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Veterans Day

Veterans honored in surprise drive-by parade

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As the 50-vehicle red, white and blue parade of cars, trucks, minivans and campers wound its way — twice — around a circular drive at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, the sight that stood out most was the group of surprised and delighted spectators.

Forty residents from the 120-bed facility — who served in American wars dating back to the Korean Conflict —had been wheeled outside for their most significant fresh-air time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March.

Linn Rexroat, Pam Smith and Harry Provan, of the Santa Drill Team, prepare for the drive-by parade. (Joey Johnston)

They were socially distanced and wore masks.

They also waved American flags. They smiled. They cheered and applauded. Some teared up a bit.

It was a Veterans Day celebration — two days late — that was appreciated and treasured.

The event was conceived by Honor Flight of West Central Florida, a nonprofit agency that flies military veterans to Washington and honors their service.

Many elderly veterans can’t make that trip, so an “Honor Flight at Home’’ was planned, complete with a speaker from MacDill Air Force Base, shirts, hats, a clap-out parade and a redistribution of the medals earned during military service.

Those plans were canceled by the virus. The nursing-home lockdown lasted through the summer and still remains strict for safety purposes.

Veterans Day brought another opportunity — and some creativity.

The drive-by parade, which was staged and organized about a mile away at the First United Methodist Church, included the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco County Fire Department, Mission Barbecue, the Rough Riders, the Santa Drill Team, Operation Patriot and private citizens.

A variety of signs were displayed to honor the veterans.

“It was wonderful,’’ said Johanna Snee, activities director at the Baldomero Lopez facility. “It’s definitely a boost. It gave our residents a little bit of normalcy.’’

Or, as one of the drive-by banners read: “You Are Not Forgotten!’’

April Currie, Honor Flight president, said her group has taken 40 flights to Washington with approximately 3,000 veterans. The “Honor Flight at Home’’ program has honored nearly 600 more veterans.

Given the virus and safety stipulations, Currie said she was delighted to see great participation in the drive-by ceremony for the Baldomero Lopez facility veterans.

“We tried to make it a big surprise and everyone was told, ‘Let’s go outside and enjoy the weather,’ ‘’ Currie said. “We really cannot do enough for our veterans. We want them to know we love them, we respect them and we appreciate them. We feel like we got those messages across, even though the health circumstances dictated us doing things a little differently than we originally planned.’’

Spectators wave, as a parade passed by the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home.

It was just fine for Sharon Richmond, a member of Operation Patriot, a nonprofit group of former and current employees with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

“Our purpose is to help the veterans and if they have a need that the VA can’t pay for, they often turn to us,’’ Richmond said. “Honoring the veterans with this parade was awesome. It was beyond my imagination. I’m so grateful because I was up here two or three times a week before the lockdown and I’m so happy they get recognized like this.’’

Richmond said she visited one of her veteran friends during the lockdown, but she could only come up to his window.

“He’s legally blind and hard of hearing and I couldn’t hear what he was saying either,’’ Richmond said. “He put his hand up to the glass and he wanted me to put my hand up to the glass. Then I cried all the way home.

“Just being here means so much. It’s our way of letting them know they are important and they are not forgotten.’’

The Santa Drill Team — a group of holiday Santa Clauses that honors veterans — added to the memories by displaying the flags from all military branches and the American flag on the rear of its truck.

“It’s more of an honor for us than it is for them,’’ said Pam Smith, of the Santa Drill Team. “It gives me goosebumps. We need to do more events like this. It’s so special and so meaningful. These veterans mean so much to our country, and we’re proud to honor them.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published November 18, 2020

Veterans set to cruise through Zephyrhills

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Main Street Zephyrhills Inc., is welcoming all to attend the Veterans Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony to honor the nation’s men and women in uniform — in events planned for Nov. 10 and Nov. 11.

Spectators are guaranteed a lively musical performance by a marching band at the Nov. 10 Veterans Day Parade in downtown Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills Facebook page)

The parade will also feature a Classic Car Cruise-In on Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at Historic Downtown Zephyrhills.

The parade is set to begin at the Main Street Zephyrhills building, at 38537 Fifth Ave., and head up to Ninth Avenue.

Participants will include active and retired military, veteran organizations, a marching band and decorative floats, said Anna Stutzriem, coordinator of Main Street Zephyrhills Inc.

Local businesses who would like to take part in the Car Cruise-In that do not have a veteran on staff will have to pay a $15 entry fee.

Food vendors with refreshments, as well as a live DJ performance, will be offered for Nov. 10 only, and pets will be allowed on the premises.

On the following day, Zephyr Park at 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, will have a Remembrance Ceremony at 11:11 a.m., to commemorate the nation’s servicemen and servicewomen, both past and present.

For additional information or to apply for the Car Cruise-In, call Main Street Zephyrhills at (813) 780-1414, or visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Veterans Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony
Where: Parade at Historic Downtown Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave.; Ceremony at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
When: Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to noon for parade; Nov. 11, 11:11 a.m. for ceremony
Cost: Free
Details: Downtown Zephyrhills will host a parade and car cruise-in, as well as a commemoration for our veterans.
Info: Call (813) 780-1414, or to apply for the cruise-in, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Published November 7, 2018

Pasco County brings back bus service for Veterans Day

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People looking to board Pasco County’s public buses on Veterans Day are in luck.

Routes will be in operation on the holiday for the first time in nearly seven years.

Pasco County commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to authorize the Nov. 11 bus service, at a cost of about $17,000. According to a county memorandum, potential ridership could be about 3,200 trips on that day.

Many of those expected to board buses that day work in the retail sector, said Philip Pumphrey, the county’s public transportation director.

Public buses will be on the road in Pasco County on Nov. 11. (Courtesy of Pasco County)
Public buses will be on the road in Pasco County on Nov. 11.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

Bus drivers will operate on a Saturday schedule from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., on what Pumphrey describes as a “pilot” program. Administrative offices will be closed on Nov. 11.

Based on ridership, Pumphrey said the county would gauge the need to add more “non-major holidays,” such as Columbus Day and Good Friday, to its bus schedules.

Budget cuts during the economic downturn have kept public buses off the road on minor holidays since 2008.

But an improving financial outlook, and some back and forth between Pasco County commissioners, county staff members and the local Teamsters Union 79, put the buses back on the road.

At least they’ll be there on Nov. 11.

But, stay tuned for Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving. The commissioners would need to authorize an additional $17,000 to cover one more holiday bus service. That likely would happen only if enough bus drivers agreed to work that day.

For 2015, the county didn’t set a designated county holiday schedule that included “non-major” holidays.

Riders were alerted to that via posters displayed inside the buses, according to James Boucher, union steward for Teamsters Union 79.

He spoke to commissioners during public comment.

“This late in the year, drivers have planned vacation time, family time around those days,” Boucher said. “It would inconvenience them.”

Commissioners initially sought to approve service for both holidays, as long as enough bus drivers agreed to work.

They were disappointed at the response. Though Pumphrey anticipated bus drivers would volunteer for extra pay, he said, “I think there was some changes of the mind going on.”

On Nov. 11, bus drivers will be paid overtime or have the option of taking a floating holiday to be used at a later date in lieu of holiday pay, according to an email from Kara Deniz, press secretary for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who was responding to an inquiry from The Laker/Lutz News.

The back and forth negotiations on the holiday bus service rankled some commissioners.

While he agreed that the county could have acted sooner, Pasco Chairman Ted Schrader said the union was politicizing the matter. “It’s wrong,” he said.” It’s part of their job.”

He pointed out an appreciation award the county had just presented to dozens of county employees for their extra work during the recent flooding.

County officials said the lack of bus service on the non-major holidays has been a source for ongoing complaints over the years. Columbus day prompted numerous phone calls and emails.

“There’s no doubt for public transit, we’ve got to get back to a level of service we had,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.

For information on routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

Published November 11, 2015

A time-honored tradition to remember those who served

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The four men came to Lutz Cemetery on a Saturday morning, with a cool breeze stirring the trees, and the sun shining brightly in the clear blue sky.

They got to work quickly, each grabbing a supply of American flags and staking out a segment of the cemetery.

Bill Garrison, commander of American Legion Post 108, marches through Lutz Cemetery, surveying gravestones of military veterans to decorate with an American flag in honor of Veterans Day. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Bill Garrison, commander of American Legion Post 108, marches through Lutz Cemetery, surveying gravestones of military veterans to decorate with an American flag in honor of Veterans Day. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The men — Bill Garrison, Ray Mason, Richard Fernandez and Jim Evans — worked their way through the rows of gravestones, looking for those marking the final resting place of men and women who served to protect American freedom.

While Garrison, Mason and Fernandez surveyed areas closer to U.S. 41, Evans checked out the rear section of the cemetery. Each time they found a veteran’s gravestone, they solemnly planted a flag at the edge of the gravestone.

Marking the grave with a flag is an act of remembrance, and of respect. It’s something members of American Legion Post 108 do at Lutz Cemetery every Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day.

The flags remain until a day after Veterans Day, when the men come back to recover them.

The flags honor veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. There’s even a grave of a Civil War soldier and another of a Spanish-American War soldier a soldier, Mason said.

The ritual of remembering men and women who served has been going on for close to 30 years, said Mason, the post’s adjutant.

Each time, they post about 200 flags. “We used to do more cemeteries, but membership dwindled,” said Garrison, the post commander.

As World War II veterans die, the post’s membership has declined. Now, the post — which draws its members from Lutz and Land O’ Lakes — has 97 members, Garrison said.

There are around 200 veterans buried in Lutz Cemetery, he said.

“There’s a lot of sacrifice here,” said Garrison, who served in the U.S. Air Force as a code breaker.

Fernandez, a past commander and the current financial officer for the post who served in the U.S. Coast Guard, said he takes part in the flag postings to honor those who have courageously served this country.

“Unfortunately they don’t get the honor and respect that they deserve,” Fernandez said.

Respect for veterans has improved, however, said Mason, who served in the U.S. Navy.

“Every once in awhile I wear my hat out, and I can’t believe the number of people who come up and say, ‘Thank you for your service,’” he said.

That’s a far different response than the one he received when he first finished military service.

“When I got out in ’65, everybody was against the war, all of that anti-Vietnam stuff,” said Mason, who did not serve in Vietnam.

He was surprised by the negative reception.

“I was taken back,” Mason said.

Evans, who served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and during the first Gulf War, said posting the flags at the cemetery provides a sense of satisfaction.

“It gives you a nice feeling to have them remembered,” he said.

The men do the best they can to ensure they honor each veteran buried there. They look at the gravestones for any indication of military service.

“Sometimes it is just a little notation on there,” Evans said.

To make sure he didn’t miss any, Garrison kicks leaves off of graves, and scrapes off dirt. The other men made close inspections, too.

“I hate to miss one,” Evans said. “It really hurts me if I miss a veteran. We always make an extra sweep, and we always find some that we missed.”

Evans estimates he’s posted flags at the cemetery about 20 times. Sometimes, the work is easier than others. During the recent posting, conditions were pleasant.

But the heat can be brutal during the Memorial Day and Fourth of July postings, or sometimes it’s pouring rain.

“There have been times after a heavy rain where you almost sink,” Garrison said. “We slop through the mess.”

On the upside, though, “there’s no problem with putting them (the flags) in,” he added.

After they post the flags and complete their sweep, the men conclude by playing “Taps,” — a final tribute for those who served.

Published November 12, 2014

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Pasco government offices closed Nov. 11

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Many Pasco County government offices will be closed Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.

All government offices will reopen Nov. 12.

The Pasco County Parks and Recreation Centers will be closed that day, but parks and beaches will remain open to the public from dawn until dusk.

Pasco County Animal Services’ administrative office, adoption center, shelter and field services will be closed that Tuesday,  but an animal control officer will be available for emergencies only.

All offices resume regular business hours Nov. 12, with the adoption center open from noon to 6:30 p.m., and everything else from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Buses will not run through Pasco County Public Transportation on Nov. 11, however, normal routes will resume Nov. 12.

The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility and the East Pasco Transfer Station will close Nov. 11 to the public. However, they will remain open to licensed commercial haulers. Both will reopen to the public on Nov. 12.

For details on closings, visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Saint Leo collecting necessities for veterans in need

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Saint Leo University once again is partnering with Two Men and a Truck, as well as local schools, businesses and other organizations, to collect items critically needed by veterans.

As part of its annual Movers for Military community outreach program, the university and local organizations are accepting essential care items they will distribute to veterans living in local shelters on Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

Collection began on Sept. 29, and continues until Nov. 7, at six collection boxes in high-traffic areas around the East Pasco County campus of Saint Leo. Two other boxes, primarily for the general public, are available in the atrium of the Donald R. Tapia School of Business, and the lobby of the Marion Bowman Activities Center.

The wish list for donations include:

• Soap, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and deodorant

• Washcloths, towels, sheets and blankets

• Backpacks, sleeping bags, plastic blue tarps, and disposable rain ponchos

• Sneakers, thick socks and winter hats

• Canned food

• Batteries, Band-Aids, baby wipes and insect repellant

For more information on the program, call Kim Payne at Saint Leo at (352) 588-7233, or email him at .