The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

University of South Florida

Health & Wellness (09/18/24): Super Bowl champ visits hospital

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Martin Gramática
Martin Gramática, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1999 to 2004, takes photos with AdventHealth Tampa staff. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Super Bowl winner cheers on clinicians

TAMPA – Super Bowl winner Martin Gramática stopped by AdventHealth Tampa on Sept. 8 to greet hundreds of doctors, nurses and clinicians as they kicked off the 2024 football season. 

The former Bucs kicker took time to sign autographs, take photos and show his appreciation for the hard work frontline healthcare workers do every day.

AdventHealth is the exclusive hospital of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

 

Embodhi opening Lutz location

LUTZ – Embodhi Integrative Wellness and Medspa, a company specializing in holistic health services, invites the community to a pair of events celebrating the opening of its new Lutz location. 

The North Tampa Bay Chamber will celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 19. An open house will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 21. 

Located at 16007 North Florida Ave., Embodhi Integrative Wellness and Medspa offers medical weight loss, hormone therapy, IV therapy and aesthetic services, such as dermal filler, neuromodulators, microneedling and polydioxanone thread. 

On the web: em-bodhi.com

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North promotes breast cancer awareness

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is holding a free, special event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. In which women of all ages can socialize, shop and learn about wellness services at the hospital. 

The event is highlighted by personal breast cancer screenings with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North and BayCare Medical Group breast surgeon Dr. Diane Durgan. She’ll also answer questions about breast health and the latest in breast cancer treatment and detection. 

The event includes information about St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s Shimberg Breast Center, a pop-up shop with breast cancer awareness items, a photo booth, an opportunity to schedule annual mammograms, food, vendors with health products, fitness clothing and other gifts and accessories.

The event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct 2 in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Atrium, 4211 Van Dyke Road. Parking is available in the visitor’s lot in front of the Physician Office Building. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3MDiCDH. Call 813-443-7114 for details. 

 

University has innovative brain equipment

TAMPA – The University of South Florida has been breaking in a new functional MRI machine with full research capabilities.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) secured $1 million in federal community project funding to bring the fMRI to the Tampa Bay area to advance the prevention and treatment of brain disease.

The new fMRI measures activity in different parts of the brain during mental and physical tasks.

Officials say it is the first such machine in the metro area.

 

BayCare offers health screenings

LAND O’ LAKES – BayCare will offer free health screenings at Land O Lakes Library. 

This includes lipid screenings with blood pressure, lipid, BMI and glucose checks (all done via finger sticks). Each screening should take about 10 to 15 minutes per person. 

The event takes place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at 2818 Collier Parkway. Walk-ins are welcome. 

 

‘Denying Gravity’ address aging

NEW PORT RICHEY – SAGES Theater will usher in National Fall Prevention Month with a free performance of “Denying Gravity.” 

The play is a collaboration among the theater, local first responders and groups like the AARP and Area Agencies on Aging. 

It is a “narrative woven with humor and heartache that resonates profoundly with older adults and their loved ones,” according to a news release.

The play will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd. 

There also will be resource tables, complimentary goody bags and prize drawings.

Reserve a free seat by visiting MyTBtickets.com or SagesTheater.org (and click on the RED reservation banner). Call 727-692-0902 for more information. 

 

Six Bulls competing in Paris 2024 Olympics

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The University of South Florida (USF) has sent six athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the highest number from any school in the American Athletic Conference, according to a news release. The Olympians include current student-athletes Zahria Allers-Liburd and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, and former Bulls Katie Kitching, Bethy Munuga, Evelyn Viens and Romaine Beckford.

For the latest information on the athletes, visit USF Athletics on X at @USFAthletics or visit Facebook.com/USFAthletics.

(Courtesy of University of South Florida)

Official: Pasco needs more affordable housing

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Pasco County’s Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) was recently told the county has a very evident need for more affordable housing.

One of the reasons for this is its expectation that approximately 100,000 people will move to Pasco in the next few years so they can work on projects the county has already approved, Pasco County’s Economic Growth Director David Engel said during a May 21 workshop on affordable housing. Engel makes recommendations to the BOCC about projects that should be approved.

(Jens Behrmann/Unsplash)

One of his recently approved recommendations was for a development agreement to be approved between the county and two companies that are in the process of developing a large employment center on a 785-acre site north of State Road 52 and west of Interstate 75. When it’s completed, the employment center is anticipated to result in the creation of 2,770 new jobs.

However, Pasco County’s population is estimated to increase by 200,000 people between now and 2045, said Elizabeth Strom, who is an associate professor at the University of South Florida. This would require 80,000 more housing units to be constructed to house those people, Strom said.

Most of the new homes being built in Pasco County cost $300,000, $400,000 or $500,000, said Ron Oakley, BOCC chairman who represents District 1 in east Pasco County. A lot of the people who move to Pasco for jobs won’t be able to afford that type of housing, he said.

In order for housing to be considered affordable it shouldn’t cost more than 30% of an individual’s monthly income, Strom said. The Average Median Income (AMI) for Pasco County is $63,187. A person with that AMI would have to pay $1,579 or less in rent a month for their housing to be considered affordable, and people whose income is 80% of Pasco’s AMI would have to pay $1,263 or less a month.

Some of the individuals identified as likely to be earning 80% or less of Pasco’s AMI included starting teachers, medical assistants and bank tellers, Strom said.

Pasco County should try to have housing options for doctors and home health aides, and CEOs and receptionists, Strom said.

It costs approximately $1,337 to rent a one-bedroom apartment in New Port Richey, said Marcy Esbjerg, the county’s director of community development. Approximately 43% of the county’s staff could only afford to rent a one-bedroom apartment there.

Commissioners were presented with several options on how the amount of affordable housing could be increased in Pasco County. They included:

  • Making it legal for accessory dwelling units to be built on residential lots. These units are generally known as granny flats or backyard homes. The county could consider allowing that to occur on property people already own provided that the accessory unit is smaller than the primary unit, according to Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein. Normally this is only permitted in master-planned unit development districts. It would likely take about six months for commissioners to make changes in how other neighborhoods could be developed, according to Goldstein.
  • Adding duplexes, triplexes and quadruplexes to increase the density in existing single-family neighborhoods.
  • Requiring developers to provide or pay for affordable housing as part of the process of applying for the approval of new developments. Pasco County had required this in the past, according to Goldstein, but the plan expired and commissioners hadn’t applied it countywide.
  • Making some parts of West Pasco targets for development. Some communities in that area were developed 50 years ago for retirees and have since fallen into disrepair, according to Engel.

Commissioners requested additional information to be provided to them on affordable housing in the future.

Published June 05, 2024

Audit finds issues with Bright Futures Scholarship Program

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(The Center Square) — The Florida auditor general has released a report detailing problems with the administration of the state’s scholarship and grant programs.

The audit was focused on the administration of both scholarship programs between June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

The Bright Futures Scholarship Program disbursed $547,700,035 in fiscal year 2022-23. A slight drop over the previous FY of 2021-22, which disbursed $549,061,819.

(Brett Jordan/Unsplash)

The audit found three issues — this included the return of advances without identifying students who may be eligible, noncompliance with state law and Florida Department of Education (FDOE) policies, as well as the need to improve disbursement of funds in a timely manner.

The Legislature established the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to provide scholarships to Florida high school students who merit recognition of high academic achievement, and enroll in a degree, certificate or applied technology program at an eligible in-state college or university.

The program, funded by the Florida Lottery, consists of four different awards: The Florida Academic Scholarship, the Florida Medallion Scholarship, the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship, and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship.

Also part of the auditor general’s report was the Florida Public Student Assistance Grant Program, established to provide financial assistance to Florida resident students seeking a degree from Florida public universities or colleges.

The report states that Eastern Florida State College returned around $1.2 million worth of FSAG-Public Program advances, contrary to State Board of Education rules. The auditor general recommended that management at the college continue its efforts to ensure that all eligible students are able to receive the advance and records are properly reported to the FDOE.

The audit also found that the University of South Florida had failed to comply with state law regarding the refund of Bright Futures Scholarship Program funds from students who withdrew or dropped a course on time. The report adds that the university made 146 refunds to the FDOE that totaled $141,476, on average 99 days after the required date.

Lastly, the report found that Pensacola State College needed to improve its procedures to ensure that Bright Futures and the grant program funds received were more promptly put on record when funds are disbursed to students.

Published May 01, 2024

Chalk Talk 01/03/2024

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

These students have a passion for service
The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) of Woodland Elementary, in Zephyrhills, hosted a dance fundraiser and raised enough money to donate $1,000 to two local charities — The Thomas Promise Foundation and the Helping Hearts Café, according to the Pasco County Schools’ Facebook page. The NEHS provides students in grades four to six a place to develop and apply their passion for service, while obtaining the skills to be confident young leaders for years to come, according to its website. Membership in the NEHS is centered on recognizing students for their accomplishments while challenging and equipping them to develop further as leaders through service to their school and community.

Creative Writing residency
Saint Leo University’s Master of Arts in Creative Writing Program will host a mini-residency in January at the campus, 33701 County Road 52 in St. Leo.

  • Jan. 5, 5 p.m.: Craft discussion and reading by faculty member and military veteran Brooke King, followed by dinner with faculty members at 7 p.m.
  • Jan. 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Craft discussions on writing and publishing, an open mic, and faculty readings

The mini-residency will take place in person and via Zoom. The cost is $25, which can be paid online at SaintLeo.edu/creativewriting. For information or to RSVP, email Anne Barngrover at . Requests for special accommodations can be made by emailing . For information, visit SaintLeo.edu/accommodations.

Storytelling Workshops
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host its annual five-week Storytelling Festival Workshop Series, recommended for students in grades two to seven. Participants can learn to tell a story (combining public speaking, literacy skills and creative theater arts) for an audience and may have a video of their storytelling posted on the library’s YouTube channel.

Workshops at the Lutz Branch Library are scheduled for Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Jan. 16, Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6 and Feb. 13. Registration is encouraged online at tinyurl.com/yexny9kj and registers a child for the entire series.

Science Festival
The 2024 St. Petersburg Science Festival is scheduled for Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, 140 Seventh Ave., S., and Poynter Park, along the waterfront. Families can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM).

The event is held in conjunction with MarineQuest, the open house of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Guests can walk from one event to the other.

Admission is free to both the festival and MarineQuest.

National Scholars Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue food and agriculture career paths. The deadline to apply is March 1.

Administered through the USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, the scholars program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college, as well as rising college sophomores and juniors.

The program is a partnership between the USDA and the 19 historically Black land-grant universities that were established in the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1890. The USDA partners with these 1890 universities to provide scholarship recipients with full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Scholarship recipients attend one of the 1890 universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The scholarship also includes work experience at the USDA through summer internships.

Scholars accepted into the program are eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent appointment with the USDA upon successful completion of their degree requirements by the end of the agreement period.

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program awarded 100 scholarships in the 2023 cohort of 1890 Scholars.

Young people can complete and submit their e-applications online at USDA.gov/partnerships/1890NationalScholars.

For more information, email .

Local club is all fenced in

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Alex Kossmann took a stab at starting a fencing club — with just a little poke.

Land O’ Lakes 10-year-old fencing student Arianna Bobe works on her en garde, attack and parry moves during a session of the Land O’ Lakes Fencing Academy, which meets twice a week at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center. The fencing academy, which began in the Summer of 2023, provides instruction for experienced and novice fencers, teaching them techniques and helping them hone their skills for competitions. (Mike Camunas)

“I just thought it was time to try something new — to, as a club, I needed to branch out and do my own thing,” the Land O’ Lakes resident said. “I just felt it was time to start (a fencing club) here (in Land O’ Lakes).”

Kossmann started the Land O’ Lakes Fencing Academy, in early summer with his goal to expand off the club, Tampa Bay Fencing (TBF), which has been operating out of Northdale for about 30 years. While both clubs have dual members — with Kossmann’s expanding steadily — the new club is providing space and opportunities for local fencing enthusiasts, both new and experienced, to hone their skills, compete against others and prepare for competitions.

“The TBF has been there 30 years,” Kossmann said. “As much as I have helped them and coached there with them, I just wanted to start a new club out here.

“We’re here (at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex) and we’re practicing and teaching,” he added. “It depends on the day, in which when we start warming up, if they’re doing well, there won’t really be a lesson, but if they’re not, then maybe a quick lesson. They may ask me for some lessons, but usually I’ll bout them myself and we’ll work on techniques.

Isabelle Bobe, left, and Land O’ Lakes Fencing Academy founder and instructor Alex Kossmann parry with each other during a session at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center on Nov. 11.

“It’s all about having a place and club and meetup for fencers, and one in this area.”

Kossmann, who fenced at the University of South Florida, has been fencing most of his adult life. He grew up watching his father, Raymond, fence and who also instructs at the academy.

“I kind of — kind of — taught him everything. Well, not everything, but most of it (laughs),” Raymond said. “I don’t think I can teach him anymore, but it’s great to watch him here and with Tampa Bay Fencers in Northdale.

“It’s incredible to see him start a club here (in Land O’ Lakes).”

Raymond appreciates the academy focuses on actual techniques and forms, especially since some new, younger members have just taken up the sport and are there to prepare for competitions locally and out of state.

“A lot of people think it’s just swatting around, but there’s plenty of technique, plenty of strategy,” Raymond said. “If you ever watch Olympic fencing, it’s kind of hard to keep up with it because they are so good. But like I was saying, I think that most people don’t realize how much goes into it.

Land O’ Lakes Fencing Academy meets twice weekly at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center, 3032 Collier Parkway.

“Not just practicing, but again, not just swatting at people or opponents. There’s a dance to it and it’s fun to watch, even if you don’t know the moves.”

The new academy has about a dozen members so far and meets twice a week, with Alex hoping to get in more meetups and sessions weekly. Raymond, who has been fencing for about 20 years, understands that it’s a hard sport to get into, not just because of its difficulty, but also the cost.

Like many other high-end sports — equestrian, rowing and even golf — expenses add up, including swords — foils, épées and sabres, all of which are electronic to connect with the scoring machine — and the gear, from coats to masks.

“It is expensive, but a lot of sports are,” Raymond added. “If you’re passionate, though, you find a way, and you’d be surprised how many people end up loving fencing.”

With the Land O’ Lakes Fencing Academy, there’s even a youth movement. Local youngsters are taking up “the blade,” donning a mask and finding themselves readying to compete in swashbuckling fashion.

Just ask this pair of siblings.

Land O’ Lakes Fencing Academy instructor Raymond Kossmann takes a poke during a lesson.

“I have a cousin who fences,” 10-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident Arianna Bobe said. “That’s why we started doing it, but we really like it now. It’s fun to be able to fence against our cousin and others, too.”

Her sister, Isabelle, 13, agrees.

“It’s fun — we really do like fencing,” she added. “What other sport is there where you get to poke someone?!”

Land O’ Lakes Fencing Academy
When: Tuesdays and Saturdays
Where: Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway
Cost: $20 per session; $5 for college students
Details: The sessions are run by Alex Kossmann, a two-time Central Florida Division Champion, and Raymond Kossmann, runner-up for veterans (40+) Central Florida Divisional Championship. Experienced and budding fencers are able to attend the sessions to learn the sport and hone their skills.
Info: Visit LandOLakesFencingAcademy.com, or contact Alex Kossmann at 813-841-0984 or .

Published November 29, 2023

Chalk Talk 10/18/2023

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Lake Myrtle Elementary’s new mural by artist Britt Ford represents the school’s commitment to character education.
(Courtesy of Lake Myrtle Elementary School)

Taking the Turtle Pledge
Lake Myrtle Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes recently hosted an unveiling ceremony to showcase a mural in its cafeteria funded by The Tampa Foundation. The artwork represents the school’s commitment to character education through its daily Turtle Pledge.

The pledge is recited by the school’s students every day and embodies the principles Lake Myrtle strives to instill in every student:

  • I pledge to be a kid of character.
  • I’ll be worthy of trust.
  • I’ll be respectful and responsible, doing what I must.
  • I will act in fairness; I’ll show I care.
  • I’ll be a good citizen and do my share.

Three Florida colleges rank in top five
A study by the university ranking site Research.com analyzed more than 1,700 higher education institutions across America and its territories, looking at the average cost of their tuition and fees, room and board charges, and books and supplies.

The study was based on the universities that rank in the top 10% of Research.com’s Best Colleges ranking, to discover the institutions that offer high quality education at the most affordable price, according to a news release.

The University of Florida-Gainesville topped the ranking as the most affordable college — its average total cost for one year of $20,045 makes it the most affordable college in the country. Tuition is an average of $8,285, while average room and board charges are $10,950. The cost of books and supplies, at $810, is the lowest of all entries in the top five, the release says.

Tallahassee’s Florida State University offers the second most affordable high-quality college education. The average cost of books and supplies is $1,000, tuition comes in around $7,493, and room and board charges average $11,565 — all adding up to $20,058 for the university, which has a 37% acceptance rate.

In fourth place is the University of South Florida in Tampa. Its total average cost for the year is just $18 more than third place New Mexico State University, at $20,078. The tuition average is $6,410, room and board charges come to $12,568, and books and supplies are $1,100.

Purdue University in Indiana placed fifth.

Hispanic student scholarships
As Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations continue throughout Florida and beyond, the Duke Energy Foundation is committing $75,000 to the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund to create educational opportunities for Hispanic students in central Florida, according to a news release.

The grant will help the fund provide college scholarships for local Hispanic students and expand the number of professional development workshops to support transitioning to the workforce. A large portion of the grant will be used to award eight additional scholarships, and the remaining dollars used for the fund’s annual scholarship award ceremony.

Since 2000, the scholarship fund and its partners have awarded 494 Hispanic Heritage Scholarships totaling more than $2 million, the release says.

For nearly a decade, Duke Energy Florida and its Foundation have provided about $230,000 in scholarships and sponsorships to support the fund.

Pasco Pathways
Pasco County Schools will host a Pasco Pathways Expo on Nov. 14 at Sunlake High School, for west county, and on Nov. 16 at Cypress Creek High, for central/east county. More information will be sent out in next month’s Pasco Post.

Holiday Card Lane
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is calling on local schools and artists to collaborate in reimagining its Holiday Card Lane for this and future generations. The cards adorn the paths of Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey throughout the holiday season and are sponsored by local Pasco County businesses.

The chamber is seeking creative ideas and expertise:

  • Material innovation: Looking for environmentally friendly materials to replace the heavy plywood traditionally used. The new materials should be sustainable, transportable and weather-resistant.
  • Artistic Expression: Looking for artists to infuse their unique styles and celebrate the spirit of the season while incorporating sustainable themes.
  • Community Involvement: This is an opportunity for schools and artists to gain exposure and engage with the local community.

Artists, schools or anyone who fits the bill should reach out to the chamber at 727-842-7651. Ideas, suggestions and contributions are welcome.

Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)’s annual Fish Art Contest is now open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. In partnership with Wildlife Forever, FWC announced a second annual category for a Florida Native Fish Award, in addition to the national Fish Art Contest that students can qualify for by submitting a Florida native species from the specified list below.

Grade brackets awards will be kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and 10th through 12th grade.

Students can submit an original piece of physical artwork featuring any fish including one or more of these Florida native species from the same category:

  • Category 1: Freshwater: largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, channel catfish, Florida gar, chain pickerel, bowfin
  • Category 2: Saltwater: snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, tarpon, mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel, hogfish, queen snapper, black grouper

Digital artwork will not be accepted.

Students also must submit a piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about the chosen species (required for grades four to 12) and a Florida State-Fish Art Contest entry form.

The deadline to enter is Feb. 28.

To enter, visit WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/fish-entry-forms/florida-entry-forms/.

Digital history collection aims to keep memories of Lutz alive

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Much of the history of the Lutz and Land O’ Lakes communities might have been lost to the ages, if it weren’t for the dogged pursuits of Elizabeth Riegler MacManus, who spent much of her life gathering photographs and documents, and recording interviews with old-timers from the area.

The families of Dr. Susan A. MacManus, right, and Dr. Lou MacManus, shown here, and their brother, Cameron, who died in a plane crash a few years ago, contributed to make possible a new digital history collection focusing on Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and nearby areas. Their mother, Elizabeth Riegler MacManus, played a pivotal role in helping to preserve the area’s history. (Mike Camunas)

During her lifetime, she amassed an enormous amount of material, leading her and her daughter, Susan A. MacManus, to collaborate on two local history books, “Citrus, Sawmills, Critters & Crackers: Life in Early Lutz and Central Pasco County” and the other “Going, Going … Almost Gone: Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Pioneers Share Their Precious Memories,” published after Elizabeth’s death.

Now, the new The Elizabeth Riegler MacManus Digital Collection of Lutz Pioneer History will preserve that local history for generations to come.

A special event was held on Sept. 20 at the Lutz Branch Library to celebrate the collection’s unveiling.

“For those of you who know the rich history of Lutz, you’ll appreciate the plethora of historic materials that tell the memorable story of this pioneer town and the area surrounding it, as seen through the eyes and experiences of the Riegler and MacManus families,” Jeffrey Huggins, master of ceremonies at the Sept. 20 unveiling, told the crowd.

“Thousands of photographs have been digitally scanned and are available at our library website, which is HCPLC.org, and you’ll be able to view those and generations to come will be able to view those beautiful photographs that we have of the area,” he said.

Speakers at the event were Dr. Susan A. MacManus and Dr. Gary Mormino.

Susan is a retired distinguished professor of political science from the University of South Florida (USF), and Mormino is a retired history professor.

Dr. Susan MacManus autographs one of the books she co-authored with her mother, during the digital collection dedication at Lutz Branch Library on Sept. 20.Dr. Susan MacManus autographs one of the books she co-authored with her mother, during the digital collection dedication at Lutz Branch Library on Sept. 20.

Susan began her remarks by cheerfully greeting the crowd with “good morning, crackers,” — eliciting laughter from a crowd who recognized the moniker assigned to native Floridians.

She thanked the audience for being there and noted that so many in the room had played a role in helping to preserve community history.

“The truth of the matter is that this collection would not have been anything without the contributions of you and your families over time,” Susan said, in a video that was recorded by students and a teacher from Academy at the Lakes. They recorded it, so those who were unable to attend the event could watch it.

“So many of you gave interviews, photos,” Susan told the crowd.

“I remember my mother telling me she would go to some of your homes and people would just give her a one-of-a-kind photo and trust her to take it out and get it back, at a time when those kinds of things were so rare.

“My mom’s love of history came from her parents’ histories,” Susan said.

Lutz residents Marsha Gibson, left, and Darryln Caudill smile as they look over a book co-authored by Susan A. MacManus and her mother, Eliizabeth Riegler MacManus.

“My grandfather, as many of you know, Mike Riegler, was the first permanent settler of what was called North Tampa. It was a settlement that ultimately became Lutz.

“I think what all of this did was generate in my mom an interest in talking to people and finding out where their families came from.”

That interest in people, and in history, led Elizabeth to record personal stories and collect artifacts.

Susan discovered the treasure trove that Elizabeth had amassed when she returned to Land O’ Lakes, to teach at USF.

Dr. Gary Mormino, left, a retired history professor at the University of South Florida, was one of the key speakers at the unveiling of a new digital library collection focused on the history of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and nearby areas. Jeffrey Huggins, next to Mormino, was the event’s master of ceremonies.

While at her parents’ home she noticed a box overflowing with cassette tapes.

She asked: “Momma, what is that?”

“She said: ‘Oh, they’re just tapes. I’ve been taping the histories and experiences of old-timers.’”

“I said: ‘What are you going to do with those things?”

She said: “I think maybe someday, I’ll write something.”

That’s when Susan and her mother went to work on “Citrus, Sawmills, Critters & Crackers.” Then they did the sequel.

The digital collection includes old documents, photographs, maps and other materials.

“Some of my most precious memories were really through sorting through the thousands and thousands of photos Mama had piled up on the living room table,” Susan told the audience at the collection’s unveiling.

Dozens of Lutz residents, including Liana Fernandez-Fox, center, came out to hear Dr. Susan MacManus speak about a new digital collection focused on the history of Lutz and nearby areas.

She said her mother was interested in gathering materials, regardless of what it took to get them. In one case, a woman invited her to come to take a look at items that had been stored in a chicken coop.

Elizabeth went and found a gold mine of information that otherwise would have been lost, Susan said.

Mormino’s talk offered a perspective on how Lutz fits into the big picture of Florida.

“It’s absolutely in the center. You may think you’re on the fringes, but you’re not.

“The Florida dream used to be a really big deal.

“The idea was that there’s something special about a place where it’s 70 degrees in February.

“More importantly, it’s the possibility of a better life,” he said.

“If I could return in a time machine, the place I would go would be the Lutz Depot.

“Fresh fish coming over from Tarpon Springs, and vegetables and fruit being shipped out.

“That would have been a fascinating window on the time.

“Even the peeping of baby chicks,” he said.

A Lutz resident peruses one of the books co-authored by Elizabeth Riegler MacManus and Susan A. MacManus

Lutz offered a dream setting to pioneers — with its natural resources, setting and the availability of fresh water, Mormino said.

Then he talked specifically about Elizabeth and Susan.

“Consider the role of Elizabeth Riegler MacManus and her daughter — without these two people, we wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t be reading histories.

“Individuals matter, today, more than ever, I think.

“We tend to discount the possibility of what one family, one person, can do.”

These artifacts reflect a miniscule fraction of the materials amassed by Elizabeth Riegler MacManus, which help preserve the history of the Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and nearby communities.

“Historians, in the future, first of all, will be very grateful to the MacManus family and their contributions,” Mormino said.

Huggins expressed the library’s appreciation for the contributions of the families of Susan MacManus, Lou MacManus and Cameron MacManus — who made the digital collection possible.

Susan expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended the event and to all of those who had a role in bringing the digital collection to life.

“I just wanted to say that on behalf of the three families, the three children, my sister Lou, my brother who passed away in a plane crash a few years ago, and me, we just want to tell you all, thank you for everything.”

She also paid tribute to Elizabeth.

“My mother’s life reflects the words she lived by. They’re familiar to many in this room who share the same philosophy of life: Faith, family and friends, and a motto to live with, which is treat your neighbor as yourself.”

Published October 04, 2023

Hitting the big time

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Brady North was on the phone, sitting in a bus in the Dominican Republic.

He was speechless, so much so the person on the other line thought the call had been disconnected. The person was none other than Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash.

North had just been called up to the big leagues — as the Rays’ assistant hitting coaches.

“I was speechless,” the 2010 Gaither High grad said. “(Cash) kind of took a long way to tell me, but after he did, he was like, ‘Hey, are you there?’ … It all happened so fast, and I’m not saying it wasn’t expected, but when my playing days were done, my mind immediately switched to being a coach, to how can I get (to the Major Leagues) this way.

“And, I’m very grateful for this opportunity and this organization, because the Rays are all I’ve known and they’ve treated me so great.”

A majorly quick road
The Rays promoted North on Nov. 18, 2021 after he spent that season as the hitting coach with the team’s Class-A affiliate, Bowling Green. That team won the league championship and led the league in runs, homers, walks, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

Brady North, a 2010 Gaither High graduate, stands behind fellow Gaither graduate, and longtime Tampa Bay Rays manager, Kevin Cash, in the dugout at Tropicana Field during a game vs. the Kansas City Royals on June 22. North, 32, is now an assistant hitting coach for the Rays, after a meteoric rise through the organization’s coaching ranks. He joined the Rays in 2019. (Mike Camunas)

North has risen the ranks in the Rays’ organization since joining the team in 2019, with the rookie-level team, and then the COVID-canceled 2020 season with the Charlotte Single-A team.

The Rays added North to the coaching staff after he spent two seasons as a graduate assistant for his alum, Cumberland University in Tennessee, from 2017-2018. He also spent time coaching in the Cape Cod League for the Cotuit Kettleers.

As a first baseman at Cumberland, North helped the team win the 2014 NAIA National Championship, then would go on to play independent ball for two years: in 2015 for the Washington Wild Things and in 2016 for the Lake Erie Crushers.

But his baseball career started in Lutz, playing Little League and then in high school at Gaither for the late, legendary coach, Frank Permuy.

In four varsity seasons, North batted .356 with 101 hits, 17 doubles and 13 homers, including batting over .400 as a freshman and a senior. These stats earned him the honor of getting his number (35) retired, right there next to his former coach, Permuy, and his current one, Cash.

“It’s a weird thing, you know,” North said. “You look at that wall at Gaither (that shows former players that made the majors) and (we) talked about that we’re going to get (to the majors) or be up there (on the wall) one day and the aspirations to be a (MLB) player. … I just took a different route to get here.”

Cash says North’s short time as an assistant has been nothing but remarkable.

“Brady has had a real fast track of getting into pro ball and being a part of player development and then working with big-league hitters as assistant hitting coach,” said Cash, who graduated from Gaither in 1996. “As someone who lacks reps and experience, he has shown the ability to learn and grow in a very challenging setting here at the major league level.”

Cash said North was probably a better player than he was.

Cash noted: “With his dad (Nelson) as (Gaither’s) coach, who followed (our) coach, Frank — the North Family, in general, is well respected in the baseball world here (in Tampa) so you know (Brady’s) going to bring a lot to the table.”

Cash also was quick to point out that, despite the lack of experience, North is bilingual, “a unique skill set” which has helped with the Latino players in the Rays’ organization, including the major leaguers, such as Yandy Diaz and Randy Arozarena.

Nelson North, who took over coaching Gaither in 2015 after stints as an assistant coach at the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida, knew his son would get to the major-league level — thanks to his work ethic.

“I still think he doesn’t believe it sometimes, but we put on the game and there he is on TV,” said Nelson, who helped out coaching Gaither during Brady’s senior season in 2010.
“I’ve coached a long time,” Nelson added. “In the NAIA, Division 2, Division 1 and high school — and in all those years of coaching players — and I’m not just saying this because Brady’s my son — he’s always worked the hardest. … He’d come home after practice, shower, eat, do homework and go back out to the garage and use the Swing Away until he’d need another shower. He was always a great self- motivator.”

Brady North, a 2010 Gaither High graduate, goes over hitting techniques with Yandy Diaz, the first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. They’re in the club’s hitting cages in the tunnels of Tropicana Field. (Courtesy of Will Vragovic, Tampa Bay Rays)

All the right hits
Nelson says Brady loves to coach hitting, which has come in handy not just with the Rays, but also when Brady has helped coaching at Gaither.

He’ll come back to Gaither and talk to Nelson’s current players and also was involved when the Cowboys won a state championship in 2016.

“I’m very proud of his baseball career and the proudest I am of my son is if struck out or hit a home run, he always looked the same,” Nelson said. “He had the great ability to play the game one pitch at a time.

“Brady loves hitting — talk it, teach it, analyze it,” he added. “He’ll come back to Gaither and talk to the team about approach and he’ll jump in the cage and change my approach, but that’s okay, I’ll let him.

“Brady thought of something my team needed, and we changed it because of him — not the Rays or a MLB team, but because of Brady.”

As Brady’s coaching career continues as the youngest coach on the Rays staff, he says he loves his job as assistant hitting coach. Though he’s unsure whether he would want to be a future MLB manager.

For now, he’ll continue to learn, as he’s always done — one hit at a time.

“You can never get complacent with things,” Brady said. “You always have something to learn, no matter what environment it is. You never know everything and right now, I’m just trying to be the best assistant hitting coach I can be and learn everything I can.”

Published July 04, 2023

Dade City chamber executive says it’s the ‘right time’ to retire

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It may not be his hometown, or even where he lives, but John Moors has played an instrumental role in sharing the story of Dade City.

Now, the leader of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce says it’s “the right time” to leave the post that he’s held for more than a dozen years.

The chamber, with its 400-plus members, is committed to economic development and improving the quality of life in Dade City.

John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is stepping away from his leadership role on June 7, after leading the chamber for 12 years. The chamber, a nonprofit organization, has 400-plus members committed to economic development and improving the quality of life in Dade City. (Mike Camunas)

“The hardest thing when it comes to retiring is that you ask, ‘What’s next?’” Moors told The Laker/Lutz News. “My wife retired already, and we decided to renovate the house — spend time with the grandchildren, travel and other stuff, so the timing was right.

“It has been a pleasure to serve The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and to be associated with the marvelous people and businesses that make the Dade City area so unique,” he added.

“So, it’s the right time.”

Moors joined the Chamber in December 2010 after a career in the hotel business in both Canada and the United States and as the Convention Center administrator for the City of Tampa. He had also spent time as an adjunct professor teaching event management and hospitality at nearby Saint Leo University.

Moors has always been an outsider — that is, not a native of Dade City.

When he took the position, he considered that to be an advantage.

“(Not being from Dade City) it (could have gone) either way,” Moors explained. “Sure, it can be an advantage to have deep, historic roots in the community, but at the same time, it can be an advantage to come in with a 30,000-foot view as someone who is not influenced by opinions of people. But my goal was always to just come in and do the best you can for the people you serve.

“So when I did come in, it was about taking the time to listen and watch what’s going on and see who the players are in town, and become ingrained in the community, even if you’re not from that community. It’s important to know the history and background of the community and really know what their goals are and what they want out of a community.”

Moors is proud of the initiatives he spearheaded during his tenure.

There are three, however, that stand out, he said.

He helped create the SMARTstart Pasco Incubator Network with the Pasco Economic Development Council. Created in 2012, SMARTstart has a suite of programs intended to benefit companies of all sizes, from start-up to established businesses. The program offers low-cost workspaces, educational resources, guidance, a collaborative environment for area entrepreneurs, and microloans to help businesses that can’t secure traditional financing.

The Incubator Network, specifically, nurtures early-stage ventures during the phase when they are most vulnerable, helping them to survive and grow.

“To have that in conjunction with Saint Leo (University), TECO and the City of Dade City, that was very important,” Moors said. “It was happening at places like (University of South Florida) and (University of Tampa) and in Gainesville (at the University of Florida), so why not here?”

Moors also is proud of how he, chamber members and community volunteers were able to make the Kumquat Festival, the city’s signature event, bigger and better.

Moors has always considered the event an opportunity for Dade City to offer its hospitality and give visitors a taste of its good old-fashioned Southern charm.

John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, is retiring from his post on June 7, after a 12-year tenure.

The hope is that long after the festival ends, people who came to the event will return to Dade City, to enjoy the shops and restaurants in the community’s downtown.

He said he’s proud of using the festival to promote Dade City, and to support the well-being of its downtown.

Moors also is proud of the chamber’s leadership in creating and hosting “Access East Pasco and Access to Opportunity” events like the one that is set for June 16 at Saint Leo University.

The events are informative networking luncheon and panel discussions featuring leading area business and government influencers regarding the growth, development and business potential of the Greater Dade City area and beyond.

“It’s important to have these meet-and-greets where people can talk to each other and the leaders about growth and development in person, not just reading about it on social media or in the newspapers,” Moors said. “They get to see them in person, ask questions to the panels or one-on-one and, to me, that has always been important.”

Moors has seen plenty of change during his time at the helm.

He’s witnessed growth in the business community, and an expansion of residences, parks and amenities.

He’s quick to point out that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the way businesses operate, with several shifting from brick-and-mortar physical locations to e-commerce, and some converting to hybrid operations — offering in-person and online services.

“That’s changed the last couple of years with the pandemic — the physical presence, the brick-and-mortar is no longer needed for things like banking,” Moors said.

“Even when you have a physical shop, the way of business has changed, so (chamber) members have had to change the way they do things,” he added.

As for Moors’ replacement, a succession plan, monitored and administered by the chamber’s board, is in place.

Chamber Board President Matt Maggard of Shumaker and the executive board of the chamber will oversee the transition.

Moors will be missed.

Dade City Mayor Jim Shive said “it has been a privilege working with John over the years. John’s business acumen and keenness has served the chamber well, and was very instrumental in pulling the chamber through the last couple of years during COVID.”

Shive added: “The last (12) Kumquat Festivals have been very successful due to his fiscal responsibility. As a city, we are very appreciative of the chamber for their continuing efforts in putting Dade City on the map with the annual Kumquat Festival.

“We certainly have enjoyed our partnership with the chamber under his reign as executive director, and he will truly be missed.”

Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce “Access East Pasco”
When: June 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Saint Leo University, 33701 County Road 52, in St. Leo
Details: An informative networking luncheon and panel discussion event featuring leading area business and government influencers regarding the growth, development and business potential of the Greater Dade City area.
Info: DadeCityChamber.org/access-east-pasco

Published June 07, 2023