The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Natalie Davis

Request for Lutz 7-Eleven is delayed

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The Hillsborough County Commission voted 4-3 to remand a rezoning request for a gas station and carwash off U.S. 41, north of Sunset Lane, in Lutz.

Commissioners Ken Hagan, Kimberly Overman, Mariella Smith and Chairwoman Pat Kemp voted to remand the request and Commissioners Harry Cohen, Gwen Myers and Stacy White dissented.

Those who voted to send the case back to the zoning hearing master for further review specifically said they want the county’s Department of Environmental Protection to take a closer look at whether a septic system will be capable of  handling the discharge from a proposed carwash.

They voiced concerns about potential problems because the area has lakes, private wells and sensitive wetlands.

Commissioner Smith said the hearing can explore other issues, too.

“I would not have it limited,” she said, noting that citizens are free to discuss other topics, such as light pollution and compatibility, she added.

During the Hillsborough board’s Oct. 12 public hearing, Smith said the county also needs to take a closer look at its rezoning process.

Under current procedures, no testimony can be presented to commissioners during a rezoning hearing unless it was part of the record before the zoning hearing master.

The zoning hearing master recommends approval or denial on zoning cases, but the county board has the final word.

The request, by RKM and 7-Eleven, drew both support and opposition at the county board’s hearing and also at the zoning hearing master hearing on Aug. 16.

Attorney Cami Corbett, representing the applicants at both hearings, described the proposed gas station as a modern building, designed specifically to fit within the character of Lutz.

She said it is within the node that’s specifically designated for neighborhood commercial development within the Lutz Community Plan.

Natalie Davis, of 17880 N. U.S. 41, in Lutz, spoke in favor of the request at both hearings.

She noted that Lutz typically has wanted to slow development — but even so, a significant amount of new projects have popped up along U.S. 41.

Those developments have included a Publix, a Dunkin’ Donuts, restaurants, McDonald’s, a self-storage unit, a Walgreens, a bank, and professional office parks, as well as new neighborhoods.

Davis favors growth along U.S. 41, which she noted is a six-lane road, and questioned why a gas station should be excluded.

“I am here to represent the next generation of Lutz,” she said.

Gus Weekley, who owns the property up for rezoning, along with his brother, said the family has deep roots in Lutz.

The proposed site of the gas station is land that was owned by his grandmother and where she sold fruit raised on the land to those traveling by on the only major road into Tampa.

“We believe that Lutz is a special community,” he said, adding the 7-Eleven will be a good fit.

Sam Calco, president of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, spoke against the request.

He noted an error in the hearing master’s record and said that was sufficient to merit a remand.

County staff, however, said that the hearing officer’s recommendation was based on accurate information, despite the error in the report.

Jay Muffly, a longtime community activist, was direct: “I oppose this rezoning because it is not compatible with the Lutz community. Period.”

He also expressed concerns about potential negative impacts from light pollution.

Both Kemp and Overman voiced concerns about allowing a car wash to operate on a septic system.

The idea of dropping the carwash from the application was raised, but the applicant indicated no interest in taking that approach.

The project would hook onto public water and sewer, but it is not available, Corbett said.

Questions also were raised about whether the proposed development meets the county’s locational criteria.

That standard says the project should be within 900 feet of the intersection of U.S. 41 and Sunset Lane. But a portion of the proposed project is 960 feet away from that intersection, according to testimony provided during the county board’s discussion.

Commissioner Hagan initially said he wasn’t sure the board had legal grounds to deny the rezoning.

Ultimately, though, he went along with three of his colleagues when they called for a remand to pursue additional information.

The next hearing has been set for Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.

In-person and remote hybrid Zoning Hearing Master meetings are held at Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, in the Ada T. Payne Community Room, at 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., in downtown Tampa.

Published October 20, 2021

Will 7-Eleven set up in Lutz?

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A proposed rezoning for a gas station and convenience store, off U.S. 41, north of Sunset Lane, drew both support and opposition during an Aug. 16 hearing.

“We’re planning a brand-new modern building, designed to fit within the character of the Lutz community design standards,” Cami Corbett, an attorney representing the applicant told Susan Finch, the hearing officer on the case.

The proposed development is “a next-generation” 7-Eleven that would be built “at the node that’s specifically designated for neighborhood commercial development within the Lutz Community Plan,” Corbett added.

Three experts spoke on behalf of the applicant.

One offered testimony regarding the steps that are taken to ensure the safety of the fuel tanks and the methods used to capture gasoline vapors.

Another testified that the project will not pose a threat to water quality of private wells in the area.

A third expert discussed traffic issues. He pointed to improvements that are planned at the intersection of Sunset Lane and U.S. 41. He also cited a department of transportation study that estimates that 78% of a convenience store/gas station’s traffic comes from motorists driving by.

Natalie Davis, of 17880 N. U.S. Highway 41, in Lutz, spoke forcefully in favor of the request.

“I grew up in a neighborhood right across from this project, on Sunset and 41. I now own a small business that’s located in Lutz, as well,” she said.

She offered several reasons for her support.

Lutz has typically wanted to slow down development, she said, but in the last 15 years, it has allowed “a Publix, a Dunkin’ Donuts, restaurants, McDonald’s, a self-storage unit, a Walgreens, a bank, professional office parks, and new neighborhoods.

“So, my question is, why not a gas station? And, why not this property?” she asked.

“There’s widespread development to the north of us, on Highway (State Road) 54, and there’s development creeping from the south. And, U.S. 41 is the six-lane highway that runs in between.

“So, to think you’re going to keep Lutz small — that train has left the station. We’re not talking about a small-town road. We’re talking about a six-lane highway. We’re not talking about a nature preserve. We’re talking about a six-lane highway.”

She also thinks Lutz needs more gas stations, plus she supports the property owner’s right to develop the property, she added.

Gus Weekley, who owns the property up for rezoning, along with his brother, said the family has deep roots in Lutz.

“It initially was owned by my grandmother. She bought it decades ago, when (U.S.) 41 was the only major road into Tampa and she sold fruit that was raised on the land, to those coming to the north,” he said.

He recalled spending many summer weekends during his youth, working in the groves.

“We have history of 80 years or so, in Lutz,” he said, noting that he thinks a gas station will be a good addition to the community.

“This is not a case of someone just coming in and saying, ‘Where’s the check? See you later.’’’ Weekley said.

But one area resident raised concerns about locating a commercial business using a septic tank so close to nearby residences that rely on well water.

Sam Calco, president of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, also objected to the request “based solely on the law, as established by the Lutz Comprehensive Plan.”

He contends the proposed rezoning violates that plan and should be denied.

Calco also contends that the request has failed to secure a commercial locational waiver, which he said is required.

“This project is not needed or wanted in Lutz at this time,” Calco said, vowing that he would not support the business.

“I know I will never buy a lottery ticket. Not one candy bar or Slurpee. Not one gallon of gas. Not one bag of ice —  ever — at this business,” Calco said.

“I ask you, our citizens ask you, to simply follow the law,” he told the hearing officer.

Corbett said the rural planning policies prohibit public sewer. If it was allowed, however, the developer would be glad to connect.

“While we had some real passionate people here this evening, I don’t think any of them are experts in the field such as compatibility or transportation or environmental, and so you do have expert testimony in the record, in the form of staff reports from the planning commission, development services and all of our experts to support the application,” Corbett said.

Corbett also noted the application had received no objections from the reviewing agencies.

Finch has 15 days from the date of the hearing to issue her recommendation, which will go to the Hillsborough County Commission, which has final say on zoning and land use issues.

Published August 25, 2021

More girls pumping iron at Academy at the Lakes

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When Academy at the Lakes began its girls weightlifting program, there was just one girl on the team.

That was in 2014, and the sole lifter was senior Kennedy Van Zandt Lachiotte.

Since then, the program has grown steadily.

Academy at the Lakes basketball standout Imani Thomas is a first-time member of the Wildcats weightlifting team. Second-year coach Marla Oliver believes she has potential to reach states this year.
(Photos courtesy of Winning Photography)

Participation (and expectations) is up under second-year coach Marla Oliver, who took over in 2015 after John Castelmare’s retirement.

And, despite the exit of three graduating seniors — Maggie Hult, Natalie Davis, Grace Faith — the weightlifting coach has managed to increase from seven a year ago to 12 for the 2016-2017 roster.

How does the coach do it?

It starts with an open invitation, followed by encouragement.

“Either they like it and want to stay with it,” Oliver said, “or, it’s not for them, and it’s no pressure at all. I always tell them that.”

However, she added: “Most of the girls end up liking it.”

That includes the school’s senior basketball sensation Imani Thomas, to whom Oliver one day suggested that she give weightlifting a chance.

Thomas — who according to Oliver possesses “natural strength”— fell in love with the sport, instantly.

“I’m…drawn to weightlifting,” Thomas said. “The environment, the intensity that people have around you — it’s pretty nice.”

She, too, enjoys the camaraderie aspect of weightlifting.

“We have this team that will cheer you on no matter what,” Thomas said, “even if you’re struggling.”

Another positive: it’s boosted her performance on the hardwood.

Sophomore Victoria Yanez sets up for a clean-and-jerk at a recent weightlifting meet.

“I’ve gotten a little bit more stronger in the paint,” said Thomas, who’s averaging 10.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.

Other lifters, like sophomore Victoria Yanez, are bullish to the sport because of its obvious health benefits.

“I was really into personal fitness and being really healthy,” Yanez said, “and I wasn’t really feeling like I was getting that out of collective sports like volleyball or softball. We tried (weightlifting) in one of our gym classes in the weight room, and it was so invigorating and so much fun.”

Yanez, like Thomas, appreciates the sport’s “supportive community” often apparent at meets.

“We’re there cheering on other teams that might be our biggest competitor,” Yanez said, “because you see these girls and you see how hard they’re working, and you know how hard they’re working…because you go through that.”

That mindset often trickles to coaches from opposing schools, she added.

“Their coaches will help you and they give you pointers because they want real competition,” Yanez explained. “It’s not just, ‘Oh, let’s let them slip away and win.’”

Being a smaller private school, winning meets against larger public schools is a substantial hurdle, however.

So, too, is fitting in workouts for girls like Thomas, who have other sports and extracurricular obligations.

“It’s about trying to get them in the weight room with so much going on,” Oliver said. “There’s everything from auditions for a play, to girls in cheerleading…”

Second-year weightlifting coach Marla Oliver has steadily increased participation among girls at Academy at the Lakes.
(File Photo)

To compensate, the Wildcats coach schedules intensive full-body workouts, striving to master each lifter’s technique for the bench press and clean-and-jerk.

“With the time that we have,” Oliver said, “we can’t really do a leg day, or an arm day.”

That’s fine for Yanez, who’s just looking to improve her lifting fundamentals as the season progresses.

“I look at technique specifically,” Yanez said, “because that’s one thing that definitely helps you. It’s not about pure grit and throwing up weights; it’s about how you go about doing it.”

The Wildcats coach, meanwhile, believes as many as five Wildcats can qualify for regionals, based on past invitational and district results. A few — like Thomas— even have potential to reach states someday.

“I’m just happy right now that we are putting up points,” Oliver said, “and, the girls are increasing their numbers.”

As she continues to elevate the program, Oliver feels the sport’s popularity, especially among the girls at Academy at the Lakes, lies in weightlifting’s ability to serve as a “confidence boost.”

Yanez agrees.

“You can go from being this meek, timid person to being someone who grows confidence,” Yanez said, “because (girls) are like, ‘I can do this and I can accomplish so much more if I set my mind to it.’”

Academy at the Lakes girls weightlifting
Haven Blinder-8th grade
Brooke Blankenship-8th grade
Rori Gerstner-8th grade
Christin Harris-Freshman
Isabella Lyons-Freshman
Jessica Mott-Freshman
Amber Nadeau-Freshman
Haneen McNamee-Sophomore
Victoria Yanez-Sophomore
Melissa Feingold-Junior
Julia Davis-Senior
Regan McCormick-Senior
Imani Thomas-Senior

Published December 21, 2016

Academy weightlifters advance to regionals

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Just two years after forming a girls weightlifting team, Academy at the Lakes is sending some of its team to regionals.

Seniors Maggie Hull and Natalie Davis will compete on Jan. 22 in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 1A Regionals at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey.

Academy at the Lakes girls weightlifting coach Maria Oliver provides some encouragement and tips to senior Grace Faith during the district meet. (Photos courtesy of Jim Faith)
Academy at the Lakes girls weightlifting coach Maria Oliver provides some encouragement and tips to senior Grace Faith during the district meet.
(Photos courtesy of Jim Faith)

At districts last week, Hull, in the 129-pound weight class, recorded a 110-pound bench press and a 130-pound clean-and-jerk for a combined total of 240 pounds.

Davis, competing in the 154-pound weight class, benched 80 pounds and clean-and-jerked 110 pounds for a total of 190.

This year’s team has seven members, which is quite impressive considering there was just one weightlifter in the program’s first year, when former the academy’s former football coach John Castelamare was overseeing the program.

After Castelamare’s retirement, Marla Oliver took over as the girls weightlifting coach this season.

Oliver, who also doubles as the girls basketball coach, used her knowledge as a certified personal trainer to develop a specialized weightlifting program.

The program is geared toward strengthening the muscles used in the bench press and the clean-and-jerk.

“I did a lot of research to find different (activities) they could do if things weren’t working or building up their lifts,” Coach Oliver said. “We just started using resistance bands with the bench press. I did a lot of research on that and I have probably two or three girls that increased their bench by 10 pounds in two weeks.”

Coach Oliver, an avid weightlifter herself, implemented exercises that centered on using a barbell to perform the military press, bent-over rows and squats. She also emphasized the use of free weights and body weight exercises like pushups.

“All of (the girls) have seen tremendous gains,” she said. “Every girl in the program.”

Her program also stresses a proper diet — ensuring girls get the proper ratio of proteins and carbohydrates so their bodies can recover, and also see improvement in their results.

“When they start working out and they start seeing results, they want to eat better and healthier,” Oliver said.

Oliver has been influence on Davis, who’s also a captain on the cheerleading team, to take the next step in her development as a competitive lifter.

“I like having a coach that wants you to do better and not really be easy. I love our coach,” Davis explained. “She’s the best because she pushes us, but she’s not mean about it and I really like that. She knows what we can do and pushes us for that.

“She’s so motivating, especially at meets,” Davis said.

Senior Natalie Davis clean-and-jerks 110 pounds at the district meet.
Senior Natalie Davis clean-and-jerks 110 pounds at the district meet.

Grace Faith, a fellow senior, regards Coach Oliver as her “biggest motivator.”

“Coach definitely cracks us into shape,” Faith said. “I don’t think I can do certain things and she will tell me: ‘You are 100 percent capable of doing it.’ I wouldn’t be lifting half of what I’m lifting now if I didn’t have somebody telling me I could do it.”

This year, the interest in the academy’s girls weightlifting team flourished with the help of Hull, as she encouraged some of her friends to give weightlifting a shot.

“I just kind of went like, ‘You should try it,’ for those that were on the fence about it,” Hull said. “I was like, ‘Just come for a practice and see how you feel.’”

Hull’s support helped fellow classmates like Faith to stick with the sport once they tried it out for he first time.

“I couldn’t even lift the bar at the beginning of the season when I started and Maggie told me: ‘It’s going to be okay. You’ll gain,’” Faith said. “She’s been giving me advice all season.

“The first meet was definitely intimidating. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I saw all of these girls who have been doing it for years and I was intimidated, but then I realized I wanted to just do my best,” she added.

With regionals looming for both Hull and Davis, the key for them is to get into the proper mindset during the event.

“Weightlifting is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical,” Hull explained. “At a meet a couple weeks ago, I went to bench 100 or 105, which I’ve done thousands of times before and for some reason I scratched out. …That got in my head and I did terrible the rest of the meet. It’s just about trying to get your mental game strong.

“Its like a mental block. It’s not a physical one,” Davis added. “I know I can do stuff. You just have to push through it.”

To advance to the state championships on Feb. 4, both Hull and Davis will likely have to add at least 5 pounds or 10 pounds to their current lifts, which is much easier said than done.

“It’s a lot more than you think,” Hulls said about the challenge of adding just a few more pounds to current lifts. “You think, ‘Oh, 5 pounds is not a big deal and then you actually lift it, its like: ‘Oh, my gosh.’ It’s crazy how much of a difference it makes.”

While academy’s program is still in its infancy, Oliver is confident it can continue to grow — even though the team is losing three seniors from its roster.

Senior Maggie Hull gets ready for a bench press rep at the district meet in River Ridge on Jan. 13.
Senior Maggie Hull gets ready for a bench press rep at the district meet in River Ridge on Jan. 13.

“I just think it’s a great sport,” the coach said.  “Some girls never even thought they would do weightlifting, but once they get started, it’s addictive.

“It just shows the girls that they can do more than one sport or do something that may not be in their comfort zone,” she said.

Seeing more peers get involved in the sport could also lead to more interest in the future.

“Growing up, I never really saw a lot girl weightlifters and never really had anybody to look up to,” said Faith, who plans to attend West Virginia University next year. “But, seeing people from this school who have succeeded so much in the sport of weightlifting is really cool. It’s growing a lot.”

Davis, who plans on attending the University of Florida next year, believes the recent shift in adolescents’ attitudes toward fitness will also lead to more girls getting involved in weightlifting.

“It’s becoming a lot cooler to work out and that sounds kind of weird, but there was a big phase in teenagers where it was a lot cooler to be like: ‘I don’t work out. I just like to stay at home and watch Netflix,’” Davis said. “But now, people like to work out and like to have a gym buddy. That’s really cool because it’s a lot of fun.”

Published January 20, 2016