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Wesley Chapel couple launches tourism-themed podcast

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Wesley Chapel’s Andy and Shannon Herbon love exploring Florida — then sharing those experiences with anybody who’ll listen.

As often as they can, the Herbons and their two young children venture across the state to visit theme parks and state parks, beaches, springs and waterfalls, hidden gems and other attractions.

Andy Herbon, left, and Shannon Herbon recently created a Florida tourism-related podcast, ‘Sunshine State of Mind.’ From hidden gems and state parks, to beaches and theme parks, Shannon and Andy discuss, review and debate all the wonderful (and occasionally weird) destinations and tourism news throughout the state.
(Courtesy of Andy and Shannon Herbon)

From the Florida Panhandle, to St. Augustine, to Miami — they’ll go just about anywhere to seek out fun, meaningful adventures.

“We live in paradise, so take advantage of it,” Shannon said.

The married couple’s interest in traveling the state recently sparked the idea to create a Florida tourism-themed podcast called, “Sunshine State of Mind,” that focuses on activities, events and destinations around the state.

The free, weekly podcast launched in April and has 18 episodes to date.

“We’d always be doing stuff on the weekends and friends would ask us for tips…and we kind of got to be real pros at what do around Florida, and we said, ‘Well, why don’t we do a podcast about this?’” Andy explained.

The couple got the extra motivation they needed to start recording as Shannon was wrapping up her master’s degree in digital media this spring from University of South Florida St. Petersburg.

She figured a podcast would make for the perfect thesis project.

They’ve been recording ever since, making it a regular part of their weekly routine, from their home studio. “After you do it, it kind of gives you a little buzz, like, ‘Yeah, that was fun,’” Andy said of podcasting.

In each episode, which run about 40 minutes, Shannon and Andy discuss, review and debate destinations and tourism news throughout the state.

Podcast topics have included “Our Summer 2018 Bucket List,” “Ten Amazing Places Floridians Don’t Want You to Know About,” “Ten Tips for Saving Money at Walt Disney World,” and “Florida Tourist Trap Alternatives.”

Said Andy, “People love lists. It’s a way to break it down easy – easy to digest.”

Other episodes have been reviews of entertainment venues such as TopGolf, Legoland Florida and other spots along the Interstate 4 corridor.

Yet, the podcasters don’t just focus on major tourist attractions such as Disney World, Busch Gardens or Universal Studios, nor the state’s collection of well-known beaches.

They also like to dive deep into lesser-known locales, such as Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, known for its bison and wild horses; Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, a contemplative garden and bird sanctuary; and, Devil’s Den Spring in Williston, where divers, swimmers and snorkelers travel in an underground spring inside a dry cave.

Locally, they’ll share tips and ideas about some of their regular adventure staples like Hillsborough River State Park and Lettuce Lake Park.

Sometimes the banter comically spreads to other Florida-related topics, such as to whether the state truly can be considered part of the South.

Andy and Shannon happen to be at opposite ends of that debate.

“It’s the south, geographically, but culturally it’s not the South,” says Andy, who moved to Tampa from Chicago in 2001.

Shannon quickly counters, as a sixth generation Floridian born in Tampa and raised in Land O’ Lakes: “My argument is that just because all of the northerners came and invaded doesn’t mean that those of us from Florida aren’t Southern.”

This podcast is picking up listeners
Lighthearted quibbles aside, “Sunshine State of Mind” has steadily grown in popularity.

Sunshine State of Mind, a Florida tourism podcast that focuses on fun and exciting things to do throughout the state of Florida, was launched in April by Wesley Chapel residents Andy and Shannon Herbon. The free, weekly podcast is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean and TuneIn.

After telling several friends and family members about the podcast, word-of-mouth eventually spread to complete strangers, many who’ve come to use it as a resource for upcoming vacations to Florida.

The podcast has a 5-star peer review rating (the highest possible rating) on iTunes among 34 reviewers.

Each episode has averaged anywhere between 150 to 200 downloads, Shannon said.

The most popular episode is “Ten Tips for Saving Money at Walt Disney World” with more than 300 downloads, closely followed by “Our Summer of 2018 Bucket List.”

Also, the podcast’s official Twitter page has nearly 3,000 followers and YouTube page has more than 1,400 subscribers.

“It’s been a lot more successful off the beginning than we thought,” Andy said, noting the number of listeners increases each week.

Shannon added: “Every once in a while when we do hear from strangers it’s like, ‘Wow, people are actually listening! What a thought?’ It’s kind of surreal because it’s only been a couple of months.”

Living in a subtropical state where others vacation is something the Herbons try not to take for granted, especially Andy, who came from the cold Midwest.

He explained: “Up there you’re stuck indoors six months out of the year and you really can’t do anything, and here, the festival season is great here during the winter time; there’s just so much to do all the time.”

Added Shannon: “(Andy) kind of opened my eyes to, ‘Wow, we really do have amazing things here,’ because to him, it was all new…”

They try to instill the same mindset into their kids, who are ages 10 and 11.

Said Shannon, “We don’t want them indoors, on their screens all day. We want them outdoors, experiencing Florida, having fun and being active…”

For families looking to get their kids out of the house this summer, Andy and Shannon highly recommend a visit to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, in Spring Hill.

The park, which opened in 1947, is renowned for its live mermaid shows, river boat cruises, animal shows and Florida’s only spring-fed water park, Buccaneer Bay.

“I feel like it’s so underrated,” Andy said of Weeki Wachee.

“It’s such a great park,” Shannon added. “It’s very ‘Old Florida’, like ‘Old Florida’ nostalgia. They have the waterpark, which is included with the admission, and you can swim in a spring; it’s beautiful.”

For information on Sunshine State of Mind, visit SunshineStatePodcast.com or email the Herbons at

Published July 11, 2018

More programs, initiatives, on tap at PHSC, provost says

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Pasco-Hernando State College — which recently has been recognized as one of the top schools in the nation for its return on educational investment — continues to add new programs and initiatives.

That was the message that Dr. Stan Giannet, the college’s provost, delivered to a crowd at a recent Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the Golden Corral.

Pasco-Hernando State College provost Dr. Stan Giannet was the featured guest speaker at the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce July 5 monthly breakfast meeting at Golden Corral. He discussed some of the new programs and initiatives the state college has in the works.
(Kevin Weiss)

The state college received notification from the Department of Education last month that it was one of the top schools for affordability in bachelor’s degree programs.

And, earlier this year, WalletHub, a national economic magazine, ranked PHSC among the top three community colleges in the nation for return on educational investment, out of more than 800 candidate schools. The WalletHub study took into account student learning outcomes plus the cost.

“We’re a major state power in higher education,” said Giannet, who has been at PHSC for more than 27 years.

Giannet, also PHSC’s vice president of academic affairs, said the college has “exceeded every metric” from employability, to test score passage rates in workforce programs — suggesting over 95 percent of PHSC students who graduate with associate of science degrees or receive technical certificates find employment in their chosen career field.

“There’s nothing worse for a college to do than to have a degree program where students invest money, invest time, get out in the workforce and (find) they’re not employable in the industry or the career of their choice. We don’t have that,” he said.

The state college provides training for more than 30 careers in business, health, industry and technology, and public service through new bachelor’s degree, Associate in Science degree and certificate programs.

And, while he’s proud of the institution’s growth and achievements over time, the college has much more on tap, Giannet said.

The state college has more than 15,000 students and 500 faculty and staff members across its five full-service campuses in Brooksville, Dade City, New Port Richey, Spring Hill and Wesley Chapel.

Giannet told the crowd: “We have a lot of things in the pipeline.”

The state college is building a $15.5 million performing arts instructional center, expected to be complete by Aug. 2020.

The facility will be built on a 5.5-acre tract of land donated by Pasco County Schools on the campus of Cypress Creek Middle High School, off Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Expanding its program and degree offerings
The state college plans to develop an Associate’s of Science degree in digital design and graphic multi-media technologies, and, Associate’s of Arts degrees in dance, music, and theatre. Several accompanying technical certificate programs also will be offered through the arts center.

The arts center will be shared with Pasco County Schools, and will be a venue for various community events.

“It’s going to be fantastic,” Giannet said.

The college also is working on other degree offerings, he said.

Pasco-Hernando State College boasts 5,000-plus students and 500 faculty members and staffers across five full-service campuses in Brooksville, Dade City, New Port Richey, Spring Hill and Wesley Chapel. (File)

The college offers two four-year degree programs currently, and is working to identify a third, Giannet said. The current four-year degrees, introduced in 2014, are for a bachelor of science in nursing and a bachelor of applied science in supervision and management. The college also is working with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to develop an A.S. degree in crime scene technology and forensics.

That program will likely be offered at the Dade City campus, with clinical training opportunities at the Adam Kennedy Forensics Field “body farm” on the grounds of the Pasco Sheriff’s detention facility in Land O’ Lakes.

The college also is gearing up for several contract and corporate workforce training programs that are set to come online.

Among them are a 911 training program for the Hernando Sheriff’s Office; a child protection services leadership program for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office; a medical scribe exclusive online training program; and, a childhood education certification program for the Pasco and Hernando school districts.

Elsewhere, PHSC is expanding its welding technology program to the west side of the county.

The welding program has been offered on the Dade City campus.

Now, Giannet said night classes will be available Marchman Technical College in New Port Richey, thanks to a developmental partnership between the college and Pasco County Schools.

That expansion is much needed due to an increased demand for certified welders and lack of programming the county’s west side, the provost said.

“We have a huge waiting list for welding on this (east) side of the county,” Giannet said. Our welders, when they graduate from our college, they’re snatched up by the industry. “It’s a win-win situation for our community,” he added.

Giannet also talked about the college’s new aviation program, which debuted last year.

The college offers four aviation-related associate degree programs — professional pilot technology, aviation administration, aviation maintenance administration, and unmanned vehicle systems.

Several PHSC students have already become certified pilots — including a female pilot in what is “a traditionally male-dominated industry,” Giannet noted.

He expects the program to skyrocket in the coming years.

“Aviation is going to be the hottest industry in the nation, with the impending shortage and retirement of all these aviation professionals…so we’re really excited for that program,” the provost said.

The college is next looking to create more aviation partnership, with facilities such as the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

It already has an existing partnership with American Aviation Flight Academy, at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport, he said.

Published July 11, 2018

 

 

Two Centex Communities Ideal For First-Time Homebuyers

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Talavera now open in Spring Hill; Wesbridge coming to Wesley Chapel

Affordable housing can be challenging to find in a hot real estate market like Pasco County — especially new construction. But, that is changing with two new communities being developed by Centex Homes.

Earlier this month, Centex held the grand opening of its model in Talavera, a new-home community in Spring Hill that’s located on U.S. 41, just north of State Road 52.

While Talavera’s address is Spring Hill, the community is located in Pasco County and children are zoned to top-rated schools in Land O’ Lakes.

Coming soon to Wesley Chapel is Wesbridge, another Centex development with first-time homebuyers in mind.  Located on Wells Road, directly across from the Wesley Chapel public school complex, construction will begin in July, with models opening in early 2019.

“People looking to buy at Talavera and Wesbridge are typically first-time homebuyers, with many right out of college and moving from an apartment” said Sean Strickler, West Florida Division president for Centex Homes.

“Buyers like the openness of our floor plans, and appreciate Centex’s design that puts most of a home’s square footage in rooms where families congregate,” he adds.

Every Centex floor plan features a great room that opens to the kitchen, and a flex room that can be used as a dining room, library, playroom or office. Centex buyers can also personalize their homes with individual choices in flooring, countertops and colors, and even have a selection of pre-planned structural changes to enhance their home.

“Our homes truly offer more flexibility than many lower priced homes offered by the competition,” said Strickler

Large Lots at Talavera
Centex recently began selling homes in Talavera, a community of 760 homes that has been underway for two years. Centex has 100, 65-foot and 75-foot lots available in this community.

“The homesites in Talavera are very large — you definitely get more property with your home,” said Strickler. “People moving to Talavera want a nice home, and are a little bit more willing to sacrifice commute time to ensure for a larger home that meets their budget.”

Centex offers nine floor plans in Talavera, ranging from 1,675 to 4,248 square feet. Homes are one and two story, with prices ranging from $210,990 to $326,990.

With a floor plan that is truly consumer-inspired, the Palm is Centex’s new, fully furnished model in Talavera. Four quick move-in homes will be available beginning in May.

Amenities are in place at Talavera, and include a resort-style pool, cabanas, children’s playground, basketball court and dog park.

Wesbridge Has Premium Location
Wesbridge’s 104 acres of former timberland and pasture is located in the heart of Wesley Chapel — one of Tampa Bay’s most in-demand communities.

It is located east of I-75 and north of State Road 54, between Boyette Road and Curley Road, and is less than a mile from Epperson — a master-planned community with a Crystal Lagoon that is attracting a lot of attention.

“Wesbridge’s location is perhaps its most desirable feature,” said Strickler  “This will be one of the most affordable new-home communities in the area.”

Another draw is the community’s top schools and close-by recreational facilities. Wesley Chapel Elementary, Weightman Middle and Wesley Chapel High schools are literally across the street on Wells Road. And, the 140-acre Wesley Chapel District Park is just a half mile away with its many baseball, soccer and football fields, tennis and basketball courts, fitness trail and picnic areas.

Wesbridge’s location also offers easy access to shopping and dining at The Shops at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets and the Bruce B. Downs corridor.

Like Talavera, Wesbridge also touts family oriented amenities, including a resort-style pool and splash zone, community clubhouse, children’s playground and dog park.

Many of Talavera’s two-story floor plans will be available at Wesbridge, where homes will be built on 40-foot, 50-foot and 60-foot lots. Home prices will begin in the mid $200s.

More information about Wesbridge, including home designs, pricing, pre-sales and site, can be found by signing up for the community’s VIP registration at Centex.com/Wesbridge.

About Centex
Centex is a division of Pulte Homes, the third largest homebuilder in the U.S. Pulte understood the demographic boom coming for first-time homebuyers, and in 2008 bought Centex Homes, which was a national brand targeted to this first-time buyer. Today in the Tampa Bay area, nearly half of Pulte’s business comes from its Centex brand.

“In an era where many potential homebuyers are feeling priced out of the market, Centex is proud to be in Pasco with affordable homes that are within 20 to 35 miles of Tampa,” said Strickland.  “Our two Pasco communities offer first-time homebuyers family focused, suburban living close to the area’s major traffic arteries.”

Strickler also adds that Centex Homes are built using the same quality materials and workmanship found in its more expensive Pulte and Del Webb home brands.

“Our Centex buyers get the same quality construction materials and processes, just at lower cost per square foot,” he said.

Talavera
Land O’ Lakes schools
Fast access to U.S. 41 and Suncoast Parkway
760 home sites
Large lots
Prices begin at $210,990
9 floor plans; 1 and 2-story homes
1,675 to 4,248 square feet
Model Home – Palm
Resort-style pool and cabanas

Wesbridge
Wesley Chapel schools
Fast access to I-75
350 home sites
Models open in early 2019
Prices begin in the mid $200s
1,500 to 4,000 square feet
Resort-style pool and splash zone

Published April 25, 2018

Pasco Sheriff’s Office expands youth Explorer program

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Explorer program, which teaches local youth different aspects of law enforcement, is expanding its reach to include middle-schoolers between the ages of 11 to 13.

The Junior Explorer Unit— referred to as Explorer Post 915—builds on the agency’s original Explorer Post 916. Chartered by the Boy Scouts of America, these original Explorers are young adults, ages 14 to 21, who are possibly interested in law enforcement careers.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco speaks about the Explorer program during a Jan. 9 interest meeting. The program teaches local youth different aspects of law enforcement. (Kevin Weiss)

The junior program, announced in September, is now accepting boys and girls who are either enrolled in a Pasco County middle school or home-schooled.

“We’re trying to expand the whole opportunities within the Sheriff’s Office, and we’re trying to build up the next generation of leaders in the county,” Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said during an Explorer interest meeting on Jan. 9.

The Explorer program exposes youth to fundamental principles of law enforcement.

Training includes everything from classroom instruction, scenario reenactments, traffic stops, state statutes, radio procedures, report-writing techniques and more.

Explorers also are exposed to forensics and crime prevention efforts, as well as introductions to some of the agency’s specialty units such as K-9, the Special Incident Response Team and underwater recovery.

The junior unit will cover many of the same topics, but at a less intense level.

It marks the first of its kind in the Tampa Bay area and just the second statewide to accommodate middle-schoolers; the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has a similar program.

Besides teaching interested youth about law enforcement, the Explorer program also strives to improve relations between the community and the Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s kind of bridging the gap between people who know a lot about law enforcement — because they’ve experienced it — and people that maybe don’t,” said Cpl. Justin Smith, a senior advisor to Explorer Post 916.

“You know a lot of people say, ‘Oh, you’re just here to arrest my dad.’ We want to show these kids…that we are so much more than that,” said Chase Daniels, assistant executive director at the Sheriff’s Office.

One of the state’s best programs
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office Explorers has about 35 active members. It has been recognized by the Florida Association of Police Explorers as one of the state’s best.

It finished fourth out of 28 posts in 2017 state competition, receiving high marks for mastery of active shooter, search and arrest, and crime scene scenarios. It also finished 3rd in 2016 and 2nd in 2015 at the state competition.

Jeremy Hixson spent five years as an Explorer and now serves as a citizen advisor to the program.

Besides learning the ins and outs of law enforcement, Hixson said he improved his communication skills, and his organizational and time management skills. He also learned about the importance of teamwork, accountability and responsibility.

The 22-year-old Wesley Chapel resident plans to enter the law enforcement ranks after he graduates from the University of South Florida; he’s already applied for a police academy sponsorship through the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

Pasco Explorers from left, Conor Ryan, Alex Acevedo, Ben Udden and John Jaufmann wear protective headgear for an exercise using simulation weapons in a mock active shooter call for service. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

“One thing that I really like about the Explorers is (the Sheriff’s Office) teaches you their guidelines — how to write a report, their general orders and everything—so that by the time you get hired you’re already well-focused on what their equipment is; it’s just great exposure to agency norms,” he said.

One of Hixson’s favorite memories as a young Explorer was participating in the ride-along program as a passenger observer. Explorers who are 15 and older can become eligible for ride-alongs.

“I’ll say it’s definitely cool going through red lights with lights and sirens,” Hixson said, with a chuckle. “It’s definitely a thrill, and I’m sure other Explorers will attest to that.”

Besides learning, Explorers volunteer in various areas of the Sheriff’s Office and help at many community and agency events.

They support parking efforts made at various races, such as the Savage Race at Little Everglades Ranch, and the Longleaf Triathlon at Starkey Park.

They also assist other festivals and special events, such as the Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, manning traps for shooters.

They’ve even been approved to help Sheriff’s Office members during natural disasters such as hurricanes — assisting deputies to work at approved hurricane shelters.

“I think it’s just a great opportunity for children that want to see what law enforcement does, and it gives them a little bit of a reality; but, it’s also about serving back in the community,” Nocco said.

Several former Explorers have developed into some of the agency’s most effective deputies, including Capt. Justin Ross, who went through the Explorer program as a teenager.

The program helped Ross land a civilian position as a forensic technician in the Sheriff’s Office after he graduated Mitchell High School in 2006.

“It definitely opened the door; it presented an opportunity for me at age 18,” Ross said.

He later made the transition to a sheriff’s deputy and earned a promotion to detective in less than two years.

Because of the Explorer program, Ross said he was a step ahead of other deputy hopefuls in the Sheriff’s Office field training program.

Ross noted he was well familiar with several aspects of the job “that a lot of people struggle with coming into law enforcement with no experience or any involvement prior.”

“You can stand out amongst all the rookies on the job, and it just really sets you up for a successful career,” Ross said of the Explorers.

Tyler Boogades hopes that’s the case for himself someday.

The 14-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident joined Explorer Post 916 about six months ago after finding out about it on Facebook

He’s interested in law enforcement, so Boogades figured “it was a good thing to try out.”

Learning about different topics — such as room-clearing tactics and state laws — has kept him intrigued at each Explorer meeting so far.

“I find the details really fascinating,” he said.

For more information about the program, visit PascoExplorers.com.

Explorer meetings will be every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Pasco Safety Town, 15362 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills.

Published January 17, 2018

Central Pasco chamber is on the move

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The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is looking to expand and relocate after nearly 15 years at its current location, 2810 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The chamber’s building is on the market.

As soon as a sale goes through, plans tentatively are to move to a small medical and business center, off State Road 54, adjacent to Highland Oaks Preserve, west of Livingston Road.

Shalyah Fearing, a local singer and contestant on ‘The Voice,’ performed at the Land O’ Lakes Music Festival. (File)

“The (current) building is outdated,” said David Gainer, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors.

Renovations were considered but Gainer said there was too little land to accommodate a larger building and parking. “We’re land-locked. There is no more room to add parking.”

With a membership currently totaling about 420 businesses more space is essential, Gainer added.

In 2015, the chamber celebrated its 40th anniversary. The nonprofit also merged with the Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to form one organization.

Central Pasco chamber began in 1975 with a more localized moniker – the Land O’ Lakes Chamber of Commerce. But, the local chamber evolved into a broader mission that covers residents and businesses in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough County.

Member businesses come from Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Trinity, Shady Hills, Spring Hill and Wesley Chapel.

During the year, the chamber sponsors numerous events and awards in support of the business community including a golf tournament, music festival and the “Heart of Pasco Award.”

“Our membership is growing,” he said. “We’re going to be adding staff and we don’t have room. Our board of directors can’t meet there so we meet at Copperstone Executive Suites.”

Gainer said the chamber is growing in response to all the new residential and commercial development in and around Land O’ Lakes.

“A lot of small businesses are doing well in this area and the region,” Gainer said.

He also attributed membership growth to the chamber’s decision to hire its first marketing and membership director, Suzanne Beauchaine.

“She’s doing a great job,” Gainer said.

Published Oct. 11, 2017

Festivities set to honor Earth Day

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Finding ways to celebrate Mother Earth and to recycle, upcycle and preserve its precious resources are the themes of Earth Day celebrations planned around the region.

One of the largest area events planned for Earth Day, known as Earth Day Tampa Bay, got its start as EcoFest at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz.

One shopper can collect 500 bags in a year, according to this depiction of the concept that was seen walking around at last year’s Earth Day Tampa Bay, also known as EcoFest, at Lowry Park.
(Courtesy of Learning Gate Community School)

Now, in its eighth year, the event has become Tampa’s signature Earth Day event, and it has grown into a collaboration between Learning Gate, the University of South Florida Office of Student Affairs and the City of Tampa.

The event is set to take place at the Lowry Park Zoo Bandshell area, at 7525 N. Boulevard, in Tampa, on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Thousands of people typically attend the event to learn the latest in earth-friendly practices and products, and to check out the fun activities offered for kids.

The event celebrates the principles of sustainability: Ecology, Equity and Economy. This year’s sponsors are Tampa Bay Water and Tampa Electric Co.

Planned highlights include a parkour agility course created by a participant in American Ninja Warrior, a kid-friendly Yoga Zone with classes, crafts, games and other fun activities.

Costumed superheroes will be roaming around; bands will be performing, and there will be plenty of chances to pick up some pointers on sustainable living.

Michele Northrup, organizer of the event, has been involved since the beginning.

“It’s going to be exciting this year,” said Northrup, noting “we have over 138 vendors.

“We have sustainability experts … We’ll have hybrid and electric vehicles. We have one vendor … who will demonstrate wind power,” she said.

The Owl Sanctuary will be bringing the beautiful owls that it protects, Northrup said.

There also will be interactive booths and chances for people to purchase everything from local honey to handmade soap to all sorts of other eco-friendly items, she said.

While EcoFest is expected to draw thousands to Lowry Park, Pasco County also is hosting an Earth Day celebration.

The family friendly event will take place at Crews Lake Wilderness Park, 16739 Crews Lake Drive in Spring Hill. It is scheduled for April 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We’re excited that the event will actually fall on Earth Day this year,” Lottie Kelley, event chair for Earth Day, said in a release. “This year, we’re adding the Suncoast Trail Earth Day Ride and Rick’s Raptor Rescue,” she said.

Other planned activities include:

  • Children’s crafts and education displays
  • An Interactive Water Ventures Learning Lab
  • A Florida native plants sale
  • Pet adoptions
  • A ladybug release
  • Upcycle vendors
  • An appearance by Spike, the 10-foot alligator from Croc Encounters
  • Household hazardous waste collection
  • Electronics recycling
  • A pill take-back program (for unwanted or expired medications)

Concessions will be sold by Mary Giella Elementary School as a PTA fundraiser.

Also, the University of Florida’s IFAS/Extension will offer two workshops: Rain Water Harvesting at 10 a.m., and Composting at 12:30 p.m. Preregistration is required for both workshops. Sign up online at Pasco.IFAS.ufl.edu/events_calendar.shtml.

To sign up, click on April and scroll down to event 1 of 2.

For more information about the festival, contact Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King at (727) 856-7252 or kking@@pascocountyfl.net.

Published April 29, 2017

Lacrosse fundraiser rescheduled to March

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The PascoLax Harley Jam, organized by the Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance (PCLA), has been rescheduled.

The event, originally slated for Dec. 3, will take place on March 25, from noon to 6 p.m., at the Concourse Rotary Pavilion, 15325 Alric Pottberg Road in Spring Hill.

The shindig, which organizers intend to hold annually, will feature a rock/country concert and a reverse raffle.

The Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance’s PascoLax Harley Jam has been rescheduled to March 25. The event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at the Concourse Rotary Pavilion, 15325 Alric Pottberg Road in Spring Hill. (File Photo)
The Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance’s PascoLax Harley Jam has been rescheduled to March 25. The event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at the Concourse Rotary Pavilion, 15325 Alric Pottberg Road in Spring Hill.
(File Photo)

Concert performers include three Tampa-based bands: Soul Circus Cowboys, Jaded and Phoenix. The grand prize to be raffled off is a choice of either a 2017 Harley-Davidson SuperGlide, or a $20,000 cash prize.

Tickets for the concert/raffle are $100, while concert-only tickets are $10 per person.

Only 2,000 tickets — 1,000 raffle and 1,000 general admissions — will be sold.

Food trucks and other vendors will be present, and 98 Rock will provide a live remote from the concert.

All net proceeds from the benefit will help the PCLA provide funding for several Pasco County high schools to offer boys and girls lacrosse programs.

Sunlake, Mitchell, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools will offer club lacrosse programs, for the 2017 season.

Anclote, Land O’ Lakes and Zephyrhills high schools, meanwhile, are expected to form boys and girls lacrosse programs, for the 2018 season.

The PCLA, a nonprofit organization, is also assisting the transition of the programs from a club-level sport to a Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)-sanctioned sport, beginning with the 2018 spring season.

Eric Handman, fundraising director of the PCLA, said the fundraiser will help subsidize the expenditures to operate each school’s boys and girls lacrosse programs.

“It costs a lot to fund a team,” Handman said, “when you consider refereeing fees, bussing, field use, goals and equipment.”

David Mazursky, president of the PCLA, told The Laker/Lutz News in September that he estimates equipment and operational costs for the lacrosse organization will total about $15,000 per school. Whatever funds aren’t covered through sponsorships will trickle down to players in a “pay-for-play” model.

According to its website, the PCLA is looking to set the registration fee in the same arena as Hillsborough County’s, which decreased from $390 to $320 over the past three years.

“The goal is eventually to get the pay-to-play fee more reasonable,” Handman said.

For more information, visit PascoLaxHarleyJam.com or PascoLax.org.

Published November 23, 2016

Catholic schools take part in week of caring

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Catholic schools around the Diocese of St. Petersburg partnered with Somebody Cares Tampa Bay for Carefest 2016.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School students share their love of music by donating 15 violins to St. Joseph Catholic School. From left, Mother Teresa students Brady Roell, Allie Monsour, W. Benjamin Jorgensen, Lillian Parrado, Autumn Wingfield, Jay Anastasia and Cody Flach. (Courtesy of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School)
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School students share their love of music by donating 15 violins to St. Joseph Catholic School. From left, Mother Teresa students Brady Roell, Allie Monsour, W. Benjamin Jorgensen, Lillian Parrado, Autumn Wingfield, Jay Anastasia and Cody Flach.
(Courtesy of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School)

Students joined thousands of volunteers across Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties to take part in the week devoted to service, from Sept. 17 to Sept. 24.

At the same time, the diocese celebrated “The Week of Caring in the Year of Mercy.”

During Carefest, schools throughout the diocese engaged in various efforts to extend themselves beyond the Catholic community, said Mark Majeski, associate superintendent of schools for the Office of Catholic Schools and Centers for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Students at Mother Teresa of Calcutta School in Lutz donated 15 violins to be used by students at St. Joseph Catholic School, and held a school supply drive to help other schools in the diocese.

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Spring Hill had a first responders’ week and donated canned goods and baby items, collecting enough to fill more than four large containers, to benefit Catholic Charities.

Students at Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio took part in a number of activities.

From left, Jacob Alcantara, Cassian O' Neill, Jaqueline Kowalewski, Elizabeth Kaplan, Noah Brooks and Peter Rygiel stand near the canned goods and baby items collected by Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School during Carefest 2016. (Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic School)
From left, Jacob Alcantara, Cassian O’ Neill, Jaqueline Kowalewski, Elizabeth Kaplan, Noah Brooks and Peter Rygiel stand near the canned goods and baby items collected by Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School during Carefest 2016.
(Courtesy of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic School)

Children made thank you cards and banners, and sang for first responders.

“We thanked them for the sacrifices that they are making for our safety. We are totally grateful for their service, because it is truly a call of faith and courage. They do a lot of selfless work for us, for our safety,” said Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal.

The children also made “survival kits” for the first responders.

They gave 105 survival kits to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and 19 to the local firefighters.

Each kit contained:

  • A prayer card for first responders. For police officers, a holy card of their patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel; for firefighters, a holy card of their patron saint, St. Florian

Each kit also contained a variety of candies, along with an explanation for first responders. Those were:

  • Life Savers: To remind you of the many times you have been one
  • Starburst: For the burst of energy you need
  • PayDay: Because you’re not doing it for the money
  • Paper clip: To hold it all together
  • Hershey Kisses: Because you deserve them from all
  • Gum: To help your unit stick together
  • Tootsie Roll: To help you roll with the punches
  • Peppermint Patty: To help you keep your cool
  • Snickers: To remind you to have a sense of humor
  • Mounds: For the mounds of courage you need
Saint Anthony Catholic School children hold a banner expressing their gratitude for the area’s firefighters, during Carefest 2016, a week set aside for service. (Courtesy of Saint Anthony Catholic School)
Saint Anthony Catholic School children hold a banner expressing their gratitude for the area’s firefighters, during Carefest 2016, a week set aside for service.
(Courtesy of Saint Anthony Catholic School)

Other good works performed by Saint Anthony School students included donating personal grooming supplies for the migrant community, donating supplies for a baby pantry, and donating kits for children at Sunrise Center.

“This is the Year of Mercy, so we wanted to do something special — caring for the poor, as well as caring for people who do good things for us,” Ottapurackal said.

When the police officers and firefighters visited the school, it offered a chance for children to learn more about the services that first responders provide to the community, she said.

And, the children were able to express their gratitude.

“So we are giving and receiving,” the principal said. “Children are learning how community works. A lot of good things are happening in this world.”

Published September 28, 2016

Wesley Chapel: No. 1 job market

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Wesley Chapel is at the top of the list for “best job market” in Florida, according to a report from WalletHub on 2016’s Best & Worst Florida Cities for Finding a Job.

The Washington D.C.-based financial website ranked 130 cities in the state in three categories: job market, socio-economic environment and overall.

While Wesley Chapel came in first, Lutz and Land O’ Lakes ranked 16 and 17, respectively, as best job markets.

In this category, reviewers looked at job opportunities, employment growth, starting salaries and unemployment rates.

In ranking for socio-economic environment, they considered median annual income, average commute times, employee benefits, housing and transportation costs, crime rates and social life, such as things to do and places to go.

Wesley Chapel scored second in affordable housing and third for lowest unemployment for high school graduates.

Overall, Wesley Chapel’s scores earned a fourth place finish behind Sarasota in first place, Jacksonville Beach in second place and Pensacola in third place.

Still, average workdays and commute times were factors working against Wesley Chapel, which mustered only a 66th place on socio-economic environment factors alone.

Lutz ranked 27th on the socio-economic score and 11th overall, while Land O’ Lakes languished in 113th place in socio-economic rankings and 46th overall.

Tampa ranked 15th in the job market, ninth in socio-economic environment and sixth overall. Brandon came in second behind Wesley Chapel in job market, 68th in socio-economic environment and fifth overall.

Spring Hill was 126th overall, 121st in the job market and 125th in socio-economic.

Miami Gardens sat at the bottom of the list overall and in job market, and rose only to 124th spot on the socio-economic

scale.

The full WalletHub report is available at WalletHub.com/edu/best-cities-in-florida-for-jobs/21610.

Published July 6, 2016

Guv’na candidate increasing fundraising efforts

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Greg Gilbert is new to the area — just like his competitor in the Lutz Guv’na race.

And just like his rival, Andre Pamplona of Royal Lanes Bowling, Gilbert was urged by by Suzin Carr, the Lutz Guv’na ambassador, to jump into the 2016 race.

“She was relentless,” Gilbert said, describing Carr’s encouragement for him to enter the race.

“However, it did sound like a lot of fun to do something like this, and to be involved in the community a little bit more,” said Gilbert, who took over as the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s in Lutz in December.

Greg Gilbert is a candidate for the annual Lutz Guv’na race. Gilbert is the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s, 18421 N U.S. 41 in Lutz. (File Photo)
Greg Gilbert is a candidate for the annual Lutz Guv’na race. Gilbert is the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s, 18421 N U.S. 41 in Lutz.
(File Photo)

Before moving to Florida, he spent 20-plus years in Michigan working as a general manager for both T.G.I. Fridays and Ruby Tuesday.

Due to his wide-ranging obligations to his restaurant, Gilbert admits he has some catching up to do on the Guv’na campaign trail.

To try to make up some ground, Gilbert plans to dive headfirst into fundraising efforts between now and July 4, the final day of the annual charity event.

He hopes to organize a car wash behind the restaurant, and perhaps hold a classic car show over the next few weeks to boost his campaign.

“I’m new to this area, so I have to find some avenues to make some of this happen,” said Gilbert, who lives in Spring Hill.

Though he considers himself to be “quite a shy guy,” he enjoyed participating in the whimsical Lutz Guv’na debate last month at the Old Lutz School.

There, he showed the ability to step out of his comfort zone during the question-and-answer portion of the debate, where he offered some clever responses to some of the “hot-button issues” pertaining to Lutz residents.

For example, during the light-hearted banter, Gilbert proposed to have “all Canadians stopped in Land O’ Lakes” as a solution to prevent snowbirds from inhabiting Lutz.

It’s also where he revealed his campaign slogan: “Beef it up at Brady’s.”

“I was pretty apprehensive going into it, but I had a lot of fun doing that,” Gilbert said about the tongue-in-cheek debate.

When he’s not working or dedicating time to fundraising efforts, the Guv’na candidate has a passion for brainteasers — he describes himself as a “crossword and Sudoku junkie.”

Despite his busy schedule, and no matter the outcome of this year’s Guv’na race, Gilbert has no qualms about becoming a candidate all over again.

“I’d be more than happy to try this next year, where I’ll be able to put a lot more into it,” he said.

The Guv’na race continues through the Fourth of July weekend.

The winner will be announced after the community’s traditional parade.

The next honorary mayor will receive the coveted “sash” from last year’s winner, Jennifer Rankin, who raised more than $9,200 in the 2015 race.

The annual charity event— which started in 1991— is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association, and benefits about 20 local causes, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Old Lutz School and the Friends of the Library.

The winner of the Guv’na race may also earmark 10 percent of what they raise to the organization of their choice.

If you’d like to contribute to Gilbert’s campaign, call (813) 909-2300, or email .

Published June 22, 2016