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Exciting Idlewild Boulevard

Easter services are evolving, amidst pandemic

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There was so much uncertainty last year about COVID-19 that many churches changed up their Easter celebrations, to reduce potential spread of the disease.

A year later, many churches across the region continue to use a variety of approaches in celebrating Christianity’s most significant holy day.

Last year, for instance, Idlewild Baptist Church, at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz, relied on online services to celebrate Easter. This year, it will be holding a number of in-person services.

The First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes, at 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., livestreamed its Easter service last year. This year, it will have an in-person service.

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, at 2348 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, created a more personal touch for its online services last year, by attaching photographs of parishioners on chairs — so officiants could look at them, while saying Mass.

This year, the church will have in-person services — while limiting the size of the crowds.

Last year, Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2018 Riegler Road, in Land O’ Lakes had a drive-in Easter service and it will do that again this year, on April 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, Grace Community Church, at 7107 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel, will switch from the drive-in service it had last year to an in-person worship service on April 4 at 10:30 a.m. After the service, families will be able to take advantage of a photo booth, to pose for their Easter pictures. Last year, families shot selfies in their cars.

AdventHealth Zephyrhills will have its 36th annual Easter Sunrise Service at 7 a.m., on April 4, virtually, via Facebook.com/adventhealthzephyrhills. The event was held virtually last year, too, after decades of conducting the service on the hospital’s lawn.

Meanwhile, across the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Gregory Parkes has kept protocols in place for the nearly 500,000 Catholics in Tampa Bay Area, according to a Diocesan news release.

Those protective measures include social distancing, sanitizing and the use of face coverings.

Church holy water fonts remain empty and collection baskets are not circulated, the news release says.

Bishop Parkes also has kept in place the general dispensation from Sunday Mass at this time.

If you’re interested in attending an Easter service, be sure to check your local church to get the latest details on services. Many places of worship require reservations, so be sure to check soon to reserve your spot.

Published March 31, 2021

Celebrating a decade of helping mothers-to-be

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When Peter Castellani lost his corporate position at IBM, little did he know that his journey would lead him to open a safe haven for expecting mothers.

Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers is that organization, providing women with free services, including pregnancy testing and baby supplies.

Cherisse Rivera is director of Oasis Pregnancy Care Center’s Land O’ Lakes branch. Here, she’s shuffling through baby attire in the Baby Boutique room – where mothers can pick out needed items. (Brian Fernandes)

This year marks the nonprofit’s 10th anniversary in serving Tampa Bay, and it wants the community to join the celebration.

To commemorate its decade of operations, the agency is hosting a fundraiser at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, on Sept. 19.

The pregnancy care organization may be celebrating a milestone anniversary, but Castellani was an advocate for prenatal assistance long before Oasis opened on Oct. 1, 2009.

“I’ve been involved in the pregnancy care center movement for 20 years,” the executive director said.

He and his wife, Ellen, were church liaisons who were actively involved with Walk for Life and other pro-life organizations back in New York.

When the couple moved to Florida in 1999, they continued their support at A Woman’s Place Medical Clinic, where Castellani served on the board.

Then, he began serving the Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills, eventually becoming president.

When Castellani was laid off after a 30-year career at IBM, it seemed like a sudden shift for the worst — until he realized it was an opportunity to expand his ministry.

He distinctly recalls that several days after his layoff, while still reeling with grief, he awoke to experience what he describes as a clear directive from God.

His new objective became a quest to build a pregnancy center in Land O’ Lakes, close to the high schools.

“Tears just started running down my face, because I never had a direct vision like that before,” said Castellani, who is Christian.

Coincidentally — or maybe not — the first Oasis branch opened nine months later, in Land O’ Lakes.

The center was opened with the support of Pastor Elbert Nasworthy, his Myrtle Lake Baptist Church and the community, Castellani said.

David Dorsey, left, Peter Castellani, April Beck, Cherisse Rivera and Helen Rairigh are among staff and volunteers who operate Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers. The nonprofit organization strives to help women as they transition into motherhood.

Now, Oasis has locations in Wesley Chapel and Tampa. It has 15 staff members and over 80 volunteers.

It also has helped thousands of families through the years, including 450 during the first seven months of this year, according to Castellani.

He attributes the organization’s success to its cohesive work team, that is both business- and ministry-oriented.

The women who come to the centers can receive various types of assistance. The information they provide remains confidential.

They can undergo testing to confirm if they’re pregnant.

Ultrasound screenings are available to let expecting mothers check on their baby’s status.

Counseling sessions are available, too.

The women and their partners also can watch educational videos that provide pointers on parenting techniques.

Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult for many women.

“You have women that come in and they are totally devastated,” Castellani said. “Counseling with them for a couple hours, you see a miraculous change. They leave here with hope and a future.”

Oasis’ services are provided for free.

Although, as women continue receiving Oasis services, they are granted coupons, which they can exchange for supplies in the Baby Boutique room. This transaction encourages the women to remain in the program.

Castellani reasoned: “It gives them dignity and respect. Even though it’s free, they’re earning it. It’s not just a hand-away.”

At the Baby Boutique, an array of items can be found, such as diapers, maternity and infant clothing, and portable baby seats – to name a few.

Oasis is able to provide its services and provide giveaways because of funding it receives from local churches, businesses and the state.

The organization also hosts three annual fundraisers: a clay shoot event, a golf tournament and a banquet.

As a Christian, nondenominational establishment, Oasis encourages mothers to see their pregnancies through to birth. They also refer them to local churches as  additional support networks.

The organization helps mothers from various age groups, too.

Castellani dispelled a common stereotype: “It’s not always teenagers – that’s only about 20 percent. Most of our women that come in are college and career-aged women.”

And, for those who may face financial difficulties, Oasis helps them sign up for government assistance, such as the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and Medicaid.

One of Oasis’ future endeavors is to bring more education to Pasco County schools, encouraging students to remain abstinent until marriage.

The fundraising celebration at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., will help propel these initiatives forward.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by live performances, catered food by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and guest speaker RV Brown.

While there are no costs to attend the event, the organization is encouraging those present, to offer a generous donation to support the cause.

Those planning to attend are asked to R.S.V.P at bit.ly/OasisCelebration2019.

To volunteer or donate to Oasis, visit HeartsForOasis.org.

For additional information or services about Oasis, call (813) 406-4965, or visit OasisPregnancyCenter.org.

Oasis 10th anniversary fundraiser
Where: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz
When: Sept. 19; doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: To celebrate 10 years of service, Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers will host a fundraising event with radio personality Mason Dixon as the emcee. Evangelist RV Brown will be the night’s guest speaker and attendees can enjoy a dish catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
Info: Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online at bit.ly/OasisCelebration2019. Online donations can be sent through HeartsForOasis.org, and for further information, call (813) 406-4965.

Published September 11, 2019

Region offers plenty of ‘Independence’ celebrations

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Residents within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area will have plenty of options for celebrating the nation’s independence this year.

With various Fourth of July celebrations occurring, one common event will be fireworks shows, illuminating the sky with much color. (File)

Some festivities are being held before the Fourth of July, some are scheduled on the holiday itself, and there are a couple being held at the end of the holiday weekend.

Whether you enjoy watching a parade, like to run, enjoy listening to live music or get a kick out of fireworks — you’ll be able to find a place locally, or within the region, to celebrate the way you like best.

Enjoy the festivities, and be careful out there.

Here’s a roundup of area and regional activities:

LAND O’ LAKES
Connerton’s Independence Day Party
Where: Connerton Community, 21100 Fountain Garden Way, Land O’ Lakes
When: June 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The public is welcomed to a pre-Independence Day celebration consisting of games, live music, local crafters, food trucks, bounces houses and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 996-5800

Fourth of July Concert for a Cause Celebration
Where: Bexley by Newland Communities, 16950 Vibrant Way, Land O’ Lakes
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The event will be comprised of a concert, food trucks, a kids’ bike parade and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 425-7555

LUTZ
Red White & Blue Sunday
Where: CrossPointe Family Church, 919 Debuel Road
When: June 30 at 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $7 per person; $25 per family
Details: Celebrate Independence Day early, with a Sunday service followed by a barbecue meal.
Info: call (813) 949-7727 or email .

Lutz Family Fireworks Celebration
Where: Idlewild Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.
When: June 30 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Enjoy an evening filled with a choir and orchestra performance, a guest speaker, topped off with a fireworks show.
Info: Call (813) 264-1515

Lutz Independence Day Race
Where: Lutz Train Depot in front of Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road
When: July 4 at 8 a.m.; yoga stretches will proceed the race at 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
Cost: Online: $25 for the 5K; $10 for the 1-mile; $27 for both 5K and 1-mile run
Same day registration: $30 for the 5K; $15 for the 1-mile; $27 for both
Details: Participants can either walk or run in the 5K run or the 1-mile sprint that follows.
Info: To register, visit  https://www.active.com/lutz-fl/running/distance-running-races/lutz-independence-day-run-2019.

July 4th Parade
Where: The parade begins at the intersection at Lutz-Lake Fern Road and Crooked Lane heading east to U.S. 41. (Most spectators gather along the parade route, or near the Lutz Branch Public Library)
When: July 4 at 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The parade will consist of dozens of floats. There will be vendors, a cake/bake competition, snow cones and other foods. The winner of the title of the honorary Lutz Guv’na also will be announced. Trophies and prizes also will be awarded that day for runners and for winning parade entries.
Info: Call Jennifer Rankin at (813) 240-5492 or email

Fourth of July Celebration
Where: Cheval Golf & Athletic Club, 4312 Cheval Blvd.
When: July 4 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate Independence Day at the golf club with food, games, water slides, bounce houses, a live band and finished off with fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 949-4231

WESLEY CHAPEL
July 4th Picnic
Where: Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road
When: July 4 from noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 907-9081

Fourth of July Celebration at Avalon Park West
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy Independence Day with a bike parade, a pie bake-off, live performances, food trucks and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 783-1515 or email

ZEPHYRHILLS
Fourth of July Celebration at Skydive City
Where: Skydive City, 4241 Sky Dive Lane, Zephyrhills
When: 8 a.m. July 6 to 9 p.m. July 7
Cost: Free
Details: The one-day event will have an open field for recreational vehicles to park. Patrons can enjoy custom-made hamburgers and adults will have special beverages reserved.
Info: Call (800) 888-5867 or visit www.SkyDiveCity.com/Event/4th-of-July-Celebration/

DADE CITY
El Cuatrofest
Where: Barrington Hill Farm, 16117 Lake Lola Road, Dade City
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: $30 per ticket
Details: At this outdoor event, guests can listen to live music while enjoying watermelon-eating contests, artisan vendors, food trucks, various games and topped off with a fireworks show.
Info: Call (727) 643-6128; for tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/el-cuatrofest-food-trucks-fireworks-fun-at-the-farm-tickets-61433026837?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

REGIONAL EVENTS
American Victory’s Freedom Fest
Where: American Victory Ship, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa
When: July 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $13 for age 13 and up; $7 for ages 4 to 12; $10 for active military or veterans
Details: Aboard the historical World War II ship SS American Victory, guests can enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, a kids zone, games and view a fireworks show.
Info: Purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/2KnjcYh. For further inquiries, call (813) 228-8766 or visit www.AmericanVictory.org.

Tampa Red, White and Blue Fest
Where: Grand Central at Kennedy, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
When: July 4 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate America’s birthday with southern food, ice cream, a dog walk and prize giveaways.
Info: Call (813) 226-0988

Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Competition
Where: Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa
When: July 4 at 4 p.m.
Cost: $25 per ticket
Details: Hosted by local comedian Chuck Glass, the contest will offer both beef and vegan hot dogs to choose from. Contestants will have the chance to win a $500 gift card, a $100 gift card, a championship belt and t-shirts.
Info: Email . Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fourth-of-july-hot-dog-eating-competition-tickets-62875790181?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR3nKaUVDR3g1GMkBQjmHVaLhophgDf3EJISD78VSDw97DidaaO2fyiTRAA

Published June 26, 2019

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

Political Agenda 07/18/2018

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Sample ballots available
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has announced that sample ballots for the Aug. 26 Primary Election are available online at PascoVotes.com, and will be mailed to Pasco County voters on Aug. 6.

To view sample ballots online, voters need to know their voting precinct and party of registration.

Club meetings

Republican Club of Central Pasco
Mike Wells will be the guest speaker at the Republican Club of Central Pasco’s meeting on July 23. The club meets at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The social will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the meeting starting at 7 p.m. For more information, call (813) 996-3011.

Trinity Democratic Club meeting
The Trinity Democratic Club’s July 25 meeting will feature Chris Hunter, candidate for the district 12 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Amanda Murphy, candidate in district 16 seat in of the Florida Senate. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, at 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. Doors open at 5 p.m., for dinner and happy hour (self-pay) with food and beverages available for purchase throughout the meeting. For more information, call (415) 609-3633.

Candidate forums

  • Idlewild Baptist Church, at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz, will host a candidate’s forum on July 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • The East Pasco Democratic Club will host a political forum for all Democrats, Republicans and no party affiliation for local and state offices on Aug. 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. The League of Women Voters will be there to register voters or update voters’ current registration. Light refreshments will be served.

Ice cream social
The Central Pasco Democratic Party will host an ice cream social on Aug. 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Meadow Pointe Community Center, 28245 County Line Road. Those attending can meet other Democrats and talk with local candidates.

Endorsements

  • The West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association has endorsed Mike Moore, in his re-election bid for the District 2 seat on the Pasco County Commission, according to Moore’s campaign.
  • The Veterans Caucus; Alex Sink, former chief financial officer of Florida; and the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, have endorsed Brandi Geoit in the race for District 4 seat on the Pasco County Commission, according to Geoit’s campaign.

Published July 18, 2018

Region offers Easter festivities

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Easter events are scheduled across the region this week, offering ways for families to have affordable fun, and opportunities for spiritual reflection and celebration.

The Easter Bunny is expected to make an appearance at various events during Easter weekend. He was at the Jelly Bean Fling last year at the Pioneer Florida Village & Museum. (File)

There are also a number of Passover events scheduled, which are included in an accompanying story.

Many churches offer Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday services, which is March 29 this year, as well as Good Friday services on March 30, Easter vigil services on March 31 and Easter services on April 1.

This list is just a sampling of the events and services being offered in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Please check local church websites for more details.

LUTZ

  • All Saints Lutheran, 5315 Van Dyke Road, will have Maundy Thursday services at noon and 7:30 p.m.; Good Friday services at noon and 7:30 p.m.; Easter Vigil at 7:30 p.m.; and Easter services at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., and an egg hunt at 9 a.m.
  • Bay Hope Church, 17030 Lakeshore Road, will have a new Good Friday Experience, which invites families to walk with Jesus during his final hours. The experience lasts about 30 minutes, and is offered between noon and 2 p.m., and 5 and 7 p.m., on Good Friday. Services will be on March 31 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and on Easter at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
  • Crosspointe Church at 919 Debuel Road is hosting egg hunts for pre-kindergarten and elementary age children on March 31 at 5:30 p.m., and on Easter, which is April 1, at 10 a.m. There also will be opportunities to meet and greet the Easter Bunny at this free event.
  • First Baptist of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41 N., will have Good Friday services at 7 p.m.; and Easter services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
  • First United Methodist Church of Lutz will present a Good Friday reenactment in downtown Tampa, beginning at Tampa City Hall steps at noon. It will present another reenactment in the church sanctuary, at 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in the evening, at 7 p.m. Other events on the church’s Holy Week schedule include a Seder meal and Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the guarding of the tomb, from Good Friday until Easter; and Easter services at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. There also will be a Jelly Bean Jamboree on March 31, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road, will have Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m.; Good Friday at noon and 7 p.m., and Easter services at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • Idlewild Baptist Church, at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., will have an Easter family festival from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 31. That will include services at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., a barbecue, bounce houses, a giant slide and an egg drop, scheduled for 5 p.m. There will be an outdoor sunrise service on Easter at 7 a.m., and other services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
  • Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, will host Good Friday services, 7 p.m.; Easter services, 8:30 and 11 a.m.; Easter breakfast, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; and an Easter egg hunt at 10:15 a.m.
  • NorthPointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Drive, has Easter services at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
  • Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church, 601 Sunset Lane, has an Easter sunrise service at 7 a.m., and other Easter services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Land O’ Lakes

  • Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway: Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m.; Good Friday, 7 p.m.; Community Easter Egg Hunt, March 31, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (bounce house, face painting, refreshments, a goody bag for each child), Easter sunrise service, 7 a.m., and other Easter services, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
  • Our Lady of the Rosary, 2348 Collier Parkway: Holy Thursday at 7 p.m., Good Friday, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Spanish); Easter Vigil, 7:45 p.m., and sunrise on Easter Sunday at 6 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. (bilingual). There also will be a blessing of Easter foods from noon to 1 p.m., on March 31.

Wesley Chapel

  • Avalon Park West, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive: Easter egg hunt, face painting, food trucks, bounce park, March 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The egg hunt is at 11 a.m.
  • Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54: Maundy Thursday service, 7 p.m.; Good Friday service, 7 p.m.; Easter sunrise service, 7:15 a.m.; other Easter services, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Zephyrhills

  • The Zephyrhills-Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association will have its traditional Good Friday Walk of the Cross beginning at 5:30 p.m., outside of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 5316 11th St., Zephyrhills. Those who participate will take a pilgrimage with a cross through the streets of Zephyrhills marking the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Along the way, there will be seven stops at local churches to reflect on the last Seven Sayings of Christ on the Cross. The evening concludes about 6:45 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 38635 Fifth Ave.
  • Community Easter sunrise service on Easter at 7 a.m., at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, on the front lawn of the hospital at 7050 Gall Blvd. This service, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is presented by the hospital and the Zephyrhills-Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association. Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket because seating is limited. The service will include music, a special Easter message, and a dove release at the conclusion of the service.

DADE CITY

  • The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village is hosting its second annual Jelly Bean Fling on March 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5, and free for children under age 5. Parking is free. Admission includes rock painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting, a petting zoo, an Easter bonnet parade with Mr. Tommy and other activities. For more information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Published March 28, 2018

Halloween tricks, treats and traditions on tap

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If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Halloween, you’ll find plenty of options across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., is hosting a Family Fun Festival that it’s calling “Light the Night.”

The event will be from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Oct. 31.

Pumpkin patches are popping up all over Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as area residents prepare for Halloween and fall festivals. (File Photos)
Pumpkin patches are popping up all over Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as area residents prepare for Halloween and fall festivals.
(File Photos)

Cars will be decorated with favorite kid-friendly themes and will line up on the Yellow parking lot and grounds outside the church’s Gatheria.

The cars’ trunks will be full of candy for children through fifth grade.

Each car also will provide a game, face painting, puppet show or other opportunity for fun.

Other highlights will be inflatables, balloon animals and a hayride.

Bring a camera to take advantage of photo opportunities.

Admission is $3 per person, with a maximum charge of $15 per family.

Children age 2 and under will be admitted without charge.

Hungry Harry’s BBQ will be available for purchase for $5, and other food items also will be available through the church’s kitchen.

The trunks will be open for children to pick up candy from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The inflatables will be available the entire evening.

Register by Oct. 30 at Idlewild.org/children, to avoid waiting in long lines. To find out more, call (813) 264-1515, ext. 1561.

Meanwhile, in Pasco County, the 12th annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival & Carnival is set for Oct. 28 through Oct. 30, at 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd.

This year, the event has added a day to give families more time to enjoy carnival food, midway games and rides.

These gourds add a splash of Halloween color.
These gourds add a splash of Halloween color.

The festival will be from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., on Oct. 28; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Oct. 29; and, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Oct. 30.

Highlights on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 will include live music, a business expo, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pony rides, fall foods and beverages, food trucks, interactive craft activities, arts and crafts exhibitors, vendors, a doggie fun area and pet adoption event.

Kids can celebrate Halloween in a safe environment on Oct. 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Trunk or Treat activity.

For more information on the festival, a Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce event, visit GroveShopping.com. Visit DreamlandAmusements.com for coupon savings on ride wristbands, ride tickets and carnival food.

Meanwhile, over in St. Leo, Saint Leo University’s Office of Residence Life is inviting the community to Haunted Marmion, an event set for Oct. 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Marmion-Snyder Hall, 33701 State Road 52.

All floors of the residence halls will be transformed into a themed haunted house. Trick-or-treating will occur on two floors of Snyder Hall. There will be games and other activities in the Lion’s Den (a common area for both halls) for those not participating in the haunted house or trick-or-treating.

The event is free; however, those attending are asked to donate one or more canned/nonperishable food items at check-in, which will be given to a local food bank for distribution to those in need in the community.

In Land O’ Lakes, those who enjoy a good scare may want to drop by the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to experience The Haunted House on 41.

The event, slated for Oct. 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., promises three nights of bone-chilling terror.

Admission is $1 each. Some scenes, the organizers with Pasco County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources say, may be too intense for young children.

For those who enjoy staying active, the Northdale 5K Pumpkin Run & 1 Mile Family Run/Walk may be just the thing.

The event is set for Oct. 29, at the Bob Sierra YMCA Youth & Family Center, 4015 Ragg Road in Tampa.

The chip-timed race will have a costume contest and is dog friendly. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Bob Sierra Y’s annual campaign to ensure the facility keeps its doors open to all, regardless of an individual’s financial hardship.

For more information, call (813) 962-3220.

Some area high schools are also hosting special events.

Sunlake High School, at 3203 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, is holding a “Trick or Treat Around the Track” on Oct. 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m.

Wesley Chapel High School, at 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel, is hosting a “Halloween Safe Zone,” on Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the school’s cafeteria and parking lot.

For more details about these events, contact Sunlake High and Wesley Chapel High.

Area libraries also are holding special events.

Land O’ Lakes Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, is hosting a Pumpkin Fest for all ages on Oct. 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event involves decorating pumpkins, using a wide variety of techniques.

New River Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills, has three Halloween events planned.

On Oct. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the library is welcoming infants through 5-year-olds to wear their favorite costume to the library’s Costume Story Time.

The library also is hosting a Halloween Movie & S’Mores for fourth-graders and older on Oct. 27 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

And, on Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., it’s hosting a Fall Family Night.  The evening will feature crafts, refreshments and a costume contest.

The Carrollwood Toastmasters are also getting into the Halloween spirit by hosting an open house on Oct. 26 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa. There will be free food, fun and prizes. Feel free to wear a costume and bring a friend.

Published October 26, 2016

 

Assisted care center opens in Lutz

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The legendary Pat Boone helped create an air of excitement at the grand opening ceremony of a new $13 million assisted care living facility in Lutz.

Boone made an appearance at Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild, 18440 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., on Oct. 22, to help celebrate the facility’s completion.

The three-story living facility is about 76,000 square feet.

Pat Boone (center), a singer who has sold more than 45 million records, poses with a group during the grand opening celebration of Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild. (Suzanne Beauchaine/Staff Photos)
Pat Boone (center), a singer who has sold more than 45 million records, poses with a group during the grand opening celebration of Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild.
(Suzanne Beauchaine/Staff Photos)

It features 94 units, including studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom to serve more than 100 residents.

The 82-year-old Boone has sold an estimated 45 million records, and was especially popular during the ‘50s and ‘60s. He had 38 Top 40 hits and has appeared in more than 12 Hollywood films.

This is a phenomenal building,” said Boone, addressing several hundred guests in attendance.

“I believe very strongly in these facilities. My grandmother lived her last years in an HCA (Hotel Corporation of America) facility in Jacksonville. I got to visit with her there long after she was not able to take care of herself.”

Boone, a longtime friend of John Young, executive director of Lodges of Idlewild, continued to heap praise on the new facility throughout the ceremony.

“You’ve got something really special in your midst. You have time to relive a lot of your life again,” Boone said.

Including Young, Lodges of Idlewild features a six-member leadership team with over 100-plus years experience in health care.

Pat Boone, center, joins the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild.
Pat Boone, center, joins the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild.

Ralph Fritsch, community relations manager at Angels Senior Living, said residents have been moving into the new facility “almost everyday” since its soft opening on Sept. 19.

“This is kind of the beauty of this community: we run it like a crew ship,” said Fritsch. “We have a theme every week — like ’50s and ’60s.”

He said the living center has a minimum of two interactive activities every hour between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., each day.

“It’s everything from bingo to board games,” Fritsch said. “We do brain games at 10 a.m., every day. We do chair exercises, dances. We’ll bring in professional artists to teach an art class, so they can paint, and we’ll hang their painting on the wall.”

As part of the assisted living experience, residents will be aided in hygiene, ambulating, keeping track of medications, and dining.

In addition to assisted living, Lodges of Idlewild will offer both memory care and independent living services.

The memory care program, designed for residents suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, is a “secured unit” with a higher staffing ratio for additional attention.

The independent living program also features independent apartments where residents can pay for “a la carte services” and transition into the assisted living facility when needed.

A rough estimate for the monthly cost for a resident to live at the facility is $4,000.

The two best options for financial assistance for senior care is through the Medicaid Managed Long Term Care program, or the Veteran’s Aid (VA) and Attendance program attained by serving in a war, according to Angels Senior Living’s website.

The Medicaid route requires being on Medicaid and then applying for the program to pay an amount that may total 25 percent to 50 percent of monthly rent.

The veteran’s aid option requires an application through the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Financial assistance in this program varies.

Angels Senior Living operates nine other locations throughout Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

There are three facilities in North Tampa alone — Connerton Court in Land O’ Lakes, Angels Senior Living at New Tampa on North 42nd Street, and Shady Palms on North Florida Avenue.

Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild
What: A $13 million, 76,000-square-foot assisted living facility with 94 units
Where: 18440 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz
Key Programs: Assisted living, memory care and independent living
Key Amenities: Luxury suites, life enrichment program, 11 designated activity areas, live entertainment, large-screen movie theater, chapel, library, hair and nail salon.
For information, call (813) 264-8200, or visit AngelsSeniorLiving.com.

Published October 26, 2016

New charter school won’t open until 2017

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Several families in the Lutz and Land O’ Lakes area were anticipating Sunlake Academy of Math and Science to open in time for the 2016-2017 school year, but that isn’t going to happen.

Instead, the public charter school, which is being built at 18711 North Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, is set to open in August 2017.

This is a prototype of what Sunlake Academy will look like once it’s complete. The 40,000-square-foot facility expects to accommodate 1,150 students, from kindergarten through eighth grade. (Photos courtesy of Charter School Associates)
This is a prototype of what Sunlake Academy will look like once it’s complete. The 40,000-square-foot facility expects to accommodate 1,150 students, from kindergarten through eighth grade.
(Photos courtesy of Charter School Associates)

The school, operated by Charter School Associates (CSA), scheduled a Parent Information Session on April 11, expecting to open for the 2016-2017 school year. But on April 27, Michael Strader, president of Charter School Associates, addressed a letter to parents and guardians, saying, “the opening of Sunlake Academy of Math and Science will be deferred to August 2017.”

He explained the delay this way: “Although the property developer and general contractor were originally confident that our new school would be ready for the Aug. 10 opening date, we recently learned that delays in the receipt of various building and site permits will push the completion of the school past that date.”

In an interview with the Laker/Lutz News, Strader indicated his group tried finding a temporary facility to hold classes until construction was complete, but to no avail.

“We couldn’t find an existing facility nearby that would be within a reasonable commute—like people who live close to where the school is planned—that would accommodate the number of students that made applications,” Strader said. “We really…examined a number of options, including area churches. We looked to see if there were any hotels with large conference facilities or meeting facilities in the immediate area, and there just seemed to be none available that we could schedule for several weeks.”

The highway entrance of Sunlake Academy, at 18711 North Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. Up until April 27, the school advertised it would open in August 2016.
The highway entrance of Sunlake Academy, at 18711 North Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. Up until April 27, the school advertised it would open in August 2016.

Several parents suggested the possibility of utilizing portable classroom buildings in the short-term. However, Strader noted portable classrooms weren’t really a feasible option, either.

“The only thing with portables is they require many of the same infrastructure that a permanent building would require with utility connections, hard roads for life safety vehicles — fire trucks, ambulances — so portable classrooms aren’t as simple as just bringing them in and setting them up,” Strader said.

Sunlake Academy was originally proposed to be located on an 8.4-acre piece of land at the southwest corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and Sunlake Boulevard. However, those plans changed after objections from nearby residents and numerous conditions attached to the county’s approval for the site.

Changing locations and obtaining site permits for the North Dale Mabry location has been an ongoing process, Strader acknowledged.

“I understand that (the North Dale Mabry) area is going through a whole new floodplain recalculation by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, so that had some kind of impacts on it, and we were just later than anticipated in receiving all the site permits, and that’s what ultimately put the project behind,” the CSA president said.

Once open, the 40,000-square-foot, two-story charter will be large enough to accommodate about 1,150 students, from kindergarten through eighth grade. The charter, which will be tax-funded and tuition-free, is expected to pull students from within a 5-mile radius of the school’s location, which is about a half-mile north of Exciting Idlewild Boulevard.

It will have a focus on STEM curriculum, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math. It also will offer an interdisciplinary approach to learning, in which lessons will emphasize the interrelationships between various subjects.

The school’s features will include a library and media center, science laboratories, computer labs, art rooms and an area for outdoor activities.

Despite the school’s deferred opening, Strader said he’s had conversations the school’s developer, Charter School Properties, to ensure construction isn’t delayed even further, “so that prospective parents could certainly see a building there and have confidence that the school will indeed be ready for August 2017.”

According to Strader, the school was expected to be built in two phases, progressively adding more students during each phase. Now with the additional construction time, both phases should be complete for the 2017-2018 school year.

“There was a lot of interest in the school and we had done quite well with interested parents,” he said. “So, if the demand is still there next year, we’ll have the facilities to grow…beyond the initial 600 students that we’d anticipated for this year.”

Published May 11, 2016

Assisted care center set to open in August

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A new $13 million assisted living center in Lutz is under construction, and set to open in August.

Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild, located at 18440 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz, will have 94 units to serve about 100 residents, according to Daniel Almendares, corporate operations manager at Angels Senior Living.

The 85,000-square-foot facility expects to employ 45 people.

Construction is under way on the new Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild facility. The $13 million, 85,000-square-foot facility will have 94 units for up to 100 residents. (Photos courtesy of Angels Senior Living)
Construction is under way on the new Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild facility. The $13 million, 85,000-square-foot facility will have 94 units for up to 100 residents.
(Photos courtesy of Angels Senior Living)

As part of the assisted living experience, residents will be aided in hygiene, ambulating, keeping track of medications, and dining.

In addition to assisted living, Lodges of Idlewild will offer both memory care and independent living services.

The memory care program, designed for residents suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, will be a “secured unit” with a higher staffing ratio for additional attention.

The independent living program features independent apartments where residents can pay for “a la carte services” and transition into the assisted living facility when needed.

A rough estimate for the monthly cost for a resident to live at the facility is $4,000, Almendares said.

The two best options for financial assistance for senior care is through the Medicaid Managed Long Term Care program, or the Veteran’s Aid (VA) and Attendance program attained by serving in a war, according to Angels Senior Living’s website.

The Medicaid route requires being on Medicaid and then applying for the program to pay an amount that may total 25 percent to 50 percent of monthly rent.

The veteran’s aid option requires an application through the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Financial assistance in this program varies.

The location of the senior living center “fit well into our geographic offerings,” Almendares said, adding that its proximity to the Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz is a bonus.

Once it is complete, the assisted living center should look similar to this prototype. The senior living center is set to open in August 2016.
Once it is complete, the assisted living center should look similar to this prototype. The senior living center is set to open in August 2016.

“We want to develop a tight-knit relationship with the church and the patrons, and for our residents to enjoy the services offered on such an already beautiful campus,” he said. “The placement along a major thoroughfare only improves the ease for family members to visit their loved ones on the way from work, school, or (coming) from errands.”

To help promote social interaction, there will be activity rooms for games, arts and crafts, and exercise.

“The activities for all our residents are there to entertain and provide a higher quality of life beyond just great care,” Almendares said.

Angels Senior Living operates a total of nine other locations throughout Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

There are three facilities in North Tampa alone — Connerton Court in Land O’ Lakes, Angels Senior Living at New Tampa on North 42nd Street, and Shady Palms on North Florida Avenue.

Angels Senior Living has not yet determined who will be the executive director to oversee the day-to-day operations at Lodges of Idlewild, Almendares said.

Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild
What: A $13 million, 85,000-square-foot assisted living facility with 94 units
Where: 18440 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz
Opening date: August 2016
Key Programs: Assisted living, memory care and independent living
For information, call (813) 886-2023, or visit AngelsSeniorLiving.com.

Published February 10, 2016