The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Lutz

Guv’na hopeful relishes ‘campaign’

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Jessica Sherman is off to quite a start in her first bid for the honorary title of Lutz Guv’na.

Sherman recently was voted the winner of the Guv’na Debate, held May 20 at the Old Lutz School.

There, she claimed victory in the event’s talent contest, and earned a $100 campaign donation for bringing the most guests — friends and family.

Now, the Guv’na hopeful has her eye on winning the race.

At the Guv’na debate, Sherman’s camp managed to sway ‘voters” with a wide assortment of goodies and prizes. All proceeds from the Guv’na of Lutz ‘campaign’ benefit about 20 local causes, including, scout troops, the Old Lutz School, the Friends of the Library, and the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club.
(Kevin Weiss)

Although, she said, by the same token she’s simply enjoying the “campaign” trail.

“I am just so happy to be able to be a part of this — seriously,” said Sherman. “It’s so far been a blast, and I’m looking forward to every single event.”

Sherman decided to join the race to help the nonprofit organizations and beneficiaries that receive proceeds from the race support.

Those organizations include Girl Scout Troop 2714, where Sherman was a parent leader for a few years.

“The scout program is super near and dear to my heart,” Sherman said. “Those girls are amazing. They are just the best kids, ever.”

Currently the manager at Pinch A Penny in Lutz, Sherman has worked in the pool industry for about 15 years.

She’s also a longtime Lutz resident.

Her campaign slogan — “Keep Lutz Local”— reflects her passion for the tight-knit Hillsborough County community.

It’s also a message to support family-owned and operated businesses in the area.

“Lutz is special,” she said, “because of the entrepreneurs that we have in our community.”

The distinct “small-town” vibe isn’t lost on her, either.

“How many communities still have their original schoolhouse?” said Sherman, referring to the Historic Old Lutz School built in 1927.

Despite a notable debate showing, Sherman acknowledged her nervousness heading into the satirical-based event. “I was having a small panic attack,” she said.

But, Sherman ably stepped out of her comfort zone, thanks to witty one-liners and dance moves — comically resembling those popularized by “Seinfeld” TV series character Elaine Benes, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfuss.

“She was my inspiration; my dance skills have been compared to hers quite a few times,” Sherman said, jokingly.

The chance to sway “voters” doesn’t end there.

Sherman has various “campaign” fundraising events in the works, including a spaghetti dinner on June 4 and a tea lunch on June 11.

She also plans to announce a “super secret” surprise event that coincides with the grand opening of a new Lutz business.

Additionally, Sherman is offering opportunities to win prizes in exchange for “campaign” donations, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers ticket packages, a Zodiac MX6 pool cleaner and Jazzercise membership discounts.

Besides raising money for “such great causes,” Sherman is eager to promote Lutz and meet new people, over the next few months.

“It’s just great a feeling to be able to embrace your community the way that this allows you to,” she said.

The Guv’na race continues through the Fourth of July weekend.

The winner will be announced after the community’s traditional parade.

To receive the coveted “sash,” Sherman must outpace two other candidates — Kori Rankin, of Kori Rankin Photography, and incumbent Greg Gilbert, of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Lutz.

The annual charity event started in 1991. More than $100,000 has been raised in the past decade alone.

The winner of the Guv’na race gets to earmark 10 percent of what he or she raises to the charitable organization of his or her choice.

Regardless of the outcome, Sherman’s 2017 bid for Lutz Guv’na probably won’t be her last.

“If the community would like me to run again, I would be all for it,” Sherman said. “I think it would be fun to do again, absolutely.”

If you’d like to contribute to Sherman’s campaign, call (813) 362-1085 or email .

Upcoming fundraisers
Those wishing to support Jessica Sherman’s bid to become the next Lutz Guv’na can attend these upcoming fundraisers:

  • Spaghetti Dinner: June 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 504 Crystal Grove Blvd., in Lutz. Tickets are $5. Dinner includes a drink and garlic bread.
  • Tea Lunch: June 11, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tea Room at Deb’s Whistle Stop Depot, 100 Fourth St. W., in Lutz. Cost is $35. Lunch includes sandwiches and tea.

Published May 31, 2017

Royal Lanes prepares to turn off the lights for good

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It’s a place where leagues have battled for cash prizes and bragging rights, and little kids have had birthday parties.

For some, it’s been a gathering spot with friends after work to bowl a few games and enjoy a few pitchers. For others, it was where they hung out when they were kids.

Andre Pamplona, general manager for Royal Lanes, said the closing of a bowling alley has an impact on the community.
(B.C. Manion)

Soon, however Royal Lanes bowling center, at 1927 Brinson Road in Lutz, will welcome its final bowlers and pack up its pins for good.

The last day of operation will be May 21, said Andre Pamplona, the bowling center’s general manager.

The bowling alley has been owned for a quarter-century by Sandy and Neville Woolf, of Canada, but they’ve decided to sell, Pamplona said.

“My group was trying to purchase it. That’s what we came up to do, to try to salvage it and keep it a bowling center, but we got outbid. And, that’s it,” Pamplona said.

“I knew of a potential sale to the other group. We were doing our best to try to finalize our deal. The numbers just wouldn’t work,” Pamplona said. “The land just got overvalued.”

He’s not sure what the future use of the site will be, but he has heard that the building will be renovated for another use that has something to do with the automotive industry.

He’s sorry to see Royal Lanes go, not just because he worked there, but because the community will miss it.

“One of the things that owners don’t calculate is the impact to the community,” Pamplona said.

Soon this sign will be replaced by a new business occupying the site on Brinson Road, just off North Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz.

But, he said he understands that the owner is making a business decision

Still, Pamplona said, “Land O’ Lakes will suffer. Land O’ Lakes will hurt. People will have to drive out of their way to go to bowling centers.”

Plus, bowlers are losing a gathering spot where many have been coming for decades.

“There’s such a value … it’s intangible, you can’t put a dollar to it,” Pamplona said.

Royal Lanes had 437 bowlers in five full adult leagues and two youth leagues. One of the youth leagues was purely youths and the other was a youth-adult league, where kids bowled with their parents, he said.

“Most of the leagues are going to stay together,” he said, and most have already decided to go another bowling center,” he said.

The closest bowling alleys are at Old State Road 54 and Little Road; on Hillsborough Avenue, across from Tampa International Airport; on Armenia Avenue, south of Hillsborough Avenue; and on U.S.301 in Zephyrhills.

Ultimately, some bowlers may choose to join different leagues at bowling centers that are more convenient for them, he noted.

This is the exterior of Royal Lanes, in Lutz. Lots of memories have been made within this building, which opened during the 1970s.

Most of Royal Lanes’ 18 employees also have relocated to another alley, Pamplona said, although he’s not sure what he’s going to do.

“I’ve got some options in the industry. I’ve got some options out of the industry,” he said.

When Royal Lanes ceases operations, it will no longer be a place where the clatter of bowling pins competes with memories of days gone by.

“Our Wednesday morning league is called The Lakerettes,” Pamplona said. “They’ve been bowling here, since basically the beginning.”

Royal Lanes is also the place where the Betty Strickland, who has since passed on, developed a reputation for her bowling prowess and her kindly nature.

Chances were, if you were looking for Strickland on a weekday, she’d be over at Royal Lanes.

Some days, she was known to roll as many as 10 games, but typically, she threw four or five.

One of Strickland’s biggest moments at the bowling alley came on Jan. 9, 2006, when she bowled 300 — a perfect game.

At the time, Strickland was the nation’s third-oldest woman to bowl a perfect game, according to a report published by The Tampa Tribune.

It’s also a place that figures prominently into the memory of Rachel Thompson, who worked at the bowling alley when she was young and now works at The Laker/Lutz News.

Thompson threw her perfect game at Royal Lanes. Her big moment came on Nov. 9, 2012.

Published May 17, 2017

Putting on a show that’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

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A group of second- through eighth-graders at Lutz Learning Center have been rehearsing their lines, and now they’re ready to present Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”

The school, located at 621 Sunset Lane, will be presenting a free community performance of the play at Nye Park, 630 Sunset Lane in Lutz, on May 11 at 1 p.m.

These are the students taking part in Lutz Learning Center’s production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ back row, from left: Carter Smith, Devyn Asencio, Emberly Wilson, Aiva Sohl, Anola Sohl, Ryan Brochu, Campbell McElaney; middle row, from left: Kendal Whillock, Sasanka Senthil, Caleb Wong, Evan Meredith, Gavin Quijano, and Jaden Askew; front row, from left: Levi Quijano, Lucia Pinera, Damien Negre, Elysia Wootten and Jackson Brewer.
(Courtesy of Lutz Learning Center)

Those attending the event should bring blankets or chairs to sit on, and they should get ready to see a bunch of young actors who are eager to put on a show, said Stephanie Rodriguez, director of staff at the school.

The play is an outgrowth a Shakespeare study the children have been involved in at the school.

“We kind of pride ourselves in making sure that kids are challenged and that they have a well-rounded education,” Rodriguez said, which includes not only mathematics and reading but also the arts.

“One of the things that we do try to implement is allow the kids a little bit of direction in their learning as well,” she said.

For instance, the school had planned to do Shakespeare’s tragic play, “Julius Caesar,” but the kids voiced a greater interest in putting on “Much Ado About Nothing,” a romantic comedy, Rodriguez said.

“They’re definitely a funny bunch,” Rodriguez said, describing the students who are presenting the play.

“I know a lot of the parents are going to come, but we wanted to open it up to the community, to reach out more — to give the kids a chance to perform for people other than their family,” Rodriguez said.

She expects the production to last between 20 minutes and 30 minutes.

Despite the range in age, the performers have been preparing as a troupe.

“They’ve been working together and practicing together,” Rodriguez said.

She thinks the experience helps the students to develop confidence, and she’s confident they’re going to put on a good show.

“These kids are just so animated. They really go into the role, 100 percent. They are using gestures, facial expressions. They are just completely into it, 100 percent,” Rodriguez said.

‘Much Ado About Nothing’
Where: Nye Park, 630 Sunset Lane, Lutz
When: May 11, 1 p.m.
How much: Free
Details: Bring a chair or a blanket and get ready to watch a group of second- through eighth-graders present their take on Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’
Information: Call Lutz Learning Center at (813) 949-3484.

Published May 10, 2017

Woman unleashes creativity through soaps

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Step in Melissa Brown’s workshop, and you’ll see a woman focused on creating handmade soaps at her home business in Lutz.

Brown launched her business —Nautilus Soap Company LLC — more than a year ago, and hopes one day to open her own storefront. Besides making scented and unscented soaps, she also makes bath bombs and shampoo bars.

Melissa Brown uses a cutting device to create 11 bars of soap from a single mold.
(B.C. Manion)

She sells her products at local markets, such as the Lutz Arts & Crafts Fair, the weekly market in Indian Shores, the downtown Dunedin and other events. She offers wholesale pricing and handles custom orders.

Brown is a member of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and was one of the vendors at the chamber’s Land O’ Lakes Music Fest in March.

When Brown ventured into soap-making, she was beginning at Ground Zero.

So, she has spent a fair amount of time researching how to make soap, source suppliers and find out which markets work for her, and which ones don’t.

She’s chatted with other soap-makers to glean pointers — to help her avoid potential mistakes.

And, she’s done a fair amount of experimentation, too, learning through trial and error.

Melissa Brown’s Nautilus Soap Company LLC creates soaps of many colors and fragrances.

She began soap-making after trying her hand with candles and discovering that she didn’t find that engaging enough to suit her.

“I actually started making soap last January, really more of a hobby than anything. It just continually progressed,” Brown said.

“This is my absolute passion. It’s what I live, eat, breathe, and sleep every single day. I’ve never been this way about anything before,” she said.

She sells all sorts of soap. There’s Almond Milk & Honey, Bare Naked Soap, Bay Rum & Bergamot, Bed of Roses, Chill Out, Mother Nature, and Orange Blossom, just to name a few.

One recent day, Brown was experimenting with a batch of pink grapefruit soap.

While soap-making is an ancient art, Brown uses sophisticated equipment.

Melissa Brown stands in front of her Lutz home, where her soap company is based.

She uses a computer software program to formulate her recipes.

As she mixed the sample batch, she explained her process.

“What I have in here is my oil blend. I use an oil blend of five different oils. I use canola, castor, coconut, rice bran oil and olive oil.

“What is in this pitcher right here, is my lye and water mixture. It’s a specific strength that I use, and it has been formulated by my program, chemistry-wise, to make sure that it activates all of the molecules of the oils that I have in here. It’s a very specific ratio,” she said.

The lye mixture is critical, she said.

“If you do not have this, you will not get soap. You will just get oil,” she added.

Pink grapefruit essential oil, Australian pink clay and melted cocoa butter were the other ingredients she used, for this batch of soap.

These bars of soap are on the curing rack. They’ll cure for six weeks before being sold.

The clay is good for the skin, but also provides some color for the soap.

“Once I mix the oils and the lye together, after that is when I add the cocoa butter, because the cocoa will be free floating molecules within the soap, so it will more moisturizing,” Brown said.

“I give it a little stir, and then I go with the stick blender,” she said.

She’s careful while mixing the ingredients, because she doesn’t want the soap to harden too quickly. She also adds the color gradually to make sure she gets the shade she desires.

Her sample batch makes 11 bars.

After pouring the mixture into the mold, it rests overnight.

These pink creations add fizz to a luxurious bathing experience.

“Once I cut it,” she said, “it goes on these drying racks, it cures for six weeks.”

Sometimes, the soap doesn’t come out like she expects.

But, some creations she views as “mistakes” turn out to be quite popular with customers, Brown said.

In addition to learning the ins and outs of soap-making, Brown has broadened her knowledge on many other fronts, including figuring out out how much to charge for her soap, how to market it, and about taxes and other business requirements.

“I learn as I go,” Brown said.

Her husband, Doug, helped her to price her goods.

Nautilus Soap Company LLC, based in Lutz, offers can custom make orders.

“We looked at basically everything that was out there. We looked at markets. We looked at soap companies online. We looked and actually broke it by how much they were charging by ounce of soap. And, that’s how we kind of came up with it, so we were in line.

“I didn’t want to be too high, because then people are turned off by the price; but, I didn’t want to be too low, because then it would seem like it was a cheap product,” Brown said.

Brown said most of her working life has been devoted to medical work, in one form or another.

She didn’t’ feel able to unleash her creativity.

She decided to give soap-making a try and discovered a new source of joy.

The feeling reminded her of advice she’d heard during a talk, many years ago, by Debbi Fields, the founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies.

“She (Fields) said, ‘Do what you love, and love what you do.’ I never ever forgot that. And, that’s when it came to me, ‘You know what? I love this, and I want to do this.’

“It just blossomed from there,” Brown said.

Upcoming markets/fairs/festivals
You can buy handmade soaps produced by Nautilus Soap Company LLC, based in Lutz, either through the company’s website, or at these upcoming markets:

  • Indian Shores Sunday Market, on May 14 and May 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Indian Shores Town Hall Municipal Center, 19304 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores.
  • Clearwater Mall Weekly Market, May 16, May 23 and May 30, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., southeast corner of U.S. 19 and Gulf-To-Bay Boulevard, in front of Target.
  • Downtown Dunedin Weekly Market, May 12, May 19 and May 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pioneer Park, Main Street and Douglas Avenue.
  • Armed Forces Day, May 20, noon to 8 p.m., at Frankie’s Patriot BBQ, U.S. 19 and Ulmerton Road in Clearwater.

For more information, call (813) 438-3507, or visit NautilusSoap.com.

Published May 10, 2017

A church finds its permanent dwelling place

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North Pointe Church, which has seen much change since forming more than a dozen years ago, finally is getting a permanent home.

The church, which most recently has been meeting at Sunlake High School, plans a soft opening for its new location in early May. It plans a free community getting-to-know-you barbecue on May 20, followed by its official grand opening services on May 21.

The church had its formal groundbreaking on April 10 of last year, in hopes of completing the project in plenty of time for services on Easter.

Senior pastor Steve Wells credits his staff, church members and church supporters for the work that’s been done to get ready to give North Pointe Church its first permanent home in 12 years. From left, church staff members shown here are Lance Courtney, student pastor; Deanna Porter, children’s ministry director; Steve Wells, senior pastor; Leila Povlack, women’s ministry director; Kylie McCracken, communications director; and Chris White, worship leader.
(B.C. Manion)

But, as often happens, construction didn’t go quite as quickly as planned, said Senior Pastor Steve Wells. The requirement to install a 30,000-gallon water tank to provide fire protection for the property caused most of the delay, he said.

The church’s new home, at 19862 Amanda Park Drive, is on a 33-acre site off County Line Road in Lutz.

“We’re finally putting down roots. That’s a big deal for a church that’s been portable for 12 years,” Wells said. “We believe that God is planting us here.”

The church began meeting in 2004, in the auditorium at Wharton High School, as a church planted by Belmont Church of Temple Terrace. It became its own church the following year.

It moved from Wharton to a warehouse space in Land O’ Lakes in 2008, then moved again in 2015 to Sunlake High in Land O’ Lakes, where it is meeting now.

Its membership grew from 40 when it started to 300 now. It draws worshippers from as far west as Odessa, as far east as Zephyrhills, as far north as San Antonio, and as far south as Thonotosassa.

The 12,000-square-foot worship center which is approaching completion doesn’t look like a church — and that’s intentional, Wells said.

The pastor foresees the building being used for all sorts of gatherings, including live performances, corporate recognition parties, team building exercises and so on.

He wants to give people many reasons to enter through the church’s doors.

North Pointe currently has two services on Sundays, which Wells expects to continue. When the time is right, he expects a Saturday service to be added.

All of the services are contemporary, with music provided by highly skilled musicians, the pastor said.

The worship center is able to accommodate 450 people, but there is plenty of room to grow, Wells said.

The church aims to be a place where people can find help with life’s practical challenges, as well as to grow spiritually, Wells said.

In addition to having facilities for private events, the church also plans to offer foster care training, adoption services and adoption counseling, Wells said.

The pastor believes the church’s new location represents a physical manifestation of God’s word in action.

Here’s how the location came about.

In 2008, church members prayed over an 11-acre site, hoping that a door would open for the land to become the location for the church’s first permanent home.

That didn’t happen.

And, while it desired a larger piece of property, the church decided to search for a 3-acre piece because that was in keeping with its finances, Wells said.

As it turns out, another property — directly next to the original piece that they had prayed over — became available.

Although the church was looking to buy a 3-acre piece, the owner said: “Well, I’ll sell you 3 acres for the same price as 33 acres. Decide what you want to do,” Wells said.

That decision was easy, he said.

As Wells surveys the property, he sees enormous possibilities.

He is delighted that the members of North Pointe Church finally will have a home where couples can be married and children can be baptized. The property also provides a place for church picnics and other activities, and will be available for rentals for all sorts of events, Wells said.

Visiting the church property is like taking a step back in time.

Much of the property features Old Florida’s unspoiled beauty, with its ancient oaks and paths shaded by tree canopies.

“You don’t have to go far away to feel like you went far away,” Wells said.

The church plans to take advantage of that natural beauty.

It also intends to provide a trail to encourage both physical and spiritual fitness.

As people walk the trail, they’ll be able to make periodic stops to do fitness — or spiritual — exercises, Wells said.

It’s been a big project, which has benefited from the help of church staff, church members and church supporters, Wells said.

Creating the church’s permanent home has been both daunting and thrilling at the same time, Wells said.

“It’s the most exciting, humbling, overwhelming, intimidating thing I’ve ever been a part of,” the pastor said.

Published April 26, 2017

Honoring my stepmother, Bettye

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My stepmother, Bettye, is a remarkable woman.

She was married to my father, Don Kortus, for over 36 years, until his death a little more than a year ago.

While I miss Dad every day, I would miss him even more if we didn’t still have Bettye.

A colorful bird perches on Bettye’s hand at Busch Gardens. (Diane Kortus)

I just spent a week with Bettye over the Easter holidays— the first time she visited me without my father.

To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive about Bettye’s visit because I thought we would be so sad without Dad, and would spend the week being constantly reminded of his absence.

But, that was not the case at all.

Bettye joyfully talked about Dad all the time, and always had a comment about how much he would have enjoyed, or resisted, the things we did.

Dad would have loved sitting down to Easter dinner with his Florida family, enjoyed a fabulous Parade of Homes gala at a $2 million home in Lutz, and would have been charmed by historic Dade City and our southern-style lunch at Lunch on Limoges (although he would have been clueless about the French Limoges porcelain).

And, Dad would have hated our day at Busch Gardens, strolling down Seventh Avenue in Ybor City and lounging out by the pool.

But, Bettye loved it all — even sitting in my lanai when I was at work.

It was snowing when she left St. Paul, and Bettye never tired of calling friends back home with daily weather reports from Land O’ Lakes.

We even laughed that if there was anything positive about Dad being gone, it was that Bettye and I could plan our activities without Dad’s standard objection: “We’ve already done that — why would you want to do it again?”

And truthfully, we never would have had such an action-packed week, if Dad had been here.

Which brings me back to the remarkable strength and ongoing love that Bettye extolls. At age 84, her positive outlook on life and her many memories of Dad that she warmly shares, help me to accept that Dad is really gone, and reminds me that life goes on, and I have much to be thankful for.

I am so grateful for Bettye.

I first met her when I was a college student and Dad introduced her to me as his new girlfriend. This was almost four years after my mother died from breast cancer at age 48, leaving behind 10 children, the youngest just 10 years old.

My father taught seventh-grade social studies, and Bettye’s daughter was one of his students. They met at a parent-teacher conference. Dad admired Bettye’s fortitude as a single mother, and was impressed by her commitment to her children and their education.

A few years after my mother died, Dad and Bettye reconnected at a bowling alley where they played on different leagues. They began dating, and married in 1980.

Bettye enjoys a bite to eat at Carmine’s in Ybor City.

I was 25 when they married, and had already moved to Florida. Dad and Bettye visited me every year, sometimes more than once. They were always here — at the most joyous and most difficult times of my life.

They were here for the births and christenings of my two children, Andy and Rachel. They were here for their graduations from high school and college. They helped my family make major moves from Florida to Chicago, and back to Florida again. And, they shared countless holidays and birthdays.

Dad and Bettye were also at my side during my darkest days, including a divorce after 25 years of marriage. They guided me as I rebuilt my business and encouraged me to open my heart to love again.

I always thought it was Dad who insisted he and Bettye visit every year, who made sure my children were loved as much as their grandchildren in Minnesota, and who helped me financially when I had nowhere else to turn.

I realize now that it was Bettye, as much as my father, who insisted on our close family connections through the years.

Bettye never took credit for their regular visits to Florida, or for forging the strong relationships between my children and their Minnesota grandparents.

She was the one who my father listened to, his partner for almost four decades, who quietly, behind the scenes, helped make Dad the man his children and grandchildren so admired and loved.

Today I want to honor and thank Bettye for being a marvelous mother to me, and endearing grandmother to Andy and Rachel.

She is a woman who influenced me more than I ever realized until this glorious Easter season that we shared together as mother and daughter, and as women who are working to overcome the almost unbearable loss of a husband and father.

Published April 26, 2017

La Yuma dishes Cuban cuisine in Lutz

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Chef Pepe Diaz keeps a close eye on what goes on in his kitchen.

The Cuban dishes that pass from the kitchen to the dining room at La Yuma restaurant are authentic to his native country.

But, Diaz also has recipes uniquely his own.

His back story in itself is not the typical path to culinary success.

Chef Pepe Diaz, left, his wife, Tania Diaz, his daughter, Thania Diaz Clevenger, and son-in-law, Ashley Clevenger, stand outside their new Lutz restaurant – La Yuma.
(Courtesy of Kathy Steele)

As a political prisoner of Fidel Castro, his job in jail was to take scant food staples and turn them into meals for himself and other prisoners.

Later exiled from Cuba, Diaz went first to Spain, and then, to Miami and Key West, where he nurtured a dream of becoming a restaurant entrepreneur.

Patrons of his Key West restaurant in Mallory Square – El Meson de Pepe – have been dining on Diaz’ cuisine for more than 30 years.

Now his daughter and son-in-law, Thania Diaz Clevenger and Ashley Clevenger, are bringing the family recipes to Lutz and Tampa Bay.

Ashley Clevenger is general manager; Thania Clevenger is in charge of marketing. Family matriarch, Tania Diaz, is helpmate to her 76-year-old husband, and overall consultant.

It’s a family-rooted business for five generations.

“But, nobody gets to be chef,” noted Thania Clevenger, except for her father.

La Yuma restaurant opened in Lutz in January, at 16411 N. Florida Ave., south of the apex linking U.S. 41 and Florida Avenue.

The establishment replaces a series of bars that never quite caught on, including The Lutz Area Hangout and Twisted Rooster Bar & Grill.

The bar atmosphere is gone.

La Yuma offers fine casual dining wrapped in a family centric environment.

Murals on the walls depict the journey of Cuban refugees to America, and for some — their new lives in Ybor City.

Pepe Diaz gather at a table at La Yuma restaurant, in Lutz. The family opened the Cuban restaurant in January.

The restaurant’s name, “La Yuma,” is from the street lingo that Cubans use as a stand-in for the United States.

Some believe the term comes from a classic western, “3:10 to Yuma.” The movie, first made in 1957, had a remake in 2007.

“The whole idea was not to tell just our family’s story, but all Cubans’ story,” said Thania Clevenger.

An outdoor patio taps into island leisure. A banquet room will host weddings, parties and special events.

Latin bands perform live on Fridays and Saturdays. Cigars by Tampa’s J.C. Newman cigar company can be enjoyed with Cuba libres, Pepe’s Homemade Sangria and cocktail specialties.

The menu offers tapas, or small plates, including Cuban nachos and Camarone Al Ajillo, a pan-seared shrimp with garlic, parsley and white wine sauce.

Entrees include Cuban favorites, such as Rope Vieja and Picadillo Habanero, as well as combination platters and Paella de La Pepe. A children’s menu includes a Cuban steak platter, hamburgers and chicken fingers.

But, La Yuma isn’t by any means a replica of Diaz’ Key West restaurant. It’s a plan, years and generations in the waiting.

“We kept envisioning a different restaurant we wanted to get to do,” said Thania Clevenger. “We’d sit and daydream about it.”

Thania Clevenger is a civil and human rights attorney who grew up helping out in her father’s restaurant. She earned her law degree from Stetson University.

Ashley Clevenger is a former firefighter and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.

They moved to Tampa Bay in 2007, and to Lutz in 2011. They have one son, 5-year-old Dean Sergio, and another child due in August.

They like the area’s small town.

Ashley Clevenger said his hometown in Illinois had 850 residents. He graduated in a class of 18 students.

“It’s all about family,” he said.

This family legacy is founded on activism and dreaming.

“He essentially lost everything,” said his daughter, of her father’s journey from Cuba to America.

He met his wife Tania, also a Cuban refugee, when they both worked at a Miami restaurant. The move to Key West followed.

El Meson is still family owned and operated.

And, now, La Yuma represents another beginning.

“Once it’s in your blood, it’s always in your blood,” said Thania Clevenger.

La Yuma is open Tuesday-Thursday, and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For information, visit LaYuma.net.

Published April 26, 2017

Festivities set to honor Earth Day

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Finding ways to celebrate Mother Earth and to recycle, upcycle and preserve its precious resources are the themes of Earth Day celebrations planned around the region.

One of the largest area events planned for Earth Day, known as Earth Day Tampa Bay, got its start as EcoFest at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz.

One shopper can collect 500 bags in a year, according to this depiction of the concept that was seen walking around at last year’s Earth Day Tampa Bay, also known as EcoFest, at Lowry Park.
(Courtesy of Learning Gate Community School)

Now, in its eighth year, the event has become Tampa’s signature Earth Day event, and it has grown into a collaboration between Learning Gate, the University of South Florida Office of Student Affairs and the City of Tampa.

The event is set to take place at the Lowry Park Zoo Bandshell area, at 7525 N. Boulevard, in Tampa, on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Thousands of people typically attend the event to learn the latest in earth-friendly practices and products, and to check out the fun activities offered for kids.

The event celebrates the principles of sustainability: Ecology, Equity and Economy. This year’s sponsors are Tampa Bay Water and Tampa Electric Co.

Planned highlights include a parkour agility course created by a participant in American Ninja Warrior, a kid-friendly Yoga Zone with classes, crafts, games and other fun activities.

Costumed superheroes will be roaming around; bands will be performing, and there will be plenty of chances to pick up some pointers on sustainable living.

Michele Northrup, organizer of the event, has been involved since the beginning.

“It’s going to be exciting this year,” said Northrup, noting “we have over 138 vendors.

“We have sustainability experts … We’ll have hybrid and electric vehicles. We have one vendor … who will demonstrate wind power,” she said.

The Owl Sanctuary will be bringing the beautiful owls that it protects, Northrup said.

There also will be interactive booths and chances for people to purchase everything from local honey to handmade soap to all sorts of other eco-friendly items, she said.

While EcoFest is expected to draw thousands to Lowry Park, Pasco County also is hosting an Earth Day celebration.

The family friendly event will take place at Crews Lake Wilderness Park, 16739 Crews Lake Drive in Spring Hill. It is scheduled for April 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We’re excited that the event will actually fall on Earth Day this year,” Lottie Kelley, event chair for Earth Day, said in a release. “This year, we’re adding the Suncoast Trail Earth Day Ride and Rick’s Raptor Rescue,” she said.

Other planned activities include:

  • Children’s crafts and education displays
  • An Interactive Water Ventures Learning Lab
  • A Florida native plants sale
  • Pet adoptions
  • A ladybug release
  • Upcycle vendors
  • An appearance by Spike, the 10-foot alligator from Croc Encounters
  • Household hazardous waste collection
  • Electronics recycling
  • A pill take-back program (for unwanted or expired medications)

Concessions will be sold by Mary Giella Elementary School as a PTA fundraiser.

Also, the University of Florida’s IFAS/Extension will offer two workshops: Rain Water Harvesting at 10 a.m., and Composting at 12:30 p.m. Preregistration is required for both workshops. Sign up online at Pasco.IFAS.ufl.edu/events_calendar.shtml.

To sign up, click on April and scroll down to event 1 of 2.

For more information about the festival, contact Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King at (727) 856-7252 or kking@@pascocountyfl.net.

Published April 29, 2017

Tour a $1.9 million home, enjoy a party, raise money for charity

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You don’t have to be among the rich and famous to dip into the lifestyle during the Party at Bella Lago, a charity event set for this weekend.

Waterford Designs is hosting a benefit for the American Cancer Society and breast cancer research on April 8, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The party will be at the Bella Largo Model Home, 18707 Cypress Shores Drive in Lutz.

A poolside view, looking back to Lake Cooper.
(B.C. Manion)

Party-goers will see distinct features wherever they look, in the $1.9 million house designed and built by Toliver Payne, on Lake Cooper in Lutz.

During a preview tour for The Laker/Lutz News, Payne pointed out some of the unique features in the Tuscan-style home, which has 7,720 square feet of space under roof, including 5,405 square feet of living space.

For instance, when party-goers walk through the front door, they will be greeted by a soaring 23-foot ceiling in the foyer and a faux-stone vault, which leads to the rear of the home and a beautiful view of the lake.

As they walk through the vault, they’ll discover a massive room that stretches across the entire rear of the house.

Talk about being spacious — there’s certainly plenty of room in the master bath’s shower at Bella Lago.

Though it’s one single room, he uses beams to create a sense of separation between the gathering spaces on both ends, and kitchen outfitted with high quality equipment, in the middle, Payne said.

On one side of the house, there’s a transition zone leading to a study, a huge walk-in closet, a master bedroom, and a master bath, which includes a giant walk-in shower, a soaker bath and other special features.

The first floor also has a formal dining room and a wine room. And, on the other side of the house, for privacy, a guest bedroom.

A single staircase leads to a second-floor landing, where separate staircases split off leading to bedrooms on both sides of the house. There’s also a room that seems to offer an ideal place for kids to play.

Outdoors, there’s a swimming pool, a baby pool and a Jacuzzi, as well as steps leading down to a fire pit area, closer to Lake Cooper.

There are plenty of spaces where people can have quiet conversations, or gather in larger groups all over the property, indoors and out.

This soaker tub will offer future residents a nice place to relax.

And, those are just a few of the highlights awaiting those attending the Party of Bella Lago, or checking out the house during the 2017 Parade of Homes, presented by the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

Beyond touring the home, those attending the Party at Bella Lago will be able to partake of an open bar, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, live music and dancing, a fashion show, a live auction, a 50/50 raffle and valet parking. Tickets for the soiree are $75 each.

Waterford Designs Inc., owned by Payne, is a luxury homebuilder with more than 200 custom homes in communities, including Eagle Crest in Lutz, Sanctuary on Livingston in Lutz, Brookside in Wesley Chapel, Saddlewood Estates in Wesley Chapel, Turnbury Tampa Palms and Stone Lake Ranch in Thonotosassa.

Other sponsors for Party at Bella Lago include Stone Saver Inc., Scarboro Design, Olde Town Pavers, Total Design Source, Belgium Diamonds Inc., Meares Plumbing, Beaute Savage, SaltBlock Catering Co., and Princess Boutique.

Party at Bella Lago
What: Benefit for American Cancer Society and Breast Cancer Research
Where: Bella Lago Model Home, 18707 Cypress Shores Drive in Lutz
When: April 8, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person
Details: Event-goers can explore a Tuscan-style $1.9 million home on Lake Cooper, featuring 7,720 square feet under roof and unique design details. The party includes an open bar, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, live music and dancing, a fashion show, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and valet parking. RSVP: (813) 948-4160. For more information, bit.ly/partyatbellalago.

Published April 5, 2017

Egg hunts and services planned to celebrate Easter

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If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Easter season, you’ll find plenty of options across the region.

There are fun events, such as Easter crafts and egg hunts, solemn Good Friday events and Easter service celebrations.

Here are few highlights from around the area covered by The Laker/Lutz News.

They are presented here, in chronological order.

  • The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, has created a new event called the Jelly Bean Fling that will debut on April 8, and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $5 for anyone over 5 years old, and parking is free.

Natalie and Nolan Kassabaum pause for a photo op with Jasper the Easter Bunny, who will be one of the highlights at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s Jelly Bean Fling, set for April 8. The photo was taken at The Book Shack.
(Courtesy of Pioneer Florida Museum & Village)

The schedule begins with “Breakfast with Jasper, the Easter Bunny” at 9 a.m. A pancake breakfast, with bacon or sausage, will be served for $3 each. After breakfast, kids can make their own Easter bonnet, with hats provided to decorate, while supplies last. Then, they can march in the Easter Parade with Mr. Tommy.

There will be Easter egg hunts, with four different age groups, up to age 12, which will have staggered start times, beginning at noon.

Other highlights will include face painting, a petting zoo, touch a truck, a bounce house, a slide, train rides and many games to play. There also will be armbands for $5 each for unlimited selective activities. Individual pricing will be available as well.

Mr. Tommy will perform at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the Gazebo. The concession stand will be open with freshly made hamburgers and hot dogs. There also will be food trucks.

For information, call Brenda Minton at the Pioneer Florida Museum (352) 567-0262 or (352) 206-8889.

  • First United Methodist Church, 38635 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills, invites children through fifth grade to a free Easter egg hunt on April 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. To maximize fun and fairness for all, four separate hunts will take place. The groups are: Infants to 2-year-olds; 3- and 4-year olds; kindergarten through second-graders; and, third- through fifth-graders.

Additional activities will include a petting zoo, pony ride, jumpy house, games with small prizes, snacks and crafts. All activities are free and there is no event admission.

  • The San Antonio Farmers Market is offering a Spring Market on April 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., in San Antonio.

The market will feature a basket chance drawing, with more than a dozen baskets containing everything from gift certificates to chocolates to Irish Coffee ingredients.

Vendors will sell fresh produce, free-range brown eggs, jams and jellies, wine, organic plants and seeds, old-fashioned roses, dried herbs and herbal oils, honey, jewelry, woodwork, dog treats, and several types of yard art. Jim’s Hot Dogs will offer hot dogs, coffee and sodas for sale, and there will be free Easter crafts and games for the kids. The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Antonio. For information about the Farmers Market or the Rotary Club of San Antonio, contact President Winnie Burke at (352) 437-5161 or .

  • Saint Leo University’s Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and the First Year Experience team are hosting Easter Eggstravaganza on April 9, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children of all ages from the community, as well as faculty, staff, and students, are welcome to attend the free event, which will be in The Bowl, behind Saint Francis Hall and the Daniel A. Cannon Memorial Library. The university is at 33701 State Road 52. Take Exit 285 off Interstate 75 and go 4 miles east.
This cross, shrouded in purple, is a sign of the Lenten season at Saint Leo University. Many area churches will be having Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter services, so check the local church’s bulletin or website for more information.
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Activities will include an Easter egg hunt, egg toss, egg race, games, and more. Candy and snacks will be available. Tri Sigma also will have a tent where participants can make tie blankets for the March of Dimes. For information, contact .

  • Grace Community Church, in Wesley Chapel, is inviting area residents to celebrate Palm Sunday on April 9 at 10:30 a.m. Plans include an outdoor worship service on the church property, 7107 Boyette Road, with a large shade tent and comfortable church chairs. There will also be a full-length Grace Harbor program for kids from newborns to fifth-graders. After the service, there will be a hot dog lunch, bounce house and an egg hunt. For information, visit ExploreGrace.com.
  • The Tampa Bay Moms Group is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and Craft event April 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Northdale Park, 15550 Spring Pine Drive in Tampa.
  • Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road in Lutz, has scheduled Holy Week services, including Maundy Thursday on April 13 at 7 p.m.; Good Friday on April 14, at noon and 7 p.m.; and Easter Sunday on April 16, with a sunrise service at 7 a.m., and a worship service at 10 a.m. For information, call (813) 9494-7173, or visit HolyTrinityLutz.com.
  • Harvester United Methodist Church, at 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, has scheduled its Holy Week services, including Maundy Thursday on April 13 at 7 p.m.; Good Friday on April 14 at 7 p.m.; a community Easter egg hunt on April 15 from 10 a.m. until noon; and Easter services on April 16, at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For information, call (813) 948-2311, or visit HarvesterUMC.com.
  • Heritage Church, 1854 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz, has schedule Easter weekend services for April 15 at 6 p.m., and April 16, at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11: 30 a.m. It will have a kids’ egg hunt after each service, so be sure to bring baskets for the kids. There also will be live music and a special message of “Hope and Purpose.” Also, there will be children’s classes for all ages. The atmosphere is casual, and there will be free refreshments. To find out more, call (813)909-4080, or visit YesHeritage.com.

Many area churches have special celebrations planned for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter. Check their websites or church bulletins for more information.

Published April 5, 2017