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Elks Lodge opens drive-thru food pantry

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What Donna Moyer misses most is the children filing into the cafeteria, laughing, playing and sitting down to enjoy lunch.

“We have a big party,” said Moyer, past Exalted Ruler at the Elks Lodge 2731, in Zephyrhills. “It’s a big deal. This year with all this extra nonsense, we can’t.”

COVID-19 upended the typical Feed the Kids Program, a free summer lunch and literacy program.

A young girl wrote a handmade thank you card to the volunteers who distribute free lunches at the Elks Lodge. (Courtesy of Donna Moyer)

This year, Moyer, and 10 to 15 volunteers, wave to children in the backseat of cars as their parents pull into a drive-thru food pantry organized at the lodge, at 6851 Wire Road.

Five days a week from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the volunteers hand out about 100 free lunches prepared daily at Zephyrhills’ restaurant, Tubby’s Q and Smokehouse.

The restaurant is the first participant in Operation Feed Pasco, a collaboration between the Pasco County Commission, United Way of Pasco County, Thomas Promise Foundation and the Elks Lodge.

The initiative has a dual purpose: To bolster area food pantries and help restaurants that took a financial loss from the COVID-19 shutdown.

A nonprofit, Harper Valley Son’s Food Pantry based in Wesley Chapel, is independently providing boxes of vegetables, pre-cooked meat, fruit and milk to parents who come to the Elks Lodge.

Joe Simmons, left, executive director of the Thomas Promise Foundation, and Robert ‘Cowboy’ Harper, founder of Harper Valley Son’s Food Pantry, discuss food distribution standing beside a food truck Harper drove to the Elks Lodge. (Kathy Steele)

On Wednesdays, the Elks Lodge also gives out bags filled with craft activities and books to boost reading skills.

On Fridays, Thomas Promise provides meals to carry families through the weekend.

Thomas Promise’s mission is to feed hungry children in Pasco. It typically serves 1,600 students in more than 25 schools, but this year the need is greater because of COVID-19.

The nonprofit is a longtime supporter of the Elks Lodge, so coming together for Operation Feeding Pasco was a natural fit.

“I immediately thought of Elks Lodge because that’s exactly what we do,” said Joe Simmons, executive director of Thomas Promise.

When Moyer realized the Elks Lodge members had to reinvent an on-site program now in its sixth year, she stayed up nights wondering if they could pull it off.

But, Moyer said, “We just kind of got it all together.”

The Elks Lodge is one of many nonprofits and food banks that is helping families that are struggling to pay bills, put food on the table and stay safe during the pandemic.

Even as businesses begin to reopen in Florida, and more people are venturing out to shops and restaurants — a great need for help continues.

Before COVID-19, Feeding Tampa Bay distributed food in its 10-county region to about 600,000 “food insecure” individuals. Since the shutdown, that number has more than doubled, to about 1.3 million.

“The need is continuing to climb,” said Shannon Hannon Oliviero, external affairs officer for Feeding Tampa Bay.

Volunteers Harriett Hinton, left, and Ilene Nutting put together craft bags. Nutting, a former day care worker, organizes the giveaway for the Elks Lodge. (Kathy Steele)

The nonprofit began opening drive-thru food banks, known as “mega-pantries,” in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Polk and Pasco counties.

One mega-pantry now operates at Pasco High School in Dade City.

Volunteers with Make a Difference, a nonprofit in Dade City, distribute food supplied by Feeding Tampa Bay every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 36850 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Oliviero said an early survey completed after the shutdown revealed about 70% of those coming to food banks were doing so for the first time in their lives.

Many had either lost their jobs or are on furlough, she said.

She said the help will continue.

“We’re going to be here for as long as needed. That’s what we’re here for,” Oliviero said.

About 700 food bags were given away at the first drive-thru at Pasco High, said Larry Guilford, founder of Make a Difference.

“One woman cried while driving through,” he said. “That’s when we know we’re doing the right thing. That’s telling us it’s needed.”

Volunteers bagged up lunch meals prepared by Tubby Q’s and Smokehouse, a Zephyrhills restaurant participating in Operation Feed Pasco. (Kathy Steele)

The same community spirit abounds at the Elks Lodge. Volunteers arrive around 7:30 a.m. Duties include bagging the days’ meals, snacks and crafts. On some days they also prepare frozen meals, such as pancakes and sausage, meat subs and spaghetti. Those are kept in the freezers for use as needed, said Moyer.

On average about 100 meals are distributed for the summer program, but on one recent day about 150 meals were handed out, she said.

“Thank you,” is the phrase of the day, as parents and children accept the food bags.

“It’s an amazing resource,” said Kimberly Mahon, who drove through with her children, ages 3 and 7.

Brad Odell, a Wesley Chapel High School teacher, drove through with his family — but also took home food packages for neighbors unable to leave their home.

“It helps me,” he said, adding, “but I have neighbors that are elderly, and a woman with five children. I try to help out as many people as possible. It makes me feel good.”

Area food banks/pantries
Here is a partial list of food banks operating in Pasco. (Please call ahead to be sure the pantry is open and to find out its hours of operation):

Food Pantry at Emmanuel Ministries
12639 Candlewood Drive, Dade City
For information on hours, call (813) 713-0305.

Farmworker’s Self-Help
37240 Lock St., Dade City
Provides fresh fruit, meats, dairy and more
For information, call (352) 567-1432.

Neighborhood Care Center
5140 Sixth St., Zephyrhills
This nonregional, nonprofit offers free groceries and hot meals
For information, call (813) 780-6822.

Life Community Center
6542 Applewood St., Wesley Chapel
For information, call (813) 994-0685.

Christian Social Services
5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
For information, call (813) 995-0088.

Suncoast Harvest Food Bank
5829 Ehren Cutoff Road, Land O’ Lakes
Open third Saturday of the month
For information, call (813) 929-0200.

St. Vincent De Paul
Serves various locations in Pasco
For information, call the district office at (727) 868-8160.

Father and Son Love Ministries
21418 Carson Drive, Land O’ Lakes
Operates a food pantry on Tuesdays, from noon to 2 p.m.; Fridays, from noon to 3 p.m.; and on Sundays, starting at 12:30 p.m.
For information, call (813) 383-8410.

Helping Hands, a food pantry at Atonement Lutheran Church
29617 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
Call (813) 756-8866 to find out when it is open.

Daystar Hope Center
15512 U.S. 301, Dade City
Call (352) 523-0844 to find out when it is open.

Published June 17, 2020

30 years and counting for Dade City Commissioner

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Scott Black was only 25 years old when he was first elected to the Dade City Commission, in 1990.

Three decades later, he remains just as passionate about the post.

“I still get excited about the meetings, I still feel like I’m learning things, I still feel like I’m kind of young with it,” Black said in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

Scott Black has been serving on the Dade City Commission for 30 years and counting. He was first elected in April 1990. (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

The commissioner, now 55,  jokes he’s almost in denial about serving the municipality for so long.

“I keep redoing the math and it’s like, ‘Oh, my goodness, what happened here?’ I’m noticing more and more that I’m not the youngest one in the room anymore,” he said.

Black’s milestone was recognized during a recent commission meeting. He will also be formally recognized by the Florida League of Cities later on this year.

A passion for service
Growing up in Trilby, Black always had an interest in politics and community pride. He held various leadership roles in organizations such as the 4-H Club and Future Business Leaders of America while attending Pasco Middle School and Pasco High School. “I was always running for an office,” even during his youth, he recalled.

As a young adult in the late 1980s, Black and his family moved to “the big city” of Dade City 7 miles south of his original hometown. Almost instantly, he became interested in local affairs and attending commission meetings.

Once the next election cycle came around, Black figured he’d try his hand at becoming a city commissioner. “I thought, ‘You know, it would be kind of fun to run,’” he said.

Black won that April 1990 election by just four votes, unseating then incumbent William Dennis. He’s gone on to be re-elected six times over, running unopposed for five of those elections.

Black, a full-time insurance agent, has appreciated the decision-making role ever since — valuing the ability to help solve problems and concerns of local residents: “I’ve been very pleased with it, and I’ve been very challenged by it. It’s one of those things where you can actually go in and make a difference within a few minutes.”

Over the years, Black has simultaneously served as the city’s mayor on four separate occasions. He’s held countless roles in numerous other boards and committees, such as the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and Dade City Historic Preservation Advisory Board, among others. He was president of the Florida League of Cities, from 2001 to 2002.

Serving in city government for so long, Black teased he often feels “on assignment” when he visits or vacations other cities, taking notes on any interesting features and services and utilities: “My wife has joked that I notice things like fire hydrants and the wastewater treatment plants that most people don’t notice, just because I’ve gotten involved in things related to the city.”

Forever home
To Black, Dade City will always be home. He can’t imagine living anywhere else.

The commissioner takes pleasure in the small-town, tight-knit community, rather than a big city lifestyle others have pursued.

“I enjoy the neighborly aspect of it,” Black said of Dade City living. “Seeing people that you grew up with and seeing people that were your schoolteachers or people that go to church with, it’s just something special.”

Simply put, in Dade City, “People are very nice,” he said.

The commissioner doesn’t take for granted having a commute shorter than most. His home sits a mere five blocks from his Fifth Street office. Being within walking distance to the local post office, bank, City Hall and downtown restaurants is another bonus, too. “My biggest challenge is crossing Seventh Street every day,” he quipped.

Dade City’s growth has been at a slower pace compared to other parts of Pasco County and the greater Tampa Bay area, Black acknowledged. Yet, he remains bullish on the city’s future prospects.

One of the more positive changes has been the revitalization of the historic downtown area — with an emphasis on unique eateries and antique shopping opportunities to help draw tourists and day-trippers, he said.

“I think a lot of small towns our size would give their left eye to have a downtown like we have — just the opportunities here and the neat features,” he observed.

Upgrades and extensions to the Roy Hardy Trail, tied in with future plans for a multi-purpose downtown splash park, are other investments the commissioner feels will help raise the city’s profile in coming years.

Said Black, “People are always saying, ‘We need to do more things for our kids in Dade City,’ and that’s what we’re doing.”

He thinks future generations will appreciate those efforts.

Meanwhile, this year is setting up to be one of the more distinctive periods during Black’s tenure on the commission.

The commission has held virtual meetings since April, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The municipal election — which has been rescheduled to June 30 — will see two, if not three, new faces on the five-member commission.

Commissioners Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix are not seeking re-election for Seats 4 and 5, respectively, while incumbent Commissioner Jim Shive is running against Matthew Wilson for Seat 3.

And, the changeover will come while the city gears up for a tighter budget, also due to COVID-19.

Black plans to use his extensive experience to help bring new commissioners up to speed and to help foster an atmosphere of collaboration.

Black put it like this: “Hopefully, I can help find common ground and consensus, and we can all move ahead. …We have a common goal and that’s keeping Dade City viable, successful, rebuilding.”

Black’s current term doesn’t expire until 2022, but he is already thinking ahead to a future run for re-election.

“I still have things I’d like to see us accomplish. I still feel useful,” Black said.

He went on: “But, the important thing to remember is it’s not about me, it’s not about (the commission), it’s about the City of Dade City.”

Published June 10, 2020

Parade celebrates Stanley Burnside’s ‘Big 100’

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There was a big drive-by parade on May 23 in Dade City, to honor Stanley Burnside on his 100th birthday.

Stanley Burnside took it all in, as he turned 100 — and the community turned out to celebrate with him — from a social distance. COVID-19 did not stop them from letting Burnside know they appreciate him. (Doug Sanders)

Those gathered were there to celebrate the century-mark of a man who served as the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller. Both he and his father held that post. They served a combined 68 years — for a total of 17 consecutive terms.

Stanley Burnside’s life spanned a century in history ranging from Model-T Fords to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He was just 7 when he saw men lay down the bricks on 12th Street to the Dade City Grammar School, now known as Rodney B. Cox Elementary School.

In 1937, he marched with the graduates of Pasco High School.

He was in the Army Air Forces during World War II — serving in the jungles of New Guinea and in the Philippines, on the Island of Corregidor.

People lined up to wish Stanley Burnside, the former Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, a happy 100th birthday.

He was a family man. He had three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He worked as an accountant for James Emmitt Evans, giving him a front-row view into the makings of one of the largest bulk orange juice concentrate distributors in Florida’s history.

He coached Little League, too.

Over the span of 100 years, he left a huge imprint, evidenced through 200 tributes to him, posted on Facebook.

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published June 03, 2020

Pasco schools add feeding sites for students

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Pasco County Schools planned to expand its number of student feeding sites from its initial seven locations up to 25 school sites, effective March 31, according to a school district news release.

While wearing an N95 mask for her safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda McCabe, of Dade City, confirms the amount of food bags needed for one of the cars that showed up for the Pasco County school district’s free lunch program, at the Pasco High School site on March 26. McCabe is the school’s registrar and volunteered for this program that is handing out hundreds of free food bags daily. The school district since has expanded the number of food distribution sites and changed its delivery strategy. (Christine Holtzman)

Pasco also will add feeding sites at 16 bus stops throughout the county.

There are other significant changes in the way Pasco County Schools is getting food to students. The drive-thru sites and the bus deliveries will take place on Tuesday only, and the food provided will include food for five days for each student, the release adds.

A family with two children would receive 10 lunches and 10 breakfasts on Tuesday.

The student, or students, must be present to receive food.

Here is the list of Pasco sites, in and near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, where meals will be delivered:

School bus deliveries, on Tuesdays only:

  • 11 a.m.: Wilson Street grass lot, 13800 Wilson St., Dade City
  • 11 a.m.: Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • 11:20 a.m.: Hilltop Landings 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • 11:25 a.m.: Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills
  • 11:45 a.m.: Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City
Pasco High School employee Diane Salas, of Dade City, passes out lunch bags to three of Ithzi Diaz’s children on March 26. Diaz, a single mother of four children, said that she is so grateful that the school district is offering this program because it helps while she tries to stretch out her food stamps until the beginning of next month. Pasco High School was one of the district’s sites that was distributing free breakfast and lunch foods to school-aged children, while area schools remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drive-thru student food distribution sites

Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Centennial Middle School, 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City
  • Chester W. Taylor Elementary School, 3618 Morris Bridge Road, Zephyrhills
  • Rodney B. Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City
  • New River Elementary School, 4710 River Glen Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City
  • Pasco Middle School, 13925 14th St., Dade City
  • Quail Hollow Elementary School, 7050 Quail Hollow Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • San Antonio Elementary School, 32416 Darby Road, Dade City
  • West Zephyrhills Elementary, 37900 14th Ave., Zephyrhills
  • Zephyrhills High School, 6335 12th St., Zephyrhills

Published April 1, 2020

Public schools to go back in session — remotely

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Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grades will remain off school campuses until at least April 15 because of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

While students will remain off campus, they will receive some type of online or remote instruction beginning at the end of March, according to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Superintendent Kurt Browning provided a March 22 update on the situation in Pasco County Schools, in via a video posted on the district’s website (Pasco.k12.fl.us).

“At this time, our campuses are closed until Wednesday, April 15. However, starting on Tuesday March 31, learning will resume — even through the time our schools are closed. That’s when we’ll transition to distance learning.“

Browning then explained the chain of events that will occur.

The district already has sent a newsletter to parents, providing how-to instructions to help them and their children navigate distance learning, Browning said.

On March 27, the district’s instructional staff will return to school, virtually, to receive a four-hour training, relating to distance learning.

Then, on March 30, the district will distribute devices to parents who do not have a computer at home.

“This will take place at the school your student attends,” Browning said. “We don’t have enough devices to provide a computer to every student in our district, but we will do everything we can to provide appropriate devices to families who don’t have them. We want all of our students to have the ability to go online and continue learning.”

On March 31, the district will transition to distance learning.

“That means school is in session on March 31. Not in our physical classrooms, but online,” the superintendent said.

“Our distance learning plan is designed to keep students on track, so that learning continues, even though our schools are closed.

“This is not optional. We expect our students to be engaged and learning,” Browning said.

Hillsborough County is having its Set Up for Success week, March 23 to March 27, which will give teachers and parents a chance to get comfortable with eLearning, finalize lesson plans and get access to devices and computers, according to the district’s website.

Classwork during Set Up for Success week will not be graded. Graded work and full eLearning will begin on March 30.

For more details on Hillsborough’s plan, visit the district’s website at SDHC.k12.fl.us.

Where to find meals for children:
These school feeding sites in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are providing meals for children under 18 years old. The children must be present to receive a meal.

Pasco sites, operating 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., through March 27, include:

  • New River Elementary School, 4710 River Glen Blvd., in Wesley Chapel
  • Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52in Dade City
  • Zephyrhills High School, at 6335 12th St., in Zephyrhills

Hillsborough sites, which operate 9 a.m.to 1 p.m., opened on March 23. They include:

  • Wharton High School, 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa
  • Mort Elementary School, 1806 E. Bearss Ave., in Tampa
  • Paul R. Smith Middle School, 14303 Citrus Pointe Drive in Tampa

More area school news:

  • All Florida public and private K-12, and career and technical center campuses are closed through April 15.
  • All remaining assessments for school readiness, voluntary prekindergarten and K-12 assessments are canceled for the 2019-2020 school year.
  • Requirements for graduation and promotion, and final course grades will be evaluated as though those assessments that were canceled did not exist.
  • K-12 school grades will not be calculated for 2019-2020 and schools in turnaround may continue their current status for 2020-2021 to avoid disruption to school leadership and operations.
  • Eligibility for Florida Bright Futures scholarships shall be based on available data and results. Tests that were not available to be taken shall not be counted.
  • All Florida College System institutions are providing virtual or other remote learning to students for the remainder of the 2020 spring semester.

Published March 25, 2020

All-Pasco County winter awards announced

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High school coaches from the Pasco County School District recently announced the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) All-Conference Teams, Athletes of the Year and Coaches of the Year, for the 2019-2020 winter sports season, which included basketball, competitive cheerleading, soccer, weightlifting and wrestling.

Selections were made for both the East and West division.

The following high schools from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were represented in the East: Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.

The Sunlake High varsity boys basketball team finished 17-8 this season and reached the district finals. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School athletics)

Winter Sports (Boys)
SAC East All-Conference Boys Basketball
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: David Puhlaski, Land O’ Lakes
Player of the Year: Mekhi Perry, Land O’ Lakes

First-Team
Chase Farmer, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Jordan Golden, Sunlake, senior
Dontae Marchman, Zephyrhills, senior
Brian Parker, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Mekhi Perry, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Second-Team
Jelani Vassell, Wesley Chapel, senior
Matt Webster, Pasco, sophomore
Ethan Jones, Wesley Chapel, senior
Jacob McCaslin, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Josh Bent, Sunlake, senior

Honorable Mention(s)
Joe Vreeland, Cypress Creek, senior

SAC East All-Conference Boys Soccer
Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch
Coach of the Year: Justin Pelliccia, Cypress Creek
Offensive Player of the Year: Malcolm Lewis, Wiregrass Ranch
Defensive Player of the Year: Ben McQuay, Wiregrass Ranch

First-Team
Logan Grace, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
Ethan Sternberg, Sunlake, junior
Justin Amis, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Joey Maulorico, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Carter Corrao, Cypress Creek, senior
Alec Santiago, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
Sebastian Victoria, Sunlake, junior
Malcolm Lewis, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Ben McQuay, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Jake Bierhorst, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Derek Isajar, Sunlake, junior

Second-Team
Jaxon Landry, Sunlake, senior
Spencer Rawlings, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Jared Jimenez, Pasco, senior
Jori Ndrita, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Carlos Morales, Zephyrhills, senior
Landon Craven, Pasco, senior
Mario Garcia, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Sam Salas, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Brock Montei, Sunlake, junior
Alex Bronnan, Cypress Creek, junior
Julian Padilla, Pasco, senior

Honorable Mention(s)
Destin Rogers, Wesley Chapel, senior

The Pasco High varsity boys wrestling team won an SAC conference championship. (Courtesy of Pasco High School athletics)

SAC East All-Conference Boys Wrestling
Team Champion: Pasco
Coach of the Year: Tim Maples, Pasco
Wrestler of the Year: Zach Spicer, Sunlake

First-Team
106-pound: Donavan Eury, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
113-pound: Deshawn Creary, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
120-pound: Orion Magoon, Sunlake, sophomore
126-pound: Dante Reese, Land O’ Lakes, senior
132-pound: Travis Knowlton, Pasco, senior
138-pound: Jacob Thornton, Pasco, senior
145-pound: Jake Koener, Sunlake, junior
152-pound: Kevin Johnston, Pasco, senior
160-pound: Devin Jernigan, Pasco, junior
170-pound: Savion Spaights, Pasco, junior
182-pound: Zach Spicer, Sunlake, senior
195-pound: Amir Burgess, Pasco, junior
220-pound: Theotis Smith, Zephyrhills, sophomore
285-pound: Cayman Wiseman, Sunlake, senior

Second-Team
106-pound: Jason DeSantis, Cypress Creek, sophomore
113-pound: James Day, Zephyrhills, freshman
120-pound: Exavier Beckwith, Wesley Chapel, junior
126-pound: Kyle Dickerson, Pasco, senior
132-pound: Morgan Ray, Land O’ Lakes, junior
138-pound: Jackson Hudson, Cypress Creek, sophomore
145-pound: Jack Evans, Pasco, junior
152-pound: Idaael Reyes, Zephyrhills, sophomore
160-pound: Collins Bogie, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
170-pound: Renso Fernandez, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
182-pound: Chance Kuber, Pasco, senior
195-pound: Zavion McKinnon, Land O’ Lakes, junior
220-pound: Cassidy Grubs, Pasco, freshman
285-pound: Dujuan McCullough, Zephyrhills, junior

Honorable Mention(s)
Briac Riles, Wesley Chapel, sophomore

The Wesley Chapel High School varsity girls basketball team went 26-4 and reached the Class 4A regional final. (Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High School athletics)

Winter Sports (Girls)
SAC East All-Conference Girls Basketball
Team Champion: Wesley Chapel
Coach of the Year: Peter Livingston, Wesley Chapel
Player of the Year: Kayla Grant, Wesley Chapel

First-Team
Kayla Grant, Wesley Chapel, senior
Zoi Evans, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Arianna Rivera-Heppenstall, Wesley Chapel, senior
Taija McCullough, Zephyrhills, junior
Daisy McQuain, Sunlake, senior

Second-Team
Mia Nicholson, Wesley Chapel, junior
Natalie Rodriguez, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Allison Fleming, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
April Davis, Land O’ Lakes, junior
Emari Lewis, Wesley Chapel, sophomore

Honorable Mention(s)
Evelyn Randall, Pasco, sophomore
Adrianna Villanueva, Cypress Creek, freshman

SAC East All-Conference Competitive Cheerleading
Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes
Coach of the Year: Danielle Hammer, Wiregrass Ranch
Cheerleader of the Year: Sarah Spitzig, Land O’ Lakes

First-Team
Sarah Spitzig, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Laura Madison, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Lauren Jones, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Gabriela Miller, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Emma Flannery, Pasco, senior
Kristal Prado Zapata, Wesley Chapel, senior
Layla Gilyard, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Taryn Clower, Cypress Creek, junior
Brooke Sokolowski, Cypress Creek, junior
Brianna Cunningham, Zephyrhills, junior

Second-Team
Christina Agovino, Land O’ Lakes, junior
Mayah Ocasio, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Camryn Steele, Land O’ Lakes, junior
Emma Runkel, Land O’ Lakes, junior
Juliette Pacheco, Sunlake, senior
Julia Thomas, Sunlake, senior
Sydeny Taylor, Wesley Chapel, junior
Laynye Longley, Wesley Chapel, sophomore
Brooke Pudoka, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
Alyssa Pollicita, Cypress Creek, sophomore

SAC East All-Conference Girls Soccer
Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch
Coach of the Year: Jen Craven, Land O’ Lakes
Offensive Player of the Year: Avery Damjanovic, Wiregrass Ranch
Defensive Player of the Year: Sydney Bauer, Wesley Chapel

First-Team
Ashley Doers, Land O’ Lakes, senior
Nisa Cahoon, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Sydney Bauer, Wesley Chapel, junior
Jada Silvest, Land O’ Lakes, freshman
Gaby Cardenas, Wesley Chapel, senior
Kylee Ehmann, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Avery Damjanovic, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
Jordan Green, Land O’ Lakes, freshman
Madison Holcombe, Wesley Chapel, junior
Maddy Golka, Wesley Chapel, sophomore
Avery Wild, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Second-Team
Katelyn Hicks, Sunlake, sophomore
Kelsey Kadlub, Pasco, junior
Jaydean Ireland, Zephyrhills, senior
Ashley Roth, Sunlake, senior
Abby Murphy, Cypress Creek, senior
Kaylei Koschman, Wesley Chapel, junior
Amaris Hamilton-Grein, Wesley Chapel, freshman
Raegan Bourne, Cypress Creek, senior
Kobi Page, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
Rylee Humphries, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
Delaney Sanders, Cypress Creek, senior

SAC East Girls Weightlifting
Team Champion: Sunlake
Coach of the Year: Denise Garcia, Sunlake
Athlete of the Year: Juliette Pacheco, Sunlake

First-Team
101-pound: Andje Costa, Cypress Creek, sophomore
110-pound: Gabriella Schwarz, Sunlake, sophomore
119-pound: Madison Guincho, Sunlake, junior
129-pound: Delaney Pratt, Sunlake, senior
139-pound: Gianna Levy, Sunlake, senior
154-pound: Sarah Davis, Zephyrhills, senior
169-pound: Juliette Pacheco, Sunlake, senior
183-pound: Brianna Caban, Sunlake, senior
199-pound: Antoinette Farmer, Sunlake, senior
Unlimited: Sarita Alzate, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Second-Team
101-pound: Alexandria Black, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
110-pound: Savannah Lee, Wesley Chapel, senior
119-pound: Gianna Long, Sunlake, freshman
129-pound: Asia Wilmer, Zephyrhills, junior
139-pound: Gianina Rios, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
154-pound: Madison Aguilera, Zephyrhills, junior
169-pound: Alyssa Kremer, Land O’ Lakes, senior
183-pound: Lakisia Thomas, Zephyrhills, senior
199-pound: Kyleigh Smith, Zephyrhills, senior
Unlimited: Juliana Garcia, Sunlake, junior

Honorable Mention(s)
Moriah Tucker, Pasco, freshman

Remembering Pete ‘Hutch’ Brock II, a community servant

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Pete Hutchinson “Hutch” Brock II, a former Dade City mayor who was active in community life — passed away on Jan. 26, at age 54.

Brock served on the Dade City Commission from 2000 to 2004, then as Dade City’s mayor from 2004 to 2008, according to an obituary posted on the Hodges Family Funeral Home website.

“While he was mayor, we had an unprecedented period of annexations – undeveloped property coming into the city of Dade City,” current Commissioner Scott Black told The Laker/Lutz News. “He was looking out for the future sustainability of the city.”

Besides his work as an attorney, involvement in civic life and community service, Pete Hutchison ‘Hutch’ Brock II enjoyed outdoor activities and leisure time with family. (Courtesy of Hodges Family Funeral Home)

Brock also was involved in efforts to revitalize Dade City’s downtown and preserve its historic character, according to current Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez.

He “brought enthusiasm to the office of mayor” and his leadership left a distinct impression, she said.

“His focus on maintaining the historic charm of Dade City will not be forgotten,” Hernandez added.

Details of his public service were noted on the funeral home’s website and circulated by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Brock was an advocate for youth.

He served on the board of the Pasco Education Foundation, and he supported the work of the Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee.

He gave of his time and talents for 20 years to Sunrise of Pasco County, an organization that provides shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence.

He maintained memberships with Rotary Clubs in Dade City and Wesley Chapel, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the administrative council at his church, too.

Other areas of involvement included advocating for the renewal of Penny for Pasco, a tax initiative that increases Pasco County revenue; and, supporting the efforts of East and Central Pasco Habitat for Humanity, which helps families and individuals obtain affordable housing.

He was a sports enthusiast.

He played baseball and football in his youth, and coached youth baseball, flag football and soccer. He enjoyed outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing.

As a graduate of the University of Florida, he was an unabashed Gator fan.

Born on April 5, 1965, Brock grew up in Dade City. He attended Pasco High School before transferring to Jesuit High School, in Tampa, where he graduated.

After high school, he attended the University of Pennsylvania, before transferring in 1984 to the University of Florida, where he met his wife, Natalie.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science and Business Administration degree in 1987, then a law degree in 1990.

He was hired by Fowler White, a legal firm in Tampa, where he remained four years before moving back to his hometown and becoming a legal partner at Dade City’s Johnson, Auvil, Brock & Pratico, P.A. He remained there for over 17 years.

He launched his own practice, Brock Law LLC, in Wesley Chapel, in 2012. His legal work focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect and employment disputes.

He and his wife, Natalie, had three sons, Carson, Coleman and Connor Mack, and a daughter, Ashton. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his father Pete, and two sisters, Nancy and Haley.

Tributes on the funeral home’s website describe Brock as a great man, whose death is a loss for the community.

Commissioner Black seems to share that opinion.

“He’s always going to be revered, that’s for sure. He’ll have that legacy,” Black said.

Published February 05, 2020

Hometown kids shine in 2019 college football season

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The college football season has come to a close, and it was one in which many players with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area showcased their skills.

Dozens of area athletes are a part of programs at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Series (FCS) levels, as well as Division II, Division III, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and junior college ranks.

Here is a look at some of them.

Noah Ruggles
College: University of North Carolina, sophomore kicker
High School: Steinbrenner High (Odessa native)

Steinbrenner High product Noah Ruggles (Courtesy of University of North Carolina Athletics)

The Steinbrenner product appears entrenched as UNC’s long-term answer at kicker, as he enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign, converting 19 of 27 field goal attempts, including a long of 49 yards, and converting all 45 of his extra-point attempts.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Ruggles was nearly automatic on kicks inside 40 yards, but struggled on some longer kicks, including going 0-for-3 on attempts of more than 50 yards.

Arguably, his most defining moment came when he kicked the game-winning field goal in a 20-17 home win against conference rival Duke University on Oct. 26. It was a just week removed from UNC head coach Mack Brown benching Ruggles, after he missed two overtime field goal attempts in a road loss to Virginia Tech.

While at Steinbrenner, Ruggles developed into one of the nation’s most coveted kicking prospects, ranked as the No. 9 kicker by 247sports.com and the No. 12 kicker by ESPN.com for the 2017 recruiting class.

Chris Faddoul
College: Florida A&M University, junior punter
High School: Wiregrass Ranch High (Wesley Chapel native)

Since he stepped foot on FAMU’s campus as a freshman in 2017, Faddoul’s leg has been put to good use.

Wiregrass Ranch High product Chris Faddoul (File)

A three-year starter, Faddoul again earned consecutive All-American honors after another banner season for a team that went 9-2 and undefeated in conference.

His average of 46 yards per punt ranked second in Division I FCS (Football Championship Series). The 5-foot-11, 210-pound specialist tallied 40 punts for 1,841 yards, with 19 punts placed inside the 20-yard line, 16 punts of 50 yards or longer, and only five touchbacks. He also registered a career-long punt of 72 yards in an Oct. 20 overtime win over nationally-ranked North Carolina A&T State.

At Wiregrass Ranch, Faddoul was something of an athletic unicorn, playing football, soccer, tennis, and also competing in track and field. His senior year on the gridiron, Faddoul guided the Bulls to a state playoff appearance in 2016, as the team’s starting quarterback, kicker and punter.

Michael Penix Jr.
College: Indiana University, redshirt freshman quarterback
High School: Tampa Bay Tech/Pasco High (Dade City native)

Dade City native Michael Penix Jr. (Courtesy of Indiana University Athletics)

The Dade City native got off to a roaring start as Indiana’s starting signal-caller in 2019, helping guide the Big Ten program to its best start since 1993, up until he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in November that required surgery.

Indiana was 5-1 in games played by Penix, who completed 69% of his throws for 1,394 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions, and tallied 119 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound lefty made history by becoming the first freshman quarterback to start an opener for the Hoosiers since Antwaan Randel El in 1998.

While Penix seemingly has a bright future ahead, injuries have become a concern. He also suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2018 as a true freshman.

For his prep career, Penix played his first two seasons at Pasco High, then transferred to Tampa Bay Tech, finishing with 6,986 total yards and 76 touchdowns. He is something of a Pirates legacy, as his father was an All-State tailback/defensive back at Pasco High in the early ’90s; his uncle played there, too.

Donovan Jennings
College: University of South Florida, sophomore left tackle
High School: Gaither High (Tampa native)

Gaither High product Donovan Jennings (Courtesy of University of South Florida Athletics)

The 6-foot-5, 328-pound Jennings has established himself as a reliable and consistent protector for USF quarterbacks’ blindside, playing in a combined 22 games his freshman and sophomore seasons. He began the 2019 season at right guard, before moving to and finishing the season on the left side of the offensive line.

The Gaither High product this past season was USF’s highest-graded offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus (66.9), a website that focuses on thorough analysis of the National Football League and NCAA Division I football.

Jennings has been lauded by coaches for his pass protection skills and effectiveness in the run game, because of combination of quick feet, balance and strength. He often was tasked with blocking opponent’s top pass-rushers in one-on-one situations last season.

Jennings is actually a late bloomer to the gridiron, as he didn’t begin playing football until his freshman year of high school because he exceeded the size limit for youth football leagues. He instead turned his attention to basketball, where he played four years on varsity at Gaither.

His future, however, was found in football.

He developed into an All-State player and a three-star prospect, earning scholarship offers from Central Florida, Virginia, Marshall, Old Dominion and Toledo universities.

Nate Craig-Myers
College: Colorado State University, redshirt junior wide receiver (Auburn transfer)
High School: Tampa Catholic/Pasco High (Dade City native)

Dade City native Nate Craig-Myers (Courtesy of University of Colorado Athletics)

After transferring from Auburn early in the 2018 season, the Dade City native and former blue chip prospect put together his most productive college season, becoming Colorado State’s fourth-leading receiver in 2019, hauling in 23 receptions for 329 yards and a touchdown, in nine games.

Before his transfer, Craig-Myers seemed like a star-in-the-making for the powerhouse SEC (Southeastern Conference) Alabama-based school.

He posted 16 catches for 285 yards and three touchdowns for Auburn’s 2017 squad that went 10-4 and reached the SEC Championship.

The 6-foot-2, 202-pound athlete was expected to break out for Auburn in 2018, but a lack of targets in the early going led him to seek opportunities elsewhere. His half-brother and former Pasco High standout, Jayvaughn Myers, also left the team around the same time.

Craig-Myers wasted no time making an impact with Colorado State this past year, making five catches for 88 yards in his first game against Toledo on Sept. 21. He followed that up with strong showings in his next two games against Utah State (three catches, 97 yards) and San Diego State (four catches, 68 yards, touchdown), respectively.

In the prep ranks, Craig-Myers spent two seasons with Pasco High before finishing his career at Tampa Catholic High. He was one of the nation’s most touted football recruits, a consensus four-star prospect with more than 40 scholarship offers, including from the likes of Ohio State, Florida and Florida State universities, among others.

Other notables

  • University of Miami redshirt senior defensive end Scott Patchan (IMG Academy/Freedom High) finished with a career-high 33 tackles, including six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, in 13 games and six starts.
  • Florida State University junior tight end Tre’ McKitty (IMG Academy/Wesley Chapel High) collected 23 receptions for 241 yards, in 11 games.
  • Samford University redshirt sophomore tailback Antwione Sims (Zephyrhills High) racked up 108 all-purpose yards, in 11 games.
  • Florida State University redshirt sophomore DeCalon Brooks (Gaither High) tallied 15 tackles, in 11 games.
  • Florida State University freshman defensive back Isaiah Bolden (Wesley Chapel High/Jacksonville Bartram Trail) collected eight tackles, two pass breakups and an interception, in 12 games.
  • Morehouse College freshman defensive back Cartrell Strong (Zephyrhills High) registered 15 tackles, three pass breakups and an interception, in eight games.
  • University of Cincinnati freshman safety Ja’quan Sheppard (Zephyrhills High) had five tackles, in four games.

Local teen attracts attention for her compassion, good works

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Sally Campbell is living proof that teenagers can make an impact in their community.

The 17-year-old’s compassion for people struggling with cancer inspired her to create “Sallybrating with a Cause,” a nonprofit that has provided arts and crafts, meals, goodie bags, live entertainment and fun activities for residents of Hope Lodge in Tampa.

Hope Lodge provides temporary free lodging for cancer patients and caregivers of those patients receiving outpatient care at nearby Moffitt Cancer Center.

Pasco High senior Sally Campbell last month received the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Community Hero award, for her nonprofit, ‘Sallybrating With A Cause.’ Sally is shown here with Lightning forward Pat Maroon, left, and Lightning CEO Steve Griggs. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Lightning)

Besides bringing joy and good cheer to cancer patients, the Pasco High senior’s caring ways also have caught the attention of others.

Recently, Sally was named a Lightning Community Hero.

The honor included a $50,000 donation from the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program.

Sally is donating half of the funds to the Hope Lodge. The other half will go toward a scholarship to support her college education. She aspires to become a veterinarian.

To celebrate Sally’s community work, she and her story were displayed on Amalie Arena’s jumbotron during the first intermission of a Dec. 14 game against the Washington Capitals, in an arena filled with 19,000 fans.

The front-and-center moment was a bit overwhelming, at first, the teen said.

When she saw herself on the giant screen, she thought: ‘Oh, gosh, what do I do?’

“But, of course having everybody around me made me more comfortable,” she said.

In addition to the public recognition, she also received a behind-the-scenes tour of Lightning facilities, and met with Lightning forward Pat Maroon and Lightning CEO Steve Griggs.

“It was just really cool, and an amazing experience to have,” she said.

All that attention, however, stemmed from Sally’s sustained commitment toward helping others.

She launched her nonprofit organization in 2014, while she was still in middle school.

It was her way to honor the memory of her great-grandmother who succumbed to lung cancer,  before Sally was born.

The Dade City teen keeps her great-grandmother’s legacy alive by regularly visiting the Hope Lodge. There, Sally shares her bright smile and a willingness to interact with those who are suffering.

Several times a year, Sally hosts dinners for Hope Lodge patients and volunteers.

Sally Campbell assists cancer patients with arts and crafts at the Hope Lodge in Tampa. The 18-year-old Pasco High senior regularly visits the living treatment center — providing meals, goodie bags, fun activities and live entertainment, through her nonprofit, ‘Sallybrating With A Cause.’ (Courtesy of Sally Campbell)

She comes bearing goodie bags, and provides arts and crafts, live music and other activities.

To fund those uplifting visits, Sally organizes golf tournaments and poker runs. She also spreads awareness about her nonprofit during community festivals in Dade City.

Sally was just 12 when she began volunteering at the Hope Lodge, and ever since her very first visit, she has felt inspired to do more.

She explained that even a small gesture, such as providing a dinner, is both rewarding and motivating.

Hope Lodge patients are grateful for the attention and conversation, Sally said.

And, providing meals is a practical way to help — so patients and their caregivers don’t have to go out or worry about their next meal, after a long day of chemo and radiation.

In other words, the service helps “eliminate some of that burden” that cancer patients and caregivers may face each day, she said.

“We’ve had people tell us that we’ve been their saving graces as they’ve been going through treatments at Moffit Cancer Center next door,” Sally said. “All these people are so thankful and so appreciative of everything that we do, so it just kind of makes it like you want to go back.

“It’s really neat to see all the simple ways that you can make someone else’s day brighter,” she said.

Over the years, the teen has enlisted countless friends and family members to help her along the way.

She said she strives to set an example to her peers, to help them realize that they’re not too young to make a positive and notable impact.

It’s something her mother, Heather Campbell, has noticed over time as she chaperones her daughter’s Hope Lodge outings and other events.

“It’s like her good deeds that she does, it’s contagious. It rubs off and makes us want to get involved as well — which is not a bad thing,” Heather said.

“She inspires me, because she always gives of herself. Like a lot of kids think they just have to document volunteer hours, but she never thinks of it like that. She just goes out there and just does, just to give to others,” Heather added.

Besides her charitable work, Sally keeps plenty busy in other pursuits.

She is a multi-sport athlete at Pasco High. She ran cross-country this year and is back on the tennis team for her fourth year. She also played soccer her freshman and sophomore years.

She serves as president of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, she is involved in student council and the PTSA, and she shows hogs through the Dade City Future Farmers of America.

Regardless of what she’s doing, though, she understands the value of teamwork.

“It’s a lot to handle, but we get it all done,” Sally said. “That’s the good thing about having a bunch of people that are willing to help you and support you, no matter what.”

Published January 08, 2020

Top 2019 sports moments

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Teams captured state titles and local athletes turned in outstanding performances, during a year that brought shining moments and countless lasting memories.

Here is a look at some of the top moments in sports, from across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Longtime Zephyrhills High boys hoops coach Alan Reed (File)

Zephyrhills High names ‘Alan Reed Court’
Little more than a year after naming its football field after legendary coach Tom Fisher, Zephyrhills High School named the school’s gymnasium floor after longtime varsity boys’ basketball coach Alan Reed.

A formal dedication ceremony for Reed was held Jan. 18 — an evening that coincided with a Bulldogs defeat of crosstown rival Pasco High, 61-34.

The 71-year-old served as Zephyrhills boys’ basketball coach for a total of 16 years, in four separate stints — 1975 to 1979; 1981 to 1986; 2006 to 2010; and, 2014 to 2016.

During that time he became — and still is — the school’s all-time winningest basketball coach.

In total, he’s been involved with Zephyrhills athletics for more than 35 years, also coaching volleyball, track, football and softball.

He remains a volunteer coach at the school, to this day.

Sunlake varsity girls weightlifting won its first state title in February. (File)

Sunlake girls weightlifting wins state title
The Sunlake High varsity girls weightlifting program, under longtime coach Denise Garcia, perennially has been among the more dominant programs in the area, wielding multiple conference and district titles over the years. And, the Seahawks took the next step forward in February, winning the 2019 FHSAA Class 2A girls weightlifting state championship, in Panama City Beach. The title marked the end of the sport’s longest-active streak of consecutive team championships held by Navarre High, who won four straight from 2015 through 2018.

The feat marked Sunlake’s second state championship among all boys or girls sports — the school’s competitive cheerleading team won a state title back in 2014.

Academy at the Lakes softball repeats at states
A year after claiming the school’s first-ever FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic) state championship, the Academy at the Lakes Wildcats did it again in May. Behind the arm and bat of two-time Gatorade Florida State Softball Player of the Year Lexi Kilfoyl, the Wildcats mowed through the Class 2A state playoffs, outscoring opponents by a combined 35-0 — including an 11-0 shutout against Mount Dora Christian Academy in the state title game.

Women’s sports museum opens in Wesley Chapel
Wesley Chapel’s AdventHealth Center Ice is widely known as the largest hockey facility in the Southeastern United States and training ground of the gold-medal winning 2018 U.S. Olympic women’s ice hockey team.

In March, it became known for another meaningful reason — the home of the first virtual museum dedicated to women’s hockey trailblazers.

Called the Women’s Sports Herstory Museum, it is the brainchild of female hockey coaching legend Digit Murphy and her friend, Jeff Novotny, a Wesley Chapel resident.

Situated in a second-floor viewing room at Center Ice, the museum features interactive wall panel displays where visitors scan QR codes to view content online in the form of videos and in-depth stories.

Poster-sized displays highlight several of hockey’s female pioneers, including Katey Stone, Katie Guay and Amanda Pelkey. The room is also filled with various sports memorabilia and equipment, including a signed jersey and signed pictures of all 23 members of the U.S. Olympic women’s ice hockey team.

Zephyrhills tennis center breaks ground
Years of talks and planning to bring a state-of-the-art tennis center to Zephyrhills finally became a reality in July, when a groundbreaking ceremony officially marked the beginning of construction on the long-awaited Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness, at 6585 Simons Road, Zephyrhills.

Situated on more than 8 acres of land, the multimillion complex when complete will feature 11 outdoor tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, four padel courts, along with an adjoining 7,400-square-foot indoor wellness center housing a fitness and rehabilitation studio, salt/sauna room, cryotherapy, pro shop, café, kids’ area and more.

Slated to open in summer 2020, the facility is named in honor of Sarah Vande Berg, a former Zephyrhills High School district tennis champion, who died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Land O’ Lakes Little League baseball celebrated its first state title since the early 2000s. (File)

Land O’ Lakes Little League wins state crown
It is believed to have been more than 15 years since a Land O’ Lakes Little League baseball team won a state title — until this summer.

In July, the Land O’ Lakes all-star squad composed of 14- to 16-year-olds bested seven other teams all across the state at the 2019 Little League Baseball Senior League Florida State Championships, in Bradenton.

The roster was made up of players from Land O’ Lakes, Sunlake, and Cypress Creek high schools, who put aside local prep rivalries to come together as a group.

Before advancing to and winning states, the team moved through districts and sectional tournaments in Tampa, Land O’ Lakes and Plant City, respectively.

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.

Wesley Chapel fishing enthusiast Keven Barber. (File)

Local fisherman featured on national television
Wesley Chapel’s Keven Barber got the fishing trip of a lifetime, when he was featured on the Union Sportsman’s Alliance “Brotherhood Outdoors” television series on the Sportsman Channel. Barber’s August saltwater fishing trip along the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana was shown to the masses on television in October.

Barber was selected for the show based on his combination of passion for the outdoors, union membership and involvement, volunteer efforts and more. When he’s not working or fishing, the father of four boys stays busy as a scout leader and director of tackle football for the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association.

Pasco High claimed victory over Zephyrhills High in this year’s 9-Mile War rivalry football game. (Courtesy of Pasco High Athletics)

Pasco High gets revenge in 9-Mile War
The year 2014 was the last time Pasco High had beaten Zephyrhills High in the annual 9-Mile War rivalry football game, in a 35-34 nail-biter.

Since then, the contests had been extremely one-sided in favor or Zephyrhills, who won the ensuing four games (2015-2018) by a combined 187-39 scoring margin.

But, in November, under first-year head coach Jason Stokes, Pasco finally unseated the Bulldogs – winning the November matchup by a decisive 27-9 mark. Even better for the Pirates, they did it on the Bulldogs home turf. The Pirates now lead the series 41-21, in a tradition that dates back to 1941.

Steinbrenner High boys’ cross-country (File)

Steinbrenner boys’ cross-country claim first state title
After finishing state runner-up the past two years, the Steinbrenner High boys’ cross-country program at last collected its first-ever state championship in the FHSAA Class 4A meet in Tallahassee in November.

The Warriors were paced by senior Josh King, who finished in sixth place overall, crossing the finish line in 15:52.32. The rest of the team’s top five runners were senior Blake Walker (19th, 16:05.88), senior Gabriel Lara (32nd, 16:19.79), junior Zachary Harrigan (45th, 16:26.18) and senior Rama Jonnalgadda (56th, 16:30.95). Steinbrenner’s 129 points in the meet were enough to edge out second-place team finisher Nease High (140)

Gaither, Steinbrenner football programs reach state semifinals
It was a banner year for the two Lutz area prep football programs, as both Steinbrenner and Gaither high schools reached the state semifinals in Classes 6A and 8A, respectively. Both programs were buoyed by top-flight senior quarterbacks— Haden Carlson for Steinbrenner, Tony Bartalo for Gaither — plus several other Division I prospects dotting their respective rosters. Moreover, both local programs went 12-2, marking the only 10-plus win seasons from teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Published January 01, 2020