By B.C. Manion
Jennifer Cleary was with some colleagues at the Starbucks near Collier Parkway discussing plans for a Fourth of July celebration at Willow Bend Community Church when a man sitting nearby overheard the conversation.
When he heard them mention music, the man introduced himself and offered to help.
It turns out that this chance encounter at Starbucks involved Daniel Rodriguez, a former New York City police officer who gained national attention for his rendition of “God Bless America,” after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Rodriguez, known to many as “The Singing Police Officer,” is the same man who has performed at the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, at such events as the Indianapolis 500 and the World Series and on virtually every national talk show including The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Late Show with David Letterman and Oprah.
He performs on stages throughout the world and has trained with Placido Domingo.
Rodriguez has an apartment in New York, but frequently visits Land O’ Lakes because his mother lives here.
The tenor said he generally performs at a couple of community events every year because he enjoys sharing his blessings.
Cleary said Willow Bend Community Church is delighted that Rodriguez will be presenting a 5:30 p.m. mini-concert during its first 4th of July Family Fun Fest.
The public is welcome to the fun fest at 2541 Henley Road in Lutz.
Festivities, which will be from 2-8 p.m., will feature carnival-like games for kids, a bounce house, and entertainment. Refreshments also will be available for a nominal charge, said Cleary, director of the Children’s Church at Willow Bend Community Church.
The idea is to give families a chance to enjoy the Fourth of July and to conclude the event in plenty of time for families to go watch fireworks elsewhere, she said.
In addition to that performance, Rodriguez also will be appearing during the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services on July 3 at Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry Highway.
The public is welcome to the services, which will have a “highly patriotic flair,” said Nikki Somerville, an assistant to Ron Upton, minister of music and worship at Idlewild.
The service also will feature remarks from Capt. Scotty Smiley, the Army’s first active-duty blind officer and its first blind company commander.
Fourth of July weekend events
July 3
Patriotic church services at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry Highway. The services will feature patriotic music and appearances by “The Singing Policeman” Daniel Rodriguez and Capt. Scotty Smiley.
Lutz Fourth of July “Home Sweet Home” Celebration
July 3
Volunteer help at Train Depot, 2-4 p.m. (volunteers needed)
Cake entry drop off: 3-5 p.m., Lutz Fire Department Board Room, 124 W. Lutz-Lake Fern Road
July 4 (Events take place near the intersection of Lutz-Lake Fern Road and US 41)
7:30 a.m.: Cake registration deadline
8 a.m.: 5K, 1 mile and family walk
9 a.m.: Flag-raising ceremony
9:30 a.m: Race trophies presented
10 a.m.: Lutz community parade begins
11 a.m. Lutz Volunteer Firefighters Association barbecue chicken sale
Cake bake auction, parade trophies and New Guv’na Inauguration following the parade.
(Volunteers are still needed to help with breakdown after festivities conclude.)
4th of July Family Fun Fest
Willow Bend Community Church, 2541 Henley Road, Lutz, off SR 54
2 pm-8 pm. Event includes carnival-like games and a bounce house for kids, live entertainment and food for a nominal charge.
Daniel Rodriguez, “The Singing Police Officer,” will perform in a mini-concert at 5:30 p.m.
Sparklebration: A 4th of July & Fireworks Celebration
Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 SR 52
Gates open: 4 p.m.
Event includes a Pie Eating Contest, Hot Dog Eating, Watermelon Eating Contest, Watermelon Seed-Spitting Contest.
Live entertainment and food.
Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
