The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

The Shops at Wiregrass

Fun on (and before) the Fourth

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How do you celebrate the Fourth of July? Do you prefer an early event with food and a parade? How about a later celebration, complete with music and fireworks? Or maybe something family friendly, with activities geared specifically toward children? And even though July 4 falls on a Saturday, would you like to get a head start on the celebration?

Bridget Richwine, second from right, helped her sons get into the Fourth of July spirit with hats she made for C.J., 11, at right, and Ben, 5. Grandmother Chloie Adkins, far left, looks on. They were at the Fourth of July celebration in Lutz last year. (File Photos)
Bridget Richwine, second from right, helped her sons get into the Fourth of July spirit with hats she made for C.J., 11, at right, and Ben, 5. Grandmother Chloie Adkins, far left, looks on. They were at the Fourth of July celebration in Lutz last year.
(File Photos)

If you answered “yes” to any of those options, there’s a full schedule waiting this weekend. Several venues are planning on large crowds ready for patriotic fun that’s either free or low cost. Here’s a rundown of some events happening Friday and Saturday:

Celebrate July 4 on July 3
You don’t have to wait until July 4 to start your weekend festivities. Get an early jump on the patriotic celebrations at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel. The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Freedom Festival will take place July 3 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.

More than 50,000 people are expected to attend this family friendly event, which includes a bike decorating contest, watermelon-eating contest and the annual Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker Pageant. And it will end with a special fireworks show.

The details:

Opening ceremonies begin at 4 p.m. at Center Court. The pageants will be held at the Center Court stage from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. A line dance will begin at 6:30 p.m. in front of the watermelon-eating contest at Buckle, located at No. 140. A parade will begin at 7:45 p.m., with fireworks to follow.

The Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker Pageant has three separate age categories. For information and an application form, email Jennifer Cofini at ">.

A Lutz Tradition
What would the Fourth of July be without the Lutz Independence Day celebration? This year’s event (themed Lutz Heritage: Proudly We Serve) includes a 5K race, one-mile fun run, flag-raising ceremony and cake auction. And, the parade, of course. Afterward, trophies will be handed out and the winner of this year’s Lutz Guv’na race will be announced.

The details:

One young girl jumps in excitement as the North Tampa-Lutz squadron of the Civil Air Patrol makes its way down Lutz Lake Fern Road as part of the Lutz Fourth of July celebration last year.
One young girl jumps in excitement as the North Tampa-Lutz squadron of the Civil Air Patrol makes its way down Lutz Lake Fern Road as part of the Lutz Fourth of July celebration last year.

The parade setup begins Friday at 10 a.m., at the Train Depot, and volunteers are welcome. Cake entries can be dropped off on Friday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Lutz Senior Center, 112 First Ave., NW.

The final cake registration ends Saturday at 7:30 a.m. The 5K race begins at 8 a.m., with the fun run beginning at 8:45 a.m. The flag-raising ceremony begins at 9 a.m., with the parade starting at 10 a.m. The cake auction, trophy presentation and Guv’na announcement begins at 11 a.m. For more information, call Phyllis Hoedt at (813) 949-1937.

Fourth at the Fairgrounds
The annual Sparklebration event will be July 4 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City. There will be watermelon and hot dog eating contests (and food trucks for everyone else, serving up churros, barbeque, bacon specialties and other treats), live entertainment including Dennis Lee, the Red, White & Blue baby pageant, a watermelon spitting contest and skydivers. And, of course, fireworks to cap off the day.

There are plenty of special activities for children as well, including bounce houses, pony rides and a petting zoo.

The details:

Gates open at 3 p.m. The baby pageant begins at 3:30 p.m., with entertainment on two stages starting at 4 p.m. Admission is $5 per person (children ages 12 and younger are free), and parking is $5. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and chairs, but pets, alcohol and personal fireworks are prohibited. For more information and to register for contests online, visit PascoCountyFair.com.

Special For Military Families
In addition to all the local celebrations, it’s a good weekend for military families to visit Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave. During their Red, White & Zoo celebration, active duty personnel, retirees and veterans get in free July 3 to July 5 with valid military identification, as well as up to three direct dependents.

The dependents can participate without the military member as long as an adult with valid military identification accompanies minors. For more information, call (813) 935-8552 or visit LowryParkZoo.com.

Published July 1, 2015

Barnes & Noble showcases local authors

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If you enjoy stories about second chances, about family life or about history, a selection of books by local authors at an upcoming authors’ event may be right up your alley.

Barnes & Noble at The Shops at Wiregrass is hosting its annual Local Author Signing on May 30 at 2 p.m., at the bookstore, at 28152 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel.

Book lovers will have a chance to meet the authors, chat with them and get their books signed.

Some of the authors scheduled to be at the Barnes & Noble annual Local Authors Signing have taken part in the event in previous years. Shown here, from left are Susan Noe Harmon, Madonna Jervis Wise, Evelyn Taylor and Jamie Elizabeth Tingen. (Courtesy of Madonna Wise)
Some of the authors scheduled to be at the Barnes & Noble annual Local Authors Signing have taken part in the event in previous years. Shown here, from left are Susan Noe Harmon, Madonna Jervis Wise, Evelyn Taylor and Jamie Elizabeth Tingen.
(Courtesy of Madonna Wise)

Local authors featured at the event offer a wide range of titles.

Author Leigh Kenyon tells an adventure story about a girl who trains Zebras in her book, “The Zebra Riders.”

She wrote that book while attending Centennial Middle School.

Now a student at Land O’ Lakes High School, Kenyon has written a second book, “The Essence of Fear,” a young adult fictional account that explores darker themes.

Local author Susan Noe Harmon transports readers to mid-19th century Appalachia in her book, “Under the Weeping Willow.” The book features three generations of women whose strength prevails despite poverty, floods and tragedy.

In another book, “To Hide the Truth,” the author tells a story about a disturbing relationship between a daughter and her father during an era when family abuse and alcoholism were taboo topics for discussion.

Author Jamie Elizabeth Tingen writes about making the most of second chances in her book, “Butterfly Messages.”

Author Madonna Wise shares her knowledge of local history in a book she wrote about Dade City for Arcadia Publishing’s iconic Images of America series.

Wise, a retired educator, has written a number of other books, including “Tapestry,” “Wildcat Creek Kids,” “Sam & Company,” and “Juanita in Blue.”

She’s also co-author of “Kachina and the Bully.”

Wise said Barnes & Noble does an excellent job of giving local authors a place to sell books, sign books and chat with readers.

The writers enjoy meeting each other, too, Wise said.

Wise also enjoys meeting aspiring writers who drop by to ask questions about writing and get advice on publishing their work.

Other authors who will be featured at the bookstore’s event include Federico and Ruby Agnir, Jenice Armstead, Shelby Bender, Liz Dunham, Shea Ford, Chonta Haynes, Jack Hipple, C.M. Johnson, Evelyn Johnson-Taylor, Jim Kay, Judie McCarty, Ria Prestia, Elizabeth Rivera, Dave Robbins, Telisha Thompson, Jamie Elizabeth Tingen, Vincent Vinas and Paul Wartenberg.

Annual Local Author Signing
More than 20 local authors will be on hand to sign copies of their books and chat with patrons.
When: May 30 at 2 p.m.
Where: Barnes & Noble at Shops at Wiregrass, 28152 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
How much: Free admission

Published May 27, 2015

Apartments and new retail coming to Wiregrass

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More retail and a new apartment complex — on vacant land northeast of The Shops at Wiregrass — are on the drawing board at Pasco County’s planning department.

Forest City Enterprises, the developers of The Shops at Wiregrass, and NRP Group are partnering on the next phase of development on the former Wiregrass Ranch property in Wesley Chapel.

Conceptual plans filed with the county show a development of 248 apartments and 127,000 square feet of retail.

Among the retail possibilities are restaurants, a specialty market, a cinema and shops.

Forest City will handle the commercial side of the project. NRP Group will build the apartment complex.

The retail portion likely will fall within 120,000 square feet but could be somewhat larger or smaller depending on the tenants’ needs, said Abbas Hasan, manager of planning and development for the Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises.

The next step is filing an application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the federal agency that would approve a permit for the project.

“The process takes quite a long time,” Hasan said. “We’re trying to get all the pieces together.”

Specifics on tenants and construction schedules are on hold until the Corps of Engineers weighs in, and the project is further along.

“The Shops at Wiregrass are basically a lifestyle center and an open-air mall. This is more a few large anchor type users and more specialty stores,” Hasan said. “It will complement the mall and others in the area.”

The apartments will be linked with the retail, so that residents will be able to walk to the retail part of the development, said Kurt Kehoe, vice president of NRP Group, which has offices in Lake Mary, Florida.

“Being able to have the pedestrian and vehicular connections to both existing and upcoming commercial is key,” Kehoe said. “In a suburban area, this is not normally what you find.”

The project will include three-story and four-story buildings, with upscale apartments. Most of the apartments will be one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts, though some will have three bedrooms, Kehoe said.

Some apartments will have detached garages. There will be a clubhouse, pool and fitness area.

“Generally there is a lot of optimism for the tri-county area, especially Pasco,” he said. “There’s a lot of desire to live, work and play out there.”

Published May 20, 2015

Land O’ Lakes to get Dairy Queen, apartments

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A Dairy Queen and a long-planned apartment complex at Terra Bella are under construction on State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, between Livingston Road and Via Bella Boulevard.

The fast-food restaurant is expected to open in two to three months, possibly by the Fourth of July weekend, according to Keith Bennett, owner of Retail Site Development.

Dairy Queen is expected to open by July 4 on a parcel next to the Terra Bella subdivision off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Dairy Queen is expected to open by July 4 on a parcel next to the Terra Bella subdivision off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The Dairy Queen location is one of several outparcels adjacent to Terra Bella that are available for commercial development. These smaller commercial projects are benefiting from proximity to shopping malls such as The Grove in Wesley Chapel, The Shops at Wiregrass and the soon-to-open Tampa Premium Outlets, Bennett said.

“Between those three projects…you’re getting outward growth,” he said. “It’s natural for commercial development like this, with interested companies like Dairy Queen.”

The fast-food restaurant will seat about 75 people and have a drive-through window. Bennett owns additional commercial parcels adjacent to the Dairy Queen site.

Once that project is complete, he said, “We’ll look to see what we choose to do with the balance.”

Southeast Commercial also is marketing commercial outparcels fronting State Road 54 at Terra Bella.

Behind the Dairy Queen site, along Venezia Avenue, construction also is under way on Alta Terra Bella, an apartment complex of 311 garden apartments in 14 three-story buildings.

The North Carolina-based Wood Partners is building the complex as the final residential phase of Terra Bella, a community of more than 250 single-family homes.

A groundbreaking was held late in 2014. Construction is expected to finish by May 2016, but leasing could begin as early as September of this year, according to a press release from Wood Partners.

The project is projected to generate $24.5 million in local income, $2.5 million in taxes and other revenues for local governments, and nearly 380 jobs. The data provided by Wood Partners in its press release is based on a formula used by the National Association of Home Builders.

Published May 13,2015

Wesley Chapel prepares to ‘March for Babies’

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It’s April, but the march goes on.

“March” as in March of Dimes, the nonprofit organization that provides funds for research and services to prevent premature birth, defects and infant mortality. And also March for Babies, an event on April 25 at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel. Teams and individuals will walk while raising money for research.

Jen Cofini's son, Dylan, was born after 32 weeks and weighed just 4 pounds. Now he is a happy and healthy 8-year-old. The Cofinis are the ambassador family for the March for Babies event April 25 at The Shops at Wiregrass. (Courtey of Jen Cofini)
Jen Cofini’s son, Dylan, was born after 32 weeks and weighed just 4 pounds. Now he is a happy and healthy 8-year-old. The Cofinis are the ambassador family for the March for Babies event April 25 at The Shops at Wiregrass.
(Courtey of Jen Cofini)

This is the first year the event will be at The Shops at Wiregrass after several years in West Pasco.

The shopping center is happy to be a part of it.

“It just was something that we felt passionate about,” said Debbie Detweiler, the regional shopping mall’s marketing director. “With all of the families in the Wesley Chapel area and families that shop at Wiregrass, it was something we could be a part of in creating that awareness for March of Dimes.”

The March of Dimes has set an ambitious goal of $240,000 after having to cancel last year’s event due to weather. More than 1,000 people are expected to take part.

Wesley Chapel resident Jen Cofini and her family have been selected to be the ambassador family for Pasco County March for Babies since they have firsthand experience in dealing with premature births.

Cofini’s son, Dylan, was born eight years ago after a 32-week pregnancy. He weighed just 4 pounds. He spent a month in the hospital, and there were many challenging moments.

“When you have a premature baby, you don’t know what to expect,” Cofini said. “The resources that the March of Dimes provide for the parents of premature babies are incredible.”

Cofini found comfort through the organization’s website, too. It put her in touch with other mothers who were going through the same issues. Families can share stories, ask questions and connect with others going through a similar situation.

Though Cofini had Dylan in New York, premature births are common in Florida. According to the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card for 2014, 13.6 percent of Florida births are premature. That’s good for just a “D” grade from the organization.

And while Dylan was born premature, he’s healthy today.

Many other children aren’t as lucky, and have significant defects and disabilities to deal with for years, or even a lifetime.

Those families especially benefit from the research and support from the March of Dimes, Cofini explained.

On April 25, Cofini will be there with her husband, Jeff, Dylan and his little sister, Madison.

And, as community relations manager of Parks Ford Wesley Chapel, she’s recruited support from work as well. They’re sponsoring the event and have a team raising money to walk.

While Cofini is accustomed to supporting the community at her job, the March for Babies is special to her and her family.

“When something touches you personally, it makes you more aware, and that’s why I’m such a huge supporter of the March of Dimes, because they do such great work,” Cofini said. “They support the parents, they’re doing the research and they’re raising the money to give every baby a fighting chance at being born healthy.”

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with the 3-mile walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. A Kids Zone will have face painting and other activities.

For more information, visit MarchForBabies.org/event/Suncoast, or contact Bethany Carlson at (813) 898-4954 or .

Published April 8, 2015

Pasco commissioners approve a study for Wiregrass Sports Park

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Pasco County commissioners are in a quandary about the fate of the proposed Wiregrass Sports Park. Should they try again to work a deal for a world-class sports complex or build a district park for local sports teams?

Commissioners voted 4-1 on March 10 to take a wait-and-see approach with a feasibility study that will gauge the market for a sports complex with the potential to draw national tournaments, and yield millions in tourism tax dollars.

Jack Mariano (File Photo)
Jack Mariano
(File Photo)

The results also could show that the county’s money is better spent on a park that caters to local sports teams.

The study is intended to give county officials, residents and potential park operators an idea of what will work at the park site, located near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard off State Road 56.

“We think we’ll get the ability to expedite (the process) because people will understand it better, and we think the quality of applications will improve,” said Richard Gehring, the county’s planning and development administrator.

Johnson Consulting Inc., a sports consulting firm with national and international clients, will be paid $35,000 for the study, expected to take less than 12 weeks.

The study will include marketing and needs assessments as well as recommendations on development costs, operating and financial responsibilities, and funding options.

“I think it’s time to move forward,” said Commissioner Mike Moore. “It’s a positive. People in my district want to see it sooner rather than later.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano voted against the study. Instead of spending money on a study, he said county officials should explore why the deal with Pasco Sports LLC to build a multimillion-dollar sports complex fell apart.

“I’d like to find out why he (Gary Sheffield) didn’t like the contract,” Mariano said. “We could look at that first.”

In December, commissioners dropped plans to partner with Pasco Sports to build a sports complex on 100 acres near The Shops at Wiregrass regional shopping mall. The land is part of more than 200 acres donated to the county by the Porter family.

Partners James Talton and former major league baseball player Gary Sheffield had proposed to build 20 ball fields and dormitories on the site. They had envisioned a youth baseball camp that would attract national tournaments and deliver more than $300 million annually in economic impact to the county.

According to the agreement, the county would commit between $11 million and $14 million in tourism dollars to the project. But Talton and Sheffield let a deadline pass without delivering on a pledge to provide $3 million for the complex’s design.

Other projects, both rumored and real, are competing with the proposed sports complex.

Z Mitch LLC had a groundbreaking in February for a major ice hockey and sports complex off Interstate 75 at the State Road interchange in Wesley Chapel. The facility is expected to open in fall 2015 with four full-size rinks. But the 150,000-square-foot facility will accommodate a wide range of sports including soccer, lacrosse and basketball.

Rumors also persist that Hillsborough County may be in line for a new sports facility.

Most Pasco commissioners agreed the feasibility study would be a valuable tool in sorting out the county’s options.

“It will either validate or invalidate the marketing of the complex and what’s needed in this area,” said Chairman Ted Schrader. “It will give us the confidence to go forward with some sort of park project.”

Published March 18, 2015

 

Suncoast Arts Fest celebrates a decade of arts and entertainment

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The Suncoast Arts Fest soon will celebrate its 10th anniversary of bringing acclaimed artists to Pasco County.

The annual festival is a popular event, attracting around 100,000 people to peruse its diverse offerings and to enjoy its lineup of live entertainment.

Rolly Ray Reel won best of show during last year’s Suncoast Arts Fest. This year, the event features nearly 120 juried visual artists and craftsmen. (Courtesy of Suncoast Arts Fest)
Rolly Ray Reel won best of show during last year’s Suncoast Arts Fest. This year, the event features nearly 120 juried visual artists and craftsmen.
(Courtesy of Suncoast Arts Fest)

This year’s festival features more than 120 juried visual artists and craftsmen, from across Florida and throughout the country.

“About 35 percent of our artists this year are from out of state,” Pam Marron, co-director of the festival, said, noting Florida’s temperate winter weather is a plus.

The festival’s venue — at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel — also offers people a chance to do a bit of shopping at the regional mall and enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants.

The festival will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 17, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 18 at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive. The mall is just off State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, a couple of miles east of Interstate 75.

The event features both new and returning artists.

Among those making a return trip is Rolly Ray Reel, of Maitland, who won best of show during last year’s event.

Besides offering art lovers a chance to enjoy themselves, the festival also raises money to support Arts for Kids, which supplements art programs in public, private and charter schools. Over the past decade, festival proceeds have funded more than 85 mini-grants, which have benefited more than 15,000 students.

The goal is to support both the visual and performing arts, Marron said.

Other highlights on this year’s schedule include a telephone photography competition sponsored by Rasmussen College. The Phoneography Competition is open to anyone who can take a picture with their phone.

The festival also will feature Duncan McClellan, an award-winning glass artist who has an international following. McClellan, who lives in St. Petersburg, will be supplying his glass-etching unit on Sunday, allowing people to create an original design and etch it on glass. That opportunity will be available on Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Another feature this year is the festival’s first mini Art Maker Space, where art, technology and education collide.

The lineup of live entertainment is another festival highpoint.

The Sunlake High School Jazz Band will get things started with a performance at 10 a.m. on Jan. 17.

Other entertainers who will be performing this year include The Black Honkeys, Unleash the Octopus, Hector Mayoral, Julie Black, Amanda Lynn, the Mike McKinley Trio, Gene Hardage (also known as Sarasota Slim), and a variety of other acts.

For a full schedule of entertainment and activities, please visit SuncoastArtsFest.com.

Tenth annual Suncoast Arts Fest
More than 120 fine artists and craftsmen sell their works. There also will be live entertainment, chalk artists, a phone photography contest, glass etching and interactive activities.

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive (off State Road 56, east of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard).

How much: Admission and parking are free.

There’s ample parking and the event is accessible for people with disabilities.

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 17, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 18

The event is held, rain or shine.

Published January 14, 2015

If you’re looking for holiday cheer, check this out

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There are plenty of local holiday happenings to appeal to young and old, but there’s a wide assortment of regional attractions to help brighten the season as well.

Experience the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas at the 33rd annual Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum. (Courtesy of Henry B. Plant Museum)
Experience the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas at the 33rd annual Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum. (Courtesy of Henry B. Plant Museum)

If you’re looking for something fun and affordable to do, here’s a list of possibilities.

TAMPA
The 33rd annual Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. — Beneath the towering silver minarets of the former Tampa Bay Hotel, visitors have the chance to peek at 14 rooms decked out in 19th century themes for the holidays.

Carolers sing in the evenings in front of a 15-foot tree, and visitors are invited to sing along. Complimentary spiced cider and cookies are served on the veranda.

The stroll is being offered daily through Dec. 23, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for senior citizens, and $9 for kids between 4 and 18.

Wild Wonderland at Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave. — Enjoy a holiday stroll around the zoo and see a dazzling display of lights synchronized to holiday music, see lighted animal figures and possible snow flurries, enjoy rides, and see some penguins.

Admission is $15 for adults, 
$13 for children between 3 and 11, and free for children younger than 3.

Ice Palace at International Plaza, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd. — The mall transforms into the Ice Palace, a 30-foot dome with snow, a light show, and interactive snow globes depicting scenes from the Disney movie “Frozen.”

Entertainment includes an icy handprint experience, size comparisons with Sven and Olaf — characters from the movie — and photos with Olaf on an ice throne.

The attractions run through Dec. 24 during mall hours.

For information, visit ShopInternationalPlaza.com.

Tampa’s Downtown on Ice at Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive — Skaters can enjoy an outdoor rink in the park. Each 90-minute session, including skate rental, is $10.

DOVER
Nights of Shimmering Lights at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road — Drive through two miles of dazzling displays, illuminated tunnels, and dancing light-emitting diodes, while listening to holiday tunes on your radio.

The attraction includes more than 2,000 sculpted light displays.

After you drive through the light tunnels, stop at Christmas Village, where you can drink hot chocolate, watch holiday movies, and have a picture taken with Santa.

Admission is $15 per car Monday through Wednesday evenings, and $20 per car Thursday through Sunday evenings.

LARGO
Holiday Lights in the Gardens at the Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road — Every evening through Dec. 31, visitors can stroll through the gardens from 5:30 to 9:30, enjoying laser lights, flora and fauna displays, decorated trees, a 7-foot gingerbread house, and more.

There’s free entertainment, and visits from Santa Claus.

Admission is $4 for those 13 and older

WESLEY CHAPEL
Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive — The shopping center offers nightly synchronized music and light shows on the hour, from 6 p.m. through 9 p.m., through Dec. 31.

The free attraction features a 55-foot tree with more than 250,000 lights and snow flurries. 

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade at the Holiday Inn Harbourside, 401 Second St. — Come watch a parade of all kinds of boats decked out for the holidays.

The parade is open for all kinds of boats, including canoes and rowboats. It begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20, and starts and ends at the Holiday Inn at Harbourside.

SPRING HILL
The Celebration of Lights, at Safety Town 15325 Alric Pottberg Road — Drive along a mile-long route to see a dazzling display of animated lights.

The event was the vision of Dave Parrish, a community leader in West Pasco County, who died before his vision could come to life.

The event is open at dusk through Jan. 4. Entry fees are $20 per car, and $40 for a 14-passenger van.

Published December 17, 2014

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No-cost Christmas fun for the entire family

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It’s Christmas season, and families will spend a lot of time doing holiday-themed activities together.

Nutcrackers of all sizes are just part of the Christmas decorations at the Old Lutz School. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Nutcrackers of all sizes are just part of the Christmas decorations at the Old Lutz School. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

But what does that really mean in 2014? Going to a crowded mall to buy more things? Waiting for an hour to get into a chain restaurant? Stringing up half-broken lights on the house that will stay up until well past the Super Bowl in February?

Sure, you can do all of that. But may I suggest you also spend at least one evening enjoying some of the local holiday fare?

There are activities going on where you live that provide nice entertainment without a naughty hit to your wallet.

If you want to enjoy some family-fun activities without a long drive or big price tag, consider these options:

Christmas at the Old Lutz School
The school is an area treasure, faithfully preserved and looking much like it did over the past eight decades. And naturally, they do an old-style Christmas at 18819 U.S. 41 N.

One room is full of Christmas trees, decorated by area organizations. No crazy-looking, post-modern decorations here. If you have a fond memory of a Christmas tree in your youth, it probably looked a lot like these: Simple, elegant and festive.

Another room is dedicated to a couple of train collections, with intricate details and scenery you could study for quite a while. And really, what’s a better reminder of the Christmas season than model trains? They just kind of go together.

There’s also a room full of nutcrackers. I mean, a lot of them. The hallways are decorated, too. Outside, you’re treated to some hot chocolate and a cookie.

You can visit with your neighbors, visit a historical landmark, and enjoy the kinds of refreshments people have loved since, well, since the school opened in 1927.

Did I mention this is free? You won’t pay a penny for anything. They do have barrels to collect toys and food for the less-fortunate over the holidays. But that’s part of the Christmas spirit, too.

If you miss this, you’re missing out.

Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass
What has a quarter-million lights and 2,000 watts of holiday cheer?

Hopefully it’s not your neighbor’s Christmas decorations. But it is the Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel.

Every night in its center court, the center coordinates its sizeable Christmas display to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. If you haven’t heard of this orchestra, you’ve probably heard their music. Their bombastic, elaborate sound mixes rock and classical music, and is used at high-energy holiday, fireworks and sporting events, as well as a bunch of holiday commercials.

And it just happens to be perfect for coordinated Christmas light displays.

What’s great about this event is the fact that they do it four times a night, so you can get there when you want. Every hour on the hour, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., they play three holiday-inspired instrumentals to go with their light display.

It’s not too long, but they alternate two different sets of songs. All you have to do is stay for the next one and hear a different trio.

By the way, this also is free. You can do some shopping while you’re there, of course. But they don’t charge a thing to come and enjoy their display. Just fit it into your schedule and enjoy.

If you time it right, you can hit both of these events in the same evening, and still get the kids home by bedtime. With a traditional Christmas at the school, and a fun, modern take at the shops, you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy. If you can’t get into the holiday spirit after these local displays, you just might be a Grinch.

Besides, all it costs is a little time and enough gas to get there. You won’t find a better deal than that in December.

The Old Lutz School is open from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 18, Dec. 20, Dec. 21 and Dec. 26-28. The display at The Shops at Wiregrass runs every night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31.

For more information, visit OldLutzSchool.com or TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

Published December 17, 2014

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Moore takes aim at sexual predators with new ordinance

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New Pasco County commissioner Mike Moore wasted no time settling into his office, nor cementing his relationship with county sheriff Chris Nocco, proposing an ordinance Monday that could be one of the toughest in the state against registered sexual predators and sexual offenders.

Moore wants to introduce a draft ordinance at the commission’s regular Jan. 13 meeting that would expand existing state law requiring registered predators and offenders to not live within 2,500 feet of where children might congregate.

It’s modeled after an ordinance already in place in Miami-Dade County, and that already has been challenged in federal court by the American Civil Liberties Union. That ordinance prohibits predators and offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school.

Moore’s would go beyond even that. He wants nearly a half-mile separating predators and offenders from not only schools, but also bus stops, day care centers, libraries, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

“Anywhere that our most vulnerable citizens congregate,” Moore told reporters Monday at The Shops at Wiregrass, where the sheriff’s office maintains a field office.

Considering the number of bus stops in Pasco County number more than 6,500, that alone could make it nearly impossible for someone who is a registered predator or offender to move into or live in the county. Nocco said he had no problem with that.

“It’s not a bad day if they all leave the county,” he said.

For details on Moore’s proposal, check out the Dec. 10 print edition of The Laker/Lutz News.