The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
Proud to be independently owned.

Central Pasco Government Center

Primary election coming soon for District 38

By

Randy Maggard and David ‘Mac” Macallister will face off in a primary on April 9 to determine who will represent the Republicans in a special election to fill the vacancy in District 38 House seat in the Florida Legislature.

The seat was vacated by Danny Burgess, who accepted an offer from Gov. Ron DeSantis to become the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Early voting for the special election began on March 30 and ends on April 6.

Only registered Republicans can vote in the special primary election, said Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley. The district’s boundaries stretch roughly from East Pasco over to U.S. 41 in Central Pasco.

Voters casting a ballot in that election have the option of voting early at the Central Pasco Government Center, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, or at the East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., in Dade City.

The early voting sites will be open during the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The winner of the special primary election will face Democrat Kelly Smith in a general election for District 38 on June 18.

Besides the special election on April 9, there’s also an election the same day for City Council Seat 1 in the City of Zephyrhills.

Manny Funes is facing Lance Smith for that seat. That election is open to all of Zephyrhills’ electorate, regardless of party.

There are no early voting days in Zephyrhills.

Published April 03, 2019

There are plenty of ways to help this season

By

If you would like to help someone else during the holidays, there are plenty of ways you can do that.

Here’s a look at some of the efforts underway that could use more support.

Donate a Bicycle
This effort, spearheaded by Caroline Contractors LLC, is seeking donations of money, bicycles or helmets. Those wishing to donate bicycles or helmets can drop them off at these locations:

  • Caroline Contractors LLC, 18039 U.S. 41, Suite B, Lutz, 33558
  • Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ, 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, 34639
  • The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 2810 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, 34639
Todd Caroline of Caroline Contractors LLC gets ready to deliver new bicycles during a Christmas Bicycle Drive. Caroline and his wife, Cindy, began giving new bikes to children from less fortunate families several years ago. (File Photo)
Todd Caroline of Caroline Contractors LLC gets ready to deliver new bicycles during a Christmas Bicycle Drive. Caroline and his wife, Cindy, began giving new bikes to children from less fortunate families several years ago.
(File Photo)

Bicycles must be dropped off by Dec. 10. If you can’t drop off your donation, Caroline Contractors will pick it up. If you don’t have time to shop, Caroline Contractors will be happy to take your cash donation and do the shopping for you. For more information, call (813) 931-4611.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax collector helps Toys for Tots
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is collecting Toys for Tots at the county’s five tax offices. The Toys for Tots program is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. It seeks new, unwrapped gifts for children and teenagers.  Bring your donations to these locations by Dec. 22.

  • West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, Room 120, New Port Richey, 34654
  • Gulf Harbors Office, 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey, 34652
  • Central Pasco Government Center, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (U.S. 41), Land O’ Lakes, 34639
  • Wesley Chapel Office, 4610 Pet Lane, CIOI, Wesley Chapel, 33559
  • East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Room 100, Dade City, 33523

Home builder helps Toys for Tots
CalAtlantic Homes is hosting “The Great Toy Drive” for the Toys for Tots program. Participants can make a donation of a new, unwrapped toy to any CalAtlantic community through Dec. 11. For locations, visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

Auto repair shop helps Toys for Tots
Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair is trading free oil changes and tire rotations, or $20 in auto repair services, for a new unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots. To find a list of locations, visit IceColdAir.com.

Santa’s Tree
The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union is partnering with local children’s charities to help make the holidays brighter for children. This year’s effort benefits the youth of the Thomas Promise Foundation.

Stop by any of the credit union’s offices in San Antonio, Dade City, Zephyrhills or Wesley Chapel to pick a gift tag from Santa’s Tree. Purchase the item listed. Return the gift tag and unwrapped gifts to the credit union by Dec. 16 before 6 p.m.

The credit union will do the wrapping and distribution, along with its partners at Thomas Promise.

Blanket Tampa Bay
New or “gently used” blankets are needed for Blanket Tampa Bay’s second annual Blanket Drive. The blankets will be passed out to Tampa’s homeless on Dec. 24 at the Trinity Café in downtown Tampa. For more information, call (813) 300-9277.

Published December 7, 2016

Toys for Tots collection begins

By

Christmas time is just around the corner, and the campaign by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve has started to collect toys for children.

The first Toys for Tots collection drive will take place at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s offices in Land O’ Lakes, Dade City and Lutz. The west side offices will begin their drives in December.

Toys for Tots was created to help less fortunate children in communities enjoy a better holiday season. The program seeks new, unwrapped gifts for children and teenagers. Toys donated by members of any given community will be given to children in that community.

“I applaud the veterans and volunteers from Toys for Tots who give so much time to help the less fortunate children in Pasco County,” Tax Collector Mike Fasano said, in a release. “I encourage everyone who has a heart for children to consider dropping off a gift at one of our offices. The generosity of our friends and neighbors will go a long way towards making this a special holiday season for countless kids who may not otherwise receive a nice gift this year.”

Throughout November, toys can be donated to the Land O’ Lakes office at the Central Pasco Government Center, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes; 4610 Pet Lane, C101, in Lutz; and at the East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Room 100, in Dade City.