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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Cypress Creek Middle High School

Old Pasco Road restructure to enhance safety

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Construction is underway to reconstruct Old Pasco Road’s intersections with Quail Hollow Boulevard, Oakley Boulevard and Boom Boom Drive, in Wesley Chapel.

The improvements are in response to a route study that concluded upgrades are needed to improve safety and increase traffic capacity.

Old Pasco Road is undergoing reconfigurations at its intersections with Quail Hollow Boulevard, Oakley Boulevard and Boom Boom Drive. The construction aims to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. (Brian Fernandes)

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore said he has heard concerns from motorists who travel on Old Pasco Road.

And Moore, whose District 2 includes the intersections in question, said he, too, has witnessed a need for improvements.

“Just driving that intersection myself, throughout the years, you could tell there was obviously a need,” he said. “There was safety issues – how it was configured.”

Moore also noted that this project will alleviate school traffic for buses heading to and from Cypress Creek Middle-High School.

The campus will have even more students in the fall, when the new middle school opens — creating additional capacity for both middle and high school students at the Old Pasco Road complex.

As part of the $3 million road construction project:

  • Two northbound left-turn lanes will be added on Old Pasco Road, leading onto Quail Hollow Boulevard
  • A northbound right-turn lane will be added on Old Pasco Road, leading onto Oakley Boulevard
  • Going south on Old Pasco Road, there will be a right-turn lane added, leading onto Quail Hollow Boulevard
  • The existing left-turn lane on southbound Old Pasco Road will be extended, leading onto Oakley Boulevard
  • Heading west on Oakley Boulevard, a right-turn lane will be added, leading onto Old Pasco Road
  • Heading west on Oakley Boulevard, its existing left-turn lane will be extended, leading onto Old Pasco Road
  • Old Pasco Road, heading north, will have an added left-turn lane, leading onto Boom Boom Drive
  • Old Pasco Road, heading south, will have an added right-turn lane, leading onto Boom Boom Drive
  • The traffic light at Old Pasco Road and Quail Hollow Boulevard will be reconstructed
  • The traffic light at Old Pasco Road and Oakley Boulevard will be reconstructed

“I know the citizens will be very happy,” Moore said. “The ones I’ve talked to are ecstatic that this is moving forward and coming to fruition.”

There are no expected lane closures or detours during construction.

The project is scheduled to be completed in Winter 2020.

Published January 15, 2020

School boundary workshop set

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Thousands of Pasco County Schools students will be affected by proposed boundary changes for the 2020-2021 school year.

Most of the boundary changes are related to the opening of Cypress Creek Middle School, which is scheduled to open next fall.

But there are also some changes being proposed that will affect schools in Central Pasco — but would not affect any current students in those schools. Those changes are being proposed based on future development, according to school district materials.

A public workshop is planned on Oct. 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, to detail the proposed boundary shifts.

The proposed boundary maps will be displayed and district staff will be available to answer questions.

The Pasco County School Board also will hold a public hearing on Nov. 5, at 6 p.m., at the district’s office complex, 2727 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. A final public hearing on the proposed changes is scheduled at the same location for Nov. 19, at 6 p.m.

The district is in the midst of constructing a new Cypress Creek Middle School, boosting the capacity on the Cypress Creek Middle High campus, at 8701 Old Pasco Road. That campus has been serving students in grades six through 12.

Initially, the district had planned to build both a high school and a middle school on the site, but lacked sufficient funding. So, it opened the high school, but used the buildings to serve students in grades six through 12.

Now, it is planning to open the new middle school in 2020 — shifting existing middle school students into the new school and adding additional students to fill it up.

The extra space in the high school also will be filled through boundary shifts.

The district plans to shift some students from John Long Middle School to Cypress Creek Middle, and also to shift some students from Wiregrass Ranch High to Cypress Creek High boundary.

But boundaries at Pasco High, Pasco Middle, Quail Hollow Elementary, San Antonio Elementary, Wesley Chapel High and Zephyrhills High also will be affected.

The additional proposed boundary adjustments are designed to align school feeder patterns and keep students together as they progress through the school system.

In addition to posting this information on the district’s website, district officials also are contacting potentially impacted families to share this information.

Besides the changes relating to Cypress Creek Middle and Cypress Creek High boundaries, the district also is proposing boundary adjustments to provide for future development.

These boundary changes would not affect any current students, according to information on the district’s website. But changes are being proposed that would affect future populations of these schools: Connerton Elementary, Dr. Mary Giella Elementary, Crews Lake Middle, Pine View Middle, Hudson High and Land O’ Lakes High.

Where: Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel

When: Oct. 7, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Details: Maps of proposed boundary changes will be displayed and school district staff will be on hand to answer questions about the proposed changes.

More information: Go to www.pasco.k12.fl.us for additional information.

Published October 2, 2019

Prep football midseason review

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The 2019 Florida high school football regular season has reached the midway point. Here’s a closer look at how teams and players are faring from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The Gaither Cowboys are off to a blistering 5-0 start and are ranked among the state’s top 10 teams in Class 6A.
(Courtesy of Gaither Athletics)

Perfect performers
At the midway mark, there are three programs sporting undefeated records — Academy at the Lakes, Gaither and Steinbrenner. What do each have in common? Potent offenses backed by efficient, veteran quarterback play.

  • Academy at the Lakes is averaging over 39 points per game. Junior quarterback Jalen Brown, a fourth-year starter, has completed 55% of throws for 785 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also the team’s leading rusher (445 rush yards, six touchdowns).
  • Gaither is averaging over 38 points per game. Senior quarterback Tony Bartalo, a two-year starter, has completed 63% of throws for 1,320 yards, 19 touchdowns and three interceptions. He currently boasts multiple Division I offers.
  • Steinbrenner is averaging over 48 points per game. Senior quarterback Haden Carlson, a three-year starter, has completed 64% of throws for 783 yards, 12 touchdowns and one interception. He is a FIU (Florida International University) verbal commit.

Also notable: Wiregrass Ranch (5-1) has received stellar quarterback play from sophomore Rocco Becht, who’s posted a 56% completion rate, 936 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Land O’ Lakes Gators went 7-3 last year, but have struggled much of this season with a 1-5 mark thus far. (File)

Surprising struggles
Entering the 2019 season, Land O’ Lakes and Zephyrhills were expected to build off winning seasons and compete for a playoff spot in their respective classifications. But early season struggles has all dampened those hopes for both teams.

  • The Gators finished 7-3 last season — its first winning campaign since 2013. But, they’ve hobbled to a 0-5 start before finally securing a 44-0 win over Freedom last week. A team thin on seniors and an anemic running game has magnified the struggles.
  • One of the most consistent and dominant programs in Pasco County in recent years, the Bulldogs haven’t lost four or more games since 2012 and haven’t missed the postseason since 2013. But after losing 22 seniors from last year’s 11-1 squad, the Bulldogs have shown less bark this season. They lost their first three games, but have begun to show life with recent road wins against Wesley Chapel and Tarpon Springs, respectively.

New coaches finding their way

  • Sunlake has jumped to a respectable 3-3 mark under first-year head coach Trey Burdick, holding his own in assuming the role previously held by one of the county’s winningest coaches in Bill Browning. Under Burdick, the team is on pace to surpass the 4-6 mark the program has had each of the past two seasons. Better yet, Burdick, a longtime assistant under Browning, steered the Seahawks to a 34-23 victory over crosstown rival Land O’ Lakes in the annual ‘Butter Bowl’ showdown.
  • New Pasco head coach Jason Stokes already has led the struggling program to as many wins as it did all of last season. And while the 2-4 mark doesn’t seem all that great, the Pirates have battled hard in one possession losses to Sunlake and Springstead, respectively. With that, this year’s “9-Mile War” rivalry game against Zephyrhills should provide some more intrigue; Zephyrhills has won the past four contests. Stokes is no stranger to being a head coach in the Tampa Bay area — he steered Gaither to three playoff appearances between 2011 to 2016, and also had stints at Bloomingdale and Middleton, respectively.

Stat stuffers
Here’s a look at a top statistical performer from each high school in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Hillsborough County

  • Reggie Johnson II, Carrollwood Day, junior defensive end: 15 tackles, three sacks
  • Hussein Hafiz, Freedom, senior linebacker: 12 tackles (five for loss), three sacks
  • Deveon Knighton, Gaither, senior receiver: 28 receptions, 431 yards, six touchdowns
  • Deon Silas, Steinbrenner, junior tailback: 828 all-purpose yards, 11 touchdowns

Pasco County

  • Adrian Leverette, Academy at the Lakes, junior tailback: 379 scrimmage yards, five touchdowns
  • Jack Miller, Bishop McLaughlin, freshman receiver: 19 receptions, 502 yards, three touchdowns
  • Jehlani Warren, Cypress Creek, senior quarterback: 57% completions, 515 passing yards, five touchdowns, three interceptions
  • Ethan Forrester, Land O’ Lakes, senior quarterback, 39% completions, 790 passing yards, seven touchdowns, four interceptions; 336 rushing touchdowns, five touchdowns
  • Gabriel Barnes, Pasco, junior linebacker: 49 tackles, 20 hurries, three sacks
  • Mark Anderson, Sunlake, junior receiver: 475 all-purpose yards, three touchdowns
  • Brenden Maddox, Wesley Chapel, senior fullback/linebacker: 269 rush yards, four touchdowns; 45 tackles (six for loss)
  • Keith Walker, Wiregrass Ranch, senior receiver: 735 all-purpose yards, 10 touchdowns
  • Tyler Davis, Zephyrhills Christian, senior tailback: 616 rush yards, six touchdowns
  • Zyree Roundtree, junior tailback: 483 rush yards, four touchdowns

Schools in Laker/Lutz News coverage area (and their current 2019 records)

Hillsborough County:

  • Carrollwood Day School Patriots (0-5 overall)
  • Freedom High School Patriots (1-4)
  • Gaither High School Cowboys (5-0)
  • Steinbrenner High School Warriors (5-0)

Pasco County:

  • Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (eight-man) (4-0 overall)
  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (1-5)
  • Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (2-3)
  • Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (1-5)
  • Pasco High School Pirates (2-4)
  • Sunlake High School Seahawks (3-3)
  • Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (2-3)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (5-1)
  • Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (3-2)
  • Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (2-3)

Published October 2, 2019

Pasco school year gets off to a smooth start

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Five-year-old Joshua Cortes was eager to begin his first day of kindergarten at Pine View Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes.

Five-year-old Joshua Cortes is excited to begin his first day of kindergarten at Pine View Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

The youngster was beaming as his parents took his picture near a welcome sign at the school — the perfect prop for a photo op.

A little while later, as buses rolled into the bus loop, Pine View staff greeted students as they exited the bus.

They saw many familiar faces, and  they offered kind remarks, welcoming students and commenting on such things as a new haircut or new pair of shoes.

Meanwhile, across campus, teachers were ready for another year.

Art teacher Kimber White is enthusiastic about teaching at Pine View Elementary, which has been officially authorized as Pasco County’s first International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. (B.C. Manion)

Art teacher Kimber White expressed enthusiasm about teaching at Pasco County’s first officially authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

The IB PYP highly regards the arts, encouraging creativity and innovation, across the disciplines.

Third-grade teacher Monica Woods aimed to set a positive tone for the children entering in her class. The room was cheerful, with warm touches, including this greeting: “Welcome to third grade, you’re going to love it here.”

Assistant Principal Mary Reynolds, an educator for 30 years, said she never gets over the potential the beginning of a new school year represents. She gets so excited that she can never sleep the night before a first school day.

Principal Kay Moore has a tradition. She holds an assembly and rings in the new year with an old-fashioned bell. It’s a time-honored ritual, signifying the start of something important, she said.

Mary Reynolds, assistant principal at Pine View Elementary, said she can never sleep the night before the first day of school because she’s so eager to begin a new year. (B.C. Manion)

As Pine View settled in for the day, first day scenes were taking place across the district. Parents were busy dropping their kids off, big yellow buses were picking up kids in subdivisions and school staffs were busy getting the 2019-2020 school year started.

At Cypress Creek Middle High in Wesley Chapel, students streamed on to campus, where they were greeted by staff members, who directed traffic and answered questions.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said he’d heard good reports across the district.

“It has been a good week. It has been an exceptionally good week,” he told members of The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, during a breakfast meeting.

As the sun rises on the first day of school, Cypress Creek Middle High School Assistant Principal Donna Gricoski, right, greets students exiting the buses. (Christine Holtzman)

“As I’ve traveled to schools, I’ve talked to teachers, I’ve talked to parents, I’ve talked to principals, I’ve talked to kids — and almost without exception they’ve said, ‘You know, it seems like one of the smoothest school starts we’ve had.

“There hasn’t been all of the hateful, mean Twitter, Facebook chatter out there — which people are so quick to get out on social media, and start trashing people without the facts,” Browning added.

He also noted that the school district continues to grow at a rapid pace.

The school year began with about 1,300 more students than on the same day last year, he said, noting that’s the equivalent of a large district middle school.

Published August 21, 2019

Note: First day of school student photos can be found in our e-edition!

Local teen’s rare disease sparks legislation

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After more than three years of fighting for their medical coverage for their son’s rare disease, a Land O’ Lakes family has seen some progress in their quest.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Patient Saving Act on June 12, which includes language requiring the state insurance plan to provide enteral formula coverage, regardless of age, condition or intake method.

Stephanie Walls, whose son Remington suffers from Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), called the legislative victory “absolutely amazing.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Patient Saving Act in June. Included is language requiring the state insurance plan to provide enteral formula coverage, regardless of age, condition or intake method. Stephanie and Remington Walls stand on the far right. (Courtesy of Stephanie Walls)

The rare EoE disease, which is incurable, causes food to deteriorate in his esophagus.

Remington, who was diagnosed at age 4, has lived a life without regular food or drink.

His only source of nutrition since then has come via a hypoallergenic amino acid-based liquid formula, called Neocate EO28 Splash. He consumes roughly 18 to 22 of the eight-ounce juice boxes per day.

Through it all, 19-year-old Remington has never let his life-threatening food allergy disease block him from pursuing his goals.

He is a former varsity baseball standout at Land O’ Lakes High School.

He’s a published author, and he has earned a volunteer assistant/team manager position at Valdosta State University’s Division I baseball program.

In 2016, his family learned that its insurance no longer covered the liquid formula required for sustenance. Without the insurance, the formula costs about $26,000 per year, Stephanie said.

The alternative was a feeding tube. But, with Remington’s active lifestyle, that was never an option, the family says.

So, Remington and his mom have been pushing for state and federal legislation for enteral formula coverage for medical nutrition — sharing their story with lawmakers and anyone who would listen.

The new law only impacts state employees, but still it is a move in the right direction and will help families like theirs who are struggling, Stephanie says.

“This is just a baby step, to the bigger steps that are going to be taken,” added Stephanie, an eighth grade language arts teacher at Cypress Creek Middle High School in Wesley Chapel.

“We’re still trying to get federal legislation,” she said. “It has to be broader. It has to have a wider span.”

Remington agrees with his mom: “Our goal is to get federal legislation passed, but it’s just a work in progress. We just take it one day, one step at a time.”

He added, “Honestly, our whole goal going into this was, whether it benefits us or not, we want to make a difference. We just knew that if this is happening to us, then it’s happening to other families.”

Getting help and helping others
At the state level, the Walls’ cause was picked during the legislative process by Sen. Kelli Stargel, a Republican from Lakeland, and Rep. Ardian Zika, a Republican from Land O’ Lakes. They sponsored enteral formula legislation, which ultimately led to an amendment to the state health bill.

As it stands now, “it only covers state employees,” Zika said. “My goal is I hope to see federal legislation addressing this issue .. .so we have comprehensive coverage for such a condition.”

He went on, “For me, this was an opportunity to be a voice for the voiceless. When I reflect back on my public service, this is going to be one of the highlights for me.”

Zika learned of Walls’ story before his election in 2018 to represent District 37 in the Florida House of Representatives.

“It was really heartbreaking,” Zika said. “I said, ‘Wow, this is something that I would be very passionate about because it’s life-changing for individuals.’”

The freshman lawmaker added, “Remington has overcome so much adversity. No one should go through what they’ve (the Walls) gone through. I’m just happy to be at the intersection in their life and do my part, but there’s much more work to be done.”

Remington and Stephanie addressed several committees in Tallahassee along the way, including the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, House Market Reform Subcommittee and Government Oversight Committee.

Stephanie acknowledged the work was tiresome, but she said it also was empowering to be a voice for other families who are in the same boat.

“Our belief and our philosophy has always been that we need to help the people that come behind us,” she said. “Regular, everyday people can make a difference, but people have to understand that. It’s just about everybody making that difference.”

Seeing her son pick up the cause made the efforts all the more worthwhile, too.

Stephanie put it like this: “It is so rare to find an 18-year-old, at the time, meeting with legislators. He knew in his heart that this was the right thing that he needed to be doing. A lot of it he was kind of thrust into it, but he chose to continue.”

In November, Remington and Stephanie co-wrote “Homeplate: A True Story of Resilience,” a 118-page book that delves into a foodless life and insights on coping with a rare esophageal disease.

The project gained momentum to the point where Remington and Stephanie were called to speak at multiple events, including the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) Conference in Washington D.C. The Walls also presented to over 200 athletes at an Atlanta-based event organized by ACES Nation and All-In FC (Futbol Club) at Sugar Hill.

Meanwhile, Remington has big plans ahead. The college sophomore plans to try out for the Valdosta State baseball team this fall. He’s also studying communications as he considers a career in public speaking.

He hopes his story can inspire others facing similar challenges.

Determination is important, according to Remington.

“If you set your mind to it, you can do it. The only person that can stop you is you,” he said.

Published August 21, 2019

Growth puts squeeze on schools

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As Pasco County Schools heads into another school year, crowded conditions are expected on several campuses within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

District officials are projecting that Wesley Chapel’s Wiregrass Ranch High School will operate at 141 percent of its capacity, with an estimated 2,310 students in a school designed for 1,633.

New construction continues to create the need for new schools or campus expansions in Pasco County. (Christine Holtzman)

Connerton Elementary School, in Land O’ Lakes, meanwhile, is projected to be at 120 percent of its capacity — with an anticipated 918 students at a school built for 762.

Other schools expecting big crowds are:

  • John Long Middle, projected at 123 percent of its capacity, with an expected 1,635 students at school designed for 1,327
  • Thomas Weightman Middle, projected at 116 percent of its capacity, with an expected 1,130 students at a school designed for 975
  • Cypress Creek Middle High, projected at 114 percent of its capacity, with an expected 953 students, in a space designed for 834

Chris Williams, the school district’s director of planning, outlined the district’s projected average daily memberships for 2019-2020 during a workshop with the Pasco County School Board last week.

Williams said a new Cypress Creek Middle School, expected to open in fall 2020, will provide relief for the area’s middle schools and Wiregrass Ranch High School.

That’s because the current Cypress Creek Middle High School is serving students in grades six through 12, in separate schools on the same campus.

Once the new middle school opens, it will have space for more students and high school space also will be freed to accommodate more students.

Williams said he also expects charter schools in the Wesley Chapel area to help absorb growth occurring there.

Sunlake High School, now operating over capacity, will get a 20-classroom wing, which is expected to be built this year. (File)

Even with boundary shifts, Wiregrass Ranch High’s enrollment will remain high, Superintendent Kurt Browning said.

“Keep in mind, there are more students moving in, right behind them,” Williams said.

“One thing we’re trying to avoid is a 10-period day,” Browning said.

Projects that are on the drawing board, or under construction, are expected to help the district address continued growth, Williams said.

Starkey K-8 is expected to open in two years, and is expected to provide relief to Odessa Elementary, which is expected to operate at 130 percent of its capacity this year.

Bexley Elementary and Sunlake Elementary are both adding classroom wings in the coming year, which will increase capacity at those growing schools.

Bexley, which opened in 2017, is projected to have 912 students at a school built for 906. The new classroom wing will accommodate 200 students.

Sunlake High School is projected at an enrollment of 1,994, at a school with a capacity for 1,698.

Although Connerton is expected to operate over capacity, Williams does not expect additional growth this year. Even so, he noted, “that is certainly something that we’re keeping an eye on because there’s obviously a lot of growth coming around that area.

The district’s high schools in Central Pasco and East Pasco all are expected to operate near or above capacity.

For instance, Zephyrhills High is expected to operate at 105 percent of capacity; Pasco High, at 117 percent of capacity; Cypress Creek Middle High, at 118 percent of capacity; Sunlake at 117 percent of capacity; and Land O’ Lakes High, at 95 percent of capacity.

Deputy superintendent Ray Gadd said the district expects a new magnet school, which will be built on the east side of the county, primarily will attract students from Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel, Pasco and Zephyrhills high schools.

The school will offer technical training programs and academic rigor. It is set open in 2022.

Major projects 2019-2020
Here is a look at major school construction projects planned in the 2019-2020, within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

  • Zephyrhills High School: Continuing campus-wide renovation
  • Land O’ Lakes High School: Wrapping up campus-wide remodel
  • Cypress Creek Middle School: Construction underway
  • Starkey K: Breaking ground within next couple of months
  • East side technical high school: Property acquired and design phase underway
  • Sunlake High: Adding a wing to increase capacity
  • Bexley Elementary: Adding a wing to increase capacity

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published July 31, 2019

State title winners head off to regionals

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In his 15 years of coaching Land O’ Lakes Little League, Daniel Broderick can’t recall the last time one of its youth baseball teams won a state title.

“I’ve been coaching a long time, and I’ve never been a state champion,” Broderick said, during a recent interview.

The last time a Land O’ Lakes Little League baseball team won a state championship was in 2002, league officials say.

Earlier this month, Land O’ Lakes claimed the 2019 Little League Baseball Senior League Florida State Championships in Bradenton by besting seven other teams from all across the state.

The Land O’ Lakes Little League senior division all-star team recently won a state title in Bradenton. The group of 14- to 16-year-olds has now advanced to the Little League southeast regionals in Safety Harbor. (File)

They defeated Jacksonville San Mateo Little League 12-3 in the state championship game.

Before advancing to and winning states, the team of 14- to 16-year-olds mowed through districts and sectional tournaments held in Tampa, Land O’ Lakes and Plant City, respectively.

“This is a big deal for ’em here,” said Broderick, who manages the team. “For me, you can never take a state title away from them (the players). It means something. It’s a big deal for them, and I think they’re embracing it pretty well.”

The all-star players echo those spirits. Especially since Land O’ Lakes qualified for the state tournament the past two years, but came up short each time.

The manager’s son, Dylan Broderick, is a 16-year-old pitcher on the team.

Winning states — and therefore entering Land O’ Lakes Little League lore — was “like a dream come true” for the player, who also plays for Sunlake High School’s baseball team.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “I’ve been playing since I was 4 years old and, up until now, we’ve never won states, and the dream of just winning states and moving on is amazing, and for us to actually do it and we faced a hard team.”

The state title run didn’t come without challenges.

Playing in round robin, double elimination formats, Land O’ Lakes lost initial games in sectionals and states, forcing them to play from behind and win multiple games in same days to claim the respective tournaments. They went 7-2 in all three tournaments combined, outscoring opponents by a 57-27 margin.

“We took a hard road,” the team’s manager said. “We had to dig for it, which made it better. Nothing was easy. There’s no easy teams, so it was good competition, which is going to help us going forward. There were no gimmes.”

He added: “It was emotional. Just the way we did it, and the group of parents and kids that we had, made it better. …Our guys and our team just maintained composure.”

Land O’ Lakes now has advanced to the Little League Southeast Regional in Safety Harbor. The tournament runs through July 24 and features all-star squads from six other states — Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The regional winner then advances to the 2019 Senior League Baseball World Series in Easley, South Carolina.

“You’re coming from a very good baseball state, so we’ve got a shot,” the manager said. “You always have a shot.”

About half of the senior all-star team plays high school baseball, including players at Land O’ Lakes High, Sunlake High and Cypress Creek Middle High.

They pride themselves on being a scrappy bunch that relies on pitching depth, sound defense and situational hitting.

“Everybody can play. We just have a bunch of studs,” Dylan Broderick said, adding the team can “make the plays that need to be done.”

Beyond that is the all-star squad’s intangibles and its ability to gel as a group.

“I feel like we have a good group of kids, good attitude, good effort, and that’s the best thing you can ask of anybody,” Dylan Broderick said.

“Everyone just likes each other,” said first baseman Cade Knouse. “Even if you go 0-for-4 in a game, there’s always people there to support you. A lot of it’s just the chemistry, with the team and parents.”

“We just bonded well together, not that we didn’t in past years, but this year just worked a little differently,” added 16-year-old catcher Nick Ketterer, who’s wrapping up his third season on the senior all-star team. “I think just getting to states the last two years just made us more hungry to get further.”

Ketterer also pointed out this year’s on-field success has brought the team even closer.

“When we won districts and we won sectionals, those were confidence boosters. We come together more, we get to play more together,” he said.

As for regionals, the group is poised for a strong, deep showing, and maybe more.

“A lot of it’s just keep doing what we’re doing,” Knouse said. “We’ve definitely got to get the bats alive as we keep moving on because offense wins games.

“We’re definitely the kind of people to capitalize off errors and mistakes, and put the ball in play when needed to.”

However it ends, the all-stars will cherish each moment, as for many it will be their last season playing Little League. (The cutoff age for Little League is 16 years old.)

“I don’t want this thing to end, because I love Little League,” 16-year-old pitcher/first baseman Hayden Woods said. “If it would go up to 30 (years old), I would probably go up to 30.”

Land O’ Lakes Little League Senior All-Stars

Manager: Daniel Broderick
Assistant coaches: Mark Folkman, Patrick Cummings, Julie Ketterer

  • Aidan Santana
  • Alex LaVare
  • Cade Knouse
  • Connor Kurrack
  • Damian Lampe
  • Devin Canter
  • Dylan Broderick
  • Francis Rodriguez
  • Hayden Woods
  • Logan Larscheid
  • Luis Nunez
  • Max Folkman
  • Nick Ketterer
  • Nicolas Hauth
  • Kennen Ayala
  • T.J. Whales

Published July 24, 2019

Pasco embarks on new type of high school

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The Pasco County school district is planning a new magnet high school that doesn’t fit the traditional mold.

It will combine a rigorous curriculum along with technical skills training — and will seek community partnerships to give students real-world experiences, said Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools.

Coming up with a name for the school is a little bit tricky, Gadd said.

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools, talks about a new high school the district plans to open in 2022 that will combine opportunities for mastering academics and technical skills. (B.C. Manion)

The idea is to prepare students to have many options when they leave high school — whether, say, they want to work as a welder for someone else; or, they want to have their own welding business.

While the district invites public suggestions to help it come up with a name for the school, it is proceeding with the school’s design.

The magnet school will be built at Curley and Keifer roads, in Wesley Chapel, on the former Kirkland Ranch property. The school is being built to accommodate 900 students, but is designed for expansion, if there’s a larger demand.

Students are expected to come primarily come from Zephyrhills, Wiregrass Ranch, Cypress Creek, Wesley Chapel and Pasco high schools, but also might come from as far away as Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes high schools.

The planned opening date is fall of 2022, and the school may begin operations with just a freshman class, or perhaps freshman and sophomore classes, Gadd said.

The district wants to give the school some time to develop its own community and to build its brand, he explained.

As time goes on, the school wants to become increasingly involved in the community and for the community to be increasingly involved in the school, the deputy superintendent said.

For instance, the district also has begun having conversations with people who have various types of expertise.

Sometimes those conversations may yield helpful suggestions for refining the curriculum; other times, they may lead to partnerships that support programs, or provide real-world opportunities for students, Gadd said.

The leadership at this school will likely be different, too. Rather than a principal and assistant principal, it’s likely to have leaders who spend part of their time on campus and part of their time out in the community, he said.

The interactions that can result can yield many new opportunities, he explained.

Program plans for the school include academies for business, finance and marketing; digital technology; engineering technology; health science and human services; transportation technology; and, building technology. The school will serve grades nine through 12, and will offer industry certification in high-demand career fields.

There also will be post-secondary education programs offered after-hours, Gadd said.

The deputy superintendent said the new school will be a departure from tradition, but he said he thinks that is what parents want for their children.

“I’m a big advocate in not building the same old high schools, the same old middle schools and the same old elementary schools. I’d like to see that campus someday represent the market, so to speak.

“Parents are asking us for something other than the traditional cookie-cutter school,” he said.

Have an idea for this school’s name?
Pasco County School Board policy encourages community members, educators and students to provide suggestions for school names. The board has the final say. Suggested names should be accompanied by a brief explanation. Email submissions to , with the subject line “school name,” or fax them to (813) 794-2716.

Understanding Gen Z*

  • Have never known a non-digital world
  • Make up 32 percent of the 7.7 billion global population
  • Use Smartphones 15.4 hours a week
  • Respond best to short, visual marketing strategies

Understanding the job market

  • 47 percent of current middle-class jobs in the United States are at risk of being replaced by automation over the next 20 years
  • 85 percent of the jobs that will exist in 2030 have not yet been invented

Sharing the school’s goals

  • Prepare students for success
  • Enhance the high school experience
  • Inspire innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Simulate real-world experiences
  • Foster mentorship and community connections

*Gen Z are those born in 1995 or later

Source: HepnerArchitects/CanonDesign

Published July 24, 2019

Pasco County honors its 2019 graduates

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As graduates stepped across the stage at the University of South Florida’s Yuengling Center to accept their diplomas — the crowd erupted with cheers and applause.

That’s not an atypical reaction at graduation ceremonies, but this one was particularly special.

The Class of 2019 at Cypress Creek Middle High School made history on June 5, by becoming the first crop of graduates from the Wesley Chapel high school.

Lucas Budd, class valedictorian, addresses his peers, during the Graduate-to-Graduate Message portion of the program. (Christine Holtzman)

They were among thousands of seniors marking the traditional rite of passage, in graduation ceremonies large and small across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Many of those graduation ceremonies took place at USF’s Yuengling Center, but some were held in smaller, more intimate settings.

The Cypress Creek seniors wore gowns donned with green and yellow — representing their school colors.

These graduates have been leaders at the school since it opened in the Fall of 2017, without a senior class.

“Every graduating class is special, but these guys and girls are incredibly near and dear to our hearts,” said Cypress Creek Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles. “They’ve literally built the foundation for this school.”

The graduating class is comprised of 225 students, included six pairs of twins.

Many Cypress Creek graduates have been accepted already to colleges, such as  Saint Leo University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, the University of South Florida and scores of others.

“I’ve been accepted into USF since September (2018),” said Cypress Creek graduate Hayley McManus.

She’s considering a major in engineering or psychology.

Graduation marks an end, and a beginning
Thousands of students across the region are leaving a familiar place — whether it was a sprawling college campus, a small private school, or a large high school — to start a new journey in life.

The thought of receiving her diploma was a lot to take in, for McManus, an 18-year-old from Cypress Creek.

Lisa McMahon, a speech therapist at Cypress Creek High School, straightens the cap of graduate Matthew Montesant, before festivities begin.

“It’s kind of surreal,” she said. “I had hopes that I would graduate, but I never thought about how being the inaugural class would feel. I feel kind of special that I’m setting the precedent.”

Sam Mazzeo had a similar feeling of pride about being Cypress Creek’s first graduating class, and also about helping to set an example for the school’s younger students.

He wants to return to Cypress Creek to help coach football.

Jason Stahlgren, a Florida transplant from Ohio, didn’t arrive at Cypress Creek until his senior year.

But, the warm welcome he received made it a good experience, he said.

“Moving my senior year was tough, but everybody here made it really easy,” said Stahlgren.

When Karisma Brooks initially arrived at Cypress Creek, her only desire was to return to her former high school in Tampa, she recalled.

Over time, though, she adjusted to her new environment and was able to create some memorable moments – especially as a member of the school’s first step team.

“It was a really big impact on us to bring African-American culture to the school,” Brooks said, with a smile.

The 17-year-old is now ready to serve her country as part of the U.S. Air Force, and then plans to seek a degree in health sciences.

Graduates earn diplomas, accolades
Lucas Budd, the Cypress Creek valedictorian, was one of more than 60 Pasco seniors from various high schools to receive an associate’s degree from Pasco-Hernando State College.

During the ceremony, Budd told his fellow students: “Today marks the end of a significant and memorable chapter in our lives. Be proud of this accomplishment, but leave some praise for the people who helped us graduate. We should be thankful for our families who have supported us.”

Lori Vogel was in the crowd to support Ashley Nickisher, a graduate and Vogel’s niece.

“This is a very special moment, and I’m very excited for her,” Vogel said.

A group of Cypress Creek High School graduates pose for a picture with the school’s mascot, Carmine the Coyote, before the graduation ceremony. From left: Derek Attwood, Michae’la Davis, Christian Wilmore (dressed as the mascot), Rebecca Bobik and Jonathan Blake.

In her remarks during the ceremony, Cypress Creek Principal Hetzler-Nettles told the Class of 2019: “You’ve made me so very proud. As you move into life on your own personal journey and to new territory, exploring new things, remember what you’ve accomplished. You’re an integral part of something larger than yourself.”

While Cypress Creek graduates were making history, members of the Class of 2019 across Pasco County had plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Land O’ Lakes High School, with more than 400 graduates, received more than $12 million in scholarship offers.

Zephyrhills High, with an estimated 360 graduates, pulled in more than $750,000 in scholarship offers.

Pasco High School, which issued diplomas to more than 300 students, received more than $1 million in scholarship money.

And, that’s just to mention a few of the accomplishments, among the region’s public schools.

Private schools and area colleges also had plenty of reasons to be proud.

Academy at the Lakes in Land O’ Lakes had its graduation ceremony on May 18.

“We had 42 graduates – 100 percent of them going on to college,” said Mark Heller, head of the private school.

Among the schools accepting Academy students are Yale University, Vanderbilt University, University of Florida, University of Washington and the Pratt Institute art school.

“At a school like Academy at the Lakes, relationships are everything,” Heller stated. “Relationships between the teachers and students really are the key to preparing these young adults to be the best they can be.”

Even at the collegiate level, there was much to be celebrated.

Pasco-Hernando State College had two commencement ceremonies at its West Campus in New Port Richey.

Graduate Stephanie Bostick received an associate of arts and associate of science degree in legal assisting. Tracy Meshey persevered with a brain injury to earn her associate of science degree, and Maria Madeiros received her associate of arts degree after relocating from her native Brazil and learning to speak English.

Saint Leo University awarded more than 1,250 degrees.

The university’s valedictorian was Angela Lazzaro, a psychology major. Its salutatorian was Jennifer Fields, a criminal justice major.

Published June 12, 2019

New Wesley Chapel fire station comes with more offerings

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Wesley Chapel now has Pasco County’s second largest fire station, and the opening of Station 13 was celebrated at a ribbon cutting on May 30.

The 9,400-square-foot station, off Old Pasco Road and Dayflower Boulevard, became operational several weeks before the celebration because the original station — which had been next to it — was torn down.

With scissors in hand, from left: Chief Mark Spudie, Fire Marshal Karl Thompson, Chief Scott Cassin, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, Pasco County Attorney Jeff Steinsnyder and Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Mike Cassano, get ready to officiate the opening of Station 13 with the traditional ribbon cutting. The ceremony took place on May 30 outside the new station in Wesley Chapel. (Brian Fernandes)

Despite the blistering heat, a crowd of firefighters, county officials and local residents gathered for the event.

The new station improves the county’s ability to respond to emergencies in the growing Wesley Chapel community.

“The new station is much larger [and] able to accommodate more firefighters,” explained Chief Scott Cassin, who oversees all county stations. “We were just maxed out over at the old station. It was too small for the growing community around here.”

The $3.5 million project was funded by the Penny for Pasco program.

Station 13 has three drive-thru bays, which can accommodate five vehicles, including a fire engine, an ambulance, a tanker and a brush truck.

Each rotating shift will be staffed by six firefighters, which includes one paramedic. A battalion chief also will be on duty.

The station is designed to house 10 firefighters, each with their own bunkrooms. The station also has a physical fitness area and a kitchen. There’s also a storage space for equipment.

And, there’s a sheriff’s substation.

“The station is also environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and storm-hardened, which are all critical elements in today’s infrastructure,” the chief added.

Members of the Pasco County Fire Department are all smiles as they celebrate the official opening of Fire Station 13 in Wesley Chapel. Department members, as well as county officials and residents, were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 30.

In addition to safety precautions, all vehicles will be hooked up to a diesel exhaust extraction system. With this, exhaust fumes will be vented out from the trucks to the outdoors.

“That way none of that diesel exhaust is in the air that we’re breathing,” Cassin said.

Many in the community came out to celebrate the opening, including Cypress Creek Middle-High School Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles and student Sam Mazzeo.

“We have an incredible partnership with Station 13,” Hetzler-Nettles said. “They are our responding station.”

The importance of the station’s proximity to the school was evident last year when Mazzeo suffered a cardiac arrest on the school field.

An AED machine and CPR had to be used at the school to keep Mazzeo’s heart going before the firefighters arrived and rushed him to the hospital.

“I appreciate all the work you did,” the 18-year-old said, before the staff.

As a token of gratitude, the principal and senior student presented the station with a framed No. 13 Cypress Creek sports jersey.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who oversees the district where the station is located, offered a few words.

“This station means an improved level of service for both our citizens and our fire rescue team to serve one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, and actually the country,” Moore said.

He also added: “When I first came on as a county commissioner, one of the things we promised was we were going to make public safety one of our top priorities. I’m confident that we’ve done that, and we’ll continue to do that.”

The newly erected Fire Station 13 stands off Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. The facility is the second largest station in Pasco County with new amenities for a safer environment and shorter waiting times in emergencies.

Jackie Parker was one of many who endured the sweltering heat to join the occasion.

She has been living in Wesley Chapel for more than 40 years and hasn’t had concerns about safety – knowing Station 13 is not far away.

“The department here has been quick to respond to needs in the community, and they’re very efficient,” she mentioned.

In fact, Parker witnessed the building of the original station in 1979, recalling when the antique fire trucks used to be parked on residents’ yards.

More Pasco residents will be put at ease when Wesley Chapel’s Station 38 will be opened late summer this year.

The opening of the sister station will reduce Station 13’s coverage zone, enabling quicker response times, Cassin said.

The occasion was marked with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.

With scissors handy, Commissioner Moore and County Attorney Jeff N. Steinsnyder, joined Chief Cassin, as well as Chief Mark Spudie, Fire Marshal Karl Thompson and Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Mike Cassano in cutting a big red ribbon.

In a closing remark, Cassin said, “It’s time now to make new memories and turn the page to the next chapter in our history.”

After that, those attending were welcomed inside for a tour and refreshments.

Published June 05, 2019