The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mike Camunas

Sending the perfect assist, on and off the field

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Lexi Mangione knows she has a nice kit — and plenty of clothes.

However, some, especially foster children, aren’t always afforded that.
“Foster kids, they literally have nothing,” the Wesley Chapel High senior midfielder said. “Or the things they do have, they don’t even have a bag to put those things in — sometimes it’s just a garbage bag.”

Wesley Chapel High girls soccer senior midfielder Lexi Mangione stands in the Caterpillars to Butterflies Foster Closet in Zephyrhills, which holds donations the nonprofit receives. Mangione, whose family has been fostering children for more than a year now, volunteers to help at the closet and organizes clothing drives with her soccer team and in her neighborhood. (Mike Camunas)

Mangione is talking about children in the foster care system. Her family, led by father David and mother Carissa, have been fostering children for more than a year now. Sometimes, the children stay a while, such as the toddler the Mangiones have been caring for, for a year. Other times, it’s a nightly or weekly stay — just a place until the child can get into a more permanent situation.

The family has fostered nearly 30 kids in that short span.

But each time a child walked through the door, Lexi was shocked at the state of their clothes, or lack thereof.

She decided she wanted to something about it.

“It wasn’t something that just pulled at my heartstrings, so I thought I would do some community service hours — no, I really wanted to help out those kids,” she said. “Because now that I’ve seen what’s in the foster system, I want to help and make it better for the kids in the system.”

So, Lexi started hosting clothing drives.

She began in her Wesley Chapel neighborhood, making sure the donated items went to local organizations, such as the nearby Caterpillars to Butterflies. The Dade City-based nonprofit collects clothes for foster children, but also makes sure they have other resources they need to live a better life.

Lexi recently had a clothing drive in her neighborhood geared toward collecting items for teenage girls, such as makeup, hair and skin care products, and sanitary items. Those donations went to Beautiful Beginnings Boutique, out of Bay Hope Church, in Lutz. It provides underprivileged teens with clothing and other items.

Lexi didn’t stop there.

She enlisted the help of her Wildcats teammates to have clothing drives.

The soccer team did it last year and is doing it again this year.

Those items go to Caterpillars to Butterflies, where Lexi volunteers as much as she can by helping with fundraising or keeping their foster closet organized.

“It’s very impressive with what she does — starting up another foster drive with the team,” said Mark Leonard, now in his sixth year as the Wildcats’ coach. “Lexi is an amazing kid from an amazing family. … She’s kind of old school — does it the right way, knows her role, doesn’t make excuses, always asks how can I be a better player and how can I make the team better.

Lexi Mangione sprints down the field during a Wildcats game on Nov. 28.

“That’s why I picked her as (team) captain.”

Leonard says Lexi has earned every bit of her captaincy, as well as her role as starting midfielder. Lexi stepped into that position her junior year after hard work. It netted her six goals and six assists, as well as helping the team pull off the upset for a district title over River Ridge last season.

“She’s earned everything she gets, and younger players see that,” Leonard said. “When I look at her, I say, ‘That’s how you want your players, especially your captain, to be.’”

The Wildcats have won four of the last five district championships and return a lot of seniors, including leading scorer Tatum Moore (30 G, 12 A). So, the team wants to “make their senior year worth it,” Lexi said.

“Our season (2-3-1) isn’t starting out the way we like it to, but it kind of plays out that way every season,” Lexi added. “Everyone doubts us, and we come back and win when we need to.”

If anyone is winning, it’s the children the Mangiones, especially Lexi, are helping.

“We’re always just blown away by what she accomplishes with the clothing drives,” Carissa said. “Her and her teammates do a great job of that.

“Plus, she’s great at home, too, with the kids that come in. She’s right there with all the kids and the babies that live with us. She’s so responsible — she’s like a second mom.”

And to Lexi, everyone can use an assist — especially foster children.

“I just thought the kids needed more,” Lexi said. “That’s why I like Caterpillars to Butterflies. They make sure foster kids have all the things they need because most of the time they really don’t have anything at all.”

Caterpillars to Butterflies Charitable Foundation
Caterpillars to Butterflies Charitable Foundation is a Dade City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides resources to children to help them accomplish goals, explore passions and take part in activities they enjoy. Founded by Tracy Hanson, this organization relies on donations and volunteers who can take meals to foster families, help at fundraising events or work in the foster clothes closet.
The Wesley Chapel High girls soccer team is doing a clothing drive for the organization and looking for children’s PJs, socks, shoes, underwear, diapers and more. To donate to the team’s drive, email .
For more information, visit Caterflies.org.

Published December 07, 2022

Butterbowl Bike Ride

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The Wilderness Lake Preserve Lodge, 21320 Wilderness Lake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. (Mike Camunas)

The Land O’ Lakes neighborhoods of Wilderness Lake Preserve and Connerton will host the inaugural Butterbowl Bike Ride 2023 event on Jan. 21 at 10 a.m.

The competitive or leisure event will be a 20-mile bike ride through the two communities, with check-in beginning at 8:45 a.m., at the Wilderness Lake Preserve Lodge, 21320 Wilderness Lake Blvd.

Cost is $55 per rider and is limited to 50 riders. Riders will receive a dri-fit shirt. Online registration deadline is 5 p.m., on Jan. 4. The event also is still accepting sponsors, which will be featured on the shirt.

To register, visit BikeReg.com/butterbowl-bike-ride.

For more information, call 813-786-1481, or email .

Youth kickball league

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Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, will host a coed youth kickball league, for players ages 8 to 15, beginning Jan. 16. Games will be played Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Cost is $95 per player for the seven-week season, with a T-shirt provided. Deadline to register is Dec. 23. To register, visit YardWarsSports.com/store.

Volleyball clinics

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RADD Sports is now hosting Friday night volleyball clinics at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, 3021 Sports Coast Way, Wesley Chapel. Players can meet coaches and sharpen their skills in attacking, blocking, defense and setting. Cost is $25 per athlete per class. To learn more or sign up, visit Wiregrass-sports.com/volleyball.

Lights, joy and wonder

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There’s Christmas songs on the radio — and, thousands of lights dancing to the tunes.

That’s just part of the stunning, festive display at The Wonderland of Lights and America’s Christmas Village in Auburndale.

Thousands of choreographed lights and holiday displays can be viewed from the comfort of an air-conditioned car.

The Wonderland of Lights, at the International Market World Flea and Farmers Market in Auburndale, features a mile-long path of dazzling, festive lights and holiday displays that also are in-sync with Christmas music tuned to on the car radio. A car of up to eight people can enjoy a slow ride through the wonderland, then finish the evening off at America’s Christmas Village, which features rides, entertainment, games, food, decorations and more. (Mike Camunas)

It’s a night of family fun, and an incredible deal for families, too.

So load up the SUV, tune in the radio and get away from that silent night — for some holiday fun that’s totally worth the trip.

North Pole by North Pole West
The International Market World Flea and Farmers Market of Auburndale is about an hour or so away, from Land O’ Lakes, depending on the traffic.

Founded in 1981, it is now a 30-acre operation that hosts markets and events throughout the year.

But until Dec. 25, in the evenings, the place will become The Wonderland of Lights and America’s Christmas Village.

Tammy Peters, founder and owner of North Pole Productions, is behind this fun land.

She started this production company in 2001, to develop and produce unique and customized events for fairgrounds, museums and parks.

The former longtime executive at United Way began a lighting business in 1997, but once she retired, she wanted to do something that involved her love of Christmas.

The Wonderland of Lights features a mile-long route of festive lights and displays that can be viewed from the car before reaching America’s Christmas Village in Auburndale.

“The past 20 years at North Pole Productions have been dedicated to putting on amazing light shows as a wonderful way to entertain families,” Peters said. “It’s just good, wholesome entertainment during the holiday season.”

The light show display in Auburndale is in its seventh year, while North Pole Productions does several professional shows across the country, including 12 around Bronson, Missouri.

As a family friendly event, Peters notes that coming to see the light show is a deal even Scrooge wouldn’t pass up.

“It’s a lot of young families that come out,” Peters said. “And there’s grandparents bringing grandchildren to it, to give mom and dad the night off.

“It really warms my heart to see families out here, and it’s $25 for up to eight people. Where else are you going to entertain eight people for $3 a head?!”

Don’t worry — this mighty humble bumble just wants to crown a Christmas Tree with a star at America’s Christmas Village in Auburndale.

Take it slow and wonder
The mile-long lighted route begins by tuning the radio to 103.1 FM, where passengers will be greeted with Christmas songs. All along the path there are displays with different themes.

There are “tunnels” that dance to the music, which will range from your Christmas classics, those same songs but more modern, and even ‘Frozen’ tunes for you Disney fans out there.

Several displays have a Florida or beach theme, such as Santa’s Beach Party or an impressive shark fin that moves and ends with “Bruce” appearing out of the water.

The 12 Days of Christmas is on a straightaway and there are fun touches on impressive displays, making it fun to take it nice and slow along the route.

To the village
At the end of the route will be America’s Christmas Village. It, too, does not disappoint.

With a distinct carnival vibe to it, it is decked out for Christmas and features rides, games, food, entertainment and more.

Santa Claus will be on hand for family photos and more inside the circus tent that houses America’s Christmas Village in Auburndale.

There’s plenty of bounce houses inside the circus tent, which also includes a huge Bumble from “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the one-of-a-kind, 30-foot Star-Spangled Christmas Tree and, of course, the beloved holly and jolly man that children enjoy seeing this time of year.

In the end, a trip to this wonderland is a festive gift families can give themselves to brighten up their holidays, without breaking the bank.

The Wonderland of Lights & America’s Christmas Village
Where: International Market World Flea and Farmers Market, 1052 U.S. 92, Auburndale
When: Daily through Dec. 25, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 for general admission, with a car of up to eight people
Details: A festive holiday experience through a spectacular parade of thousands of lights. From tunnel displays to towering structures and whimsical designs, celebrate the spirit of the season with a few surprises sprinkled in, including a one-of-a-kind, 30-foot Star-Spangled Christmas Tree. Food, games, entertainment and rides await visitors at the end of the lighted drive-through.
Info and tickets: Visit TheWonderlandOfLights.com.

Published December 07, 2022

“Kidpreneurs” taking the marketplace by storm

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These kids mean business.

They are “Kidpreneurs” with self-owned startups selling homemade or resold products at marketplaces hosted by Tampa Children’s Business Fair (TCBF).

Ruby Medoza (or is that Jack-aline Sparrow?) smiles as she makes a sale on a treasure box filled with pirate booty and other fun items, during the Kidpreneurs event at the KRATE in Wesley Chapel. (Mike Camunas)

The TCBF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded with the sole purpose of empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. They organize marketplaces featuring businesses created and launched by local children.

The Kidpreneurs set up shop at a local rec center or shopping district and try to turn a profit by finding out, firsthand, what it’s like to not only sell their wares, but themselves.

“They’re learning how to be a business owner in a fun, safe and supportive environment,” TCBF founder Danielle Cannon said, “even if they take a chance, a chance you might not be able to take as an adult when your life savings are involved.

Money in hand, Jennah Laktib happily makes a sale with her kid-owned jewelry business during the Tampa Children’s Business Fair on Nov. 29.

“And they’re so articulate and poised and mature and, honestly, much more brave than I was at that age,” she added. “I would have never had the confidence, in a million years, to do what these kids are doing and I don’t want my kids, or any of the Kidpreneurs, to be self-conscious like that.

“I want them to be confident in promoting themselves and their business and know it’s all right to fail at it. That’s an opportunity to learn, not a reason to stop.”

TCBF and its Kidpreneurs marketplaces are not even a year old and just held its third marketplace. This one was on Nov. 29 at the KRATE in Wesley Chapel, hosting more than 30 kid-owned businesses with booths in the outdoor shopping plaza.

Before that event even kicked off, it was so popular that Cannon had to schedule a second one at the KRATE for January.

McKenzie Toledo, left, makes a sales pitch on bath bombs to Tara Stoddard, right, during the ‘Kidpreneurs Take over the KRATE’ event hosted by Tampa Children’s Business Fair, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. It offers marketplaces where kids and teenagers can learn how to sell their products, find out what it’s like to run a small business and, of course, make some money, too. More than 30 kid-owned businesses were set up at the outside shopping plaza in Wesley Chapel on Nov. 29.

Also, the next marketplace is Dec. 11 in Temple Terrace and features 100 Kidpreneurs, with several others wanting to join in, as well.

“I had to cut it off,” Cannon, a Land O’ Lakes native, said. “Kids want to do it that much.”

Cannon had the idea to start TCBF because the neighbor’s kids wanted to sell bracelets, but didn’t really know how. She thought of having a neighborhood kids’ market, as her two children wanted to sell stuff, too. The neighborhood kept having the market and it kept growing each time.

She formed the nonprofit to help the growing number of kids sell in a market setting, with the first TCBF back in December 2021.

TCBF doesn’t charge for Kidpreneurs to set up with nothing more than a table, a money box or card reader or Venmo account, and the organization relies on donations that go directly to supporting the kids.

At the KRATE market, an anonymous local donor matched donations up to $30,000.

While most Kidpreneurs are out to make money, some do it for philanthropic reasons. For example, Caylynn and Cece Hovan, twin freshmen from Steinbrenner High, donated their proceeds to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

From left: Rachel Nellany, Riley Nellany and Delaney Diffenderfer sell some homemade jewelry and take in money during the ‘Kidpreneurs Take over the KRATE’ event hosted by Tampa Children’s Business Fair on Nov. 29.

“I just think it’s great to get some exposure and socialize and learn what it takes to run a business,” Lutz mom Samantha Haylock said, while watching her daughter, Sage, sell her artwork at the KRATE. “I really hope she gets into another marketplace in the future.”

Added Sage: “And I sold two of my paintings so far!

“I think it’s been really fun to meet customers and then see them buy your stuff. It’s awesome and feels really great to make a sale,” she added.

Fellow local Kidpreneur Stephanie Betancourt agrees.

Elias Dos-Santos shows off some healing crystals to a customer during a Tampa Children’s Business Fair outdoor marketplace.

“I did have a lot of fun coming out here and running a business,” she said. “I learned how to run a business and it takes a lot of work. You definitely have to be friendly and smile a lot.”

Her mother, Amarilys Rodriguez, added: “It was a good experience for her to know how to explain the items and give a good sales pitch and be friendly with customers. I think this is great for the kids and their businesses.”

That’s exactly what Cannon is aiming for: She wants the event to be more about collaboration and less about competition between the Kidpreneurs.

That way they can all get down to business.

“We want them to be supportive of one another and the businesses they bring,” she said. “And they are. You see that when they take the time to walk to the other tables and ask them about their business or products.

“And it’s so impressive to see how these kids grow their business. They come back with more products or say, ‘Next time, we’re going to launch our new design!’ — that’s so cute; I just absolutely love it!”

Tampa Children’s Business Fair
Details: The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aims to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs with organized marketplaces featuring businesses that were created and launched by local children. The “Kidpreneurs,” ages 6 to 16, develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, plan the cost of goods and pricing, and then open for customers at marketplace events in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. The latest marketplace, held Nov. 29 at the KRATE in Wesley Chapel, featured more than 30 kid-owned businesses. Demand to feature a kid’s business was so high that the organization plans to host another marketplace event at the KRATE, in January. All donations to this organization are used to support the “Kidpreneurs” and host the marketplace events.
Info: Visit TampaCBF.org.

Next Kidpreneurs Marketplace
When: Dec. 11, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Temple Terrace Family Recreation Complex, 6610 Whiteway Drive

Published December 07, 2022

Steinbrenner High freshman Cece Hovan smiles as she speaks with a customer and hopes to make a sale. She and her twin sister, Kay Kay, have their own business.
Amarilys Rodriguez, left, looks on as her daughter, Stephanie Betancourt, tries to sell some of her homemade slime during the Tampa Children’s Business Fair outdoor marketplace.
Zahra Salar, left, and Hafsa Burhan sell stress-relief products that look like ice cream sundaes and yogurts, in a marketplace set up at the KRATE in Wesley Chapel.

At peace in their new homes

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Rosco jumped up, balancing himself on his owner’s leg.

It was his new owner, Sonia Butler, who adopted the Chihuahua-Jack Russell mix.

“He’s super playful and very close to me,” Butler said.

“Oh, he follows her everywhere,” added her husband, Brian.

Sonia Butler, left, and Erin Crouch hold Chihuahua-Jack Russell brothers Rosco, left, and Freckles. The two dogs were adopted by their new respective owners after their former owner passed while in Gulfside Hospice care. Through Gulfside’s Pet Peace of Mind Program, once a patient passes, Gulfside will work to either relocate a pet with family or work to get the pet adopted by an outside party. (Mike Camunas)

Not too long ago, Rosco’s former owner passed away while in hospice care. The Gulfside Hospice patient left behind Rosco and his brother, Freckles. But thanks to Gulfside’s Pet Peace of Mind Program, the two energetic pups very quickly found forever homes, leaving them happy, healthy and loved.

And taken care of, in the true spirit of Gulfside.

“Freckles was a little more of the dominant dog of the two and more attached to the owner,” the dog’s new owner, Erin Crouch, said, “so he needed a little more time to figure out what was going on. After two or three days, he really perked up and figured out it was his new home.

“We tried to place him through a Jack Russell rescue, but we just fell in love.”

Through Pet Peace of Mind, Gulfside can provide in-home veterinary assistance, pet food and litter delivery, flea and tick and mobile grooming services, and also provide assistance finding the pet a forever home before or after the owner passes.

Gulfside also provides companionship volunteers, who come into the home and spend time with the patient and caregiver. And in that time, some volunteers get to know the pets, too.

Erin Crouch walks Freckles, a Chihuahua-Jack Russell mix, at The Rucki Hospice Care Center in Zephyrhills. Crouch adopted Freckles through Gulfside Healthcare Services’ Pet Peace of Mind Program, which helps hospice patients also receive care for their dogs, from volunteers bringing food and spending time with the pets, to Gulfside obtaining veterinary and grooming services to come to patient’s homes.

Crouch, a home health provider for Gulfside, met her new dog through Pet Peace of Mind.

“(Freckles’ previous owner) was a patient of mine that I saw every week, and I got to know her and the family and the dogs really well,” Crouch said. “It was a no-brainer to adopt him.”

Gulfside Patient Care Volunteer Manager Emilia Peguero says many times once Gulfside starts looking for forever homes for the pet, many of the Gulfside staff will end up as the new owners.

“Sometimes it’s not hard to get them adopted,” Peguero said. “I just know who on staff is going to want to adopt, but we ask the families if they have a back-up plan.

“We don’t want to break anyone’s heart, just as long as the pet has a new home and is cared for.”

Gulfside will create a flier to promote the pet’s adoption, as well as advertise it on social media. And it’s not just dogs that are helped. The program also works on getting cats, birds, fish, and any other kind of animals adopted.

“We’ve got a staff member that whenever we have birds,” Peguero said, “I know she’ll want to adopt them.”

Gulfside volunteer Margaret Griffith loads up pet supplies to take to a patient as part of the Pet Peace of Mind Program. (Courtesy of Emilia Peguero)

Gulfside takes and collects donations of animal supplies, then manages a team of volunteers who deliver them.

Dawn McCallus is one those volunteers.

Once she started working part-time, she was ready to devote time to helping Gulfside and its Pet Peace of Mind Program.

“Those pets are a comfort to the patient and caregivers, McCallus said. “I’m an animal lover. We have dogs, we feed stray cats,” she said.

It feels good to deliver food and other supplies, she said.

“To help the animals, it helps the patient and the caregiver, especially for the caregiver, where you’re taking that away from them — it’s one less worry for them.

“And they’re so appreciative — the caregivers are so very thankful,” McCallus said.

Pet Peace of Mind Program
This program, offered through Gulfside Healthcare, provides extra support to care for a patient’s pet through their end-of-life journey. Donations help provide veterinary care assistance, pet food and litter, flea and tick treatment, grooming care and even assistance finding the pet a new forever home through adoption.

To learn more or to donate to the program, visit www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/ODgxMTg. To volunteer for the program or with Gulfside, visit Gulfside.org/volunteer-with-gulfside.html.

Published December 07, 2022

A smokin’ roadside attraction

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There’s some good food in this neighborhood.

Those driving by the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes, will see smoke rising into the sky. The smoke is accompanied by an enticing aroma — produced by Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit’s smoker, cooking up barbecue on the weekends.

Al Brown slices into some smoked ribs at Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit, a street corner barbecue joint at the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes. (Mike Camunas)

The Brown Family has set up shop at the location for about three years now, with nothing more than the smoker, a tent and chairs — and a TV to watch college football on Saturdays in the fall.

That’s where they serve up classic barbecue dishes, from ribs to chicken and brisket, to eager patrons. They offer sides, such as baked beans, collard greens and cornbread, too.

“We’ve always cooked and always done barbecue, but never gotten into the business of it,” Al Brown, the family patriarch said. “My sons wanted to start a business, but then the pandemic hit, so we were at home flushing the idea out a little more, which turned into us coming out with the smoker.”

The Brown Family, from left, Almari, Al, Almani, Danita and Alvaunte hang out at Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit, which is a tailgating smoker operation under a tent at the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes. The Lutz family has been setting up shop for about three years, and serving homemade classic barbecue to hungry customers who have heard about the good food through word of mouth or just happened to be driving by.

The business is co-owned with Al’s sons, Almari and Alvaunte, who are students at Carrollwood Day School.

Their mom, Aleah, and other siblings when home from college, also help out — making it a family affair whenever they’re out on the corner.

“We always wanted a job, but once the pandemic hit, well, our dad kind of helped us make this job,” Almari said. “It’s great that we can do this and work with the family.”

Alvaunte added: “It’s pretty fun to be around the smoker and the family and learning from my dad, just about every day I can. (It’s a) little bit of hard work and sometimes — most of the time — it’s hot, but since it’s with the family, you don’t really notice.”

Originally, the Browns were going to go with a food truck, but the pandemic closed many businesses, where food trucks could park to sell meals, and also canceled events, another common source of customers.

Having a business requires the correct permits, certifications to serve food, and insurance, Al said.

Alvaunte Brown, of Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit, serves up some collard greens for a hungry customer.

It also requires having a parking permit, which allows the Browns to be on private property — owned by family friend, Larry Engle, owner of CutLettering Sign Company.

The setup gives the “restaurant” a bit of a tailgate feel.

Customers will hang out and eat, especially if the Browns are watching the University of Miami Hurricanes — their favorite college football team.

“I’ve been smoking food and cooking barbecue since I was 15,” Al said. “Since we couldn’t do the truck, it was more of hanging out and being outside. With the truck, it would have been a real in-and-out business, so with the tent and smoker, we have more of a tailgate feel than a food truck.

“Working with the family keeps us around each other as much as possible, too.”

“It’s great,” Alvaunte added. “We get the TV out here and watch some football while serving up this food — doesn’t feel like work at all.

“I won’t share the secret recipe, but I’ll say our ribs are the best — the Brown specialty.”

Al Brown prepares a barbecue order at Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit in Land O’ Lakes.

“I think our best dish is the ribs,” Almari agreed. “All the meat, though, is great and is real easy (to make) — you just got to know how to do it and not rush it.”

Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit also caters events, and Al does a lot of cookouts for youth sports teams.

The Lutz family says they’ve been embraced by the communities nearby such as Lake Padgett Estates East, Plantation Palms and Dupree Lakes.

“The community here has been great with us,” Al said. “We did a trial run, like you would for any business, to see how people accept it. Everyone around here has been great, never had any complaints.

“It’s really been just word of mouth or people driving by and getting hungry. … But we’re out here, watching some football and enjoying the Florida sun and chatting with anyone who comes by for some barbecue!”

Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit
Where: At the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard, across the street from the entrance to Lake Padgett Estates East subdivision, in Land O’ Lakes.
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, around 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Details: Family owned, homemade barbeque “joint” on the side of the road out of a pickup truck and a smoker, and offering all the classic favorites such as ribs, chicken, brisket, sausages, turkey breasts, mac and cheese, baked beans, cornbread and collard greens. Catering is available, too.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/Brownsbbqpitwesleychapel, or call 813-575-2117.

Published November 30, 2022

Housing a Christmas wonderland

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Christmas won’t be canceled this year.

Especially at the Old Lutz School House.

After a two-year COVID hiatus, Christmas at the Old Lutz School is back, celebrating its 26th year with a display of lights, trees, trains, nutcrackers and many more decorations for local residents to view.

Once again, a massive collection of nutcrackers will be on display, all from owner Phyllis Hoedt, longtime chairperson of the Old Lutz School Building’s nonprofit foundation. (Mike Camunas)

“Like everything else we’ve done in the Lutz community, we’re glad to be getting back and having our annual traditions — especially Christmas at the Old Lutz School,” said Stephanie Ensor, community liaison for the Old Lutz School Building’s foundation. “From the (Lutz) Guv’na Campaign to the Fourth of July Parade and now being able to host people inside the School House again, it’s just so great to finally be able to do the things we do every year here in Lutz.”

Since the school house is a Hillsborough County facility on county property, it had to adhere to pandemic restrictions, which prevented having events and gatherings in indoor spaces. Now that those are lifted, Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that maintains the building through volunteering and fundraising events, was able to bring back the annual tradition.

Volunteers began decorating the house before Thanksgiving.

The display once again will feature the Tree Room, which will have various trees decorated by people and organizations from Lutz; the Snowy Railroad Room: a massive model train display assembled by Wally Hoedt; and even breakfast with Santa, on the morning of Dec. 10.

“So many people are looking forward to the comeback,” Ensor said. “Definitely grandparents, who love bringing their grandchildren up here, who just love seeing the trains and Legos.”

Back on display for the first time since 2019 will be the Lego town, assembled brick-by-brick by Jason Burkett, who vows it will be five times bigger than last time it was at Christmas at the Old Lutz School House.

Returning also will be an impressive Lego town, assembled brick-by-brick by Jason Burkett.

The display includes a mishmash of Lego assembly kits from fan-favorite movies and TV shows, but with some fun nods, such as how certain Lego people are displayed throughout the town.

“2019 was my first year at the Old Lutz School, and COVID gave me three years to plan,” Burkett said. “So now, in 2022, it is (going to be) five times bigger than last time! I am excited for kids and adults to come back and see everything that we have been so eager to share with them.”

Also back on display will be the incredible massive nutcracker collection from longtime school house chairperson and supporter Phyllis Hoedt. Her collection takes up nearly half of one of the bottom floor rooms at the school house, and features a nutcracker with just about every theme imaginable.

“Phyllis has been collecting those nutcrackers for a long time,” Ensor added.

As always, coming to select evenings in December when Christmas at the Old Lutz School is open to the public, is free of charge. The school house will always take donations, but will also put out barrels to collect nonperishable food items and toys to donate to charity.

“Christmas at the Old Lutz School is part of what makes Lutz so great,” Ensor said. “I know for a fact the community is happy to have it back during this time of year in the holiday season.”

26th Annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School
Where: Old Lutz School House, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz
Dates: Dec. 8, Dec. 10, Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Dec. 17, Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 26
When: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free. Donations are welcome.
Details: Back on display and open to the public is the School House’s annual celebration of Christmas, with the building decorated outside and the bottom floor’s room filled with Christmas trees, nutcrackers, a Lego town, an extensive model train display and other Christmas decor. There also will be Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost for that is $4, cash only.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/oldlutzschool.

Published November 30, 2022

Keystone Park reopens, bigger and better

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Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department recently reopened Keystone Park & Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, in Odessa.

The project included $2.6 million in upgrades to the center and 26-acre park.

The recreation center improvements included an expansion and renovation that features a larger multipurpose room, kitchen and new restrooms. The 1,820-square-foot expansion brings the total size of the center to 7,494 square feet.

The park has added a new playground, refurbished the tennis courts and new pickleball courts, as well as a lighted walking trail, shaded benches and upgraded parking.

A walkway from the recreation center leads to the Austin Davis Public Library next door. The library, however, is currently undergoing renovations. It is tentatively set to reopen in late May or early June.

The recreation center construction costs came in at $1,619,600, while site improvements including new sidewalks, shelters, new playground and a proposed event pavilion were $1,030,000, according to county officials.

The renovation was part of the department’s Capital Improvement Program.

Keystone Park averages about 4,500 monthly visitors.

Published November 30, 2022

Keystone Park & Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, in Odessa, recently reopened after Hillsborough County gave it $2.6 million in upgrades, including an expanded rec center and new playground. (Mike Camunas)