The Laker/Lutz News

Dade City Center for the Arts

Painted hay bales bring a festive fall feel to Dade City

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Artists took humble bales of hay and applied their imagination to create some festive fall scenes for pieces of public art that are strategically placed in spots around Dade City.

Fall traditionally is a time for getting together with loved ones. Jasmine and Curtis Wright’s artistic hay bale issues an invitation to gather. It’s on display at Agnes Lamb Park, at 14200 Ninth St. (Courtesy of Dade City Center for the Arts)

The Dade City Hay Bale Painting Project, now in its second year, gives artists a chance to express their creativity and gives visitors to the quaint East Pasco town the opportunity to enjoy the seasonal artworks.

“The Dade City Center for the Arts was pleased to make this our second annual art event, especially since we had such a great community response last year,” said Lucy Avila, of the arts center, via email.

“We are very grateful to our artists who have shared their time and talent to make this art project such a success that is being enjoyed by all,” she added.

The arts center also appreciates the local hay producers who provided giant rolls of hay and delivered them for the project, according to its website.

The hay bales are stationed at locations around Dade City and will be on display through Thanksgiving, the website says. For more information, you can visit DadeCityArts.com.

This smiling scarecrow seems a little too friendly to scare birds away, but he sure knows how to set a tone for a happy fall. Randy Hernandez is the artist on this work, which is on display at Price Park, 37415 Magnolia Ave.

Some of the artists shared the source of their inspiration with Avila, who, in turn, shared them with The Laker/Lutz News.

Kevin Taggerty, whose image of an American flag on a hay bale is positioned at the Hardy Trail and Church Avenue, told Avila: “I love our country, as well as served it for 23 years in the USAF (U.S. Air Force).

“Veterans Day is in November and it’s a tribute to them.

“I also did a small tribute on the back of the hay bale that shows our 13 stars (colonies) as well as represents the 13 fallen soldiers we recently had in Afghanistan.

“I love our flag. If we don’t start showing our nation respect and step up for her, who else will?

“The flag makes me proud and I feel most Americans get goose bumps when we are gathered around singing the National Anthem.

This hay bale, stationed at Agnes Lamb Park, at 14200 Ninth St., in downtown Dade City, features the symbol of plenty. It was painted by Jasmine and Curtis Wright.

“I hope this hay bale acts as a unity symbol and grows us closer together,” Taggerty said.

Artist Karen Menard created paintings of sunflowers and a lady bug.

“I have created sunflowers in many forms and mediums, including paint, clay, and with fabric in quilts,” Menard shared. In this case, she used a hay bale.

The image of the lady bug is a tribute to her mother.

“Growing up, my sisters and I were Girl Scouts, and my mother was our troop leader. Her camp name was “Lady,” and my sisters and I and all of our friends called her that name. She passed away a few years ago, but she is fondly remembered whenever we see lady bugs.”

Randy Hernandez shared that he wanted to create a hay bale with a very “fall” feel.

The front is a friendly scarecrow, welcoming visitors to downtown.

The back is his rendition of “a colorful, dreamy landscape that you would typically see in the hills of Dade City.”

Avila noted that this is the first time that opportunities were offered for sponsorships, and these sponsors stepped up to help out: Dennis Realty, Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges, Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Karatinos Law PLLC, RX Care Pharmacy, Schaper Roofing, Construction & Pools, and Soriano Insurance.

Published October 27, 2021

Doesn’t this slice of pumpkin pie look inviting? This image comes courtesy of Ryah Taggerty and is on display at Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd.

 

 

 

Kevin Taggerty is shown here working on his depiction of the American flag, on a hay bale positioned at the Hardy Trail at 37856 Church Ave. The location is across from the American Legion.
Artist Karen Menard loves creating sunflowers and has done them in many forms, using paint, clay and fabric for her creations. In this case, she used a bale of hay. You can view it at Watson Park, on Main Avenue, between 17th and 19th streets.
This ‘lady’s’ bug is a tribute to artist Karen Menad’s mom, Dolores Griffin. It is on display at Watson park, on Main Avenue, between 17th and 19th streets.

 

Dade City approves contract for destination marketing campaign

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The City of Dade City is poised to launch a destination marketing campaign — with the aim of attracting more tourists, as well as engaging area residents.

To that end, Dade City Commissioners on June 22 unanimously approved a $14,200 contract with The Creative Stable Inc., a Dade City-based advertising, marketing, media and public relations firm operated by Jennifer Frazier. Frazier is the agency’s creative director, senior copywriter and general manager.

The scope of work entails the creation of a photo library ($2,500), the development of an advertising campaign ($3,200), the design of a destination website called DiscoverDadeCity.com ($1,000) and a video and short television spots campaign refresh ($7,500) — in collaboration with other Tampa Bay area multimedia companies.

Jennifer Frazier, creative director, senior copywriter and general manager of The Creative Stable Inc. (Courtesy of The Creative Stable Inc.)

In its proposal, Creative Stable listed its objective is for the municipality “to attract more foot traffic from surrounding areas to the downtown core of Dade City by visually portraying it as a unique, rewarding, memorable, and fun destination, thus increasing sales for area businesses.”

The proposal also outlines some of the city’s unique selling propositions. Those include Dade City’s small-town character; its historic buildings, including some Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles; its specialty retail, restaurants, brewery and events center; its public parks; its biking/hiking/walking trails; its cultural offerings, including the Dade City Center for the Arts and the Dade City Symphony; and, a new Visitor’s Center in the works and a splash zone being planned.

A photo library creation will encompass four days of on-site shooting by Rick Tauceda of Tampa-based Rick’s visual, to give the city hundreds of usable shots, be it streetscapes, historic churches, Kumquat Festival event action, local restaurants, pedestrians walking downtown, children playing at Price Park, cyclists and runners on Hardy Trail, and so on.

Meanwhile, a video refresh will be shot and produced by Tampa-based Diamond View Studios, updating a 2016 video library focusing on new footage and more experiential imagery “to avoid logos and storefronts as much as possible to give it a longer shelf life.” The group also will replace footage no longer relevant in the live, work, play, shop and dine spots, for 30-second high-definition television and social media spots.

In its advertising campaign for the city, Creative Stable will create “a cohesive series of community ads to develop wider market awareness for the downtown core.”

These would include:

  • An outdoor board
  • Print and digital ad series of five ads (live, work, play, shop and dine)
  • Social media campaign promoting 30-second spots and an invitation to visit
  • Event poster format
  • Event digital ad format
  • Event print ad

Meanwhile, the design of a “link-centric” destination website for Dade City would have pages to include, “Shop, Dine, Live, Work, and Play” in keeping with the themes of the marketing campaign. For instance, the “Play” webpage on the site would feature the Hardy Trail and city parks, along with other recreational opportunities such as TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park, and Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club.

The marketing plan also provides an option for ongoing support with a retainer fee, which can be modified to fit the city’s needs. The company recommended a monthly retainer of $1,500 (approximately 20 hours per month) to keep marketing consistent for the city over time, to provide event posters, print and digital ads, website updates and so on.

City leaders and merchants of late have expressed a need to attract a younger demographic and more foot traffic to support more contemporary types of businesses, such as bike shops, art galleries and taprooms.

As part of its proposal, Creative Stable garnered anonymous feedback from downtown business owners, who shared a mix of opportunities and concerns for the city’s ability to attract new people and thrive, including:

  • More affordable rent rates compared to Wesley Chapel
  • Too many empty storefronts
  • The need for a concert series at Agnes Lamb Park
  • Targeting day-trippers from Wesley Chapel, Lutz, New Tampa, Trinity
  • Incorporating more crosswalks to make the city more walkable and safer
  • Develop a curated mix of retail to better make the city a destination
  • More events needed to spur foot traffic

Commissioners like Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez expressed enthusiasm with the full-throttled marketing blitz and its desired impacts.

“The time is right for Dade City to really move to that next level,” she said. “We want a very high-quality product.”

The mayor described Frazier as “really talented” and “a tremendous asset” having produced campaigns for Florida League of Cities and First National Bank of Pasco, and many other entities.

The Creative Stable Inc.

Frazier has lived in Dade City since 1985 and raised her family in the area. She recently was inducted into the Tampa Museum of Art and serves on the Gasparilla Arts Festival and Gasparilla Music Festival boards.

Commissioner Scott Black added it’s advantageous that Frazier’s company is nearby on Fort King Road “so we can hold her accountable and we can pull her in more easily anytime there is an event going or a need.”

Meanwhile, Dade City Manager Leslie Porter credited Frazier for recently assisting Dade City pro bono on a newspaper ad campaign where “she was a great help and really helped the city a lot.”

With an influx of growth and development on the horizon, Frazier said it’s an opportune time to begin promoting the city more aggressively.

The East Pasco municipality is poised to see some 14,000 new homes on the books within the next five years, plus a slew of downtown amenities and other unique, adventurous hotspots on the outskirts of town, just outside the city limits.

She put it like this: “I think we’re ready for our close-up now.”

Frazier thanked the commission for being receptive with the forthcoming initiatives, too.

“This has been months, and for a couple of us, years in the making to get to this point to try to create a cohesive marketing program for the City of Dade City, that’s easily repeatable, that’s going to bring in new people to our city, and also ignite those people who are already here, to get back and re-engaged, if they’re not already,” Frazier explained.

Work will begin once a signed contractual agreement is in place, outlining specific deliverables, terms and payment schedules.

As for a timeline for the marketing campaign, Creative Stable plans to complete library and video shoots “as soon as possible to avoid storm season.” From there, an eight-week window is planned “to deliver the videos, spots, advertising campaigns and website.”

Published July 14, 2021

Dade City put its heart, in art

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If you enjoy outdoor public art displays, then you may find a new one in Dade City quite appealing.

Ryah Taggerty, of Valrico, came up with a stunning collage of 20 symbols representing what Dade City is all about. Her heart is located on the Hardy Trail at Florida Avenue. (Fred Bellet)

The display, unveiled during a “Take Heart” free event held May 15, features large 3D metal hearts — built by welding students at Pasco-Hernando State College and  painted by local artists.

Although the event took place at Agnes Lamb Park, in downtown Dade City, the hearts, with their varying themes — are posted in downtown Dade City parks and along the Hardy Trail.

The public art exhibition was coordinated by the Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA), a nonprofit organization that’s working to increase public art and art events in the city.

The group provides opportunities for artists to showcase their talents in Dade City through community outreach and collaboration with Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University and area businesses.

Local businesses and donors help to support the efforts.

Three-year-old Briella Navarro, of Dade City, works on an artistic beaded bracelet at the booth set up in Agnes Lamb Park by the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee. The little girl was there with her mom, Patricia Navarro, and her 4-year-old sister, Galilea Navarro. Charlotte Lewis, representing the Boys & Girls Club provided information about the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program.

During the event, people could compete for prizes by visiting each of the hearts and taking selfies with it, could enjoy music provided by a DJ, could grab a bite to eat and could chat with the artists.

The painted hearts measure approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 4 inches, attached to steel posts secured to the ground, to withstand inclement weather conditions.

The heart signs also feature QR codes, directing people to DCCA’s website, to learn more about the artist who painted the particular piece, and where to find more of their work.

Aside from heart-shaped sculptures, the DCCA has other ideas for other community art initiatives, too.

For information, visit DadeCityArts.com, call (352) 437-3204, or email .

Published May 26, 2021

Along the 301 Bypass at Meridian Ave., Sandy Mann’s ‘heart-work’ sits high above the railings in front of the Heritage Museum. Dan Mitchell, lower right, of San Antonio, leads the way to the heart, where he and some family members took a selfie.
Sixteen-year-old Jessenia Mahamud and her mom, Linda Mahamud, were the first to see all of the hearts in Dade City — winning the heart-seekers challenge. The Dade City residents received a certificate and gift cards from local businesses.
On the Hardy Trail at Howard Avenue, artist Raeyn Smith’s heart — featuring kumquats — draws a crowd to take selfies with it. This new piece of public art is quite a contrast from the nearby signs.
Artist Russ Taylor, of Dade City, was standing near his work on the north end of Agnes Lamb Park. The iconic Edwinola served as a backdrop, as Taylor fielded questions about his work, which he titled ‘When Nobody’s Watching.’
Four-year-old King Michael Wells, of Brooksville, compares his newly made bracelet with one his 7-year-old cousin, A.J. Isaza-Cruz, was making under the Boys & Girls Club tent at Agnes Lamb Park. They were there with their grandfather, Nelson Cruz, of Dade City.
Artist Mark Hannah’s heart, at its Church Street location, is a patriotic salute for all those who have served, or are serving.
On the Hardy Trail at Howard Avenue, artist Raeyn Smith’s heart — featuring kumquats — draws a crowd to take selfies with it. This new piece of public art is quite a contrast from the nearby signs.

Art exhibit reveal planned for Dade City

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When these artworks are unveiled — they, quite literally — will bring some heart to downtown Dade City.

The public art exhibition is being organized by the Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA), a 501c3 nonprofit that’s working to increase public art and art events in the city.

The showcase planned for May 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature the installation of 14 large, 3D metal heart sculptures built by Pasco-Hernando State College welding students and painted by local artists.

The Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the environment of Dade City through the arts and art events. The group provides opportunities for artists to showcase their talents in Dade City through community outreach and collaboration with Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University and area businesses. (File)

Funding support for the project came from local businesses and donors.

The free “Take Heart!” art, music and food event will take place at Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City.

The permanent heart sculptures will be placed throughout city-owned parks and along the Hardy Trail that runs through historic downtown.

The painted hearts measure approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 4 inches, attached to steel posts secured to the ground, to withstand inclement weather and other conditions.

Artwork patterns differ on each heart structure, but generally include positive visual representations of joy, hope, love and beyond.

Event-goers will have the opportunity to meet several of the artists who painted the heart sculptures.

Other highlights will include arts & crafts vendors, a scavenger hunt, live music and DJ, and Saint Leo University’s new food truck, The Hungry Lion.

“It’s one of the rare opportunities the public actually gets to meet the artists who have created these masterpieces that our community gets to enjoy permanently, so it’s a chance for the family and children to meet real artists, working artists,” said DCCA vice president Lee Taylor.

The vibrant fixtures also feature QR codes that direct people to DCCA’s website, to learn more about the artist who painted the particular piece, and where to find more of their work.

“Those QR codes are really fun, because you can read about them and that’s fun to know why an artist was inspired to do what they did,” Taylor said.

Since forming last summer, the DCCA had ongoing discussions about ways to introduce art into the community.

Its team of seven on the board of directors settled on permanent public art sculptures, something other municipalities have introduced to their respective communities.

“Melbourne has turtles, Lakeland has swans and Chicago has bulls, and we thought, ‘What a great way for Dade City to kind of jump into the arena,” explained Taylor, a longtime public school arts teacher who also co-owns Out of Our Hands Gallery in downtown Dade City with her husband, Russ.

The group landed on heart-shaped figures, given Dade City’s official seal includes a heart shape surrounded by kumquats in its center. The city also assumes the moniker, “The Heart of Pasco County.”

Said Taylor, “We all came into instant agreement on the heart idea and thought that would be a great way to appeal to the city, the residents and also to the town council, ‘It’s in your logo, so how can you not say yes?’”

The initiative received official approval by the Dade City Commission in September.

An outdoor public art walk is planned for May 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Agnes Lamb Park, in Dade City. The ‘Take Heart’ event will showcase 14 large, 3D metal hearts built by welding students at Pasco-Hernando Community College and painted by local artists. There also will be other arts & crafts vendors, a scavenger hunt, live music, a food truck and more. (Courtesy of Dade City Center for the Arts)

Multiple commissioners at the time expressed enthusiasm about the project as a way to increase the area’s aesthetic for photo and marketing opportunities, foster community pride, and otherwise encourage residents and visitors alike to stroll throughout city limits.

Taylor underscored the importance of such community art projects: “We know the impact that art has on communities because it gives the residents of that community a sense of pride in their city, they rally around it and say, ‘Come look at us.’ It gives the town an opportunity to market itself as a place to come visit, to embrace the arts. It encourages people to be outside, and we all want that, especially to promote health and well-being.”

Since commission approval, the organization put out a call for regional artists.

Entries were received from all ages, backgrounds, amateurs and professionals alike, Taylor said. From there, the committee picked 14 artists to participate and complete the project.

Aside from heart-shaped sculptures, the DCCA has other ideas for other community art initiatives, too.

This past October, they facilitated a painted hay bale project at various park locations, which drew participation from families, teachers, students and others of various ages.

The DCCA also has discussed more professional mural projects for the city’s downtown area.

Similar to the heart sculptures, the DCCA would similarly arrange for a mural’s funding and labor, pending city approval.

If and when a mural program gets the OK, Taylor said the group will likely solicit help from more established artists, as such an undertaking is “a big deal.”

For information, visit DadeCityArts.com, call (352) 437-3204, or email .

Published May 12, 2021

Busy 2021 anticipated for East Pasco communities

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The East Pasco municipalities of Dade City and Zephyrhills are poised for a busy 2021 in terms of infrastructure, development and other community programs.

Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights in the new year:

Dade City

A rendering of the type of large-sized heart-shaped sculptures that will be installed at city-owned properties in the downtown area. (File)

Let’s get artsy
“The Heart of Pasco County” moniker soon can be taken on quite literally in Dade City — in the form of an outdoor, permanent public artwork exhibit.
The Dade City Center for the Arts in February will celebrate the installation of a new outdoor public art exhibition — in the form of about a dozen 8-foot-tall metal heart sculptures painted by local artists and installed throughout historic, downtown Dade City.
Proposed locations for the 3D heart sculptures, which will have varied artwork patterns on each, include:

  • Hibiscus Park
  • City Hall/Police station alcove entrance or nearby
  • Green space entrance to Hardy Trail
  • Meridian Avenue/U.S. 301 intersection, near Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum
  • Naomi S. Jones Park
  • Whitehouse historical landmark on Old Lakeland Highway
  • Lock Street/Hardy Trail intersection
  • Agnes Lamb Park near Meridian Avenue
  • Price Park
  • Watson Park
  • Dade City Garden Club
The Dade City Center for the Arts is facilitating more community art programs.

The community initiative is designed not only to color up the downtown area, but also to use public artwork as a photo opportunity and marketing tool, to encourage residents and visitors alike to stroll throughout city limits. More frills include installing QR codes on each sculpture mapping out the location of other city landmarks and providing information about a particular artist or meaning of the artwork itself.
The entire concept is similar to outdoor art events in other cities that bring together artists’ creativity with a sculptural icon that relates to the city. In Dade City’s case, its official seal has a heart shape surrounded by kumquats in its center.
The city’s arts center also has been approved to create a wall mural at the site of the former CenturyLink building at Hardy Trail and Eighth Street.

 

 

Dade City’s visitor information center will be built adjacent to the Roy Hardy Trail on Church Avenue. (City of Dade City)

Visitor’s information center coming
Roy Hardy Trail cyclists and exercisers alike will have a spot to take a breath, relax and learn about the happenings in their community all at once.
It comes in the form of a visitor’s information center adjacent to the Hardy Trail on Church Avenue.
The 1,380-square-foot open floor space will feature informational kiosks and mobile displays for all county tourism amenity partners.
The building also will be accompanied by two porches and a bike rack — its location designed to offer easy access off the Hardy Trail for users to gather and rest. The facility will have two family bathrooms, as well.
A groundbreaking is slated sometime in early 2021, with completion expected in the summer.
The project is funded with the help of a $250,000 grant from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

Sprucing up downtown
Dade City leaders have made it a priority for 2021 and beyond to ensure that the city’s historic downtown area is safe, clean and generally more desirable to stroll through.
The city is moving forward with plans to install additional crosswalks along Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue, and is improving stormwater drainage near Seventh Street and Pasco Avenue.
It also is exploring traffic-calming initiatives to reduce vehicle speeds. And, it is making public parking space changes, boulevard additions, and encouraging landscaped parklets to create additional outdoor seating areas.
Additional resources also will be dedicated to downtown cleanup — including mowing, weeding and litter patrol of city-owned properties in the Community Redevelopment Area.
Meanwhile, the city’s public works team is in the midst of enhancing the lighting downtown parking lots, as well as Agnes Lamb Park on Ninth Street.

Could Dade City try to leverage its recreation amenities, such as motocross, as it embarks on a rebranding effort? (File)

Marketing rebrand in the works?
The City of Dade City is plotting a full-scale marketing rebrand to capitalize on residential and tourism growth in Pasco County and Tampa Bay area, at large.

The city has earmarked $40,000 in this fiscal year’s budget toward a marketing and advertising plan, promotional activities and other contractual services.
But, before that money, and possibly much more, is allocated specifically, Dade City commissioners want to hear what the public thinks — and that includes local business owners, residents and other stakeholders.

Efforts to gather input throughout the year could take form in charrettes, surveys, monthly forums, and even door-to-door visits.

How to best promote its current and forthcoming amenities remains the looming question.
Does the city try to emphasize its unique collection of downtown shops and restaurants? Focus more on recreation attractions inside and outside the city limits? Leverage its budding reputation as a location for rural destination weddings? Or, perhaps will it simply brand itself as an ideal location to raise a family?


City of Zephyrhills

The rebuilding Jerry’s Crystal Bar is set to open in early 2021 on Gall Boulevard. (Courtesy of Jerry’s Crystal Bar)

Iconic business to reopen
The longest-operating bar in Zephyrhills is set to reopen in early 2021 — almost two years since it was destroyed by a fire.
The original Jerry’s Crystal Bar had been in business since 1954, at 5707 Gall Blvd.
That all changed in May 2019 when a two-alarm fire electrical in nature suffocated the building’s attic and roof, yielding a total loss.
A complete rebuild of the iconic, family owned establishment is coming along swimmingly since a May 2020 groundbreaking. The bar’s owners expect a grand opening ceremony in January or February.
The new building takes on an elevated, modernized look and is nearly double the size of the old structure. It also falls under the requirements of the city’s form-based code for the U.S. 301/Gall Boulevard corridor area, whereby the facade is aligned right up to the street with a wide sidewalk and all parking is situated behind the bar.

A rendering of the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road intersection project (File)

U.S. 301 intersection project to spur commercial activity
The completion of an intersection improvement at U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road, expected in mid-2021, is expected to open up opportunities for increased commercial development.

The $2.3 million state-funded project calls for new traffic signals on U.S. 301 at Pretty Pond and at Medical Arts Court/ Townview Avenue, along with other median and roadway improvements.
Once construction is complete, the area is poised to land Chick-fil-A and Chipotle chain restaurants, among several other businesses and attractions.

Residential developments popping up
Don’t be surprised if “The City of Pure Water” get a little more crowded in 2021 and beyond.

Significant progress or completion is expected on a number of large-scale residential developments throughout the municipality.

With myriad new homes on deck, small town Zephyrhills is going to get a little more crowded. (File)

A slew of new housing communities is actively underway — such as Abbott Square, 700-plus units surrounding the new Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center off Simons Road; and Abbott Park, 500-plus units tucked behind the Zephyr Commons Publix Shopping Center, off Gall Boulevard.

Other notable homesites include the Link at Calusa Springs, north of Silverado Golf & Country Club; the Oaks at Pasco, southeast of Silverado Golf & Country Club; and Skybird Properties, off Alston Road near the municipal airport.

Simply put, the city’s real estate market is “very hot right now,” Zephyrhills Planning Director Todd Vande Berg said earlier this year.

“I don’t know where all these people are coming from, but these housing subdivisions are selling homes for over $300,000 with HOAs and CDDs. I wasn’t sure how that’d work in Zephyrhills, but you drive up to Silverado and before the lot infrastructure is completed, you’re seeing a ‘Sold’ sign, so it is amazing.

“Even through this COVID-19 environment, the residential housing…has really stayed very strong, which helps the city from a budget and revenue standpoint,” said Vande Berg.

More bells and whistles for tennis center?
Could the newly opened Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center continue to add to its wide range of features this year?

The northeast corner of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center on Simons Road is reserved for a an indoor multipurpose sports complex. (Courtesy of Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center)

Well, the City of Zephyrhills and the Zephyrhills City Council are giving strong consideration to a second request for state funding to expand the state-of-the-art facility on Simons Road.

The northeast corner of the 10-acre property has been reserved for a 30,000-square-foot indoor multi-purpose sports complex — enough room to handle four full-sized tennis courts, and can also be converted to accommodate soccer, weddings and even concerts.

This past year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a $1.5 million appropriation for the Phase II project from the state’s budget amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that might not stop city leaders from continuing to push for the project. Appropriation requests for this year must be submitted to the state by early February.

The $4.9 million tennis center, which opened in September, already includes numerous courts and other amenities.

Published January 06, 2021

Not-so-random acts of kindness

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Even when life is ‘normal’ — it’s not always easy to find the time, energy or resources to help others who are struggling to get by, or whose spirits need a lift.

During a pandemic when people are feeling pressures on all sides and many of life’s big moments must be delayed or canceled — the challenge is even greater.

But, ingenuity and generosity prevailed in The Laker/Lutz News region, providing a counterpoint to the sadness and loss, and injecting a bit of joy.

Here’s a condensed look at some of those not-so-random acts of kindness that occurred during 2020.

Ed DelValle, of Miriam’s Bakery, left, poses with his family: daughter Erika; wife Miriam; and daughter Victoria. All four work at the bakery. (File)

Let them eat cake
When the Sunlake High band program decided it had to cancel its annual banquet, Miriam’s Cakes, in Land O’ Lakes, sprang into action. The bakery provided an individual cake — featuring the school’s mascot — for each of the 29 seniors in the band program.

Ed DelValle and his wife, Miriam Ruiz, who own the bakery have been a band family for years.

They wanted to do something special for members of the Class of 2020, including their daughter, Erika.

“I know the banquet is the biggest event for the band program every year. All of the kids look forward to it because it’s kind of like a mini-red carpet,” DelValle said.

(Courtesy of Marie Joles)

Celebrating seniors
Marie Joles couldn’t stand the thought of high school seniors missing out on all of the special moments that make up part of senior year.

So, the dental hygienist, who wasn’t able to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic, came up with a social media way to create Senior Spotlights, showcasing individual graduates.

She solicited submissions, then tweaked them before created postings that provided a glimpse of  their accomplishments, their ambitions, their interests and personalities.

It took work, but it was worthwhile, Joles said.

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

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and State Rep. Ardian Zika were at Medical Center of Trinity, when meals were delivered for hospital workers. (File)

A double dose of help
When Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey saw a news report about the Frontline Appreciation Group, she knew she wanted Pasco to get in on the idea.

The initiative purchases meals from restaurants — struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and provides the food to frontline health care workers engaged in the battle to help people who have been infected by the deadly virus.

The initiative was launched in New Jersey, but Starkey spearheaded a local chapter, called FLAG2020Pasco.

The effort has resulted in meals prepared by area restaurants, delivered to local hospitals.

Other local political leaders and government agencies also have stepped up to the plate, so to speak — in a number of other efforts to collect and distribute food. The county itself has created and managed new programs using federal funding to feed the hungry, and support local restaurants.

(File)

Spreading joy through bubbles
Blaise Ryndes, of Land O’ Lakes, a nationally known bubble magician, decided to take to the streets in his neighborhood to spread some joy amidst the pandemic. He put on a one-car bubble parade – making the way through the subdivision spreading what he calls, “little orbs of happiness and cleanliness.”

 

 

Gerry Ackley and Yvonne Wassman stand on one side of the truck loaded with food, while Steve Graves and Sandy Graves stand on the other.

 

 

 

 

Grad bash funds go to feed the hungry
When Pasco 2020 Grad Bash was canceled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunlake High seniors decided to make a big donation from the money they’d raised to pay for event buses. They decided to help Keystone Community Church’s Second Serving program, which provides food for the homeless, operates a food pantry and helps people who are struggling, with other essentials.

 

 

 

Coty Darmoth is busy working at Nabruzzi Trattoria, a restaurant that decided to give back to frontline workers.

Giving back to a giving community
The executive chef and founder of Nabruzzi Trattoria credits his restaurant’s success to the support it has received from the Lutz community.

So, when the pandemic hit, it stepped up to deliver free hot meals to firefighters and medical workers, and others, who serve the community.

“Every Wednesday we’re going to pick somebody in the area that has put themselves at risk, that are out there every day,” said Massimo Sabetti, the chef/owner of Nabruzzi Trattoria at 6062 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

And, they delivered — to emergency department workers, firefighters and others.

Now, that’s what you call a chef’s special.

Kevin Taggerty, a retired master sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, and his daughter, Ryah, a first grade teacher at Lacoochee Elementary created this work of art.

Keeping art alive
Lots of opportunities to do art and see art have been curtailed by COVID-19, but the Dade City Center for the Arts found a way to give artists a chance to express their talents, and art lovers a chance to view it through an outdoor public art exhibit.

The artists painted hay bales that were stationed in various places around Dade City.

 

 

 

 

 

This giant spider is just one of the creepy creatures that goes on display on Oct. 31, at Sid Siamandl’s annual ‘Halloween House.’

Lifting spirits, at Halloween
Sid Simandl has been decking out his “Halloween House” every year for 18 years, and this year was no exception. But, because of COVID-19, he changed things up.

Instead of an enclosed Haunted House inside his garage, he created a haunted trail, instead.

Simandl, who lives in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes, gets a big kick out of treating visitors to a haunted spectacle. Indeed, it’s his favorite holiday. He nicknames himself Mr. Halloween for the occasion, and dons a pumpkin sports.

 

Keystone Place at Terra Bella, a senior living community in Land O’ Lakes, hired The Boomer Band, featuring keyboard/vocalist Kevin de Champlain and drummer/vocalist Vance Fontanella to inject some joy, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Easing isolation blues
The Boomer Band was towed around on a trailer through the community of Keystone Place at Terra Bella, in Land O’ Lakes, so its senior residents could be entertained — from a safe distance, on their apartment balconies.

It was the senior living community’s way of easing the isolation blues.

 

 

 

 

The ‘green shirt’ ladies forge on
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has been maintaining its commitment to helping a broad range of community groups and organizations. The club’s tradition of community service goes back for decades, and it has not allowed COVID-19 to stop it. There are many other clubs throughout The Laker/Lutz News region that also have been doing their part to help others who are struggling, especially during this difficult time.

Published December 23, 2020

Is Dade City poised for a marketing rebrand?

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The City of Dade City is in midst of an evolution that undoubtedly will alter the community’s aesthetic  — perhaps for decades to come.

The charming town in East Pasco is poised to see some 14,000 new homes on the books within the next five years, plus a slew of exciting downtown amenities and other unique, adventurous hotspots on the outskirts of town, just outside the city limits.

Drawing attention to Dade City’s past, while embracing it’s future is likely a challenge as the community looks to define its marketing identify. It’s an exercise that’s similar to how Pasco County in 2019 rebranded itself as ‘Florida’s Sports Coast,’ which is intended to capitalize on the county’s wave of youth and amateur recreation facilities. Shown here is The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum, housed within the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Depot. This was the first site in Pasco County that was be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. (File)

It’s longtime moniker, “Proud Heritage and Promising Future,” may no longer be quite apt — because, as it turns out, the future is happening now.

So, city leaders face this looming question: How does Dade City go about rebranding itself as a tourist destination, and what specifically does it want to promote, to best encourage visitors and foster economic growth amid an unprecedented period?

Melanie Romagnoli, the city’s community and economic development director talked about those issues during two city commission workshops, held in October and November.

“We need to decide who we are and what we want to be,” Romagnoli said, addressing the Dade City Commission. “I think the whole thing about the brand is actually having our vision of what we want our future to be and sticking to it. How can we market the city as a destination, like Clearly Zephyrhills, like Florida’s Sports Coast?”

Following the monthly workshops and three-plus hours of discussion, at least one conclusion is apparent —  much more brainstorming is needed, before the city become serious and throws thousands of dollars to a branding consultant to develop an image profile (photos, videos, graphics, logos) to best promote the town’s features.

Built into the city’s budget for this year is $40,000 toward a marketing and advertising plan, promotional activities and other contractual services.

Before that money (and possibly much more) gets allocated, however, commissioners believe additional input is needed from the community and the public, including local businesses, residents and other stakeholders.

The input could take form in charrettes, surveys, monthly forums, and even door-to-door visits.

Commissioners also agreed that it may be prudent to wait until some new amenities throughout the city are established.

In other words, don’t put the cart before the horse.

“I do think branding right now is a little premature,” Mayor Camille Hernandez said. “There’s a lot of things happening, but I think what we need to do is go back to this community (for input).”

She also added: “I think we’re just a few steps away. It’s right under our noses.”

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive likewise was vocal about fostering grassroots community feedback on branding the city for the future.

“I don’t think we have actually talked about a real vision of what we want, or expect from the future, when it comes to development, when it comes to growing the city,” he said. “I think we need to have the public on board with this, especially when you’re talking about branding.”

Commissioner Normita Woodard, too, pointed out that some of the best ideas or designs may first come from a talented local volunteer, which may yield some cost savings instead of hiring an outside branding firm. Woodard also added she’s in “a reserved state” about spending thousands of dollars just yet, as the city is in a transitional period and still navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

First things first
In the meantime, sprucing up the city’s downtown is necessary before doubling down on a full-scale rebranding effort, commissioners agreed.

Commissioners expressed concerns on proceeding with a full-on rebrand until noticeable improvements are made along the city’s Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) district in the form of wayfinding signage, speed limit and lighting fixtures, façade improvements and filling commercial property vacancies.

Some solutions could come via a commercial minimum maintenance standards ordinance, which staff is drafting — based on a consensus reached by commissioners to proceed in that direction.

If a maintenance standard is approved, it would require upkeep from property owners and business tenants on building paint, signs, window coverings, dumpster enclosures and fencing or security upgrades. Besides the CRA, standards would likely apply to the city’s main thoroughfares along U.S 301, U.S. 98 Bypass, State Road 52/21st Street intersection, and Meridian Avenue.

Emphasizing the importance of cleaning up the city, the mayor said: “Nobody wants to go to an icky, dirty place.”

Also before spending thousands on branding and marketing, another pressing issue is solving the city’s sizeable commercial building vacancy rate.

It presently exceeds 40% just in the downtown area, Romagnoli said.

“What are the vacancies telling our visitors: That there’s not anything going on. You walk down a street and you see a long wall of nothing but empty,” she said. “What makes them want to go to the next store?”

Commissioner Knute Nathe said it’s a “chicken-and-egg” dilemma that can’t quite yet be fully quantified: “You know, it’s kind of hard to market a place as a destination, without a ton of stuff already there; but it’s hard to bring businesses into town when people aren’t going there,” he said.

One way to create more consistent foot traffic is to have the city retain an event coordinator, Romagnoli suggested. The coordinator could host artisan and craft vendors somewhere downtown each weekend.

Commissioners expressed optimism with that idea.

Branding options abound
Aside from blighted areas, Dade City is beaming with opportunity on the horizon.

The city is in the midst of developing a 2-plus acre downtown park on Church Avenue, slated to include a multi-use water splash pad, bike-share shelter, amphitheater, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-accessible playground, open space, concession area and other amenities.

Just a stone’s throw away is a forthcoming event and entertainment center on Seventh Street, known as The Block.

The site of a former car dealership, and spearheaded by development partners Larry Guilford and Melanie Armstrong, The Block will include a wedding and event venue, outside patio, brewer, catering business, space for food trucks and a CrossFit gym.

Also on Seventh Street is the Dade City Center for the Arts, which has begun making inroads to facilitate community art events, as well as indoor and outdoor arts and cultural exhibits.

Other imaginative and creative marketing and branding possibilities seemingly abound.

Possibilities include leveraging the fun, family friendly experiences at Treehoppers Aerial Adventure Park and Snowcat Ridge, the state’s only snowtubing park, off St. Joe Road. Those attractions are just outside of city limits, but have a Dade City address.

The city also may be able to capitalize on another niche: Its budding reputation for rural, rustic destination weddings.

There are about nine such spots in East Pasco, including several with a Dade City address, Romagnoli said.

The city could consider a branding campaign that hypes local wedding spots, while encouraging other activities nearby, whether it’s biking the local trails and roads, shooting at West Armory’s indoor range, strolling the downtown shopping and dining scene, touring Pioneer Florida Museum, and so on.

The city’s economic director said another opportunity to piggyback on the destination wedding angle, includes attracting photographers, caterers and wedding planners to lease one or multiple empty building spaces downtown.

Yet another branding concept? Promoting the city as a wholesome place to raise a family.

In any case, a challenge going forward will be fighting through some established perceptions and misconceptions, Romagnoli said.

A case in point: Forbes magazine once listed Dade City among “The Best Places to Retire.”

That label no longer fits, or is appropriate, Romagnoli said.

The city’s median age is around 36.

“We’re no longer the best place to retire, but we’re a great place to raise a family,” she said.

Published December 02, 2020

Artists’ handiwork displayed on hay bales

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People who enjoy viewing public art might want to check out six hay bales — painted by artists of various ages — that have been stationed around locations in Dade City.

The display is the Dade City Center for the Arts’ kick-off project, since being revived in July 2020.

This painting of a scarecrow’s face was done by Morgan Turgeon and Ethan Wiley, students at Pasco High School. The painted hay bale is at Price Park. (Courtesy of Dade City Center for the Arts)

Hancock Farm & Feed Co., provided and delivered the hay bales.

Those wishing to view the works can visit these Dade City locations:

  • Hardy Trail at Church Avenue, 37856 Church Ave.
  • Hibiscus Park, Seventh Street and Bougainvillea Avenue
  • Price Park, 37415 Magnolia Ave.
  • Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St.
  • Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd.
  • Watson Park, on Main Avenue, between 17th and 19th streets

The paintings have been well-received, said Lucy Avila, of Dade City Center for the Arts, in a news release.

To find out more about Dade City art, check the art center’s website at DadeCityArts.com.

The center also has other projects planned to enhance downtown Dade City.

The arts center is headquartered at Out of Our Hands Gallery, 14245 Seventh St., in Dade City.

Published October 21, 2020

Who knows? The owl knows. This painted bale, located at Agnes Lamb Park, was created by Patty Resse and daughters, Cassidy, Delaney and Alissa Ross.
This painted bale, near the Hardy Trail, was created by Kevin Taggerty, a retired master sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, and his daughter, Ryah, a first grade teacher at Lacoochee Elementary.
This symbol of Halloween and all things autumn is located at Naomi Jones Park, and was painted by Casandra Moua and Kevin Taggerty.
This painting of a butterfly was done by Russ Taylor and can be found at Watson Park.
This truck hauling pumpkins was painted by Diego Grant, a senior at Pasco High School. The artwork is located at Hibiscus Park.

Outdoor art exhibit coming to Dade City

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“The Heart of Pasco County” moniker will soon be taken on quite literally in Dade City — in the form of an outdoor, permanent public artwork exhibit.

At least 10 or more large-sized heart-shaped sculptures will be installed at city-owned properties in and around the downtown area, per an art proposal OK’d by Dade City Commissioners at a Sept. 10 meeting.

The Dade City Center for the Arts is facilitating an outdoor, permanent public art exhibit that will bring large-sized heart sculptures to nearly a dozen city-owned properties in the downtown area. (Courtesy of Dade City Center for the Arts)

Plans call for 3D metal heart sculptures measuring approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 8 inches that will be attached to 6-foot steel posts secured to the ground; artwork patterns will differ on each heart structure.

The entire project is being facilitated by the Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA) and local artist Russ Taylor, who owns and operates Out of Our Hands Gallery on Seventh Street.

DCCA’s board of directors will select various artists to paint the myriad sculptures, enlisting the help of professionals and youth groups alike to submit ideas and designs.

Additionally, the art organization is partnering with Pasco-Hernando State College’s welding program to fabricate metal structures designed to withstand inclement weather and other conditions.

The initiative is to not only spruce up the downtown area, but also use public artwork as a photo opportunity and marketing tool, to encourage residents and visitors alike to stroll throughout city limits. More frills include installing QR codes on each sculpture mapping out the location of other city landmarks and providing information about a particular artist or meaning of the artwork itself.

The entire concept is similar to outdoor art events in other cities that bring together artists’ creativity with a sculptural icon that relates to the city. In Dade City’s case, its official seal has a heart shape surrounded by kumquats in its center.

Some proposed locations for the forthcoming heart sculptures include:

  • Hibiscus Park
  • City Hall/Police station alcove entrance or nearby
  • Green space entrance to Hardy Trail
  • Meridian Avenue/U.S. 301 intersection, near Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum
  • Naomi S. Jones Park
  • Whitehouse historical landmark on Old Lakeland Highway
  • Lock Street/Hardy Trail intersection
  • Agnes Lamb Park near Meridian Avenue
  • Price Park
  • Watson Park
  • Dade City Garden Club

Calls for artwork are out now. Sculptures are expected to be debuted in late January. There are also plans to organize a “Take Heart” art, music and food walk in mid-February, further showcasing the artwork throughout the city.

Shown here is a rendering of the type of large-sized heart-shaped sculptures that will be installed at city-owned properties in the downtown area. The 3D sculptures will measure approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 8 inches and will be attached to 6-foot steel posts secured to the ground. Image is for example only, and not representative of actual completed artwork.

City leaders expressed enthusiasm about the forthcoming project.

Said Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive: “I think art’s a great thing. It’s a great motivator for the young people. I think it’s going to be great to have art in Dade City.”

Mayor Camille Hernandez added: “We look forward to seeing it come to fruition, and just adding that creative touch and some excitement for the town.”

Dade City staffers are likewise “very supportive” of the installation of public art objects, said Melanie Romagnoli, city’s community and economic development director.

“Coming from a staff perspective, for the locations within our CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) as well as in our comprehensive plan for the entire city, public art is encouraged as part of an attraction as a destination for people to come visit,” Romagnoli said.

A final agreement at the administrative level is expected to make DCCA responsible for repairing any wear-and-tear the sculptures incur, like if the original paint fades or chips.

Aside from heart-shaped sculptures, the DCCA, too, has ideas for other community art projects.

The group is expected to facilitate a wall mural visible from the Hardy Trail, that would be painted on the exterior of a nearby building.

Like with heart sculptures, the DCCA would similarly arrange for a mural’s funding and labor, pending city approval.

Published September 30, 2020