The Laker/Lutz News

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

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Ford

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2019 FROM AUTOMAKERS?

By

Some have been around forever, some not quite so, many will be around for decades, and quite a few undergo major modifications. That’s the auto industry for you. Here’s a peek at the noticeable changes in vehicles for 2019:

HONDA: The Insight is back, a hybrid that can fetch up to 55 mpg while base-priced at just $22,830, and it does look far better than its predecessor – almost a carbon copy of the Civic. Also making a return, after 16 years though, is the Passport slotted between the compact CR-V and the larger Pilot. It will get a sole standard 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower, mated to a fresh nine-speed auto gearbox.

2019 Acura RDX

ACURA: With crossover vehicles in huge demand, Acura saw it fit to redesign the 2019 RDX inside and out. It now sits on a new platform, powertrain (2.0-liter inline-4-cylinder engine putting out 272 hp and a roomier and always expected tech-savvy cabin. Lest we forget, the 10-speed auto transmission. It also acquires Acura’s new touchpad user interface.GMC: Hardcore pickup owners, your poised ride is here. The Sierra 1500 pickup has been totally redesigned with an all-new 3.0-liter diesel 6-cylinder engine. It’s also larger, longer and lighter (360 pounds) than the previous version and comes in six engine/transmission combos. This utilitarian workhorse boasts not just generous cargo and tow capacity but also outstanding performance, marvelous ride and an upscale, gargantuan interior.

2019 Chevy Silverado

CHEVROLET: Amid tough competition in the pickup market comes an overhauled Silverado 1500 4WD with a wheelbase stretched by 3.9 and length by 1.6 inches. Rear seat legroom gets a 3-inch boost. And, the truck is lighter by 450 pounds from the previous model. And, it comes with a varied choice of power trains, abundant passenger room and incredible tow/haul capabilities. What more can a pickup shopper ask for in a work ride?

NISSAN: The Altima receives a major exterior and interior design change, two all-new engines and for the first time ever, an all-wheel-drive power train on a Nissan sedan in America. This for a ride that was introduced in 1993. Base-priced at $23,750, the Altima has proved to be a huge success story. For 2019, the Japanese carmaker has also refreshed the Maxima sedan and the Murano crossover.

2019 Jaguar I-Pace

JAGUAR: It’s stacking up awards by the dozens. That’s the all-electric I-PACE, which looks to directly compete with Tesla. Priced at $69,500, the SUV with a 90kWh battery delivers a range of about 230 miles on a full charge. Zero to 60 is achieved in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph. Not bad at all.

KIA: After a one-year hiatus, the restyled K900 returns with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine pumping 365 hp. The Korean carmaker’s rear-wheel-drive premium flagship boasts a cabin as top-notch and upscale as any of its German competitors. Also undergoing a styling change is the compact Forte, now longer by 3 inches, opening up plenty of room for occupants. Not only is the gas-sipper (EPA 34 mpg city) fun, lively and well-balanced, but also inexpensive at around $20,000.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

HYUNDAI: Just so there is no confusion, the Santa Fe Sport model is out. From 2019 onward, all you have is a two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. And, it will be a while before the three-row Santa Fe XL hits the market. The Veloster hatchback 2.0-liter engine gains horsepower and a redesign. Joining the Hyundai lineup is an all-new Kona subcompact SUV with 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines.

CADILLAC: The all-new XT4 features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine putting out 237 hp while mated to a 9-speed auto gearbox. Available in front- and all-wheel drive, it’s priced just right starting at $35,790. That is economical and attractive for even an entry-level luxury SUV Caddy like the XT4.

FORD: After eight years, the Ranger is back! The midsize pickup will be offered in at least three trims and two body styles, but will share one power train: 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine developing 270 hp and coupled to a 10-speed gear box. Also revamped are the Edge SUV and the best-selling F-150 pickup.

LEXUS: Lexus has introduced the UX in the fastest-growing compact SUV segment. The urban-centric ride is available in two trims: the front-wheel-drive UX200 with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (169 hp) or the AWD UX250h gas/electric hybrid with a 2.0-liter (181 hp). This Urban + X-over (crossover) is a purposeful vehicle with no compromises! Also, an F Sport joins the midsize ES sedan lineup.

2019 Subaru Ascent

SUBARU: Meet an all-new family hauler that has replaced the long-forgotten Tribeca. The aptly-named Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine producing a healthy 260 hp. The seven-seater will definitely give the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9 a run for the money. Subaru also has revamped its smaller Forester SUV.

LINCOLN: Remember the midsize luxury MKX? Well, it’s been replaced by the Nautilus with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (245 hp) or the 2.7-liter turbo V-6 (335 hp), which was offered in the MKX. Gorgeous to the eye inside and out, the SUV boasts nippy acceleration and excellent handling.

RAM: The Ram 1500 pickup has gone through a major transformation. Sales are nationally up 9 percent, year-after-year basis. The pickup, now longer, wider and offering the largest cabin in the segment, is loaded with tech goodies. Engineers at the recent Miami Auto Show praised its enhanced fuel economy and tow/haul increase of 20 percent. They claim the Ram is a “no-compromise truck.” We agree.

TOYOTA: The best-selling car nameplate in the world gets a new hatchback with a 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder (168 hp). Millennials will dig the look and feel of this hip Corolla. Also totally restyled is the RAV4, though Toyota has retained the 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4-cylinder engine (205 hp). Off-roading is now a real possibility in this roomy and secure ride.

BMW: The 8 Series returns to the U.S. after two decades. Under the hood of the all-wheel-drive car resides a 4.4-liter TwinPower turbo V8 engine delivering an astounding 523 hp. Base price? Just $111,900! The BMX X3, X4 and X5 undergo noticeable alterations.

2019 VW Arteon

VW: A longer and bigger Arteon flagship sedan replaces the CC four-door coupe. The sleek-appearing car with a wide stance gets a 2.0-liter TSI engine (268 hp) while paired to an eight-speed auto gearbox. With an even bolder front fascia and upscale cabin, the Jetta becomes an even more attractive proposition for small-car buyers. Indeed, this compact sedan is a splendid combination of thrift (starting at $18,545), practicality and fun to drive.

BENZ: A Mercedes-Benz base-priced at just $30,000? Yes, readers, your dream has come true. The brand-new A-Class compact sedan is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine and puts out just 188 hp. Also, the CLS 450 gets a design overhaul.

AUDI: The A6, A7 and A8 sedans have been restyled.

Published December 12, 2018

Super Saturday offers a swingin’ good time

By

It might’ve been April Fool’s Day, but this softball event was no joke.

This dog belongs to Mackenzie Pavloff, of Lutz. The service dog, named Koda Bear, is a 5-year-old Pitbull-mix, who seems to like the sounds of the softball games at Oscar Cooler Youth Sports Complex. The pet’s owner said she played softball at the complex years ago.
(Fred Bellet)

It’s called Super Saturday, and it’s an annual fundraiser for Lutz Softball, a recreational fast-pitch league for girls ages 5 through 18.

On April 1, several hundred softball families gathered to cheer on more than 20 teams, soaking in the daylong festivities at the Oscar Cooler Youth Sports Complex.

Besides a full slate of softball matchups, there was plenty to keep attendees amused, from family friendly games and activities, to numerous vendors and countless raffles.

“This is probably the biggest Super Saturday we’ve ever held,” said Mike Cook, president of Lutz Softball Inc.

“Every year, it’s gotten bigger and bigger and bigger,” added event coordinator Jennifer Bommarito. “This is quite a bit bigger than it started out to be.”

Ten-year-old Sicily Jordan, of the visiting Wesley Chapel Pink Rockets, gets a hit against the Renegades during game action last Saturday at Oscar Cooler Youth Sports Complex.

Held each spring, Super Saturday is one of the league’s two major fundraisers. The other is Fall Festival, in October.

Amid softball rivalries and competition, Super Saturday gives young athletes a chance to unwind.

“This is actually like a fun day for them,” Bommarito said, “where they actually get to goof all a little bit…and not have to be so serious.”

Mike Bosworth, who has coached in the league since 2013, said the annual shindig also helps foster positive interactions among families.

“People are…competitive with one another, and when you do an event like this, it gets you to know other people, and it softens those relationships on the field,” he explained.

Other parents agreed.

After playing his Little League game, 5-year-old Wyatt Gingras, of Lutz, totes his favorite bat and backpack to watch Leaguerette softball and cool off with an icy beverage. Wyatt was with his grandfather, Scott Knoeppel, of Lutz, and spent the day enjoying the family fun event at Oscar Cooler Youth Sports Complex.

“I think it brings us closer,” said parent-coach Rainey Rosenberger.

“It’s just fun to get families together from the community,” parent Natalie Brown added.

Another parent, Maggie Mixon, believes the event has nearly become a Lutz tradition.

“It’s phenomenal — just to see the community come together, in the spirit of collaboration,” she said. “It’s just a good, old-fashioned, small-town gathering.”

Among the afternoon’s top highlights was the parents’ tournament — and it’s unlike any other.

A 16-inch blooper ball was used, bases were run in reverse, fathers batted with their non-dominant hand, and kids served as coaches.

“It’s fun and confusing — everything’s backwards,” Rosenberger said, smiling.
The sports complex’s ballyhooed concession stand was another draw.

From biscuits and gravy during early morning games, to mushroom Swiss burgers and buffalo chicken wraps, there’s never a shortage of tasty grub offerings.

Bosworth, whose wife, Alissa, is the concessions manager, said parents from other youth leagues — Brandon, Carrollwood, Wesley Chapel —can’t say enough about the ballpark’s spreads.

Bryan Bounds, of Gainesville, watches softball action with friend, Charlene Ierna, of Lutz. Ierna’s 15-year-old daughter, Emma Ierna, plays on the softball team called the Rebels. Ierna is also the team’s sponsor.

“The parents are always like, ‘You guys have got the best concession stand we’ve ever seen, anywhere,’” Bosworth said.

Super Saturday, meanwhile, couldn’t have come at a better time for the softball organization.

On March 8, two suspects burglarized the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex during early morning hours, causing losses in excess of $5,000.

“That (robbery) threw us for a loop tremendously,” Mike Cook said.

In wake of the incident, the league has received “overwhelming” community support, with donations from the likes of Home Depot, Walgreens, Lowe’s and Ford.

Over $1,920 has also been raised, via a GoFundMe page.

Lutz Softball, formerly known as the Lutz Leaguerettes, also has seen quite a transition since January 2016, when the organization announced it was offering a recreational fast-pitch league for the first time in its 37-year history.

Just six months later, its slow-pitch leagues were discontinued because of dwindling registration and an overwhelming preference for fast-pitch. The fast-pitch league now claims to have about 200 participants, the highest figure in several years.

Lutz Softball Inc., is a PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth) Softball affiliate.

Published April 5, 2017