The Laker/Lutz News

Photos of the Week

A curious ‘reflection’

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(Courtesy of Bernie Welton)

Tina James, daughter of Bernie and Kathy Welton of Land O’ Lakes, painted this portrait of the Weltons’ cat, Zee, who was adopted when he could fit in the palm of Kathy’s hand. Zee now is 13 years old and weighs a little more than 20 pounds. When presented with his portrait, Zee took to sitting for a good 10 minutes, just admiring himself in his ‘reflection.’

A stunning portrait

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Kimberly Collins lives in Meadow Pointe and plants her yard to attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds — and what better way to capture a photo like this, of a Monarch butterfly sitting for a portrait! Collins said she is thankful for the opportunity to share her love of nature.

An unmistakable image

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This great blue heron was sitting in the pond at Steve Vinik’s home in Lexington Oaks, in Wesley Chapel, squawking at something. After gazing fixedly for some minutes and then swiveling its head when Vinik tapped at the window, the heron suddenly lifted off across the pond.

A new day dawning

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Mary Rathman, The Laker/Lutz News’ editorial assistant, snapped this photo of the incredible sky on her way into work one day.

Raisin’ cane, for the love of history

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(Fred Bellet)

Steam rises from the huge vat containing sugar cane juice, as volunteers Marcus Copeland, of Dade City, left, and Jasper Starnes, of Zephyrhills, right, work on skimming any impurities that bubble to the top during the sugar cane syrup-making process. The demonstration occurred in the Cane Mill during The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village Raising Cane and Moonshine Festival. See more photos from the festival in full story.

Worth a repeat

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Gary Owens of Land O’ Lakes, last February, submitted his photo of an osprey in flight over Lake Heron, for our Local Wildlife section. It is worth a repeat, as we look back at some of our favorite reader-submitted wildlife photos.

A picture is worth a thousand words

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(Fred Bellet)

Academy at the Lakes East Pasco County All-Star catcher Josiah Bayona dives for a foul tip during game action against the West Pasco County All-Stars. Both West baseball and softball teams beat the East in the fourth annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) All-Star Baseball and Softball Games at Bishop McLaughlin High School fields. See more photos from 2021 below.

Santa swings through Lexington Oaks

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Lexington Oaks, in Wesley Chapel, hosted a parade, and Santa (also known as John Kostialik) and Frosty (Dustin Kostialik) joined in. Festivities included visits from a Pasco County fire truck, an ambulance and a marching band, too.

(Courtesy of Steve Vinik)

 

True patriotism on display

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(Fred Bellet)

Tunnel to Towers Foundation supporter Jim McKiernan, of Spring Hill, was among the many flag-toting motorcyclists who welcomed event-goers as they disembarked from shuttle buses. See full story and more photos in the above featured top story.

In the eyes of the beholder

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(Fred Bellet)

With art in her eyes, a display of handcrafted gift items are reflected from the sunglasses of onlooker Monica Kasson, of Odessa. Kasson, a fiber artist who works with tie-dye and other art forms, was browsing through the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show.