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University of South Florida

Hometown kids to watch in college football

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Before becoming college football standouts regularly seen on national television and in massive stadiums across the country, these athletes distinguished themselves on the gridiron locally, in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Big-time college football has returned this fall — later than usual and with a pared-down schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that won’t stop several locals with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area from enjoying the big stage and making plays on Saturdays in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Southeastern Conference (SEC) and American Athletic Conference (AAC), among others.

Here’s a closer look at a handful of hometown players to keep an eye on throughout the 2020 college football season:

Isaiah Bolden, receiver
College: Florida State University, redshirt sophomore
Local tie: Wesley Chapel High School

Wesley Chapel High product Isaiah Bolden is a redshirt sophomore receiver/kick returner at Florida State. (Courtesy of Florida State University sports information department)

After spending his first two years working as a defensive back at FSU, the 6-foot-2, 196-pound Wesley Chapel High product has shifted to the offensive side of the ball — to wide receiver. Throughout preseason, FSU coaches have raved about Bolden’s size, athleticism, big play ability and passion for the game.

But, just how much playing time the redshirt sophomore garners at the position remains up in the air, as he tries cracking a deep, experienced position grouping.

At the very least, expect to see plenty of Bolden as a co-starter on kick return duties. Playing in all 13 games last season, he returned six kickoffs for 156 yards, including a career-long of 41 yards, and one punt return for seven yards.

Bolden was a three-sport star at Wesley Chapel, shining in football, basketball, and track and field. In addition to his pigskin talents, Bolden was the varsity basketball team’s leading rebounder (8.5 rebounds per game in 2017-2018) and collected a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash at 2018 Class 3A state championships.

The former Wildcat was a consensus four-star recruit and courted by some two dozen Division I FBS college football programs, including several other blue bloods.

Donovan Jennings, left tackle
College: University of South Florida, junior
Local tie: Gaither High School

Gaither High product Donovan Jennings is looking to build off a respectable 2019 campaign along the offensive line for USF. (File)

The massive 6-foot-5, 338-pound Gaither High alumnus is cemented as USF’s starting left tackle in a new up-tempo offense, and is looking to build off a strong 2019 showing where he saw action in 10 games and made eight starts.

In fact, Jennings last season was the team’s highest-graded offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus (66.9), a website that focuses on thorough analysis of the National Football League (NFL) and NCAA Division I football.

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

Expectations remain high again in 2020. He’s been named to the Athlon Preseason All-Conference Fourth Team and Phil Steele Preseason All-Conference Fourth Team.

Jennings, surprisingly, didn’t begin playing football until his freshman year of high school, as size limitations in youth leagues prevented him from playing the sport. However, he blossomed in four short years at Gaither, earning All-State honors and scholarship offers from the University of Central Florida, and Virginia, Marshall, Old Dominion and Toledo universities, among others.

Odessa native Devontay Love-Taylor brings an experienced presence to Florida State’s offensive line. Love-Taylor prepped at Mitchell High School. (Courtesy of Florida State University sports information department)

Devontay Love-Taylor, right tackle
College: Florida State University, redshirt senior
Local tie: Odessa native

The Odessa native is set to make an immediate impact for Florida State — penciled in as the team’s starting right tackle following his transfer from Florida International, where he made 16 starts in 32 career games and last season earned honorable mention All-Conference USA recognition.

The sturdy 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman is being leaned on for his experience, work ethic and maturity. The website Pro Football Focus graded Love-Taylor an above-average rating (74.2) on 721 snaps last season in an FIU uniform.

Love-Taylor prepped at Mitchell High School, where he earned first-team All-Conference honors and pushed the program to the 6A state playoffs. He also played basketball.

Tre’ McKitty, tight end
College: University of Georgia, graduate student
Local tie: Wesley Chapel native

Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty is listed as the starting tight end at Georgia, an SEC program with legit national championships aspirations this year. (Courtesy of University of Georgia sports information)

The Wesley Chapel native looks to be entrenched as the starting tight end on a Georgia team with legitimate aspirations of hoisting a national title and ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound McKitty transferred to Georgia from FSU in January following a coaching change. He played in 35 career games in three seasons at FSU, hauling in a combined 50 receptions for 520 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

In camp with his new squad, Georgia coaches raved about McKitty for bringing a gritty demeanor and showing aptitude in blocking, along with making catches.

Prognosticators are likewise bullish on McKitty’s final season, as he was named to a preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, awarded to the nation’s top tight end.

McKitty grew up playing in the Land O’ Lakes-based South Pasco Predators youth football league. He played his freshman year at Wesley Chapel High then prepped at Bradenton’s IMG Academy, where he was a blue-chip recruit

Steinbrenner High alum Noah Ruggles is in a kicker position battle at North Carolina. He was the team’s primary place-kicker last season. (File)

Noah Ruggles, kicker
College: University of North Carolina, junior
Local tie: Steinbrenner High School

Ruggles emerged as North Carolina’s primary kicker as a sophomore last season, converting 19 of 27 field goal attempts — including a long of 49 yards — and perfect on all 45 of his extra-point attempts.

The former Steinbrenner High standout was nearly automatic for the Tar Heels on kicks inside 40 yards, but struggled on some longer kicks, including going 0-for-3 on attempts of more than 50 yards.

His defining moment in 2019 came when he kicked the game-winning field goal in a 20-17 home win against conference rival Duke in a late October contest. It was just a week removed from UNC head coach Mack Brown benching Ruggles, after he missed two overtime field goal attempts in a road loss to Virginia Tech.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound kicker will need to prove himself once again. He’s listed second on the team’s depth chart behind All-American Furman transfer Grayson Atkins, but is still expected to earn ample opportunities.

Closer to home, Ruggles earned All-State honors at Steinbrenner and was named most valuable player of the East-West Hillsborough County Senior All-Star Game in 2016.

Zephyrhills High alum Ja’Quan Sheppard is poised for a bigger role this season for Cincinnati. (Courtesy of University of Cincinnati sports information department)

Ja’Quan Sheppard, safety
College: University of Cincinnati, sophomore
Local tie: Zephyrhills High School

The Zephyrhills High product is pressing for a larger role this season for a Cincinnati program favored to finish atop the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

As a true freshman in 2019 for the 11-3 Bearcats, the 6-foot-2, 197-pound safety played in nine games, mostly as a special teams ace, where he ranked among the team’s top special teams defenders with six stops on kickoff coverage. Sheppard collected two tackles in his Cincy debut at Marshall, and also tied that mark with two tackles at Houston.

In high school, Sheppard was mostly known for his skills as wide receiver at Zephyrhills, where he registered a combined 91 catches for 1,649 yards and 25 touchdowns across four varsity seasons. His impact helped guide the Bulldogs to arguably its best season in program history in 2018 — winning 11 straight games and reaching the Class 5A region semifinal. He was no stranger to accolades, earning All-State and All-Conference honors, and being invited to the Pasco County Senior All-Star Football Game. Sheppard was a consensus three-star recruit with more than 20 offers from Temple, Marshall and Kentucky, among others.

Published September 16, 2020

If you want to help kids, Kiwanis Club wants you

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A new Kiwanis Club in Wesley Chapel is looking for civic-minded people who want to help build leadership-related activities for school-age children.

“If I asked you, ‘Would you like to be part of an organization that gives all of its money to children and the development of children’s programs,’ how can you say no?’’ said Joe Meyer, a Sarasota-based Kiwanis member who specializes in building and maintaining clubs.

The Kiwanis Club has four new Tampa Bay clubs forming, including one in Wesley Chapel. Florida has 240 adult chapters with approximately 6,900 members.

In the United States, the organization raises more than $100 million annually and dedicates it to 150,000 community service projects, which translates into 18.5-million service hours.

Kiwanis Club in Wesley Chapel is seeking new members.

The clubs are involved in all sorts of public service works.

They have built all-access playgrounds, restocked libraries, created food pantries, bought medical equipment, hosted diversity fairs, and stuffed backpacks with school supplies.

Ed Anderson, a Wesley Chapel realtor and Kiwanis member since 1977, is serving as advisor for the new Wesley Chapel club.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced most of its organizational meetings to be held via Zoom video conferencing, but Anderson is encouraged by the initial response.

“Wesley Chapel is such a fast-growing area, one of the fastest-growing places in Florida, that it just seems like a natural to establish a club that could really grow,’’ said Anderson, who has most recently served as secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Carrollwood. “Even though Wesley Chapel is a fairly affluent area, there are still folks who need things.

“Once you’re a Kiwanian, it becomes part of your life. Once a Kiwanian, always a Kiwanian. You’re able to impact the community and make a difference. There are many networking groups and business groups. They are great, but their purpose is to build businesses. In Kiwanis, your sole objective is giving back to the community — specifically kids.’’

What are some of the Kiwanis projects?

The Terrific Kids bumper stickers, as in “I have a Terrific Kid at Wesley Chapel High School,’’ is a Kiwanis project.

The Key Clubs that exist in most high schools, emphasizing leadership, character development and service? That’s Kiwanis.

The BUG (Bring Up Grades) programs that recognize students who raise their grade to an acceptable range and offer certificates, buttons and parties? That’s Kiwanis, too.

Kiwanis also is about people such as Alex Dang, a Wiregrass Ranch High School graduate and a University of South Florida freshman who’s majoring in bio-medical sciences. He has designs on medical school and becoming a pediatrician.

In his sophomore year at Wiregrass Ranch, Dang joined the Key Club.

“The comparison of myself from the beginning of high school compared to now is so dramatic,’’ said Dang, 18. “I’ve learned about social networking, communication skills and public speaking. I was a Key Club board member, so I had to speak and become a leader.

“Before, I didn’t really pursue any of those skills. Key Club gave me a push in that direction and really put my life on a different course.’’

Dang has joined the Kiwanis Club of Wesley Chapel.

“Wesley Chapel is such a tight-knit community, so I really think a lot of people are going to join and participate in the activities and sponsorships,’’ Dang said. “The best thing about Kiwanis Club is anyone can join, no matter what skill set you have. In fact, it’s even better if you have a different skill set because that makes the club more diverse and strong.’’

Meyer, a membership-building specialist, said all walks of life are welcome.

“We get bankers, real estate professionals, insurance people, automotive repair, sales people, retailers, school employees … you name it,’’ Meyer said. “It’s all about getting people to work together and helping children in the community. You have to have a big heart and the desire to help kids. There’s great camaraderie in the club and the rewards are immense.’’

For any men or women interested in the opportunity, the Kiwanis Club of Wesley Chapel’s Facebook page summed it up:

“Kids are curious, lovable and hilarious. They are also wild, impatient and vulnerable. Help us look out for kids in Wesley Chapel and around the globe.’’

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Wesley Chapel, contact Ed Anderson at (813) 841-2773 or .

By Joey Johnston

Published September 09, 2020

New principal embraces chance to lead Steinbrenner

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Tiffany Ewell, the new principal at Steinbrenner High School, said she always  knew she would face a learning curve when taking the leadership role at a school.

However, she said, “my learning curve might be a little steeper than I ever imagined.”

After all, in addition to assuming a  new role, Ewell faces a school year filled with uncertainties because of COVID-19.

“But, we’re all in the same boat,” Ewell said. “The challenges are there for everyone. We’re going to get through this and we’ll do it together.’’

Tiffany Ewell, the new principal at Steinbrenner High School, comes from Strawberry Crest High, where she was assistant principal in charge of the International Baccalaureate program. (Joey Johnston)

The educator, who was promoted in June from her position as assistant principal for the International Baccalaureate program at Strawberry Crest High in Dover, has spent her summer preparing for the new school year.

At a time when the incoming principal would normally be assessing her faculty lineup, meeting and greeting with parents, and getting to know the community, she’s forced to work at a social distance. She’s preparing Steinbrenner’s brick-and-mortar classrooms for the proper health precautions, while also devising strategies for eLearning students.

“Some of the best advice a first-time principal can receive is the need to be patient and flexible … and that’s certainly true right now,’’ Ewell said. “Even though we’re in a historic and stressful time, I know I’m surrounded by so much support. We all want the same thing and that’s to see our students be successful.

“Regardless of COVID-19, there are a lot of changes in the county with a new superintendent (Addison Davis). There’s a great feeling of camaraderie among all the principals. Staff and parents have been super supportive. Steinbrenner has been a great school for a long time. I’m relying on the support systems available to me and know things don’t have to be reinvented. I’m here to help and, at times, put my own direction on it. I’m very excited to be here.’’

Ewell replaces Kelly King, who was assigned to Hillsborough High after seven years as Steinbrenner’s principal.

Ironically, Ewell and King once worked side by side as social studies instructors when their teaching careers began at King High School. They went together from King to Freedom, following principal Richard Bartels, who told them both, “I’m going to make principals of you one day.’’

“Mr. Bartels was right … it actually happened,’’ King said. “Certainly, it defies the odds that two social studies teachers and next-door classroom neighbors just starting out would become principals.

“Even long ago, we talked about it all the time. We went through all the leadership development courses and programs. We had the same kind of goals. We were just two peas in a pod. I’m thrilled that Tiffany has gotten this opportunity, and I couldn’t think of a better person for the Steinbrenner position.’’

As they shifted into administration, King and Ewell worked a parallel path, sometimes applying for the same jobs, even driving together to attend back-to-back interviews.

“I can always pick up the phone and ask Kelly a question, so our friendship and her experience at Steinbrenner are a great asset,’’ said Ewell, who had worked at Strawberry Crest since the East Hillsborough County school opened in 2009.

King said the Steinbrenner community won’t notice much of a difference because “Tiffany and I are really similar in so many ways.’’

Indeed, they are close friends and confidants. They have even taken vacations together.

“Tiffany’s leadership style will be a great fit at Steinbrenner,’’ King said. “She was a very strong teacher and she has the IB experience, so she knows the importance of college readiness. I think she will continue the success of the academic and extracurricular programs.

“This is a unique time with unique challenges, but it’s still the best job in the world. As a principal, there are stressful times, but you remain focused on the big picture. You do what’s right for the students. You hear from all the people who have a stake in it, then make decisions, always keeping the students first and foremost. Through it all, you’ve got to have some fun, too. The job can wear you out, but it’s also so fun and so rewarding. Tiffany will have the perfect priorities for success,” King said.

In assuming the school’s top job, Ewell becomes just the third principal in Steinbrenner’s history, replacing King, who had replaced Brenda Grasso, the school’s first principal.

Ewell is a graduate of King High School. She originally attended the University of Florida (UF) with designs on becoming a broadcast journalist. In high school, she even conducted an interview with Fox-13 news anchor Kelly Ring, while dreaming of one day filling a similar role in her hometown.

Back then, some King teachers insisted that Ewell would ultimately migrate into education.

“I’m not going to be a teacher, I’m a journalist,’’ Ewell protested.

But, at UF, she visualized a gypsy lifestyle in broadcasting, hopping from town to town while climbing the career ladder, and that didn’t seem appealing.

She transferred to the University of South Florida, where she shifted to education.

Ewell hasn’t regretted the move.

She loves to travel. She’s a doting aunt to her nephews, Drew and Zach Ehrhard, both high-level baseball players. She’s passionate about all things Tampa Bay.

But, her biggest passion is education. And now, that passion is centered on Steinbrenner.

“Obviously, there are a lot of unknowns right now.

“But, we’re going to build relationships and make it work. Things have worked well at Steinbrenner for a long time. I’m here to lend support and keep things moving in a good direction,” Ewell said.

By Joey Johnston

Published July 29, 2020

Autism ID cards aim to help with policing

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has another tool, aimed at helping its deputies when responding to situations involving residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The law enforcement agency has introduced an autism identification card program, otherwise being called Autism Assistance Cards.

The front of the cards has some general information to help deputies communicate with individuals with autism. For instance, deputies are advised to display calm body language and to allow for additional time for replies.

The back of the cards, meanwhile, offers space for an individual’s identifying information, such as name and address, and information on the person’s conditions, such as whether they are verbal vs. nonverbal.

The front of the Autism Assistance Cards has information to help deputies communicate with individuals on the autism spectrum. Suggestions include having officers display calm body language and provide additional time for replies. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

The roughly 4-inch x 6-inch cards were designed with the help of River Ridge High School’s graphic arts class.

The ID cards are being distributed to individuals with autism, so if there’s an encounter, the card can be handed to deputies to help them know how best to work with the individual.

Cards have been provided to caregivers to share them with a loved one who has autism. They’re also being sent to special education teachers in Pasco County Schools, who can pass them along to students’ families.

Pasco Sheriff’s officials suggest the autism ID cards may prove useful in incidents in which a person is lost or separated from their caregiver, and is unable to effectively communicate their disability, or when the individual is nonverbal or low functioning.

The cards would clearly and quickly identify the individual as being on the autism spectrum — eliminating potential miscommunication or misinterpretation regarding behaviors that are common among those on the autism spectrum.

“It’s all about improved communication and interaction,” said Pasco Sheriff’s Cpt. Toni Roach, who helped spearhead the program through the agency’s Behavioral Health Intervention Team.

In addition to standard personal information on the cards, Roach encourages caregivers to use the additional writing space to list as much information possible about the adult or child with autism.

That information could include listing various conversation starters, preferred nicknames, and various likes and dislikes. It also could identify what triggers the individual, what calms him or her, and other useful information.

As an example, Roach explained she knows of one particular child with autism who enjoys talking about the Nintendo Switch video game console, “so the deputies would be able to see that information and go, ‘Oh, OK, I can talk about a Nintendo Switch and I can redirect the child to calm down, and build that rapport and then be able to communicate and figure out how we can best resolve that situation, and why we got called out there to begin with.”

Roach offered another example of how it could be beneficial: “Like, if that person doesn’t like to be called by their first name but likes to be called, ‘Kiddo,’ then I can refer to them by that term and that will be less confrontational with them.”

Besides receiving the autism ID cards, caregivers also have the opportunity to register their loved one’s name into the agency’s computer database, which alerts deputies they’re dealing with someone with autism.

Program attracting attention
People outside Pasco County also have expressed interest in the cards.

Roach said the cards have been sent to residents in Pinellas and Hernando counties. An officer with the Philadelphia Police Department even requested a digital version of the ID cards so his agency could implement a similar program, Roach said.

“We don’t care what county you live in, as far as I’m concerned, if we can help law enforcement interaction, we’re going to send out the card,” she said.

The autism ID cards seemingly have been embraced by members of the autism community.

Port Richey resident Candace Smith recently obtained a card for her 15-year-old son who’s on the autism spectrum. She’s also passing out some to her network of friends and neighbors who have family members with autism.

“I’m in support of anything that’s going to keep an autistic person safe, and allow them to have the same rights as everyone else,” Smith said. “I do like the cards, because it’s just an automatic way to communicate quickly to let somebody know, ‘This person has autism,’ and it explains their behavior, so to me, it’s a step in the right direction.”

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has introduced Autism Assistance Cards to better guide its deputies whenever they encounter an individual with autism spectrum disorder. The cards are being given to community members with autism. (File)

The parent said she often worries what an encounter with law enforcement would entail with her son, who may not immediately be able to respond to orders from police. Rather, she explained her son’s first instinct or “self-soothing” calming behavior is usually to walk away from a stressful or nerve-inducing situation.

Those fears are further exacerbated because her son is a black teenager, Smith said. “I just worry a little bit more, because of how things are; just being realistic,” she said.

The challenging part going forward, Smith said, is finding a way to have her son understand how to correctly show the autism ID card to a law enforcement officer in a particular situation.

She acknowledged it will likely take “a series of conversations” and maybe even an in-person meeting with a deputy to get her son comfortable with the scenario.

For the time being, the parent is considering laminating the card and putting it on a lanyard for her son if he’s on his own. She plans to keep another card on her person with her son’s information, too.

University of South Florida’s (USF) Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) is likewise in support of the law enforcement agency’s autism ID card program.

The center’s assistant program director, Christine Rover, said the initiative is “a really important element” to cultivate more positive interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism, in addition to ongoing training, outreach and collaboration with various public safety agencies.

She commended the sheriff’s office for implementing the tool and taking progressive steps with the autism community.

“Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has really been a leader in their efforts to include residents with ASD for a long time, so it’s kind of no surprise that they’re adding to sort of the elements here, and we really appreciate that,” Rover said.

Rover explained the next step is the need to develop supporting education materials and a video tutorial for caregivers to show to their loved ones with autism on how to properly and effectively present the card to law enforcement. It’s something the state-funded resource center is actively brainstorming, she said.

Meanwhile, Rover stressed autism-related training for law enforcement officers beforehand is also critical, whether it’s a case of wandering, a traffic incident or even a criminal situation.

“The training component for the deputies is really important, because where this card might be helpful on a scene, if it’s a really crisis scene, then the deputies aren’t going to have the time to really read a card and say, ‘Oh, here’s some tips for interacting,’ Rover said.

“Autism is an invisible disability, so they’re not coming onto a scene or arriving at a home and saying, ‘Oh, I can see that individual has autism,’ so they have to be able to recognize that perhaps some of those behaviors could be interpreted as part of the autism spectrum disorder.”

For information on the program and to obtain autism ID cards, email .

Published July 22, 2020

CLARIFICATION 07/23/2020
A Port St. Lucie-based company, Debbaudt Legacy Productions LLC, has licensed autism on-scene response cards since 2005, and has produced and circulated over 250,000 of these cards in the past 15 years.

The Laker/Lutz News ran this story about an autism assistance card program that was recently introduced at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, through its Behavioral Health Intervention Team. The text on these autism response cards uses language very similar to the text published on the autism on-scene response cards produced by Debbaudt Legacy Productions.

For more information about autism resources available through Debbaudt Legacy Productions, go to debbaudtlegacy.com and autismriskmanagement.com.

Hillsborough public schools will require masks

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Hillsborough County Public Schools will require face coverings when school resumes, Aug. 10.

Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis made the announcement on July 7.

In a video posted the same day on the district’s website, Davis elaborated on his decision.

Each staff member will receive three reusable masks when they return for pre-planning and each student will receive three reusable masks on Day 1 of the new school year.

“I spent the last few days speaking with medical professionals from the University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospitals, teachers, school administrators, business leaders and local department of health to help guide our decisions around protocols that affect the safety of our entire district.

“We all can agree that the safety and health of our students, teachers, staff and this community are paramount to the reopening of our schools,” he said.

“The CDC has identified face coverings as one of the most effective tools in stopping the spread of COVID-19, along with social distancing, handwashing and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces,” he said.

Davis said that he’s said from the beginning that the district’s reopening plan is fluid and that the district will continue to make adjustments as it continues to monitor the spread of the coronavirus within the community.

“I believe that requiring face coverings is the best option we have in providing an additional layer of protection for everyone on our campuses,” he said.

In total, the district will have more than 760,000 masks through purchases and donations from the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center and community partners, such as Humana and AVID.

“The spread of the coronavirus in our community has shown no sign of decreasing over the past three weeks,” he said.

“We have to do everything we can to keep our students, our staff and our families safe and healthy,” he said.

Meanwhile, parents of Hillsborough County students have until July 17 to indicate their declaration of intent for their preferred way of learning for their student in the new school year. Options include instruction at brick-and-mortar buildings, structured online learning, or self-paced virtual learning. Another potential option is a hybrid approach, which combines face-to-face instruction and online learning. There’s also an option for online learning only, if the district is required to close its campuses due to COVID-19.

To get more details, visit the district’s website at SDHC.k12.fl.us.

Published July 15, 2020

Locals among top MLB draft prospects

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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Major League Baseball (MLB)’s 2020 first-year player draft has been shortened to five rounds, from the usual 40 rounds in previous years.

The draft, scheduled for June 10 and June 11, assigns amateur baseball players to MLB teams.

Even with the new consolidated format, however, several locals from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have a solid chance at being among the 160 athletes drafted. And, they have the possibility of living out their boyhood dreams and landing signing bonuses of hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars.

Steinbrenner High product CJ Van Eyk, now at Florida State University (Courtesy of Florida State University athletics department)

Four athletes with area ties are listed among MLB.com’s top 200 nationwide draft prospect rankings, including two within the top 100.

The highest-rated local is Steinbrenner High alum CJ Van Eyk, a junior right-handed pitcher at Florida State University (FSU) — listed as the No. 39 overall draft prospect, by the website.

The 6-foot-1, 198-pound Van Eyk registered an 18-5 win-loss record, 3.21 ERA, 1.274 WHIP and 225 strikeouts in 176.2 innings pitched across three college seasons.

The Lutz native has been a known commodity going back to his prep days, earning first-team All-American honors and a gold medal with the 18U USA National Team. He also led Steinbrenner to its first state championship as a junior in 2016 and was crowned Florida Dairy Farmers’ Class 8A Player of the Year.

Van Eyk was drafted out of high school by the New York Mets in the 19th round of the 2017 draft, but didn’t sign, opting for college instead.

A snippet of MLB.com’s analysis on Van Eyk reads: “The Florida State ace is capable of being a complete pitcher because of his willingness to pitch in with his fastball, his ability to throw his breaking ball at any point in the count and his feel for mixing his pitches to keep hitters off-balance, though issues with his command persisted over his first four starts in 2020. His potential as a starter still should have him in consideration in the top two rounds of the Draft.”

Sunlake High product Tommy Mace, now at the University of Florida (Courtesy of University of Florida athletics department)

The next highest-ranked local is Sunlake High product Tommy Mace, a junior-right handed pitcher at the University of Florida — rated the No. 70 overall prospect for the 2020 draft.

In three seasons at Florida, the 6-foot-6, 200-pound Mace compiled a 16-5 win-loss record, 4.37 ERA, 1.299 WHIP and 145 strikeouts in 179.1 innings pitched. He was off to his best college campaign this year, tallying a 1.67 ERA in a team-high 27 innings, until the remainder of the season was canceled thanks to COVID-19.

Mace was a three-year varsity player at Sunlake. His senior year he guided the program to a 17-12 mark and the Class 7A regional final. He then was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 12th round of the 2017 draft, but like Van Eyk, didn’t sign to pursue the college route.

MLB.com’s profile on Mace reports states the following: “Mace generally does a nice job of throwing strikes, keeping the ball down in the zone and getting ground ball outs. He gets high marks for his mound presence and makeup, putting him among a solid crop of top two round college pitchers in Florida.”

Though slightly outside our coverage area, an athlete in west Pasco County also cracked MLB’s top 200 prospect list.

Wesley Chapel native/Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High product Carson Ragsdale, now at the University of South Florida (Courtesy of University of South Florida athletics department)

Trinity native Jackson Miller, a senior catcher at Mitchell High, is rated as the 2020 draft’s No. 105 prospect. The Wake Forest University commit posted a .414/.498/.591 slash line in 88 games across four varsity seasons.

Meanwhile, Wesley Chapel native/Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High product Carson Ragsdale, a redshirt junior right-handed pitcher at the University of South Florida (USF), is ranked as the draft’s No. 170 prospect.

The 6-foot-8, 225-pound Ragsdale transitioned to a starter’s role this year at USF, after pitching out of the bullpen his freshman and sophomore seasons. (He missed the 2019 season following Tommy John surgery). He posted a 3.75 ERA, 1.391 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 50.1 innings across three college seasons. Off the field, he was selected to the 2018-2019 American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.

Ragsdale was a four-year letter winner at Bishop McLaughlin. He compiled a 1.58 ERA and .352 batting average in his high school career. Those Hurricanes teams that Ragsdale played on went a combined 77-21 from 2013 to 2016.

MLB.com’s report on Ragsdale observes: “Ragsdale threw a lot of strikes this spring, but is still more control than command at this point. Given that scouts only saw four outings from Ragsdale as USF’s Sunday starter, there’s very limited track record for teams to look at, but his size and arm strength, even if it ends up in the bullpen, could be enough for teams to take a chance on him in this year’s Draft.”

Robust draft history
It’s not uncommon for at least a couple locals from area high schools and colleges to be drafted each year.

Last year, Land O’ Lakes High/St. Petersburg College second baseman Dustin Harris was selected in the 11th round by the Oakland Athletics, while Pasco-Hernando State College/University of Tampa pitcher Tyler Beck was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 30th round.

The 2018 draft yielded four local products:

  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High/University of North Florida pitcher Frank German (fourth round, New York Yankees)
  • Saint Leo University pitcher/first baseman Jake Sims (31st round, San Diego Padres)
  • Saint Leo University second baseman Zach Scott (32nd round, Seattle Mariners)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High/University of North Florida pitcher Austin Drury (34th round, Los Angeles Dodgers)

The 2017 draft also was particularly kind to local talent. In addition to Van Eyk and Mace getting drafted out of the prep ranks, six other athletes with local ties were chosen:

  • Odessa native/Bishop McLaughlin/College of Central Florida pitcher Nate Pearson (first round, Toronto Blue Jays)
  • Steinbrenner High/USF shortstop Kevin Merrell (first round compensatory, Oakland Athletics)
  • Steinbrenner High first baseman Patrick Morris (14th round, Toronto Blue Jays)
  • Steinbrenner High/Bishop McLaughlin/University of Pittsburgh pitcher Josh Falk (17th round, Oakland Athletics)
  • Odessa native/Alonso High pitcher Jordan Butler (34th round, New York Yankees)
  • Bishop McLaughlin outfielder Paul Coumoulos (40th round, Philadelphia Phillies)

Locals on MLB.com’s top 200 prospect rankings

  • Steinbrenner High/Florida State University pitcher CJ Van Eyk (No. 39 overall draft prospect)
  • Sunlake High/University of Florida pitcher Tommy Mace (No. 70)
  • Trinity/Mitchell High catcher Jackson Miller (No. 105)
  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High/University of South Florida pitcher Carson Ragsdale (No. 170)

Published May 27, 2020

Hoops coach brings overseas pro pedigree

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It’s not uncommon for Derrick Sharp to be recognized when he’s out and about in the Tampa Bay area, while he’s shopping, running errands or just going about his day.

The new Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School varsity boys basketball coach has been approached by strangers at clothing stores, mall kiosks and tire shops, among other places.

And, it’s usually not because they remember him as a 6-foot-1 sharpshooting combo guard and leading scorer at the University of South Florida (USF) in the early 1990s.

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School varsity boys basketball coach Derrick Sharp spent 18 years in Israel playing professional basketball. (Courtesy of Derrick Sharp)

Rather, it’s his 18-year professional hoops career in Israel that people recognize — perhaps most frequently at the Glazer Family Jewish Community Center in Tampa.

“I have so many stories, it’s crazy,” Sharp said of how often he’s been spotted since moving back to Florida in 2013.

Sharp, 48, may go unnoticed by the casual American basketball observer.

But, overseas, he is something of a folk hero. He played predominantly for the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club — the most successful and widely known team in Israel.

Undrafted out of USF, Sharp made the roughly 6,500-mile trek to Israel pursuing dreams of a professional basketball career.

The Orlando native had an idea of what he was getting into because four former USF teammates (Gary Alexander, Radenko Dobras, Fred Lewis, Bobby Russell) made the jump to the Middle Eastern country the prior year.

Sharp first played for Maccabi Hadera (1993-94) and Beitar Migdal-HaEmek (1994-96), before spending the next 15 seasons (1996 to 2011) with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Mccabi Tel Aviv is where his most notable achievements came. It won 13 Israel national league championships, 11 Israel state cups and three European-wide titles (champions of the 2001 FIBA SuproLeague, 2004 EuroLeague, 2005 EuroLeague).

Sharp also generated a number of individual accolades. He was an All-Star, elected to the Israeli League’s 2000s All-Decade Team, named one of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 11 Greatest Players, and was a member of the senior Israeli national team from 2000 to 2003.

Sharp is best known for one of the most famous baskets in European basketball history.

In 2004, he hit a miraculous buzzer-beating three-pointer that forced overtime in a win-or-go-home game against Lithuania’s Zalgiris Kaunas that lifted Maccabi Tel Aviv to the EuroLeague Final Four. In Israel, it’s simply known as the “Zalgiris miracle.”

Just how famous is Sharp in Israel? Following his retirement, he participated in a docu-reality television show called “Hayehida,” centered on 10 Israeli celebrities being trained as an army entertainment troupe.

Sharp calls Israel his “home away from home.” It’s where he not only had immense hoops success, but also met his future wife and started a family. He became a naturalized citizen and speaks fluent Hebrew.

“I spent half my life there,” Sharp said, “so it’s definitively a part of me.”

For Sharp, uprooting to the land of milk and honey “was a pretty easy transition” more than 25 years ago.

He noted English was the country’s secondary language and described aspects of an “Americanized” culture, “so it really wasn’t that big of a change, actually.”

Moreover, he was eager to go anywhere and do anything to better his craft on the hardwood.

“My main focus was getting better and playing. It was practice and home,” he said. “I was really focused on getting better and trying to reach a level that I was capable of, so I was really mature and disciplined.”

Now, here’s a sign of it being a small world: Sharp played alongside nine-year NBA veteran Anthony Parker for several seasons with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the early to mid 2000s. Parker now lives in Wesley Chapel and is general manager of the Lakeland Magic, a developmental affiliate of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. “He’s probably one of the greatest Americans to play overseas,” Sharp said of Parker. “He’s kind of like the Michael Jordan of Europe.”

Bettering Bishop
Sharp’s playing career stands on its own, but it’s his coaching ability and offspring that’s taking flight.

Derrick Sharp steered the Blake High School varsity boys basketball team to a 22-6 mark and Class 5A regional quarterfinals last season. He accepted the Bishop McLaughlin coaching job in April.

Sharp was named Hillsborough County Coach of the Year after guiding Blake High School to a 22-6 record and the Class 5A regional quarterfinals during the 2019-2020 season.

He spent a total of five seasons at Blake, winning four games combined the first three seasons, then going 11-12 before this year’s breakout run.

It didn’t hurt having his son, Emmanuel Sharp, on the court. The 6-foot-4 sophomore guard averaged a state-leading 31.9 points per game this year, while on his way to being named Florida Dairy Farmers 5A Player of the Year.

Both Sharps will head to the private school in Spring Hill, looking to quickly turnaround a program that went 2-22 last year and has just one winning season in the last decade.

In leaving what he’s built at Blake High for a Bishop McLaughlin rebuild, the elder Sharp mainly cited the academic component of more structured, smaller classes for his son. “It’s just a great opportunity,” he said.

In addition to the Sharps, Blake High’s Anthony Davis Jr., and Sickles High’s Dillon Mitchell are also transferring to Bishop McLaughlin. Like Emmanuel Sharp, both hold Division I scholarship offers and are viewed among the top players statewide.

“The kids are going to make the big difference; it’s all about the kids,” Derrick Sharp said.

With an influx of talent, the new coach is looking to beef up the team’s schedule, with more competitive tournaments, road games and so on.

“I’d rather lose by five (points) than win by 40 — to build character and build necessary skills mentally for these kids going forward,” he said.

As for what to expect stylistically, Derrick Sharp plans to run a system heavy on fastbreaks, three-pointers, pressing and trapping.

He observed of his coaching style, “Just being in attack mode on both ends of the floor, play hard, play together, and have fun.”

Bishop McLaughlin athletic director Rex Desvaristes said he didn’t know of Derrick Sharp, until his application and resume came across his desk for the coaching vacancy.

But, Desvaristes said the former Israeli pro quickly emerged as the school’s “best candidate” throughout the interview process because of “his demeanor, his love for the youth and coaching the game.”

Sharp’s selection as head coach was announced last month.

“It was a great match,” Desvaristes said. “He started a program at Blake, similar to where our program is currently, and he built it up to where it is now, and his passion and just teaching and developing these athletes is what stood out to me.”

The athletic director added: “He fits our mission and our motto, and that’s to educate and cultivate Christ-centered athletes.”

Published May 13, 2020

Finding a way to shine a spotlight on seniors

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During normal times, Marie Joles is busy at her day job, working as a dental hygienist.

And, typically during this time of year, high school seniors are gearing up for their final festivities in high school — prom, awards ceremonies, graduation.

But, the threat of a highly contagious and deadly virus — the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic — has upended life’s ordinary routines.

So, instead of going to work, Joles has been at home. And, instead of gearing up for traditional celebrations and hanging out with friends, seniors have been spending their final school days distance learning.

(Courtesy of Marie Joles)

Joles hated the thought that their senior year would end that way. After all, she remembered how special it was for her family to go through the festivities when her daughter, Samantha, graduated last year.

So, Joles, who is a board member of the Wiregrass Ranch High School’s PTSA and in charge of that group’s social media efforts, asked PTSA president Jennifer Kanyok, if she could do Senior Spotlights on their social media.

Once she got the go-ahead, she began soliciting the spotlights on her personal Facebook page and on the Seven Oaks Facebook page.

Then she reached out by text and email to Robyn White, the school’s principal; David Wilson, the athletic director; and to all of the school coaches.

She also reached out to Bobbie Gebhart, the band booster president, and Jeni Wiseman, the football team mom — to spread the word about the profiles.

The parents submit the photos and blurbs, which Joles tweaks and posts.

In less than 24 hours, she had seven profiles ready.

Now, there are dozens posted.

They convey a sense of pride of the parents who submitted the blurbs about their children.

The profiles offer a glimpse of the lives these members of the Wiregrass Ranch High Class of 2020 have led, and offer insights about their personalities and aspirations.

Some have earned college credits, a college diploma or industry certifications while still in high school. Others have volunteered hundreds of hours.

They’ve been in theatrical performances, in marching band and orchestra, in color guard and cheerleading.

They’ve competed in lacrosse, soccer, swimming, football, track, basketball, weightlifting, basketball and other sports.

They’ve been members of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, and Health Occupations Students of America, to name just a few clubs.

And, they have wide-ranging ambitions.

Some plan to pursue traditional careers, such as nursing, law and business administration. Others aspire to less common paths, such as becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, a makeup specialist or an animator.

Most graduates appear to be heading off to higher education in the Sunshine State, at such colleges as Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University, the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, Florida State University and Stetson University.

Regardless of what they’ve done, or where they’re going — they have made an impression.

One graduate is described as “a beautiful soul and a day of sunshine.”

Another is said to have “a musician’s heart.”

One “has a big heart, is a hard worker and knows how to live in the moment.”

Another has “a wicked sense of humor, amazing spirit and zeal for life.”

Joles said she wanted to do the spotlights because this is a special time for seniors and they deserve recognition.

“I wanted to let them know that we appreciate them,” she said.

Those wishing Joles to post a profile of a Wiregrass Ranch senior can reach out to her at  , or text her at (813) 830-8643.

How are you celebrating your graduating seniors?
The normal ceremonies that mark completion of high school are being postponed until later this year. Meanwhile, families and schools are getting creative in their efforts to help celebrate members of the Class of 2020.

What are you doing? We’d love to know. We’re planning to do a story sharing how families and schools within The Laker/Lutz News are rising to the occasion to make their high school seniors feel special.

Send your submissions to .

Thank you, in advance, for your help.

Published May 06, 2020

Businesses seek help during pandemic

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The economy has been flattened by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), and businesses are seeking a way to continue operating or to reopen their doors.

A $2 trillion stimulus package— the largest in the nation’s history — is called the CARES Act, which stands for Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security.

Bill Cronin, CEO and president of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., offered guidance to help businesses seeking to secure financing to recover from the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (File)

Part of that package is specifically aimed at assisting companies with fewer than 500 employees, said Bill Cronin, CEO and president of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

“It’s intended to assist small business owners in whatever needs that they have right now. So, once it’s implemented, there’s going to be lots of resources for small business, as well as some nonprofits and also some other types of employers,” said Cronin, who helps recruit and build business growth through the nonprofit economic development agency he leads.

Cronin and Eileen Rodriguez, regional director for the Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida, participated in a Zoom video conferencing session on April 1, with Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

“This particular pandemic, has really, I think, taken a lot of people by surprise,” Rodriguez said. “The scope and magnitude of it is so much more than just our normal disasters, which you know, we’re used to the hurricanes. This is a completely different animal. It’s just so huge.”

While various assistance programs are available, getting through the process can be difficult, Cronin said.

“It is confusing, even for us as practitioners, between state, federal and local programs. So, I can’t imagine what it’s like sometimes, as business people, trying to navigate all of these different resources — in a time when it’s challenging enough as it is, with all of these external pressures,” Cronin said.

Mainstreet Billiards, in downtown Zephyrhills, is complying with the state-mandated shutdown. A posting over the weekend on its Facebook Page says “we will get back to it as soon as we can.” It ends the posting with this message by saying, “Help your neighbor if you can! And shop local small businesses to help out your Zephyrhills family. We will get through this together.” (B.C. Manion)

He outlined some of the programs available to help businesses.

“The most popular program that I think most of you are going to be interested in is called the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP. It is designed for companies that employ fewer than 500 workers,” he said.

In essence, the loan is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.

SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities.

Rodriguez talked about the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program .

“We help small business owners who are currently navigating the loan process.

“We don’t actually make decisions on which loans get approved or denied, but we do work with the independent Emergency Bridge Loan committee that makes those decisions,” she said.

“The team at the SBDC — the entire team — is really working as fast as we can to process all these inquiries and applications that have come in.

“Right now, we’re probably hovering around 4,000, just to give you a sense of the type of volume that we’re looking at,” she said.

“Everybody is trying to move as quickly as possible, to help all of the small businesses that have been affected, which frankly, has been pretty much everybody in the state of Florida, and of course, across the nation.”

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a brutal effect on the economy. Here is a look at the lack of activity in downtown Zephyrhills, on the Saturday after Gov. Ron DeSantis imposed a Stay-at-Home order for the state of Florida. (B.C. Manion)

Information is changing constantly, Rodriguez added. “Changes occur daily, and I might even say, hourly.”

“What I’m saying right this minute could possibly change in an hour, two hours, this afternoon, tomorrow,” she said.

It’s essential to check officials websites for up-to-the-minute information, she said.

The Florida Emergency Bridge Loan Program was activated on March 16 by the governor’s office.

“They released $50 million for that program. Small businesses can qualify for up to $50,000 in most cases. These are interest-free, short-term loans. And, by short-term, I mean 12 months,” she said.

“Let’s say you would be awarded a loan today. You would have 12 months to pay it off. It’s interest-free for those 12 months. At 12 months and 1 day, if that loan is not paid off, you will have to start paying interest and that interest will be retroactive, back to Day 1.

“This loan does not convert to a long-term loan at that point. It’s still a short-term loan and for all intents and purposes, you will be in default of your loan on that 366th day,” she said.

To apply for this loan, go to FloridaJobs.org, which is the Department of Economic Opportunity’s website. Applications are now being accepted directly through their portal, which was activated on March 23.

Business owners can qualify for both the short-term and long-term loans, she said.

The Small Business Administration also offers an economic injury disaster loan. It allows loans of up to $2 million, and self-employed workers are eligible.

The interest rate is 3.75% for for-profit companies; 2.75% for nonprofit companies.

“This is pretty much considered a working capital loan, again, to help with payroll, with fixed debt, accounts payable, any other bills,” Rodriguez said.

“You don’t have to go through a bank to apply for it. This loan is directly with the Small Business Administration’s disaster assistance program,” she said.

Rodriguez said she has no idea how long it will take for loans to be processed.

“I will tell you that they are overwhelmed, because, again, this is not just a Florida program. That’s a national program, a federal program. They’ve had over 1 million — 1 million — inquiries and applications already.

Pasco Chairman Moore offered some words of support to the small business community.

“You will continue to be the heartbeat in Pasco County,” Moore said.

“We want to see you all get out of this, we want to see you succeed. We want to see everybody working.

“We’re going to get through this,” Moore said. “We’re going to get through this together.”

For more information visit DisasterLoan.sba.gov; SBDCtampabay.com/coronavirus; and, Pasco.edc.com.

Published April 08, 2020

Will cross-county commuters have a new option?

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Commuters in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties could have a new way to get around, as planning continues on a proposed 41-mile bus route connecting the counties.

The plan being considered calls for designated rapid bus transit lanes to be built along the shoulders of Interstate 75 and Interstate 275.

Chris Jadick is the communications director for the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA). At a North Tampa Bay Chamber breakfast on Feb. 4, he explained to attendees the agency’s plan to expand bus services cross-county. (Courtesy of Chris Jadick of TBARTA)

The route would run from Pasco to Hillsborough County — beginning at State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, heading south to the University of South Florida and ending in downtown Tampa. The system also would have a leg continuing into Pinellas County, ending in downtown St. Petersburg.

Various bus stations would be built adjacent to the highway and within a 1-mile radius of communities with larger concentrations of commercial development.

Chris Jadick, of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA), outlined aspects of the proposed bus rapid transit system during a North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on Feb. 4.

The proposed project carries a price tag of $455 million, and is now in the project development and environment phase, Jadick told those gathered at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus.

Alternatives are now being evaluated to determine which would be most beneficial to the public, Jadick said.

The current plan being studied calls for designated lanes to be constructed along Interstates 75 and 275 shoulders, catered for buses only.

Increasing the number of stations could result in lower bus fares for commuters, Jadick said. But, it also affects how quickly riders can get from Point A to Point B.

“This all comes down to speed,” Jadick said. “The more stations you have, where they are, determines how quickly you can get somewhere,” he explained.

The study is scheduled to wrap up by August 2021, he noted.

When 30% of the design plan is set, federal funds will be allocated toward the project, Jadick said, aside from state and local assistance.

The project aims to help address Florida’s low-performance ranking in the area of public transportation, Jadick said.

“There’s no question we have great local transit providers. The problem is regionally. How do we connect Pasco County with the great opportunities in Hillsborough (County), or Hillsborough (County) to Manatee (County)?” he asked.

The regional transit agency oversees five counties: Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas.

The tri-county bus rapid transit system is just part of TBARTA’s 10-year vision plan. Another project in that long-range plan calls for expanded car and vanpool services.

The regional transit agency has been working in conjunction with the Enterprise rental service to provide feasible transportation options for government workers.

Plans are in the works to create a ride-sharing program to help reduce the number of vehicles on the road — which would decrease congestion, shorten commute times and result in cleaner air.

It is not yet clear when either of these new initiatives could begin offering commuters new alternatives.

Published February 12, 2020