VFW Post 8154, in Zephyrhills, was packed with people to celebrate Edward Bruno’s 100th birthday on Oct. 12. “I think he will be absolutely stunned to see how many people have come out today to honor him and celebrate his birthday,” said Suzanne Ahmad, his niece. And, so he was. “It’s a surprise to me,” said Bruno, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, during an event that attracted … [Read more...]
Veteran’s gratitude for new face, new friend
August 28, 2019 By
When Veteran Don Clough looks in the mirror, he says he’s now satisfied by what he sees. That’s after undergoing multiple surgeries over the course of the last seven decades. The surgeries were required after he suffered serious facial wounds while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Born on the Fourth of July, the Missouri native felt an obligation to serve his … [Read more...]
Local veterans’ home celebrates 20 years of service
May 8, 2019 By
The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home drew hundreds to a celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the center’s opening in Land O’ Lakes. The April 30 ceremony was held outside the facility, which has been home to veterans and has been a place where many community organizations have been involved for two decades. Marlies Sarrett, the facility administrator, opened the … [Read more...]
Marine Corps celebrates birthday in style
November 14, 2018 By
It’s not every day that a celebration is held for a 243rd birthday, but that’s exactly what the Marine Forever Detachment No. 1440 did recently to honor the history of the U.S. Marine Corps. The detachment, also known as the Marine Corps League of Lutz/Land O’ Lakes, had its sixth annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant in the Heritage Harbor Golf and Country Club, in … [Read more...]
Baldomero Lopez was more than a local hero
June 6, 2018 By
When motorists drive past the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes, chances are they won’t know much about the history of the man for whom the facility is named. That’s where Bill Dotterer comes in. He’s a volunteer with the Tampa Bay History Center and he shared the story of 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez’s life and his heroic actions during a talk earlier this year at … [Read more...]
Respecting ‘Old Glory’ throughout the year
June 14, 2017 By
While the nation sets aside June 14 to celebrate Flag Day, a local group of U.S. Marine Corps veterans wants to honor local residents and business owners who respect Old Glory every day of the year. The Marine Forever Detachment No. 1440 has established the American Patriot Award to do just that. The group, which meets in Land O’ Lakes, recognizes that it takes time and care to properly … [Read more...]
Making life easier for local Marines
June 22, 2016 By
Seventy-seven-year-old L. David Kirk lives by the U.S. Marine Corps’ motto, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” He served in the Marine Corps from 1956 to 1964, completing two tours of duty in the Mediterranean, two tours of duty in Okinawa, and serving in Southeast Asia and California, as well. “It was the best eight years I ever spent, because it took me from teenager to man,” said the … [Read more...]
North Tampa Behavioral Health set to expand
March 9, 2016 By
North Tampa Behavioral Health is preparing to embark on a $9 million expansion, with 24 additional beds expected to open in January 2017 and another 24 beds to open a year later. The center, at 29910 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, opened on Oct. 1, 2013. It has 75 beds and offers services for people with mental health needs including depression, addiction, anxiety, bipolar, psychosis, … [Read more...]
In Print: Something funny happening at Beef’s?
November 19, 2014 By
Football and hockey might be the first thing that comes to people's minds when they think of Beef O'Brady's. But comedy? That might be something new. Yet, the Beef's at 7040 Land O' Lakes Blvd., is welcoming comedians to the sports-themed restaurant once a month. And coming up Nov. 21 is a teacher-turned-jokester from Pinellas County, Mike Rivera. "There's nobody else who has a comedy … [Read more...]
Giving thanks with a grateful heart
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives. This past year has been particularly joyful for me, both professionally and personally. Since this newspaper is such a big part of my life, I want to share with you the top 10 reasons Thanksgiving is especially meaningful to me this year. Our readers I want to thank all of the readers of The Laker/Lutz News for … [Read more...]