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Skydive City

Development is ramping up in Zephyrhills

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Except for some weeks throughout March and April, the COVID-19 hasn’t halted much new development within the City of Zephyrhills.

That’s the word from Zephyrhills Planning Director Todd Vande Berg, who outlined a number of citywide projects during an East Pasco Networking Group virtual meeting on June 23.

Perhaps the most notable setback, Vande Berg said, involved a slight delay in court installations at the forthcoming Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellbeing Center, due to some extra safety and travel precautions taken from Miami-based construction crews.

However, the nearly $5 million project on Simons Road is proceeding well, with a grand opening scheduled for mid-to-late August.

Zephyrhills Planning Director Todd Vande Berg was the featured guest speaker at an East Pasco Networking Group virtual meeting on June 23. (File)

Aside from that, the planning director said, “I haven’t heard of a lot of slowdown, at least in our community.”

Underscoring the point is the myriad projects and initiatives Zephyrhills has in the pipeline — mainly in regards to new residential construction.

Larger single-family developments underway include The District at Abbott’s Square, Zephyr Lakes, Hidden River, Links at Calusa Springs, plus various expansions to the Silver Oaks and Silverado communities, respectively.

In other words, the city’s real estate market is “very hot right now,” Vande Berg said.

He explained, “I don’t know where all these people are coming from, but these housing subdivisions are selling homes for over $300,000 with HOAs and CDDs. I wasn’t sure how that’d work in Zephyrhills, but you drive up to Silverado and before the lot infrastructure is completed, you’re seeing a ‘Sold’ sign, so it is amazing.

“Even through this COVID-19 environment the residential housing…has really stayed very strong, which helps the city from a budget and revenue standpoint.”

Vande Berg added another 550-plus residential development is being planned around the new tennis center and should be underway a year or so from now.

The Lennar project will feature one-story villas, two-story townhomes and three different lot sizes. “It’s going to be a unique project,” Vande Berg said, adding, “we’re just beginning the due process on that.”

The planning director touched on a number of commercial developments, too.

Much is contingent on the addition of two signalized intersections on U.S. 301, Pretty Pond Road and Medical Arts Courts.

Funding for the $2.3 million project is in the state budget for this fiscal year. The aim of the traffic signal project — already out to bid — is to speed up potential commercial development in the northeast and northwest corners of U.S. 301 and Pretty Pond, and to improve access to the Merchants Square and Townview Square shopping centers.

The project will “spur a lot of development” along the intersection, Vande Berg said.

Additionally, a slew of light industrial businesses have recently set up shop at Park Place Center — an industrial park situated on Chancey Road south of Skydive City. That development is funded by a group of local investors.

“There’s a lot of activity going on in there,” Vande Berg said. “If you get a chance, go back there and drive around in that industrial park and you’ll see everything that’s going on in there.

Zephyrhills will join more than 100 other cities and water treatment facilities across the country in a federal lawsuit that is going after various companies that manufactured firefighting foam containing chemicals found to contaminate water wells. (File)

“We’re always excited when we have new, quality industrial manufacturing coming in, that creates jobs, they don’t require a lot of city services, and they generate a lot of ad valorem revenue for the city, so it’s always very positive, and you see that happening, to help diversify our community economy, and just good business overall,” Vande Berg said.

Another visible construction project underway is the rebuild of Jerry’s Crystal Bar on Gall Boulevard. The bar had been a community landmark downtown for over 60 years, until a fire destroyed the building last May.

The project will fall under the requirements of the city’s form-based code for the U.S. 301/Gall Boulevard corridor area, whereby the facade is aligned right up to the street with a wide sidewalk and all parking is situated behind the bar.

The planning director described the new building as “a big improvement” from beforehand, adding future projects within the corridor will be required to meet form-based code — a tool used to regulate new development in a manner compatible with the community’s vision.

For example, Vande Berg noted a builder is looking to erect townhomes on Seventh Street, so those structures likewise would be situated right up to the street with backlot parking.

Vande Berg observed of the zoning regulations: “You’ve probably seen that in other communities where it’s been pretty successful, so we’re doing the same thing here.”

Another anticipated project moving along is a new 14,000-square-foot Veterans Affairs clinic, at 378727 Eiland Blvd. Construction broke ground last June, but work halted after last-minute changes to modify the facility’s design and layout.

Those site plan changes were recently approved by the city’s review committee, Vande Berg said, “so they should be getting along with that pretty soon, we anticipate.”

In the arena of new eateries, Zephyrhills is set to land Chipotle and Chick-fil-A franchises in the near future.

Chipotle has been approved by the city for a small commercial outparcel in the Zephyr Commons Shopping Center and construction should begin soon, Vande Berg said.

Chick-fil-A, meanwhile, will be located at the northeast corner of U.S. 301 and Pretty Pond Road. The franchise is likely waiting until the new traffic light project is a go before construction gets underway, Vande Berg said.

Some other updates and happenings for Zephyrhills the planning director shared:

  • An extension of Kossik Road is complete, to service the Abbott Park residential development.
  • The city is working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on continuing State Road 56 east of U.S. 301 with four-lane alignment alternatives, as well as one-way pairs on Gall Boulevard.
  • The city received a $15,000 grant from Duke Energy toward the long-range Zephyrhills Industrial Corridor master plan.
  • The city has applied for a $15,000 grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to revamp the housing element of its comprehensive plan.

Published July 08, 2020

Pasco Sports Fair offers opportunities for all

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In Zephyrhills, It was a sports enthusiasts dream — for children and adults alike.

There were scaled down or mini versions of tennis, basketball, football, soccer, floor hockey, golf, virtual skydiving, even a fitness obstacle course — all offered for free, all day long.

About 1,500 people passed through the first annual Pasco Sports Fair, held Feb. 16 at Skydive City in Zephyrhills.

Three-year-old Isabelle Ruiz, of Wesley Chapel, winds up, to toss a football toward the net. Former NFL defensive end Mel Williams, left, smiles, as he watches and encourages the youngster. Williams played with the New Orleans Saints, the Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins. (Christine Holtzman)

The event was the brainchild of Pascal Collard, CEO of the new Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, in partnership with Skydive City owners Joannie Murphy and Susan Stark.

The event was sponsored in part by Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley and Randy Blankenship of B.R.W. Contracting Inc.

Collard saw multiple benefits to the newfound event.

First, Collard, an avid skydiver himself, saw it as a way to introduce more of the Pasco County community to the extreme sport, which entails jumping from an aircraft with a parachute from an altitude of several thousand feet.

“It’s unique in the world,” Collard said, “and some people in Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel don’t even know it exists.”

Stark agreed, adding the fair helps “demystify” skydiving to locals, a sport which draws participants from all over the world to the small town.

Said Stark, “Even if they don’t come and skydive, they come and they watch, and this is just a great source a fun for people to do here on the way eastern side of Pasco.”

She added of the fair: “It’s probably going to attract more people who are interested in seeing skydiving, than necessarily doing it, but we’ll also probably have some additional people also doing the skydiving.”

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, Collard wanted an event that gave local youth the chance to try different sports and meet former professional athletes at no cost — with the help of volunteers and vendors, such as Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, AdventHealth Center Ice, Silverado Golf & Country Club and many others.

Some former professional athletes who met with families and oversaw the sporting activities included former English Premier League forward Gary Blissett, who played for Wimbledon FC in the mid-1990s; former NFL defensive end Mel Williams, who played for the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins in the mid-2000s; and, former Tampa Bay Rowdies head coach and soccer player Stuart Campbell.

Soccer instructor Gary Blissett practices dribbling the ball with first-year soccer player, 4-year-old Owen Baker, of Tampa. Blissett is a former Premier League professional soccer player from Manchester, England, who now resides in Wesley Chapel. He is a coach with the United Global Academy (UGA) in Zephyrhills.

Blissett, who was in charge of a soccer drill station, described the day’s activities as “more fun than teaching,” simply giving curious youth a chance to try new sports, and parents the information on available leagues and sports organizations around town.

“If people enjoy what they’re doing at their stations, and it’s something they’ve never done before, they now have access to it, they know where to go to get it,” said Blissett, the coaching director of the Spirit of Zephyrhills Florida Soccer Club youth recreational league.

By bringing those types of known sports figures along, Collard believes it offers hope to area youth that have athletic dreams and aspirations.

He put it like this: “If kids see they have access to guys like Mel Williams, they say, ‘Oh, this is real,’ because otherwise they didn’t believe it’s going to happen.”

Meanwhile, Collard, an international tennis instructor who’s trained some of the world’s top-ranked pros, believes organizing and creating more affordable athletics opportunities for youth can change the fabric of a community like Zephyrhills.

Said Collard, “I believe all the kids in Zephyrhills need sports — it keeps them away from trouble. That’s the reality. But, nobody does enough.”

Families to the first-ever event appreciated the chance to bring their children to freely try out a variety of sports. Set up like a school field day, kids that tried all eight sports stations received a goody bag and were entered for a gift prize drawing.

Zephyrhills resident Sarah Steen brought along her 4-year-old daughter, Ruth, to gauge her interest on the various sports for when she gets a little older.

“It’s pretty cool, it’s fun,” Steen said of the sports fair. “I like how she’s learning about the different sports before I go and pay the fees, and buy the helmets and everything, so we get to see if she likes it before I have to pay for everything.”

Steen added, “I want to keep her active and healthy, so this kind of thing is good because it gets the kids, it shows them the different kinds of sports they can do.”

Steen acknowledged in Zephyrhills “there’s not as many options” for youth athletic activities, whether it be lack of qualified volunteer coaches or enough interested kids who can afford to play.

She asserted, “When I was a kid, it seemed like everybody played baseball or softball. And now, it seems like they have to beg people to be a coach.”

Steen’s 15-year old son, David Castro, agreed.

“There’s not enough (recreational) leagues out here,” said Castro, a member of the Zephyrhills High School tennis and soccer teams.

Because of that, Castro noted many of his friends and fellow teens “don’t have a choice” but to spend their free time on cellphones, playing video games and so on.

So, he liked how the event offered kids something to do outdoors for free, with hopes of maybe sparking or reinvigorating athletics pursuits in others.

“I think it’s good,” he said of the sports fair, “because it’s going to get kids like wanting to go (play sports). That’s kind of the main issue around here, is there’s not enough kids interested, so you don’t really have a lot of options.”

For Ontario, Canada’s Michelle Galley Salgueiro, the sports fair gave something for her to do with her 8-year-old son, Liam, as they spent the week visiting her parents, Zephyrhills snowbirds.

The event was “perfect,” for her son, she said, “because I’m trying to get him used to more sports.”

One of those included the football station, where Liam joined in on non-contact drills consisting of footwork, sprints, and catching and handling balls.

“We will never play football, we’re not a football family,” his mother said, “but it’ll give him a chance today to try it.”

When informed the sports fair plans to be an annual event, the out-of-towner said, “We would definitely come around for this.”

Published February 26, 2020

New year in sports offers plenty to enjoy, experience

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As we embark on a new year, the sports world within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area promises to deliver plenty to watch and experience.

Here is a sampling of what’s ahead in 2020:

Sports and recreation in East Pasco
The year 2020 may become widely known as ‘the year’ of new sports and recreational facilities in East Pasco. Three significant sporting venues are expected to open: The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, in Zephyrhills; the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, in Wesley Chapel; and Snowcat Ridge, in Dade City.

Each offers its own unique twist.

  • The Zephyrhills tennis center will offer 11 USTA-quality tennis courts, eight pickleball courts and four padel courts, plus an indoor fitness and rehabilitation center.
  • The 100,000-square-foot Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex figures to be a national draw for basketball, volleyball and cheerleading events, and competitions.
  • Snowcat Ridge — being marketed as Florida’s first snow park — features a 60-foot-tall and 400-foot-long real snow-covered tubing hill with a magic carpet lift, an Alpine Village, and a 10,000-square-foot snow dome.

Major sporting events coming to Pasco, Tampa Bay
Pasco County and the Tampa Bay region, as a whole, are poised to host some major sporting events in the new year.

Among the most notable in Pasco: Skydive City in Zephyrhills will host the 2020 USPA (United States Parachute Association) National Parachuting and Skydiving Championships, from Oct. 30 through Nov. 24. While the event doesn’t begin until the fall, competitors will actually be training in Zephyrhills all summer long.

Zephyrhills’ Skydive City will host the 2020 National Parachuting and Skydiving Championships in the fall. (File)

Before that, Skydive City also will host the first annual Pasco Sports Fair on Feb. 16. The free, family friendly event will feature a meet-and-greet with renowned professional athletes, plus an introduction to various sport and game offerings in Zephyrhills and Pasco County, including tennis, soccer, football, basketball, skating, skydiving, boxing, mini-golf and more. Some noted pros scheduled to be in attendance include former English Premier forward Gary Blissett, former NFL defensive end Melvin Williams, former NBA shooting guard/small forward Anthony Parker, and former Tampa Bay Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell.

Wesley Chapel’s AdventHealth Center Ice will be the venue for a slew of prominent events, including the Sunshine State Figure Skating Games (May 15 to May 17), USA Hockey Adult National Championships (April 19 to April 26), and Torhs2Hot4Ice roller derby national championships (June 28 to July 9), among others.

Meantime, Pasco and north Hillsborough residents may find some interest in these big draw events throughout the Tampa Bay region:

  • 2020 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament first and second rounds on March 19 and March 21, at Amalie Arena, Tampa
  • PGA Tour Valspar Golf Championship, March 19 to March 22, at Innisbrook Resort, Palm Harbor
  • WWE Wrestlemania 36 on April 5, at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Saint Leo’s new sport
Saint Leo University’s new acrobatic & tumbling program will begin its inaugural season in February, which will include seven regular season matchups and three home meets.

Acrobatics & Tumbling, a discipline of USA Gymnastics, is the evolution of different forms of gymnastics and involves tumbling, tosses, and acrobatic lifts and pyramids. Teams participate in head-to-head competition and are scored in six events, including Compulsory, Acro, Pyramid, Toss, Tumbling, and Team.

Acrobatics & tumbling marks the 21st intercollegiate sport offered at Saint Leo and the school’s 12th offering in women’s sports.

The athletics department last added women’s beach volleyball to its sports offerings in 2017.

The acrobatics & tumbling team’s 18-member roster includes five athletes from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, with the remainder representing other areas of Florida, Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and North Carolina. The team is coached by Allie Williams and Joely Smith.

The Pasco-Hernando State College men’s baseball team is coming off a third-place finish at the 2019 National Junior College Athletic Association Division II College World Series. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College athletics)

These teams look to repeat success
The 2019 season — and last several years, for that matter — yielded banner campaigns for many prep and college teams in our coverage area. Here are some programs that may be worth watching to see if they maintain or build off past successes:

  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High varsity volleyball
  • Gaither High varsity football
  • Land O’ Lakes varsity girls soccer
  • Pasco-Hernando State College men’s baseball
  • Steinbrenner High varsity football
  • Steinbrenner High varsity boys cross-country
  • Saint Leo University men’s golf
  • Sunlake High varsity girls weightlifting
  • Wesley Chapel High varsity girls basketball
  • Wiregrass Ranch High varsity boys tennis

Plenty to do
There’s no shortage of recreational activities and outdoor destinations in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Here are a few options our readers may enjoy trying sometime in the new year:

  • Bike, run or walk the Upper Tampa Bay Trail or Withlacoochee State Trail
  • Hit the links at Trinity’s Fox Hollow Golf Club, Wesley Chapel’s Saddlebrook Resort & Spa, or Lutz’s TPC Tampa Bay, or one of the many other golf courses
  • Learn to ice skate at Wesley Chapel’s AdventHealth Center Ice
  • Take the family to Lutz’s Lake Park for hiking, biking, BMX racing, equestrian riding, kayaking, fishing, boating and more
  • Test your skeet shooting skills at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays in Land O’ Lakes, or Silver Dollar Shooters Club in Odessa
  • Gather your friends and coworkers and join a senior, men’s or coed softball league at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park or the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex
  • Learn to skydive, parachute and tandem jump at Zephyrhills’ Skydive City
  • Visit Dade City’s Treehoppers to try out the largest zip line aerial adventure park in Central Florida

Published January 08, 2020

Tourism to keep booming in Pasco County, officials say

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Tourism is booming in Pasco County — which reported nearly a million visitors last year.

And, the best may be yet to come, according to a presentation by county tourism officials Adam Thomas and Kolby Kucyk Gayson, during a recent Dade City Commission meeting.

The county now brands itself as “Florida’s Sports Coast,” with the tagline, “Let’s Play,” in its tourism pitches. Previously, it used the slogan “Visit Pasco. Open Spaces. Vibrant Places.”

Tree Hoppers Aerial Adventure Park, in Dade City, gives people of all ability levels the chance to experience a ropes course and ziplining. Tree Hoppers is one of Pasco County’s top tourist draws. (File)

It changed its brand in March to highlight the county’s growing list of recreational sports venues and outdoor activities.

“We were in dire need of a rebrand as a destination,” said Gayson, communications manager for Florida’s Sports Coast. “We needed our own identity within the Florida tourism market.”

Now, word is spreading about Pasco County in tourism circles regionally, nationally and even internationally, said Thomas, the county’s tourism director.

“In the past six, seven months, we’ve created some strong destination awareness, so the buzz is starting to get out there about the Sports Coast,” he said.

Thomas expects a noticeable uptick in activity once the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex of Pasco County comes online in July 2020 and begins booking events for 2021. The $44 million, 98,000-square-foot indoor space in Wesley Chapel will primarily accommodate basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, dance and gymnastics events.

“We’re thinking on a global scale for that facility,” Thomas said.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind facility,” he said, noting no other facility in the Southeast compares to it.

“We’re offering something that’s unique that people are going to travel around the state to come experience,” Thomas said.

The $44 million Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex is expect to draw tourists from across the country, and even internationally, after it opens next year. (Courtesy of RADD Sports)

The sports complex will ultimately benefit each surrounding community in Pasco, the tourism director explained.

That’s because, he said, there’ll be opportunities for marketing partnerships with local chambers and merchant’s associations, encouraging visitors to make trips to Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and so on.

He put it like this: “The longer (tourists) stay here, the more money they spend. The more money they spend, the greater the economy gets.”

During the presentation, Thomas shared various tourism facts and figures from the past year.

There were 965,000 visitors to Pasco, booking 1.23 million hotel room nights in 2018, he said.

That generated roughly $57.5 million in sales tax for the county.

A group of skydivers enter a plane which they will jump from at Skydive City in Zephyrhills. Skydive City is one of Pasco County’s top tourist attractions. (File)

The economic impact generated an estimated $194 in tax savings for each Pasco household, Thomas added.

Additionally, tourism supports about 7,500 jobs each year, at hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses, he said.

That represents 13 percent of all jobs in the county, he said.

The tourism agency’s “bread and butter” is youth and amateur sports tourism. The next most popular categories are leisure and adventure travelers for activities including biking, fishing, boating, ziplining and so on.

He pointed out the county’s top tourist attractions annually, in order, are:

  • Skydive City in Zephyrhills
  • Giraffe Ranch in Dade City
  • Lift Adventure Park in Hudson
  • TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park in Dade City
  • Anclote Key Preserve State Park in West Pasco
  • Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in West Pasco

He described adventure attractions as “where the rubber meets the road in pulling the entire 742 square miles of a destination together under one umbrella to call ourselves Florida’s Sports Coast.”

In addition to sports and outdoor recreation, Thomas said a greater focus is being placed on soliciting social, military, education, religious, fraternal groups, as well as business travelers, conventions and corporate retreats.

They’re doing that by leveraging meeting space that’s available at various hotels, golf clubs and local colleges.

“Those are the niche marketing segments or niche influencers that we’re trying to partner with and cater to,” Thomas said.

The bulk of the county’s visitors come from other areas of Florida and the Southeast region, followed by the Northeast and Midwest, he said.

But, he noted, there’s a growing number of international tourists. They made up 9% of all travelers to the area in 2018.

Pasco’s top international market is Canada, Thomas said. They mainly visit between January and April and their primary interests lie in outdoor activities, particularly cycling.

Meanwhile, as tourism grows, Thomas’ department is growing, too.

The agency has six staff members, including Thomas, but also is hiring a corporate tourism sales manager and a digital media producer, he said.

Published November 06, 2019

86-year-old woman scratches skydiving off her bucket list

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Gerry Austin is a spry woman.

And, she’s a busy one, too.

She is a regular church-goer. She volunteers at Pregnancy Care Center in Zephyrhills. She belongs to a group that sews items for the homeless. And, she crochets hats for village children in Papua, New Guinea.

Gerry Austin jokes around with a group of her supporters in the waiting area of Sky Dive City. (Christine Holtzman)

But, all that seems rather low-key compared to what she did recently.

The 86-year-old just skydived for the first time.

It was a feat that fulfilled a promise she’d made to herself decades ago.

The Wesley Chapel woman got the idea during the 1990s, while working for the Pasco News. She’d heard some ladies from Zephyrhills say they would be jumping for their 80th birthday.

It sounded fun, she thought, and promised herself that she’d skydive at 80, too.

But, one thing led to another, and time slipped away — and the opportunity never arose.

Until earlier this month, that is.

With her instructor Paul Wolfe’s help, Gerry Austin enters the plane that she will soon jump from, at an altitude of 13,500 feet.

While she had never jumped out of an airplane before, Gerry said her fascination with flying is nothing new.

Her husband, Richard, was completing his courses to become a pilot, before he passed away 25 years ago. She, too, had taken lessons — completing 40 minutes in the air.

She had no desire to become a pilot. She just wanted to be able to land the plane, in case of an emergency.

Gerry’s confident that if Richard could see her now, he’d applaud her decision to skydive. And, if he were still here, he’d probably go along for the jump, she said.

When Gerry made up her mind to skydive, she heard a mixture of reactions.

She shared the news with members at Charity Baptist Church, in Wesley Chapel, where she attends.

In a purple and pink parachute, Gerry Austin soars through the clouds with her tandem instructor, Paul Wolfe.

One response: “You’re crazy.”

Another: “Why do you want to do that?”

Her answer: “You know everyone has a bucket list. Well, this was on my bucket list, and I decided because I’m getting older, I need to start completing my bucket list.”

Others in her circle thought it was a fabulous idea.

In fact, Betsy Strickland, of Zephyrhills, and Alvin Davis, of Wesley Chapel, had their own skydiving ambitions.

Betsy always wanted to try it and figured now was as good a time as any.

Alvin, a former pilot and cancer survivor, wanted to cross off skydiving on his own list.

They asked Gerry if they could join her, and she was delighted.

After getting their gear on, Betsy Strickland, right, sneaks up behind Gerry Austin, to give her a hug.

Their original jump date was set for Aug. 11, but a thunderstorm thwarted that plan.

They jumped, instead, on Oct. 5.

The trio of friends and dozens of supporters, were at Skydive City, 4241 Sky Dive Lane in Zephyrhills, for the big day.

Cam King, Skydive City’s operations manager, explained that the group would do a tandem jump out of the plane at 13,500 feet.

He told them they would complete a 60-second free-fall, reaching speeds ranging from 110 mph to 120 mph. The parachute would be deployed at 8,000 feet, giving them a 5- to 7-minute ride back to the ground.

Gerry was visibly excited, as she waited for her group to be called.

She was surrounded by dozens who had come to witness her big moment.

Her tandem instructor, Paul Wolfe, came over to give her some pointers on what to expect, and as he headed off to another group, he told her: “It’s going to be exciting, it’s going to be a good day.”

After their first skydiving adventure together, the trio hold hands in celebration, as they walk back to the staging area. From left: Alvin Davis, Gerry Austin and Betsy Strickland.

Minutes ticked away in what seemed like an eternity.

Finally, it was time for Gerry and her group to get strapped into their gear.

Their church pastor, A. C. Bryant, led the group in a prayer, before the trio of jumpers headed to a small plane that would lift them up beyond the clouds.

Gerry’s friends looked up, shielding their eyes from the sun, to watch Gerry sail in the sky. She moved gracefully, in her bright pink and purple parachute.

From the ground, Gerry appeared to have a nice, long ride down to earth.

Once she landed, she was quick to tell others, it was more than just a jump and descent.

Her instructor turned them around several times, she said, pointing out places of interest — including a view of Tampa, from thousands of feet above the ground.

As she and the others made their way back to the staging area, they held hands, savoring their shared experience.

When Gerry reached the staging area, she was swarmed by her supporters, wanting her to share her take on skydiving.

As adrenalin coursed through her body, she told them: “It was breathtaking. I’m speechless. You just got to do it. No words.”

Published October 16, 2019

Zephyrhills presents draft budget, appropriations requests

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The City of Zephyrhills has unveiled its proposed budget for fiscal year 2019-20 — totaling more than $67 million.

The $67,043,615 draft budget is based on a tentative tax rate of 6.35 mills previously approved by the Zephyrhills City Council. The draft budget was shared during an Aug. 12 council meeting.

The City of Zephyrhills’ $67 million draft budget is based on a tentative tax rate of 6.35 mills. A budget workshop is scheduled for Aug. 26. Public hearings on the proposed budget are scheduled for Sept. 9 and Sept. 23. (File)

Based on the 6.35 millage rate, the total budget for the new fiscal year will be roughly $16.4 million for the city’s 16 departments (city council, administration, economic development, finance, human resources, planning, information technology, police, dispatch, fire, building & code enforcement, library, equipment maintenance, storm water, streets, parks & facilities).

Remaining money necessary for the 2019-20 budget will come from other funding sources, including state revenues, county shared funds franchise fees, utility fees and grants.

The draft shows the city’s police department has the largest departmental budget at over $3.9 million, followed by the fire department at roughly $2.8 million.

A budget workshop is scheduled for Aug. 26. Public hearings on the proposed budget are scheduled for Sept. 9 and Sept. 23.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe shared budget highlights during the meeting, including these items relating to employee benefits and compensation:

  • Total employee health care costs increased 9.7%
  • A proposed pay increase of 3.5% for all employees
  • An increase in cost of 15% for worker’s compensation costs
  • An increase in cost of 11% for property casualty expenses
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 annually, up to a maximum of $15,000 in total, for city employees

Big ticket items in the budget include:

  • Six fully equipped police vehicles totaling $310,000 funded through Penny for Pasco
  • A $300,000 side-loader truck for sanitation
  • A $267,000 final installment for a new fully outfitted fire truck, which has a total cost of $457,000

With talks ongoing with Pasco County regarding the possible consolidation of the Zephyrhills Fire Department into Pasco County Fire Rescue, the city manager told council members the new fire truck will be part of those broader negotiations, possibly to help offset MSTUs (Municipal Service Taxing Unit) levied through any merger.

“The budgets were prepared as if the (fire) department is staying,” Poe said. “We don’t know which direction we’re going this moment, so it was budgeted to purchase that truck and that will be part of the conversation with the county. They’re aware of it, so we’ll continue that conversation.”

Councilman Alan Knight told Poe the fire truck “ought to be a real strong thing in our negotiation” with the county.

“We contracted it. We put our name on it. We’ve got it. We’re going to have to eat that, so we’ve just got to understand that that’s going to be part of our negotiations,” Knight said.

Councilman Lance Smith said he’s pleased that the budget has more funds allocated toward employee education.

“I am glad to see more money put into training employees,” Smith said. “I mean, I think that’s something really important. I think that’s something we haven’t been doing, and I think the more educated an employee is, I think the more productive they’ll be.”

A push for more police training
Along those lines, Council president Ken Burgess questioned whether the Zephyrhills Police Department allocated enough funding for more advanced, hands-on training.

Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer said his department has invested in instructor training within his department and is able to offer more in-house training.

The draft budget shows $22,000 for police training programs.

“I bring it up every year about the police training. Especially in light of recent events, I want to make sure that in our training, we do more than just get on the computer and click a few buttons,” Burgess said.

“There’s a lot of things that can happen that we don’t want our officers to experience that for the first time in real life,” he said.

Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer pointed out training opportunities are often trust funded or free, but said the issue is more about being able to manage overtime associated with training.

The department has sent a handful of sworn officers to receive instructor training, so it is able to offer more in-house training programs, the chief said.

“Whether it’s advanced, in service or online or whatever it is, I can tell you we’ve been actively trying to send people to as much as we can,” he said.

Brewer also told the council the police department is considering participation at an active shooter response training center in Arizona.

“We were looking for something a little closer, but, of course, if that’s what we’ve got to do then that’s what we’ll use,” Brewer said.

In other action, the council approved the submission of three appropriations requests for projects to be sponsored by State Rep. Randy Maggard and State Sen. Wilton Simpson in the Florida Legislature:

  • $2 million septic to sewer project to a residential subdivision and homes along Sixth Avenue and Armstrong Street, and decommissioning existing septic tanks. The project will affect 67 existing properties with potential for expansion to additional properties in the future.
  • $1.2 million for an indoor/covered tennis facility at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center site. The indoor facility would also be used for other sports, such as soccer, and banquets and ceremonies.
  • $2 million for the purchase of roughly 1.3 acres of land at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport for the extension of runway 01-19. The cost also includes relocating Skydive City’s existing RV parking east of Skydive Lane.

The city also is considering a fourth appropriations request for $2.5 million, to be used for U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road intersection improvements. Those improvements would involve the relocation of a traffic signal that is currently located at Merchants Square and Townview shopping centers to a new location, at the intersection at Pretty Pond Road.

Council members discussed that topic at length. The aim of the improvements would be to speed up potential commercial development in the area.

Published August 21, 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

New Year in sports offers plenty to watch, experience

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As we embark on a new year, the sports world within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area promises to deliver plenty to watch, experience, and perhaps appreciate.

Here’s a closer look at some of the happenings in 2019:

One major development will be the progression of new sports facilities throughout East Pasco County  —  whether it’s the end-of-year completion of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, or the beginning of construction of others like the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center in Zephyrhills and the Christopher N. Chiles Aquatic Center in Land O’ Lakes.

Tied into all that, keep an eye on the initiatives put forth by Visit Pasco, the county’s tourism agency. Since rebranding its slogan to “Florida’s Sports Coast,” the county is looking to become a destination nationwide for youth and amateur sports.

Speaking of amateur sports, the new year is a good time to jump off the couch, get outdoors and pick up a new sport or activity.

AdventHealth Center Ice (formerly Florida Hospital Center Ice) will host several major tournaments in 2019, such as the USA Hockey adult men’s recreational national championships. (File)

The region presents countless opportunities year-round, from adult softball leagues at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, to recreational hockey leagues at AdventHealth Center Ice (formerly Florida Hospital Center Ice) in Wesley Chapel. Many local churches, including Idlewild Baptist Church, Grace Family Church and St. Timothy Catholic Church, offer their own sports leagues for all skill levels, from kickball and basketball, to flag football and soccer.

The cooler, early year temperatures are also a prime time to hit up the myriad of golf courses in Pasco. The St. Leo Abbey Golf Club in San Antonio and Fox Hollow Golf Club in Trinity are well-regarded, as are the more exclusive 36 holes offered at the Saddlebrook Resort & Spa.

Meantime, the adventure-seeking, fitness-oriented crowd may find it worthwhile to bike the Upper Tampa Bay Trail and the Withlacoochee State Trail; sign up for a Savage Race at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City; or, partake in Hillsborough County’s annual hiking spree, which includes visiting a number of nature parks and preserves countywide.

Several local churches, such as Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, offer a multitude of recreational sports leagues. (Courtesy of Idlewild Baptist Church)

There’s other fun, outdoor activities to give a try, too.

Exhilaration and excitement can also be found at places like TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park in Dade City and Skydive City in Zephyrhills. Horseback riding at Odessa’s Northwest Equestrian Conservation Park and rifle shooting at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays in Land O’ Lakes create a fun change of pace, in their own right.

Local sporting events are another highlight of the new year.

AdventHealth Center Ice will showcase its fair share. They include the Mrs. Hockey Invite, featuring the top U-12 girls talent from across the world; the 15th annual Toyota-USA Disabled Hockey Festival, the largest disabled hockey event of its kind; and, the USA Hockey adult men’s recreational national championships.

Silver Dollar Shooters Club in Odessa will play host to a series of premier events, including the Florida Hall of Fame Shoot/Silver Dollar Open, the Florida State Trap Shooting Championships, and the Southern Grand American Tournament.

This rendering shows the proposed Christopher N. Chiles Aquatics Center in Land O’ Lakes, which would add to the growing list of sports facility assets in Pasco County. (File)

Elsewhere, traditional sports-goers should also make a point to check out the various men’s and women’s college sports at Saint Leo University — consistently one of the nation’s Division II athletic programs — and Pasco-Hernando State College. Both institutions provide an up-close look at many athletes who wind up finding success in the professional sports ranks. That’s particularly been the case for Saint Leo’s baseball program, which has yielded seven MLB Draft picks since 2013.

Of course, the high school sports scene is worth watching as well.

The winter prep season is already underway, whereby several local schools are fielding top-notch basketball and soccer teams.

For instance, the Wesley Chapel boys basketball and Sunlake girls basketball have shown early promise, as have the boys and girls soccer teams at Wiregrass Ranch, among some others.

So, don’t be surprised if one or more of those squads wind up making deep playoff runs in their respective sport a couple months from now.

Come springtime, the central Pasco softball scene is sure to provide some exciting moments, as Academy at the Lakes, Land O’ Lakes and Sunlake each are coming off 20-plus win seasons.

The Savage Race, an extreme mud obstacle course, is held twice a year at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City. (Courtesy of Savage Race)

Academy at the Lakes will be seeking its second-straight Class 2A state title, while Land O’ Lakes will be seeking its second Class 6A title in three years, respectively.

Both squads unquestionably have the veteran pitching firepower to again win state crowns, armed with Alabama signee Lexi Kilfoyl (Academy at the Lakes) and Tennessee signee Callie Turner (Land O’ Lakes) in the circle.

Other local softball programs like Gaither, Freedom, Steinbrenner and Cypress Creek are also coming off strong campaigns to inject some competition in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The 2019 football season, too, should offer some interesting wrinkles.

New coaches will take over at Pasco and Sunlake, effectively replacing two household names in Tom McHugh and Bill Browning, respectively.

Those programs — along with the other public schools throughout Pasco — will look to unseat Zephyrhills, which went undefeated last regular season and is now up to 19 straight regular season victories.

Another storyline to follow: Land O’ Lakes and the progression they make under second-year coach Chad Walker. In his first season as a high school football head coach, the 34-year-old Walker guided the Gators to a 7-3 mark in 2018 — the program’s first winning season since 2013.

The eight-man football ranks is sure to create intrigue, as well.

Academy at the Lakes will be seeking an unprecedented third consecutive state title.

The team — which also went undefeated in 2018 and is on a 20-game win streak — is expected to return many key pieces, including standout quarterback Jalen Brown, who will be a junior.

Published January 2, 2019

Zephyrhills prepares for its 108th Founder’s Day

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Zephyrhills’ Main Street is rallying merchants, community activists and citizens for its 108th Founder’s Day celebration on March 10.

Gail Hamilton, of Zephyrhills Community Development, and Anna K. Stutzriem, Main Street coordinator for Main Street Zephyrhills, are in the midst of planning festivities for the daylong event.

Stutzriem hopes this year’s event will help restore the glory of the community’s time-honored Founder’s Day event.

The goal is to provide hands-on opportunities, so visitors can see how the city got to where it is today. This year’s theme is “Moonshine, Turpentine & Timber.”

Model T Fords rolled down the road in a previous Founder’s Day celebration in Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Madonna Jervis Wise)

Plans include a morning race to kick off festivities. People of all ages are encouraged to take part. They can choose from a one-mile run/walk; a 5K race or a 10K race.

An old-fashioned Florida parade is planned as well, with Greg First serving as the master of ceremonies.

The parade will take place on Fifth Avenue at 10 a.m. A number of awards will be given for categories, including best costumes, best walking/marching unit, best of theme, and more.

Warren Earle, who was named citizen of the year by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, will be the grand marshal for the parade.

The 90-year-old volunteer is known for bringing fresh doughnuts and a bouquet of flowers on Monday morning for the workers at City Hall, when he arrives to make preparations for City Council meetings. He’s been volunteering in Zephyrhills for 15 years, and has worked tirelessly in supporting the Zephyrhills Little League, the Zephyrhills High School band, the Zephyrhills Color Guard, the Zephyrhills ROTC, the Zephyrhills Fire Rescue Cadets, the Elks Lodge Project, and the renovation of the historic Howard B. Jeffries House.

Following the parade, there will be a ‘Community Picnic Table,’ similar to the old-time “Dinner on the Ground,” available from the south side of Eighth Street, extending along Fifth Avenue.

The elongated table will be adorned in a classic red gingham cloth where folks can converse, savor the local food from area restaurants and vendors, and enjoy entertainment provided by local dance studios on the nearby Eiland Band Stage.

New this year, vendors will be placed near the median along Fifth Avenue. To facilitate safety and comfort for the anticipated crowds, a police officer will be stationed on each city block of the parade.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office’s mounted patrol took part in a previous Founder’s Day celebration in Zephyrhills.

Hayrides will be available from the New Era 4-H Club of Zephyrhills, pulled by draft horses with a host narrator in vintage costume who relates accounts of Zephyrhills history, including a few morsels from the past.

New Era 4-H will host a downtown petting zoo for children and families, as well.

Zephyrhills Brewing Company will blend a pre-prohibition beer recipe for Founder’s Day. Proprietors Terry Hilferding said that she and her husband, Robert, have collected recipes throughout the years and will concoct a batch reminiscent of the 1911 timeframe.

An Open House at the Howard B. Jeffries Home at 38537 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills, will include “Tales on the Porch” from noon until 4 p.m.

The Hopkins Family Porch was recently renovated by Dwight Hopkins who donated materials and volunteered labor to replace the porch.

Speakers will deliver informal anecdotes about pioneer life starting at noon, and guided tours will be available of the historic home.

Arts and crafts booths, as well as food and merchandise vendors, will be stationed along Fifth Avenue.

Old-fashioned kids’ carnival games also will be offered by Boy Scout Pack 72.

And, the Women’s Club of Zephyrhills will host an open house.

In addition, there will be a Beard and Moustache Competition at 2 p.m. Categories include: natural beard, styled beard, longest beard and mustache.

Numerous other activities are planned, including a Master Gardener Booth, where you can learn more about Florida plants and ask gardening questions. Master Gardeners Diana Williams and Jeannine Thompson will be on hand.

Meanwhile, at the Zephyrhills Airport, Zephyrhills Noon Rotary, with Mike Fike coordinating, will host a Skydive Exhibition beginning at 4 p.m.

T.K. Hayes, of Skydive City, will facilitate a multi-person jump to be followed by a flag ceremony. Subsequently, a concert series will culminate in fireworks at the airport at 7:45 p.m.

Planning to attend the parade?
Be sure to arrive well before 10 a.m. to find parking. Bring a folding chair and place it along Fifth Avenue, or nearby.

After enjoying festivities downtown, you can go to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, at 39450 South Avenue, around 4 p.m., to see a Skydive exhibition, enjoy music and watch fireworks to cap off the day.

Want to run or walk?
People of all ages are encouraged to take part in the one-mile run/walk, 5K or 10K. Those interested can sign up at FoundersDayRace.com.

‘Ryals ’n Shine’
Sip a taste of the vintage recipe entitled ‘Ryals n’ Shine,’ on March 10 at the 108th Founder’s Day in Zephyrhills. Robert and Terry Hilferding of Zephyrhills Brewing Company, who collect recipes and brew up signature beers that date back to colonial times, will salute the community’s past with a pre-prohibition ‘recipe’ they have coined for Stanley Ryals, a Zephyrhills businessman who was recognized for citrus, ranching, building, lumbering and moonshining.

By Madonna Jervis Wise

Published February 28, 2018

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