• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
  • Online E-Editions
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

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

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits

Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz

2016 marked by rapid growth, touching moments

December 28, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The national election captured headlines and attention, but 2016 was an eventful year in many other ways, as well, across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The big story is the region’s growth.

Eighty-eight-year-old Angel Torres, center, a veteran from Puerto Rico and a resident of the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, is being positioned to have his photograph taken by Mark Fosket, of Valrico, during the ‘Honor Flight’ ceremony at the nursing home. Gabrielle Perrella, a volunteer from Baltimore, Maryland, who is dressed in a uniform costume, posed with each veteran for their portrait.
(File Photos)

New houses are popping up all over the place, with developments such as Long Lake Ranch, Estancia at Wiregrass Ranch, Connerton, Bexley and Asturia, just some of the residential communities beckoning to buyers.

Pasco County is on the move in many other ways, too.

A futuristic, technology-based network of communities across 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County is in its planning stages.

Raymond James Financial has closed on a deal to buy 65 acres across from Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, with the financial services giant expected to have hundreds of workers in Pasco County at some point.

Florida Hospital Center Ice — a new 150,000-square-foot hockey arena and sports complex — is nearly set to open, and that is expected to be a big draw for both tournaments and tourists.

And then, there’s the commercial development that continues to transform the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, especially near the Interstate75/State Road 56 interchange.

Just in that vicinity alone, there’s Tampa Premium Outlets, Longhorn Steakhouse, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Chick-fil-A and Culver’s.

A 186,000-square-foot Costco Wholesale is expected to open in February, with an estimated 200 employees.

A historic photo of a baptism of members of the First Baptist Church of Lutz.

Just across the road, on the north side of State Road 56, Cypress Creek Town Center — another shopping development — is being built.

There are also plans for a new cinema, grocery store, apartments, shops and restaurants next to The Shops at Wiregrass, off State Road 56.

Of course, all of this growth is compounding traffic problems on area roads — and numerous projects are underway or are expected to begin work in coming years.

Improvements are expected to begin near the I-75/State Road 56 interchange. Wesley Chapel Boulevard is slated to be widened. An extension of State Road 56 is planned between Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, and discussion continues about the best solution for reducing congestion at U.S. 41 and State Road 54.

Growth is putting the squeeze on schools, too.

Pasco County Schools can’t keep pace with growing enrollments.

The district opened Wiregrass Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel, in August, to reduce crowding at area schools.

In the coming school year, it plans to open Bexley Elementary and Cypress Creek Middle/High.

Bexley is being built in a new subdivision off State Road 54. Cypress Creek Middle/High is going up on Old Pasco Road.

School board members gave preliminary approval for boundaries for Bexley and Cypress Creek at a contentious public hearing on Dec. 20. A final vote is expected on Jan. 17.

But, school board members and Superintendent Kurt Browning said the new schools fall far short of addressing district needs. They want the Pasco County Commission to require new residential construction to pay higher impact fees to support school construction.

Paramedic John Ward helps Sister Helen Lange blow out the candles that lit up her 103rd birthday cake at a party at Heritage Park in Dade City.

While growth and its ripple effects clearly dominated the news, there were plenty of other notable moments within the region during 2016.

For instance, there were heroics in everyday life.

On June 3, a fire claimed the life of a tiny black Chihuahua named Peanut, but not until after the dog’s persistent barking saved the life of three generations of a Lutz family.

Later that same week, quick actions by a student at Saddlebrook Preparatory School in Wesley Chapel averted potential tragedy at the international boarding school for aspiring golf and tennis players.

A student smelled smoke, investigated, pulled the alarm and help to ensure that all 28 students and two adults got out of the dorm safely.

It took 55 firefighters more than 1 ½ hours to put out the blaze.

This past year also was one of milestones and celebrations.

The First Baptist Church in Lutz celebrated its 75th anniversary, The San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival turned a half-century, Cox Elementary School turned 90 and the Town of St. Leo marked its 125th anniversary.

On a more personal note, Sister Helen Lange, of Dade City, received a surprise cake to mark her 103rd year on Sept. 28 in Dade City, and Nellie and Gain Hughs Bailey Sr., of Lutz, celebrated 70 years of married life on March 31.

There were inspiring moments, too.

Hundreds of people turned out for the “Honor Flight” celebration on Aug. 20, at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Home in Land O’ Lakes. The event provided a virtual tour of the nation’s war monuments because these veterans are unable to make the trip to Washington D.C.

The stands were also filled at Ron Allen Field at Gaither High School, in North Tampa, to attend the June 15 vigil to honor Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, one of 49 people killed during a mass shooting on June 12 at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

There was the inspiring message, too, from Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, who spoke at two days of gatherings at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz.

Ilibagiza’s family, friends and other members of her tribe were brutally murdered in Rwanda, but through her faith, she was able to forgive the killers.

Forgiveness, the genocide survivor said, brings freedom.

Published December 28, 2016

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Asturia, Baldomero Lopez State Veterans' Home, Bexley Elementary, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Chick-fil-A, Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, Connerton, Costco Wholesale, Cox Elementary School, Culver's, Cypress Creek Middle/High School, Cypress Creek Town Center, Dade City, Estancia, First Baptist Church, Florida Hospital Center Ice, Gain Hughs Bailey Sr., Gaither High School, Helen Lange, Immaculee Ilibagiza, Interstate 75, Kurt Browning, Land O' Lakes, Long Lake Ranch, LongHorn Steakhouse, Lutz, Nellie Bailey, Old Pasco Road, Pasco County Commission, Pasco County Schools, Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, Pulse, Raymond James Financial, Ron Allen Field, Saddlebrook Preparatory School, San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival, St. Leo, St. Timothy Catholic Church, State Road 54, State Road 56, Tampa Premium Outlets, The Shops at Wiregrass, U.S. 41, Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel Boulevard, Wiregrass Elementary School, Wiregrass Ranch

A vigil to honor a life gone too soon

June 22, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A bouquet of heart-shaped balloons separated and floated skyward into the night air, carrying messages of love for Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz.

Below, candles burned brightly, held aloft by more than 400 people who filled the stands at Ron Allen Field at Gaither High.

Junior Sanfeliz, the older brother of Christopher Sanfeliz, is consoled by friends at a candlelight vigil at Gaither High School. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
Junior Sanfeliz, the older brother of Christopher Sanfeliz, is consoled by friends at a candlelight vigil at Gaither High School.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

They had gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of the 24-year-old Sanfeliz, one of 49 people killed during a mass shooting on June 12 at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

“Chris was taken way too soon from the world,” Stephanie Woychowski, president of Gaither’s Parent Teacher Student Association said during the June 15 vigil. “Remember Chris. Remember love.”

Besides killing 49 people, the lone gunman armed with an assault rifle, injured 50 others before he was killed by law enforcement.

The mass shooting, reported as the largest in the nation’s modern history, targeted a club popular among the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.

The Gaither community responded immediately, with former classmates, current students and faculty coming together to organize the vigil for Sanfeliz, a member of the class of 2010.

“Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy,” said Teresa Trumbach, a teacher at Gaither, known as the home of the Cowboys.

Trumbach met Sanfeliz when he was a freshman.

Friends and family dropped photographs into a memory box during a candlelight vigil for Christopher Sanfeliz, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando.
Friends and family dropped photographs into a memory box during a candlelight vigil for Christopher Sanfeliz, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando.

“He was just one of those great guys,” Trumbach said. “I find it impressive that so many of you came back.”

Before filing into the stands, people stopped to pick up candles, drop donations into a box, or leave photographic mementos of Sanfeliz in a memory box.

Friends and family clung tightly to each other in long hugs. And, they shed tears.

Amid the sorrow, though, they found a way to share the joyous times and recalled Sanfeliz’ love of life.

They talked about a young man who was the friend that everyone wanted. He was loyal, funny and compassionate. He was always ready to do whatever it took to make his friends happy.

He also had his own way of doing things.

“Chris loved cottage cheese. He loved Disney. He would walk around the house and sing Disney songs,” said Ben Mercado. “He loved Selena (the movie).”

Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz (GoFundMe.com)
Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz
(GoFundMe.com)

Mercado said he and Sanfeliz came out as gay at the same time. Sanfeliz was Mercado’s first date with a boyfriend.

“He was just so comfortable with himself. It was such a privilege to have Chris as a friend,” Mercado said.

Brian Dell, former band director at Gaither, remembered Sanfeliz, who played in the saxophone section.

“He loved every minute of it,” Dell said. “He always had a smile on his face. He said hello every day.”

The Gaither marching band took to the field to play the school’s alma mater.

Cindy Stuart, vice chairwoman of the Hillsborough County School Board, and Anna Brown, assistant superintendent of Student Services, attended the ceremony.

“This weighs heavy on our hearts,” Brown said.

More than 400 people held lighted candles aloft to honor Christopher Sanfeliz, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12.
More than 400 people held lighted candles aloft to honor Christopher Sanfeliz, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12.

The Sanfeliz family came from Cuba in the 1960s, with nothing, said Mike Wallace, a family friend.

Sanfeliz grew up in Carrollwood and attended Hillsborough Community College. About three years ago, he began working for JP Morgan Chase as a teller, and recently was promoted to personal banker.

Michele Tweedle also works for JP Morgan Chase, but not at the same branch as Sanfeliz. Her 16-year-old daughter, Rayna Tweedle, plays in Gaither’s marching band.

“It’s a sad situation,” Michele Tweedle said. “The community has got to come together.”

Yunielquis Valdespino didn’t know Sanfeliz well, but saw him occasionally at nightclubs in Tampa.

“He loved to dance,” Valdespino said. “He’d get along with anybody.”

Love is the meaning Mercado hopes people take from Sanfeliz’s life, not the hate behind the action that led to his death.

Mercado honored his friend with words from a sonnet written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, winner of a Tony award for his Broadway musical, “Hamilton.”

“Love is love is love,” said Mercado. “And, we love Chris.”

Want to help?
If you would like to make a donation, visit GoFundMe.com/297mht34.

Published June 22, 2016

Filed Under: Top Story Tagged With: Anna Brown, Ben Mercado, Brian Dell, Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, Cindy Stuart, Gaither High School, Hillsborough Community College, Hillsborough County School Board, JP Morgan Chase, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Michele Tweedle, Mike Wallace, Orlando, Pulse, Rayna Tweedle, Ron Allen Field, Stephanie Woychowski, Teresa Trumbach, Yunielquis Valdespino

Primary Sidebar

O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill, Wesley Chapel

Foodie Friday Gallery

Featured Virtual Tour

Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival

Search

Sponsored Content

Volunteer With Gulfside Hospice And You Will Benefit Even More Than Those You Help

April 20, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

For Karen Lentz, volunteering at Gulfside Hospice began with her husband’s fondness for craft beer. About a year … [Read More...] about Volunteer With Gulfside Hospice And You Will Benefit Even More Than Those You Help

More Posts from this Category

Archives

What’s Happening

04/21/2021 – Democratic Club

The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet on April 21, via Zoom, to discuss voting rights and current legislative issues. Socializing starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m. For information, email , or call 813-383-8315. … [Read More...] about 04/21/2021 – Democratic Club

04/21/2021 – Financial wellness

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “Strategies for Short-Term Financial Wellness” on April 21 at 6:30 p.m., for adults. Participants can learn tips and information for building emergency funds, managing debt and increasing cash flow. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. … [Read More...] about 04/21/2021 – Financial wellness

04/22/2021 – Coalition meeting

The University Area CDC Partners Coalition’s second quarter meeting presentation will be available on the University Area CDC’s  YouTube channel starting April 22 at 9 a.m. Viewers can learn about programs and initiatives happening in the uptown/University area. The presentation includes “Community Investment/Uptown Sky”; a panel conversation in juvenile and criminal justice; and “Small Biz = Big Impact.” For information, visit UACDC.org. … [Read More...] about 04/22/2021 – Coalition meeting

04/22/2021 – Virtual Earth Day

UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension will host a Virtual Earth Day Celebration on April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Educational sessions, with guest speakers, will include: Composting, gardening, getting outside, water conservation, forest services and recycling. To register, visit bit.ly/registrationpascoearthday. To join in on April 22, visit bit.ly/zoom2021earthday. … [Read More...] about 04/22/2021 – Virtual Earth Day

04/23/2021 – Improv Night

Live Oak Theatre will present an Improv Night on April 23 at 7:30 p.m., at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. The family friendly event will feature the Conservatory’s Improv Troupe with games, skits and actor’s choices inspired by the audience. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seats are $10 per person in advance and $15 at the door. For information and tickets, visit LiveOakTheatre.org, call 352-593-0027, or email . … [Read More...] about 04/23/2021 – Improv Night

04/24/2021 – Butterfly release

Cindy’s Secret Place, 34953 Blanton Road in Dade City, will host a Butterfly Release on April 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the release at 1 p.m. (cost is $5). The event will include raffles, a plant sale, vendors and butterfly houses. Guests can bring chairs and blankets. For information, call 352-457-4030 or 352-424-4972. … [Read More...] about 04/24/2021 – Butterfly release

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz NewsFollow

The Laker/Lutz News
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
22h

Zephyrhills councilwoman bullish on town’s outlook. https://buff.ly/3uWz1Ix

Reply on Twitter 1384537521204387840Retweet on Twitter 1384537521204387840Like on Twitter 1384537521204387840Twitter 1384537521204387840
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
19 Apr

Pasco Sheriff addresses local concerns, issues. https://buff.ly/2RxpwRC

Reply on Twitter 1384174957844828167Retweet on Twitter 1384174957844828167Like on Twitter 1384174957844828167Twitter 1384174957844828167
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
18 Apr

This week in SPORTS: Hillsborough County Parks launches exercise challenge. https://buff.ly/2OWVfuI

Reply on Twitter 1383812710186459141Retweet on Twitter 1383812710186459141Like on Twitter 1383812710186459141Twitter 1383812710186459141
Load More...

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Top Stories

Here’s an easy way to launch a book club, for free

Celebrating a century in style

Hillsborough Schools plans deep cuts to avoid state takeover

Mental health peer support specialists in high demand

Road projects get extra funding

New Lutz hospital specializes in rehabilitation services

Little Libraries can make a big impact

Award recipient provides food for thought

Pasco MPO has new executive director

MPO approves work related to traffic counts

The Bay Area Renaissance Fest sets up in Pasco

Servin’ up barbecue and blues at Zephyrhills festival

Blue Heron Senior Living is hosting a public open house

Secondary Sidebar

More Stories

Check out our other stories for the week

Here’s an easy way to launch a book club, for free

Celebrating a century in style

Hillsborough Schools plans deep cuts to avoid state takeover

Mental health peer support specialists in high demand

Road projects get extra funding

New Lutz hospital specializes in rehabilitation services

Little Libraries can make a big impact

Award recipient provides food for thought

Pasco MPO has new executive director

MPO approves work related to traffic counts

The Bay Area Renaissance Fest sets up in Pasco

Servin’ up barbecue and blues at Zephyrhills festival

Blue Heron Senior Living is hosting a public open house

Sports Stories

Youth summer soccer leagues

Locals named to All-State football teams

Hillsborough County Parks launches exercise challenge

Watch these locals during 2021 MLB season

Deep Fried Dash 5K

Copyright © 2021 Community News Publications Inc.

   