Germany and a medic in World War I, was living in Zephyrhills when he became obsessed with 17-year-old Elena Hoyos Mesa. After her death, he took her body from a mausoleum and attempted to revive it. When the corpse was discovered years later, the story attracted international attention.

“He serenaded her every morning with melodious organ music (on a pipe organ he built himself) and dressed her in bridal finery, jewels and daily fresh flowers.

“When police, with the help of Elena’s sister, Florinda Medina, found the corpse in 1940, it was a doll-like configuration of papier-mache, wax, cheesecloth, piano wire, chemicals and glass eyes.

“In the yard was a portion of a strange, dilapidated airplane fuselage that was labeled in his photo albums as ‘Elena’s air ship to heaven.’”

When the body was discovered, it attracted international coverage, with Tanzler reveling in the publicity.

It was one of the “darkest and most macabre chapters in Zephyrhills’ history,” Wise writes.

The demise of 109
Maj. Francis Longhorne Dade and his troops camped along Fort King Road on Dec. 25, 1835, near the site of the current-day Pasco High School.

It’s said that Dade had a dream that turned out to be a premonition.

During his dream, he confided to another: “He had seen images of deceased comrades from the War of 1812 marching hypnotically in front of him.”

Just three days later, on Dec. 28, Dade and his 108 soldiers were killed in an attack by the Seminole Indians, who waited in the palmettos near current-day Bushnell.

“The fatalistic ambush, later labeled the Dade Massacre, set off the Second Seminole War.”

The hillside where Major Dade camped is still linked to much mystery.

Historic Pasco County Courthouse
The ghostly form of Grace Maud Karney Evans has been glimpsed, or perhaps imagined, in the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, in downtown Dade City.

Evans was sentenced for a life term on Oct. 4, 1935, to be served at the Florida State Farm, in Raiford, for murder in the first degree, with recommendation of mercy.

“She had chosen to survive in the midst of unthinkable abuse from two men, in an era when women were to be seen and not heard,” Wise writes.

Evans was paroled in 1947, granted a full pardon in 1965, and lived a long and productive life, before passing away at age 96.

Since her death, in 1973, there have been reports of a faint illusion of a creature carrying the scales of justice — who could be any number of ghostly tenants — sporadically descending the staircase in the historic 1909 structure.

The Edwinola opened in 1912, in Dade City. But, before it opened, the original owner fell out of a third-story window and died. Stories circulate about phantoms being seen and murmuring voices being heard there.

A historic and ghostly hotel?
The Edwinola, once one of Dade City’s most genteel hotels, also is said to have ghosts.

The original developer and owner, Seymour H. Gerrowe, was killed there, in 1911, after falling from a third-story window. After his death, his widow sold the unfinished hotel to Gerrowe’s brother-in-law, Edwin, and his wife, Lola Gasque. They completed it, and named it Edwinola, by combining their first names.

Gerrowe is believed to be an occasional phantom there.

There have been reports of soft murmurs coming from empty rooms and the faint smell of cigar smoke from former dining areas. Some also have reported the apparition of a female ghost, which quickly vanishes, as well as other mysterious sightings.

Not haunted, but part of Pasco’s history
Besides the unexplained stories in Pasco County’s past, this book also includes some stories that are simply unusual.

For instance, Pasco County was the film location for “Edward Scissorhands,” a film directed by Tim Burton.

The Carpenters Run neighborhood of pastel-colored homes, in Lutz, is one memorable part of the movie, but another setting, off County Road 41, outside of Dade City, is visually interesting, too. That was the setting for the film’s castle, complete with topiaries. The 1990 film featured actors Vincent Price, Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest and Alan Arkin, among others.

This is one of the sculptures at a place called ‘Enchantment,’ at the home of Lewis Van Dercar, who had hundreds of statues and sculptures in his yard. Besides being an artist, he was a self-proclaimed warlock and had Halloween parties that attracted thousands of people.

Lewis Van Dercar’s ‘Enchantment’
Lewis Van Dercar — the self-proclaimed warlock and prince of the Order of Magi — was known to welcome up to 3,000 people from across the country to his annual Halloween festivities at his Wesley Chapel hideaway that he called Enchantment.

The artist and sculptor, who came to the area from Miami, filled his forest with artworks, including gargoyles, statues and other sculptures.

Folks “remembered the advertisement he posted in 1961 to sell his poltergeist. He explained that he had purchased a new table for his study which had been used in a stage play, “Arsenic and Old Lace,” and discovered it was possessed by a female poltergeist. He said he tolerated the poltergeist until she started leaving marks on his paintings, which he wouldn’t have minded, if she could paint,” according to Wise’s account.

A murder that took on a life of its own
There’s also the story of a graphic murder of a nun at St. Edwards Hall, on the campus of what is now Saint Leo University. It turns out that story was concocted by local attorney Bill Dayton and a friend, as a Halloween prank, when they were students in the class of 1962.

The story is still making the rounds.

Blue Moon at the Museum
What: The event will include the book launch of “A Haunted History of Pasco County” by Madonna Jervis Wise, including book contributors sharing local, chilling tales. There will be lantern tours of the museum buildings; live music; a food truck; shortbread and hot cider; and drawings for door prizes.
Where: The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City
When: Oct. 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors; $5 for students; free for kids under age 5.
Info: Visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Superstitious practices

  • Carrying the coffin out of the house feet first, to prevent the spirit from beckoning another family member
  • Taking down or covering mirrors, to avoid blocking a spirit from passing to the world beyond
  • Hiding photographs, or turning them upside down, so spirits would not cling to impressionable family members
  • Orienting graves with the corpse’s head to the west and feet to the east, as it was surmised that judgment would come from the east
  • Positioning beds in a north-south orientation for luck
  • Leaving doors unlocked and windows open, to ensure that a soul was not obstructed in its migration to heaven

“A Haunted History of Pasco County,” published by Haunted America, sells for $21.99.
For more information, contact .

Source: A Haunted History of Pasco County by Madonna Jervis Wise

Published October 28, 2020

She has lofty goals, and the will to achieve them

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After a lifetime of preparation, Olivia Jenkins was ready to fly.

She boarded a Cessna 172 Skyhawk — and her instructor stayed on the ground.

She took off from Tampa North Flight Center in Lutz on Sept. 23 and flew her pattern, soaring to 1,000 feet, then she touched down flawlessly to begin a run of three landings.

Olivia Jenkins stands near a plane at the North Tampa Flight Center in Lutz. (Courtesy of Olivia Jenkins)

Her quirky goal was complete.

“I flew a plane solo before I drove a car solo,’’ she explained.

Jenkins, 16, has many more goals in mind (including getting her driver’s license — one day). On her birthday — Feb. 10 — she intends to take her last check ride and finalize her private pilot’s license. Then she can fly without restrictions and even take some passengers aboard.

She’s a member of Mitchell High School’s Navy ROTC program and will seek a congressional nomination to a military service academy. One day, she hopes to fly for the U.S. Air Force or perhaps fly helicopters for the Army.

“I would not put anything past Olivia,’’ said Robert Crews, her flight instructor. “For a 16-year-old, she approaches it so professionally. When you ask her to do something, she does it and she understands it.

“You know how 16-year-olds are? They say, ‘Yeah, I got it, I got it.’ Then they don’t have it. When Olivia says she’s got it, she’s got it.”

Jenkins, whose family lives in Trinity, has a 3.9 grade-point average. She has honed her skills and training through the North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary unit of the U.S. Air Force. As a cadet commander, she has taken advantage of the opportunity to participate in orientation flights, where cadets fly with instructors and take the controls themselves, while soaking up knowledge.

“Beyond the flight experience, the Civil Air Patrol has allowed Olivia to build a lot of character and leadership skills, as she has progressed through the ranks,’’ said Rich Jenkins, her father. “I think it has all shown her raw ambition. Whenever we set a goal for her, she has always outperformed that goal. She takes it on and masters it, whether it’s schoolwork or anything else.

Sixteen-year-old Olivia Jenkins recently took her first solo flight.

“But, clearly, she has a passion for flying. And, she had it from a very early age.’’

Jenkins’ father helped with that. As a private pilot himself, he took Olivia on flights when she was still in a car seat. She doesn’t remember much from those early days. But, the father recalls when they were at the top of the old Pier in St. Petersburg. She had a clear view of Albert Whitted Airport. She spotted the landing indicator lights and knew if the planes were coming in too low. Olivia was 4.

She attended the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland annually with her father, but her flight interest really took off at age 10, when she participated in the Experimental Aircraft Association (EEA) Young Eagles program.

That’s when she set her goal. She wanted to fly solo before she could drive solo.

Mission accomplished.

“I just love the feeling of flying,’’ Jenkins said. “I always had an interest, I think, but the Young Eagles experience really showed me what it’s like to be in the air.

“I was a little nervous on my first solo flight, but I was prepared. I studied hard and was confident in what I was doing. When I flew the approach nicely and touched down nice and smooth, that was absolutely the best part. It’s like achieving a lifelong dream. I’m excited for what’s ahead,” she said.

Olivia Jenkins prepares her plane, at dusk.

Jenkins is nothing but prepared.

She served an internship last summer in the office of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who represents the 12th congressional district in Florida.

Jenkins is back in Bilirakis’ office for occasional work, some of which involves helping organize students who are seeking nominations to military service academies. By next summer, with her connections firmly in place, Jenkins will be seeking her own nomination.

She also has maximized her experience with the Civil Air Patrol, taking five orientation flights (almost mini-flight lessons), getting accepted into a summer flight academy and securing most of her Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examinations, the precursor to a private pilot’s license.

She has about 13 sessions remaining with Crews, her flight instructor, before the birthday flight that will make things official.

If the weather conditions are right, Jenkins can rent a plane at the Tampa North Flight Center for a brief flight. On a whim, she did that recently. It was after-hours, calm and quiet. Taking the plane up was a thrill. The landing was perfect.

“The sunset was amazing that night,’’ Jenkins said. “It was just awesome. I think I’m always going to love the feeling. I can’t wait for what’s ahead.’’

Off she goes into the wild blue yonder. She’s ready to fly.

By Joey Johnston

Published October 21, 2020

Big decisions on the ballot in Election 2020

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Voters already have begun casting their mail-in ballots in Election 2020 — making decisions that will have enormous consequences.

The top of the ballot features a choice between reelecting President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, or electing challengers former Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Senator Kamala Harris.

Early voting will begin in Pasco and Hillsborough counties at several locations on Oct. 19.

Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said his office will work with Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco’s office to ensure that elections are safe, just like they have in other elections. (File)

Pasco County voters, for instance, will decide who should represent them in District 3 and District 5 on the Pasco County Commission. They also will choose the superintendent of Pasco County Schools.

A number of other key races are on the Nov. 3 ballot.

In Hillsborough County, voters will select the county sheriff, county tax collector, the county property appraiser, and seats on the Hillsborough County Commission and Hillsborough School Board.

Voters also will choose their congressional representatives and state lawmakers, in contested races.

Key races at the local level include Florida’s 12th congressional district; District 36, District 37 and District 38, in the Florida House; and District 20, in the Florida Senate.

Statewide, voters will  decide the fate of a half-dozen constitutional amendments.

All of this comes in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer and Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley are encouraging voters to consider voting by mail, or taking advantage of Early Voting, to reduce waiting time for voters on Election Day, Nov. 3.

They also assure that steps will be taken to protect both voters and poll workers at election sites — through social distancing, face coverings and other precautions.

In addition to the pandemic, Election 2020 comes at a time of bitter partisan divide.

Political scientist Susan MacManus put it like this: “Obviously, everything that we thought we knew about politics has been turned upside down this election year.”

The national party conventions were different. The presidential and vice presidential debates have been different. The way people will vote — with experts predicting a record number of mail-in ballots — is different, too.

And, the constant frenzy of breaking news on social media and cable networks has made an impact.

“We’ve seen issues change by the hours, making it very difficult for campaigns to come up with a clear message,” added MacManus, a retired distinguished professor of political science at the University of South Florida.

“The nation is the most partisan/polarized in its history. The partisan divide is the deepest ever and so is the generational divide, really, politically,” added MacManus, who has been a close observer of elections for decades.

“Democrats are seen as moving more toward Socialism, and Republicans are seen as more toward, what they call maintenance of the Capitalistic system,” she said.

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer says voters can be assured of a safe and secure election in Hillsborough County. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections)

On top of that, she said, “you had a health care and an economic meltdown at the same time, basically reconfiguring how people live — in every facet, whether it’s no toilet paper in the grocery, to the point of, ‘Now, do I send my kid to school in person, or do I not?’

Plus, there are clashes over racial injustice and the role of police.

The political landscape is changing, too, MacManus observed.

“The demographic shift that’s taking place across the country is very evident in the registration, and the makeup of Florida’s electorate. It’s much more racially and ethnically diverse, and much more age diverse than it was, even in 2016,” MacManus added.

“Many women are running in the Legislature and Congress this year, and a lot of them are women of color.

Turnout is a big question for both Democrats and Republicans
MacManus, who is frequently called upon to share expertise with national news outlets, said each political party is struggling to reach specific groups of voters.

Democrats are seeking to attract working class whites, particularly men; the Latino vote; and Minority School Choice voters, she said, noting in the past those groups were predictably Democrat voters.

This is what it looks like when voters drop off ballots in Hillsborough County. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections)

Republicans are seeking to reach college-educated white women; suburban moms with kids; and older voters, especially women. In essence, Republicans are struggling with a gender gap, she said.

“Then, each of them, of course, has a big, big, big, big turnout question,” MacManus said.

For the Democrats, the big turnout question is how many young voters will turn out.

Young voters, she said, want to be inspired, they want genuine discussions of their issues, and they value diversity.

Republicans, on the other hand, are worried that moderate Republicans will cross over and vote Biden. They’re also concerned that voters deemed as ‘Never Trumpers’ just won’t bother to vote, she said.

Despite those issues, MacManus believes that turnout will be higher for this year’s election.

She thinks it’s important for voters to understand that it may be awhile before the final results are known.

“There are legitimate reasons why you may not know on Election Night in a very close state like Florida,” she said.

Election privacy booths are spaced out, to provide social distancing and privacy for voters. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections)

A delay in counting overseas ballots is one of those reasons.

“Military and overseas ballots aren’t due until 10 days after the Election, and we have a lot of people that meet criteria,” MacManus said.

“No. 2, if you vote early and you forget to take your ID, you can still cast what’s called a provisional ballot. Then, after the election is over when the canvassing board meets, they can check it. If you are indeed registered, your vote counts. In 2000, they would have been tossed out.

“The third reason is that you can get an onslaught of mail-in ballots that get there on Election Day or a day or so before.

“If it’s really, really tight in Florida, you may go to bed thinking it’s one candidate (who won), and then a couple of days later it will be different — and, it won’t be because anybody’s fraudulent,” MacManus said.

Even after the votes are counted, it might not be over, she said.

“Each side is already lawyered up to the max,” MacManus said.

Voting
There are three ways to vote:  Vote By Mail, Early Voting, and voting on Election Day.

Voters who vote by mail can either mail in their ballots, or drop them off at an early voting site. Your ballot must be received by your Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m., on Nov. 3.

Those voting by mail are encouraged to mail in their ballots early, to ensure they arrive on time. When voting in person, bring one or two forms of ID, which include your signature and photo. If you do not bring proper ID, you can vote a provisional ballot. A canvassing board will evaluate it for eligibility.

Important dates to remember
The deadline to register was Oct. 5.

Early voting in Hillsborough County begins Oct. 19 and ends Nov. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily

Early voting in Pasco County begins Oct. 19 and ends Oct. 31, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Election Day voting nationwide is Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For a list of Early Voting places and other information, go to PascoVotes.gov for Pasco County and VoteHillsborough.org for Hillsborough County.

Safe and secure at the polls:
Steps are being taken in Pasco and Hillsborough counties to keep voters safe. Those include:

  • Limiting the number of people inside the polling place at one time.
  • Ensuring that poll workers have face coverings
  • Providing hand sanitizer
  • Reminding voters to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines

Election security: 10 reasons your vote is safe and secure
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer offers these 10 reasons that voters can be assured their vote is safe and secure.

  1. The Florida Division of Elections checks each voter registration form to verify the applicant’s identity.
  2. Our voter registration database is updated regularly to remove deceased and ineligible voters.
  3. Voters have to show photo and signature identification to vote.
  4. Our voter records are updated electronically to record when a voter has requested a mail ballot or voted. If someone comes to vote in person, their mail ballot is immediately canceled. And vice versa.
  5. The state-certified equipment is tested before each election with a public logic and accuracy test to make sure machines are counting votes correctly. During this test, pre-marked ballots are put in a randomly selected sample of our machines to make sure the count is what it’s supposed to be and that every position on the ballot is being read by each machine.
  6. Our ballots and equipment are under 24-hour camera surveillance and stored in areas with restricted key card access until they are deployed for voting. During voting, the ballot scanners are kept in plain sight and secured with seals to prohibit tampering.
  7. We use a stand-alone server, not connected to the Internet, to tabulate and report results.
  8. Electronic results from each ballot scanner are encrypted and backed up by printed results that are posted on the doors of each polling place and driven to our central office.
  9. Paper ballots are held for 22 months and can be rescanned if there is a problem with the equipment or question about results.
  10. After every election, we run a post-election audit using a separate system to re-tabulate the ballots and confirm the accuracy of our results.

Source: Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections’ website

Published October 14, 2020

Reflecting on a storied broadcast career with the Tampa Bay Lightning

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He’s the enduring voice you think about when watching the Tampa Bay Lightning on television. He’s the unflappable personality who always knows the right words, when to be serious, when to be dramatic, when to explain the situation and when to add a dash of humor.

Now, it’s time to put down the microphone, slow down a bit, count his blessings after 42 years in broadcasting and enjoy his life in Lutz.

It was Rick Peckham’s plan all along to call it quits after this past season with the Lightning, where he served as the television play-by-play announcer for 25 seasons.

Rick Peckham, left, and his Lightning broadcast partner, Brian Engblom. (Courtesy of Fox Sports Sun)

Who knew he would have this kind of exit?

The National Hockey League season was halted in March by COVID-19, then resumed in August at the Canadian virus-bubble cities of Toronto and Edmonton. Peckham’s last official call — Brayden Point’s overtime game-winner at the clinching Game 5 against Columbus in the Eastern Conference first-round series — was working off a video screen from an Amalie Arena studio.

When NBC’s national team picked up the remainder of playoff coverage and the Lightning clinched the franchise’s second Stanley Cup championship, Peckham was exchanging high-fives with his postgame-show broadcast partners at Amalie, then on the air to provide perspective. And, when Lightning players returned to Tampa for the championship celebration, it was Peckham who emceed the proceedings at Raymond James Stadium.

“All of it was truly amazing and I consider myself so fortunate to have been a part of it all,’’ said Peckham, 65.

Peckham, a graduate of Kent State University, worked minor-league hockey in Rochester, New York, then with the NHL’s Hartford Whalers before joining the Lightning in 1995-1996. Peckham and his family — wife Vickie and their two sons — settled into Calusa Trace in 1996 and have lived on a lake at Wellington Manor for the past 13 years.

Lutz feels like home.

“When we got to the Tampa Bay area, everything seemed to be growing out in this direction,’’ Peckham said. “It seemed like a convenient place to be, and it turned out to be a great decision. Everything about it suggested a great family area — kids playing in the neighborhood and riding their bikes to school — and we have loved being here.

“There has been growth, maybe too much growth in the minds of some people, but it has brought a lot of conveniences. I’m so glad we chose this area because we have made a lot of memories and now I’m looking forward to what’s to come.’’

Peckham might still be involved with some special events with the Lightning and he could play a role with the franchise’s alumni player group. For the most part, though, he’s looking forward to picking up even more rounds of golf, his beloved pastime, and maybe discovering some new hobbies.

Either way, he’s ready for a change of pace.

“When you start in minor-league hockey, you’re doing broadcasting, sales, public relations, working about 80 hours a week in season, but it’s a wonderful learning experience,’’ Peckham said. “In the NHL, there’s the constant travel. I’ve ridden a lot of buses and planes.

“You leave after the game and you’re doing a lot of unpacking at 1:30 in the morning at a hotel. In your 30s, it’s cool. In your 40s, it’s OK. By your 50s, you’re getting tired of it. In your 60s, you’re not sure if you can keep doing it. So being at home will be just fine with me. I was fortunate to see about all I needed to see and meet some great people along the way.’’

Peckham, admittedly a creature of routine who’s accustomed to a hockey schedule, said the COVID-19 shutdown opened his eyes even more to the beauty of the Lutz area.

“The funny thing is, when hockey season is roaring along, you’re so busy that sometimes you don’t realize how fortunate you are to be in Florida,’’ Peckham said. “When the game’s weren’t being played, we could get outside and the weather was just gorgeous. I took full advantage of playing golf. Other than that, we coped the best we could, and it was great that the season was able to be finished.’’

Peckham said he’ll forever be grateful for the circumstances of his final call. It was an exciting game, a dramatic overtime winner from Point, and a swirl of gratitude and emotions from others that overwhelmed him.

“It was an announcer’s dream,’’ Peckham said. “To have a game like that, a clean game-winner and an exciting finish, it could not have worked out more perfectly. There were emotions for me, sure, but overall, I tried to approach it like any other game.’’

That approach has served Peckham well for decades.

“You always tried to be honest, accurate, under control, but you always wanted to be aware of the reaction of the fans,’’ Peckham said. “The fans here really care. They’ve gone through a lot to be recognized as a hockey market. They got to win the Stanley Cup in 2004 and they’ve been so close in recent years, then they got another one.

“All of those things go into how you present the game. I’ve been fortunate to have a great situation and lots of stability. Jeff Vinik (Lightning owner) and everyone in the organization make you proud to work for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Everything has been done in a first-class manner. The way it happened for me, I couldn’t write a story and have it end any better.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published October 07, 2020

‘Twindemic’ is new challenge now

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With the flu season approaching and the COVID-19 pandemic persisting, there’s already a catchy term to describe what could happen during the winter months.

“Twindemic.’’

The flu and COVID-19? What can you do to fight back? The local medical community offers a clear initial strategy. Get your annual flu shot — now.

Tim Hendrix is medical director for all AdventHealth Centra Care locations, including the Wesley Chapel facility. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Tim Hendrix, medical director for all AdventHealth Centra Care locations (including the Wesley Chapel facility), said flu season officially begins Nov. 1, but the public should move urgently.

“We will start seeing cases in October,’’ Hendrix said. “If you look at the pattern historically, the reportable cases start creeping up in October. If you get to Thanksgiving and you haven’t gotten your flu shot, it’s too late. You really need to focus on now. Now is the time before the cases increase.

“Basically, you’re dealing with two epidemics. Our concern is overwhelming capacity at the hospitals and doctor’s offices with both COVID patients and flu patients. Every year, flu puts a strain on our system. We know that, and we’re prepared for that surge. But, now we have two different viruses to deal with, and it can put an even bigger drain on the system and make a lot more people sick,” Hendrix said.

Mark Vaaler, chief medical director of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, said he’s also worried about an overtaxed medical system.

“If we have a bad flu season and another peak of COVID, if they happen at the same time, we certainly could face a real shortage of beds,’’ Vaaler said. “With our policy of quarantining and sending people home and the potential shortage of health care workers, even if we have beds available, the other concern is having enough workers to staff those beds.

“The best thing we can do is continue our social distancing and masking. That should help for the flu and COVID. I’m hopeful people will not forget the lessons we have learned, because those practices will mitigate both illnesses. And, of course, you need to get that flu shot as soon as possible,’’ Vaaler said.

In a normal year, anywhere from 30% to 50% of Americans get flu shots from doctor’s offices, medical centers or retail pharmacies. Hendrix and Vaaler agree that this year’s percentage needs to increase exponentially.

With the heavy attention given to COVID, flu shot awareness could be at an all-time high. There’s good news from the Southern Hemisphere, where Australia has reported a lighter flu season during its winter months. And that is partially due to COVID precautions. But, it shouldn’t prompt a false sense of security.

Mark Vaaler is chief medical director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

“I never try to predict a flu season,’’ Hendrix said. “This season will be more variable. We got through the (COVID) surge in April, then Memorial Day hit, and I never thought we’d be where we are now with the number of cases that we’re seeing.

“We cannot model ourselves after Australia or South Africa and hope to have the same type of low flu seasons. Our behaviors are different. Our school years are different. We’re trying to open our schools back up and get our kids back in school,” he said. “Those factors will affect how the flu season looks.’’

Vaaler said he thinks the rise of COVID has been a great advocate for flu shot awareness.

“All the talk about COVID will not go away until we get a vaccine, so hopefully people will realize the only way to control the flu is to get the vaccine,’’ Vaaler said. “As far as completely preventing you from getting the flu, it’s not 100% effective as most people know. But, if you had the vaccine, it still mitigates the severity of the flu. There’s absolutely no reason not to get the flu vaccine.

“Oh, there’s inherent skepticism we as Americans have. Some people just don’t like being told what to do or how to do it. I haven’t seen that talk dissipate. There are always people who say they took the vaccine and still got the flu or they claim they got the flu from the vaccine itself. Those things are not true. The vaccine has great value and never more than in the year like we are currently experiencing.’’

This flu season might be confusing
Hendrix and Vaaler said the Twindemic year could have new twists. What if someone catches the flu and COVID-19 at the same time? What if they get sick and aren’t certain about which virus was contracted?

It can be confusing because the flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms. The most obvious signs of differentiation are COVID’s tendency to prompt lack of smell and lack of taste, along with heightened aching and fatigue.

“We know co-infection can happen,’’ Hendrix said. “When COVID-19 started (roughly in February), we started seeing people with COVID and influenza. Those people got through it OK, but having two different viruses is never a good thing. The risk of complications is higher with co-infections, and it’s another reason to get a flu shot.’’

“The scary thing about it is you can get both of them,’’ Vaaler said. “You can also get one, get better, then get the other. And, the most serious part is it adversely affects our most vulnerable populations. This is absolutely the year we need to push for everyone to get their flu shot. By getting as many people vaccinated as possible, it can really help the situation.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published September 30, 2020