By B.C. Manion
Three windows were broken at the Old Lutz School building and $3.50 was stolen when vandals broke into the building on Dec. 5.
It may not seem like a big deal to people who are unfamiliar with the school’s history, but the structure — which opened in 1927 — is a point of community pride.
Generations of Lutz residents went to school there before it was closed in the mid-1970s and at one point it was nearly knocked down to make way to widen US 41. The community rallied around it, sparing it from the wrecking ball, and it now serves as a gathering spot for various events.
A group of citizens has formed the Friends of the Old Lutz School Building to raise money to cover the cost of insurance, electricity and general upkeep.
And their pride in the building is strong.
That may be why the break-in, which occurred sometime shortly after 6:30 on Dec. 5, has drawn a strong reaction from that group.
It seems senseless that someone would cause between $500 and $1,000 worth of damage just to steal $3.50, said Phyllis Hoedt, who is co-chairwoman of that Friends of the Old Lutz School Building.
The incident was reported to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and dusting was done for fingerprints, Hoedt said.
The break-in occurred sometime between 6:30 and 7 p.m., Hoedt said.
Gary Rogers was helping to bring back some items from the Lutz Arts and Crafts Festival that had been held at Lake Park, Hoedt said.
When Rogers realized he had forgotten his keys to the school, he went home to get them. When he returned to the school, he found the broken windows.
The group suspects that two boys are responsible because Rogers saw two boys running nearby when he returned.
The schoolhouse is brightly decorated now and open for an annual Christmas house. The event is free, but donations are welcome, Hoedt said.
