The Laker/Lutz News

Fountain Garden Way

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

Flapjack Run offers exercise, flapjacks

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Hot pancakes topped with syrup will be the sweet treat awaiting patrons for the Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run.

The event, celebrating its 25th year this year, offers free admission to spectators and patrons.

Connerton Plaza at 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes, is the venue for the event, which will be on Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

As in past events, runners of all ages are expected to participate in this year’s 25th Flapjack Run on Dec. 8. (File)

The 5K run is set to begin at 8 a.m. The 1-mile fun run, or walk, will start at 8:45 a.m.

Vendors also will offer various crafts and food, and Santa will pop in, too, according to Suzanne Beauchaine, of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, which is organizing the event.

A rummage sale also will be held, with a variety of items available for purchase.

Runners at the event will receive free flapjacks, while others can purchase a plate for $5, said Beauchaine, executive director of the Chamber.

Those intending to run can register at the event, but they are encouraged to do so in advance, online, to guarantee a T-shirt and a medal.

The cost is $25 for the 5K for adults; and a $17 fee for kindergarteners through 12th-graders.

The 1-mile run will be a flat rate of $15. Children under 5 can take part for free, when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Trophies for first and second place winners will be awarded to each age group by decade, starting from age 14.

Winners also can be awarded by family members splitting into teams of two.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is presenting the event and proceeds benefit the Pasco County Parks Department.

To register online, visit tinyurl.com/ycnowb8d.

For additional information, contact The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722 .

Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run
Where: Connerton Plaza, 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes
When: Dec. 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free to spectators and patrons; 5K run is $25 for adults and $17 for kindergarten through 12th-grade runners; 1-mile run is a $15 flat rate; free admission for runners age 5, accompanied by an adult.
Details: Attendees can enjoy a run or walk, a pancake breakfast, a rummage sale and purchase crafts from vendors.
Info: Contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or .

Published December 5, 2018

Connerton hosts ‘stud’ parties

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Connerton is hosting three events to give people a chance to write a few words of encouragement and inspiration for retired U.S. Army Sgt. David Roca and his family, who will be receiving a mortgage-free home from Connerton, Lennar and Operation Finally Home.

Roca sustained several traumatic brain injuries in combat during his deployment to Iraq. One of those injuries occurred when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle.

Construction is already underway at 8743 Savory Walk Drive. The family of four is expected to move in on April 30, thanks to an expedited permitting and review process by Pasco County.
(Courtesy of Grey Street Studios Inc.)

Roca and his three children were surprised on a windy, chilly March morning when they found out they would be moving into a home in Connerton, a 4,800-acre mixed-used, master-planned community in central Pasco County.

Roca and his children, Alex, Amelie and David Jr., will be moving into a 2,065-square-foot, four-bedroom home, being built by Lennar Homes. The family is expected to move in on April 30.

Those who would like to extend their congratulations and well wishes will have a chance to write them on the home’s studs before the dry wall is installed, said Joan Stout, a Connerton marketing consultant. Those signings will take place at the home site, 8743 Savory Walk Drive in Connerton, on April 1, April 2 and April 8, from noon to 3 p.m.

Those unable to come during those times should visit Club Connerton, at 21100 Fountain Garden Way, where they can sign a heart. Those hearts will be stapled to the framing of the home, Stout said.

The Roca family will be able to read the notes, as they do a walk-through of the home before the drywall is installed. That walk-through is expected on April 9.

Grey Street Studios Inc., also will do a video tour to capture the notes of love so that the family will have a permanent remembrance of the wishes extended to them from the community.

This is the sixth home Lennar has provided to military families around the country, and the first in the Tampa Bay market.

Based in Texas, Operation Finally Home has provided more than 150 mortgage-free homes for veterans during the past 10 years.

Published March 22, 2017

It’s time for Fourth of July fun

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People who enjoy celebrating Independence Day will find plenty of choices both locally and across the Tampa Bay region this Fourth of July weekend.

As usual, the community of Lutz will have a slate of activities geared at giving families a taste of old-fashioned Fourth of July fun.

The day kicks off with a 5-k for runners, and a 1-mile family fun run and walk for those who are geared to life at a slower pace. Other festivities for the day include a flag-raising ceremony, a parade, booths, a cake auction and the election of the new honorary Lutz Guv’na.

(File Photo)
(File Photo)

If you want to start celebrating before July Fourth, you may enjoy a musical program on July 2 at 6 p.m., or July 3 at 10:30 a.m., at CrossPointe Church, 919 Debuel Road in Land O’ Lakes.

A new tribute is planned this year in Land O’ Lakes by the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Club, Land O’ Lakes Satellite.

The group will be displaying red, white and blue patriotic banners along U.S. 41, from July 1 through July 8, as a way to celebrate the nation’s independence and to honor military personnel who have given much to protect the country’s freedom.

Meanwhile, the community of Connerton, 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes, will host its National Celebration Independence Day Party on July 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Festivities will include live music, food, children’s activities, local crafters, bungee jumping, rock wall climbing, a beer garden and fireworks.

Last year, more than 3,000 turned out, and event organizers are expecting even more this year. People are encouraged to bring out blankets and lawn chairs. The fireworks are scheduled at 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, on the east side of Pasco County, organizers of Sparklebration are gearing up for a full day of festivities at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City. Gates open on July 4 at 4 p.m.

Admission is $5 for those age 12 and older; parking is $5. Eating contests, bounce houses, petting zoo, games, skydivers, live entertainment, and fireworks which are expected to begin at 9:15 p.m.

Skydive City, 4241 SkyDive Lane in Zephyrhills, will be staging an event that includes live music, food and a fireworks display. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

Admission will be $5 for those 12 and older, and free for those younger than age 12.

Festivities include live music from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Barbecued meals will be available for $10 a plate. Fireworks are planned for 9 p.m. Bring your own chair, blanket or cushion.

Those looking for something to do earlier during the holiday weekend may want to check out Tunes on the Lagoon at Tampa Premium Outlets, at 2300 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz.

The concert, featuring Summer Train, will be on July 2 and will kick off a series of concerts scheduled for every Saturday in July, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The July 2 event also will feature deals from retailers, family entertainment and food trucks.

Meanwhile, those who have attended Freedom Fest and watched the fireworks at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel in previous years, should make alternate plans this year.

The regional shopping mall decided to stop hosting the festivities because the event outgrew the venue, said Greg Lenners, general manager at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Lenners said he always knew that would happen at some point, but he didn’t expect it to be so soon.

“It was logistically impossible,” Lenners said, noting safety was the paramount concern.

With so many people and so much traffic, the regional mall didn’t want to take a chance on someone getting hurt, he said.

Local events
Some events happening in the local area:

  • Celebrate America, CrossPointe Family Church, 919 Debuel Road in Lutz, July 2 at 6 p.m., and July 3 at 10:30 a.m. Program includes the Celebration Choir, the Kidzstreet Children’s Choir, Salute to the Military multimedia productions, the CrossPointe Dance Company, your favorite patriotic music and a presentation of colors by the North Tampa Lutz Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.
  • Nation Celebration Independence Day Party at Connerton, 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes, July 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Festivities include games, slides, bounce houses, a balloon artist and face painter. There also will be live music, bungee jumping, rock wall climbing, crafters, a beer garden and a food truck rally, as well as fireworks at 9 p.m., sponsored by Benedetto’s Italian Ristorante.
  • Lutz Independence Day, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz. Festivities kick off with a 5k, followed by a 1-mile fun run. Other highlights include a baking contest, a flag raising ceremony, booths, an old-fashioned community parade, the swearing-in of the new Lutz Guv’na, and a cake and pie auction. The event is slated to start at 8 a.m.
  • Sparklebration, Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 on July 4. Gates open at 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for those 12 and older; parking is $5. Eating contests, bounce houses, petting zoo, games, skydivers, live entertainment and fireworks which are expected to begin at 9:15 p.m.
  • Fourth of July at Skydive City, 4241 Skydive Lane in Zephyrhills. Gates open at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for those 12 and older. Live music, barbecued meals for purchase and fireworks at 9 p.m.

 

Regional events
Here are some events happening across the region:

  • 4th of July at the Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St., in downtown Tampa on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $5. Costumed re-enactors will be representing several eras of American military history.
  • Fourth of July Celebration at Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Live music, entertainment and family friendly activities.
  • Fourth of July at the Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive. Enjoy the Splash Pad and extended hours at the aquarium, which will be open until 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m.
  • Clearwater Celebrates America at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., in Clearwater. A free family celebration featuring music, family activities, live music, food and drink for sale, local vendors, and fireworks starting between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
  • Fireworks Across the Bay Celebration in St. Pete, 612 2nd Ave., N.E. Fireworks start at 9 p.m., at St. Pete’s Spa Beach Park.

Published June 29, 2016

 

 

 

There’s plenty of cheer to spread around this season

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If you’re looking for a way to get into a festive mood, you won’t have to look very far.

There are loads of celebrations planned throughout The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area.

A familiar community landmark will be decked out again for the holidays for the 19th annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School.

Rooms are dressed up with holiday décor and community groups provide entertainment.

Visitors to the annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School always find plenty to look at, such as decorated trees, miniature train sets and nutcrackers. (File Photos)
Visitors to the annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School always find plenty to look at, such as decorated trees, miniature train sets and nutcrackers.
(File Photos)

Santa will be visiting on Dec. 12, between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., for a breakfast with Santa, at a $4 charge, which includes a variety of activities for children.

During the week, several local churches, schools and other groups are slated to perform at

The Christmas House, also known as The Old Lutz School, is at 18819 N. U.S. 41.

The Christmas House will be open for free tours on the evenings of Dec. 10, Dec. 12, Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Dec. 17, Dec. 19, Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 26 and Dec. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Collection barrels will be there to collect nonperishable food items and toys for families needing help.

Heritage Church in Lutz is hosting “Miracle on Main Street,” a Christmas musical billed to be entertaining for people of all ages. The church at 1853 Oak Grove Blvd., will be staging the free event on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.

The Carrollwood Cultural Center, at 4537 Lowell Road, in Tampa, is hosting a series of events during December, including a Holiday Choral Tapestry with the Carrollwood Community Chorus, on Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets ranging from $10 to $16. It also is hosting a Holiday Concert with the Carrollwood Winds, on Dec. 13 at 4 p.m., with tickets ranging from $10 to $16.

On Dec. 5, the community of Connerton will be having a holiday bazaar, with a variety of vendors offering holiday crafts, unique gifts and other items for purchase. Admission is free to the event, being held inside Club Connerton, at 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes.

train set rgbA family event called Traditions on the Green is planned for Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event features a breakfast with Santa, face painting, a holiday bounce house, puppet shows, local band performances, crafts and other activities. Admission is free.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 2015 “Magical Night Christmas Parade,” sponsored by Bayfront Health Dade City.

The parade will begin at 7 p.m., on Dec. 4, in historic downtown Dade City. It will feature dozens of floats, entertainment acts, bands, seasonal displays, and a visit from that jolly old elf, Santa Claus.

The following day, on Dec. 5, the downtown Dade City merchants will celebrate a Christmas Stroll from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Country Aire Village, in Zephyrhills, is scheduled to have its annual Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 5 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event, at 39333 Blue Skye Drive, includes coffee and donuts at 7 a.m., and a luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

nutcrackers rgbOther highlights include items for crafters, a clothing boutique, a Chinese auction, a three-wheel bike raffle, a bake sale and a cookie walk.

A Country Christmas Open House is planned for Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City. The event will feature crafters, cookies, punch, holiday music and more.

A Christmas in the Park is set for Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., at the San Antonio City Park, at 12202 Main St., San Antonio.

The Florida Orchestra is also planning a series of holiday concerts. On Dec. 4 through Dec. 6, the orchestra will present the “Hallelujah” chorus, and during the weekend of Dec. 11 through Dec. 13 it will perform a Holiday Pops. For more information about ticket prices and venues, visit FloridaOrchestra.org.

Published December 2, 2015