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THE FUN BEGINS AT 5 PM! MUSICIANS - LATIN, JAZZ, FOLK STILT WALKERS ROCK CLIMBING WALL BUMPER BOATS OBSTACLE COURSE FACE PAINTER BALLOON TWISTER CARICATURE ARTIST INTERACTIVE GAMES FOOD VENDORS
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5060 River Glen Blvd. Wesley Chapel 3.5 miles east of I-75 on State Road 54 Just 15 minutes from Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City Just 30 minutes from Land O’ Lakes and Lutz April 7, 2021 | www.LakerLutzNews.com
Absolutely Avalon Celebrates Spring WITH FREE FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES DON’T MISS AN AMAZING LASER LIGHT SHOW AT DUSK! OF THE MANY THINGS THAT SETS AVALON PARK WESLEY CHAPEL APART FROM OTHER PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS IS ITS LONG HISTORY OF ORGANIZING SPECIAL EVENTS FOR AREA RESIDENTS TO ENJOY. NEXT WEEKEND, THE COMMUNITY IS HOSTING ABSOLUTELY AVALON ON SATURDAY, APRIL 17 FROM 5 P.M. TO 8 P.M. THIS FUN, SAFE EVENT HAS FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING LOCAL MUSICIANS, A ROCK CLIMBING WALL, STILT WALKERS, INFLATABLE OBSTACLE COURSE AND BUMPER BOATS, AND A LASER LIGHT SHOW BEGINNING AT DUSK. PARKING IS ON RIVER GLEN BOULEVARD WITHIN THE AVALON PARK COMMUNITY. NO PREREGISTRATION IS NEEDED. swimming pool, tot lot, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will eventually interconnect with its planned downtown. And, when it comes to community activities, the Avalon Park Group provides a variety of fun events for its residents, and welcomes neighbors in surrounding communities to join in the fun. Ongoing monthly events have included a Community Farmer’s Market, Movies under the Stars, food trucks and large holiday celebrations.
PREMIER BUILDERS In addition to its many community events, families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it offers so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities. “We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.” Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, about three miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando. Homebuyers can choose from several models from Avex Homes, and will soon have more floor plans available from DR Horton. Single-family and townhomes are currently for sale, and apartments and senior housing are planned for future phases. Homes range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s. “Our builders offer homes for all demographics — from young families buying their first home, to folks looking to move up to a new home in an upscale community, to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret. “Avalon is just like a real town — we have homes priced for everyone, from teachers to physicians.”
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beginning of the 2020-21 school year. The school opened its doors to more than 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade (seventh and eighth grades will be added in coming years). Students are immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer.
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths. “We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts. “We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret. Construction on the first phase is expected to begin later this year, at the same time that the expansion of State Road 54 is completed. Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre masterplanned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.
A LIBRARY PROGRAM IN ITS BACKYARD
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For more information about Avalon Park and its events, call 813-783-1515, or email info@AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com. Information is also available at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, and its Facebook page at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
Having a library in the center of your community is something residents of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel truly love and value. The New River library, a branch of the Pasco County Libraries system, is located on State Road 54, at the west entrance to the community. The New River Library is currently finishing a complete renovation and expansion of its building and outdoor areas, and also upgrading its technology capabilities. It is reopening this spring, and there’s no doubt that patrons will love the library’s new modern look, covered walkway entry, much faster Internet speeds, expanded youth areas, and a makerspace that opens into a shaded classroom for outdoor activities. Patrons can expect “a complete reimagining from top to bottom,” including space for do-it-yourself activities and gardening programs hosted by master gardeners or Pasco County Extension agents. Its garden area will have 26 beds, with half used for workshops and demonstrations, and the rest available to people who want to grow flowers and vegetables. Also, new at the library will be a unique children’s activity, Story Walk, which will encourage children to follow a winding path where they will stop at stations and read pages from a storybook.
AMENITIES FOR ALL AGES Things for families to do typically begin with amenities provided by the developer, and few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel designed for residents of all ages. Last year, an expansive second amenity center opened in at the heart of the community, with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area. Avalon Park families also enjoy a wide array of other amenities, including another
Few planned communities can boast of a tuition-free charter school at their main entrance. But, this bragging right goes to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which was proud to welcome Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel at the April 7, 2021 | www.LakerLutzNews.com
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DISCOVER SMALL TOWN W AME ERICA A IN AV VAL A ON N PA ARK WESLEY CHAPEL — A COMMUNIT MMUNITY WHERE YOU O LIVE IN A BEAUT UTIFUL, CONTEMP PORARY HOME, WA ALK TO NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS AND ENJOY PLAY YGR GRO OUNDS FOR EVE ERY Y AG GE. DOWNTOW WN WILL BE BREAKING GRO OUND THIS YEAR AND TH HEN YOU O CAN A WALK A TO SHOPS, RESTA AURANT U S, AND WORK. O
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Young players shoot for the future
Sofia Mast, of Land O’ Lakes, has qualified to compete at the Junior Nationals, in Las Vegas. By Joey Johnston Special to The Laker/Lutz News
If you wander into Mainstreet Billiards of Zephyrhills, don’t expect a stereotypical smoke-filled pool hall. It’s a well-lit, family friendly venue that is dedicated to teaching the sport of billiards to young people. The hall’s registered 501(c)3 arm — called Shooting For The Future — sponsors
free weekly lessons for kids at seven locations in Pasco, Hillsborough and Polk counties. And one player, 12-year-old Sofia Mast, of Land O’ Lakes, has emerged as a national championship-level performer. “We figured a grassroots approach was a good way to grow the game,’’ said Brandon Butts, owner of Mainstreet Billiards, which opened in June 2019.“We started out charging $10 a week, but some kids weren’t able to afford it. The cost of lessons and equipment can add up, so our nonprofit concept evolved from there, and we’ve been able to expand to multiple locations.
“We start out by teaching them a stance, the follow-through, posture, the mechanics of the game. Through the games we play, they learn sportsmanship and they get to compete for prizes under the stress of the game. They can develop skills and learn if this is something they’d like to pursue.’’ At each facility, one player is designated as a “Shooting Star.’’ At Mainstreet Billiards, that’s Mast. And for her, the pursuit of billiards excellence has become a given. The daughter of a billiards league player, Mast qualified for a national event after her See BILLIARDS, page 7A
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Sofia Mast, a 12-year-old pool player from Land O’ Lakes, has emerged as a national championship-level performer. She is known as the ‘Pink Dagger’ in the billiards world.
Pasco schools to drop mySchool Online option this fall District will continue its Pasco eSchool; future of mask requirement is not yet known.
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Several enhancements are coming to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, which spans some 900 acres of land donated to the city after World War II. Most notable is moving forward with the extension of Runway 1-19. It’s increasing to 6,200 feet, up from 4,700 feet. The longer runway will accommodate larger corporate jets and will bolster industry in the surrounding airport vicinity. It also will provide support, in the long-term, for an industrial corridor, in the area of Chancey Road. The Runway 1-19 project also calls for a Taxiway B extension, paved runway shoulders and construction of an access road. The $6.5 million runway extension project, funded via state appropriations and Penny for Pasco, is expected to be completed in November.The city recently awarded a construction bid to Plant City-based C.W. Roberts Contracting for the work. Poe detailed how instrumental State Sen.
Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has announced that the school district is dropping its mySchool Online option in the fall. Browning explained the district’s decision in a video and the district issued a news release, as well, to explain the coming change. “Based on recent positive trends, we expect that there will no longer be the need for (the) mySchool Online option next school year,” Browning said, in the video. “We expect the vast majority of students to be back in the classroom for in-person learning and for our employees to return to the classroom or office.” The superintendent also shared the district’s rationale for its decision. “First of all, the Florida Department of Education only authorized Florida school systems to offer mySchool Online-type options for the 2020-2021 school year,” he said. “Current indications are that such programs will not be authorized by the state for the 2021-2022 school year. In addition, the number of positive COVID-19 cases, involving our students or staff, have decreased dramatically, since the high mark of January,” Browning said. He added:“We continue to monitor the numbers closely, both in our schools and in the community, at large. “Finally, we have been very aggressive in making the vaccine readily available to our staff,” he said. Because of the district’s partnership with the county health department, it has been able to vaccinate thousands of its employees, the superintendent said. Browning also noted that the number of students choosing the mySchool Online option has been steadily declining. Initially, 60% of the district’s students chose the in-person, bricks-and-mortar option this school year. That figure has increased to 76%.Twenty-one percent of the district’s students are enrolled in the mySchool Online option; the other 3% at-
See GROWTH, page 7A
See MYSCHOOL, page 7A
KEVIN WEISS
Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe was the guest speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group’s March 9 breakfast meeting, at IHOP in Dade City.
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B INSIDE, PAGE 1B
By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
Activity is on the rise in the City of Zephyrhills — from multiple new housing developments, to myriad airport and roadway improvements, to the prospect of wholesale changes to its local 911 communication operations. Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe offered a look at what’s happening in the city, during a speaking engagement at last month’s East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City. The city’s residential development is booming, Poe said. “You see it when you’re driving down the road, driving down (State Road) 56, everywhere you go, anywhere you go, you see the development happening,” he said, during the March 9 breakfast meeting. There are nine housing developments totaling about 3,000 units on the books, Poe said.The housing styles include townhomes, single-family homes and apartments. The additional housing is expected to bring an estimated 7,000 new residents to the municipality, when all is said and done, Poe said. These developments are predominately situated beyond the Zephyr Commons Shopping Center and Walmart off Gall Boulevard, as well as around the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center along Simons Road. The projects are in varying stages, from preliminary plans to homes under construction, Poe said. “Zephyrhills will definitely be changing as we move through this, God willing the economy stays the way it’s going for us,” Poe said.
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Local troop donates cookies The Girl Scouts just finished the 2021 cookie season and Troop 389 of Zephyrhills was able to donate 48 boxes of cookies to Meals on Wheels East Pasco – the group’s ‘hometown hero.’ Meals on Wheels provides fresh meals to seniors, people with disabilities, and other community members who have a limited ability to shop and/or prepare food for themselves. Troop 389 is looking forward to the 2022 cookie season! From left: Natalie O'Donovan, Tabitha Crist and Michelle McKay.
Pasco board approves nearly $200,000 for design work By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Commission has approved $198,500 for design and permitting work for site refurbishment of the East Pasco Transfer Station. The task order will be accomplished by JMG Engineering Inc., according to agenda background materials for the county board’s March 23 meeting. The East Pasco Transfer Station, at 9626 Handcart Road, in Dade City, was constructed in 1991 to support the transfer of municipal solid waste from the east side of the county to the county’s Waste-to-Energy Facility located at 14230 Hays Road, in Spring Hill. The county began expanding the East Pasco Transfer Station in 2017, to increase the overall size of the facility to support the rapid volume of waste growth, driven by development, on the eastern side of Pasco County, the background materials say. For instance, in fiscal year 2020, the transfer station processed more than 92,800 tons of garbage, up over 25% from the 74,000 tons it processed in fiscal year 2015. The expanded transfer station enables the facility to handle the increase in tonnage, but the facility also needs to be refurbished, according to county documents. The structure has experienced wear and deterioration through its many years of operation, and its refurbishment must meet current codes and operational standards. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) requires that the proposed improvement design
New sheriff’s substation at the Grove The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has set up a new substation at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. Patrol deputies now will work out of this substation and desk officers will join them once lobbies reopen, according to a sheriff’s office newsletter. The sheriff’s office lobbies remain closed
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work be under the direction of a licensed professional engineer. JMG will perform the design and permitting work necessary to allow the county to put out public bids to refurbish the facility. Improvements to the site and facility will include: • Constructing a new access road that will reduce queuing of vehicles on Handcart Road, which services the transfer station • Modifying the stormwater system to support the proposed roadway changes and improve the overall site drainage • Designing drawings and specifications to replace the tipping floor pit and metal framing • Evaluating the facility roof and exterior walls • Designing drawings and specifications for repair and/or replacement, modification, and permitting of the facility’s leachate collection system • Evaluating the fire system and developing specifications needed to update the system to the current Florida Building Codes The scope of work also includes obtaining all applicable permitting and handling any zoning modification that are required. The refurbishment will allow additional area to handle waste and will provide space for recyclables collection, increasing the efficiency of the county’s collection of recyclables by allowing waste haulers to deliver recycling to the eastern side of the county. JMG is expected to begin the task this winter and complete it within a year. Construction is expected to begin in the Spring of 2022 and be completed in Winter 2023. Funds for the construction will be included in the 2022 budget year.
amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, patrol and desk officers worked out of a substation at The Shops at Wiregrass.That location now will be used as an office for the sheriff’s community relations deputies, the newsletter says. Anyone needing assistance from the sheriff’s office can call 727-847-8102, option 7, to report a crime or speak with a desk officer.
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Pasco Parks plans modified 2021 summer camp program Raising money for The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) is planning to host a modified 2021 Summer Day Camp program due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release. Registration is online only and Pasco County residents can register for the full seven-week program on April 10 at 10 a.m., and for the full and partial programs on April 12 at 10 a.m. Non-Pasco County residents and county residents can register for any remaining
Summer Day Camp spaces beginning April 17 at 10 a.m. The county’s 2021 summer day camp will be held Monday through Friday, June 14 to July 30, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The program is for children ages 5 to 13, generally, and for children ages 7 to 13 at the Jay B. Starkey Nature Center. Space is limited. Register online at bit.ly/PascoCreateAccount. The county will be using best practices to protect campers and team members. • Children’s temperatures taken daily before being accepted into camp
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• Sign in/check-out at your vehicle • Reduced camper-to-staff ratios/group intermingling to promote social distancing • Increased sanitizing of facilities and equipment • Face coverings required for staff and campers For seamless enrollment, be sure to create or update your online account ahead of registration by visiting bit.ly/PascoCreateAccount. For more information, including a list of locations, camp capacities, costs and financial assistance, visit bit.ly/PascoSummerCamp or call 813-929-1229.
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
Help is available for rent, utility payments The county’s community development department is partnering with several local nonprofit agencies to help pay bills directly for Pasco County renters who meet the eligibility guidelines. Eligible bills include: • Rent: Past, current and future • Utilities:Water and electric To qualify for Pasco H.E.A.R.T. funding, you must be a U.S. citizen, or have legal status, and be a Pasco County resident, and you must meet the income guidelines of 80% or below of the Area Median Income
and must have been economically impacted by COVID-19. Households that earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income, as well as applicants who have been unemployed for 90 days or longer, will be prioritized. To learn more about the qualifications for Pasco H.E.A.R.T funding and the agencies Pasco is partnering with, and to apply online, visit MyPasco.net. You may contact one of the partner agencies directly, or submit your information online through bit.ly/PascoHEART.
Pasco health department seeks community help
account and visit the COVID-19 enrollment page. Pasco County continues to make progress in its efforts. The county also is asking pediatricians to plan ahead for the time when vaccinations will be available to children. For additional information, call the COVID-19 Vaccine Enrollment Desk at (833) 701-1397, or email CovidVaccineProgram@flhealth.gov. For information about vaccine storage, handling and administration, visit CDC.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/faq.html.
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
Pasco County residents experiencing economic hardship because of COVID-19 now have an additional application option for people needing help. The county is providing help through a program called H.E.A.R.T., which stands for Help with Emergency Assistance Relief for Tenants. The program is designed to provide financial assistance for people experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19.
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County is reaching out to physicians and pharmacists to help provide COVID-19 vaccine to eligible Florida residents. “As more COVID-19 vaccine becomes available and more people become eligible to receive it, more people will want to book appointments as quickly as possible,” Mike Napier, the county’s health officer, said in a
news release. “It’s just a matter of time before everyone who wants a shot can get one, and we need to work with our community doctors and pharmacists to make that happen,” Napier said. To become a Vaccine for Adult (VFA) provider, physicians and pharmacists need to sign up for the Florida SHOTS program at FLShotsUsers.com.Those that are already a Florida SHOTS provider can log into their
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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will be collecting donations in April for the Special Olympics of Pasco County, according to a news release from the tax collector’s office. Special Olympics is a sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities.Year-round training and competition are provided in 17 different sports.Athletes participate at no cost. “We are very excited to be selected as the charity of the month for the month of April,” Joeyn Dearsman, of Special Olympics, said in the release.“Mike Fasano and his team have been big supporters of Special Olympics for many years and we are grateful for everything they do for our athletes. With the help from our community during this campaign, we will be able to ensure our athletes have everything they need to continue to be successful on and off the field. Proceeds will also help cover the cost of sending qualifying athletes to the 2022 USA games in Orlando.” In the release, Fasano added: “Special Olympics of Pasco County provides wonderful opportunities for individuals with a wide range of disabilities to be a part of athletics that may not otherwise be available to them.” Cash donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County. For more information about the charitable giving program at the Pasco Tax Collector’s office contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179 or visit PascoTaxes.com. For more information about services provided by the Special Olympics of Pasco, call Joeyn Dearsman, senior manager/Pasco, at 727-992-8850 or visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org/. Donations also may be mailed to Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. Please note on your check’s memo line “Special Olympics.”
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LUTZ, ODESSA, LAND O’ LAKES, WESLEY CHAPEL, NEW TAMPA, ZEPHYRHILLS, DADE CITY Serving Pasco since 1981 / Serving Lutz since 1964 PUBLISHER & OWNER: DIANE KORTUS, dkortus@lakerlutznews.com EDITORIAL
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April 7, 2021
3A
NATURE NOTES
Protecting your turf By Nicole Pinson
Optimal mowing heights for Florida lawns:
Special to The Laker/Lutz News
Homeowners often contact the Extension office with questions about their lawn. Here are some examples: • “My lawn has bare patches. What’s wrong with it?” • “When do I fertilize my lawn and how often?” • “How can I tell if the problem is disease or pests?” The University of Florida/IFAS Extension has free online publications and local county Extension offices that can help you solve lawn problems. Check this site to find your local county Extension office: SFYL.ifas.ufl.edu/find-yourlocal-office/. If you’d like to do your own research, a good rule of thumb is to type the topic you want to learn more about in your computer’s web browser and the letters “UF” after it. For example, to learn more about St. Augustinegrass, type St.Augustinegrass + UF to get a list of free publications and online resources.Try it! When it comes to addressing lawn problems, you first need to know what type of grass that you have. Is it St. Augustinegrass, bahiagrass, zoysiagrass or Bermudagrass? Next, you need to identify when symptoms first appeared? Next, you need to consider: Were there any recent construction projects? New soil brought in? Pressure-washing or cleaning? Those activities can cause sudden changes in turf/symptoms. And, whether you maintain your lawn yourself, or you employ a lawn maintenance company, you need to know when pesticides, herbicides and/or fertilizers are applied, and the types of products used. These practices affect the lawn. Turf maintenance plans make up part of the story, and it’s easier to solve problems and be an informed consumer if you have information about what products are applied and when they are applied.
Bahiagrass: 3 inches to 4 inches Bermudagrass: ½-inch to 1.5 inches Centipedegrass: 1.5 inches to 2 inches St. Augustinegrass: 2.5 inches to 4 inches Zosiagrass (course types): 2 inches to 2.5 inches Source: University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
St. Augustinegrass is the most common lawn here. There are different cultivars of St. Augustinegrass, such as ‘Floratam,’‘Palmetto,’ and ‘Seville.’ It can be helpful to know the cultivar because some are better adapted for shade or have lower mowing heights. If replacing parts of your lawn with new pieces of turf, try to match the cultivar to what you already have in your lawn. Bare patches in St.Augustinegrass may be caused by insects, irrigation problems, large patch (cool weather), or take-all root rot (warm weather). Beginning in April, start watching for signs of lawn pests. If you see bare patches in the lawn, it’s important to figure out the cause because if it’s a fungus, and the grass is treated for insects, the problem won’t be corrected since the control doesn’t match the cause. Let’s say you suspect mole crickets or chinch bugs. If you’re up for an experiment, there is an easy way to find them. (If you don’t find them, it may be a fungus.) To look for insects, you can do an inexpensive and quick soap flush. If you do the soap flush over several areas of your yard, you should see the insects scurrying around after a few minutes. This YouTube video (1:59) explains how to do a soap flush: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx_o4E MXsCo. Contact your Extension office for help with insect ID.
A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH TO FIRE EARM TRAINING
COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA/INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
Turf problems may be caused by insects, such as mole crickets, irrigation or disease. When treating turf problems, it’s important to match the control to the cause.
This technique is also a way to doublecheck what others suggest may be the cause. For fungal/disease problems, match the disease with the recommended fungicide. And, don’t mistake irrigation problems with a pest infestation. One of the easiest things you can do to take care of grass is to mow it at the right height and frequency, so as not to remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at any time. Mowing too short can stress the grass. See Table 1 for the suggested mowing heights for Florida lawns. Leave the clippings on the lawn because they provide nutrients and improve organic matter.They also provide free fertilizer.The nitrogen in grass clippings can replace one fertilizer application each year. There’s another important practice to be aware of before summer rains: turn off or reduce your irrigation system if we get plenty of rain.This is one of the main causes of turf disease problems, such as take-all root rot, in the summer. This disease occurs when we start getting plenty of rain and we don’t adjust the irrigation system. Grass needs ½-inch to ¾-inch water per irrigation event. If we get equal to or more than ½-inch to ¾-inch of rainfall, on top of irrigating the lawn one or two times per week, we put down too much water and create an environment for disease. These disease problems can be hard to treat, sometimes requiring a year or more, and may result in costly replacement of dead turf and annual fungicide applications. Symptoms usually show up months after the summer rainy period, and at that point, they are very difficult to control. To avoid this problem, place an inexpensive rain gauge in
your yard. Note the amount of rainfall received.Adjust your irrigation system if we get plenty of rain in a week.This simple strategy can significantly improve the health of your turfgrass and reduce disease potential.
OTHER TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF TURF: • Treat weeds and fertilize separately. Avoid using a weed-and-feed product. • Remember, all Florida turfgrasses are dormant in winter. Resist the urge to fertilize in the winter when the grass is dormant. Not fertilizing in winter may improve turf quality the following year. • Fertilize the lawn with a slow-release fertilizer. A good example is 15-0-15 with slow-release nitrogen, written as a percent on the back of the bag or the label. You want the first number on the bag (nitrogen) to be a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio with the last number on the bag (potassium). Potassium is a very important nutrient to keep grass healthy and to maintain its ability to withstand stress and disease. • A fertilizer with little or no phosphorous is OK, unless you have a soil test showing your soil is deficient in phosphorous. • Fertilize your grass a few times per year. For additional questions, email pinsonn@ hcflgov.net, or call (813) 7445519, ext. 54145. Nicole Pinson is the Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County. Jan Ignash, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Master Gardener Volunteer, contributed to this column.
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The show went on, despite pandemic challenges The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
There were times when it wasn’t certain if the 38th annual Spotlight on Talent would take place at all, but the producers of the annual showcase pushed ahead, to make it happen — despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, as a news release puts it: “Expecting maybe half of the usual number of applicants, Heritage Arts Center Association was astounded to find that 150 talented young people weren’t going to let a virus stop them from polishing and sharing their impressive talents with professional judges.” The performers did that, “even though their parents had to watch via a zoom setup, and the usual audiences of hundreds of community friends were not allowed this year,” the release adds. As a result, the arts organization gave the performers a way to show off their talents, and awarded nearly $6,000 in cash prizes, trophies and ribbons. This all happened after the Pasco County School Board canceled all performances in its facilities, including the 900-seat Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High, where the event is normally held.The center has all of the topof-the-line technology necessary for this scale of production, according to the news release. Instead, performers showed off their talents at the fellowship hall of Dade City’s Methodist Church. The organization followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols, to keep everyone safe, the release says. “That meant: No audience; no personal microphones; taking hundreds of temperatures; the necessity of 150 waivers signed,” the release notes. It also required moving in a grand piano; wiping down chairs between contestant categories; registering and lining up 150 contestants outside; trying to find covered outdoor space because of the rain, and so on, the release adds. All of the hurdles were cleared, the release continues:“Nothing could stop the Spotlight team.” “This team of superheroes were all volunteers – the 15-member board of directors and five producers,” the release says. Some of those going the extra mile included Barbara Friedman, Laurel Weightman, Michelle Twitmyer, Michael Roberts, Ava
Spotlight on Talent 2021 winners Solo Category 1 1st: Amber Luu, Piano 2nd: Annabelle DePolis, musical theater 3rd: Chloe Adams, acrobatic dance 4th: Kennedy Kring, acrobatic dance Solo Category 2 1st: Linley Bishop, lyrical dance 2nd: Tavin Groomes, dramatic monologue 3rd: Kendall Hill, musical theater 4th: Nikki Lang, piano Solo Category 3 1st: Abigail Wallace, contemporary dance 2nd: Sofia Acosta, musical theater 3rd: Maelee Scaglione, contemporary dance 4th: Salvador Hernandez, classical guitar Solo Category 4 1st: Kasey Lang, piano 2nd: Samuel Wu, piano 3rd: Larkin Mainwaring, musical theater 4th: Dylan Pham, piano Solo Category 5 1st: Katherine Hines, pop vocal 2nd: Ezekiel Richards, jazz dance 3rd: Harley White, musical theater 4th: Kennedy Engasser, spoken word Solo Category 6 1st: Agnes Hernandez, piano 2nd: Faith Phaller, ballet dance 3rd: Julianna Cova, pop vocal 4th: Rhett Ricardo, musical theater Group Category 1 1st: Showstoppers, musical theater 2nd: Star Company Apprentices, jazz dance 3rd: Little Stars, Broadway dance Group Category 2 1st: Star Company, ballet dance 2nd: Showbros and Showstoppers, musical theater 3rd: Broadway Players Pasco Heritage Scholarship Winner Agnes Hernandez, piano
Larkin and Lauretta Brown. Additional support came from about 40 corporate and community sponsors, who donated toward the awards and production costs. For more information about the annual talent showcase, visit HeritageArts.org.
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Nils, who resides in Z Zephyrhills, is the owner of B&N Lenz Enterprises, an accountinng firm that has been in business for over 28 years. He is extremely acctive in his community — he started the East Pasco Networking Groupp in 2010 (which meets at the IHOP P in Dade City on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month), and is an Ambassador for the Greater Zephyrhillls Chamber of Commerce. He has also been a member of the Atonemennt Lutheran Church, ELCA in We Wesley Chapel since 1992. Nils has been marriedd to his wife Brenda for 34 years, and together they have three children (Nick, Alex and Cassie) and five grandchildren Penelope and Hudson who was recently born on (Bailey, Charlie, Oliver, P Feb. 28th). Nils hobbies include listening to country music, as well as watching the New Yo York Mets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The LAKER/L /L Lutz utz NEWS
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YEA! AWARDS
Hillsborough County is accepting nominations for the Youth Excellence and Achievement (Yea!) Awards through 5 p.m., on April 12. The awards recognize the positive contributions made by young people in the community. Nominations, which will be reviewed by the Commission on the Status of Women, can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of these categories: • Leadership — demonstrating positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as sports, academics or the arts • Success Despite Difficult Odds — overcoming tremendous personal difficulty to attain success and positively impact others • Volunteer or Community Service — allocating discretionary time to help others or complete a project that has improved our community Nomination forms can be found online at HCFLGov.net/YEA.
SPEAKER SERIES
Saint Leo University’s East Pasco Education Center will present a speaker series for students and prospective students interested in “helping” careers. The topics for the Social Services Speaker Series will appeal to those interested in social work, education, criminal justice, psychology, and human services. The series will include: • April 13: Peer Programs for Criminal Justice, at noon; Social Work Careers and Practices, 12:25 p.m.; and Questions and Answers, 12:50 p.m. • April 27: Substance Abuse/Mental Health from the Perspective of Children’s Protective Services, at noon; Working with Youths from the Perspective of Public Schools, 12:25 p.m.; and Questions and Answers, 12:50 p.m. • May 11: Suicide Prevention and Awareness, at noon; Benefits of Partnership Between Law Enforcement and Mental Health Professionals, 12:25 p.m.; and Questions and Answers, 12:50 p.m. Registration is required for all sessions. For information, email Derek Saunier, at derek.saunier@saintleo.edu.
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE EXTENDED
The deadline to apply for college scholarships of up to $5,000 from Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board has been extended to April 16. Application materials can be downloaded on the county’s scholarship application page, at Tinyurl.com/ffzrrth8. Detailed instructions on how to apply also can be found on the page. Students may submit completed applications online only. Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the fall semester. For questions, call Irina White at 813-2725074.
PREPAID SCHOLARSHIPS
Hillsborough County Public Schools, in partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Program, is offering two scholarships to students worth a total of $9,000. Superintendent Addison Davis’ Future of STEM Scholarship is a two-year Florida college plan worth $8,000, and is designed to encourage new teachers in areas with critical shortages. The scholarship will be awarded to a senior student attending Hillsborough County Public Schools who will study to become a teacher in a STEM subject. Davis’ Preparing Students for Life Scholarship is a Florida 529 Savings Plan worth $1,000. It will be awarded to a parent or guardian who attends a kindergarten registration event or begins the registration process prior to April 30. The eligible student’s name will be drawn at random. For information about both scholarships, visit bit.ly/HCPSscholarship.
COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO
‘Buddy’ bundles
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club has not been idle during this pandemic year. The women pursued even more than their usual portfolio of projects because the need has been so great. Faith Sincich delivered enough ‘snuggle buddy’ bundles for an entire first-grade class at Miles Elementary. Each bundle contained two books, a flashlight and a snuggly blanket. The club also donated clothing and supplies to the school. For information, visit the club’s Facebook page or its website at GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Mary Flook, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Dean’s List at North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina, and Benjamin Tomas, of Lutz, was named to the Dean’s List at Peru State College, Peru, Nebraska.
COURSE FEE ADJUSTMENTS
The Pasco-Hernando State College’s Board of Trustees will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its April 20 board meeting, at 6 p.m., at the West Campus in New Port Richey. Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants. All fees charged by vendors are negotiated by the college, with additional fee increases and decreases expected in the coming academic year. For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on the Policies and Procedures link.
REPUBLICAN SCHOLARSHIPS
The Republican Party of Pasco Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for Pasco County Schools’ graduating seniors, including pubic, home-schools, charter and private schools. Graduating seniors from any Pasco County high school are eligible if they meet this criteria: • Must be a registered or preregistered Republican • Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA • Complete a 650-word minimum essay on the topic: “What is the importance of conservative values for young people in today’s world?” • Extra points will be given for club and social activities, volunteer hours and campaign participation • Must be planning to attend an accredited community college/university or accredited vocational school in Florida Applications can be found online at PascoGOP.org, at the individual’s high school career counselor’s office, or at the Pasco Republican Party office in Hudson. Applications and essays must be emailed to info@pascogop.com, or to RPOP, 12043 Cobblestone Drive, Hudson, FL 34667, Attention: Sandy Graves, scholarship chair. For information and questions, call 727863-5400, or email info@pascogop.com. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m.,April 30. Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in May.
GROWTH, from page 1A
KELLI CARMACK
Sofia Mast, a 12-year-old national championship-level pool player, stands outside Mainstreet Billiards in Zephyrhills. This is where Shooting For The Future, a nonprofit that aims to teach young kids the game of billiards, got its start.
BILLIARDS, from page 1A first session. She was playing at an American Poolplayers Association (APA) level 2, but has advanced to a level 5 (the APA range goes to level 9). “She has been playing with her dad a little while,’’ Butts said.“She just has an absurd work ethic and desire to learn. She’s like a sponge. “When COVID hit and everything closed down for a while, she used that quarantine time to improve at home. That’s when she jumped from a level 2 to a level 5.The sky is the limit with Sofia.’’ Mast usually enters the facility’s Monday adult tournaments — competing against 24 men — and generally finishes in the top two. She competed in Lakeland’s Tiger Tour, featuring the top 36 female players in the state (all ages), and finished fifth, becoming the youngest player to place in that event. In January, Mast won the 13-and-under division at the OTW Junior International 9-Ball Tournament in Roanoke,Virginia, while placing fifth in the 18-and-under division. During the weekend, she played approximately 100 racks of 9-ball. How serious is Mast’s game? Her nickname is “Pink Dagger.’’ “She has a great attitude and is a humble kid, but the fact is she can beat almost any adult around here whenever she feels like it,’’ Butts said. “She is getting exposure to some very good coaches, so she’s going to continue to improve if that’s what she wants to do. I mean, she’s 12. But at this rate, she has a huge leg up on other players in her age
See Sofia Mast in action You can find out more about 12-year-old pool player Sofia Mast and see her in action by checking out Kelli Carmack’s video on our Facebook page, at Facebook.com/LakerLutzNews/videos/ or on the front page of our website, at LakerLutzNews.com.
level.’’ Mast, who has qualified for this summer’s Junior Nationals in Las Vegas, is an example of what can happen when great talent meets superb dedication. Overall, though, Butts said it’s also nice to build a deep base of players who want to compete on a recreational level. “When we opened, we were seeking a family friendly pool hall,’’ Butts said. “We wanted less of a bar atmosphere and make it a place for people who actually cared about pool. “We’ve been able to grow this into several other facilities in Zephyrhills, Plant City, Lakeland and Carrollwood. I’ve yet to walk into a venue, tell them what we’re doing and had them say they weren’t interested.We’re trying to change the image of our sport. Some parents come in and say,‘I had no idea it was like this. I thought it was just a bar.’ We’re trying to identify the next generation of shooters and help to revive the sport.’’ For more information on Shooting For The Future, log onto ShootingFuture.org.
Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby was in securing funding, given that improved transportation via air travel is one of Florida’s long-range goals for its communities. Poe put it this way:“Sen. Simpson helped push this project forward, because he saw the importance of having a longer runway and being able to bring in those corporate jets to Zephyrhills.” Poe also emphasized that the move isn’t a preamble for the airport to eventually expand into a cargo hub — something recently implemented at Lakeland’s Linder International Airport in partnership with Amazon. “There’s been some rumblings that,‘Hey we’re going to go try to look like Lakeland and try to get cargo jets and all that.’That is not true. Our goal is to be the best general aviation airport around,” Poe said. For that scenario to even be considered, Poe said, the airport would need to install a tower and an Airport Rescue and Firefighting Station (ARFF) to clear zones and angles, among other considerations.“A lot of things that would have to be done,” he said. “Now, if somebody wants to come in and pay for that, we can have a conversation, (but) the city is not doing that.” Other boosts are planned for the airport, too. This includes upgrading its fuel farm, which features a pair of 20,000-gallon tanks some 25 years old. Poe said the state is funding 80% of the fuel farm upgrade, while the city is on the hook for 20%.The bid for this project is expected to be awarded in May. There’s also plans to rehabilitate Taxiway A — which runs along Runway 5-23 — due to asphalt pavement reaching the end of its useful life.The project is currently in the design phase with projected construction coming in November. Poe said the FAA will fund 90% of the $3.3 million project, with the FDOT (8%) and the city (2%) contributing the remaining sum. “We would not be able to do it without partnerships with DOT, FAA, the state, all of those different grant dollars,” he said. Installing some more corporate hangars at the airport is another objective, among others Poe said.
ROADWORK IMPROVEMENTS EN ROUTE
Aside from the airport, several roadwork projects also are in the pipeline for the burgeoning East Pasco municipality. The city manager said activity is well underway on the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road intersection project, which calls for the relocation of an existing signalized intersection from the shopping plaza entrance to Pretty Pond Road, a signalized intersection at Medical Arts Court, and all other required roadway improvements.The addition of signalized intersections at these locations serves to improve the mobility of the northeast section of the city, and become an economic driver for the northeast and
MYSCHOOL, from page 1A
Sofia Mast, 12, has her eye on the prize as she competes in Mainstreet Billiards’ Monday night adult tournament, where she generally finishes in the top two.
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tend Pasco eSchool, according to district statistics. Browning also noted:“Despite our best efforts, our data show that many students who opted for mySchool Online are not succeeding academically and would benefit from a return to in-person learning. “There’s also a growing body of evidence regarding the mental health benefits of attending school in person, with classmates.” Browning also addressed the issue of wearing masks.
COURTESY OF CITY OF ZEPHYRHILLS
Among other roadway improvements, the city has entered the design phase for paving the remaining northern portion of Simons Road, from the Links of Silver Oaks subdivision to Fort King Road.
northwest corners of Pretty Pond to be developed into a national grocery store, national chain hotel, pet supply store and chain restaurants. The $2.3 million project is fully funded through a state appropriation. Meantime, the city has entered the design phase to pave the remaining northern portion of Simons Road, from the Links of Silver Oaks subdivision to Fort King Road, making a continuous north-south connector linking Eiland Boulevard to Fort King Road. Upon completion, residents living on the north end of town will have another option onto Eiland Boulevard, and otherwise helping eliminate congested traffic. The city manager expects the Simons Road construction project to bid out around October, adding “hopefully by this time next year that road will be open.” He explained the reason the city didn’t pave the entire road all at once was due to obstructing Duke Energy transmission poles. Now, the utilities company is in the process of relocating those poles at no cost to the city, Poe said, noting it would’ve cost the city around $2 million to move them at the time a couple years ago.“The city works very hard to get those grant dollars and tries to stretch the taxpayer dollars as far as we possibly can,” he said. He added the city also is seeking grant funding, plus partnerships with the county and Lennar development to add a traffic signal at the Simons Road/Eiland Boulevard intersection, to alleviate traffic coming to and from the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, at 6585 Simons Road. Elsewhere, the city plans to extend Dean Dairy Road from Pretty Pond Road north to Kossick Road. This action, Poe said would “help alleviate some of the traffic going up onto U.S. 301 and being able to access (Zephyr Commons) Publix and things from that back road.” Poe otherwise detailed how the city spends roughly $400,000 per year repaving and rehabbing its local roadway network, using techniques like full-depth reclamation and micro seal to extend their useful life. The city’s streets department otherwise maintains roughly 66 miles of roadways throughout Zephyrhills, the city manager said.
“We’ve all been looking forward to the time when we can all get back to something close to normal.That raises a question about masks. “I know we are all looking forward to doing away with the masks. Right now, I can’t say for sure whether masks will be required or optional, or some other status. “We will provide clear guidance on masks, when we have a better idea of what is possible. “At this time, we expect we’ll be able to get back to normal in the fall,” Browning said.
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April 7, 2021
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Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source
Watch these locals during 2021 MLB season By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
T
he 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is officially here —with more normalcy, to boot. Following last year’s COVID-19 pandemic-delayed and shortened season that saw the World Series played at its first-ever neutral site in Arlington,Texas, America’s pastime has returned back to its traditional 162-game schedule on time, April 1 — with live fans allowed back in stadiums. Sure, quirks remain. For instance, the Toronto Blue Jays are starting off the season playing “home” games in Dunedin —amid Canadian-U.S. border restrictions. For the most part, though, the peanuts and Cracker Jacks will be a flowing much like they were in simpler times. As the big league season gets into full swing, there are several ballplayers, and a manager, that have their roots in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area — and are expected to make major contributions to the show. Here’s a rundown on some of those, with local connections.
Cleveland Indians outfielder Oscar Mercado is a Gaither High product.
OSCAR MERCADO,
CLEVELAND INDIANS, OUTFIELDER Local tie: Gaither High School
Oscar Mercado was one of the Cleveland Indians’ final spring training cuts and optioned to Triple-A Columbus, but expect to see the speedy centerfielder garner some action sometime this season if others get hurt or otherwise underwhelm over the course of the long-winded 162-game regular season. Reports indicate the decision by the team’s front office and coaching staff was to help boost 26-year-old’s confidence following a subpar 2020 campaign where he hit a paltry .128 with a .348 OPS in 36 games. His spring training numbers didn’t fare much better, batting .214 with a .527 OPS in 28 at-bats. This is all a far cry from his breakout rookie season in 2019 where the 6-foot-2, 197-pound Mercado batted .269 with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs in 119 games, adding 70 runs scored, 25 doubles, three triples and 15 stolen bases. Getting more reps on a hitting program out of the pressure and spotlight of the major league club should help Mercado’s cause going forward. A native of Colombia, Mercado and his family emigrated to the United States, and settled in the Tampa area when he was 7 years old. He became a four-year starter at shortstop at Gaither High School from 2010 to 2013, leading the program to back-toback district crowns and ranked among the nation’s top prep middle infielders. Following high school, Mercado was picked by St. Louis Cardinals in the second round (57th overall) in the 2013 MLB Draft, signing with the club for a $1.5 million signing bonus. He spent nearly six years working through the Cardinals minor league system until he was traded to the Indians in July 2018.
OTHERS TO FOLLOW: • Frank German, Boston Red Sox, pitcher: This Bishop McLaughlin product joined the Boston Red Sox in January, in a trade with the New York Yankees, who had selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of University of North Florida.The 23-year-old German was a nonroster invitee to Red Sox spring training,
FILE
Zephyrhills High product Austin Adams is expected to play a major bullpen role for the San Diego Padres this season. Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash, a Lutz native and Gaither High alum.
KEVIN CASH,
TAMPA BAY RAYS, MANAGER Local tie: Gaither High School Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash last year managed his hometown franchise to heights it never before reached — Game 6 of the World Series. The seventh-year manager and his team are hoping for a similar historical encore, albeit with an altered roster that blends in plenty new faces, particularly on the pitching side, and already enters the season with a handful of key injuries. But, the reigning American League Manager of the Year surely has myriad solutions in the way of ever-changing batting orders, openers, platoons, shifts, and mixing and matching the rotation and bullpen. His reputation for fostering a loose, welcoming clubhouse to settle players shouldn’t hurt, either. The question is if the 43-year-old Cash and company can lead the Rays to a third straight playoff berth amid an AL East division that features a financially beefier New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays rosters, plus the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles. The Rays are once again an underdog, as many media outlets peg them for a third- or even fourth-place finish in the division and winning fewer than 90 regular season contests. The respected skipper is a key cog to proving naysayers wrong. Cash spent his younger days growing up in the Valley Ranch Drive neighborhood, situated across from Lake Park in Lutz. He first hit the national scene in 1989 — then a 12-year-old second baseman for a Northside Little League team that reached the 43rd Little League World Series. Cash later starred at Gaither High School, penning that into a successful college run at Florida State University and eight-year MLB career as a journeyman catcher mostly. Cash is a baseball legacy of sort, as his father and uncle both played professionally, the latter reaching the big leagues in the 1970s.
AUSTIN ADAMS,
SAN DIEGO PADRES, PITCHER Local tie: Zephyrhills High School Austin Adams is seeking a more pronounced role in 2021 on a contending San Diego Padres squad after garnering limited action last year — where he posted a 4.50 ERA, 12.5 WHIP and seven strikeouts in four innings pitched following offseason knee surgery. Some experts project the 29-year-old, 6foot-3, 220-pound righty will have a breakout season, thanks to a high-spin rate fastball and slider, which generate plenty of swings and misses. But, he’ll begin the season on the 10-day injured list with what’s described as a minor elbow issue, preventing him from making a spring appearance since March 7. Adams grew up in Zephyrhills, playing
JOHN GANT,
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS, PITCHER Local tie: Wiregrass Ranch High School Following several seasons of sustained solid output with the St. Louis Cardinals, John Gant has secured the organization’s fifth starter spot to begin the regular season. The 28-year-old Gant exhibited enough in spring training, making four appearances (three starts) and posting a 4.40 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 13 strikeouts in 14.1 innings. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound righty has held a variety of pitching roles entering his sixth big league campaign, including a mid- and late-inning bullpen arm in 2020, turning in a 2.40 ERA, 1.076 WHIP and 18 strikeouts across 15 innings. Gant is known for having one of the more unique windups in all of baseball, whereby he takes a couple left-footed toe taps, then pauses before firing off a pitch. Part of his repertoire is a changeup nicknamed “The Vulcan,” which involves gripping the ball between the middle and ring fingers. Its nicknamed after the Vulcan salute used by Spock in the Star Trek series. Gant has other interesting baseball footnotes, too. He earned 11 wins in relief in 2019, the most of any reliever that year and most by a Cardinals relief pitcher since Al Hrabosky
NATE PEARSON,
TORONTO BLUE JAYS, PITCHER Local tie: Odessa native, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Nate Pearson enters the 2021 season on the 10-day injured list due to a strained right groin suffered in spring training, but is expected to make substantial contributions to a Toronto Blue Jays poised for a second straight playoff berth — as he was all but penciled in to be the team’s No. 2 starter before multiple injury setbacks. One of the game’s top-rated prospects, Pearson made his MLB debut last season, finishing the year with a 4.22 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in 10.2 innings. The 24-year-old, 6-foot-6, 250-pound righty flamethrower is regarded for a fastball that
where he faced 14 batters across three innings before a reassignment. German has posted a 3.56 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 128 innings across 111.1 innings of the minors, between rookie ball and Single-A. • CJ Van Eyk, Toronto Blue Jays, pitcher: The Lutz native and Steinbrenner product has yet to play in a minor league game since being drafted in the second
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little league at Sam Pasco Park. He went on to earn four letters in baseball (and one in basketball) at Zephyrhills High School from 2006 to 2009. He posted a 2.43 ERA and 80 strikeouts in his Bulldog career. Adams’ high school pedigree led to a baseball scholarship at the University of South Florida, a program that achieved its first Big East Championship final in 2012, during his junior year. He then was drafted in the eighth round by the Los Angeles Angels in 2013. He also spent time with the Washington Nationals and Seattle Mariners organizations. His road to the big leagues was lengthy, having thrown more than 250 innings across five minor league seasons before making his MLB debut in 2017 with the Nationals (from where he was traded to by Los Angeles in late 2016).
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Nate Pearson is an Odessa native and Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School product.
regularly touches triple digits, plus a low-tomid 90s slider and a developing changeup. Born and raised in Odessa, Pearson starred at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Florida State University. However, the well-rounded 22-year-old righty thrower could be a quick riser in the Toronto Blue Jays system, considering his college experience and limited action in spring training as a non-roster invitee. • Joe Hudson, Pittsburgh Pirates, catcher: This Odessa native who prepped
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St. Louis Cardinals right-handed pitcher John Gant, a Wiregrass Ranch High product.
had 13 in 1975.Also, in 2018, he became the only player in Major League history to have hit at least two home runs while never having reached base safely by any other means. Gant starred on the Wiregrass Ranch High varsity baseball team from 2008 to 2011 — striking out over 200 batters and sustaining just three losses in four years. He also was a member of the Wiregrass Ranch basketball and swimming teams. His father, John Sr., was a science teacher at the school and longtime varsity girls basketball coach. The pitching standout signed with the New York Mets out of high school and spent five years in the minors before making his big league debut in 2016 with the Atlanta Braves, then was traded to the Cardinals that offseason. School, helping the program to the Class 3A state semifinals as a senior in 2015. He wrapped up his prep career with a career 1.24 earned run average and 144 strikeouts in 101.2 innings pitched, with a 12-1 record. Pearson went on to play college baseball at Miami’s Florida International University, then transferred to the College of Central Florida in Ocala. There, he was named the Rawlings/Perfect Game JUCO Pitcher of the Year, and subsequently selected by the Blue Jays in the first round (28th overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft, signing for a $2.45 million bonus. Pearson has proceeded to shine at each level of the minors, boasting a combined 2.19 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 119 strikeouts across 123.1 innings from rookie ball through Triple-A. Staying healthy and available will be key. at Tampa Jesuit (and college at Notre Dame) played in nine regular season games last season with the Seattle Mariners then signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason. The 29-year-old Hudson enjoyed a strong spring training as a Pirates non-roster invitee, collecting five hits (including a homer) in 13 at-bats across nine games, which may be credited to a revamped swing.
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Karen Whitenton, of Lutz, loves to hear the Carolina wrens sing. She enjoys their happy and loud sounds. She said the wrens sometimes nest right outside her window. Whitenton said she looks forward to checking out the wildlife photo every week in The Laker/Lutz News.
Jaxson is very friendly Jaxson loves everyone he meets, including people, dogs and cats. And, everyone who meets Jaxson loves him, too! Jaxson loves to hunt lizards, chase leaves, take walks, eat treats and get petted. He likes to swim and has no problem getting a shower. Jaxson happily lives with this ‘rescued’ family – Mike, Kathy and Shane Fooshee, in Lutz.
PET OF THE WEEK FAMILIES RECEIVE A $30 GIFT CARD TO CHUY’S TEX MEX. PET PAWS BOATER EDUCATION
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to make sure everyone out on the water goes home safely at the end of the day. The FWC encourages all boaters to “Spring Aboard” by taking a boating safety course. Safety should never be optional. In 2020, Florida boating accident statistics indicated that when the level of operator education was known, 72% of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received educational instruction, according to a news release. While a safety course currently is not required, owners of human-powered watercraft, such as paddleboards and kayaks, are encouraged to take a boating education class as well.This will provide boating information that anyone who plans to get out on the water should have to be better prepared for risks they may face while boating. “In Florida, boaters who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, are required to complete and pass a boater safety education course. But everyone interested in boating should take a course,” said Maj. Rob Beaton, FWC’s boating and waterways section leader. There are many ways for boaters to receive the education — from classroom courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons, to online offerings available anytime day or night. To learn more about boater education, visit MyFWC.com/boating.
Charlie is a bundle of fun
COURTESY OF PASCO SHERIFF’S OFFICE
K9s show off
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office recently hosted an afternoon picnic that kicked off Spring Break, at the Elsie Logan Memorial Park in Spring Hill. The event featured a cookout, games, prizes, a train ride, bounce house, patrol vehicles, the Mounted Posse, a kickball game and K9s. Through PSO4KIDS, the sheriff’s office had a chance to hang out with local kids and community members. Det. R. Ortiz, of the Behavioral Health Intervention Team, gets a high five from his partner, therapy K9 Mango.
Charlie loves to run in the yard and play with other dogs of any age or energy level. He is gentle toward them if they are older and slower, but he really loves to be matched with dogs that are as rambunctious as he is and can engage him in a game of chase. Charlie also loves splashing in the pool. He could use some work on his leash manners and would do best in a home without small children. This 60-pound boy would thrive with an active adopter who can give him the exercise and training he needs to be a good canine citizen. Make an appointment to meet Charlie.
Clint is the sweetest dog Clint is a 50-pound boy that is soft and gentle, easy to walk, and he takes treats gently. He is a little shy at first, but he warms up pretty quickly and becomes affectionate. Clint likes to sit or stand next to his person and get reassuring pets. He also gets along well with other dogs and participates in playgroups at the shelter. Schedule an appointment to meet Clint and you're sure to fall in love.!
If you would like to adopt Charlie or Clint, be sure to visit Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. For more information, email adoptionpartners@pascocountyfl.net.
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THE NEXT BOOK
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “The Next Book” on April 8 at 6:30 p.m., for teens and adults.The session will highlight how to choose your next read, using NoveList and other tools. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
OSCAR NOMINEES
The Tampa Theatre will host a monthlong Oscar Nominee Showcase, with special screenings of the Best Picture nominees, as well as the nominated Short Films. • Through April 18, four show times: Documentary Short Films • Through April 23, six show times:Animated Short Films • Through April 24, four show times: Live Action Short Films • April 8 at 7:30 p.m.:“Sound of Metal” • April 10 at 3:45 p.m.:“Minari” • April 15 at 7:30 p.m.:“Judas and the Black Messiah” • April 17 at 3:30 p.m.:“Mank” • April 22 at 7:30 p.m.:“The Trial of the Chicago 7” • April 24 at 4 p.m.:“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Tickets for evening screenings are $13.50; matinees are $11.50. Visit TampaTheatre.org/moviecategories/Oscar-nominee-showcase/.
PALM PESTS/DISEASES
The UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Office will present a free, virtual “Florida First Detector” workshop on April 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants can learn how to use the Distance Diagnostic Identification Service to report invasive species.There also will be a discussion about palm weevils and other common palm pests and diseases. For information and to register, visit bit.ly/FLFirstDetector.
REPUBLICAN CLUB
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet on April 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes.The guest speaker will be Stafford Jones, the governor’s appointee to the Republican Party of Florida, on the topic of redistricting in the 2022 elections. For information, call Peter Cracchiolo at 813360-9813.
TRIVIA NIGHT
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host a Library Trivia Night on April 9 at 6:30 p.m., for teens and adults.
Free food distributions
• Farm Share, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff Charities, and Grace Family Church will partner for a free food distribution drive-thru, rain or shine, on April 10 from 9 a.m. until the food runs out, at the church, 22920 State Road 54 in Lutz. • Commissioner Mike Moore will partner with Farm Share for a drive-thru food distribution on April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon, at The Grove Theater, Bistro & Entertainment, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. • Farm Share, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff Charities, and Shady Hills United Methodist Church will partner for a free food distribution drive-thru, rain or shine, on April 15 from 9 a.m. until the food runs out, at the church, 15925 Greenglen Lane in Spring Hill. The food at all three locations will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants can test their knowledge of books, movies and pop culture. Form a team or play solo. Prizes will be awarded to winning teams. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
SKY WATCH
The Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa, will host its last Sky Watch of the season on April 10 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Participants can bid farewell to the Orion Nebula and Pleiades, as they disappear from the spring sky. Leo the Lion will rise as the sun sets, and the optical double stars of Alcor and Mizar will be at prime viewing in the tail of Ursa Major (the Big Dipper).Admission is free. For information, visit MOSI.org.
FLEA MARKET
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will have a smaller version of its annual Spring Flea Market fundraiser on April 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., pandemic-style, outdoors.The sale will take place at the Boy Scout Pack 12 property, 205 Second Ave., S.E., in Lutz.The rain date is April 11. For information, call Peggy Andrews at 201-715-7638.
BURGERS AND BEER
The Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival will take place April 10 from noon to 8 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., open to the first 2,000 guests only.There will be live musical performances, craft beer samples from noon to 3 p.m. (while supplies last), and a burger competition all day. General admission at the gate or online is $15. Kids younger than 12 are free.The event is pet-friendly. No outside food or drink will be allowed. COVID-19 safety measures will be in place. Guests can bring lawn chairs or blankets. Beer sales will benefit The Stano Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports troops overseas. For tickets, visit bit.ly/pascobeerandburger21tickets.
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PEDAL FOR PREVENTION
Pedal for Prevention will take place on April 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Starkey Park Bike Trail, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., in New Port Richey, Shelter No. 5.The event aims to bring awareness on preventing substance abuse, to promote recovery, and to educate Pasco County youth. Participants can bike, walk or run.The cost is $25 per adult. Youth ages 17 and younger are free. Registration is through EventBrite.com.
JEWISH FILM FEST
The 25th Annual Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival will open with a drive-in movie experience on April 11, at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 505 N. Howard Ave., in Tampa. Those in attendance can purchase from concessions and on-site food trucks.The festival, which will run through April 25, will offer drive-in, virtual and on-the-lawn presentations.The festival includes 28 films, to encourage viewers to think more deeply and have discussions about the realities of Jewish life.The cost ranges from $12 to $25 for each film. For a complete list of movies, dates and times, visit TBJFF.org.
SPRING CAR SHOW
American Legion Post 147, 17383 Gunn Highway in Odessa, will host its first-ever car show fundraiser,“Spring Show and Shine,” on April 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.The rain date is April 18. This community, family friendly event will support the Post 147 veterans, and building repairs.The Post has been providing community support for the past 55 years.The cost is $5 at the gate to display your classic or collectible car, truck or motorcycle. Display grounds are on the grass. Suggested set-up is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Space is limited.There also will be on-site food and beverages for purchase, and 50/50 raffles.A cash bar will be open to members and their guests. No outside, food, beverages, alcohol, coolers, weapons or drugs. No on-site water
spigots. Guests are required to wear masks to enter the indoor campus area (bar, hall, bathrooms).The American Legion campus is non-smoking/vaping.There will be no refunds, and violators of American Legion rules will be asked to leave the campus. For information, call Zig Biernacki at 813-2404311.
SING A STORY
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “I Can Sing That Story” on April 12 at 11 a.m., for ages 3 to 6. Ms. Mar, from Music with Mar, will use music and movement to enhance a child’s love of reading.To register, visit the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
NETWORKING GROUP
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on April 13 at 7:30 a.m., at IHop, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.The guest speaker will be Rosie Paulsen, commissioner, published author, speaker, and Medicare broker. For information, contact Nils Lenz at 813-7829491 or nilslenz@gmail.com, or Vicky Jones at 813-431-1149 or donlvicl@yahoo.com.
MEAL PREPPING
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “Meal Prepping to Save Money” on April 13 at 6:30 p.m., for teens and adults.This Money Smart Week program will cover topics such as making a meal budget, meal prepping to save time and money, and healthy pantry staples. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
WOMEN AND FINANCE
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “Women and Finance” on April 15 at 6:30 p.m., for adults. Participants can learn to take control of their financial future, learn how to manage cash flow and debt, saving and investing for the future, and how to protect what matters most. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
SHOOTING COMPETITION
The Sunrise Rotary Club of Dade City will host a Rotary Night at the Armory Shooting Competition on April 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the West Armory, 15029 U.S. 301 in Dade City, for ages 21 and older. Guns and ammo will be supplied.Tickets include the use of the simulator room, dinner, a gun raffle and prizes.A live DJ will provide the music. For information and tickets, call Kerry Westbrook at 352-521-6689 or the West Armory at 352-437-5571.
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Various types of honey are reflected in Matt Smith’s sunglasses, at a booth operated by Brocks Bees, at the kumquat festival. Brocks Bees is based in Brooksville.
At this festival, the kumquat is king! The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
I
f you love kumquats, the 24th annual Kumquat Festival in downtown Dade City, was like a little slice of heaven. Festival-goers could taste kumquat ice cream or kumquat pie. They could pick up bags of the tiny, orange citrus fruit, sometimes called the “little gold gem of the citrus family.” Festival-goers could stock up on kumquat marmalade, kumquat jelly, kumquat chutney, kumquat pepper jelly, kumquat marinade or kumquat vinaigrette.
They could get kumquat preserves. They could buy kumquat barbecue sauce — sweet or spicy, or kumquat salsa, regular or hot. And, who can forget the kumquat wine? But, even those who aren’t particularly enamored with kumquats — there were plenty of other ways to enjoy the festival. There was a quilt show, a car show, lots of vendor booths and a chance to be out and about — during an event that was delayed and scaled-back this year, to reduce potential risks from the COVID19 pandemic.
Barbara Mallory arranges bottles of Kumquat wine available under the tent from Sunrise Rotary Club of Dade City. Mallory, the club’s past president, was among eight club members selling the 750-milliliter bottles. The wine is 20% kumquat and 80% white grape, according to Mallory, selling for $15 per bottle.
Brock Smith was 7 years old when he began developing an interest in bees, hives and honey. Now, he sells orange, kumquat and wildflower honey.
IT DOESN’T MAAT ATTER
Plastic safety sheathing separates the public from the Kumquat Growers’ workers. Joe Gude, left, and Mike Liptak, right, both of Dade City, fill bags of Nagami-type kumquats for festival-goers who want to take some home.
Eighty-six-year-old Frank Gude is Mr. Kumquat. The St. Joe man has been around kumquat trees since he was a kid and can tell you anything you want to know about the tiny citrus fruit. Citrus greening had an impact on the crop this year, he said. ‘Only 60 bushels made it to the Kumquat Festival this year. That’s roughly 3,000 pounds.’
Four-year-old Chloe Barner looks approvingly at the handiwork of Melissa Perez, an artist from Spring Hill. The little girl was at the Kumquat Festival with her 8-year-old sister, Khalani Colbert-Belle, and with her grandmother, Andrea Colbert. They live in Dade City.
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Leadership Pasco seeking applicants for class of 2022 The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
Leadership Pasco is accepting applications for the Class of 2022. The organization is seeking emerging and existing community leaders who live or work in Pasco County, according to a news release. Applications, which are due by May 15, can be found at LeadershipPasco.com. Program participants are selected from a pool of applicants who are interested in learning more about the issues facing Pasco County. Leadership Pasco plans to resume in-person events beginning in August. “Choosing a select group of class members from so many outstanding leader
applicants becomes more challenging every year.We’re excited to identify leaders with a desire to enhance their strategic and creative thinking, and position themselves and their company, for greater success.” Don Anderson, president, Leadership Pasco, said in the release. Since 1991, Leadership Pasco has intro-
duced business and community leaders to major facets of the Pasco County community through its intensive 10-month course. Class members participate in full-day program sessions, tours, and conversations with community leaders to broaden their local understanding of the county’s changing needs. Topics include criminal justice, health
care, education, government, infrastructure, tourism, and business industries, the release says. Each Leadership Pasco class organizes a class project that brings charitable people and resources together to address a particular social, educational, economic, environmental or cultural need in Pasco County, the release adds. Applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Pasco Recruitment Committee in early-June and selected Class of 2021 members will be contacted by mid-June 2021. Monthly program sessions begin with orientation in August 2021 and conclude with a graduation ceremony in May 2022. For more information, call 727-534-4280 or visit LeadershipPasco.com.
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CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial strain, isolation and anxiety, and children are more vulnerable than ever, according to a Champions for Children news release. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and four local nonprofits will work together to ensure that at-risk parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to promote children’s social and emotional well-being, and prevent child abuse and neglect. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Feeding Tampa Bay and the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County will join Champions, to help equip families with “resources, support and coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even under stress,” said Dr.Amy Haile, executive director, Champions for Children, in the release.
MEDICARE INFO SESSIONS
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas will offer free SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Medicare information sessions, via Zoom. • April 10 at 10 a.m.: Saturday Morning Medicare Basics • April 12 at noon: Medicare Part C Advantage Plans • April 14 at 10 a.m.: Medicare Part C Advantage Plans • April 14 at noon: Medicare Basics • April 15 at 1 p.m.: Medicare & COVID-19 For information on how to register, contact Geralyn Fortney at 727-570-9696, ext. 234, or Geralyn.fortney@aaapp.org.
AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
The Autism Society in 1970 launched an ongoing nationwide effort to promote
autism awareness and assure that all affected by autism are able to achieve the highest quality of life possible, according to its website. The society in 1972 launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into Autism Acceptance Month.This April, it continues its efforts to spread awareness, promote acceptance and ignite change. The Autism Society of America recognizes Autism Acceptance Month (AAM) in April 2021 with its “Celebrate Differences” campaign. Designed to build a better awareness of the signs, symptoms, and realities of autism, #CelebrateDifferences focuses on providing information and resources for communities to be more aware of autism, promote acceptance, and be more inclusive in everyday life. The Autism Society recognizes that the prevalence of autism in the United States has risen from 1 in 25 children in 2010, to 1 in 54 in 2020 – and, due to this continued increase, the goal of AAM is to further increase awareness about autism signs, symptoms and opportunities through information and referrals, events, printable and digital resources, and community partnerships with businesses and organizations dedicated to building inclusive experiences. The Autism Society has a variety of resources designed to inform and encourage communities to celebrate differences, and become more inclusive of individuals with autism. For information, visit autism-society.org.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
NAMI Pasco will offer these upcoming events: • April 11 at 3 p.m.: Sunday Chit Chat. Join in to talk about the week ahead — life, wellness, puppies, books and anything in-between, via Zoom. • April 13 and April 20 at 6 p.m.: Color and Calm. All supplies will be provided (or bring your own) for this adult coloring support group, in New Port Richey. Register by emailing info@namipasco.org.
VIRTUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
Gulfside Hospice will stream a virtual memorial service, via Facebook, to honor the memory of lost loved ones, on April 14 at 1 p.m.
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COURTESY OF ADVENTHEALTH WEST FLORIDA DIVISION
ThunderBug helps raise awareness March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the Tampa Bay Lightning helped AdventHealth to spread the word. Before puck drop against the Dallas Stars at a recent game, ThunderBug stopped by AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Connerton to raise awareness and encourage the community to get screened. Hospital team members also dressed in blue to honor the month.
For information, call Gulfside’s bereavement team at 727-845-5707.
GULFSIDE BENEFIT FESTIVAL
The Charity Festival of Arts is planned for April 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to benefit Gulfside Hospice. The event will feature a local talent showcase and art competition for all ages, along with vendors, exhibits and kids’ activities. Applications for talent and art are due by April 9. Entry forms and vendor information are available at CharityFestivalOfArts.org, or by contacting Leesa Fryer at 727-845-5707 or leesa.fryer@gulfside.org.
HOSPITAL HITS MILESTONE
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s TAVR team completed a milestone of 500 transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. The innovative procedure has shifted aortic valve replacement from the operating room to a hybrid cardiac catheterization lab, reducing procedure time, recovery time, and improving outcomes for patients with heart valve disease. In TAVR, the new valve is guided up to the patient’s heart via an artery, as the physician directs the position with X-ray guidance.The new valve is placed into the diseased valve and opened like an umbrella, pushing aside the old valve and providing a
new, clear pathway for blood flow through the valve. At Bayonet Point, the procedure is primarily performed without general anesthesia, allowing for a faster recovery.
NEW INFUSION CENTER
Patients with COVID-19 in Tampa Bay now have the option to receive another innovative new treatment, as AdventHealth has opened a clinic offering monoclonal antibody therapies, according to a news release. The 18-chair outpatient infusion unit, in Hillsborough County, is treating adult patients with the monoclonal antibody bamlanivimab. The treatment is intended for those who have developed COVID-19 symptoms, are not hospitalized or on oxygen, but are at high risk for progressing to a more severe case. To qualify, patients must also have a highrisk factor, such as diabetes, heart disease or obesity, and have a doctor’s order. If a patient is 65 or older, they must simply have a positive COVID-19 test within the 10-day symptom window and a doctor’s order. The monoclonal antibodies are the latest in a suite of innovative treatments offered by AdventHealth, including remdesivir, sarilumab, dexamethasone and convalescent plasma. To schedule an appointment, call 321235-6185.
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Art contest invites kids to think about ‘home’ By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) has launched a statewide art contest, inviting kids and teens to submit their visions on the theme, “What does home mean to you?” The contest aims to increase awareness of the importance of having a home, by encouraging kids across the state to use their imaginations to illustrate the meaning of what their home truly means, according to a news release. Kids and teens ages 5 to 18 can visit Florida Housing’s website and upload an image of their artwork, or print out the online form and mail it directly to Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Attention: External Affairs Department, 227 N. Bronough St., No.
5000,Tallahassee, FL 32301. A Florida Housing committee will review all designs and select the top 40 submissions to be displayed in the Florida Housing building throughout the month of June, in honor of National Homeownership Month. The winning artworks will be announced on Florida Housing’s webpage and social media. The deadline for submission is May 3. For more information, visit FloridaHousing.org/artcontest.
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In its continued efforts to improve access to mental health services, the BayCare Health System recently awarded a $100,000 grant to the four National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliates in the Tampa Bay area. The grant allows the chapters to collaborate on an awareness campaign to reach across the Tampa Bay area, as well as to meet the unique needs of the Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk county NAMI organizations, according to a news release. The mission of NAMI is advocacy, education, support and public awareness, so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. The mental health service organization
provides free support groups and education courses to individuals and their families by supplying resources to local behavioral health agencies, and by sharing experiences during presentations to corporations, faith organizations, community groups and others, the release says. The affiliates in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties each will receive $25,000, while Pasco County requested and received $21,928. Each chapter requested money to meet needs specific to that area, and each also contributed more than $7,700 of its grant money for the awareness campaign,“You Are Not Alone.” The campaign will consist of direct mail and social media, with the goal of reaching those who feel alone during this time of social isolation and physical distancing, to spread the word that help is available.
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Own Yo Your Ho ome For Just $865/mon nth FUN 55+ SENIOR COMMU UNITY! BEAUTIFUL UPDAT ATED HOMES AMENITIES: Heated swimming pool, shuffleboard, horseshhoe pits,, clubhouse ZEPHYRHILLS: Close to shopping,, restaurants,, medical facilitiess & 20 minutes to Ta Tampa PLANNED SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: Dinners, dancing,, bingo & entertainment FINANCING A AV VA V AILABLE
PALM TREE
ACRES
Not valid with any other offers. ff Va V alid at a Lutz location only. Expires 4/30/21. LAKER52318
Mobile Home Community
Mobile Home H Community
ASK ABOUT FREE LOT RENT T
SINCE 1946
Franklin Jewelers 813-909-4888 2153 Collier Parkway • Land O’ Lakes www.FranklinJeweler.net
4627 FLAMINGO DR – $29,500 – PRICCED TO SELL Make an offer! 2/2 corner lot witth enclosed Fl room, 2 carports and storage shed.
5103 FISHER – $8,5000 – Large 1 bedroom, 1 bath. Screen room, 2 sheds, 2 window a/c.
MON-FRI 10AM-6PM • SATURDAY 11AM-5PM CLOSED SUNDAYS
GIA & EGL Diamonds Available
For all that she does and all that she means to you, thank Mom with a unique gift that shows her just how special she is. LAY AWAY & GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
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We Pay Top Dollar for Gold & Diamonds! EXPERT WATCH & JEWELRY REPAIR
4909 DOVE DR – Spacious Doublee Wide with 2 br 2 bath, extra large living rooom, and a sunny Fl room. Extra Parking. Must M see. Price reduced to $14,5000.
5147 IDYLL – $32,0000 – 2/2 double wide newly remodeled New appliances a and New central AC, all new floorrs bathrooms and Kitchen, plumbingg and water heater.
36006 State Road 54 541 Zephyrhills, FL 335 9 (813) 782-3259 hp.com manager@palmtreemh com www.palmtreemhp.c
5 & Dean Dairy Road State Road 54 5028 Fisher St • Zephyrhills, FL 33542 3) 782-1189 (813 sunnysidemhp.com manager@s nnysidemhp.com www.sun
www.LakerLutzNews.com
April 7, 2021
5B
Best in Small Business 813-909-2800 • classifieds@lakerlutznews.com ALUMIN NUM
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in Best in Small Business TheLAKER / LutzNEWS
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The LAKER / Lutz NEWS (813) 909-2800
ESTIMATES! LICENSED & INSURED • RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL
69
DRIVEWAY & SIDEWALKS UP TO 1000 SQ.FT.
CARL MARTIN
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www.LakerLutzNews.com
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FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1972
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licensed • bonded • insured CCC 1325565
Classifieds 813-909-2800 • classifieds@lakerlutznews.com
GARAGE / YARD SALES
GARAGE / YARD SALES
GARAGE / YARD SALES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ESTATE SALE
Country
April 16, 17, 18, April 23, 24, 30, May 1
8am – 4pm • Dade City
STOP AT THE CLUBHOUSE FOR A LIST AND MAP OF ALL REGISTERED ADDRESSES
CLUB CONNERTON 21100 FOUNTAIN GARDEN WAY LAND O LAKES FL. 34637
Walk
Community
Vintage German Furniture, Collectibles including Lladro, Swarovski Crystal, Goebel Figurines, Household items. Much, Much More.
YARD SALE Sat., April 17th 7am-1pm
Due to COVID – By Appointment Only
30400 Country Point Blvd. WESLEY CHAPEL
813-997-1327
OFFICIAL SAMPLE BALLOT
BOLETA DE MUESTRA OFICIAL
• Instructions: To vote, fill in the oval completely ( ) next to your choice. Use only the marking device provided or a blue or black pen. • If you make a mistake, ask for a new ballot. Do not cross out or your vote may not count. • Instrucciones: Para votar, rellene completamente el óvalo ( ) al lado de su selección. Use solo el dispositivo de marcación provisto o un bolígrafo azul o negro. • Si comete un error, solicite una nueva boleta. No tache el óvalo o es posible que su voto no cuente.
Official Lake Padgett Estates Independent Special District Special Election Ballot April 13, 2021, Pasco County, Florida Boleta Oficial de la Elección Especial Lake Padgett Estates Distrito Especial Independiente 13 de abril de 2021 Condado de Pasco, Florida
Lake Padgett Estates Independent Special District Supervisor (Vote for no more than 4) Supervisor de Lake Padgett Estates Distrito Especial Independiente (Vote por no más de 4)
MaSk RequiRed
GARAGE / YARD SALES
GARAGE / YARD SALES
GARAGE / YARD SALES
Mark Arrowood
Multi Family Yard Sale
COMMUNITY WIDE
HUGE COMMUNITY
ettt Keith Crockett
LE M TA PL E D B E A M LL U O ES T TR A
EMAIL ACTIVITIES@MYCONNERTON.COM
Goodwill on site from 10am – 3pm accepting donations.
Robert T. Albertson
Furniture, Electronics, Household misc & more 36916 Lake Pasadena Rd, Dade City
Wilderness Lake Preserve Stop at Ranger Station for map! 4.9 miles North of 54 & 41, on US Hwy 41
GARAGE / YARD SALES
AUCTIONS
(u)
VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol
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MEDICAL / DENTAL
GENERAL EMPLOYMENT
Immediate HIRE! PART TIME & FULL TIME POSITIONS Professional House Cleaner to join our friendly cleaning company, serving Land O' Lakes, Lutz, Wesley Chapel & New Tampa. ••• Must have Prior experience, be reliable, & having own transportation is a MUST!
cmmdr.com $150 RE-CERTIFICATIONS BY PHONE. NO NEED TO LEAVE HOME.
813-756-0091
Call Linda at 813-263-7966
National Classified Ads from the ADS Network - To Place Ads, Call 1-877-203-2327
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Fictitious name notice? Job to post? Room for rent? Obituary? Garage or yard sale? Get the word out in The Laker/Lutz News! Call 813-909-2800
Auction is cash only. All purchased items are sold as is, where is and must be removed within 24 hours. Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of a settlement with the tenant.
Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201
! ! (
3
Denver, Co 80201
3210/.-,+/*+)*('0&%-+$, #"*!"* + * 0* -% * **
!
Equal Housing Opportunity.
gas interests. Send
BRIAN E. CORLEY
Josephine Rodriguez (4067)
StoreRight Self Storage
111 Crystal Grove Blvd – Lutz, FL 33548 Phone: 813-567-8100
-,* 3 1'0* ''+%* -,* 1/01 /0 * -$* &&+/ $&0* -% * " * '+/- *3% %2%0, * $ *-,* )2/$-, 0 * *% 0*+))-&0*+) * (,% * +'0% * 0* 20,%/ * ,0* 1/01 / * 0$* &+$)+/ - * &+$* ' * ,0&&- $* " * 0* '+,* (,% %2%+,* 0* '+/- * *0,*1/+1+/&-+$ *1+/* ' *+)-&-$ * 0
DO NOT CALL STORE!!
Units are believed to contain household goods, unless otherwise listed.
minerals and other oil & details to P.O. Box 13557,
MANUFACTURED HOMES
New and Used homes available in Arbor Oaks, a 55+ community located in beautiful Zephyrhills. Limited Time 50% lot rent for 1 year with new home purchase Newby Realty 941-479-2849
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 12:00PM.
Benefit Bake • Sale at the Pavilion
WANTS TO purchASe
LOTS OF STUFF!
(
10808 US Rt 98, in Dade City Half a mile off 301
Polling Place Centro de votación Precinct/Precinto 35 Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex Complejo Recreativo Land O‘ Lakes 3032 Collier Parkway Land O’ Lakes
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!!!
Southfork MH Park
Steve Yarbrough
SATURDAY, APRIL 10 • 8 - 12 NOON
WANTED
off 54 & Collier Parkway 22917 Collridge Drive, 34639
LIEN SALE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that StoreRight Self Storage VI will sell the contents of the following self storage units by public auction to satisfy their liens against these tenants, in accordance with the Florida Self-Storage Facility Act. The auction will take place at this location on
Linda M. Hutchinson Nichole "Niki" Savill
Park P a r k Wide Wide Carport C a r p o r t Sale Sale
ipps David Hipps
!
Saturday 4/10, 8am-3pm The Lakes at Sable Ridge,
rsma sman n Andrew Forsman
Land O’Lakes
3
Starting at 8am
Saturday, April 10
Lawrence ce e ""Larry" Larry Dunleavy Dun unlle
SALE!
3 #(
Saturday, April 10, 8 am-2 pm
GARAGE SALE
SA
Justin Andrews
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FOR SALE
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To place a LOC To CA AL ad,, call the Lakerr Lutz News at
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352-2 237-3409
www.LakerLutzNews.com
April 7, 2021
7B
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SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE!
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APPLIANCES • BEDDING • CENTRAL AIR
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IN-STOCK Until 4/30/21
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$
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3.5 CU. FT. TOP-LOAD WASHER WITH DUAL ACTION AGITATOR
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30” GAS STAINLESS STEEL RANGE
NTW4516FW
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