The Laker/Lutz News

Dade City's Wild Things

Easter events offer religious observances and family fun

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It’s that time for egg hunters to round up their baskets and get busy. Many local events give kids and adults, alike, a chance to search for eggs. (File)

Whether they want to celebrate their faith, take the kids for an egg hunt, or just enjoy some fellowship with church friends — there are plenty of seasonal options throughout The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Check out the listings below.

LUTZ

What: While We Wait
Where: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Lutz
When: April 19 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The musical and dramatic production showcases the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion from the apostles’ perspective.
Info: Visit KeystoneCommunityChurch.org, or email .

What: The Easter Story
Where: CrossPointe Family Church, 919 Debuel Road, Lutz
When: April 19 and April 20 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: A musical will be performed depicting the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Info: Call (813) 949-7727, or visit CrossPointeTampa.com.

What: Is He Worthy?
Where: First Baptist Church of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41, Lutz
When: April 19 at 7 p.m.; April 21 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy a range of harmonious songs as the Easter Worship Choir performs in unison.
Info: Call (813) 949-7495, or visit LutzFBC.com.

What: Easter at Idlewild
Where: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., Lutz
When: April 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; April 21 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: On April 20, a special service will be followed by outdoor fun with food trucks and games for families. April 21 will begin Easter early with a worship service and performances by a choir, band and orchestra.
Info: Call (813) 264-1515, or visit Idlewild.org/Easter2019/.

What: Unexpected
Where: NorthPointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Dr., Lutz
When: April 20 at 7 p.m.; April 21 at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:35 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are invited to watch the story of Jesus dramatized through a musical performance.
Info: Call (813) 948-9420, or visit NorthPointeFL.org/Easter.

What: Easter Sunday Worship
Where: All Saints Lutheran Church, 5315 Van Dyke Road, Lutz
When: April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The Easter service will have sunrise service to start the day, followed by breakfast, an egg hunt and finishing with family worship.
Info: Call (813) 963-0969, or visit AllSaintsTampa.org.

What: Easter Sunday Communion
Where: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road, Lutz
When: April 21 at 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Opening service will consist of a communion ceremony and worship, followed by breakfast, where attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share.
Info: Call (813) 949-7171, or visit HolyTrinityLutz.com.

What: Easter at Bay Hope Church
Where: 17030 Lakeshore Road, Lutz
When: April 20, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; April 21, 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Join in the Easter celebration.
Info: BayHope.com

What: Easter at St. Timothy Catholic Church
Where: 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz
When: April 20, 8 p.m. Easter vigil; April 21, 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (The 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will be in the church and hall).
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 968-1077.

What: Resurrection Sunday at First United Methodist Church of Lutz
Where: 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
When: April 20, Sonrise Service on the Lake, 7:30 a.m.; additional services at 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., at the church. There will be special music at all services.

LAND O’ LAKES

What: Easter Basket Drive
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: April 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are encouraged to bring donations, such as Easter baskets, plastic eggs, candy, small toys, Play-Doh, arts and craft supplies, and gift cards ($5).
Info: Call Michelle Patel at (813) 957-5711, or email .

What: Out and About 2019 Expo
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: An Easter-themed expo will grant guests the opportunity to learn about local attractions and summer camps. Games and egg hunts will be offered, as well as snapshots with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Contact Diane Kortus at (813) 909-2800 or ; Jodie Sullivan at (813) 927-2730 or at .

What: Easter Sunrise and Celebration Services
Where:  Drexel Farms, 5832 Drexel Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The event will begin with an opening service, followed by a country breakfast and then an Easter celebration.
Info: Call Janis Chajkowski at (813) 777-5420.

What: SonRise Celebration in the Park
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are invited to usher in Easter with a communion service, live musical performances and hot coffee.
Info: Call Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park at (813) 929-1229.

What: Easter Sunday Mass
Where: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 at 6 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (bilingual service)
Cost: Free
Details: All are welcomed to join in the celebration of Easter Mass, which includes a sermon and a choir performance.
Info: Call (813) 949-4565, or visit LadyRosary.org.

What: Easter at The Church at Myrtle Lake
Where: 2017 Riegler Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21, Sonrise Service, 7 a.m.; free breakfast; Easter celebration, 9 a.m.; Easter egg hunt, 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 949-5516.

What: Resurrection Sunday at First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes
Where: 5105 School Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: Easter Sunday, April 21 at 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Dr. David Gibbs, founder of Christian Law Association will be the guest speaker.
Info: Visit FBCLOL.org.

WESLEY CHAPEL

What: Center Ice Egg Hunt
Where: AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
When: April 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: All are welcome as AdventHealth Center Ice offers clues for where to find Easter eggs hidden throughout Wesley Chapel.
Info: Call (813) 803-7372, or visit www.AHCenterIce.com.

 What: Egg Hunt at Avalon
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This family oriented event offers bounce houses, egg hunts and a chance to take a photo with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Call (813) 783-1515, or visit AvalonParkWest.com.

What: Cypress Creek Church Easter Event
Where: Cypress Creek Church, 5585 East County Line Road, Wesley Chapel
When: April 20 at 6 p.m.; April 21 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The church event will offer a worship service, as well as refreshments, followed by an egg hunt.
Info: Call (813) 909-4080, or visit CypressCreek.church.

What: Easter Sunday Mass
Where: Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church, 3758 Maryweather Lane, Wesley Chapel
When: April 21 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The Easter Sunday Mass will include the lighting of incense and musical performances.
Info: Call (813) 418-1281, or visit WCEpiscopalChurch.org.

What: First Baptist Church Easter Service
Where: First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel, 29716 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
When: April 19 at 6:30 p.m.; April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: A Good Friday evening service, open to the public, will usher in Easter weekend. Easter morning will begin with a sermon and song service, followed by breakfast and another ceremony.
Info: Call (813) 973-7185, or email .

DADE CITY

What: Dade City Community Good Friday Service
Where: Free Methodist Church, 37002 Howard Ave., Dade City
When: April 19 at noon
Cost: Free
Details: A Good Friday service will include music, a sermon and lunch afterwards.
Info: Contact Selena Semanco at (352) 567-8424 or .

What: Easter at the Zoo
Where: Dade City’s Wild Things, 36909 Blanton Road, Dade City
When: April 19 at 1 p.m. and April 20 at 3 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $20 for adults; $16 for ages 2 to 12; free for those age 2 and younger
Details: After an animal tour and lion encounter, kids can stay active with an Easter egg hunt around the zoo.
Info: Call (352) 567- 9453, or to purchase tickets, visit DadeCitysWildThings.com.

What: Renovate Church’s Easter Eggstravaganza
Where:  Renovate Church, 11631 Old Lakeland Highway, Dade City
When: April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This family friendly event will offer snow cones, egg hunting and face painting among other activities.
Info: Visit RenovateChurch.us/events.

What: Easter Morning Egg Hunt
Where: First United Methodist Church of Dade City, 37628 Church Ave., Dade City
When: April 21 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This event is geared toward infants to fifth-graders. It entails music, fun lessons, an egg hunt and snacks.
Info: Call (352) 567-5604, or email .

SAINT LEO 

What: Easter Triduum
Where: Saint Leo Abbey, 33601 State Road 52, St. Leo
When: April 18 at 7 p.m.; April 19 at 3 p.m.; April 20 at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The three-day ceremony will conduct mass, while focusing on Jesus’ last supper to his day of resurrection.
Info: Call (352) 588-8181, or email .

SAN ANTONIO

What: St. Anthony of Padua Easter Service
Where: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 32825 Rhode Island Ave., San Antonio
When: April 20 at 8 p.m., and April 21 at 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The services will entail an Easter vigil, as well as morning mass for attendees.
Info: Call (352) 588-3081, or email .

ZEPHYRHILLS

What: Easter Eggstravaganza
Where: Rising Star, 5026 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
When: April 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $30 per ticket for those ages 5 to 12 (guardians get in free)
Details: Kids can celebrate Easter with an array of activities, such as taking snapshots at the photobooth, decorating eggs, coloring Easter pictures and creating an Easter basket. Pizza and cupcakes will be served.
Info: For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y6zsw8yk.
For other inquiries, call (813) 618-0700.

What: Egg Drop
Where: New Walk Church, 35008 State Road 54, Zephyrhills
When: April 19 at 6 p.m.; April 20 and April 21 both at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.  A wristband will be given to those who wish to participate, during the children’s ministry preceding the hunts.
Cost: Free
Details: A helicopter will drop more than 100,000 Easter eggs out on an open field for kids to run and grab.
Info: Call New Walk Church at (813) 469-9299, or visit NewWalk.Church/Easter. 

What: Easter Breakfast Service
Where: Cornerstone Community Church, 8527 Old Lakeland Highway, Zephyrhills
When: April 21 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: After a morning Easter service, attendees can enjoy a potluck breakfast and coffee.
Info: Call (352) 567-6494, or email .

What: Easter Sunrise Service
Where: AdventHealth Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
When: April 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The hospital invites guests to bring a lawn chair and join in for a morning sermon, song service and the release of doves. Free refreshments will be served.
Info: Email Jane Freeman at .

While there is a wealth of Easter events within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, there are many other options throughout the Tampa Bay Area region.

Published April 17, 2019

Storm drops trees, damages Dade City zoo

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Clean-up is continuing Tuesday morning at Dade City’s Wild Things after severe rain over the weekend took down four trees, causing extensive damage to cages and equipment there.

Sasha, a panther at Dade City's Wild Things, tries to stay out of the way of a fallen tree after storms knocked down three of them at the zoo. (Courtesy of Dade City's Wild Things Facebook page)
Sasha, a panther at Dade City’s Wild Things, tries to stay out of the way of a fallen tree after storms knocked down three of them at the zoo. (Courtesy of Dade City’s Wild Things Facebook page)

The storms, which hit Aug. 24, caused the trees — including one that was more than a century old — to hit a tiger and panther cage, according to the organization’s Facebook page. Although no one was hurt, zoo officials had to act quickly to secure the animals, and make sure they were safe.

The National Weather Service reported that 1.33 inches of rain fell in the Tampa Bay area Saturday, an inch more than normal. That was followed by another 0.34 inches on Sunday, contributing to saturated conditions that have endured 7 inches more rain than the average, since January.

A lot of the damage was started by a single tree, zoo officials said on Facebook. That tree was so large, it took down three other trees with it. That destroyed a concession stand and drink cooler, and heavily damaged cages that were home to panther Sasha and tiger Roy.

“We knew it was bad last night,” the zoo said on Facebook. “But seeing it completely this morning, it is very disheartening to see all our work destroyed and having to start over.”

Rebuilding will have to begin immediately, and the zoo is currently accepting donations to help with cleanup efforts. For more information on how to help, call (813) 714-2555, or visit DadeCitysWildThings.com.

Dade City’s Wild Things is located on 22 acres just off Meridian Avenue in Dade City. It operates in conjunction with Stearns Zoological Rescue & Rehab Center Inc.

On the move: Tigers go from Dade City to Montana

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Two Dade City sisters just moved to Montana.

There’s more to the story, of course. The sisters, Jasmine and Sophie, are 2-year-old Siberian tigers who were born at Dade City’s Wild Things, an ecotourism sanctuary zoo located at 37245 Meridian Ave. And they moved to Montana because they were donated to ZooMontana, a zoo in Billings to rejuvenate their tiger exhibit, which had just lost its only tiger due to cancer.

Jasmine is one of two Siberian tigers that arrived at their new home in Billings, Montana, last week. Dade City’s Wild Things donated them to ZooMontana to bolster their tiger exhibit. (Courtesy of Dade City's Wild Things)
Jasmine is one of two Siberian tigers that arrived at their new home in Billings, Montana, last week. Dade City’s Wild Things donated them to ZooMontana to bolster their tiger exhibit. (Courtesy of Dade City’s Wild Things)

“They weren’t interested in breeding and they didn’t want babies,” said Kathy Stearns, director at Dade City’s Wild Things. ZooMontana “wanted young tigers that would be well-adjusted, and being that our tigers have worked with people, they were very adjusted.”

Dade City’s Wild Things does exhibit their own animals, but that’s just a part of their mission. In addition to rescuing and adopting animals, often providing lifetime care, they also breed and supply other zoos when they can meet their needs. In this case, the tigers were deemed to be a good fit, so they arrived in Billings last week.

Determining a good fit is something Stearns takes seriously. She said that before any animals go to another facility, representatives from Dade City’s Wild Things will visit the location to check living arrangements for size and safety. They also get a feel for the receiving location’s philosophy and ability to handle the animals.

And in the case of the tigers, handlers will stay there for a day or two after they arrive to make sure the transition is smooth, the animals are adjusting, and all questions and concerns have been addressed. They also will monitor their progress in the future to make sure the sisters are doing well in their new home.

But even without the tigers, there are still plenty of other animals to care for in Dade City. They have a wide variety of residents living on their 22-acre facility, including bears, alligators and lions. They also house the infamous “Mystery Monkey,” a rhesus macaque who had been on the loose in the Tampa Bay area for more than three years and had gained quasi-celebrity status before being captured in 2012.

Dade City’s Wild Things is open like a regular zoo and has animals on exhibit. Education, however, is paramount, and that becomes evident in their tours.

“One thing that we do a little different is that ours (are) always guided,” Stears said. “We have people that go (with visitors) because we want to educate, we want people to learn about the animals. So instead of a free walk-around, you’re going to have guides that actually go with you and talk to you about the animals.”

Stearns believes the tigers are a good fit for their new home, and will help create an interesting and informative exhibit in Montana. And helping provide that information to zoo-goers around the country is in-line with her organization’s mission of keeping the public educated as well as entertained.

“That’s what we’re all about is education, and getting people to be aware of these animals and their plight in the wild,” Stearns said. “So we want people to be able to see these animals. People can’t afford to go to Africa to see a lion. The whole point of zoos is to educate.”

Dade City’s Wild Things has more than 200 animals on display, surrounded by a botanical garden landscape. Walking tours and tram rides are available, as well as some hands-on encounters.

For more information, call (352) 567-9453, or visit DadeCitysWildThings.com.

Published May 28, 2014

Dade City zoo welcomes four tiger cubs

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There was celebration at Dade City’s Wild Things park last week as four new tiger cubs were welcomed into the family.

Nakita, a Siberian tiger residing at the 22-acre zoo, gave birth to the cubs, who range in size from 1.5 pounds to 2.5 pounds.

“Nakita is a great, attentive mother,” said Randy Stearns, president and head trainer at Wild Things, in an email. “Bo is standard dad, keeping his distance from mom, but occasionally sneaking a peek.”

As of Saturday night, the cub’s eyes were starting to open, and are “tummy walking” around, with Nakita “trying her best to keep them together with her keen watchful eye.”

Their grandfather, by the way, is Roy, a 1,000-pound, 10-foot Siberian tiger. So it’s likely these cubs will grow up quite big and strong.

The zoo offers tours Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located at 37245 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

For information on Wild Things, visit DadeCitysWildThings.com.

Post by Dade City’s Wild Things.