The Laker/Lutz News

Tampa Premium Outlets

Complaints increasing about traffic tie-ups on Pasco roads

By

Pasco County has been attracting more residential, commercial and industrial development in recent years — leading to new opportunities and population growth.

But the growth creates traffic and there’s growing pushback against the county’s clogged traffic arteries.

Carla Card appeared, via a remote feed, during the public comment portion of the Pasco County Commission’s Dec. 7 meeting.

“I’m here today to discuss the tremendous growth, which is leading to the terrible traffic issues and accidents, near State Road 54, State Road 56, the Grove (at Wesley Chapel), Tampa Premium Outlets, and Old Pasco Road to Bruce B. Downs (Boulevard),” Card said.

“My home is off of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, and this concerns County (Commission) Districts  1, 2 and 3.

Pasco County’s roadways are becoming more congested, as the county’s population grows. A number of construction projects that are intended to address the issue were halted earlier this year, but the work has resumed, so traffic flow should improve when those projects are completed — but that will take some time. (File)

“Fender-benders and horrible accidents are happening in this area every day because of the overgrowth in population.

“Our community can’t handle any more.

“Not only is the gridlock and the buildup negatively affecting the quality of life with current residents, but it’s also negatively affecting the wildlife that has nowhere to go and live.

“Deer are constantly being maimed and killed on these hazardous roads, and it’s very disturbing to see.

“The new construction in the area needs to be reviewed and additional development in this area should be halted, if there is no funding to fix the road issues.

“We certainly should not allow more development to increase in this area, which actually increases the chaos.

“There are several new multi-tenant buildings being built right now. Once completed, the population will grow and cause more traffic issues.

“It’s so bad right now that emergency vehicles are not able to respond quickly.

“And, how awful this is, if you or a loved one needs emergency care.

“So, we must stop any new developments until we get this traffic under control.

“People are running red lights and blocking intersections, which is just causing mayhem.

“It takes me over 35 minutes to get to I-75 (Interstate 75) and it used to take 12 minutes.

“There are six traffic lights in a short distance, and not one works to move the flow of traffic correctly.

“There are too many businesses near the I-75 on- and off-ramps. This is extremely dangerous.

“We need to stop new development or require developers to  pay for the build on the roads necessary, prior to the development of new structures. It’s just really becoming too much,” Card said.

During a different portion of the same meeting, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore also expressed concerns about growing gridlock.

He showed his colleagues photos he took of traffic backed up on Wesley Chapel Boulevard, which turns into County Road 54.

“My son practices and plays golf a lot at Lexington Oaks Golf Club,” Moore said.

“I live in Seven Oaks, which is literally 5.9 miles away.

“It’s taken me 45 minutes, to go 5.9 miles,” he said, noting he makes the trip between 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.

By comparison, it only take 18 minutes to 21 minutes to get to Interstate 4, from Interstate 75, he said.

The traffic that’s backed up is not waiting to get on I-75, but rather waiting to make its way through Pasco County, Moore said.

“We have a lot of things coming up in this area. The area I just showed you is the exact area where an apartment complex was just approved. Another one (multifamily) in front of Lexington Oaks; another one is being built a block away.

“If you go around the corner, that’s that one that got approved on Bruce B. Downs (Boulevard), and there’s a couple more that are coming up for votes in the future,” Moore said.

“This road can’t handle any more. When I say no more — no more.”

Moore continued: “That’s not a good quality of life.”

“Nothing more can go around that area. We can’t handle any more. The citizens can’t handle any more,” said the commissioner, who successfully persuaded his colleagues to approve a temporary moratorium on new multifamily applications in a portion of his district.

The board is expected to revisit that issue in early 2022 because Moore would like to include some additional areas that are now part of his district.

The new areas became part of Moore’s District 2, when the county board approved new boundaries as part of the redistricting process that occurs every 10 years, after the U.S. Census count is completed.

Published December 29, 2021

Temporary lane added to help handle holiday traffic

By

To help ease the flow of holiday traffic, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has added a temporary third lane on eastbound State Road 56, from east of Grand Cypress Drive to east of Interstate 75.

The extra lane is expected to remain open until after the New Year’s holiday period, according to a news release from Kris Carson, of the District Seven office of FDOT.

Also, motorists who are headed to southbound I-75 from eastbound State Road 56 need to know that the entrance ramp entry point to I-75 has been moved to the west, meaning motorists will need to exit State Road 56 sooner to get onto the interstate.

A temporary third lane has been added on eastbound State Road 56, from east of Grand Cypress Drive to east of Interstate 75. The lane is intended to help ease the flow of holiday traffic. (Courtesy of the District Seven office of the Florida Department of Transportation)

The additional lane and the relocation of the exit are just the latest changes near the I-75/State Road 56 interchange — one Pasco County’s most traveled areas.

The interchange happens to be near Cypress Creek Town Center, which includes Tampa Premium Outlets, west of I-75 on State Road 56; and The Shops at Wiregrass, east of the interchange on State Road 56.

There also are myriad shops and restaurants in the general area — making the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor a magnet for motorists.

Add to the mix a major construction project that’s now underway to create a new configuration at the interchange — and the ingredients are there to create traffic migraines.

The state road department previously issued a playbook, of sorts, aimed at helping drivers avoid the frustrations of holiday traffic jams.

Their first word of advice is to avoid the area, when possible.

Instead of getting off at the State Road 56/I-75 exit, FDOT officials advise southbound motorists to get off at the Exit 279, which is the County Road 54 (Wesley Chapel Boulevard)/I-75 exit. Those motorists can head west from that interchange and then take Wesley Chapel Boulevard south to State Road 56, to access the area on State Road 56, west of I-75.

Or, drivers can head east over to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and then south to State Road 56, to access the areas east of I-75.

Here are some additional suggestions:

  • Use other roads to travel around the highly congested area of SR 56 at I-75, and also near shopping malls, especially if your destination is not actually on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.
  • Seek out alternate access points to shopping and dining destinations. (Remember many major shopping areas have multiple access points to and from parking areas.)
  • Shop or commute during off-peak hours, when possible. Congestion at SR 56/I-75 is at its worst between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., on weekdays, so try to avoid that area during those hours.

Published December 01, 2021

Pasco’s growth fuels economy

By

Apartment construction is dominating residential development along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor — a magnet for development in the midst of Pasco County’s surging growth.

As rooftops on luxury apartment homes pop up, retail is following, as evidenced by roadside signs and county permits.

Signs like these, east of Odessa, off State Road 54, are popping up on former pastureland up and down the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor. (Fred Bellet)

Former pastures along the heavily traveled road are occupied now with shops, restaurants, apartments, auto dealerships and Class A offices.

The Shops at Wiregrass, near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel, has added Athleta; go! Calendars & games; and, siKicks (a footwear and collectibles shop); Charming Charlies; and, Hickory Farms. Coming soon are Body Details; JABZ Boxing; and The Living Room.

Besides expanding its retail, Cypress Creek Town Center, a massive development west of the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange, is jumpstarting its residential plans.

County building permits indicate that Garrett Apartments are coming to Grand Cypress Drive, and Silversaw at Wesley Chapel is rising along Garden Village Way and Citron Boulevard.

Valentino’s Fine Jewelers and The Good Feet Store have opened on Sierra Center Boulevard, the town center’s prime east-west road, and Carrabba’s Italian Grill is coming.

Construction on Miller’s Ale House, meanwhile, is ongoing at the Wesley Chapel Boulevard entry into Tampa Premium Outlets, on the south side of the highway.

Zaxby’s restaurant has opened on Sun Vista Drive near Costco. New offerings at Tampa Premium Outlets will include a Frosty Cart by Wendy’s and new jewelry selections with Banter at Piercing Pagoda.

BMW of Wesley Chapel is building a six-story building on State Road 56. (Fred Bellet)

Just west of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, on the north side of State Road 54, owners of El Dorado furniture store are laying groundwork for a 70,000-square-foot store.

When it opens, expected around June, shoppers will be able to stroll along a streetscape, enjoying more than 20 storefronts showcasing furniture styles from contemporary to traditional.

The Capo family, who is developing El Dorado, opened their first store in the late 1960s in Miami.

The family opened a store in St. Petersburg in late 2019, before the COVID shutdown and, despite the timing, it has fared well, according to Pedro Capo, chief operating officer at El Dorado.

Now, Capo said he expects to hire and train about 50 employees for the Pasco store, likely beginning in March or April.

Capo is optimistic about the Pasco store’s prospects, noting that the county’s residential growth bodes well for building a strong customer base.

El Dorado will join WaWa, Firestone and Burger King along State Road 54 frontage at the Brighthouse Crossings apartments.

Just west of Brighthouse, a Woodie’s Wash Shack has opened at the Shoppes at Cypress Creek. Fazoli’s Italian restaurant is another potential tenant for the new plaza.

More housing and dining options

In Land O’ Lakes, the Avidity Living apartment complex is being built off State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard. The 252-unit development is scheduled to open in 2022.

Also, coming to this location, is EOS Fitness.

Willow Bend Town Centre, at State Road 54 and Collier Parkway, recently added Ayoki Japan restaurant. Esporta Fitness is a rebranding of the former LA Fitness. And a sign near the center’s entrance off the state road suggests Pasco will get another car wash – Vortex Express Car Wash.

A new apartment community, Avidity Living, is being built at State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes. EOS Fitness will be built at the intersection. (Fred Bellet)

West of U.S. 41, vacant land at Ballantrae and Cypress Ranch is sprouting “coming soon” signs as construction begins on apartment units, new retail, and a proposed Class A office complex, known as 54 Crossings.

On the south side opposite Ballantrae, the Cypress Ranch development includes Azora, a new apartment complex, with a spring 2022 opening. Signs in front of the complex show a cornucopia of proposed shops including ALDI grocery store, Chick-Fil-A, another EOS Fitness, Honest-1 Auto Care, and The Learning Experience.

“We are happy to confirm that we will open our newest Lutz, Florida location next year, with construction scheduled to begin soon,” according to Matt Thon in a statement provided by email. Thon is the Haines City division vice president for ALDI.

No further details were provided regarding the construction schedule or opening date.

A Circle K is under construction at this location, and a Woodie’s Wash Shack, is coming.

On the north side, 54 Crossings is a proposed 60,000-square-foot Class A office building, at Aprile Drive, adjacent to Ballantrae’s row of fast-food restaurants that includes Taco Bell and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.

East of the Suncoast Parkway, the master-planned community of Bexley at Newland is moving dirt for a major retail and business center, off State Road 54 and Bexley Village Drive. Known as the Hub at Bexley, the commercial complex is scheduled for a summer 2022 opening.

Bexley’s website describes the Hub as a “retail and business destination,” with a summer 2022 opening. Bexley residents can walk or bike along connecting trails to enjoy dining, shopping, live concerts and family events. But it also is envisioned as an attraction for Tampa Bay residents with easy interstate access.

Construction continues at The Towns of Oakstead, on the north side of State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes. (Fred Bellet)

The Hub also includes a large outparcel on Bexley Village Drive, adjacent to the Springhill Suites hotel and opposite the delivery entrance into the Amazon warehouse. The site will become home to 4 & Co., with about 35,000 square feet of Class A offices and co-work spaces. Memberships and limited passes will be offered. Amenities will include a gym, yoga studio, sauna, a treatment room for acupuncture and massages, and conference rooms.

West of Suncoast Parkway, the Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard initially welcomed HotWorx and Jimmy John’s restaurant. New signs in the development indicate additional tenants will be there, including Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists, PTI Solutions, Touch Nail Spa, and Shauby Dental Institute.

Another apartment complex, Avilla Suncoast, is under construction at Redstone Way and Crossings Boulevard, immediately behind the new Hooters restaurant.

Next along the route, The Preserve Marketplace, off South Branch Road, is increasing its retail and business options with Caring Paws Animal Hospital, 100% Chiropractic, PostNet, Lin China restaurant, Papa Johns restaurant, Burger Fi, Chipotle, Panera Bread, and the USF Federal Credit Union. The shopping center is anchored by the Greenwise Publix grocery store.

Starkey Ranch Town Center, at Gunn Highway and State Road 54, is expanding, too. A shell building is under construction, but the new tenants are not yet identified.

Starkey Ranch Business Park on Heart Pine Avenue recently added Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop. Tropical Smoothie Café has a ‘coming soon’ sign. Butcher’s Mark Fresh Meats and Marinades is another shop on its way.

Clearly, there’s a lot going on, along State Road 54/State Road 56 — and there’s no indication that the pace of activity will slow anytime soon.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

By Kathy Steele

Tips to help avoid holiday traffic jams near I-75/State Road 56

By

Officials from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) have offered a bit of a playbook to help motorists avoid holiday traffic jams near the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange.

The interchange happens to be near Cypress Creek Town Center, which includes Tampa Premium Outlets, west of the intersection on State Road 56; and The Shops at Wiregrass, east of the interchange on State Road 56.

There also are myriad shops and restaurants in the general area — making the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor a busy area.

Add the holidays and a major construction project into the mix, and traffic jams could become a real source of frustration during the holidays.

So, the folks at FDOT’s District Seven office are offering some practical suggestions that could help during the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

Their first word of advice? Avoid the area, when possible.

Instead of getting off at the State Road 56/I-75 exit, FDOT officials advise southbound motorists to get off at the State Road 54/I-75 exit. Those motorists can head west from that interchange and then take Wesley Chapel Boulevard south to State Road 56, to access the area on State Road 56, west of I-75.

At the same exit, head east over to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and then south to State Road 56, to access the areas east of I-75.

Here are some other suggestions:

  • Use other roads to travel around the highly congested area of SR 56 at I-75, and also near shopping malls, especially if your destination is not actually on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.
  • Seek out alternate access points to shopping and dining destinations. (Remember many major shopping areas have multiple access points to and from parking areas.)
  • Shop or commute during off-peak hours, when possible. Congestion at SR 56/I-75 is at its worst between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., on weekdays, so try to avoid that area during those hours.

In addition to issuing this guidance, the FDOT “will adjust traffic signals for seasonal traffic patterns and the project team is working on other plans to help improve travel times,” according to a news release from Kris Carson, spokeswoman for FDOT’s District Seven office.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

An homage to veterans

By

Events were held around The Laker/Lutz News region to pay homage to Veterans Day, a federal holiday on Nov. 11 to mark the anniversary of the end of World War I and to honor those who have served in the military. Here’s a look at the Field of Flags, which was organized by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon. The display was put up in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets, located on one of Pasco County’s busiest roadways. The breeze lifts this flag, at just the right moment, to show off its features. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies; the stars, the 50 U.S. states. The colors have meaning, too. The white symbolizes purity and innocence; the red symbolizes hardiness and valor; and the blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

(Mary Rathman)

Valentino’s Fine Jewelers Now Located at Tampa Premium Outlets

By

Clyde Wilcox is no stranger to the finer things in life, and his passion for the jewelry business proves just that.

Wilcox is the general manager at Valentino’s Fine Jewelers, which celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. The high-end store first opened in Zephyrhills, and recently has relocated to Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz. The family owned, local business is the product of decades of dedication to the fine jewelry industry.

“Our store is not your typical jewelry store, from the way we look, to how we treat our customers, to the product we carry; we try to be different all the time,” said Wilcox.

From left: Brian, Madonna and Clyde

Keeping the theme of doing things differently, its upcoming Black Friday celebration will be one to remember. The first 100 visitors to Valentino’s between Nov. 26 to Nov. 28 can shuck their own oyster, with a guaranteed pearl inside. There will be plenty of weekend discounts throughout the store for customers to best accessorize the color of their newfound gem.

Before Valentino’s, Wilcox worked for Ultra Diamonds, where he improved the store’s sales by 150% in his first year. It wasn’t long before Wilcox felt confined in the corporate world and opened his own store.

“He did it all by himself,” said Madonna Wilcox, Clyde’s wife and office manager for Valentino’s.

Valentino’s offers a wide variety of jewelry. The showroom keeps things fresh by often showcasing unusual and unique items, instead of replacing the same stock as soon as it sells.

“We want new and different, always,” said Madonna Wilcox.

Prioritizing the individuality of the customer is important to their store.

“You live on your reputation, so we want to make sure ours is very good,” said Clyde Wilcox.

Valentino’s also offers a range of other services from battery changes to jewelry repairs, mostly done at the hands of their master jeweler Edwin Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a third-generation jeweler, a scarce craft he learned from his father, and has 30 years of experience doing custom work. With his help, what may take two weeks for a simple repair at a chain store, Valentino’s can get done while you shop at the mall.

“Anything you throw in front of him, if there’s no way to do it, he will find a way,” said Brian Miller, son and store manager.

With husband, wife and son all working together, Valentino’s gives their guests the “at home” experience that can be hard to find at large retailers.

“It’s not a chain, it’s an extension of our family,” said Clyde.

For information, call 813-949-9800, or visit them at 2100 Grand Cypress Drive, Suite 150, Lutz, FL 33559.

Published November 10, 2021

Model Townhomes By Mattamy Homes Now Open in Wesley Chapel

By

Mattamy Homes has opened four new decorated model townhomes with contemporary exterior styling in its all-new Wesley Chapel community of Volanti, located on Wesley Chapel Boulevard at Hay Road. Models are professionally decorated and open for tours daily, with private personalized appointments available.

“Mattamy Homes is delighted to open these new, thoughtfully designed townhomes in one of Pasco’s most desirable locations,” said Lisette Minnick, the homebuilder’s Tampa & Southwest Florida Division Vice President of Sales. “The community is ideally located in a peaceful setting, but close to everything any homebuyer could want or need.”

Volanti is the debut of Mattamy Homes’ new contemporary exterior style of townhomes.

Four floor plans are available, ranging from 1,667 to 2,574 square feet, with three to four bedrooms and 2.5 to three baths. There are three exterior styles available at Volanti — Craftsman, French Country and Contemporary. Base pricing begins in the low to mid $300s.

“Volanti is the debut of our new Contemporary exterior style of townhomes, designed to offer a more modern, fresh look,” said Minnick. “We are excited to show off our models and invite people to stop by to see all this community has to offer.”

Four distinct floorplans are available at Volanti — Marianna, Ormond, Sebring and Venice. All have one- or two-car attached garages and large lanais. The gated community will have 200 homes at build out, and fun-filled, family friendly amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool with an open-air pavilion, a barbecue area and a fire pit.

Volanti Sebring

Making the community even more attractive is free lawn maintenance, and no Community Development District (CDD) fees. Townhomes are released for sale regularly, but home offerings may be limited for a temporary time frame, due to the current high demand for homes and labor and material constraints.

Located just 4 miles from I-75, Volanti boasts excellent access to the best of the Wesley Chapel area, including premier shopping and dining destinations at Tampa Premium Outlets, The Grove, and The Shops at Wiregrass.

For pleasure or business flyers, the Tampa North Flight Center is close by to Volanti, and provides flight opportunities with an airstrip, hangars and a café.  Many of Tampa Bay’s top employers are within easy driving distance, and Pasco County Schools are highly rated, including Veteran’s Elementary, which is just minutes away on Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The Volanti community is surrounded by lakes and golf courses, and offers homebuyers endless recreational opportunities, including nearby Saddlebrook Resort, historic Tarpon Springs and the Gulf’s white-sand beaches.

Volanti Venice

Lutz Communities – Parkview at Long Lake Ranch and Avea Pointe
Located along State Road 54, close to U.S. 41 and Sunlake Boulevard, is Parkview at Long Lake Ranch, which offers single-family homes and townhomes. Last month, Parkview opened a new amenity center, called Parkview Pavilion, that features a resort-style pool, shaded breezeway, cabanas and social gathering areas. Residents of this gated community also enjoy a paw park for dogs, tot lots and fun park areas. Homesites in Parkview, which have a low-cost HOA, are released regularly.

Just south in Hillsborough County, on Van Dyke Road, just minutes from the Veterans Expressway, is the townhome community of Avea Pointe. Children at this popular community are assigned to some of the best schools in the area, including Steinbrenner High. Only 11 townhomes remain at this community, and buyers are encouraged to call or visit now while there is still an opportunity to live in this top location.

Volanti Venice

Citron Grove Coming Soon
Mattamy Homes recently announced that it also is building 60 new townhomes in Citrus Park, on Gunn Highway. Called Citron Grove, the Craftsman-style townhomes will be similar to those at Avea Pointe, with updated exterior styles. Two floor plans will be available — the Marianna and Ormond. Pre-sales will begin in January. Citron Grove is just 1.5 miles from the Veterans Expressway, 2 miles from Citrus Park Mall and 12 miles from Tampa’s Westshore Business District and International Airport. The gated community includes a number of trees and was formerly Be Mac Nursery. It offers low maintenance living, value-oriented price points and outstanding schools. Potential buyers of Citron Grove, who want to see similar floor plans before its grand opening, can visit Avea Pointe’s sales center, which is just 10 minutes away.

Mattamy Homes Sales Process
Mattamy Homes is thrilled that the level of interest and excitement for our communities is heightened. Mattamy takes pride in providing a fair and easy process to allow prospective homebuyers an opportunity to purchase homes, as they become available. The availability of homesites vary in each Mattamy Homes community, and New Home Counselors can provide guidance on how and when buyers will have an opportunity to purchase. Please call or visit to learn more.

About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes is the largest, privately owned homebuilder in North America, with 40-plus years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of homeownership. In the United States, the company builds homes in Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando (where its U.S. head office is located), Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida.

For more information about all of Mattamy Homes’ local communities, go to MattamyHomes.com/florida/tampa.

Published October 27, 2021

Outlets welcomes new stores

By

Tampa Premium Outlets has announced the opening of four retailers at the center and will be welcoming two more soon. The new retailers that are now open are: Aeropostale, BOSS Huge Boss, Marc Jacobs and Perry Ellis. The two retailers coming soon are Nautica Factory Store and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Tampa Premium Outlets is located off Interstate 75 and the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, in an area where Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel come together.

Honoring the 20th anniversary of a tragic day in America

By

Thirty-two-year-old Tim Read, of Wesley Chapel, is flanked by his black Labrador retriever, Shadow, and his wife, Anhdu Read. The veteran served in Afghanistan twice and received two Purple Hearts after losing his leg to an improvised explosive device, while on patrol. Shadow is a retired bomb dog the Reads adopted. (Fred Bellet)

Hundreds turned out for a special event held to honor those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes, leading to the deaths of 2,977 killed in the attacks, as well as the 19 hijackers.

The planes were crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center, and into the Pentagon. A fourth was headed toward Washington D.C., when passengers on the airplane overtook the hijackers, crashing the plane into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon’s 1-mile Memorial Run/Walk was held on the morning of Sept. 11, at the Tampa Premium Outlets. It was followed by a ceremony, which began at 8:46 a.m. — memorializing the time when the North Tower of the World Trade Center was struck.

Two plaques also were unveiled that day, recognizing the sacrifices of Deputy Michael Magli, of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and Master Police Officer Jesse Madsen, of the Tampa Police Department, who both died in the line of duty. The officers were Pasco residents.

The event also included the unveiling of a new wall to remember those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the nation’s armed forces.

Proceeds raised by the walk/run go to support scholarships for graduates from Pasco County high-schoolers, who intend to pursue careers as first responders.

To see the video of the full ceremony, visit https://www.facebook.com/rotaryclubofwesleychapel/videos/203479018382523

Published September 15, 2021

Diana Marcum, of Wesley Chapel, holds her hand over her heart, as she holds her 5-month-old dachshund, Chikuis, during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner. Diana was there with her husband, Reyes Marcum.
Looking over the new mural dedicated to our fallen heroes, U.S. Army Colonel Peter Quinn, left, shows it to World War II Veteran, Tom Dempsey, right. The new unveiled mural was dedicated to the memories of those who gave some and some who gave all. It’s in the food court area at Tampa Premium Outlets.
There were many somber moments during the 9/11 Memorial held at The Tampa Premium Outlets. Here, from left, are Fainery Spelman, 12-year-old Matthew Spelman, 9/11 responder Stephen Spelman (a former New York City fire department EMT) and Chris Casella (a former police officer with the Queen’s South Taskforce). Casella, a witness to the 9/11 tragedy, was emcee at a 20th anniversary remembrance event on the morning of Sept. 11, at Tampa Premium Outlets.

 

Marine Cpl. Ryan King, of Tampa, taps the bell signifying times on 9/11 when America was attacked. Chris Casella assists in the task. The bell was tapped once at various times for a moment of silence, for those who gave their lives to save others.
Some walkers and runners begin their trek outdoors, at the Tampa Premium Outlets. There were 240 registered participants.
Madison Lembo, of Land O’ Lakes, listens to Gary Bradford, of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, during remarks by dignitaries and guest speakers.
Pasco County Fire Rescue provided a 15-by-30 American flag for the event.
Looking over the new mural dedicated to our fallen heroes, U.S. Army Colonel Peter Quinn, left, shows it to World War II Veteran, Tom Dempsey, right. The new unveiled mural was dedicated to the memories of those who gave some and some who gave all. It’s in the food court area at Tampa Premium Outlets.