The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Dade City

PHSC: 50 years of building brighter futures

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Pasco-Hernando State College grew out of humble origins.

“We were known as ‘College without Walls,’” said Dr. Timothy Beard, the college’s current president. “We didn’t have a building. All we had, for the most part, was a dream and an idea.

The Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, also known as IPAC, has a unique design. The center, at 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, is a teaching facility but also a venue for community events and performances. (FILE)

“They would have classes with whoever would have us, whether it was a storefront. We would recruit in the back alleys,” he said.

“We were the last of the Great 28,” Beard added, referring to Florida’s system of 28 community colleges.

Dr. Robert Judson — the man who would become the college’s second president and the first black college president in Florida College System— was involved in those early days, as a teacher and as a recruiter.

Over the years, Pasco-Hernando Community College transitioned to Pasco-Hernando State College. It has added campuses, increased staff, expanded programs, and continues to grow and evolve.

The college now has about 100 career program options and offers two bachelor’s programs, associate’s diplomas and various certifications.

In the early days, the college had strong ties with the faith communities in Pasco and Hernando counties, helping it to attract students, Beard said.

In recent years, it has revived relationships with faith-based institutions.

“About five years ago, maybe six, we started a program called LIFE, that’s an acronym for Linking in Faith and Education. That program really took off overnight.

“The idea was to allow the faith-based institutions to assist us in educating our community.

“Because word got out about our success, we also started to include partners in the healthcare area. A number of healthcare agencies got involved,” the college president said.

Jamal Roberts became the first student to gradu- ate from Pasco-Hernando State College with a bachelor of applied science in supervision and management. He took advantage of one of PHSC’s two four-year programs. Roberts received his diploma from Dr. Timothy Beard, the college’s president, in December 2015. (FILE)

For instance, BayCare and AdventHealth both provide scholarships to nursing students who are willing to work in the community after they graduate, he said.

The college also collaborates with the Pasco and Hernando public school districts.

In addition to dual enrollment programs, which allow high school students to earn college credits, PHSC also has been involved in partnerships on construction projects.

In Pasco County, for instance, the school district donated the site where the Instructional Performing Arts Center was built, at 8657 Old Pasco Road. It shares a campus with Cypress Creek High and Cypress Creek Middle in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco students also can take advantage of IPAC programs and facilities.

In Hernando County, PHSC has been involved in a partnership for a project known as the Corporate College.

“We’re in the process of building a Corporate College, out of a partnership with Hernando County Schools, as well as the county administration there,” Beard said.

Meanwhile the college continues to add facilities to its existing campuses.

The college received a state allocation of around $25 million to construct the STEM Student Success and Community Engagement Center on its East Campus, in Dade City.

The design work is happening now, with actual construction expected to begin in January and the project’s completion slated for early 2024, Beard said.

The 51,000-square-foot building will have an auditorium, house various student services and academic support programs and have a STEM center, he said.

The college also is adding a new Fire Academy Center to train firefighters, also at the East Campus, Beard said.

A spacious music studio gives music director, Justin Baggett plenty of room for students. Here, he leads a student quintet practicing a piece by Mozart.

Over the years, the college has hosted public speakers, local events, summits and other activities to share its facilities with the broader community.

And now, as it commemorates its golden anniversary this academic year, it is inviting the public to join in the celebration.

Festivities kick off on Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, in Dade City. It’s fitting to begin there because the college has its roots in East Pasco, Beard said.

The college president also said there’s good cause for celebration.

“I am so proud of this institution and its history, and those in the community that have supported us, as a college,” Beard said. “It has been a gem in our community that has made the difference and transformed the lives of so many students.”

50th ANNIVERSARY FESTIVITIES
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has scheduled several celebration to mark the college’s golden anniversary year. (Note: Any prospective student filling out an application on a campus during the anniversary festivities will have the application fee waived.)

Here are the scheduled events:

  • Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, in Dade City. This event, during Hispanic Heritage Month, will feature the flavors and sounds of Latin culture. Guest speakers will explore local history and Hispanic culture, and there will be entertainment, family activities and food.
  • Nov. 5, 10 .m. to 2 p.m., in the Quad at PHSC West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, in New Port Richey: This event will have a fall festival vibe with music from DJ Jose Nix, a photobooth, activities, food, treats, goodie bags for children, and a casual mile-long walk on the tree-lined trail circling the campus.
  • Feb. 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. View an exhibit of Florida Highwaymen Painters’ collection and learn about the Florida Community Colleges. There will be food, children’s activities and more. This event coincides with Black History Month and will highlight African-American medical innovations.
  • Feb. 25, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. Take tours of the theater, dance, music and digital design programs and enjoy an evening of music and entertainment. The University of South Florida Jazz Under The Starz will pay tribute to Florida’s African-American entertainers and Tampa’s famous Jackson House entertainers. Light refreshments will be served.
  • March 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., PHSC North Campus, 11415 Ponce De Leon Blvd, in Brooksville. A carnival setting featuring “fair food,” a bounce house, games, prizes and music make this event family-friendly. This event coincides with Women’s History Month and will feature a panel discussion on the countless contributions made by courageous women throughout the ages.
  • April 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., PHSC Spring Hill campus, at 450 Beverly Court. There will be entertainment by local theater and dance groups, campus tours, tours of student art exhibit and the butterfly garden and presentations about Florida sustainability and gardening. Free native Florida plant seeds will be distributed.

A few key milestones
1972: Pasco-Hernando Community Colleges opents. It becomes the last of Florida’s system of 28 community colleges
1972: Milton Jones is named the college’s first president
2014: College opens Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, on land donated by the Porter family
2014: Pasco-Hernando Community College transitions to Pasco-Hernando State College. It also adds two four-year bachelor’s degree programs
2021: The Instructional Performing Arts Center, at 8657 Old Pasco Road, begins operation on the campus of Cypress Creek High School and Cypress Creek Middle, in Wesley Chapel.
2022: College breaks ground for its new STEM Center for Student Success and Community on its East Campus, in Dade City

BY THE NUMBERS
4: Presidents during the college’s history (Milton Jones, 1972 to 1994; Robert Judson Jr., 1994 to 2005; Katherine Johnson, 2005 to 2015; and, Timothy Beard, 2015 to present)
6: Campus locations: New Port Richey, Dade City, Spring Hill, Brooksville and two in Wesley Chapel (Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch and Instructional Performing Arts Center)
$450 million: Contributed to the regional economy annually
100-plus: Degrees and certifications offered
1.000: Approximate number of full-time, part-time and adjuncts
14,000-plus: Students served annually
60,000: Number of diplomas and certifications awarded since the college’s inception

Source: Pasco-Hernando State College

Published September 14, 2022

Dade City’s inaugural art walk will celebrate local artists

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Get ready to walk into a new kind of arts scene — within the shops and businesses in the heart of Dade City’s historic downtown.

From Sept. 17 through Sept. 24, downtown Dade City businesses will feature local artists and their works in their storefronts on the town’s historic streets. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

The Dade City Center for the Arts and the Dade City Merchants Association are hosting the inaugural Dade City Art Walk from Sept. 17 through Sept. 24.

The week-long event is a celebration of local artists and their work, as well as a chance to mesh business and the arts, in a creative new collaboration.

“As someone who grew up here (in Dade City), I can say that sometimes you don’t always go to the downtown of your hometown,” said Jasmine Wright, a board member at the arts center. “So this all started as, ‘How do we get people to come see what our downtown has?’ and ‘How could we do something with the small businesses in town?’

“We thought it was just the perfect way to get people out and walking around our historic, beautiful downtown, which is very walkable,” Wright said. “And, it turns out everyone was very excited and willing to be a part of it.”

The Art Walk will feature 22 artists, each one in a different one of 22 select businesses that line the streets of downtown Dade City, such as Meridian Avenue and Seventh Street.

The event kicks off with a Sept. 17 opening ceremony at 5 p.m., at the Florida National Guard Armory, 38017 Live Oak Ave., in Dade City.

The artists will be on hand for a meet-and-greet, plus to sell some of their work. There also will be the “PreCasso” Kids Art Zone, where children can make their own art, and foster children from Caterpillars to Butterflies Charitable Foundation will display art they created.

Wright, who is owner and operator of Treehouse Mercantile on Meridian Avenue, said she and other arts center members were genuinely surprised at the enthusiastic response from artists and businesses that wanted to participate.

“From the start, we said and thought, if we got 10 people to do this, then we could make it work,” Wright said. “Then, we had so many that we had to stop, but people were already asking us about doing it next year!”

Once all the artists and businesses were slated to participate, Wright set about pairing the artists with businesses. She took into account the type of art each artist would feature, as well as the style, vibe and type of business that would be the perfect match.

“It came down to what the store offers and who was going to be in that store, customer-wise,” said Wright, who also will feature an artist in her store.

“There are going to be all kinds of arts and, I think, we did a pretty good job of which artist is going to fit in perfectly with a certain store,” she said.

“And we’re all really excited to see everyone walking around to see some art and shop.”

Dade City Art Walk
When: Sept. 17 to Sept. 24; hours vary
Where: Downtown Dade City
Details: Works from 22 local artists will be on display at downtown Dade City businesses for a week. An opening ceremony is planned on Sept. 17 at 5 p.m., at the Florida National Guard Armory, 38017 Live Oak Ave. Artists will meet-and-greet those attending and will have works available for purchase. A “PreCasso” Kids Art Zone will give children a chance to make their own art.
Info: Contact the Dade City Center for the Arts at 813-363-4385 or .

Published September 14, 2022

This party goes on in the street

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Dade City Street Bash shuts down Seventh Street every second Friday of the month to host live music and vendors just in front of The Block, at 14307 Seventh St., in Dade City. (Courtesy of Larry Guilford)

Every second Friday evening of the month in Dade City, there’s a party in the street. A street bash, actually.

Dade City Brew House, the craft beer dispensary located in The Block on Seventh Avenue, began hosting the Dade City Street Bash back in February. And with each passing month, the street-wide, open-container, live music and vendor event gets bigger and bigger.

“It was definitely a way to get local merchants involved,” said Meghan Bertovich, manager and one of the owners of the Brew House. “And it’s a way to give the people of Dade City something to do, some place to hang out on a Friday evening. We found there is a fair share of people who work here, but don’t live here. … This gives them a reason to stay and meet more of the vendors, but also gives a reason for people to come out, bring their families, shop some and enjoy some live music.

“There’s a little bit of something for everyone.”

When Bertovich and fellow owner Geoff Layne started the Street Bash, they were “blown away with the response from the city.” Now, each Street Bash has grown not only in the turnout, but the amount of vendors looking to set up shop during the event.

Vendors are required to pay a fee to have a table or booth, with all proceeds of the Street Bash going to the Dade City Police Foundation.

“It gets bigger and better every month,” said Larry Guilford, founder of The Block, the renovated city block in which the Brew House is the main tenant.

“It really does give everyone a reason to come into downtown Dade City,” Bertovich added. “Because while it’s all on Seventh Avenue down to Meridian (Avenue), it has branched out to the side streets and even further into the rest of down- town. It’s always been about promoting local merchants and most of our vendors are from Pasco County, too, as well as the food trucks that will come out.”

Bertovich and Layne were more than happy to not only get the event going, but also to give the proceeds to the Dade City Police Foundation, as they are big supporters of the charitable organization. Bertovich is excited for the next Street Bash, which is set for June 10 and will feature live music from Lisa Kay and The Goldtop Band.

Bertovich said one great selling point of the Street Bash is that it’s a wet zone area. That means Brew House beers and drinks can be enjoyed anywhere on the street.

“It is nice, people trying our beer, and then they can take it to go and enjoy the music and the vendors,” Bertovich said. “It’s a way for us to get people to see the brewery, but we’re glad they can go and enjoy the whole event, even look at the car show when we have those parked along the street.

“It really is a great evening in Dade City,” she said.

Dade City Street Bash

When: June 10, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Starting at the Dade City Brew House, at 14323 Seventh St., Dade City, and continuing down and past Meridian Avenue.

Details: Every second Friday of the month, Dade City Brew House takes over Seventh Street for local vendors, car showings, live music, food, and open-container wet zone for residents and visitors to enjoy part of Historic Downtown Dade City. The event is presented by the Brew House and Premium Title Inc.

Info: Visit DadeCityBrewhouse.com, or call 352-218-3122.

Published on June 8, 2022.

Pasco observes Juneteenth through events, celebrations

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By Kathy Steele

After being declared a federal legal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth is gaining greater recognition as communities across the nation celebrate, and commemorate, the historic end of slavery in the United States.

The holiday marks the day in history, when on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas, with the news that slaves were free.

President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation to free slaves in Confederate states in rebellion against the Union in 1863.Texas was the last Confederate state to fall to Union soldiers.

For generations Black communities celebrated Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, with picnics, church services, remembrances of ancestors, poetry readings and programs about African American heritage. Over the years, a handful of states, including Texas, recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday.

For many years, Pasco County has issued proclamations honoring Juneteenth.

Now, with a national holiday marking the day, Juneteenth is garnering more attention.

“I am very pleased and very happy with interest being shown not only in Pasco (County) but across the country. People are celebrating even before the day of Juneteenth.There’s great history here,” said Cassie Coleman, a member of the East Pasco Juneteenth Committee and an organizer of the Rosewood Traveling Exhibit.“I think it’s going to get bigger and bigger,” she said. She also thinks it will “teach our children a little bit more about our history.”

In Pasco County, the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department is partnering with businesses and community groups to organize a week of Juneteenth activities. Partners include East Pasco Juneteenth Committee, AdventHealth, Pasco-Hernando State College, the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village and the Rosewood Family Reunion Inc.

In Wesley Chapel, residents of Union Park and Union Park East will host the third annual Juneteenth Family Day to “celebrate freedom,” on June 18 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at The Landing. Festivities will include free drawings, games, spoken word performances, music, dancing, and food trucks.

In prior years of local Juneteenth events, Pasco County’s parks department and AdventHealth embraced the festivities with a goal to expand outreach for health screenings within Black and Hispanic communities.

In 2020, a Saturday event drew about 300 people, said Kimberly Miller, East Pasco recreational coordinator for the county’s parks department.

Last year as a national holiday, the Juneteenth crowd grew to more than 700 people, she said.

“It’s become huge.We’re looking to make it bigger and better.”

Festivities from June 15 through June 18 will include traditional picnics with health screenings, and family activities, music, a bowling night, a community paint party and a special presentation on the history and legacy of the Rosewood Massacre.

A special Rosewood Traveling Exhibit will be on display at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village from June 13 through June 20. On June 17, Rosewood descendants from the Lacoochee community will host a special presentation: A Night to Remember.

Lacoochee resident Ebony Pickett is a descendant of several survivors of the Rosewood Massacre.

The trauma of Rosewood is still felt, Pickett said. Some survivors changed their names soon after because they thought they would be tracked down.“It was a real fear,” she added.

Rosewood was settled in the 1840s by white and Black residents, but by the 1890s, the town was predominately Black. The one exception was a white family that ran a general store.

In the first week of January 1923, white mobs including Ku Klux Klansmen from surrounding counties descended on Rosewood fueled by an untrue report that a white woman had been assaulted and raped.They burned and destroyed the town. Some residents received shelter from the white store owner. Others fled into the nearby swamp and hid for days in bitter cold.Those who survived never returned but resettled in other communities, including Lacoochee.

The number of deaths is disputed.

The official record acknowledges eight deaths — six Black people and two white people. But Pickett said survivors remember many more Blacks died.

Rumors of a mass grave have persisted, despite official reports to the contrary.

Survivors were reluctant for many years to talk about the massacre until prodded by younger family members. Pickett said she didn’t hear the story of Rosewood until she was in third grade. It was a secret too dark to be spoken of publicly by those who lived through the assault, she said.

Pickett’s uncle, Willie Evans, who died in 2020, was among survivors who fought to secure reparations through the Florida legislature. A Rosewood claims bill was approved in 1994 that included direct payments to a small number of survivors and educational scholarships to descendants.

The Rosewood Family Reunion Inc. created the Rosewood Traveling Exhibit to tell their story. The special presentation will include members of the Rosewood families, a youth art show and a performance by the Rosewood Family Choir.

Pickett is glad to see Juneteenth becoming nationally recognized as a day to celebrate but also an opportunity to reflect and learn about the past. “We’re happy to do more,” she said.

Coleman agrees. “It’s something that will put us in mind of facts and history, so we won’t repeat it in future.”

Upcoming Juneteenth celebrations

These special events are planned during Juneteenth Week, June 15 to June 18

Beats N’ Brushes, a canvas painting party set to music

WHEN: June 15, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: The James Irvin Center, at 38122Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City
COST: $10 Tickets are required.
INFO: 352-521-4166

Family Bowling Night

WHEN: June 16, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: East Pasco Pin Chasers, 6816 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
COST: $5 Tickets are required.
INFO: 352-521-4166

A Night to Remember

WHAT: A special presentation on the legacy of Rosewood and a youth art show.
WHEN: June 17, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. WHERE:PioneerFloridaMuseum&Village,15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City

COST: Free but pre-registration is required. Space is limited.
INFO: 352-521-4166

The Rosewood Traveling Exhibit

WHAT: A special exhibit on the legacy of Rosewood including photographs and artifacts from Rosewood family survivors

WHEN: June13 through June 20, during museum hours

WHERE: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City

COST: Free but pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Contact the museum for hours and admission. INFO: 352-567-0262

Third Annual Family Celebration Day

WHAT: Juneteenth celebration organized by residents of Union Park and Union Park East
WHEN: June 18, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Landing, 32885 Natural Bridge, Wesley Chapel

COST: Free
INFO: Email

Second Annual East Pasco Juneteenth Community Celebration

WHAT: Free health screenings; food trucks; family fun zone; games; drawings for prizes; local vendors; Juneteenth Toddler Pageant; and special performances WHEN: June 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: The James Irvin Center, at 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City

COST: Free
INFO: Contact Kimberly Miller at 352-521-4166 or

Published on June 8, 2022.

Pasco School Board identifies how it would spend ‘Penny’ proceeds

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Woodland Elementary School’s cafeteria is now more spacious, allow- ing more children to eat at the same time. It also has a new stage, enabling the school to hold larger events. Those improvements were done using proceeds from the Penny for Pasco surtax. (FILE)

The Pasco County School Board has identified how it would spend its share of proceeds from a proposed extension of the Penny for Pasco surtax.

Voters will decide in November if they favor extending the tax. The special 1-cent sales tax initially was adopted in March 2004, and was in effect from Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2014. Voters extended it for 10 years, with that renewal going from Jan. 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2024.

Now, voters are being asked for another renewal — this time for 15 years, from Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2039.

The school district, Pasco County and the county’s municipalities share the proceeds, with the school district and county each receiving 45% and the municipalities splitting 10%.

The school board adopted a resolution listing specific projects, as well as spending categories, for the estimated $1 billion that it would receive in additional revenues.

The proposed list includes numerous new schools.

Those new schools on the list include a new elementary in the Bexley development and a K-8 in the Ballantrae area. Both of those developments are off State Road 54, in Central Pasco.

The district is proposing a K-8 in the emerging Central Pasco Employment Village, off State Road 52, west of Interstate 75. Another K-8 is expected in the Village of Pasadena Hills, which is between Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

The district also would use Penny for Pasco funds to add computers in schools, upgrade the district’s computer network, fortify the safety on its campuses, upgrade athletic facilities and improve safety at driver pickup locations at schools, among other things.

The county proposes to spend its portion of the tax revenues this way: 40% for transportation, 20% for economic development, 20% for public safety; and, 20% for environmental lands, as well as park infrastructure.

The chart below is a look at the Pasco School Board’s proposed list of projects, based on a resolution the board approved on May 17.

Proposed Penny for Pasco projects*

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

  • Gulf Middle School new construction: $67.3 million
  • New Elementary School, Bexley area: $43.1 million
  • New K-8 School, Central Pasco Employment Village: $97.3 million
  • New K-8 School, southwest Land O’ Lakes: $71 million
  • West Zephyrhills Elementary new school: $38.4 million

School Complex,Villages of Pasadena Hills: $97.3 million

SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

Calusa Elementary: $8.6 million
Chester W. Taylor Elementary: $20.8 million
Cypress Elementary: $25.3 million
Dr. Mary Giella Elementary School: $20.4 million

Fox Hollow Elementary School: $26 million

J.W. Mitchell High: $35.8 million
Pasco High: $28.6 million
San Antonio Elementary: $33.1 million
Wesley Chapel High School: $35.8 million
River Ridge High: $40.5 million
River Ridge Middle: $43.3 million
Pine View Middle: $38.2 million

ATHLETIC FACILITY RENOVATIONS

• Hudson High: $4.8 million

• J.W. Mitchell High: $1.8 million
• Land O’ Lakes High: $9.4 million
• Pasco High: $10.5 million
• River Ridge High: $9.2 million
• Wesley Chapel High: $1.7 million • Wiregrass Ranch High: $1.8 million • Zephyrhills High: $5.2 million

CAFETERIA RENOVATIONS

• River Ridge High: $5.3 million
• Wesley Chapel High: $2.7 million

DISTRICT-WIDE PROJECTS

• Furniture replacement: $40.2 million
• Replacement of physical education equipment: $4.4 million
• Early Childhood Literacy Center: $2 million
• Energy Marine Center: $17.8 million
• Increase in student computers/devices: $45 million • Network infrastructure: $29 million
• School Safety & Security Equipment: $33 million
• School Safety & Security Hardening: $16.5 million • School Traffic Improvements: $11 million
• Transportation Depot – Alternative Energy: $14 million

* Figures are rounded
Source: Pasco County Schools

Published on June 8, 2022.

Dade City teen golfer in US Open

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Dade City resident and amateur junior golfer Bailey Shoemaker hits a shot at Lake Jovita Golf Course during a three-day tournament hosted by the East Coast Women’s Pro Golf Tour. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

Dade City teenage golfer Bailey Shoemaker is set to tee off at the U.S. Women’s Open, which begins June 2, at Pine Needle Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

It will mark the first major golf event for the local, amateur golfer, who is, remarkably, just 17 years old.

Shoemaker, who is an online student and committed to play women’s collegiate golf for the University of Southern California, qualified for the U.S. Open after shooting a 1-under-par in a 36-hole event at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart in May.

Shoemaker prepared for that by playing in various events, including those hosted by the East Coast Women’s Pro Golf Tour (ECWPGT), which is an amateur golf tour for young women who are in high school, college or recent graduates from collegiate golf. She played in one event that was held at her home course, Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, in March and finished tied for eighth place (+4).

“It’s great that everyone is encouraging us (young women) to get out and play,” Shoemaker told The Laker/Lutz News in March. “I know when I started golfing, just after I was born, that’s when women’s golf really started to boom and then the women (golfers) started to get longer and longer (on shots). Now, with each generation, you keep seeing everyone getting better and better.”

For those hoping to see Shoemaker in her professional golf event debut, the opening rounds of the U.S. Open on June 2 and June 3 will air on the streaming service, Peacock, and the Golf Channel.

Published on June 1, 2022.

Dade City encourages residents to clean up

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(metrocreative.com)

Dade City has scheduled a Community Cleanup on June 11 from 8 a.m. to noon, so residents can use the time to clean up their properties and remove unwanted debris from their yards.

The city will provide two garbage trucks and one roll-off dumpster, to use to dispose of household waste.

Acceptable materials include glass, wood (8 feet or less), fence, carpet, household trash, furniture, mattresses and plywood.

The city will not accept hazardous waste, appliances, batteries, paint and tires.

All unwanted items can be taken to one of these three locations:

  • 17th Street and Carter Avenue
  • 17th Street and Beauchamp Avenue
  • State Street and Moceri Avenue

For information, call 352-523-5050, ext. 420.

Volunteers are also needed to join the team to help pick up litter. The city will provide disposable gloves, trash bags and water.

To register to volunteer, visit DadeCityFl.com.

Published June 01, 2022

Having a royal time at the Renaissance Festival

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Joe Monach and Andrea Meythaler proudly show off their renaissance festival outfits. Meythaler worked for the festival a couple years ago. ‘I’ll go wherever they go,’ said Meythaler. (Kelli Carmack)

The 43rd Bay Area Renaissance Festival features jugglers and full-armored jousting, men and women wearing Medieval styles, and plenty to eat, drink, buy and see.

There’s a marketplace, where more than 100 artisans display and sell handcrafted goods such as crowns, corsets, mugs and other items. Plus, there are 15 stages of entertainment, showcasing such acts as clowns, acrobats, musicians and magicians.

Each festival weekend has a different theme, such as Barbarian Brew Fest; Shamrocks & Shenanigans; and High Seas Adventure.

The event, being held at 12838 Auton Road in Dade City, runs rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on weekends through April 3.

Parking is free.

For ticket information and additional details, go to BayAreaRenFest.com.

Published March 09, 2022

One of the vendors at the festival was Fairydust Images. The owner, Charity Dauenhauer, creates original fantasy artwork, prints and collectibles. (Nicole Sanchez)
Ichabod Wainwright puts on quite a show with his Wheel of Death, a 30-foot tall wooden wheel. This is his 10th year participating in the Bay Area Renaissance Festival. (Kelli Carmack)

This fair delivered heaping helpings of fun

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Pirate Dan Man, right, also known as Daniel Jolley of Groton, Vermont, performed daily from his strolling mobile ship, at the fair. Here, he introduces 3-year-old Mayer Henry, of Dade City, as his assistant. Mayer was enjoying the fair with his dad, Jamie Floyd, of Dade City. (Fred Bellet)

From the joy that comes from hearing children laugh with delight, to the aroma of fried foods filling the air, to the spectacle of contestants gorging themselves with spaghetti — the 75th annual Pasco County Fair had myriad opportunities for people to have a good time.

A giant talking robot strolled through the fairgrounds cracking jokes.

Rides offered speed, thrills and dazzling lights.

Gospel singers and karaoke performers entertained the crowds.

And, of course, there were chances to compete in home craft categories, and at livestock shows.

For some, the trip to the fair, at 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City, was a pleasant way to spend time with family and catch up with old friends.

The theme of this year’s fair, from Feb. 21 to Feb. 27, was “Memories Made New.”

There were plenty of chances to do that — to make new memories, that is.

Published March 09, 2022

It’s lonely at the top for this Cochin breed chicken that took first place at the 75th annual Pasco County Fair. The blue ribbon for this winner went to Academy at the Farm 4-H and Progressive 4-H member, 9-year-old Aidon Oakley, of Zephyrhills.
Jesse Pinkston, a Possum Trot 4-H member, leads his steer across the arena during judging of the showmanship event. Pinkston was in the class 2 junior division.
Dade City’s Salvatore Ficchi digs in to a bowl of spaghetti during the Spaghetti Eddie’s Spaghetti-Eating Contest. Ficchi was the first to sign up for the pasta-consuming event. James Lloyd, a visitor from New Jersey, claimed first place in the race.
Lily Briscoe waits for the judging results in the junior division steer showmanship competition. The Progressive 4-H member has a shoulder to share with her steer.
A lengthy camera exposure shows part of the path of the whirling and twirling amusement ride called The Beast. Others wait their turn during a visit to the midway, at the 75th annual Pasco County Fair.
Contestants line up during the Miss Heart Pageant in the Dan Cannon Auditorium during the 75th annual Pasco County Fair.
The Ferris wheel’s lights create a beautiful pattern high above the Pasco County Fairgrounds.
Performing on the stage at the Dan Cannon Auditorium stage, from left, Roland Kesterson, Isaac Moore, Wyatt Austin and Luke Vaught make up The Inspirations, a Gospel music group. They were among the slate of entertainers at the 75th annual Pasco County Fair.
Corlyn Lloyd peeks from behind a curtain, moments before the introduction of the Miss Heart contestants. She was checking out the crowd in the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

 

Fair hopes to help you make ‘blue ribbon’ memories

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The Pasco County Fair, now celebrating its 75th year, has always prided itself on creating an event that offer families a wholesome place to have fun.

And, whether you enjoy traditional livestock shows, can’t get enough of thrill rides, love to indulge on fried foods, or simply like to be entertained — chances are this year’s options won’t disappoint at the fair, held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City.

With a theme of “Memories made new,” fair organizers have put together a calendar that is chock full of things to see and do.

A look down the midway, near the ‘Sizzler’ ride and the Ferris wheel, during a previous Pasco County Fair. (File)

There’s a beef show, a dairy show, a goat show, a poultry show, a swine show and a rabbit show.

For gardening enthusiasts, there’s a plant show.

And, there are FFA/4-H exhibits, too.

For those who enjoy the home arts, there’s a Collura Cottage where entries compete in categories such as the best jam or jelly, the prettiest quilt or wall hanging, the most delicious cakes and cookies; artistic cake decorating; table settings, woodwork and more.

Of course, there are contests.

Five-year-old Clint Chessher, of Zephyrhills, reacts with excitement as he sits on the spinning wheel of the ‘Hillbilly Village’ fun house during a previous Pasco County Fair. He was there with his dad, Dwayne, and their friends, the Stoner family.

Some pageants have already been held, with Anastasia Valimaki named Miss Pasco County for 2022 and Larkin Mainwaring named Miss Pasco County’s Outstanding Teen 2022.

The Miss Heart of Florida competition is set for Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., and the Miss Pasco Princess & Mister Pasco Prince Baby Pageant will be on Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m.

There’s also a Spaghetti Eating Contest and a Karaoke Competition.

The annual Spaghetti Eating Contest is set for Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. Sponsored by Spaghetti Eddie’s, the competition will be held in The Back Porch Theater and is limited to the first 10 people, ages 18 and older, who sign up.

Contestants must eat 1 pound of spaghetti including a meatball, with a big wooden spoon. The competitor who finishes first is the winner.

The karaoke contest is limited to the first 20, ages 18 and older, who sign up. Top finishers will receive cash prizes. Registration begins at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26, with the contest starting at 7:30 p.m.

Daily entertainment includes a stand-up comedy ventriloquist, an illusionist, a comedy hypnotist, a thrill show, glass-blowing demonstration, a magic show and racing pigs.

There also are strolling performers, including a Banjo Man, MythiCreatures, and Rock-it The Robot.

Plus, there’s plenty of music to enjoy, including evenings set aside for bluegrass and gospel performers.

For more information and a complete listing of what’s available at the fair, visit PascoCountyFair.com.

75th annual Pasco County Fair
WHEN:
Feb. 22 to Feb. 24: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Feb. 25: 4 p.m. to midnight
Feb. 26: 10 a.m. to midnight
Feb. 27: Noon to 8 p.m. (gate closes at 6 p.m.)
WHERE: The Pasco County Fair is at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
COST: $10 for adults; $5 for children, ages 6 to 10; under age 5, free (Specials available for Midway rides); Parking is free
DETAILS: From beef, chicken and pork shish kebobs to spaghetti, and a smorgasbord of fair foods in between, you’ll find plenty to eat and drink at the Pasco County Fair. Plus, there are traditional fair exhibits, fun rides, entertainment and more.

Published February 23, 2022