The Laker/Lutz News

Old Water Street

The American flag, in all its glory

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As part of its Florida Conversations series, the Tampa Bay History Center will host “Finding Our Fabric: Old Glory,” taking a look at the history of the United States flag.

Sponsored by the Bank of America, the exhibit, “American Flags: The Stars & Stripes in American History & Culture,” is based on one of the most comprehensive collections of American flags in the country, collected by Dr. Peter J. Keim. Keim has collected flags for more than 40 years, and has exhibited in museums across the country.

The showcase features textiles, artwork and memorabilia exploring the history and context of the American flag.

(Courtesy of the Tampa Bay History Center)

The flag’s history includes iconic moments of revolution, union, war, protest and patriotism, and was an ever-evolving symbol that reflected the growth of the nation prior to 1960.

It wasn’t until 1960 that the standardized American flag — with 50 stars and 13 stripes —appeared.

The exhibit has more than 20 original flags on display, some dating back to the 1790s, and a 27-star flag signifying Florida’s admission into the Union.

Also included will be original artwork, such as Andy Warhol’s print, “Moonwalk,” and “John’s Flag” by Jasper Johns; and photography from the 1960s and Sept. 11, 2001 that illustrated the symbolic power of the Stars and Stripes.

Leading up to the show, Dr. Keim will present a lecture on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

The history center is at 801 Old Water St., in Tampa. The exhibit will run through July.

For information, visit TampaBayHistoryCenter.org, or call (813) 228-0097.

Published April 4, 2018

Resolve to have fun in 2017

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Maybe 2017 is the year that you’re going to have more fun.

But, perhaps you want to improve planning your activities, and to get a better handle on your spending, too.

The Laker/Lutz News is here to help.

Whether you’re new to area, or have lived here for decades, this guide is intended to help you plan fun activities for you and your family, without breaking the bank.

January
Raising Cane, a sweet & spicy event
When: Jan. 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
How much: Admission: $5 per person
Details: Cane syrup making, cane syrup competition, chili cook-off, salsa competition, greased pole climbing, iron skillet toss, entertainment and vendors

This blues band is keeping the crowd entertained at the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues fest. (File Photos)

Seventh annual Pigs in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues
When: Jan 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 5200 Airport Road, at the new community venue
How much: Free admission; $10 parking
Details: Mouth-watering barbecue, blues music, classic car show, aircraft displays, World War II museum, beer and wine, gift vendors, business showcase, kids zone and more
For information, call (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

 

12th annual Suncoast Arts Fest
When: Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Jan. 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
How much: Free admission and parking
Details: More than 125 fine artists and craftsmen; live entertainment; emerging artist booth, featuring work of area middle and high school students; street painting; roaming entertainers; and, free art projects for the kids

Dade City’s annual Kumquat Festival
When: Jan. 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City
How much: Admission and parking are free; free shuttles for satellite lots
What: Local entertainment, antique cars, arts and crafts, activities for kids, vendors, health and wellness, kumquat pies, kumquat products, quilt challenge and more
Several events are held leading up to the festival, visit DadeCityChamber.org for information.

February
Farm Fest & Quilt Show
When: Feb. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Feb. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Florida Pioneer Museum & Village,15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
How much: $10 per day, or $15 for both days.
What: Draft horse pull on Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Bring your own lawn chair, limited seating); quilt show, activities, music and more
For information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Florida Ranch Days
When: Feb. 11 and Feb. 12
Where: Little Everglades Ranch, 17951 Hamilton Road, Dade City
How much: Free admission; parking, $10 for cars and $25 for RVs
Details: Live entertainment on multiple stages; guided ranch tours on hay wagons; swamp buggy rides; trading post; food roundup; children’s area; and more
For information, visit RanchDays.com.

Third annual Snowbird Palooza
When: Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
How much: Free parking and free admission
Details: Entertainment, speakers, coffee and donuts social, Bingo tent, live magician, art classes and more
For information, email .s.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 20 to Feb. 26
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
Details: Midway, fair food, entertainment, competitions
For a schedule of events, admission charge and other information, visit PascoCountyFair.com.

March
Flea Market at the Old Lutz School
When: March 3 and March 4
Where: The Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 N.
How much: Admission is free.
Details: Thousands of items for sale to generate funds for causes supported by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

Second annual Land O’ Lakes Music Fest
When: March 11, noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
How much: Early bird $10 general admission, $15 at the gate; Early bird $25 reserved seating, $30 at the gate; $5 parking.
Details: Live music, car show, bounce houses, obstacle course, video games, food and drink vendors, business and arts & crafts showcase. No outside food or coolers allowed. Event will be held, rain or shine.

Founders’ Day Parade in Zephyrhills
When: March 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills District
How much: Free admission
Details: A parade to celebrate Founders’ Day in Zephyrhills. This year’s theme is classic board games.
For information, visit MSZI.org.

Savage Race
When: March 18 and March 19
Where: 17951 Hamilton Road, Dade City
Details: Twenty-five obstacles, mud in your underwear, chip timing, T-shirt, beer, action photos, camaraderie, memories
For information, visit SavageRace.com.

Dogs Day in Dade City
When: March 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Agnes Lamb Park, in downtown Dade City
Details: Dog wagon parade, dog costume contest, canine got talent, ice cream/yogurt eating contest and more

Zephyrhills Pie Festival
When: March 25, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
How much: Free admission and parking; $10 all-you-can-eat pie buffet, from noon until 3 p.m.
Details: Pie bakers and vendors, slices of pie and whole pies for sale; pie-eating contests, a pie buffet, local business showcase, kids’ area, DJ entertainment and other activities

Gran Fondo Florida
When: March 26, start time 8 a.m.
Where: San Antonio
Details: Bicycle road race through the rolling hills of Dade City and San Antonio. Cyclists can choose to ride three distances: 30 miles, 60 miles or 100 miles, and are timed on certain stretches of the race.For information, visit GranFondoNationalChampionshipSeries.com.

April
Jelly Bean Fling
When: April 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Details: Easter bunny, Easter bonnet parade, egg hunt, face painting, bounce house and more
For information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Easter Sunrise Service
Where: Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
When: April 16, 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
How much: Free admission
Details: Live Christian music, an inspirational message, a live dove release and free refreshments. Seating is limited and lawn chairs are encouraged.

 

 

 

 

Wesley Chapel Boat Show
When: April 21 to April 23
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
For information, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com.

June
Third Annual Zephyrhills SummerFest
Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
When: June 24, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
How much: Free admission, free parking
Details: Live entertainment; bounce houses, slides, a rock wall, trampoline and other kids’ activities; vendor village of arts & crafters; pet friendly; fireworks at sunset
For information, contact .

July
What: Lutz Fourth of July
When: July 4, parade starts at 10 a.m. (There’s a race and other festivities before and after the parade). More details will be available closer to the event.
Where: Downtown Lutz, near the Train Depot
How much: Admission and parking are free.

November
29th annual Florida Bug Jam
When: Nov. 11 and Nov. 12
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
For details, visit FloridaBugJam.com.

 

 

 

December
Lutz Arts & Crafts Show
When: Dec. 2 and Dec. 3|
Where: Keystone Preparatory High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa
Details: Hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and food booths in an annual show that draws tens of thousands of shoppers

Christmas in the Park
When: Traditionally held on the first Sunday in December
Where: City Park, 12202 Main St., in downtown San Antonio
How much: Free admission, free refreshments
Details: Annual lighting of giant Christmas cards, old-fashioned carol singing and other nostalgic touches.

Tampa Tour de Clay
When: Dec. 9 and Dec. 10
Where: Stops at area pottery studios
How much: The tour is free.
Details: Those making the tour will have the chance to watch kiln openings, talk with nationally known ceramic artists and perhaps do a bit of shopping.
For details, visit TampaTourDeClay.com.

Church Street Christmas
When: Traditionally held on select dates in December
Where: Historic Church Avenue in Dade City
How much: Admission is free
Details: Enjoy carolers, musicians and other entertainers along a street where the sidewalks are lit by luminaries and the houses are brilliantly decorated.

Old Lutz School Christmas House
When: Traditionally held on select dates in December
Where: 18819 U.S. 41 N.
How much: Free admission; donations of toys and nonperishable foods are encouraged
For details, visit OldLutzSchool.com.

Festival of Lights on Main Street
When: Traditionally held on the first Saturday in December
Where: On Fifth Avenue, from Seventh to 10th streets in downtown Zephyrhills
How much: Admission is free
Details: The event includes food, entertainment, holiday activities and a Christmas parade.

REGIONAL EVENTS
These events are beyond The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, but may be of interest to our readers.

Gasparilla Parade of Pirates
When: Jan. 28, 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: The parade goes from Bay to Bay and Bayshore boulevards, and continues on a route through downtown Tampa, ending at Cass Street and Ashely Drive. (People begin gathering hours before the parade begins; parking can be difficult to find).
Details: The parade includes 130 units, including floats, marching bands, pirates and more.

Florida State Fair
When: Feb. 9 through Feb. 20
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N.
Details: Fair foods, midway, entertainment, competitions
For information, visit FloridaStateFair.com.

Bay Area Renaissance Festival
When: Weekends, Feb. 18 through April 2
Where: 11315 N. 46th St., Tampa
How much: $17.95 adults, $9.95 children; free parking
Details: Step back to medieval times, with live jousting, and old time foods and shops.
For information, visit BayAreaRenFest.com.

Strawberry Festival
When: March 2 through March 12
Where: 303 N. Lemon St., Plant City
Details: Strawberry shortcake, entertainment, festival rides, contests, fair foods, competitions and more.
For information, visit FlStrawberryFestival.com.

Chasco Fiesta
When: March 24 through April 1
Where: Downtown New Port Richey
Details: Chasco Fiesta is a nine-day festival with events ranging from a Native American Pow Wow, to a street parade, to a boat parade to shows, a carnival, a fiesta and more.
For information, visit ChascoFiesta.com.

Florida Blueberry Festival
When: April 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and April 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Historic downtown Brooksville
How much: $10 for adults (over 18); $5 for ages 13 to 17; free for those 12 and under; $5 in designated parking areas. The event is pet friendly.
Details: Entertainment, fresh blueberries, kids zone, arts and crafts, beer, wine, food and more
For information, visit FloridaBlueberryFestival.org.

Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races
When: April 29, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Contachobee Fort Brooke Park, 601 Old Water St., Tampa Bay
Details: Rowing teams compete
For information, visit PanamDragonBoat.com, and click on “Events.”

GeckoFest
When: Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 3101 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport
Details: The theme of the 17th annual GeckoFest will be Geckostock, a celebration of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, as was hippies and the “Peace and Love” generation.

Published January 4, 2017

A one-stop shop for Tampa Bay’s history

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Spend a little time at the Tampa Bay History Center, and you’ll likely walk away knowing more about the region than people who have lived here their entire lives.

At the center, located at 801 Old Water St., in Tampa, you can get a look at such things as hanging chads from the United States 2000 presidential election, a record book from the city’s Negro hospital and a 42-star American flag flown at the 1892 dedication of Hillsborough County.

Tampa Bay History Center has many authentic-looking displays, such as this 1920s-era cigar store. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Tampa Bay History Center has many authentic-looking displays, such as this 1920s-era cigar store.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

It’s a place where you can learn about the region’s citrus, cattle and cigar industries, its political and cultural history, and its penchant for sports and outdoor festivals.

“We’re telling the story of historic Hillsborough County, which includes, of course, Lutz and South County and East County — Hillsborough County present day, but also historic Hillsborough County, which was much bigger, which encompasses all or part of about 23 present-day counties,” said Manny Leto, who handles marketing for the history center.

Museum exhibits trace back to Florida’s first people, natives who were hunting and fishing on the shores of Tampa Bay, thousands of years ago.

The history center explores 500 years of recorded history and 12,000 years of habitation in the Tampa Bay region.

It keeps its exhibits fresh and continues to tell the region’s evolving story, Leto said.

“That’s one thing that I really love about the history center,” he said. “(We) continue that conversation.”

While visitors have different preferences, one popular exhibit is “Coacoochee’s Story,” Leto said.

“That is a real wow factor here. People are really impressed. It’s what we call an immersive theater experience. You walk in, and you feel like you’re transported back into Florida wilderness,” he said.

The history center staff understands the need to present its exhibits in an interesting way.

“There’s so much competition for people’s attention. So, you have to present the information in an engaging way, and you have to keep up with changes in technology,” Leto said.

The 60,000-square-foot history center offers two floors of permanent exhibits and a third floor of temporary exhibits.

“We’ve brought in exhibits from The Smithsonian. We’ve brought in exhibits from the Constitution Center in Philadelphia. We’ve brought in exhibits from all over the United States, museums and libraries all over the country, including things we’ve produced here.

The current exhibit, which runs through April 26, is called “The Art of Piracy: Pirates in Modern Culture.”

One highlight at the center is The J. Thomas and Lavinia W. Touchton Collection of Florida Cartography. Tom Touchton, a native of Dade City, played an instrumental role in championing the development of the history center.

The cartography collection features 3,000 Florida maps, charts, prints and views that span a period of 500 years.

Throughout the museum, there are opportunities to learn about the region’s colorful past.

Visitors can check out a cigar store — built to resemble a 1920s-era Ybor City storefront, complete with a wooden Indian advertising its wares.

As they gaze about the shop, they’ll see an authentic cash register, genuine cigar cases and signs touting a product of one of Tampa’s chief industries.

“The first of Tampa’s cigar factories opened in 1886. By 1920, there were as many as 300, working at full capacity,” a sign at the history center says.

Visitors also can watch a film about cattle ranchers and learn that the term, Florida cracker, comes from the crack of the whip that cowboys use to communicate with each other and to keep cattle moving along.

Over time, the term took on a broader meaning.

Author Patrick, in his brief history of the Florida cracker, put it like this: “What really makes a person a true Florida cracker (besides being born in the state)?

“Several things: A love of the land and nature, growing things in soil, close family ties, and a deep sense of religion.

“It also means cracklin’ bread and grits and periwinkle soup and swamp cabbage and okra gumbo and ham hocks with collard greens and chicken fried in a cast iron skillet and guava jelly and homemade blackberry cobbler.”

About 80,000 people visit the history center each year, with about half of those coming from outside of Hillsborough County, Leto said.

If you’re planning a visit, allow yourself about two hours to tour the history center. If you’d like a memento of your visit, there’s a gift shop, and if you’re hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at the Columbia Café.

What: Tampa Bay History Center, three stories of exhibits telling the story of the region’s history
Where: 801 Old Water St., Tampa
How much: $12.95 for adults; $10.95 for seniors, college students, youths; $7.95 for children, ages 4 through 12. Parking is free with museum admission (Park in the blue lot next door)
When: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas
Public tours are available at set times, Tuesdays through Saturdays.
For more information: Visit TampaBayHistoryCenter.org or call (813) 228-0097.

Published April 8, 2015