Lutz

Woman’s club gears up for annual flea market

March 2, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Donations have been flowing into the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

The organization has received thousands of items, as its gears up for the annual Woman’s Club Flea Market scheduled for March 4 and March 5 at the Historic Old Lutz School, 18819 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz.

Lois Cohen, left, and Ruby Helphrey, sort through donation items at the Historic Old Lutz School. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos) — Lois Cohen, left, and Ruby Helphrey, sort through donation items at the Historic Old Lutz School.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

The flea market is set to be the club’s largest fundraiser this year, because its annual arts and crafts festival, typically held in December had to be cancelled due the development of a sinkhole at Lake Park.

“The community has really been rallying around. I think we have more donations this year,” said Cathy Mathes, president of the woman’s club.

“This year, we’re in particular need,” she said. “We just want to exceed last year’s (flea market) number.”

People have donated a wide range of goods from household and children’s items to antiques and collectibles, to sports equipment and gardening tools.

“If you walk around, you’ll see we have one of everything,” Mathes said.

Higher-end items such as silver and crystal can be found at “huge bargains,” Mathes noted.

The flea market, which has been around for more than 35 years, typically attracts thousands of shoppers during its two-day run.

When patrons want to take a little break from shopping, they can grab a bite to eat at the food booth — which will be offering breakfast items, baked goods, hot dogs, coffee and other beverages.

To help keep the event running smoothly, the club enlists the help of over 80 volunteers — including the member’s husbands and children.

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club organize donations as they prepare for the annual Woman’s Club Flea Market on March 4 and March 5.

Besides raising money, the event provides a chance for club members to spend time with each other and with people from the community, the club president said.

“It’s so much fun with the camaraderie,” Mathes said. “I really enjoy working with the people. …You get to know people better than just seeing them at a (woman’s club) meeting.”

At the end of the event, leftover items will be donated to local organizations, including Goodwill and Salvation Army, local nursing homes, veterans’ charities and local libraries.

Figuring out how much the club can give in scholarships and to the various organizations it helps will be tougher this year.

The cancellation of the arts and crafts festival has forced the club to scramble to secure funds for local organizations and college scholarships.

“We plan to sit down and look at how much we make, and decide what we’re going to do with it, because it’s still not what we had last year,” Mathes explained. “We had (raised) $30,000, plus we had the flea market (donations) last year. …We have to be very careful about budgeting it out.”

Anyone who wishes to donate items for the flea market still has time. Donations will be accepted until March 3. All donations should be in clean and in working order. Large appliances and sleeper sofas cannot be accepted.

What: Woman’s Club Flea Market
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz
When: March 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and March 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, call (813) 949-1937 or (813) 948-4752.

Published March 2, 2016

Arts and crafts festival finds new home

March 2, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival has a new home.

After months of searching, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club found an ideal fit for the festival at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa.

The festival is slated for the first weekend in December.

The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival will take place at Keystone Prep High School on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 this year. Last year’s festival was cancelled at Lake Park after a sinkhole developed in a road. (File Photo) — The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival will take place at Keystone Prep High School on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 this year. Last year’s festival was cancelled at Lake Park after a sinkhole developed in a road.
(File Photo)

According to woman’s club president Cathy Mathes, the two-day festival will be at Keystone Prep for “the next few years.”

Mathes was particularly impressed by the school’s large property, and the school’s enthusiasm in hosting the event.

“They’re getting the students involved. They have a really involved parent club that’s going to be doing a lot of work, too,” the club president said, noting the festival will be mutually beneficial for fundraising purposes.

Last December, the 36th annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival was cancelled at Lake Park due to a sinkhole that was estimated as being around 6 feet wide and 100 feet deep. The club had also encountered some problems with flooding on park roads during previous arts and crafts festivals.

After the cancellation, the woman’s club opted to find a new location to house the popular event, which typically attracts up to 30,000 people.

The festival is the largest yearly fundraiser for the club, which gives back to the community in the form of college scholarships and donations to local charities.

The process of finding a new location was “quite a search,” according to Pat Serio, head of public relations for the woman’s club.

“Finding a new venue is not as easy as it appears,” Serio said. “We can’t just relocate to a (land) parcel. We have to have infrastructure and electricity.”

Serio added it was important to keep the arts and crafts festival near Lutz.

“A lot of people pitched location ideas, but some weren’t practical or weren’t going to work,” Serio said.

“Someone, for instance, suggested the (Florida State) Fairgrounds. We can’t do that; we have to keep it in our area.”

To make up for the dearth of funds caused by cancellation of the festival nearly three months ago, the woman’s club plans to host several smaller events and fundraisers throughout the year.

“We’re trying to take the burden off our club members’ shoulders, because it’s a heavy financial demand on us,” Serio said. “We’re trying to reach our (donation) numbers.”

One new event, titled ‘White Nights,’ is slated for October near the Lutz Branch Library. It will feature music, food and original artwork for sale at reasonable prices.

Published March 2, 2016

CrossFit En Fuego part of growing fitness movement

March 2, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Peter and Jennifer Abreut have been operating a CrossFit gym even before the fitness movement became mainstream just a few years ago.

They have witnessed the rapid growth of CrossFit firsthand since they opened a 1,200-square-foot fitness warehouse — near the Tire Kingdom in Lutz — over six years ago.

Peter and Jennifer Abreut opened the 8,500-square-foot CrossFit gym a little over four years ago. (Photos courtesy of Peter and Jennifer Abreut) — Peter and Jennifer Abreut opened the 8,500-square-foot CrossFit gym a little over four years ago.
(Photos courtesy of Peter and Jennifer Abreut)

At that time, their gym’s membership totaled about 20 members, essentially consisting of close friends and family members.

A lot has changed relatively quickly.

The Abreuts now operate CrossFit En Fuego, a CrossFit Inc. affiliate, which is housed in an 8,500-square-foot facility, at 3320 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

CrossFit En Fuego, a play off Peter’s Cuban roots and past experience as a firefighter, has nearly 200 members, and also includes a kids’ program for ages 4 to 17.

According to a report by the Harvard Business School, CrossFit Inc., is the fastest growing community of fitness service businesses ever.

In 2005, there were 13 CrossFit affiliates. That figure rose to over 12,000 in 2015, according to that report.

“When we started, not many people knew about CrossFit,” Peter said. “It wasn’t on ESPN. We just had to go out there and tell people. Now, we get people all the time that say, ‘I saw that on TV, and I think I want to do it.’”

CrossFit En Fuego incorporates a broad range of ages, body types and levels of fitness.

On weekdays, several classes are held from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturdays, the Abreuts offer a free class at 9 a.m.

CrossFit En Fuego includes members of all ages, body types and fitness levels. Workouts can be scaled down or suited to match each participant’s abilities.

The combination of a group (usually eight to 12 people) setting and hands-on instruction has made the fitness craze an attractive option, compared to the typical workout experience.

“You make friends when you come in and build a community…so you motivate each other through that, and you’re held accountable through your peers,” Jennifer said. “People are always together within a group and with a coach, so it’s almost like personal training.”

With new workouts plastered across a dry erase board each day, members can walk in without the worry of planning out an exercise routine.

“People love it because they don’t have to think. They come in, look at the workout of the day, and we guide them through it and work with them,” Peter said. “We’re going to teach you how to do all the movements correctly and make sure you’re moving safely, and getting the right kind of workout for your level.”

While some current or prospective members may have certain aesthetic goals — leaner build, more defined muscles — CrossFit’s focus is more about completing the workouts, and building off that progress to get faster, stronger and more flexible.

“It’s much more fun to take the focus off of trying to do something because you want to tone up, and then just try to do something because you want to get better or be competitive with somebody in your class,” Peter explained. “In doing that, I tell everybody, ‘Your body is going to respond, and it’s going to start changing. Your body has no option but to get in shape.’”

As opposed to running on a treadmill or gliding on an elliptical machine, CrossFit workouts are often based around Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics movements and traditional plyometric exercises, which involve jumping movements.

CrossFit En Fuego is located at 3320 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It is owned and operated by Peter and Jennifer Abreut.

Everything from squat racks, monkey bar rigs, gymnastic rings, box jumps, rowing machines, medicine balls, kettle bells and barbells are used in the workout routines, which typically last an hour.

“We don’t use very many machines,” Peter said. “What we’re teaching is for you to move well. Putting something overhead is a lot different compared to if (a machine) just goes up and down.”

Every day, the routine changes. One day, members may find themselves using a jump rope and doing pull-ups. The next, they may run a 5K outdoors.

Not having the same exercise everyday helps keep members interested and on their toes, Peter said.

“We’re trying to be as balanced as we can. It’s called GPP—General Physical Preparedness, where you’re trying to hit everything at once,” he said. “That’s one of the cool things about it—you’re hitting all the fitness domains. You’re getting stronger, you’re getting faster, and you’re getting more aerobic endurance. You’re developing all that together, instead of specifying one thing.”

According to Jennifer, members have seen noticeable results—both body and mind— in as little as six weeks.

“Your body realizes how to recover from (the workouts),” she said. “With the interval training, your body releases the happy hormones (endorphins.) Within a couple hours after the workout…your body feels that extra burst of energy.

“I always tell them, ‘We’re keeping you out of that nursing home.’”

After several months, more substantial results begin to kick in, Peter said.

“I can’t even count how many members — after six to 12 months — have said, ‘My doctor just took me off three medications,’ or ‘I’m down 10 percent body fat.’ And that’s awesome to hear,” he said.

“The bottom line is, it does work,” he said.

Depending on the length of commitment, membership costs range from $135 to $165 a month.

Jennifer said some prospective members may initially be “scared” by some of the CrossFit exercises and movements, but they quickly realize the environment isn’t as intimidating as they perceived.

“The hardest part is walking through that door,” she said.

CrossFit En Fuego
What: Family-owned and operated facility featuring group workouts based on functional movements, reflecting the aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running and rowing
Where: 3320 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes
Hours: Weekdays from 5:15 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: $135 to $165 a month
More information: CrossFitEnFuego.com, call (813) 601-4183, or email .

Published March 2, 2016

Town hall covers myriad topics

February 24, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A local church was packed with more than 100 residents during a town hall meeting held by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, and county staff.

Those attending had a chance to get a primer on how Pasco County departments function, and to get snapshots of what’s happening across the county and in their neighborhood.

They also got a chance to speak face-to-face with county staff members on issues, including the proposed Ridge Road extension, flood prevention efforts, and the future of the State Road 54 and U.S 41 intersection.

The meeting, which lasted around three hours, was held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz.

County staff members gave presentations about planning and growth, stormwater, code enforcement, parks and recreation, crime prevention, capital projects and transportation.

More than 100 residents came to a town hall meeting at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz. The meeting was hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County staff members. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — More than 100 residents came to a town hall meeting at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz. The meeting was hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County staff members.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Residents had a chance to ask a few questions at the end of each presentation, and could meet privately with staff members, too.

“We tried to think of things that are of concern to you,” Starkey said, in her opening remarks.

Richard Gehring, the county’s strategic policy administrator, gave residents a picture of the county’s population growth.

The census pegged the county’s population at about 467,000 in 2010. Even during the recession, the county grew by about 20,000 residents a year, Gehring said.

And by 2040, the population could increase to about 905,000 countywide.

“This will be the predominant growth area,” Gehring said of central Pasco especially along the State Road 54 corridor.

Residents from Sierra Pines, in Lutz, raised concerns about flooding. Their neighborhood suffered during the summer rainfalls and they worry that enough isn’t being done to address stormwater problems.

The county has identified about $300 million in stormwater projects, but has no funding source as yet.

“That will be an issue with the county commission this year,” said Starkey. “We’re trying to figure out how to do that.”

One resident asked about completion of the Ridge Road extension.

The 8-mile long project is a high priority for the county as a link connecting east and west Pasco, and as an evacuation route in hurricanes and other emergencies.

It has been delayed for more than 15 years, as the county awaits a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Starkey said the application is the longest standing permit request in the country.

Pasco hired a consultant several months ago to help with the process.

“We’re going to try to get louder and louder, and get this squeaky wheel done,” Starkey said.

Finding a solution to the increasing traffic congestion, especially at State Road 54 and U.S. 41, is another issue that has stirred controversy.

Two volunteer task forces created by Pasco County are currently reviewing a set of road projects to improve traffic flow. The Florida Department of Transportation also is reviewing options that could include a flyover that would elevate State Road 54 over U.S. 41 and potentially set aside toll lanes.

But, a range of transportation options will be needed to deal with traffic, as growth and development proceed, said James Edwards, director of Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Transit and even passenger rail along the CSX rail line that crosses U.S. 41 at State Road 54 are possibilities, he said. The rail line is a back door to the Tampa International Airport, the University of South Florida, and into Pinellas County and Clearwater, he said.

“It is a line that absolutely connects us,” he said. “It’s an underutilized asset that may come into play in the future.”

Published February 24, 2016

Thrift store seeks to push up sales

February 24, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Christian Social Services of Lutz & Land O’ Lakes Inc., gets a lot of visitors, as people bring donations to the thrift store at 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., which resembles a large red barn.

But, the charity had been trying to figure out a way to capture some of that traffic, before it headed back onto Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, said Jacquie Petet, executive director of the charitable organization.

Jacquie Petet and Patty Byers work at Christian Social Services Thrift Store. The nonprofit organization provides help, in a variety of ways, to people who are struggling. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Jacquie Petet and Patty Byers work at Christian Social Services Thrift Store. The nonprofit organization provides help, in a variety of ways, to people who are struggling.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

That’s when they came up with the idea of issuing $3 in Red Barn Bucks to anyone who brings in a donation, Petet said.

The store needs to sell more merchandise to help cover payroll, utilities and other expenses, Petet said.

“We are a very low-budget organization. If you look around, you could probably find three things in this office that we actually paid money for. We just wait until it comes through the back door,” Petet said.

There are four employees and about two dozen regular volunteers. It also gets help, periodically, from youth groups and community organizations.

Despite its small staff, the organization provides great services, said Loretta Parker, who was at the thrift store recently to pick up some food from the pantry.

“If it hadn’t been for this place, I would be so far under,” Parker said. “They are great with every kind of help,” she said.

Volunteers Nancy Taylor, Beverly Maples and Mary Whitaker said they enjoy helping out.

Taylor was busy sorting bakery items on a recent day, while Maples and Whitaker stocked shelves in the food pantry.

“I like doing it,” Maples said. “I love the people here.”

Christian Social Services Thrift Store, 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., is trying to encourage people who drop off donations to come inside and shop away. They’re giving $3 in Red Barn Bucks to spend in the store to anyone who makes a donation.

The food and other services that Christian Social Services provides are much-needed in the community, Taylor said.

Patty Byers said she first became acquainted with the thrift store when she needed help.

“That was 13 years ago,” she said.

When Byers got back on her feet, she became a volunteer, and then she became a part-time employee.

“It’s a lovely place to work,” Byers said.

“We see people coming in that can’t feed their children, and when they leave, their shoulders are little more up, their head is a little higher,” Byers said.

“It’s a wonderful place,” she said.

Byers said they can also provide encouragement and remind those who are struggling that, “even though things seem bad, they can get better.”

People who enjoy thrift shopping will find much to peruse at the thrift shop, including clothing, housewares, interior décor, books, china and other items.

Christian Social Services opened its doors in August 1987. It is supported by churches in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, and serves families and individuals in north Hillsborough and Central Pasco counties.

Loretta Parker was at Christian Social Services Thrift Store recently to pick up some groceries. She said the charitable organization has been a saving grace for her.

The organization provides backpacks, school supplies and clothing for school-aged children; food, clothing, household necessities for families, support services to people in crisis, and holiday food baskets and Christmas toys to families in need.

The organization also partners with FUMC-Lutz and Mission Tampa to provide free dental care for people in need within the community.

And, it sponsors and coordinates National Day of Prayer activities.

Its member churches are All Saints Lutheran, Candlewood Community Church, Church of the Lakes, First Baptist of Lutz, First United Methodist of Land O’ Lakes, First United Methodist of Lutz, Grace Family Church, Harvester United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran, Idlewild Baptist, Land O’ Lakes Church of God and Tims Memorial Church.

Additional churches that provide support are Church of the Suncoast, Cornerstone Presbyterian, Heritage Christian Center, Keystone Community, and Village Presbyterian.

The thrift store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The emergency food pantry is open during those hours, too.

Christian Social Services Thrift Store
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: Clothing, linens, shoes, dishes, jeans, small appliances, jewelry, books, home décor
Where: 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Deals: Every month, items marked with a different color are on sale. Everyone who donates goods receives a $3 coupon to spend in the store.
For more information: (813) 995-0088

Published February 24, 2016

Player returns to soccer, after 17 broken bones

February 10, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Jim Harte did not expect Spencer Peek to be playing soccer this year.

That’s because the head soccer coach for Carrollwood Day School didn’t see how Peek could recover from the 17 broken bones the teenager sustained in a single-car accident on Aug. 17, 2014.

Peek, 16 at the time, broke both arms and legs. He also broke his sternum and pelvis.

Carrollwood Day School’s Spencer Peek launches a kick during a soccer game from this past season. The senior center midfielder broke 17 bones in a car accident in 2014, and recovered in time to play in the 2015-2016 season. (Photos courtesy of Alyce Peek) — Carrollwood Day School’s Spencer Peek launches a kick during a soccer game from this past season. The senior center midfielder broke 17 bones in a car accident in 2014, and recovered in time to play in the 2015-2016 season.
(Photos courtesy of Alyce Peek)

The accident, occurred near Cheval Boulevard, at Wimbledon Court, in Lutz, when Peek’s car hydroplaned because of rainy conditions. The car hit a speed limit sign and an oak tree before sliding about 70 feet sideways on the road.

“To watch him come back was hard to imagine,” said Harte, who has coached at Carrollwood for four seasons. “I honestly thought he wouldn’t play again.”

The Patriots’ soccer season is over. The team fell 3-0 to St. Petersburg Catholic on Jan. 29 in the Class A region quarterfinals.

But, that doesn’t overshadow Peek’s impressive battle to get back onto the field, including four surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.

“When he first came out of the wheelchair, and I watched him move — and I’m an optimist — I was looking at him moving, thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, I don’t know how he’s going to do it,’” the coach said. “To expect that he could be our starting center midfielder is amazing. He has come so far.”

The accident left Peek wheelchair-bound for about a quarter of his junior year.

Unable to play soccer during the 2014-2015 season, Peek helped Harte on the sidelines, serving as a sounding board, of sorts.

Harte often turned to Peek for advice on in-game strategy and the use of personnel.

“I would consult him during the games,” Harte said. “He was very engaged on that level. He was like an assistant coach.”

Peek said the opportunity to view the game from afar turned out to be a “pretty unbelievable experience.”

“Coach Harte is such an amazing coach, and for him to show me the respect that he did — being a junior in high school — and he still listened to me,” Peek said. “I did learn a lot from a different perspective, because I’ve always been a player on the soccer team. For him to have the conversations with me, to include me the way he did was…eye-opening.”

Peek’s work on the sidelines helped him gain a deeper understanding of the game, helping to offset his initial loss in foot speed, athleticism and conditioning.

Spencer Peek gets some instruction during a game from Jim Harte, head soccer coach at Carrollwood Day School.

“He got by on his will and his brains. He’s a very smart player, and he reads the game very well, which means he doesn’t have to run as much as someone who doesn’t read the game as well as he does,” Harte said about his team captain. “He anticipates and knows where to find a play, and think two or three passes ahead. He studies the opponent, and within the first 10 minutes of each game, he’s kind of got the opponent figured out.

“Getting up and down the field was very challenging, but he mitigated that by his ability to read the game,” Harte said.

Peek, also a former standout football player at Carrollwood, said one of the biggest challenges of performing on the soccer field was getting back into his “physical being.”

Before the car accident, Peek was a well-built 6-foot, 190-pound teenager. By the time he started walking again, Peek had withered to 140-pounds.

“I had lost so much weight, I was almost a skeleton. I felt so much skinnier and so much weaker,” said Peek, who has since returned to 190 pounds. “It was just physically about gaining back my size, my legs, getting my mass back. I feel much more solid than I did five months ago.”

Peek said the rehab and recovery process was a battle, and noted that being stuck in a hospital bed after the accident was tough.

“When you’re in that situation, at least for me, I couldn’t dwell on it,” he said.

Instead, Peek focused on the future.

“It was about mentally keeping myself on the track, and not straying off and feeling sorry for myself,” he said.

“I was unbelievably blessed to have my family and friends really rally around me. That was my source of strength,” he added.

Rendered completely immobile for three weeks after the accident forced him to “see the world through the eyes of somebody who’s permanently handicapped,” he said.

That broadened his understanding, he said.

“To even get a glimpse of what (handicapped) life is like just really shows you how strong the people are that face that situation permanently,” he said.

Despite the trials and tribulations, Peek said he wouldn’t change what he has gone through.

“The way I saw life before compared to now — you think more about things after experiencing something like that,” he said.

“I just feel like I’m more conscious of what I’m doing,” Peek said.

“Your entire outlook changes and you understand how quickly everything can be taken away,” he said. “I’m so much more grateful for everything now.”

Published February 10, 2016

Ideas clash for solving traffic woes

February 10, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A proposal for a flyover at State Road 54 and U.S. 41 got a big thumb’s down at a recent transportation task force meeting aimed at finding solutions for reducing congestion on one of Pasco County’s busiest east/west corridors.

In fact, the idea of a flyover anywhere along State Road 54 and State Road 56 between U.S. 19 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard met stiff resistance.

About 50 people, including members of two separate task forces, residents and Pasco County officials, met Feb. 2 at Rasmussen College to discuss options.

A heavy volume of cars and trucks makes State Road 54 and U.S. 41 one of the busiest intersections in Pasco County. (File Photo) — A heavy volume of cars and trucks makes State Road 54 and U.S. 41 one of the busiest intersections in Pasco County.
(File Photo)

Task force members pressed county officials to consider using frontage roads to ease congested intersections and to preserve access to local businesses and shops.

The task force also approved a motion to ask county planners to determine the feasibility of the frontage road option.

“Our solution is at grade, which is what the public wants,” said Tom Ryan, a task force member and economic development manager at the Pasco Economic Development Council. “It (flyover) infringes on their quality of life. There is no way around it. It will affect quality of life.”

Ryan was joined by task force member Robb Sercu who also tossed out ideas for at-grade alternatives rather than flyovers.

The meeting was the first joint session of East and West task forces, which began meeting separately in September. Each was appointed as an advisory board to the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Their task is to recommend up to five alternatives that the MPO can consider for future transportation projects over the next 20 years. One option is not to build anything.

The West Task Force is studying State Road 54 from west of U.S. 41, and the East Task Force, from east of U.S. 41.

However, discussion at the joint meeting quickly focused on the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41 as a priority that likely will be the first road project to need funding.

“That is the most congested location at this time,” said Ali Atefi, a transportation engineer with MPO.

The Florida Department of Transportation held a public hearing in January to get input on two alternatives for elevated lanes over U.S. 41. Many who attended said they came away believing they would pay tolls.

“That’s what got a lot of people upset in our area,” said task force member Fred Knauer. “If I go to Lowe’s, I have to pay a toll?”

Atefi said tolls could be a source to pay for the roads, but that hasn’t been decided yet.

County officials also noted that even with elevated lanes, there would be at-grade through lanes at the intersection.

Some of those attending the meeting want tolls to be an option, to help reduce congestion.

“Toll roads do have a place,” said task force member Marilyn DeChant. “They take drivers off grade and put them up (on express lanes). They do have a place to be considered.”

But, task force member Susie Hoeller said toll roads could hurt elderly residents on fixed incomes and local businesses that do deliveries.

“People in government, they don’t look at the real impact on people’s lives,” she said. “I think it’s a bad idea.”

Whatever option that gains approval should be one that is feasible and reasonable, said Ryan.

And, any option that involves construction will cause disruptions including the purchase of right-of-way, he said.

“We shouldn’t hide away from discussing eminent domain. These are going to come up,” he said. “There’s a business or two that might have to move.”

Keystone Community Church, at 21010 State Road 54, also could be in the path of future road construction.

“We’re in a growth mode now,” said Wayne Hawes, chairman of the church’s board of directors. “Are we going to waste our money if we expand our facilities?”

Even if funds were available now, Atefi said construction could be between seven and eight years away.

Funding more likely won’t be available until after 2020.

Some people at the meeting expressed frustrations and skepticism about the planning process.

Dave Miller said the county’s long-range land use plan is too focused on increasing density.

“This is social engineering,” said Miller who lives in west Pasco, off Little Road and State Road 54.

“They are trying to force people into high rises on transit lanes. You need to throw this back at them (Pasco County and the state). This is not workable,” Miller said.

Others seemed skeptical that their efforts on the task force would be taken seriously.

“Ultimately it’s going to be what they want it to be,” said task force member Christie Zimmer. “I’m praying it’s not that, and we won’t get something stuffed down our throats.”

Her remarks drew some applause.

Task force members will complete surveys in the next weeks to identify up to five construction alternatives, plus a no-build option.

The West Task Force will vote on alternatives at its final meeting on March 28. The East Task Force will do the same at its meeting on March 31. Both of those meetings will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Rasmussen College.

The planning organization will do additional study on the top selections.

What: Town Hall meeting with Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, and county staff members
When: Feb. 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road, Lutz

Published February 10, 2016

Assisted care center set to open in August

February 10, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A new $13 million assisted living center in Lutz is under construction, and set to open in August.

Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild, located at 18440 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz, will have 94 units to serve about 100 residents, according to Daniel Almendares, corporate operations manager at Angels Senior Living.

The 85,000-square-foot facility expects to employ 45 people.

Construction is under way on the new Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild facility. The $13 million, 85,000-square-foot facility will have 94 units for up to 100 residents. (Photos courtesy of Angels Senior Living) — Construction is under way on the new Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild facility. The $13 million, 85,000-square-foot facility will have 94 units for up to 100 residents.
(Photos courtesy of Angels Senior Living)

As part of the assisted living experience, residents will be aided in hygiene, ambulating, keeping track of medications, and dining.

In addition to assisted living, Lodges of Idlewild will offer both memory care and independent living services.

The memory care program, designed for residents suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, will be a “secured unit” with a higher staffing ratio for additional attention.

The independent living program features independent apartments where residents can pay for “a la carte services” and transition into the assisted living facility when needed.

A rough estimate for the monthly cost for a resident to live at the facility is $4,000, Almendares said.

The two best options for financial assistance for senior care is through the Medicaid Managed Long Term Care program, or the Veteran’s Aid (VA) and Attendance program attained by serving in a war, according to Angels Senior Living’s website.

The Medicaid route requires being on Medicaid and then applying for the program to pay an amount that may total 25 percent to 50 percent of monthly rent.

The veteran’s aid option requires an application through the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Financial assistance in this program varies.

The location of the senior living center “fit well into our geographic offerings,” Almendares said, adding that its proximity to the Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz is a bonus.

Once it is complete, the assisted living center should look similar to this prototype. The senior living center is set to open in August 2016.

“We want to develop a tight-knit relationship with the church and the patrons, and for our residents to enjoy the services offered on such an already beautiful campus,” he said. “The placement along a major thoroughfare only improves the ease for family members to visit their loved ones on the way from work, school, or (coming) from errands.”

To help promote social interaction, there will be activity rooms for games, arts and crafts, and exercise.

“The activities for all our residents are there to entertain and provide a higher quality of life beyond just great care,” Almendares said.

Angels Senior Living operates a total of nine other locations throughout Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

There are three facilities in North Tampa alone — Connerton Court in Land O’ Lakes, Angels Senior Living at New Tampa on North 42nd Street, and Shady Palms on North Florida Avenue.

Angels Senior Living has not yet determined who will be the executive director to oversee the day-to-day operations at Lodges of Idlewild, Almendares said.

Angels Senior Living at Lodges of Idlewild
What: A $13 million, 85,000-square-foot assisted living facility with 94 units
Where: 18440 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz
Opening date: August 2016
Key Programs: Assisted living, memory care and independent living
For information, call (813) 886-2023, or visit AngelsSeniorLiving.com.

Published February 10, 2016

He calls cats purr-fect companions

February 10, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The license plate on his car reads “BigCats.”

But, when it comes to cats, Denny Mitchell doesn’t care whether they’re big, small or medium. He loves them all.

And, he wants to persuade others that they should love the furry felines, too.

Denny Mitchell is a devoted cat aficionado who sings the praises of cats – literally – at his musical tribute show, “All About Cats.” (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Denny Mitchell is a devoted cat aficionado who sings the praises of cats – literally – at his musical tribute show, “All About Cats.”
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

While dogs may be a man’s best friend, the way Mitchell sees it: “Cats are our best companions.”

Two years ago, Mitchell took his passion for cats on the road.

He educates and entertains audiences, generally from age 8 and older, at libraries, senior centers and civic groups with his musical tribute “All About Cats.”

On Feb. 27 at 2 p.m., he will bring his musical show to the Lutz Branch Library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.

The Friends of the Lutz Branch Library is sponsoring the event, which has free admission.

Mitchell, owner of Meowser Productions, spent more than a year composing music and lyrics, and crafting a slide and video show to cover the history and habits of cats.

He brings his keyboard and sound system. A robotic, white-furred cat, named Tallulah, also accompanies him – arriving in a pink cat carrier.

Tallulah rests regally atop a purple pillow, where she purrs, meows and washes her face with slow paw swipes.

“She sets the mood,” Mitchell explained.

He sprinkles his performance with humor and original songs — though sometimes he also sings “Memory,” the show-stopping tune from the musical “Cats.”

Mitchell researches his facts.

Among his nuggets are:

Cats date back 35 million years.
The Egyptian word for cat is mao, meaning “to see.” In ancient Egypt people were fascinated by a cat’s eyes.
Cats, per pound, are 12 times stronger than humans.
Adult cats have 244 bones; humans, 206.
A cat’s field of vision is about 200 degrees.

Mitchell, who grew up on Long Island, New York, shared his mother’s love for cats.

Tallulah is a robotic cat that purrs and meows as it rests on a purple pillow, when Denny Mitchell begins his musical tribute to cats, “All About Cats.”

On Christmas Eve, when he was 5, the family heard a plaintive meowing.

“We opened the front door, and there was the tiniest little black kitten all by himself,” Mitchell said.

Clancy, as he was named, had found a home.

It’s a cliché story, he said, but it’s true.

Cats have freedom of choice, he said. “They pick us. We don’t pick them.”

Mitchell is a self-described ailurophile, that is, cat lover.

He is passionate about helping nonprofits that find homes for abandoned cats and that help feral cats living on the streets.

He volunteers as a tour guide at Big Cat Rescue, an animal sanctuary in Citrus Park, near Tampa. The organization rescues and houses exotic cats, including lions, tigers, bobcats and cougars.

A foster program at Big Cat Rescue temporarily houses kittens until they are ready for adoption. The program is in partnership with Humane Society Tampa Bay.

Mitchell became a volunteer at Big Cat Rescue after taking a tour there about 15 years ago.

A few years ago, while he was giving a tour, a promoter on the tour commented on Mitchell’s wit and humor. The promoter suggested that Mitchell put together a show.

So, Mitchell did.

“The mission is to inform, raise money for nonprofits and hopefully pay my expenses — though that is secondary,” Mitchell said.

Kittens can be viewed on live cam as they play at the Kitten Cabana at Big Cat Rescue. (Courtesy of Denny Mitchell) — Kittens can be viewed on live cam as they play at the Kitten Cabana at Big Cat Rescue.
(Courtesy of Denny Mitchell)

While it wasn’t his college major, music has been one of Mitchell’s chief interests for years.

He has written lyrics and performed music, and for more than three decades, he has played piano and sang at church, often as a soloist.

He’s constantly doing volunteer work with cats.

Mitchell has given donations to that group and others, including Humane Society Tampa Bay and Humane Society of Pinellas. Both agencies have trap, neuter, vaccinate and return programs for feral cats, as well as offering foster care and adoptions for domesticated cats.

“This is how you break the breeding cycle,” said Mitchell. “It’s a harsh life (for feral cats).”

Mitchell lives in Seffner with his wife, who also volunteered for 13 years at Big Cat Rescue. She now spends most of her time operating a boarding stable for horses.

“We are very much animal people,” Mitchell said.

And, of course, they have cats.

“I told my wife I thought we should have two. So, we have five,” he said.

Want to know more?
You can see live cams of Big Cat Rescue’s kitten rescue operation by going to Explore.org/bigcatrescue.
You can also visit Denny Mitchell’s website, MeowserProductions.com, to find links to area nonprofits and about adoption events.

Published February 10, 2016

Local man makes unique jewelry

February 3, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

For Dan Balk, creating jewelry for a living wasn’t his original path in life.

But, he’s glad it’s turned out that way.

Balk, who operates a jewelry studio from his home in Lutz, has been making jewelry since 2008—around the time the United States’ recession was in full swing.

With a background in athletic training and physical therapy, the New Jersey native spent 13 years working as an associate dean of education for a massage school in Tampa. Simultaneously, he worked as a massage therapist for the Tampa Bay Mutiny and the New York Yankees.

However, once the nation’s economy took a tailspin for the worse, Balk’s seemingly stable career was no more.

Dan Balk handles the entire jewelry-making process for all of his pieces. (Courtesy of Nataly Balk) — Dan Balk handles the entire jewelry-making process for all of his pieces.
(Courtesy of Nataly Balk)

His massage school went bankrupt, and the Yankees, like many companies at the time, began laying off employees.

“Massage is very much a luxury for people, and people weren’t spending that type of money at that time,” Balk explained. “I must’ve sent 2,000 to 3,000 resumes in any one of the fields I was licensed to work in, and nothing was happening.”

With a wife and two children to support, Balk was at a crossroads — until his father-in-law, Roberto Vengoechea, suggested Balk make some “trinkets” to sell in the meantime.

Taking up Vengoechea’s suggestion, Balk served a 28-day apprenticeship under the guidance of his father-in-law, a master jeweler in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Vengoechea’s tutelage turned out to be a “cathartic” and “powerful” experience for Balk.

It was like the planets began to align, he said.

“I really, really loved what I was watching him do, and what I was doing,” Balk said. “What a boon for us that I was able to learn from someone who was so well-versed in the trade.

“We haven’t looked back since,” he said. “This is was what I was made to do.”

The craft of making jewelry by hand is declining, Balk said, due in part to the proliferation of graphic design, 3D printing and overseas production.

“All of these things that were done by hand — in a couple generations, if we don’t teach other people, they’re lost,” Balk said. “As a craftsperson, you’re under an obligation to teach.”

Balk designs and fabricates every piece of jewelry from raw materials.

Typically, the process can involve as many as five or six different parties, from the time a piece is designed until it is sold, he said.

Balk handles the entire jewelry-making process—whether it’s a ring, a pendant, a necklace or a bracelet.

He leaves the “business side of things” to his wife, Nataly.

“I create all of my own (metal) sheets, I make all of my own (silver and gold) alloys, I design all of my own pieces, and I finish them; I set all of my own stones, and I select my stones. When I can cut and polish the stones myself, I do that myself,” Balk said. “That’s a premium — that the artist had direct contact with a piece all the way through to completion.”

Depending on the type of jewelry and its complexity, Balk may spend anywhere from a few days to a week on a piece.

While most of his jewelry designs are labeled as “modern and futuristic,” there’s essentially no limit as to what Balk can create based on a customer’s request.

From that standpoint, each piece of jewelry made by Balk is “one of a kind,” and not constrained to basic round rings and singular stones.

One customer, for instance, had rings and pendants made out of antique silverware. Another had a wedding band containing fossilized dinosaur bone. Others have had shark’s teeth and sea glass casted into their personalized pieces.

“If you have the idea, it probably can be made. Because I do it all myself, I’m not limited by just the components I can buy,” Balk explained. “Some (jewelers) say, ‘I do customer ordering — these are the settings you can choose, and these are the bands you can choose.’ We don’t do that; we can make anything you want to make.

“It’s not limited by a picture in the catalog.”

A look at one of the rings Balk recently completed. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo) — A look at one of the rings Balk recently completed.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

After operating the Singing Stone Gallery in Ybor City for six years, Balk has been working out of his home jewelry studio in Lutz since last August.

The change in work location logistically made more sense, especially for teaching jewelry classes, which he’s done since 2012.

Balk’s daily “five-step commute” to work allows him to both focus on his craft and teach hands-on, personalized classes in a relaxed setting.

“We’re really getting to know each person that comes in. It’s not a class of 17 or 18 people that leave after an hour,” Balk’s wife said. “He’s taking you into his studio and saying, ‘Let me tell you everything I know, and if you have any questions, please let me know.’ He starts very calmly and patiently, and explains everything.”

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, men will often surprise their partner by taking them to one of Balk’s jewelry making classes — a unique experience compared to a typical dinner date.

“I’m not against a good meal, and they are memorable when they are good, but you have that night, you eat your food and the next day, you’re done. This kind of thing—you’re making a memory,” Balk said.

“It’s an experience as well as a timeless piece that you keep forever,” Nataly said.

For more information, call (813) 728-4325, or email .

Published February 3, 2016