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St. Leo

Choices abound for holiday fun

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A lit-up tree with stocked presents below is a beautiful sight for both adults and children alike. (File)

The holidays are a traditional time for friends and families to gather, and to seek out ways to enjoy the lights, sounds and treats of the season.

If you’re looking to have some old-fashioned fun, to be inspired, or relax, there’s likely an option in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area to suit your fancy.

Here’s a listing of some of your options.

Lutz – Land O’ Lakes

Traditions on the Green holiday concert
When: Dec. 7 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy live holiday performances from students of Land O’ Lakes High School, Pineview Middle School, Sanders Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary and Pineview Dance.
Info: Call (813) 996-3011.

Pancakes, PJ’s and Putt-Putt
When: Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: $12 for age 13 and up; $10 for ages 4 to 12; $43 for family four pack (two adults, two kids); free for those age 3 and under
Details: Enjoy a pancake breakfast while in pajamas. The event also will offer miniature golf, photos with Santa and kids’ activities.
Info: Tickets can be purchased at EventBrite.com (Pancakes, PJ’s and Putt-Putt in search box).

Myrtle Lake Baptist Church Christmas dinner
When: Dec. 8 from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road, Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: The church will hold a special holiday dinner to ring in Christmas.
Info: Call (813) 949-5516, or visit MyrtleLake.org.

Harvester Community Church musicals and service
When: Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Where: Harvester Community Church, 2432 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: Dec. 8 will consist of holiday tunes put on by the church’s choir and contemporary ensemble. Dec. 15 will be an outdoor event where guests can partake in carols and firepits, accompanied with hot cocoa. The Dec. 24, 4 p.m. service, will be a family oriented service in the sanctuary and offer a “Happy Birthday, Jesus” party in the children’s wing. The 6 p.m. service will have a candlelit rendition of “Silent Night.”
Info: Call (813) 948-2311, or visit HarvesterUMC.com.

St. Timothy Catholic Church’s “Christmas in Ireland”
When: Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
Where: St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz
Cost: $35 general admission; $50 (including meet-and-greet, which starts at 5:30 p.m.) Tickets can be purchased online or at the church office.
Details: Singer Emmet Cahill and the St. Timothy Choir will grace attendees with a rendition of classic Christmas carols. A portion of proceeds will go toward families in need.
Info: Call (828) 553-8553, or for ticket purchases, visit EmmetCahill.com/tour-dates/.

23rd Annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School
When: Dec.10, Dec. 12, Dec. 14, Dec. 17, Dec. 19, Dec. 20, Dec. 21, Dec. 26 and Dec. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy entertainment in the outdoor tent, while the school’s interior will offer rooms with trees, decorations and a train setup. Refreshments also will be served. Breakfast With Santa will be on Dec. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For a $4 ticket, children can enjoy a hearty meal and crafts. Voluntary donations for the needy also will be collected.
Info: Call (813) 310-8709, or visit OldLutzSchool.com.

Idlewild Baptist Church’s Christmas “Real to Real”
When: Dec. 13 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 14 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 15 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., Lutz
Cost: Seating selection varies from $10, $15 and $20.
Details: The church function will recap the history of Christmas, as seen in classic movies.
Info: Call (813) 264-8707. Tickets can be purchased at the church’s event registration desk on Sundays and Wednesdays or at Idlewild.org/Christmas-presentation-tickets/.

Christmas Toy Drive
When: Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: Kids Helping Kids Pasco County Inc., will host the toy drive, where all are invited to contribute a donation. Aside from toys, clothing and shoes will be collected, as well.
Info: Call (813) 957-5711.

Keystone Community Church’s “Breath of Heaven”
When: Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Lutz
Cost: Free
Details: The event will be a biblical drama and musical, reenacting the story of Mary and Joseph that led to Jesus’ birth.
Info: Call (813) 948-4522.

Christmas Eve Communion Service
When: Dec. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road, Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: The public is welcomed to partake in a traditional communion service on the night before Christmas.
Info: Call (813) 949-5516, or visit MyrtleLake.org.

Lutz, Odessa, San Antonio, St. Petersburg and Palm Harbor

Tampa Bay Tour de Clay
When: Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and San Antonio Pottery exclusively from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where:
Wellman & Welsch Pottery, 17202 Whirley Road, Lutz
San Antonio Pottery, 11903 Curley St., San Antonio
Hidden Lake Pottery, 16705 Hutchison Road, Odessa
Schiemann Studio, 4635 Eighth Ave., St. Petersburg
Pottery Boys Studio, 30 Bogie Lane, Palm Harbor
Cost: Free
Details: The event will grant guests to tour the respective pottery studios, speak with potters, watch demos and purchase ceramic art.
Info: Call (407) 694-9622, or visit Tampa-Tour.SquareSpace.com.

Symphony in Lights
When: Through Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: With a lit Christmas tree, patrons can enjoy live music, and a visit from Santa Claus, among other spectacles. Various shops and restaurants are open, too.
Info: Contact Deborah Detweiler at (813) 994-4010 or .

Wesley Chapel

Family Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus
When: Dec. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Where: Cypress Creek Church, 5585 E. County Line Road, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: Guests will not only get to take snapshots with Santa and Mrs. Claus, but also engage in ornament making. Kids also will have classes designated for them.
Info: Call (813) 909-4080, or visit CypressCreekChurch.org.

Avalon Aglow
When: Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy live performances, food trucks, vendors, and take a picture with Santa.
Info: Call (813) 783-1515, or visit AvalonParkWest.com/AvalonAglow2019/.

Christmas in the Park
When: Dec. 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are welcomed to the park for a night of singing carols and enjoying s’mores.
Info: Call (813) 602-1104.

Symphony in Lights
When: Through Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
Cost: Free
Details: With a lit Christmas tree, patrons can enjoy live music, and a visit from Santa Claus, among other spectacles. Various shops and restaurants are open, too.
Info: Contact Deborah Detweiler at (813) 994-4010 or .

Zephyrhills

Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: Attendees can help to usher in the Christmas season with the official tree lighting in downtown Zephyrhills.
Info: Call (813) 780-1414, or visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Festival of Lights
When: Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: The event will be comprised of live musical entertainment, food, multiple vendors and free photos with Santa.
Info: Visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org/Festival-of-Lights/.

35th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
When: Dec. 8 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: AdventHealth Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: From 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., the hospital will have a visit from Santa, bounce houses and a Christmas-oriented picture booth. From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be several musical performances. It will be followed by lighting 53 Christmas trees and setting off fireworks.
Info: Call Jane Freeman at (813) 787-2082.

Dade City

Dade City Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Dade City on Seventh Street, Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: Spectators can view the parade consisting of decorated floats, dancers, marching bands and Santa Claus.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCityChamber.org/Christmas-Parade.

Country Christmas & Vintage Market
When: Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per student, and free for those age 5 and under; $5 adult admission in exchange for an unwrapped stocking stuffer donation toward senior citizens.
Details: In addition to visiting the historic museum, patrons can visit an array of vendors for holiday gifts. There also will be live performances, kids’ activities and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Info: Call Brenda Minton at (352) 206-8889.

34th Annual Country Christmas Stroll
When: Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City, Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue, Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: Attendees can sing carols while visiting numerous downtown restaurants and shops. Santa Claus also will make a special appearance.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769.

Dade City Symphony Holiday Concert
When: Dec. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Pasco Middle School Auditorium, 13925 14th St., Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: The public is welcomed to hear live instrumentation to usher in the Christmas season.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCitySymphony.com.

Church Street Christmas
When: Dec. 21, Dec. 22 and Dec. 23, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Church Avenue in Dade City (the road will be closed off at 6 p.m.)
Cost: Free
Details: Attendees can stroll down Church Avenue, gazing at decorated homes, Christmas cards, and listen to live music from local churches and musicians.
Info: Visit ChurchStreetChristmas.org.

New Year’s Eve at the Speakeasy
When: Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.
Where: GFWC Dade City Woman’s Club, 37922 Palm Ave., Dade City
Cost: $75 per ticket
Details: The 1920s-themed charity event will give attendees the opportunity to come dressed in gangster and flapper attire. The function will have an array of options from food, an open bar, a silent auction, dancing, casino games and prizes.
Info: Call the Dade City Woman’s Club at (352) 521-0766. To purchase tickets, visit EventBrite.com.

San Antonio

Christmas in the Park
When: Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.
Where: San Antonio City Park, 32819 Pennsylvania Ave., San Antonio
Cost: Free admission; Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event for $1 each or $5 for six.
Details: The function will consist of the Christmas cards lighting, live performances and a gift basket drawing, with raffle tickets. Refreshments and coffee will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and flashlights.
Info: Call Donna Stewart at (352) 588-3631.

St. Leo

A Saint Leo Christmas
When: Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Saint Leo University’s Black Box Theatre, 33701 State Road 52, St. Leo
Cost: Free, but an RSVP is required.
Details: The concert will have a score of musical performances, and offer cider, cookies and hot chocolate. Handmade ornaments can be purchased by adults and given free for children. Guests are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes prior to concert.
Info: To RSVP seats, call (352) 588-8401, or email .

Published November 27, 2019

Sister Mildred enjoyed ‘tinkering’ with machinery

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Sister Mildred Gelis, OSB, was known for motoring around Saint Leo University on her little scooter.

When her scooter failed her, her mechanical skills went to work — to get it running again. She also was known to have a knack for maintaining cars, helping to keep costs down for her community of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, who live in Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo.

Sister Mildred Gelis, OSB, enjoyed riding her scooter around the Saint Leo University campus, and was known for her knack for maintaining machinery. (Courtesy of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida)

These are among the memories of Sister Mildred  shared in a news release from the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, who also announced her passing, which occurred on July 26.

Sister Mildred was born on June 28, 1925, and grew up in Slidell, Louisiana. She is survived by her Benedictine Sisters community, and several nieces and nephews, including Michael and Cynthia Lewis.

She attended public school, and when Our Lady of Lourdes School opened, the Gelis children went there. Our Lady of the Lourdes was staffed by the Benedictine Sisters from Holy Name, in Florida, and although she was very young, Sister Mildred became convinced she wanted to become a nun.

So, after her high school graduation in June of 1942, she left home and received her training as a Sister in the Order of St. Benedict at Holy Name in St. Leo.

She then attended Mount St. Scholastica College, in Atchison, Kansas.

Sister Mildred received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University, in New Orleans, and a graduate degree in Theology from St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota.

She taught in parochial schools in Ocala, Jacksonville Beach and Sarasota.

She also taught at a little rural public school in St. Joseph, where she taught a combined class of  first, second, third and fourth grades.

After 31 years of teaching and leadership positions, she retired in 1981.

That retirement was short-lived.

Sister Mildred decided to return to school to learn printing; after that, she went to work for Saint Leo University, eventually running its Copy Center.

Although she loved the work, she did say “the pressure of meeting deadlines could get hectic at times,” according to the release.

Her other roles in service in her community included Scholastic Mistress, sub-prioress, and councilor. She also volunteered for a number of years on the St. Leo town commission.

Sister Mildred was remembered in a vigil and a Mass of the Resurrection last weekend.

Anyone wishing to honor Sister Mildred can direct donations in her memory to Benedictine Sisters of Florida, P.O. Box 2450, St. Leo, FL 33574; BenedictineSistersOfFl.org.

Published August 07, 2019

Laker/Lutz News captures seven Florida Press awards

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The Laker/Lutz News brought home a total of seven reporting and photography awards from the Florida Press Association 2018-2019 Weekly Newspaper Contest.

Staff photographer Christine Holtzman, and freelance contributors Richard K. Riley and Fred Bellet accounted for five of those awards.

The Laker/Lutz News received seven awards at the Florida Press Association 2018-2019 Weekly Newspaper Contest at The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club on July 12. Attending the luncheon, from left, were Kevin Weiss, Kathy Steele, B.C. Manion, Brian Fernandes and Christine Holtzman. They were accompanied by Diane Kortus, owner and publisher of The Laker/Lutz News. (Diane Kortus)

Holtzman won first place feature photo for an image she captured of a young girl from Land O’ Lakes, eyeing a giant bubble.

“This entry  has everything I want to see in a pic,” the judge wrote. “Focal point into bubble is spot on. The colors pop. Her concentration is on point. What’s not to love? Great job. Seriously perfect photo.”

Holtzman also won second place for a collection of photos, which included a sunset over an East Pasco pasture, a couple dancing at a Latin Festival, a color war at a Lutz church, a blessing of the pets at a Dade City church and the little girl with the bubble.

Riley won first place photo series for a wide selection of images he captured at the Pasco County Fair.

“These photos bring a reader right into the heart of the fair. The lights, the games, the rides and entertainment. Nice variety,” the judge wrote. “Special kudos on the delayed exposure and the sunset shots. Beautiful photos that are clear and crisp, and really tell a story.”

Bellet won second place photo series for images he captured of ukulele players enjoying a jam  at Ukulele Brand’s in Land O’ Lakes. The judge appreciated “the sheer joy of these photos,” and added, there were “some great angles coupled with interesting subject matter.”

Bellet also won second place in the sports photo category for his image of a jubilant reaction after a championship victory secured by Academy at the Lakes.

Staff writers Kathy Steele and Brian Fernandes teamed up on a series of stories about the Ridge Road Extension to win a third place in the roads and transportation category. The judge noted the reporters’ “extensive coverage” on the topic.

Staff writer Kevin Weiss also claimed a third place in the education feature category for his story entitled, “This summer camp offers insights into solving crimes,” based on a summer camp offered for youths by Saint Leo University in St. Leo.

The competition drew a total of 1,386 entries from 56 weekly newspaper. Experienced editors and publishers from Arizona, California, Colorado, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York judged the entries.

The awards were presented on July 12 during a luncheon at The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club.

Published July 17, 2019

Easter events offer religious observances and family fun

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It’s that time for egg hunters to round up their baskets and get busy. Many local events give kids and adults, alike, a chance to search for eggs. (File)

Whether they want to celebrate their faith, take the kids for an egg hunt, or just enjoy some fellowship with church friends — there are plenty of seasonal options throughout The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Check out the listings below.

LUTZ

What: While We Wait
Where: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Lutz
When: April 19 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The musical and dramatic production showcases the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion from the apostles’ perspective.
Info: Visit KeystoneCommunityChurch.org, or email .

What: The Easter Story
Where: CrossPointe Family Church, 919 Debuel Road, Lutz
When: April 19 and April 20 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: A musical will be performed depicting the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Info: Call (813) 949-7727, or visit CrossPointeTampa.com.

What: Is He Worthy?
Where: First Baptist Church of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41, Lutz
When: April 19 at 7 p.m.; April 21 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy a range of harmonious songs as the Easter Worship Choir performs in unison.
Info: Call (813) 949-7495, or visit LutzFBC.com.

What: Easter at Idlewild
Where: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., Lutz
When: April 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; April 21 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: On April 20, a special service will be followed by outdoor fun with food trucks and games for families. April 21 will begin Easter early with a worship service and performances by a choir, band and orchestra.
Info: Call (813) 264-1515, or visit Idlewild.org/Easter2019/.

What: Unexpected
Where: NorthPointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Dr., Lutz
When: April 20 at 7 p.m.; April 21 at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:35 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are invited to watch the story of Jesus dramatized through a musical performance.
Info: Call (813) 948-9420, or visit NorthPointeFL.org/Easter.

What: Easter Sunday Worship
Where: All Saints Lutheran Church, 5315 Van Dyke Road, Lutz
When: April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The Easter service will have sunrise service to start the day, followed by breakfast, an egg hunt and finishing with family worship.
Info: Call (813) 963-0969, or visit AllSaintsTampa.org.

What: Easter Sunday Communion
Where: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road, Lutz
When: April 21 at 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Opening service will consist of a communion ceremony and worship, followed by breakfast, where attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share.
Info: Call (813) 949-7171, or visit HolyTrinityLutz.com.

What: Easter at Bay Hope Church
Where: 17030 Lakeshore Road, Lutz
When: April 20, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; April 21, 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Join in the Easter celebration.
Info: BayHope.com

What: Easter at St. Timothy Catholic Church
Where: 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz
When: April 20, 8 p.m. Easter vigil; April 21, 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (The 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will be in the church and hall).
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 968-1077.

What: Resurrection Sunday at First United Methodist Church of Lutz
Where: 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
When: April 20, Sonrise Service on the Lake, 7:30 a.m.; additional services at 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., at the church. There will be special music at all services.

LAND O’ LAKES

What: Easter Basket Drive
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: April 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are encouraged to bring donations, such as Easter baskets, plastic eggs, candy, small toys, Play-Doh, arts and craft supplies, and gift cards ($5).
Info: Call Michelle Patel at (813) 957-5711, or email .

What: Out and About 2019 Expo
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: An Easter-themed expo will grant guests the opportunity to learn about local attractions and summer camps. Games and egg hunts will be offered, as well as snapshots with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Contact Diane Kortus at (813) 909-2800 or ; Jodie Sullivan at (813) 927-2730 or at .

What: Easter Sunrise and Celebration Services
Where:  Drexel Farms, 5832 Drexel Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The event will begin with an opening service, followed by a country breakfast and then an Easter celebration.
Info: Call Janis Chajkowski at (813) 777-5420.

What: SonRise Celebration in the Park
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are invited to usher in Easter with a communion service, live musical performances and hot coffee.
Info: Call Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park at (813) 929-1229.

What: Easter Sunday Mass
Where: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 at 6 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (bilingual service)
Cost: Free
Details: All are welcomed to join in the celebration of Easter Mass, which includes a sermon and a choir performance.
Info: Call (813) 949-4565, or visit LadyRosary.org.

What: Easter at The Church at Myrtle Lake
Where: 2017 Riegler Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21, Sonrise Service, 7 a.m.; free breakfast; Easter celebration, 9 a.m.; Easter egg hunt, 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 949-5516.

What: Resurrection Sunday at First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes
Where: 5105 School Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: Easter Sunday, April 21 at 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Dr. David Gibbs, founder of Christian Law Association will be the guest speaker.
Info: Visit FBCLOL.org.

WESLEY CHAPEL

What: Center Ice Egg Hunt
Where: AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
When: April 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: All are welcome as AdventHealth Center Ice offers clues for where to find Easter eggs hidden throughout Wesley Chapel.
Info: Call (813) 803-7372, or visit www.AHCenterIce.com.

 What: Egg Hunt at Avalon
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This family oriented event offers bounce houses, egg hunts and a chance to take a photo with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Call (813) 783-1515, or visit AvalonParkWest.com.

What: Cypress Creek Church Easter Event
Where: Cypress Creek Church, 5585 East County Line Road, Wesley Chapel
When: April 20 at 6 p.m.; April 21 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The church event will offer a worship service, as well as refreshments, followed by an egg hunt.
Info: Call (813) 909-4080, or visit CypressCreek.church.

What: Easter Sunday Mass
Where: Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church, 3758 Maryweather Lane, Wesley Chapel
When: April 21 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The Easter Sunday Mass will include the lighting of incense and musical performances.
Info: Call (813) 418-1281, or visit WCEpiscopalChurch.org.

What: First Baptist Church Easter Service
Where: First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel, 29716 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
When: April 19 at 6:30 p.m.; April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: A Good Friday evening service, open to the public, will usher in Easter weekend. Easter morning will begin with a sermon and song service, followed by breakfast and another ceremony.
Info: Call (813) 973-7185, or email .

DADE CITY

What: Dade City Community Good Friday Service
Where: Free Methodist Church, 37002 Howard Ave., Dade City
When: April 19 at noon
Cost: Free
Details: A Good Friday service will include music, a sermon and lunch afterwards.
Info: Contact Selena Semanco at (352) 567-8424 or .

What: Easter at the Zoo
Where: Dade City’s Wild Things, 36909 Blanton Road, Dade City
When: April 19 at 1 p.m. and April 20 at 3 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $20 for adults; $16 for ages 2 to 12; free for those age 2 and younger
Details: After an animal tour and lion encounter, kids can stay active with an Easter egg hunt around the zoo.
Info: Call (352) 567- 9453, or to purchase tickets, visit DadeCitysWildThings.com.

What: Renovate Church’s Easter Eggstravaganza
Where:  Renovate Church, 11631 Old Lakeland Highway, Dade City
When: April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This family friendly event will offer snow cones, egg hunting and face painting among other activities.
Info: Visit RenovateChurch.us/events.

What: Easter Morning Egg Hunt
Where: First United Methodist Church of Dade City, 37628 Church Ave., Dade City
When: April 21 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This event is geared toward infants to fifth-graders. It entails music, fun lessons, an egg hunt and snacks.
Info: Call (352) 567-5604, or email .

SAINT LEO 

What: Easter Triduum
Where: Saint Leo Abbey, 33601 State Road 52, St. Leo
When: April 18 at 7 p.m.; April 19 at 3 p.m.; April 20 at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The three-day ceremony will conduct mass, while focusing on Jesus’ last supper to his day of resurrection.
Info: Call (352) 588-8181, or email .

SAN ANTONIO

What: St. Anthony of Padua Easter Service
Where: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 32825 Rhode Island Ave., San Antonio
When: April 20 at 8 p.m., and April 21 at 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The services will entail an Easter vigil, as well as morning mass for attendees.
Info: Call (352) 588-3081, or email .

ZEPHYRHILLS

What: Easter Eggstravaganza
Where: Rising Star, 5026 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
When: April 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $30 per ticket for those ages 5 to 12 (guardians get in free)
Details: Kids can celebrate Easter with an array of activities, such as taking snapshots at the photobooth, decorating eggs, coloring Easter pictures and creating an Easter basket. Pizza and cupcakes will be served.
Info: For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y6zsw8yk.
For other inquiries, call (813) 618-0700.

What: Egg Drop
Where: New Walk Church, 35008 State Road 54, Zephyrhills
When: April 19 at 6 p.m.; April 20 and April 21 both at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.  A wristband will be given to those who wish to participate, during the children’s ministry preceding the hunts.
Cost: Free
Details: A helicopter will drop more than 100,000 Easter eggs out on an open field for kids to run and grab.
Info: Call New Walk Church at (813) 469-9299, or visit NewWalk.Church/Easter. 

What: Easter Breakfast Service
Where: Cornerstone Community Church, 8527 Old Lakeland Highway, Zephyrhills
When: April 21 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: After a morning Easter service, attendees can enjoy a potluck breakfast and coffee.
Info: Call (352) 567-6494, or email .

What: Easter Sunrise Service
Where: AdventHealth Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
When: April 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The hospital invites guests to bring a lawn chair and join in for a morning sermon, song service and the release of doves. Free refreshments will be served.
Info: Email Jane Freeman at .

While there is a wealth of Easter events within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, there are many other options throughout the Tampa Bay Area region.

Published April 17, 2019

Saint Leo offers new scholarship program

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Saint Leo University has launched a new scholarship program to make higher education more accessible to Catholic high school students in Florida.

Available for students beginning in the fall, the Catholic Promise Scholarship will award Florida students, who have attended four years at a Catholic high school, with an annual scholarship of $14,000 toward their tuition at Saint Leo’s University Campus.

The scholarship will be renewable each year, for up to four years — amounting to a cumulative total of up to $56,000 in financial aid by the time the student graduates.

When combined with the Florida Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) grant of $3,500 per year and an annual $5,500 to $7,500 in Stafford Loans, Saint Leo University’s annual tuition will be significantly reduced for recipients of the Catholic Promise Scholarship every year.

“As the first of its kind in Saint Leo history, the Catholic Promise Scholarship will effectively bring the cost of a high-quality, private, liberal arts education within the reach of many Catholic high school students across the state of Florida,” said Dr. Senthil Kumar, Saint Leo University vice president for University Campus Admissions & Center for Global Engagement, in a release.

Students must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete four years at a Catholic high school
  • Have an unweighted 3.0 GPA
  • Be a U.S. Citizen and Florida resident
  • Attend Saint Leo at University Campus
  • Live on campus all four years
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA and full-time status while earning a degree

This commitment to promoting accessibility and affordability of Catholic higher education demonstrates Saint Leo’s Benedictine core values, both as an institution and pillar of the Catholic community, according to university officials.

Saint Leo University will host a Catholic Promise Scholarship Open House on April 7 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on its main campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo. Prospective students and their families, school counselors, and the public can attend, at no cost. Mass will be celebrated as part of the open house events at the Saint Leo Abbey Church at 10 a.m.

To register for the open house, call (352) 588-8283.

Published April 3, 2019

Sister Helen Lange’s life comes to a close at age 105

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Sister Helen Lange, a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, was remembered last week at two masses at Holy Name Monastery, in St. Leo, and at a reception at St. Anthony Parish Hall.

She was 105 at the time of her death.

Sister Helen, formerly known as Laurina Lange, was still a teenager when she traveled by train from Texas to Florida to pursue the religious life, according to a memoir she wrote, called “Kicking the Habit.”

A look at Sister Helen Lange, before she shed her religious habit. She later wrote a memoir, entitled ‘Kicking the Habit.’ (Courtesy of Benedictine Sisters of Florida)

The year was 1930, and she was accompanied by four of her cousins — Irma Multer, Pauline Block, and Rosaria and Rosanna Matthiesen, who also had decided to answer God’s call.

In her memoir, Sister Helen described growing up on a farm in Olfen, Texas.

She grew up in a family that prayed often, enjoyed making music, and had frequent gatherings with friends and relatives, the account says.

She enjoyed shopping days with her mother. Once the necessary household items were purchased, she and her mother would stop by the drugstore for an ice cream soda, which only cost 25 cents back then, the account adds.

Easter season was one of her favorite times of the year.

“Holy Week was truly Holy Week. There were no radios, no running around, no dancing or partying,” her memoir says.

“On Holy Saturday, all of us kids were sent out to pick flowers to build Easter nests for the bunny to come. While we were out hunting the flowers, little did we know that mom was busy dying the eggs — which we never saw until Easter morning.

“We made small nests with the wildflowers we picked out in the fields.

“On Easter Sunday morning, we all tumbled out of bed to see what the Easter bunny had brought. There were eggs of all colors neatly laying in our nest of flowers. What a beautiful day!”

Over the years, Sister Helen would be a teacher, a band director and a principal. She would oversee a hostel for visitors from other countries. And, later, she would work in elder care.

Paramedic John Ward helps Sister Helen Lange blow out the candles during her 103rd birthday celebration at Heritage Park in Dade City. (File)

She also moved around quite a bit. Her first assignment took her back to Texas, but she also worked in New Orleans and Slidell, Louisiana, and in various parts of Florida, including San Antonio, Venice, Sarasota, North Miami, Ocala and Jacksonville Beach.

Most recently, she was living at Heritage Park Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dade City.

That’s where Sister Helen celebrated her 105th birthday on Sept. 28, surrounded by 75 guests.

Besides other sisters from her community, guests included friends and relatives. Sister Helen’s cousin, Joan Schmidt, from Brandon, was there, as well as her niece, Monica “Shotsie” Keyes, who traveled from Salem, Virginia, and Keyes’ daughter, Stefanie Martin.

In a 2016 interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Sister Helen said one of the hardest things she had to do during her religious life was to leave one assignment for the next, because she had always developed deep attachments to the people where she was.

But then, she said, she’d form new attachments in her next assignment.

Ultimately, she wound up loving each of her assignments, whether she was teaching kindergarten or sixth grade, or working as a principal.

“The sixth grade was the most joyful. There were a lot of boys in the class. I loved teaching boys,” said the nun, who described herself as a tomboy at heart.

During that Laker/Lutz News interview, which occurred when she was 102, Sister Helen said she had “no regrets” about boarding that train to go join the Benedictine Sisters of Florida — to follow her spiritual call where it led her.

“I’d do it all over again,” Sister Helen said.

Donations in honor of Sister Helen may be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, P.O. Box 2450, St. Leo, FL 33574-2450.

Published March 27, 2019

This summer camp offers insights into solving crimes

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As many high school teenagers spend their summer break relaxing and having fun, a small group of students used their free time another way — dusting fingerprints, analyzing blood spatter patterns and studying forensic clues.

These campers were learning how to solve crimes as part of Saint Leo University’s inaugural Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Summer Camp.

Saint Leo criminal justice instructor Dr. Bobby Sullivan, far left, lectures campers on various fingerprinting techniques at the university’s Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Summer Camp. Sullivan has more than three decades of policing experience, including as a detective sergeant and commander of the narcotics, intelligence, street gang, and counter-terrorism units. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The camp gave high school juniors and seniors a hands-on and behind-the-scenes look at evidence collection, documentation and preservation of evidence through a variety of mock crime scenes.

About a dozen rising high school juniors and seniors from Texas, Pennsylvania and Georgia, as well as Florida, took part in the weeklong camp at the university’s main campus on State Road 52 in St. Leo.

The camp was led by Saint Leo faculty members with extensive experience in the criminal justice system, as well as a host of experts in criminology. The camp offered a realistic glimpse at the hard work and critical thinking needed to locate, preserve and analyze evidence.

Activities included casting foot and tire impressions, and learning about the use of insects in crime scene decomposition.

Campers also learned how to locate and dig up human remains. And, they learned how to conduct interviews and interrogations, and to present their findings.

Saint Leo CSI campers practice documenting a crime scene outdoors, as Saint Leo assistant professor of criminal justice Joseph Cillo looks on.

The camp also included a field trip to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Forensics Services Section to learn about latent prints and blood spatter, tour an evidence locker, and view a vehicle being processed for evidence by forensic experts.

The camp culminated in three mock crime scenes, where students had to apply the knowledge they had learned throughout the week. The exercise included collecting and documenting evidence, and then presenting it to a mock grand jury. One such scenario required students to process a car used in a simulated kidnapping and homicide.

Many campers hope to someday work in a crime lab or law enforcement.

Alona Beadles, a rising high school senior from Atlanta, wants to be an FBI agent.

Leesburg’s Amanda Phillips, too, dreams of working for the agency.

Others, including Bradenton’s Vincent Gulbrandsen, want to become a forensic or behavioral analyst.

Here, camper Amanda Philips, of Leesburg, is in the process of casting a footprint. Phillips, a rising high school junior, wants to have a career in the FBI someday.

“I have always wanted to do something with solving crimes in some way,” said Gulbrandsen, who’ll be a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School.

Learning body decomposition and blood spatter patterns fascinated him most, along with the various techniques used in documenting a crime scene.

Said Gulbrandsen, “I really enjoyed learning about blood splatter…and how you can track which way the killer went with a weapon, or, you can track where the murder takes place, depending on the direction of the spatter.”

Charlotte Braziel, a Saint Leo criminal justice instructor and retired Tampa FBI agent, is the brainchild behind the CSI camp.

At the FBI, Braziel was senior team leader for the Tampa Evidence Response Team and a certified instructor of crime scene management, case management, presentation skills and defensive tactics.

As Braziel taught students crime scene techniques, she often referenced her past experience in the field, such as working high-profile cases on John Gotti Jr., and the Gambino organized crime family.

To drive home a point in other discussions, Braziel would mention other widely known cases, such as the O.J. Simpson murder case.

“They like the fingerprints. They like the blood spatter. They like the stuff that’s on TV,” Braziel said of the experience of teaching the campers.

In one midweek lesson, Braziel stressed the importance of crime scene photography, and how investigators and detectives need to take at least four basic photos — long-range, medium, close-up and close-up with scale.

Two other key takeaways from the photography lesson — you can never take too many photos; and, never, ever delete a photo. “Every time you go somewhere, you take a photograph,” she noted.

Real-life investigations not much like TV
In an adjacent classroom, Dr. Bobby Sullivan, another Saint Leo criminal justice instructor with more than three decades of policing experience with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, pointed out the nuances of rigor mortis and lividity, and how forensic entomologists use maggots from a dead body to establish when a person died, and whether or not a body was moved.

Learning fingerprinting techniques was one of high school campers’ favorite exercises at the inaugural Saint Leo CSI Summer Camp.

Sullivan would certainly know, with his lengthy background as a former detective sergeant and commander of the narcotics, intelligence, street gang, and counter-terrorism units.

“Establishing the time of death is huge in an investigation, because now we know approximately when this person died…and we can figure out what (our suspect) was doing at 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon,” Sullivan told the campers.

Saint Leo assistant professor Joseph Cillo, meanwhile, gave students a different perspective into the criminal justice system.

Cillo, a former Los Angeles defense attorney and an expert on serial killers and mass murderers, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court, detailed the importance of forensic evidence collection in building an airtight criminal case.

In one demonstration, Cillo scattered handfuls of Milk Duds on a classroom floor — telling students to imagine each as a piece of evidence and a piece to a puzzle in crime solving. “You have to put them together to make a clearer picture,” Cillo said, “and you have to do it sufficiently so that defense attorneys can’t tear your evidence up.”

Retired Tampa FBI agent Charlotte Braziel, right, shows camper Samantha Stephenson, of Palatka, how to describe and document items at a crime scene, as part of Saint Leo University’s inaugural Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Summer Camp, which ran from June 24 to June 29. The camp offered a realistic glimpse at the hard work and critical thinking needed to locate, preserve and analyze evidence.

Students discovered pretty quickly that what’s shown on TV dramas, like Criminal Minds, NCIS and CSI are, for the most part, embellished and sensationalized.

They also come to find out associated jobs within forensics oftentimes include long hours and tedious work, not to mention they’ll be placed in the center of unsavory crime scenes.

Sullivan explained what forensics work is really like can be a slap in the face to a lot of kids: “They’re watching CSI, and they’re seeing women running around in miniskirts and high heels, carrying guns and interviewing bad guys, and locking up the bad guys. They’re not seeing that you never see a bad guy, you never see a suspect — you are so focused on the crime scene and the evidence that the only time you may see a suspect is at trial when you’re testifying. You never talk to him, you don’t interview him, you don’t get in shootouts with bad guys; most forensics people don’t even carry guns, so, that’s kind of the wake-up call,” he said.

Though the assortment of TV crime dramas millions watch aren’t quite the real thing, campers did observe some likenesses, such as the fingerprinting technology used to nab suspects.

“It’s not like TV, but occasionally you’ll see something similar, but it’s not the same,” Philips said.

But, that realization didn’t deter some campers, including Gulbrandsen, who still want to work in criminology.

After the camp, the high-schooler is even more sure it’s the route he wants to take: “I’m very interested in going into the forensics field,” Gulbrandsen said.

Published July 18, 2018

Local governments share forum

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Pasco County has shared interests with city governments, but it’s a rare occasion for county and city officials to meet in a joint public forum.

But, that’s exactly what happened on June 26 when staff members and elected officials from Pasco County, the town of St. Leo, San Antonio, Zephyrhills and Dade City sat down at Saint Leo University to discuss topics of mutual interest, and such meetings could become an annual or semi-annual event.

“We need to do more things together,” Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., said.

Officials from Pasco County, the town of St. Leo, San Antonio, Dade City and Zephyrhills held a joint forum at Saint Leo University to discuss topics of mutual interest. (Kathy Steele)

Most of the talk centered on roads, traffic and redevelopment.

Each of the city and town representatives highlighted accomplishments and issues of concern.

Traffic and road projects topped the list, including one traffic crossroad, known as “calamity corner.”

The intersection is where State Road 52, headed toward St. Leo, takes a turn to the right. But, motorists at that juncture also are navigating along Pompanic Street and College Avenue.

They are guided by signs to stop or yield, and a string of three red caution lights that motorists can find confusing.

“There are a lot of accidents, near accidents, and complaints,” said Eric Stallworth, who serves on the San Antonio City Commission.

Former Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader spoke a few months ago at a Pasco County Commission meeting about the intersection and urged county commissioners to find a fix for it.

One idea was for a roundabout.

That appealed to Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who said the topic could be brought up at the August Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Discussion also focused on current and ongoing road projects, including widening and realigning State Road 52.

An additional extension of State Road 56 is being sought, too.

Currently, State Road 56 is being extended from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills’ officials are seeking additional state funding for a study on linking State Road 56 to State Road 39.

City and county benefit from greater roadway connectivity, said Todd Vande Berg, Zephyrhills’ planning director.

With roads and existing rail lines, Vande Berg said, “We think there’s an opportunity to have an inland port at the (Zephyrhills) Municipal Airport.”

Zephyrhills and Dade City representatives also provided brief views on projects paid with revenues from their Community Redevelopment Areas, or CRAs.

Zephyrhills has used funds for items, including Hercules Park, street lighting and three neighborhood cleanups that removed 900 tons of debris.

“It has made a difference,” said Gail Hamilton, the city’s CRA director.

Future plans include Zephyr Park improvements.

Dade City (which has two CRAs) used its CRA funds, along with Florida Department of Transportation money, to extend Hardy Trail. The trail is envisioned as part of a network of area trails.

The CRA also provides matching grants as incentives to redevelop Dade City’s historic downtown.

The projects brought praise but also criticism of CRAs in general from Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“It’s no secret. I’m not a big huge fan of CRAs,” he said. But, he added, “I do appreciate both cities doing it properly, and not including the entire city in a CRA.”

Moore and other county commissioners have been critical of CRAs in Port Richey and New Port Richey, which are drawn to include all properties within city limits.

State law has since been amended to be more restrictive, with a CRA being no more than 80 percent of a municipality.

CRAs are special taxing districts that generate property taxes for reinvestment in community projects to end blight within those districts. Once a property tax baseline is established, future property tax revenues are available to the CRA. Those revenues, then, aren’t available to the county’s general funds.

Moore said it doesn’t make sense for areas with expensive homes to be in a CRA. “Obviously, we know an entire city isn’t blighted,” he said. “That’s not too kosher.”

He anticipates the Florida legislature eliminating new CRAs after complaints about mismanagement statewide.

Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina disagreed.

“I’m not sure they’re going away,” he said.

If they do, Spina said the city would lose the incentives it can now offer to spark redevelopment. “We have a much more vibrant downtown now,” he added, because of the city’s CRA.

It’s the “bad apples” that are misusing CRAs that are the problem, said Starkey.

“I’m OK with it, if we add accountability and transparency,” she said. “I think the language in the (Florida) statute was poorly written.”

Published July 4, 2018

Labor shortage delays debris removal

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Those piles of Hurricane Irma debris could be sitting near homes for as long as a couple of months, Pasco County officials have said.

That’s because there’s a shortage of work crews.

Pasco County homeowners may need to exercise patience, while they wait for debris from Hurricane Irma to be removed by subcontractors working for Pasco County. County officials say there’s a shortage of subcontractors available to get the job done. (Mary Rathman)

Officials hope that residents will be patient, as the county struggles to pull together enough work crews.

Pasco County Utilities, Solid Waste and Resources Recovery Department set the start of debris collection for Sept. 18. But, finding and keeping subcontractors who can do the work is proving difficult.

The problem is, Hurricane Irma took a swing through the entire state, stretching local government resources.

Financially, subcontractors are finding more lucrative contracts in South Florida, where Irma did the most damage. That has made it difficult for Pasco to secure and hold onto subcontractors.

“I’ve got a lot of complaints that we’re not getting anything picked up,” said Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.

Working with the county’s consultant, Ceres Environmental Services, Pasco had hoped for 16 work crews. By Sept. 25, that number fell to eight. Then, one day later, the county could only count on four crews.

“There’s just not that many resources,” said John Power, the county’s solid waste facilities director. “At the rate we’re going now, we’re talking about a couple of months.”

Even as Pasco works to find its own crews to supplement county efforts, Power said other counties were calling Pasco to ask for manpower.

On Sept. 26, county commissioners approved inter-local agreements to allow Ceres Environmental Services to aid in securing cleanup services for Dade City, San Antonio and the Town of St. Leo.

Similar agreements are possible with New Port Richey and Port Richey.

Zephyrhills is the one city that has been able to do its own debris pickup.

Adding to Pasco’ cleanup task are suspicions that some residents are putting out more than storm debris curbside.

“A lot of people are using it for spring cleaning,” said Power, who said he was also waiting for debris at his home to be picked up.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore wasn’t so sure.

“We need to be careful about making determinations,” he said.

The furniture and other goods being tossed onto residents’ piles could be from actual storm damage, he said. “It’s a delicate situation.”

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles said the county likely will follow with a second county sweep after completing the initial pickups over the next weeks.

Pasco County officials have issued guidelines for debris pickup:

  • All debris materials must be brought to the curb or roadside.
  • Do not block fire hydrants, mailboxes, electrical boxes or other structures.
  • Do not bag debris.
  • Contractor generated debris won’t be picked up.
  • Refrigerators should be empty, with the doors secured or removed.
Piles of debris from Hurricane Irma may be a common sight around Pasco County, possibly as long as a couple of months. The county is struggling with a shortage of work crews to remove the debris. (Kathy Steele)

Debris must be separated into the following categories:

Furniture: Mattresses; couches, sofas, chairs; dressers; lumber, if not pressure treated; particle board; laminated flooring; dry insulation (if wet, pile with construction); carpet and padding

Construction: Drywall, plasterboard, ceramic tile, concrete, lumber (pressure treated), wet insulation

Vegetation: Tree cuttings (must be no more than 5 feet in length, and all branches must be bundled)

White Goods: Appliances, metal furniture, metal shelving, bicycles, items that are more than 75 percent metal

Hazardous Waste – Delayed Pickup: Any household chemicals; oil, gas, flammables; lawn and garden chemicals; televisions; computer monitors, computer towers (CPUs)

Contractor-generated debris won’t be picked up.

Requests for debris pickup must be submitted to Pasco County Customer Service Center by emailing ">, providing the address where the debris is located.

Residents also can call customer service at (727) 847-2411.

Pasco County now has a map, an interactive tool to track hurricane-related storm debris pickup, available at arcg.is/2wSHdN5.

Yellow boxes on the map indicate the areas in which crews are working.

Published Oct. 4, 2017

Area spared worst of Hurricane Irma

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Hurricane Irma devastated other parts of Florida, causing less damage than feared in Tampa and surrounding communities.

But area homes, businesses and other locations were not entirely spared from Irma’s wrath.

Concerns continue over rising floodwaters, which already have flooded homes and roads.

Rising water on River Road in Dade City made the road live up to its name in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. (Stefanie Burlingame)

And, Irma’s whipping winds knocked down trees, shredded billboards, damaged fences, ripped off shingles and siding and did other types of damage to locations throughout The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Power outages became a major hassle for residents and businesses, causing many businesses to remain closed after Irma blew through and utility crews to swarm to widespread power outages.

Pasco’s four power companies — Duke Energy, Tampa Electric, Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative and Sumter Electric Cooperative — reported 217,382 addresses without power, according to statistics provided by Pasco County’s emergency management officials.

Still, Pasco County officials were grateful that the area did not feel the full force of Irma’s fury.

Throughout Pasco County, Irma destroyed four homes and caused major damage to 56, according to county statistics. Additionally, 124 homes had minor damage and 205 were affected. Plus, 90 businesses reported property damage.

Hurricane Irma shredded billboards as she made her way through northern Hillsborough and Pasco counties. (B.C. Manion)

“I think we’re fortunate. We were forecasted to possibly see a Category 3 or (Category) 4 hurricane come right through here. We are fortunate that did not happen,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley noted there was concern about the county’s mobile home communities, in particular, given the high winds that were predicted.

“If you look at Zephyrhills, they really came through,” Oakley said. “We’re very fortunate.”

Both commissioners said they continue to be concerned about rising floodwaters and property damage, but they also praised the community’s response to Irma.

“Our citizens in Pasco County are just amazing,” Moore said. “I have just witnessed so many people being so generous in helping one another, and offering to help each other.”

In the run-up to the hurricane, for instance, people were filling up sandbags all over the county to help them protect their businesses and homes.

Utility crews could be seen all over Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties, as crews worked to restore power. (B.C. Manion)

At one location, Moore said, he began chatting with some of the folks, who told him: “We were here to get sandbags. We saw people needed help, so we’ve been here for five hours. (They were) all walks of life, all types of people. The community has really come together.”

Irma’s potential threat prompted the opening of 26 hurricane shelters across Pasco County, which housed 24,100 people, including those with special needs.

Nearly 800 students and support personnel sheltered at University Campus in St. Leo.

Damage assessments are ongoing, but Irma knocked down a number of trees on the campus, and water got into at least 60 rooms, according to a university report.

After Irma passed, Moore said he put out a call for volunteers to load equipment at Wesley Chapel High School to help get some nursing home residents back home.

“I put on a Facebook call to action and said, ‘Hey, if anybody can down here, we’re loading U-Haul trucks with equipment.’

A tree crashed down on a mobile home in a mobile home park on Morningside Drive in Dade City. (Stefanie Burlingame)

“You wouldn’t believe the response,” he said, noting he wound up telling some volunteers that they already had enough help.

“I was touched by that, just knowing that our citizens are there, wanting to help one another and not looking for any accolades.”

Another bunch of volunteers showed up on Sept. 15 to help load cleaning supplies, snack foods, clothing and other donations onto a convey of 10 vehicles at Wesley Chapel Nissan, to take them to the Pasco County Staging Area, a temporary distribution center near the Suncoast Parkway.

The donations came from customers and employees of the dealership, members of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club Noon, members of the community, area churches and Support the Troops.

Hurricane Irma also caused plenty of disruptions.

Besides the power outages, parents were forced to find new day care options, as public schools in both Hillsborough and Pasco counties closed as Hurricane Irma approached, and remained closed for the week following its landfall.

Those venturing around The Laker/Lutz News coverage area found it more difficult to get around, too.

At the peak of the storm, 749 county roads were closed, and in the aftermath, 97 of the county’s 260 traffic signals weren’t working because of power outages.

There were stop signs at some normally lighted intersections; generators strapped to utility boxes at others; and, in most cases, motorists were expected to treat the intersection like a four-way stop. Some motorists did, but others did not.

Considerable efforts were made to keep the public informed.

Those stepping up to provide emergency help drew high praise from elected officials.

The county’s Resident Information Center fielded 20,340 calls between Sept. 8 and Sept. 14, and throughout the storm, the Joint Information Center used social media, news releases and video links to provide timely information in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. Those communications included 57 news releases, 42 media alerts, five news conferences and 67 media inquiries. There were 12 reporters embedded in the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center.

Pasco County officials also are grateful for a lengthy list of community partners and agencies that have been helping in recovery efforts. Those partners include law enforcement agencies, utility companies, city governments, the school board, the University of South Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, the Florida National Guard, volunteer ham radio operators, emergency response team volunteers and external rescue teams from Ohio, Arkansas, Illinois, among others.

Commission Chairman Moore put it this way: “The team has just been incredible. These people are running on fumes. You never hear anybody complaining.”

He planned to express his appreciation at the board’s session this week.

“I will give them a standing ovation at the meeting,” Moore said.

Published September 20, 2017