The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Lutz Lake Fern Road

Lutz Guv’na race raises record-setting funds for community

By

Three candidates vying for the coveted title of Lutz Guv’na raised more than $36,000 for their community through fundraising efforts.

This is the most ever in the friendly but competitive contest that has been held since the mid-1950s, according to Linda Mitchell, chairwoman of the annual July 4th parade.

Rob Brooklyn succeeded in raising more money than the other two candidates and was named the 2024 Lutz Guv’na. He was presented a colorful sash and a “key to the town” during an inauguration ceremony at the Old Train Depot on Lutz Lake Fern Road following the parade.

Members of the North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron of the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol march down the parade route on July 4. (Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl)

Brooklyn has owned and operated Hardrock Landscape Services in Lutz since 1998.

The winner of the race is able to designate a specific charity in the community to receive 10% of the money they raised. Brooklyn designated the Learning Gate Community School in Lutz as the recipient of those funds.

The other two candidates for Lutz Guv’na were Joanna LaChance and Linda Mitchell — both retired educators.

LaChance is a former Exceptional Student Education (ESE) coordinator who worked for a combined 16 years in Palm Beach and Polk counties, before retiring. She and her husband own and operate the Lutz Pinch A Penny pool store at the intersection of Sunset Lane and U.S. 41. 

Mitchell was an eighth grade language arts teacher at Adams Middle School in Tampa for 25 years before retiring. She is currently the first vice president of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

Paul Vahue, associate pastor for administration at First Baptist Church of Lutz, said the opening prayer at the patriotic event.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 12 and the North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron of the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol conducted a flag ceremony, and Annabelle Depolis sang the National Anthem. Depolis finished in fifth place in the vocal category during the 41st annual Spotlight on Talent held earlier this year at the Wesley Chapel Center for the Arts.

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club proudly display signs on their float indicating their service involvement.

Individuals marched in the parade, along with numerous floats. An estimated few hundred people looked on while enduring the sweltering hot weather. 

Several prizes were awarded at the conclusion of the parade. The category winners were:

  • Best Vehicle – Guv’na candidate Rob Brooklyn
  • Bicycle – West Coast BMX
  • Classic Car – Peyton Rose
  • Commercial Entry – Mission BBQ
  • Golf Cart Entry – The Citizens of the Old Lutz School House
  • Most Patriotic – The Miss Susie Fire Truck
  • Most Spirited – The Lutz Chiefs
  • Themed Entry – Stark Farms
  • Walking Unit – Lutz Family Church
  • Youth Entry – Learning Gate Community School
  • Judge’s Favorite – Elite Ink
  • Grand Marshal’s Choice – First Baptist Church of Lutz

Prizes also were handed out to bakers who showed off their skills in a cake and pie contest. There were 43 entries in the contest, according to Barbara Booth, treasurer of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

Heather Garry’s cake took first place in the category of Adult Best Decorated.

Categories winners in the contest were:

  • Guv’na’s Choice –  Melba Pineiro
  • Adult Best Decorated – Heather Garry, first place; Sarah Robison, second place; and Laura Konga, third place.
  • Adult Best Tasting – Kay Taylor, first; Jeannie Mills, second; and Jan King, third.
  • Youth Best Decorated (11-18) – Jennings May
  • Youth Best Decorated (10 and under) – Nicholas May, first; and Rylee and Dixon Kleme, second.
  • Youth Best Tasting (11-18) – William Leahy
  • Youth Best Tasting (10 and under) – Jake Kosior, first; Juniper Parker, second; and Colette Henderson, third.
  • Most Patriotic (all ages) – Dee-dee Hancock, first; Gloria Russell, second; and Jennifer Rankin, third.
  • Cupcakes Best Decorated (all ages) – Deborah Robison, first; Aribella Grande, second; and Abigail Rankin, third.
  • Best Pie (All ages) – Katelyn Payne, first; Karin D’Amico, second; and Erin Kuma, third.

Activities preceding the parade included an early morning warmup with Jazzercise and a 1-mile fun run and 5K race with awards presented at the Old Train Depot.

Guests could also bid on baked treats at an auction in the air-conditioned comfort of the Lutz Community Center.

Published July 17, 2024

Car tires on a gravel road

By

Well, I was born in a small town
And I live in a small town
Probably die in a small town
Oh, those small communities
-John Mellencamp, “Small Town”

As I was driving through Lutz, on the six-lane divided highway that is now U.S. 41, past some newish storage buildings and a yet-to-be-built mega-7-Eleven, it really struck me how much Lutz has changed. 

I was born and raised here and my family has quite a history in Lutz. My Great-Uncle Matt was the game warden out here. He built and lived in the little house on the corner of 41 and County Line Road where Rogers Dirt is now located.  

My first gun that I learned to hunt squirrel with was a 20-gauge top-break single shot that Uncle Matt had confiscated from some duck poachers when they threw it down and ran away. Same gun my dad and his brothers learned with. I’ve still got it. 

(National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Dad used to ride his bicycle up from Seminole Heights to Uncle Matt’s. They would pull the little fishing boat over to where Dale Mabry is now and set up camp about where my office currently sits and then fish the lake to the immediate south. Dad swore that one night a big ole bass jumped in the boat while he and Uncle Matt were fishing by the light of a kerosene lantern. 

I’ve seen a lot of changes, but I think the clearing of that parcel on the east side of 41 by the Walgreens at Sunset made it more real to me than it has been in the past. I was just so used to having that patch of woods and swamp sitting in the middle of “downtown” Lutz. It reminded me of how Lutz has maintained its rural character despite all of the development occurring on all sides of us.  

US 41 was a two-lane, barely-paved road. Concrete poured over an old asphalt brick base. You’ve heard of some towns having a single stoplight? Well, in Lutz we didn’t even have that. We had a flashing light that hung down on US 41 in the middle of the intersection with Lutz Lake Fern Road. 

We had a Shop n’ Go where the Latin market is, a volunteer fire department and, get this, a band shell at Bullard Park, where the library is now. And we had our own pharmacy, but that is a whole ‘nother story in itself.  

But we had TWO gas stations: Donovan’s Phillips 66 and Steinke’s Dixie Station, run by Bill Steinke, the first Lutz fire chief. Steinke’s was much more than a gas station. It was the de

facto men’s social club. It had gas pumps, of course, but also cane poles, bait, beer and even a little bar. It is said it had a secret tunnel or hidey-hole, but I was too young to know for sure. 

Lutz was dry on Sunday, as was the rest of the county, but just about every Sunday, on the way home from church, we would stop by Steinke’s and Dad would go in and come back out with a brown paper bag containing a six-pack of Schlitz. I’m told Steinke also carried the harder stuff, or “spirits,” which made him right popular around town. 

As growth came, we got a Mr. Swiss and even a Whataburger for a while. My first real job, after working at the Shop n’ Go sweeping the mole crickets out of the parking lot at night, was at Eagle Army Navy in what is now the Winn Dixie Shopping Center. 

For the most part, this area has very little resemblance today to the Lutz of my youth.

Yet despite all of the population growth and development, and the loss of the groves and pastures I grew up with, Lutz is still an oasis of peace in the midst of traffic, turmoil and turbulence. 

Other than Gainesville for law school and a brief stint in Jacksonville as a young assistant public defender, I have lived my entire life in Lutz and I would have it no other way. Although I do miss the flashing light. 

(Randall C. Grantham is a lifelong resident of Lutz who practices law from his offices on Dale Mabry Highway. . Copyright 2024 RCG)

Published June 26, 2024

Staying youthful, active — and all that jazz

By

She never has a cheat day.

LaVerne Pace, who lives in Lutz, is easily the town’s most-active 100-year-old.

She can be found at the Jazzercise off Lutz Lake Fern Road up to five times a week, dancing away — or as much as she possibly can — during the high-energy exercise sessions.

Despite her age and varying operations over the years, she credits these classes to her excellent health, a desire to stay active and, of course, to developing dozens of friendships.

LaVerne Pace, a 100-year-old Lutz resident, works out up to five times a week at the Jazzercise studio in Lutz, as a way to stay active and healthy. The centenarian has been trying to stay active as much as she can, but also uses Jazzercise as a social outing and has dozens of friends, all of whom helped her ring in her 100th birthday on July 3 with a packed workout session. (Mike Camunas)

“I believe in keeping moving,” Pace said. “I march (in place) as much as I can and can’t (move my) arms and legs at the same time, but as long as I keep both moving when I can, then I know it’s a good workout.

“I just keep going (to class and in life),” she added. “All my friends are gone, but now these are my new friends! I attribute Jazzercise to reaching 100. I really do.”

Originally from Salida, Colorado, Pace moved to Miami at age 5. She grew up and attended school in Miami, visited the Everglades, occasionally, and became a junior high math teacher for 20 years.

She and her husband lived in Miami until 1989, before moving to Lutz. Her husband passed in 2001, after nearly 55 years of marriage.

But nothing — including having both her hips and a knee replaced and gallbladder removed — slowed her down.

She went to a Curves studio for years until it closed, took a few years off exercising and then took up Jazzercise in 2012. In doing so, she made dozens of friends, including more than 50 who showed up to her birthday workout class on July 3.

LaVerne Pace, who is 100 years old, can be found at Jazzercise up to five times a week. Besides helping her to stay fit, the Lutz resident uses Jazzercise as a social outing.

“I don’t have the words to explain how she motivates other people,” said Colleen Pedersen, co-owner of the Lutz Jazzercise. “To see anyone complain about an ache or pain, but then they turn and look at her — they say, ‘Well, if she can do it, I can!’

“She attributes coming (to Jazzercise) five times a week to her longevity and her health — she’s healthy as a horse!” Pedersen added. “She does what she can, and that’s more than people half her age that don’t exercise like her — they’re on oxygen tanks or have diabetes and because they’ve been sedentary for so long, they can’t do what LaVerne does.

“She’s always been moving and she still can move at her age.”

Despite being in great shape, there are some things that Pace cannot do on her own. She uses the aid of a walker, but also the aid of Jazzercise friends, who drive her to the classes.

“We’re Team Daisy!” said Pace’s daughter, Carolyn Sterger, who also works out at Jazzercise. “Like (the movie), ‘Driving Ms. Daisy.’ So we’re her tribe here. That’s why there were 65 or more people at Stonewater Grill (in Land O’ Lakes) for her birthday (lunch).

“When she goes to her physical, the doctor is like, ‘Can you raise your hands above your head?’ and she’s doing this (waving her arms like in class) and the doctor is like, ‘I’ve got people half your age who can’t do that right there!’

“Jazzercise has definitely helped her all these years,” Sterger added.

There might be another reason this great-grandmother has plenty of friends at Jazzercise. She’s also known as the “Boozy Baker.” Even though she doesn’t drink, she’ll make cakes with alcohol and give them to her friends at Jazzercise.

“Everyone does love those cakes,” Pace said. “Maybe that’s why I have so many friends!”

“No,” Pederson added. “This is her family, these are her friends, now, because she’ll tell you all her friends are dead — but they’re really here at Jazzercise. She’s like a grandma to my 12-year-old daughter.

“And it’s her upbeat personality. Who knows how much longer she has, but she doesn’t look 100 because when most people think of a 100-year-old, they don’t think of LaVerne.

“With her longevity, it makes you want to experience life the same way she has.”

Sterger agrees.

“I have more (surgical) hardware than she does and something is going to break on me — so, not sure I’ll make it to 100, but maybe genetics will help!” Sterger said. “She definitely keeps me going!”

According to Boston University centenarian statistics, only .27% of the 330 million U.S. population reaches age 100. That makes Pace a rarity — one who reached her goal to have 150 Jazzercise classes this year before her birthday.

Because she never took a day off.

“Oh yeah, I’m going to keep coming, probably until I drop dead here at Jazzercise (laughs). I’ve been very blessed with good health and family and friends,” Pace said. “I really never thought I’d reach 100 and I don’t know anyone else who has!”

Jazzercise
Where: 19012 First St., S.W., in Lutz
When: Open seven days a week for morning and afternoon sessions
Details: With locations all over the country, Jazzercise uses high-energy dance cardio, such as Cardio or Power Sculpt, to help participants get in shape.
For more information on the Lutz location, call 813-406-4707, or visit Jazzercise.com.

Published July 19, 2023

All about the Red, White & Lutz

By

The floats were patriotic and as hot as the sun.

Nearly 50 entries, along with hundreds of Lutz residents and locals, made their way up Lutz Lake Fern Road for the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade. The much-anticipated event — held on the sweltering morning of the Fourth of July — brought together the best of the unincorporated community of more than 28,000 to celebrate the country’s birthday.

Parade-goers out at the grandstand, near the library, jump and cheer as beads and trinkets are tossed from floats. (Mike Camunas)

The parade route, which stretched more than a mile, started near the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex and finished in front of the Lutz Branch Library and historic Lutz Train Depot.

Local organizers also held a 5K and Mile Fun Run in the early morning, a cake-decorating contest and, after the parade, announced the winner of this year’s Lutz Guv’na campaign.

Annabelle Depolis, a young local singer, belted out the National Anthem to kick off the parade, which was led by grand marshal 2022 Guv’na Atlas Cortecero.

Katelyn Easterwood, and Missy, walk along First Ave. N.W., on the tail end of the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on a sweltering Fourth of July morning.

Hundreds lined the street as floats from the likes of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, Boy and Girl Scout troops, North Tampa-Lutz Civil Air Patrol Squadron, Lutz Chiefs Cheer Squad, and local politicians, leaders and businesses owners all tossed out patriotic beads and other trinkets.

Other floats included Lutz All Star Baseball, Lutz Scoops passing out ice cream, the Tampa Rough Riders, Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Hagen, Learning Gate Community School and the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes.

In the 5K, the top Lutz finisher was 17-year-old Ethan Russ (16:52), who finished in sixth place, barely edging out 17-year-old Dylan Powell, of Land O’ Lakes (16:55).

All three Lutz Guv’na candidates also had entries in the parade, with eventual Guv’na winner Jerome Smalls bringing his company, SoccerGemz, and several athletes to walk in the parade.

It’s an event he looks forward to every year.

“The turnout, every year, is always amazing,” Smalls said. “It is one of the best parades, really, in the area. We learned to not  throw all beads and goodies away so fast, because you then still have a mile to go!

“(The parade is) always phenomenal, and we love being a part of it and coming out to see it every year, no matter how hot it is, and it’s always hot!”

Lutz Independence Parade Trophy Winners
Best Vehicle: Charley Musselman
Bicycle Entry: West Coast Elite
Commercial Entry: Pinch-A-Penny
Largest Turnout Participation: Lutz Chiefs Cheer
Most Patriotic: Boy Scout Pack 37
Themed Entry (RED, WHITE & Lutz): Lutz Volunteer Fire Department
Walking Unit: Civil Air Patrol
Youth Entry: Learning Gate Community School
Judge’s Favorite: The Barn at Stark Farms
Grand Marshal’s Choice: First Baptist of Lutz

Published July 12, 2023

Ten-year-old Sophia Joiner was one of hundreds of Lutz residents and locals that attended the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on the morning of the Fourth of July.
The very vocal Lutz Chiefs Cheer squad filled their float to capacity and encouraged the crowd of hundreds to cheer along with them near the Lutz Branch Library, during the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade.
The annual Lutz Independence Day Parade and its nearly 50 floats and entries came up Lutz Lake Fern Road toward U.S. 41 and finished in front of Lutz Branch Library and the historic Lutz Train Depot. Hundreds along the parade route clamored for beads and trinkets being tossed from the floats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club wave from their float during the annual parade.
Justin Gaertner, a veteran who lives in Lutz, holds his son, Landry, during the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade.
Members of Cub Scout Pack 339, based out of First Baptist of Lutz, wave to the crowd in front of Lutz Branch Library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four-year-old Lutz resident Charlotte Sherwood enjoys a freezer pop while being pulled in a wagon in the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on Lutz Lake Fern Road.
From back to front: Hayes White, Brantley White and Cayson Schmidt wait eagerly for floats in the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade to come toward them down Lutz Lake Fern Road.
Old Suzie, the first fire engine of the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department and privately owned by Dr. Earl Smith, makes its way down Lutz Lake Fern Road during the parade.

Pump-king of the compost hill

By

They posted about compost.

Students at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz held a competition to see who could collect the most discarded Halloween pumpkins, and then they composted them with soil.

Learning Gate Community School students unload the discarded pumpkins they helped collect from the community as part of a composting project. (Steve Warrener)

Led by Environmental Science Teacher Steve Warrener, the project set up five drop-off locations around Lutz where locals could donate pumpkins.

Warrener then held a Tik Tok competition, posting videos each day. He competed against “Farm Boy James” — a popular composting personality over in St. Johns County.

“He and I posted several videos calling each other out, but the kids really got into seeing what Farm Boy James would say next and how our totals were stacking up,” Warrener said.
The competition ended in a tie: Farm Boy collected 2 tons of pumpkins, as did Warrener and his students.

“The main premise for us was to inspire and educate people to the benefits of dealing with the 100 billion pounds of food wasted annually,” Warrener said. “And why not start with a food that is about 99% wasted? — pumpkins!

“If we do it again next year, I want the county involved. We could do 20 tons by having locations to drop off at every library. That could be really fun.”

Warrener set up five drop-off locations, starting with one at Learning Gate’s campuses: the main one on Hanna Road and its sister site on Lutz Lake Fern Road; other locations included Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, Al’s Lawn Care and Happy Farm.

Warrener and the students picked up pumpkins from these locations between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15. One pickup involved a bulk donation from Watermelon Swim School that had unsold inventory from its annual pumpkin patch.

About half of the pumpkins were composted at Learning Gate’s Hanna Campus, while the other half were composted at Happy Farm.

Learning Gate Community School students proudly stand atop a pile of pumpkins that was part of the 2 tons they collected from the Lutz community for a composting project.

To compost the pumpkins, students smashed them with shovels and mixed it with soil and mulch from the school’s last tree-trimming job.

“Then we let our class chickens dig through it and spread it around — the chickens are mixing it for us — and then we can pile it back up and let it turn into better soil for our little farm,” Warrener said.

“It ended up being a much bigger project than I had planned thanks to the community involvement and the help from (Learning Gate’s) Michele Northup and The Laker/Lutz News getting the word out.”

In the end, the project taught the students a lot about the importance of composting and recycling.

When students posed questions to one another, each had a unique take on the experience.

Michael Bishop asked, “Why is composting beneficial?” and Colton Ownby replied, “Instead of throwing it away, we put it into the soil.”

Seannah McCarty said, “I learned that you can make very good soil from composting.”

Amy Cook added, “We are going to help the soil (and) to build a garden with it.”

Students agreed, when asked about their favorite part of the project.

“Smashing the pumpkins!” Max Perez said, excitedly.

Ella Couture agreed: “I loved smashing the pumpkins.”

Published November 23, 2022

From left, Learning Gate Community School students Ava Klein, Charlotte Schoeman and Kamryn Whitmore take turns smashing pumpkins for a composting project. Students reached out to the community and collected 2 tons of discarded Halloween pumpkins.
Learning Gate Community School Environmental Science Teacher Steve Warrener shows off the piles of discarded pumpkins he and students collected to compost.

Lutz sports complex gets a synthetic turf field

By

A longstanding sports complex in the heart of Lutz is getting an update.

Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation broke ground on Sept. 12 to add a synthetic turf field to the Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, at 766 Lutz Lake Fern Road. The synthetic soccer and multipurpose field is part of a county-wide project.

Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation broke ground on Sept. 12 to add a synthetic turf soccer field at Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, at 766 Lutz Lake Fern Road. The park originally was built in 1975 and underwent a 33-acre expansion in in 2010. (Mike Camunas)

It will take 45 days to 60 days to complete the project.

Of 23 fields to be completed across Hillsborough by 2023, two are baseball fields and 21 are multipurpose fields.

The average cost for each synthetic field is $750,000.

Hillsborough County Parks, Planning and Athletics Manager Greg Brown explained why the county is adding the synthetic fields.

 “A synthetic turf field allows for almost unlimited programming of multiple sports with minimal maintenance and the ability to play very soon after storms,” Brown said.

“Due to this high demand for youth sports and sporting in general in Hillsborough County, a typical real grass field with heavy programming will need to be shut down for several months each year and grown back to keep a safe playing surface,” Brown added.

The minimal maintenance of synthetic fields will be extremely beneficial — especially in a county where an estimated 40,000 youth participate in leagues at  sports complexes every evening, Brown said.

The new field at Oscar Cooler will be predominantly used for soccer, but will be lined to allow use for multiple sports, including lacrosse and mini soccer.

When the Oscar Cooler Sports complex was built in 1975, it was called the Lutz Park Youth Complex and had just three baseball fields.

It was built in an area that had been primarily occupied by orange groves.

It was renamed to honor Oscar Cooler, a longtime Lutz resident, Cooler, who was the primary force behind getting the original park built.

He spent about two years working to persuade the county to buy the land and build the park.

Cooler coached in the Lutz Little League for five years and umpired for about 35 years. He was the league’s president for 15 years.

In 2010, Cooler told The Laker/Lutz News, “I think kids need to have a safe place to learn about teamwork … If kids don’t have something like this, then they usually get into a lot of things they shouldn’t be doing.”

That same year, a 33-acre, $3.9-million expansion opened up the park to its current size. That expansion allowed the soccer program, FC Tampa Lutz Rangers, to join the Lutz Chiefs, the football program at the park, and, of course, Lutz Little League.

Cooler was 84 when he passed away in 2013.

Published September 21, 2022

The Lutz Branch Library reopens

By

The Lutz Branch Library has reopened, with limited services, after being closed for a month because of plumbing problems.

The Lutz Branch Library reopened on Aug. 30, after being closed a month due to plumbing problems. However, the new library now needs minor repairs and is without restroom services to patrons. (File)

The library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, reopened on Aug. 30.

It was closed temporarily after experiencing septic tank and plumbing problems on July 27.

The problems caused a backup of sewage into the library, causing a small amount of damage and leaving the facility without working plumbing.

The library posted to its social media and on its website that limited service will be available Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and that restrooms will be unavailable.

During that time, the library still had curbside service available, and will continue to offer that to patrons.

In the meantime, the Hillsborough County Library System suggests the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, at 2902 W. Bearss Ave.

All of this comes after the Lutz Branch Library underwent a six-month, $790,000 renovation that gave the interior a fresh, bright new look — from more natural lighting, to new flooring, to new paint and walls, and even new furniture and installations. Those renovations, which also featured new glass walls and a self-checkout hub, were finished in late 2021.

Additionally, the library announced in July that its Friends of the Lutz Branch Library book collection program had returned to providing an array of affordably priced books for patrons’ reading pleasure. The Friends were inactive for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hiatus during the six-month renovation.

Published September 07, 2022

Who says play time is just for kids?

By

A spot of tea turned into a cup of coffee. And a tearoom has turned into a cafe.

Parents of younger children and infants gather around and converse, while other children enjoy toys and making friends during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz. (Mike Camunas)

That’s because Heather Kirk’s vision of the Pushchair Club — the kid-friendly time for parents to get out and meet other parents while their children play — has become the Playdate Café at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

“Pushchair — that’s what they call a stroller in England, and that club was everywhere,” said Kirk, who is British and is married to Chris, the church pastor.

“So when I came to Florida and had younger kids, I was like, where can you go that isn’t a boiling park or pouring rain, where it’s not a day care — it’s about parents getting to know other parents while the children play and have fun.”

Toddler Bryant McKinney rides a Spider-Man airplane during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz. The 2 ½-hour playtime gives children, and their parents, an informal venue offering opportunities to meet new friends and have fun.

Playdate Café, which began its second year on Aug. 17, is slightly different from Pushchair Club. It’s held in the morning and serves coffee and snacks, instead of being in the afternoon and with tea.

“It has more of a coffee-shop atmosphere,” Heather added. “Plus, they tend to nap in the afternoon.”

For 2 ½-hours, kids can run around, play with and climb on toys, and enjoy meeting other children, while parents have the chance to chat with parents.

Playdate Café is open every Wednesday during the Hillsborough County school year. It is free and open to anyone in the community, not just members of the church, , which is located at 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in Lutz.

“If fact, we don’t know any of these parents or kids,” said Janell Lockhart, the church’s director of children and family. “Even right now, I think I’ve only seen two of our kids here. This is for the community — the parents looking to have something to do indoors with their children.”

Lutz grandma Barbie Pleus holds up her granddaughter, Aurora Brooks, with a smile, during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

“This is our gift to the community where we felt there was a need,” Heather added. “There is no obligation to be a part of the church or even have the same faith. We want it available to anyone who wants to come as a way to meet people and have something to do outside the house.”

Bonnie Quintana watches with a smile as her granddaughter, Justice Gomillion, rides down a fun slide, during Playdate Café, a kid-friendly environment held every Wednesday at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

Heather said when the weekly outing first started, there were just four children, but by Christmastime last year, it grew to 50. That was helped by Facebook groups and word of mouth.

“Oh, and us ‘accosting’ moms at Target to give them an invite and let them know about it,” Heather said with a laugh.

Playdate Café also does some themed weeks, such as a Mother’s Day photo op or a Halloween event where kids can get candy. Additionally, Pastor Chris has added Story Time in the Book Nook to read short stories to kids.

Parents seem to be glad to have this option, as the Playdate Café is well-attended,  with new parents and kids arriving each week.

“This was our first time and not our last time we’ll be coming,” said Lutz mother Stephanie Meyer, who brought her twin girls to the church. “I found out about it from my Tampa Bay Twin Mom group, and it’s just amazing, especially meeting parents that know what you’re going through and have something in common with.

“And then hearing from the pastor’s wife, who is from the UK, tell us how there are hundreds of these over there — that’s amazing, and this is amazing because we need more of these!”

Playdate Café
When: Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., following the Hillsborough County school year calendar
Where: First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
Details: A kid-friendly playtime environment with toys and more for preschoolers. There’s a story time and refreshments, and volunteers are on hand to help with kids, so parents and grandparents can have a chance to relax. Parents and children are not required to be church members.
Info: Call 813-949-1751, or visit FantasticFirst.org.

Published August 31, 2022

Newberger shares name, legacy with Lutz

By

Just like the road that bears his family’s name, Carl Newberger’s life cut a path through Lutz.

Born to one of the original Lutz Pioneer families, Carl and his brother, Calvin, were the community’s first set of twins.

Newberger attended Lutz Elementary and later served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He played an instrumental role in the building of Tims Memorial Church in Lutz, where he served as a deacon.

Carl Newberger

He died on July 4 at the age of 94.

Newberger embedded himself in community life, said his daughter, Tina Hevel.

“He was always constantly busy doing something. He was never the type of guy to just sit around, and I think that’s pretty evident with his involvement in the Lutz community,” she said.

He was active in the local Boy Scouts, serving as a troop leader for years. He enjoyed bowling, taking part in The Odd Couples at Royal Lanes. He played softball, too.

He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing for most of his life. He competed in shooting tournaments and was a member of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary.

His name comes up several times in the local history book, “Sawmills, Citrus, Critters and Crackers: Life in Early Lutz,” by Elizabeth Riegler MacManus and Susan MacManus.

He and his brother, Calvin, were part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony when the former Vernon Road, a sand trail, was paved in the 1930s and turned into what is now known as Lutz Lake Fern Road. The twin boys rode in a Model T flatbed truck, holding little American flags at the ceremony, the local history book recounts.

The book also shares the story about Newberger attempting, but ultimately failing, to rescue a 7-year-old boy who drowned near First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

After being involved in Lutz for decades, Newberger retired from a 30-year career with Anheuser-Busch and moved to Webster, Wisconsin, in 1993.

Carl Newberger and his brother, Calvin, seen here as infants with his family in 1927, were the first set of twins born in Lutz. (Courtesy of ‘Sawmills, Citrus, Critters and Crackers: Life in Early Lutz’/Susan MacManus)

Although he has passed on, the name Newberger will live on in Lutz, thanks to the road that has existed since the late 1800s.

Originally, it was a dirt trail that led to the residence of Wolfgang and Mary Newberger, Carl’s great grandparents.

Briefly it was renamed Feinsinger Road, after other early settlers of the area. But it reverted back to Newberger Road to honor longtime lawman and former Tampa Chief of Police Fred Newberger.

“We’re very proud of that road,” Hevel added.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Newberger is scheduled on Aug. 13 at 11 a.m., at Lutz Community Church, 601 Sunset Lane, in Lutz, the same one he helped to build back when it was Tims Memorial.

His family expects several members of the community to be there, and possibly they will share stories.

It won’t be a depressing affair, his daughter said.

“We’re going to have an uplifting ceremony. Because that’s who he was. He had funny stories, so it’s not going to be all depressing and what not. We’re going to celebrate my dad’s life, much of it that was here in Lutz.”

She added: “My cousin, Barry (Newberger), who was Calvin’s son, will have even more stories to tell at the ceremony. That’s just who Carl, and Calvin, were — always involved in something.”

Carl is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his daughter, Tina Hevel and Robert Hardy; his granddaughter, Jessica Vickery and Jason Vickery; great-granddaughter, Bella Vickery; and his first wife, Phyllis Newberger, and his stepson, Pete Okins.

His survivors also include several nieces and nephews in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

Carl Newberger Celebration of Life
When: Aug. 13, 11 a.m.
Where: Lutz Community Church, 601 Sunset Lane

Published August 10, 2022

Atlas shrugs off competition, becomes Lutz Guv’na

By

Talk about your power couple.

Raising nearly $12,000, Atlas Cortecero became the 2022 Lutz Guv’na after the town’s annual Independence Day Parade.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Lutz Train Depot, in front of the Lutz Branch Library, near the corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and U.S. 41.

Cortecero follows in the steps of his wife, Michele Northrup, the 2007 Guv’na. She’s now assuming the title of First Woman of Lutz.

Atlas Cortecero holds up the big key and wears the sash for becoming the 2022 Lutz Guv’na after raising nearly $12,000 in donations. (Courtesy of Lutz Guv’na Committee)

“We are the first married couple to both hold the office of Guv’na,” said Northrup, also known as The Saucy Queen because of her local hot sauce business. “(Campaigning for Atlas) was so much fun, but we noticed that everyone wanted to pitch in, whether it be small or large. Everyone wanted to give to the community. It was so heartwarming to see Lutz come together.”

Cortecero, who was born and raised in São Paulo/Brazil, added: “You have no idea how much fun (running for Guv’na) was. The parade was so much fun, being able to march in front of the General Lee we rented and just wave the American flag.

“It was a beautiful parade and a beautiful welcome to becoming Guv’na,” said Cortecero, who claimed the title by a narrow margin.

He raised $11,919.11. David Penzer, another candidate, brought in $11,024 and Stacee Campbell, the third candidate, hauled in $2,135.96.

The grand total of $25,079.07 will support local charities and other nonprofit organizations.

“The goal of Guv’na for all these years is to bring people together,” Cortecero said. “I think the main thing is to get the money to the people of Lutz, for it to stay in the community and help this community,” he said.

Cortecero’s total is believed to be the third most raised in the history of the Guv’na race, just behind 2004 Guv’na, the late Dean Rivett, who raised $12,452.

The most ever raised? Nearly $17,000 by none other than the current First Lady of Lutz, Northrup.

The race, which started in 1991, is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association and raises several thousand dollars for about 20 Lutz nonprofit beneficiaries.

Prior to 1991, the race was sponsored by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s club. Candidates earmark 10% of what he or she raises to the Lutz charitable organization of his or her choice.

One of Cortecero’s campaign promises was to use proceeds raised for renovations to the Old Lutz School House.

He intends to keep that promise.

“The door, you look at it — almost all of (the school house) — is in disrepair,” he said. “Of all the charities, the one that needs it the most is the schoolhouse.”

Penzer plans to donate his 10% to the GFWC, while Campbell is giving her 10% to Lutz Softball.

Guv’na Committee members said candidates hit the campaign trail hard this year, certainly looking to make up for the lack of fundraising when COVID shut down those events, as well as the parade.

Because of the hiatus, Amy Lancaster, the 2019 Guv’na, held on to the honorary title for more than two years.

“I think that everyone is just ready to get back to it — it’s part of the community; it’s tradition,” Guv’na Committee’s Stephanie Ensor, who won the title in 2010, told The Laker/Lutz News in May. “It means a lot to a lot of people, and to the candidates, who do it to raise money for charities, nonprofits and the community.”

Cortecero hosted several fundraising events at local businesses such as Chicago’s Best Burgers, Station House BBQ and Auzalu’s Artisan Market & Pottery Studio. He also sold nearly 50 “Atlas For Guv’na” shirts, as well as discount cards that can be used at several Lutz businesses. Cortecero also auctioned off several items throughout the campaign, including a puppy that was donated to him from Lutz breeder, Brooklyn’s Boxer, and quickly raised $500.

Campbell, owner of Lutz Scoops, gave away free ice cream with any Guv’na donation, sold Lutz merchandise and also held donation events at Station House BBQ and Chicago’s Best Burgers.

Penzer, a real estate agent, wrestling announcer and longtime resident of Heritage Harbor neighborhood, held several events, including a bingo night, a putting contest and cornhole tournament, and live music fundraisers at Double Bogey’s Tavern and Grill.

In the end, though, it was Cortecero who celebrated by donning the Lutz Guv’na sash.

“You know, it’s funny. When someone wins (the Super Bowl), they say, ‘I’m going to Disney World!’” Northrup said. “When we found out he won, I was like, ‘You know where you really need to go because they were such a big supporter.’”

“I’m going to Station House BBQ,” he said.

Published July 13, 2022

This story was revised on July 13, 2022.