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APRIL 14, 2021
Vaccination efforts continue to expand
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Vaccine supplies, vaccine eligibility and vaccination sites have increased in recent weeks — as efforts continue to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and restore a sense of normalcy.
The availability of vaccine supplies and vaccination sites continues to change, so it’s a good idea to check with local health departments and congressional offices to secure updated information. In Pasco County, for instance, the health department previously had vaccine appointments available on Friday afternoons for the
following week. As of April 9, however, it began allowing appointments for a twoweek period. “Working with local physicians’ offices and pharmacies, Pasco County now has over 130 locations that are offering COVIDSee VACCINATION, page 9A
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City manager recaps possible 911 dispatch merger By Kevin Weiss
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During a recent breakfast meeting with the East Pasco Networking Group, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe briefed those gathered on the city’s current consideration of combining its 911 police communications system with the Pasco County Department of Emergency Services in New Port Richey. The looming decision “has nothing to do with finances,” Poe said. Instead, he said, it is “all about officer safety, citizen safety.” The move would essentially create a centrally located communications center for all emergency personnel and shared CAD/RMS (computer-aided dispatch systems and records management systems), to eliminate 911 calls being answered by dispatches from the Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) and Pasco Sheriff’s Office — and the need to transfer wireless callers between agencies. A full dispatch consolidation model would mirror what’s now in place at the Dade City Police Department, which joined Pasco’s 911 system in 2015. Under this setup, the county handles all 911 calls, prioritizing calls by importance and dispatching the closest city or county units accordingly, on the same radio frequency.At the same time, Dade City police employees answer all non-emergency calls. Poe was city manager of Dade City when the systems were combined. He underscored the benefits of the shift. It has improved communication channels between agencies and has provided access to important records to individuals or suspects crossing jurisdictional boundaries between the city and the county. For instance, it allows the agencies to have background on someone’s previous encounters with law enforcement entities, such as knowing if there’s a documented history of fighting or resisting arrest with personnel from the Zephyrhills and Dade City police departments, or the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. It also has proven to be beneficial in terms of law enforcement response, he said. He cited an incident involving the report of a gun at a Dade City area McDonald’s. Seven nearby sheriff’s deputies and four on-duty Dade City police officers responded immediately to the scene without incident. See 911, page 9A
B BATTLING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC INSIDE, PAGE 1B
Lutz flea market lures shoppers with its bargains
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club offered a variety of good deals at its annual Spring Flea Market fundraiser, attracting a steady crowd of bargain-hunters to the sale, held at the Boy Scout Pack 12 property, at 205 Second Ave., S.E., in Lutz. The event raises money for scholarships, said Annette Bellinger, club president. Above, Marcey Rotz made the trip from New Port Richey to do a bit of shopping. More photos, page 5B.
Elaine Pittman, left, also known as The Plant Lady, speaks with Debbie Cold, of Lutz, under the plant sale tent. Pittman, assisted by Sandi Giddens of Lutz, sold a variety of native plants.
An early crowd snatched up bargains, but there was still time to buy the large-faced clock at noon. Volunteer Dee Knerr, of North Tampa, was one of many Woman’s Club members on hand to help out.
Zephyrhills councilwoman bullish on town’s outlook By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
Zephyrhills City councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson has closely observed the evolution of the small-town East Pasco community over the past three decades. The elected official and longtime resident is pleased, overall, with the current situation in the municipality — amid a period of rampant growth, development, infrastructure enhancements and other changes. Some of the city’s major tackling points of late include: • The addition of thousands of new homes throughout city limits • Multimillion dollar expansions to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, municipal airport and municipal tennis center • Myriad roadwork projects, such as U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road signalized intersection and paving of Simons Road • Work to revitalize the historic downtown district This imminent progress can be traced to comprehensive plans solidified some 20 years ago, Wilkeson said during an East
FILE
Zephyrhills City Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson was a featured guest speaker during an East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting last month at IHOP in Dade City.
Pasco Networking Group meeting last month at IHOP in Dade City. Wilkeson, who is the founder and president of an architecture and interior design firm in Tampa, credits the city’s “history of success” to “a series of elected leaders who’ve helped move Zephyrhills forward.”
“All of this is possible,” she added, “because we had a plan.” Unopposed in this year’s municipal election,Wilkeson is set to embark on her fourth term — in total — of serving on the City Council. She was elected to a three-year term in April 2018 and previously served from 2008 to 2014. She also serves as board president of the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Wilkeson’s gateway into local volunteerism public service began as a concerned Zephyrhills citizen about 20 years ago when she responded to a mail-in survey regarding city utilities and services, then writing a detailed note to city administration and leadership. Wilkeson joked that the conscientious letter was “a fatal error,” as she was asked to meet with then longtime city manager Steve Spina and planning director Todd Vande Berg to gain the resident’s perspective on municipal operations and other happenings in the city.“The moment I wrote that note, they said, ‘Oh, she’s smart and she knows what we’re doing, we need to get her in See OUTLOOK, page 9A
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The Pasco County Planning Commission has granted a special exception request by Amber Thomas to allow a nail salon, as a home-based business, on the north side of Carr Road, about 280 feet east of Arms Drive, in Zephyrhills. Thomas told the county planning board that she’s a nail artist and had been doing nails as a hobby — after she had to let her salon go in August. But, she said she was seeking permission for a home-based business because she’d been cited by the county and was informed if she wanted to keep doing nails, she’d need to create a business. Thomas told the planning board that she does nail artistry, which involves creating designs using various materials. It typically takes about 2 hours for an appointment, she said. County planners recommended approval of her request. Neighbors, however, objected. They said a commercial operation would change the dynamics of their neighborhood. They complained that people coming to Thomas’ home have parked on the street, and that has created hazards for people pulling out of their driveways. They said neighborhood kids play in the area and ride their bikes there, so any additional traffic could pose safety concerns. They also raised a concern about the potential for the business to set a precedent for others to set up shop in the neighborhood.
Thomas said there have been cars near her home, but not because of her nail salon clientele. “I’ve hosted Pampered Chef Parties for friends. I do barbecues. I have Christmas parties. I had people over — my son just got married. I feel like whenever there is anybody at my home, they’re taking it as customers. Like I don’t have a right to have anybody at my house, period,”Thomas said. She told planning commissioners that she’s willing to limit her nail clients to one at a time, and a maximum of three per day. She also said she will keep her driveway free, so no one will have to park on the street. She said she is not trying to disrupt the neighborhood, and she wishes her neighbors had come to talk with her. “This probably could have been handled differently,”Thomas said. Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi noted:“The approval does restrict one customer at a time. People have parties,” he said, and they visitors, too. “There are times when you do exceed what you can fit just in your driveway,” Girardi said. “I tend to agree with the applicant that she sometimes is targeted as having customers there when in fact, they’re not customers at all,” he said. Girardi called for approving the request, with a restriction on hours of operation, a maximum of three customers per day and no on-street parking. The motion passed, with Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey and Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel voting no.
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The Pasco County school district plans to close Centennial Elementary School in Dade City and Marlowe Elementary School in New Port Richey, and reopen them as STEAM magnet schools. The acronym STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The conversion of the schools will begin at the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year, based on an action approved by the Pasco School Board on April 6. The staff allocations at both schools will be updated for the 2021-2022 school year to reflect these conversions and the newly approved STEAM teacher job description will be used at both schools, as well as at Sanders Memorial Elementary School. Identified instructional staff members will begin professional development this summer and that will continue into the 2021-2022 school year, with implementation of STEAM
curriculum and specialized instructional strategies occurring throughout the 20212022 school year. The student populations and boundaries for both schools will remain status quo for the 2021-2022 school year, with proposed boundary changes to remove the school boundaries for both schools planned for the school board’s consideration and approval this fall. The boundaries for Centennial and Marlowe will be absorbed into other nearby schools. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, the student populations at Centennial and Marlowe will be determined through the district’s Pasco Pathways process — with priority preference for attendance given to existing students at both schools. The district is converting the schools to provide more choices to parents, Superintendent Kurt Browning said, during a previous discussion of the issue. Board member Colleen Beaudoin said parents have been seeking the additional option.
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June opening anticipated for Dade City bike hub By Kevin Weiss
Pasco County Tourist Development Council meeting. The tourist-friendly project is multi-faceted. The roughly 1,500 square-foot welcome center takes on an open space interior concept that will house brochure kiosks for other countywide tourism partners to promote upcoming activities and attractions, museums, art exhibits and places of interest. The city also is seeking sponsorships to incorporate digital displays, additional outlets and internet connectivity capabilities at the center. Romagnoli explained of the concept:“We want to be able to have a mobile area for our partners in the tourism industry to be able to display what’s going on in their areas, so it can be anything from, let’s say, like the Dade City Heritage (and Cultural) Museum, or even the West Pasco (Historical Society) Museum, if they want to bring something over and put it in.” The facility also will include two outdoor covered porch areas with seating options, as
kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
Bicyclists and fellow exercisers alike will soon have an idyllic spot in Dade City to relax and take a breather — thanks to a new visitor’s information welcome center and bike hub that’ll help anchor a forthcoming downtown park site. The visitor’s information welcome center/bike hub concept — aptly referred to as “Spoke” or “Hub” — will be situated in the heart of downtown Dade City, across from the Roy T. Hardy trailhead, at the corner of Church Avenue and Eighth Street. Project construction officially kicked off following a March 10 groundbreaking ceremony. Since then, footers have since been set and concrete poured. Dade City officials anticipate a June grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a presentation from the city’s community and economic development director Melanie Romagnoli, during a March 24
well as an exterior bike shelter, with parking stations and repair stands for traveling bicyclists. Two public restrooms also will be included. The welcome center/bike hub is being funded with the help of a $250,000 grant from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and its official destination marketing organization, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, which promotes Pasco’s varied outdoor and recreational offerings. Pasco County TDC chairman Mike Moore during the meeting said the welcome center/bike hub will be “a great addition to the community and county, as a whole.” The facility is a corner part of the quaint East Pasco town’s multi-use downtown park concept — to eventually feature an inclusive/ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-accessible playground, amphitheater for outdoor venues, and children’s splash pad and other amenities. The city originally purchased a 2.23-acre property for the park site in December 2019
for $800,000 from the family of local businessman Otto Weitzenkorn. From there, the bidding process, construction contracts and permitting on the visitor’s center/bike hub alone wrapped up in February. Other elements of the planned park may not come to fruition for some time, as the city collects public input, and establishes specific design and engineered plans. Total investment of the entire downtown park could exceed $3 million, officials previously have estimated. The city is seeking grant opportunities and other funding sources to help pay for the multi-use park. Dade City leaders have said the park project is designed to help revitalize the downtown business district, while also offering another recreational outlet for local youth, residents and visitors. Officials also say that the park fits with the city’s vision of fostering a healthy and agefriendly community.
Cleanup collects 37,000 pounds of trash full support, proving what a tremendous impact concerned community members can have when given the opportunity.” The workers logged 1,531 volunteer hours, which translates into a value of $41,643.30, according to the release. Keep Pasco Beautiful hosts the Great American Cleanup with corporate funding assistance and a grant through the Florida Department of Transportation. The Great American Cleanup is one of two annual cleanup events in Pasco. The mission of Keep Pasco Beautiful is to improve Pasco County by engaging the community in sustainable efforts to reduce litter, promote waste reduction and encourage beautification. For more information, call 727-834-3611, ext. 1072, or email kking@mypasco.net.
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
Volunteers fanned across Pasco County collecting trash during the 2021 Great American Cleanup in early March. All in all, the 659 volunteers collected 36,920 pounds of trash — from public spaces, roadsides and waterways, according to a county news release. The cleaning crews hit 37 locations — stretching from Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday over to Dade City — and got to work in all sorts of places including Port Richey, New Port Richey,Wesley Chapel and Hudson. “Between the rainy weather and the ongoing pandemic, we weren’t sure how many volunteers would show up this year,” Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King, said in the release. “Once again, they came out in
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April 14, 2021
3A
What’s Happening
Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge
LIBRARY BOOK CHALLENGE
Pasco County Libraries has launched the online 1,000 Book Challenge, with the goal to start parents reading 1,000 books to their kids, age 5 and younger.After every book you read, visit PascoLibraries.org/events/readingchallenges-2021/, to keep a running record. Once the challenge is complete, you can print out a personalized certificate for your child.The “Beanstack” software used for the challenge also will be used for Pasco County Libraries’ Summer Reading program and future literacy challenges.
OSCAR NOMINEES
The Tampa Theatre is hosting a monthlong Oscar Nominee Showcase, with special screenings of the Best Picture nominees, as well as the nominated Short Films. Remaining shows include: • 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 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/movie-categories/Oscarnominee-showcase/.
FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION
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., at the church, 15925 Greenglen Lane in Spring Hill.The food will be given out on a first-come, firstserved basis, until the food runs out.
Earth Day celebration
WellCome OM Integral Health & Education Center will host its second annual Earth Day celebration on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 4242 Lake In the Woods Drive in Spring Hill. The event will feature organic garden presentations; experts in environmental health; locally grown plant sale; plant-based food and nutrition; mind/body class demonstrations; Qi gong; breath work and forms of movement; holistic wellness practitioners and services; and a market with local vendors and artisan handmade items, including natural personal care, herbal and nutritional supplements, local honey, crafts, jewelry, apparel and more. These presentations also are planned: • Yoga on the Lawn, 9 a.m. • Compost Basics, 10 a.m. • Bee Super Powers, 11 a.m. • Electromagnetic Fields, noon • OM Grown Garden membership info session, 1 p.m. • The Power of Earthing, 1 p.m. • The Art of Flower Arrangement, 3 p.m. For information, call 352-600-4242.
Coloring contest
Check out The Laker/Lutz News’ Happy Earth Day Coloring Contest in this edition, for a chance to win a $25 gift card. One winner will be chosen for each category: Publisher’s Award and People’s Choice. Entries can be mailed, emailed or picked up/dropped off at Gulfside’s Charity Festival of Arts on April 17, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. The deadline to enter is April 21.
Keep Pasco Beautiful
Keep Pasco Beautiful will celebrate Earth Day on April 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Crews Lake Park, 16739 Crews Lake Drive in Spring Hill. There will be educational and upcycle vendors; a ladybug release; presentations by Croc Encounters and the Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife; native plants for sale from the Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society; document shredding from 9 a.m. to noon; a rain water harvesting workshop at 10 a.m. ($45 fee); and compost workshop at noon. Preregistration is required for both workshops, at KeepPascoBeautiful.org/earth-day. There also will be a free household hazardous waste collection with Pasco County Solid Waste. The first 50 people to bring a thermometer containing mercury will receive a $5 Publix gift card (one per vehicle). For information on what waste will be accepted, call 813-929-2755, ext. 2046, or visit PascoCountyUtilities.com.
SAFETY TOWN YARD SALE
The Pasco Safety Town Yard Sale is scheduled for April 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,April 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and April 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 15325 Alric Pottberg Road.All proceeds benefit Pasco Safety Town. Follow the event on Facebook.
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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.
REMIX PERFORMANCES
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.
to create visual narratives that elevate family routines to an artistic expression.The display will run from April 16 through May 31, and is included with museum admission.Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students/military/seniors. For information and tickets, call 813-221-2222.
PARENTING EXHIBIT
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 400 N.Ashley Drive in Tampa, will present “(im)Perfect,” a documentary-style exhibition that shows the everyday ups and downs of parenting, worldwide. Documentary family photographers use raw, unposed, undirected family moments
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts will resume live, in-person Arts Legacy Remix performances on the Riverwalk Stage, continuing through May. • April 16:“A Journey Through Central and Eastern Europe” — A melodic journey through Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Russia and more • May 21:“Jazz, Jazz, Jazz” — Performance by The Straz High School Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and others All concerts are from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are free but required in advance at StrazCenter.org.There is a $3.90 processing fee.
ARTS FESTIVAL
Support Gulfside Hospice by attending the Charity Festival of Arts on April 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.There will be live entertainment from local talent groups. The arts will be showcased through dance, voice, music, acting, visual art and more, provided by local artists, businesses and organizations.Activities also will include a “take-and-make” project.Admission is $5 per person, for ages 3 and older. For information, contact Leesa Fryer at 727-8455707 or leesa.fryer@gulfside.org.
SONS OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION
The Sons of the American Revolution will meet on April 17 at noon, via Zoom.The See WHAT’S, page 5A
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April 14, 2021
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WHAT’S
from page 4A
meeting will start with a business discussion, followed by a presentation. For information, email William Floyd at bfloydpres@aol.com.
ABSOLUTELY AVALON
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will host “Absolutely Avalon” on April 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 5060 River Glen Blvd., featuring bounce houses, food trucks, musicians, a face painter, interactive games, a rock climbing wall, a laser light show at dusk, and more. Everything is free. For information, call 813-783-1515.
REPUBLICAN CLUB
The East Pasco Republican Club will meet on April 20 at 6 p.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, in the Tuttle Room.The guest speaker will be Brian Corley, supervisor of elections.
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “Strategies for Short-Term Financial Wellness” on April 21 at 6:30 p.m., for adults. Participants can learn tips and information for building emergency funds, managing debt and increasing cash flow. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
DEMOCRATIC CLUB
The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet on April 21, via Zoom, to discuss voting rights and current legislative issues. Socializing starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m. For information, email aardis@tampabay.rr.com, or call 813383-8315.
VIRTUAL TOWN HALLS
The Straz Center will present “Voices of the Community,” virtual town hall meetings, on the third Thursday of each month through June, at 8 p.m., on Facebook Live. Each meeting is free, and will feature different presenters and themes, with the goal to amplify Black voices. • April 22:“A Jazz Legacy” takes a journey through Tampa Bay from the historical relevance of Tampa’s Central Avenue and St. Petersburg 22nd Street. Black musicians, such as The Deuces, filled the cities’ segregated community “jazz joints” with the music they originated. • May 27:“Dance, Dance, Dance” discusses how the art form helped define the communal and cultural richness of communities of color. • June 24:TBD (to be determined)
To take part in the virtual meetings, visit Facebook.com/StrazCenter.
IMPROV NIGHT
Live Oak Theatre will present an Improv Night on April 23 at 7:30 p.m., at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville.The family friendly event will feature the Conservatory’s Improv Troupe with games, skits and actor’s choices inspired by the audience. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seats are $10 per person in advance and $15 at the door. For information and tickets, visit LiveOakTheatre.org, call 352-593-0027, or email LiveOakBoxOffice@gmail.com.
PRINCESS TEA
Live Oak Theatre will host a Princess Tea on April 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Grand Ballroom at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville.There will be songs, games, and proper princess etiquette. Each young guest can make a bracelet, and will be presented with a tiara.The menu will include tea sandwiches, tea, lemonade and desserts, with an Arabian theme. Fancy dress is optional.Tickets are $20. RSVP is required by April 16. For information and tickets, call 352-593-0027, email LiveOakBoxOffice@gmail.com, or visit LiveOakTheatre.org.
VIRTUAL BOOK DRIVE
Goodwill’s BookWorks program will host a virtual book drive through April 30.The program gives books to children who may not otherwise have them. BookWorks volunteers also read to preschoolers and then present each child with a book to take home. During the pandemic, volunteers are doing interactive online readings, and teachers are giving out the books that volunteers drop off. Book drive participants can purchase needed books, or make a donation to the BookWorks fund, online at Goodwillsuncoast.org/book-drive-2021.To volunteer for the program, call 888-279-1988, or email bookworks@goodwill-suncoast.com.
The annual Arbor Day and Memorial Celebration is set for April 30 at 10 a.m., at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City. The event marks the 26th year that the City of Dade City and the Dade City Garden Club have jointly sponsored the Arbor Day/Memorial Day program. The event usually is held the third Friday in January, which is the day the State of Florida celebrates Arbor Day, but this year’s event has been rescheduled to coincide with National Arbor Day on April 30, according to a news release. This year, the Dade City Garden Club sponsored an art contest for the students at Centennial Elementary School in Dade City. Students learned about the history of Arbor Day and were
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(Public, private and home-school students welcome) Pre-registration required: www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org Not open to the public. $5 for students and chaperones.
• Living history displays portraying the French resistance, Allies and Axis T Trroops in Europe, civilian home front and much more • Live audio/visual presentations on Wo World War II history, including a presentation on the German POW Camp in Dade City • 1940s radio show vignettes nettes • Great food at the mus seum consessions
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa will host these upcoming summer camps: • June 7 to July 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the club locations • June 7 to July 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., on school sites (locations pending) Summer camps will be closed July 2 to July 5. Registration is now open. For details and to register, visit BGCTampa.org.
Garden club plans Arbor Day celebration The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
BA ATTLE REENACTMENT REENACTTMENT
asked to design a cover fitting for the Arbor Day Program to be printed for the event. The winners will be announced, and the grand prize winner will be recognized at the event. Memorial trees that have been given throughout the year will be recognized. Trees are dedicated in memory of or in honor of a person or special occasion, and are living and lasting tributes that add beauty to the city and quality to the environment. Speakers for the event will be Dade City’s own Cowboy Poet Steve Melton, and Foresters Mona Neville and Arthur Clothier from the Florida Forest Service. The Garden Club is extending a special invitation to the public to join them for this event to celebrate Arbor Day and to honor the tree recipients. For more information, email Ruth Anderson at mom5125@aol.com.
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Pasco Sheriff addresses local concerns, issues By Kevin Weiss
prevent that from happening, as they become adults. Many of these teens are motivated to Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco dis- avoid having that kind of future, the sheriff cussed a number of other ongoing efforts added. by his agency to bolster community con“They’re in a position in their life that nection and engagement, during a Zoom they don’t want to go into the woods, they breakfast meeting of the East Pasco don’t want that,” he said. Networking Group. Nocco said his agency is leveraging partFor instance, the law enforcenerships to help provide ment agency partners with local resources for these youth. churches and organizations, such The sheriff also addressed as Pasco County NAACP and the ongoing mental health and Farm Share, to put on community substance abuse crisis, which he food distributions, organized characterized as “the No. 1 issue throughout Dade City, Lacoochee we face as a community, as a and Trilby, among other areas. state, as a country.” Besides providing food, the These problems have worsmeetups foster opportunities for ened amid the COVID-19 conversations with local residents pandemic, Nocco said. — which can reveal local probMany individuals are strugPasco Sheriff lems, the sheriff said. gling with isolation and other “We’re finding out issues going Chris Nocco hardships, he explained. on there and how we can help There are former drug the community better, and really, abusers who have relapsed beit’s opening up dialogues with people that cause they felt isolated, Nocco said. would never talk to law enforcement, never The sheriff also noted that there’s an ininteract, wouldn’t call,” Nocco said. crease in overdose cases, which correlates For instance, it is through these conver- with the federal government’s release of sations and forged partnerships that the law new stimulus checks. enforcement agency became aware of a He also warned of the dangers of fen“horrific” amount of homeless teenagers, tanyl — a powerful synthetic opioid who are either living out of cars, doubled analgesic similar to morphine but believed up in another’s household, or couch-surfing, to be 50 times to 100 times more potent. according to the sheriff. “Fentanyl is killing people out there,” “They are just trying to find a place to Nocco said.“That is absolutely a devastating live every night,” he said. drug that is changing communities because Many of these teens don’t live in a home- it is killing people.” less camp in the woods, or in a cardboard The drug’s addictive and withdrawal box on the street, Nocco said.The goal is to properties have become evident in the
kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
FILE
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has partnered with a number of community agencies to address hunger, homelessness, mental health and other issues in the community.
county’s jail system in Land O’ Lakes, too. Nocco put it this way: “The sad part is, we have people in our jail, and as we’re trying to get them help, programs in there so that they learn trades, they learn skills…and the No. 1 thing they say is,‘Oh, I can’t wait to get back out there (in the streets), I want fentanyl.’” Nocco commended the Pasco community for working with law enforcement, to help improve community life. That aspect of law enforcement support is absent in counties and cities where antipolice movements are enabled, Nocco said. “What you’re seeing in other places across the country are people are polarizing each other and pushing away, and all it’s
doing is creating division and a lack of unity,” he said. Speaking of law enforcement, Nocco also reminded those gathered that they can do their part to help reduce crime. People often break into cars simply by checking doors to see if they’re locked. “If we can lock car doors, we will absolutely reduce crime tremendously,” Nocco said. The sheriff also addressed a controversial program used by his office that involves sharing student data between his office and the Pasco County School Board. He explained how the program works and why his office considers it a valuable tool — despite the criticism it has drawn.
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Pasco County Schools offers free VPK for three hours a day, for the 2021-2022 school year. Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, to be eligible. For information, contact the Pasco Schools VPK office at 813-794-2672.
VICTORY HIGH OPEN HOUSE
Victory High School will host an open house on April 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the Calvary Chapel Worship Center, Room 111 and Room 112, 6825 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey. The open house is for new students, ages 14 to 19, seeking recovery from addictions, who are interested in enrolling in the private high school. Preregister by emailing victoryhighschoolpasco@gmail.com. For information on the school, visit VictoryHighSchool.net.
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.
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Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has announced the recipients of its annual NISOD Excellence Awards, which recognize men and women each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues. The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) award recipients are: • Carolanne Azan, DBA, assistant professor, Bachelor of Applied Science in supervision and management • Karen Lotz, assistant professor, Bachelor of Nursing • Jonathan Spiewak, instructor, mathematics Because the 2020 conference was canceled, PHSC also recognized these honorees: • Gary Cors, J.D., professor and paralegal program director • Gloria Pray, assistant professor, economics and director of business programs • Jeremy Scarbrough, Ph.D., instructor, philosophy
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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.
LOCAL TEEN TO COMPETE
Miss Land O’ Lakes Teen USA Eliza Smith, a sophomore at Land O’ Lakes High School, will be competing in the 2021 Miss Florida Teen USA pageant July 16 to July 18, in Orlando. Smith has a GPA of 4.6, with all honors and AP classes. She has been a member of the National Junior Honors Society, and has received a nomination for the Future Leaders of Medicine Award. Smith aspires to attend Duke University, to major in health sciences with a minor in psychology, with the hope of becoming a physician’s assistant. Her platform, “Be Bold Be Beautiful Be You,” strives to educate people about the importance of mental illness awareness, reduce the stigma around them, and learn how to better support someone with a mental illness.
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, homeschools, 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.
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VACCINATION, from page 1A 19 vaccines” Health Officer Mike Napier, said in a news release. Hillsborough County health officials are concerned about an increasing number of COVID-19 cases during recent weeks, despite the expansion of vaccination options, according to a Hillsborough County news release. The release noted that Dr. Douglas Holt, who oversees the state’s health department in Hillsborough County, told the Hillsborough County Commission that Hillsborough’s newly confirmed cases currently average 400 a day, with the positivity rate at about 8.6%. At this time, Holt told commissioners, there’s no indication that variants of the virus are causing the increase. But, he noted this could change rapidly as the variants are generally more contagious. Holt’s report prompted Hillsborough commissioners to remind residents not to relax their guard and to be sure to continue following COVID-19 preventive measures. Hillsborough commissioners are scheduled to discuss the county’s state of local emergency and other COVID-19 issues at their next regular meeting on April 21. Mask mandates are evolving. Pasco County dropped its mask mandate, effective April 6, although officials are continuing to encourage the use of masks at indoor public spaces, where social distancing isn’t possible. Hillsborough County’s mask ordinance remains in effect, at least through April 15. Hillsborough County Schools’ mask mandate remains in effect, according to the district website. Pasco County Schools is retaining its mask mandate, at least through April 26. That’s when Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order is scheduled to expire. If that order isn’t extended, the school district will shift to optional masks for the rest of the school year. While there has been discussion in some circles regarding if COVID-19 vaccination passports should be required by air carriers, at sporting venues and in other places, Gov. DeSantis has banned the use of COVID-19 vaccination passports in Florida. In authorizing the ban, DeSantis reasoned that such passports “restrict individual freedoms and will harm patient privacy.” He also noted,“requiring so-called COVID-
OUTLOOK, from page 1A here,”Wilkeson recalled during the March 9 breakfast meeting. She subsequently was urged to serve on the citizen-led Zephyrhills Planning Commission beginning in 2002, given her expertise as an interior architect, and ability to decipher building plans and drawings. Later, she served on the Zephyrhills Historic Preservation Board, from 2004 to 2008. She also was a volunteer board member for Main Street Zephyrhills Inc. — organizing parades, events promoting local CRA district businesses and otherwise helping preserve the city’s unique charm. She was acknowledged for her contributions by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce who named her “Volunteer of the Year” in 2007. While serving on the city’s planning commission, Wilkeson discovered Zephyrhills and surrounding Pasco County previously had been — as described — “giving away the farm.” In other words, the area had been receiving less than favorable or beneficial returns on utilities, properties, land deals and so on. Since then, however, the town has undergone a more proactive shift. She credits the city’s planners and public works team. “We really raised the bar in terms of fees and accessibility, and that’s why these developers continue to want to come to our city, because they can get in front of somebody that knows what they’re talking about, and now we don’t give away the farm anymore, and it’s transforming the way our community looks. There are no more metal buildings on (U.S.) 301, (and) we have invested millions of dollars in our downtown district, and the Main Street and CRA,” she said. As CRA board president, Wilkeson told the breakfast crowd about some of the enhancements to the city’s historic CRA district — which is a special taxing district that spans roughly 500 acres through the center spine of Zephyrhills. In that district, future revenues from increased property values are set aside in a trust fund to support economic development and redevelopment projects within
COVID vaccinations • Hillsborough County: Appointments are mandatory in Hillsborough County. Persons without appointments will not receive a vaccine and will be turned away. Florida residency is required. To make an appointment, go to the CDR Health Pro portal at PatientPortalFl.com. Hillsborough County sites dispense only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which can be given to individuals 16 years of age and older. • Pasco County: DOH-Pasco uses the Moderna vaccine, so Florida residents age 18 and older are eligible to sign up with CDR Maguire for appointments at the DOH-Pasco drive-thru vaccination sites at the Gulf View Square Mall and Saint Leo University. Eligible residents can go to PatientPortalFl.com, or call 844770-8548 to create an account with CDR Maguire. • FEMA vaccination site, Tampa Greyhound Track, 755 E. Waters Ave., in Tampa, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. Walk-ups accepted. As of April 6, the site is dispensing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only for new vaccinations. The second dose Pfizer appointments, for those who got their first dose at the FEMA site, still will be provided at their appointment time. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not approved for 16and 17-year-olds. • Private providers: A number of private pharmacies also are administering vaccines. Check with individual websites to find out specifics.
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• The mask mandate remains in effect in Pasco County Schools until at least April 26, which is when Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order is scheduled to expire. If the governor doesn’t extend the Executive Order, Pasco County Schools will switch to an optional mask policy when the Executive Order expires. • Hillsborough County’s mask mandate remains in effect at least through April 15. • The mask mandate remains in effect in Hillsborough County Schools.
• United States: 30,965,577 cases; 558,843 deaths • Florida: 2,084,173 positive residents; 34,021 resident deaths • Pasco: 37,594 positive residents; 703 deaths • Hillsborough: 125,515 positive residents; 1,637 deaths • Pasco County Schools: Total county for 2020-2021 school year: 2,152 cases student cases, 838 staff cases • Hillsborough County Schools: 4,766 students; 2,171 employees
Sources: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Florida Department of Health, Pasco County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools. Latest available information as of the morning of April 12.
new school year begins in the fall. MySchool Online always was intended as a temporary measure to provide parents a remote learning option during the pandemic, Superintendent Kurt Browning said. The district will continue to operate its nationally recognized Pasco eSchool, which has operated since 2009.
the designated CRA area. Wilkeson detailed how these funds have been allocated toward business and residential façade grants, landscaping beautification, and maintaining the historical architecture of the area via special light fixtures, wayfinding signage and so on. One program involves providing $5,000 grants to encourage the purchase of a single-family home within the CRA District. The idea is to spur purchases within distressed neighborhoods and to improve the owner-occupancy rate within the district. It also is meant to encourage a neighborhood friendly walkable community. This initiative and other changes, Wilkeson said, have spurred Tampa Bay area families “who want to be able to roll their kids down in a stroller and watch a parade through downtown Main Street,” to purchase homes within the city’s CRA district. “These are people who are coming in from Tampa and St. Pete and saying,‘We love the charm of your little community’ and they buy houses in the historic district,” she said. Previously,Wilkeson said,“we were not reinvesting in this community and we had these older homes that were rentals, and they were a crime problem and a code enforcement problem.” Wilkeson also expressed confidence in the city’s direction under the leadership of Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe. Poe was named Zephyrhills assistant city manager in November 2018, then stepped up to replace the retiring Spina come July 2019. Poe, born and raised in Zephyrhills, began his career as an intern with city administration, then spent several years working as an assistant city planner. Poe went on to land a city manager role with Dade City in 2008, a position he held for over a decade. Wilkeson was part of the committee that ultimately selected Poe as Spina’s successor a couple years ago. “Billy was a natural choice,” Wilkeson said. “He knew the city. He had 11 years (of) experience in Dade City as a city manager. It was a great launching pad for him to come to the city. He had a transition period with Steve Spina that helped him get everything up to speed and take over, and it’s been a nearly seamless transition.”
911, from page 1A
Dairy Road. “That was not a fun thing to go through,” Poe said. “I know council didn’t like it,” Poe said, referring to the decision to end the city’s independent fire department that had served the city for more than 100 years. However, Poe said, in contracting out fire service responsibilities to Pasco County, both area stations now have an ambulance and increased staffing. Response times were another consideration. “It just made sense to have one responding agency, because they space it out, they know what they’re doing, they space them so they have minimal response times for each station, and so to be able to add two stations to the mix was huge for Pasco County…and I think the residents won,” Poe said. The two former fire stations have been renamed, but the fire trucks retain some local flavor, with signage that indicates they are serving the City of Zephyrhills. Poe said there also are plans to add another Pasco County Fire Rescue Station in Zephyrhills within the next few years, at the corner of Chancey Road and Yonkers Boulevard. When that comes online, Pasco County Fire Rescue Station 18 in Crystal Springs will be abandoned, he said. That’s important because the city has never had three fire stations in the area, Poe said.
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“I like to think it works well,” Poe surmised, regarding the merged communications system. Meanwhile, the city manager dispelled any conjecture that a 911 system consolidation is a means to eventually disband Zephyrhills Police into sheriff’s office operations, similar to the merger that happened with the city’s fire department. “There’s zero percent chance that the police department will merge with Pasco County,” said Poe. The city manager said he has a great relationship with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, but noted they cannot offer the same level of service to residents of Zephyrhills as the local police department provides. That’s because of the number and types of calls that the Sheriff’s Office must respond to, Poe explained. “Consolidated dispatch, has nothing to do with the rest of the department. We are not looking to get rid of our police department. That is not the case at all. It is solely communications, and it is all about officer safety and citizen safety,” Poe said. The Zephyrhills City Council, however, voted last September to consolidate its local fire department into Pasco County Fire Rescue — whereby the county assumed control of two stations on Sixth Avenue and Dean
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• Pasco County has rescinded its countywide mask mandate as of April 5, however it recommends the continued use of face coverings in indoor public places where social distancing cannot be maintained.
public school principals. In making the proposal, DeSantis said “we know how important it was for our students to return to school, and our teachers and principals answered the call.” In other COVID-19 school-related news, Pasco County Schools has announced its plan to drop its mySchool Online option, when the
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April 14, 2021
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Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source
Hillsborough County Parks launches exercise challenge By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
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t’s time to get out and get moving. For those reeling with the effects of cabin fever in the midst of COVID19, there’s now some extra motivation to exercise outdoors and explore what the region has to offer in the way of parks and recreational amenities. The Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department is encouraging people to get active this spring and summer via its inaugural “Move! Hillsborough” program. The initiative, which launched April 1 and continues through July 31, motivates residents of all ages to get active by offering prizes for achieving exercise milestones. Here’s how the challenge works: Participants register for free and log miles to show how they are moving throughout the county, be it walking, running, biking, kayaking, skipping or rollerblading. Any type of activity counts toward the goal, so participants can rack up miles through all sorts of means, even with Zumba classes, dancing, playing basketball, pickleball, tennis, soccer and so on. The county’s parks team has a comprehensive conversion chart online letting participants know how to convert their desired activity to miles. For example, logging 5,000 steps during a Zumba class translates to 2 miles, while rowing moderately for 15 minutes equates to 1 mile. Participants will earn a prize at each milestone of 100 miles (keychain), 300 miles (bandana), and 500 miles (T-shirt). Reaching 500 miles makes you eligible for all three prizes. Upon completing the challenge, bring your confirmation email (printed or digital) to one of the following locations to claim your prize in person:All Peoples Life Center in Tampa,Apollo Beach Recreation Center in Apollo Beach, Bell Creek Nature Preserve in Riverview, Carrollwood Village Park in Tampa or Westchase Recreation Center in Tampa. Hillsborough’s parks and recreation coordinator Dana McDonald said Move! Hillsborough was brainstormed by county staffers as a means “to figure out new and inventive ways to get people out and active and moving in our parks,” particularly amid the coronavirus pandemic. “Any type of movement counts, and that, I think, is the great part about it, you know, everything you do counts towards miles,” said McDonald. “The parks and recreation department really wants people to be healthy. That’s one of our main goals, for people to be active and healthy, and this is just a fun way that we thought we could get people involved and reward them for things that we hope they’re already doing.” And, there’s no shortage of places to go to get your fitness fix. Out of the more than 150 county-run parks, there’s over two dozen neighborhood parks, preserves, recreation centers and athletic fields throughout The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, in Carrollwood, Lutz, New Tampa and Odessa. Having trouble deciding where to start? McDonald recommends the 50-acre
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DEEP FRIED DASH 5K The Florida State Fair’s second annual Deep Fried Dash 5K is set for May 1 at 7 a.m., at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301, in Tampa. The race traverses runners through and around the fair’s entertainment stages, expo hall, midway, equestrian center and other areas. All racers will receive a dri-fit shirt and finisher’s medal. Fresh deep-fried corndogs and other sponsored items will be provided at the end of the race.Admission to the fair is free following the race for all race participants. Cost is $45 through April 30. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Florida State Fair Foundation, a 501c3,
Hillsborough County park and recreation listings in and near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area
• Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, 18101 Ramblewood Road, Odessa • Calusa Trace Park, 18331 N. Calusa Blvd., Lutz • Carolyn Meeker Dog Park and Nature Trail, 122 First Ave., S.W., Lutz • Carrollwood Meadows Park, 13918 S. Farmington Blvd., Tampa • Carrollwood Village Park, 4680 W. Village Drive, Tampa • Cross Creek Park, 19205 Basset Creek Drive, Tampa • Cypress Creek Nature Preserve, 18000 Lizard’s Tail Road, Tampa • Keystone Park & Recreation Center, 19928 Gunn Highway, Odessa • Lake Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz • Lake Dan Nature Preserve, 19116 Huckavalle Road, Odessa • Lake Frances Nature Preserve, 11009 Tarpon Springs Road, Odessa • Lake Rogers Park, 9010 N. Mobley Road, Odessa • Lettuce Lake Park, 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa • Live Oak Park, 9020 Imperial Oak Drive, Tampa • Lutz Community Center, 98 First Ave. N.W., Lutz • Mort Park, 1815 E. 148th Ave., Lutz • North East Sports Complex, 18050 Kinnan St., Tampa • Northdale Park & Recreation Center, 15550 Spring Pine Drive, Tampa • Northlakes Sports Complex, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive, Tampa • Northwest Equestrian Conversation Park, 10711 S. Mobley Road, Odessa • Nye Park, 630 Sunset Lane, Lutz • Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, 788 Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz • Peterson Road Park, 8203 Peterson Road, Odessa • Villa Rosa Park, 4600 Reflections Blvd., Lutz • Violet Curry Preserve, 1802 Sinclair Hills Road, Lutz
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Biking at local parks is one of the many recommended activities as part of the inaugural Move! Hillsborough fitness challenge.
COURTESY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
Residents can earn prizes for reaching certain exercise milestones at parks and recreation centers throughout Hillsborough County. The inaugural Move! Hillsborough fitness challenges runs from April 1 through July 31. Prizes are awarded for milestones of 100 miles, 300 miles and 500 miles completed.
Carrollwood Village Park, which opened in 2018 at 4680 W.Village Drive in Tampa. The park features a slew of family friendly amenities, including a challenge course, outdoor fitness equipment, paved trail, playground, skate park, splash pad, walking trails, pump track multiple dog parks, and more. “It’s actually a regional-sized park, and it has everything, and you can pretty much do any kind of movement there,” said McDonald. “There is a lot that you can do and get a lot of movement, so…that would definitely be a great park to go and check out.” She, too, recommended the Northdale Recreation Center, as it features outdoor fitness equipment and a walking trail, plus a variety of basketball, tennis and pickleball courts. Also locally, Lake Park in Lutz is another solid option.“That’s great for your trails, and you can get a lot of miles there, for sure,” McDonald said. Though checking out the county’s myriad parks is encouraged to achieve mileage milestones, McDonald noted participants may also register fitness points at home or in their local neighborhood, and still be-
come eligible for prizes:“If you aren’t comfortable (going out) yet, and you have a treadmill at home and you want to do a treadmill or a bike, or you just want to walk around your neighborhood, those all count. If you do (workout) classes or videos, like Zumba, or you do basketball in your neighborhood, you can count those, too.” Move! Hillsborough piggybacks off another one of the county’s popular outdoor fitness initiatives — the annual Hiking Spree, which typically runs from November through March, and garnered about 5,500 registrants in its fifth year. Given the fact that Move! Hillsborough is a brand-new program, county officials are hoping for at least 1,000 registrants this year, McDonald said.“It takes some time for people to get excited about the program and get involved,” she said.“The nice thing is, because we’re coming off the Hiking Spree, a lot of people know about the Hiking Spree and are excited to participate (in Move! Hillsborough).” In addition to residents, county parks and recreation employees at staffed recreation centers have also made a point to pursue the exercise challenge and see who can rack up the most miles, McDonald said.
Charity hockey game April 17 The Lakeland Ice Arena and the Tampa Bay Marauders Police Hockey Team will present the Hillsborough vs. Pinellas Police Charity Hockey Game on April 17 at 4:15 p.m., at 3395 W. Memorial Blvd., in Lakeland. Donations will be accepted at the event and throughout the game.All proceeds will directly benefit the families of Tampa Police Department Master Police Officer Jesse whose mission is to improve and support agricultural, scientific and educational programs at the Florida State Fair, including Cracker Country Living History Museum, Ag-Venture and more. A virtual race option also is open from April 1 through April 30. For information and to register, visit FloridaStateFair.com/5K/.
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Madsen, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael Magli and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Brian LaVigne. Donations also may be made on Venmo: @ tampabaypolicehockey or PayPal: tampabaypolicehockey@gmail.com. Baked goods and a food truck are scheduled for the event, too. For information, call Tampa police officer Tony Skolarus at 734-564-7643.
HILLSBOROUGH FIRE MUSEUM CLAY SHOOT The Hillsborough Fire Museum Foundation’s third annual clay shooting tournament is set for April 24 at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes. Sign-up opens at 8 a.m., with the tournament starting at 9 a.m.
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“Of course, there’s always that little bit of competition,” the parks administrator quipped.“You can’t have a group of people who are coaches who just don’t have that little bit of fun competition going around.” For information and to register, visit HCFLGov.net/MoveHillsborough.
Cost is $100 per participant for a fourperson team, which includes cart, clays, ammo, lunch, prizes for top shooters, shotgun raffle and more. Registration deadline is April 19. Visit HillsboroughFireMuseum.com for more information and to register.
CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT MAY 14
The Rotary Club of Hudson will host its sixth annual charity golf tournament on May 14 at 8 a.m., at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd.,Trinity. The four-man scramble will have a shotgun start. Continental breakfast, lunch and drink specials will be served, and there will be multiple prize-winning opportunities. Groups of singles also are welcome. Cost is $100 per player or $360 for a team of four. Funds will help benefit community projects and Rotary International. For information and to register, contact Colleen Naumann at 727-247-2643.
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April 14, 2021
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APRIL 14, 2021
Local stakeholders seeks solutions to opioid crisis By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
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uch national and international focus the past year has centered on the COVID-19 pandemic, yet there remains another ongoing crisis that hits close to home — the opioid epidemic. Local stakeholders addressed the issue at length last month during a virtual town hall organized by the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention (ASAP) — a coalition made up of community members and committee partners collaborating to fight drug misuse in the area. The March 2 event titled,“Virtual Opioid Town Hall: Use Only As Directed,” featured an in-depth panel discussion with perspectives from recovering addicts, medical professionals, lawmakers, law enforcement, educators and others. Among the takeaways from the 90-minute Zoom meeting — more efforts are needed to resolve the opioid issue nationwide, and in Pasco, as a result of damage done over the years plus the confluence of coronavirus and mental health issues. Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and many others. New Port Richey-based attorney Jim Magazine has witnessed the problem up close, as part of a national consortium of opioid litigators handling lawsuits on behalf of cities, counties and states against drug manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies. The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine managing partner warned the addiction crisis seems to have worsened since COVID-19 touched down:“With the rise of the coronavirus, the opioid epidemic, at least from my perspective, has gone up exponentially.With people staying at home depressed, and the cocktails between opioids and benzodiazepine, people are OD’ing at an alarming rate that I see.” He also cautioned the next frontier of opioid issues could arise with the introduction of prescription fentanyl transdermal skin patches, designed to alleviate severe pain around the clock. “I think that fentanyl patches are becoming a norm,” Magazine said, adding the federal government needs to address that issue. “I mean, they’re now being prescribed and I’m seeing overdose cases on a regular basis for people that have fibromyalgia,” he said. “There’s nothing in the world that would indicate that a drug 100 times stronger than morphine should be prescribed to an individual that has nonspecific muscle pain. But that’s happening all over the country and nothing’s happening about it, and people are dying every single day.” Magazine went on to detail how the opioid crisis got out of hand over the years, especially locally. He singled out a standalone national chain pharmacy in New Port Richey once distributed 2.3 million oxycontin pills in 2010 “without any oversight, whatsoever.” U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor similarly underscored the gravity of the opioid crisis, during the virtual event. “Sadly we have seen a huge spike in overdoses throughout the nation in recent years, and it is an epidemic,” said Bilirakis, who represents the 12th congressional district in Florida.“The strain of the pandemic also has exacerbated throughout the pandemic, particularly with the mental health crisis, and its’s not going to go away anytime soon. We’ve got to do everything we can.” In the way of solutions, Bilirakis acknowledged “there’s so much more to do,” even following some $6 billion in federal spending earmarked for opioid addiction and mental health programs as part of the 2018 Omnibus bill, geared to advance treatment and recovery initiatives, improve prevention programs, and bolster efforts to fight the importation of illicit synthetic drugs. “It’s going to take a lot,” Bilirakis said of fixing the opioid crisis.“Just one piece of legislation is not going to fix it.” But, Bilirakis mentioned at least one step
COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY ALLIANCE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and many others.
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Pasco County Alliance Substance Addiction Prevention, or ASAP, is a coalition made up of community members and committee partners collaborating to fight drug misuse in the area.
in the right direction is the implementation of national standards and rating systems for sober living home operations — plus increasing their accessibility overall. He explained “a big problem” of South Florida area treatment centers offering referral kickbacks, for instance. “We have to have accountability,” the congressman said.“These residential treatment centers, people need to know, they need to be rated, because nobody really knows.You get first-hand, second-hand recommendations, and you spend thousands and thousands of dollars, and that’s another issue. …But you want to make sure it’s a good treatment center, so I’m going to continue to work on that.” As another example of the far-reaching nature of the opioid problem, Bilirakis pointed out how it impacts any and all types of families and backgrounds, whether rich, poor or middle class.“It doesn’t discriminate,” he said.“It affects most families and we have to do everything we can.” Gulf High School student Maddie Horn is a member of Safe Teens Against Drugs (STAND). She personally understands how substance abuse and opioid addiction impacts families. The Pasco ASAP Volunteer of the Year “grew up without a father because he chose drugs over my brother and I,” she said. Horn simultaneously has witnessed her great-aunt abuse prescribed pain medication, be it taking multiple doses at once or not waiting the proper length of time between doses. “It doesn’t just affect you, it affects the people around you,” said Horn. “You’re not only affecting yourself now, but you’re affecting yourself years down the road. I just don’t want that to happen to my cousins or anybody else in my family, so that’s why I’m so passionate (about drug prevention).” When queried about drug and addiction trends in local schools, Horn stated vaping and marijuana are “a very big issue right now.” “I see a lot of times that our bathrooms are closed, because that’s where students tend to go when they do (drugs) at school,” she said. “I’ve had friends I’ve had to stop talking to (because of drugs).”
RECOVERING ADDICTS SHARE EXPERIENCES The discussion also featured perspectives of individuals actively undergoing drug recovery, including Madeira Beach’s Nicole Harris.
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— working in a hospital with plans to study human and culture services,“so it is possible to live a good life with recovery,” she said. Peters-Tanksley, too, strongly asserted “there’s no excuse” for other addicts not to seek much-needed help. “There’s nothing that stops us from doing what we have to do but us,” PetersTanksley said. “The same way we were in those streets getting what (drugs) we needed to get, we’re going to do whatever’s necessary to get the help that we need to get. I was my own barrier to get the resources from BayCare, but once I saw I could trust people and talk to people, it was a no-judgment zone, then there were no barriers to be created, because I would do whatever was necessary for me to get treatment I needed to get.” She added:“I just want everybody to be encouraged, to know that it can be done, because I come from such a heavy background.” Harris and Peters-Tanksley also shared stories of medical professionals overprescribing pain medications. Harris recalled being given upwards of 450 pills a month, ranging from Oxycontin to Xanax and others.“The overprescribing is crazy,” she said.“I feel like they get money or something from these manufacturers for writing these medications…” Peters-Tanksley added she could get 300 Dilaudid and 300 Xanax at a clip by a doctor. She, too admitted to doctor shopping and previously selling excess pills on the side. “I just want the doctors to know people don’t need all that medication,” she said. “There’s no way in the world I needed all that. Nobody is in that much pain.You’re basically overdosing slowly.”
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor was one of several panelists during a virtual town hall meeting to discuss the nation’s opioid crisis.
LOCAL AGENCIES MAKING STRIDES
Harris has battled opiate addiction off and on for about 13 years. Some of her issues stem from being prescribed a host of pain pills when she was 24 years old, despite having a clear MRI showing no major issues. A wakeup call came in January 2020 when she was admitted to the hospital with endocarditis — a severe blood infection related to prior IV drug use — which also claimed the life of her husband. While hospitalized, Harris linked up with a social worker through the BayCare health system. She was steered to programs like 12step addiction recovery and peer support groups.“I knew I had to change everything,” Harris said. And, her life has changed for the better since entering treatment 14 months ago. Harris has a driver’s license, is eligible for rent assistance, and her newfound peer groups all but provide “a family that I’ve never had before,” she said. Meanwhile, through the 12-step program, Harris acquired life skills and discovered more about her inner self and feelings.“So many people go through issues and it just really showed me how to deal with all that, things I’ve been carrying forever that had nothing to do with me,” she said. Harris otherwise expressed confidence with myriad recovery opportunities, noting it simply takes some encouragement and willpower to get the help needed to fight addiction. In other words, barriers to treatment aren’t as weighty as many might think. “All the barriers I experienced were selfbuilt. I could come up with a reason or an excuse for everything,” Harris said.“Once I fully surrendered to the program and to my addiction, I just started taking suggestions and life got a lot better.” New Port Richey resident Cherrice Peters-Tanksley was similarly long reluctant to seek treatment amid feelings of shame, embarrassment and fear of being judged. The mother of four boys has faced opioid addiction for 30 years after all, starting with using heroin at just 11 years old. But, Peters-Tanksley now has been in recovery for almost a year, thanks to BayCare treatment programs, plus faith-based ministry outreach. She’s simultaneously picked up her life
Locally, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and BayCare Behavioral Health have taken charge together to combat the opioid crisis in the community, through a partnership with the law enforcement agency’s innovative Behavioral Health Intervention Team (BHIT). The specialized unit formed in September 2019 and is comprised of 12 detectives, an intelligence analyst, two supervisors and chain of command, plus a network of co-responding BayCare social workers. BHIT members like Det. Michael Sudler assist vulnerable residents facing mental health and substance use disorders, which are oftentimes co-occurring, officials say. Sudler, along with a social worker, continually strives to build a rapport and continued relationship with troubled individuals and families within 24 to 48 hours of an overdose incident. Sudler and others make regular wellness visitations, distributing Narcan kits, providing opioid-related education, and referring them to community resources and outreach opportunities like area detox and rehab centers; programming is made possible through grants and partnerships with the Florida Department of Health. “A lot of the times, these individuals don’t have people in their own lives who are motivating or encouraging or even referring them to resources in the community where they could get help,” Sudler explained during the town hall.“I find that I’ve been the most successful…by trying to be a friend to these individuals and continually reminding them that options are out there and empowering them to take advantage of them on their own.” Sudler acknowledged there does remain “the cop” stigma when he encounters individuals through the BHIT program, likely due to previous unpleasant law enforcement encounters. So for him and other detectives, having a social worker present for these door-to-door interactions helps “legitimize my role and efforts to encourage someone’s continued engagement in services.”The presence, too, “changes the tone and feeling” of the conversation, Sudler said, “to help people understand that it’s not a typical law enforcement interaction and it’s not going to result in a mugshot.”
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Jackie Reyes was in her yard in Land O’ Lakes cleaning up her banana tree, when she found this spotted oleander caterpillar moth on one of the leaves. Reyes said she has never seen anything like it. The moth’s coloration and resemblance to a wasp may help it escape hungry predators.
PUT YOUR PET IN THE SPOTLIGHT! We are looking for photos and information on your favorite pet. Include in your short story your pet’s name, age, and breed.
Peanut loves the outdoors Bassett hound Peanut joined the Gleaton family in Dade City, last November. She loves to climb, pose, and play outside with her brother Percy (a Boxer mix) and sister Penny (a Corgi). Peanut is 8 months old.
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PET OF THE WEEK FAMILIES RECEIVE A $30 GIFT CARD TO CHUY’S TEX MEX. Send us a picture and information on your favorite pet!
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Write a short paragraph about why your pet is special along with a photo and mail to: Pet of the Week, c/o The Laker, P.O. Box 479, Lutz, FL 33548 or email to mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, ATTN: Pet of the Week PLEASE NOTE: OWNERS NAME AND ADDRESS MUST BE INCLUDED FOR YOUR PET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION.
PET PAWS KITTEN SEASON
• Spay or neuter your pets, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. • Choose to adopt a cat or kitten from a shelter or rescue group. • Support local efforts to trap/neuter/return community cats. • Share about kittens in need on social media channels and encourage followers to help. For information and more tips, visit BestFriends.org.
“Kitten Season,” as it is known in the animal welfare field, starts each spring and lasts through fall, according to a Best Friends Animal Society news release. It is the time of year when unspayed female cats have most of their litters and animal shelters are inundated by orphaned kittens that need intensive care. “Cats can become pregnant at just 4 months old and the duration of feline pregnancy is approximately two months, so un-spayed community cats can have many litters in one season,” said Erin Katribe, veterinarian and medical director for Best Friends. These are some ways to helps cats and kittens in the community:
OUT-OF-SEASON SPAWNING
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management has successfully
spawned Florida largemouth bass out of season, for the 12th year in a row at Richloam Fish Hatchery in Webster, according to a news release. This practice allows biologists to produce twice as many largemouth bass per year than other state’s hatchery systems whose hatcheries produce spawn only once a year. The benefit to the FWC is the efficiency of producing more fish without the added expense of collecting additional broodstock. Freshwater fisheries biologists collected a total of 41 individual spawns during October 2020 that yielded more than 250,000 fry, which were stocked in hatchery ponds to grow.
A new addition
COURTESY OF ZOOTAMPA
ZooTampa at Lowry Park has announced the newest addition to its family — a baby welcomed by Siamang gibbons Hutan and Sensei, on Feb. 24. Siamangs occupy habitats as extensive as 50 acres in the wild, and their calls can be heard up to 2 miles away. The baby’s birth is a positive step forward in maintaining the population of these swinging primates for generations to come.
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Darby has a huge heart Darby is on the smaller side at about 40 pounds. This 4-year-old is sweet and affectionate, and absolutely loves to be next to his person. He is a little nervous and seeks reassurance, but he melts when someone is kind to him. Darby needs to be in a home without other dogs. He is eager to learn how to be a pet, and a routine and consistent training would benefit him. Schedule an appointment to meet Darby at Animal Services, and you might make a new best friend.
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If you would like to adopt Copper or Darby, 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 LAKER / Lutz NEWS WORD SEARCH & SUDOKU
To solve a SUDOKU, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
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HAPPY EARTH DAY COLORING CONTEST Celebrating 51 years on Thursday, April 22
Color this page and you may
win a $25 gift card! • Snail Mail (form below) • Scan or take a photo and send to kcarmack@lakerlutznews.com • Visit us at Gulfside’s Charity Festival of Arts Sat., April 17 • 10 to 5 Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park
DEADLINE: APRIL 21 Two $25 winners Publisher’s Award and People’s Choice Winners will be announced April 28 in The Laker/Lutz News and our social media sites. Mail To:
The LAKER / Lutz NEWS 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 102 Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639
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ETHICAL COMPANY
Saturday, April 17 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Land O' Lakes Heeritage Park 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd (US 41) Proceeds Benefit:
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HCA Healthcare has been recognized for the 11th time by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies, according to a news release. HCA Healthcare is one of seven honorees in the Healthcare Providers category. The COVID-19 pandemic was at the forefront of 2020 and HCA Healthcare responded by protecting its colleagues and patients, and by partnering with others to improve care beyond the organization. The company has not laid off any employees due to the pandemic and, in April, it instituted a pandemic pay program, which allowed the organization to continue to pay more than 127,000 colleagues, even when their hours were affected by the significant decrease in patients visiting hospitals across the country. And, HCA Healthcare hospitals do not bill patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19, whether they have insurance or not, for testing or hospital care related to the treatment of the coronavirus. In 2021, Ethisphere recognized 135 honorees spanning 22 countries and 47 industries. To view the full list of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies, visit WorldsMostEthicalCompanies.com/honorees.
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SHINE Outreach (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) will offer these upcoming Medicare information sessions, via Zoom: • April 19 at noon: Medicare Part D Drug Plan • April 21 at 10 a.m.: Medicare Part D Drug Plan • April 21 at noon: Medicare Basics • April 21 at 1:30 p.m.: Medicare Financial Assistance • April 26 at noon: Medicare Long-Term Care • April 28 at 10 a.m.: Medicare 101 • April 28 at noon: Medicare Part C Advantage Plans Registration is required in advance. For Zoom links and information, contact Geralyn Fortney at 727-570-9696, ext. 234.
BAYCARE RECOGNITION
BayCare Health System has been named one of the 2021 Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma by Great Place to Work and Fortune, according to a news release. BayCare ranked seventh on the list based on feedback from more than 825,000 employee surveys from companies across health care and biopharma industries. Employees evaluated their workplace in more than 60 different categories during a global pandemic that put health care and biopharma organizations on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. BayCare ranked as a top health care organization out of 28 large companies in the country for creating a great workplace experience for all team members, no matter who they are or what they do.
COOKING FOR HEALTH
The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will offer cooking classes as part of its Get Moving Program, for youth and adults, at its Harvest Hope Center, 13704 N. 20th St., in Tampa. • Cooking With Five Senses: Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., for youth ages 7 to 14. Participants can learn how to prepare nutritious and tasty cuisine that can supply much-needed energy for young bodies. • Let’s Get Cooking: Fourth Friday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon, for adults. Participants can learn food preparation techniques that showcase the flexibility and versatility of every ingredient, including fresh vegetables picked from the Harvest Hope Community Center.Those attending also can learn how to incorporate fresh produce into meals to satisfy their tastebuds and supply energy. All classes are free. For information and questions, contact Ronnie Oliver at 813-690-1457 or ROliver@UACDC.org.
GULFSIDE RECEIVES GRANTS
Gulfside Hospice has received two grants from United Way of Pasco, totaling $15,000, toward patient care costs and bereavement services, according to a news release. The Community Impact Funding Grant provided $10,000 toward hospice charity care.The contribution will help cover hospice care costs for patients who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid benefits and cannot afford private insurance. An additional Family Bereavement Grant was given to Gulfside in the amount of $5,000. These funds will provide staffing necessary for delivering free bereavement support services to Pasco County clients, training/certification for counselors to expand their skills, and equipment and software to create online content as a community resource. For more information about Gulfside Hospice, visit Gulfside.org.
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COURTESY OF SHANTEL MEYERS
A brighter day for residents
The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club painted mason jars and added flowers to deliver to 85 residents at the Hanna Assisted Living Facility in Tampa. Two of the club’s future Juniorettes also hand-made Easter cards to go with all the floral arrangements.
GRAND OPENINGS & RIBBON-CUTTINGS • Molly’s Hatchet had its grand opening and ribbon-cutting on April 3, at 38444 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. • Fresh Kitchen New Tampa had its grand opening and ribbon-cutting on March 30, at 8648 Hunter’s Village Road in New Tampa.
Send business news to news@lakerlutznews.com
JERSEY MIKE’S SUPPORTS CHARITIES
Jersey Mike’s Subs raised $15 million nationwide to support local charities during is 11th annual Month-of-Giving campaign. In the Tampa/Saint Petersburg area, its fundraising efforts raised $253,000 for the charity High Risk Hope. Jersey Mike’s locations nationwide accepted donations throughout the month, building to March 31, Day of Giving, when more than 1,900 restaurants donated 100% of sales, not just profits, to local charities, according to a news release. This year’s fundraising total is double the amount raised in 2019, when the company donated $7.3 million to local charities. Last year’s Day of Giving celebrations were canceled because of the pandemic. Since Month of Giving began in 2011, Jersey Mike’s has raised more than $47 million for local charities, according to the news release.
TIRE KINGDOM DONATES TIRES
Tire Kingdom, which is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, recently donated a set of tires for a vehicle owned by a Tampa nonprofit organization called Project 100, according to a news release. The Tire Kingdom team at Store 217, at 1005 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, was honored to “play a role and contribute to this worthwhile cause,” Jay Garet, the store manager, said in the release. Project 100 organizes local events to support the homeless or those in need.
STATE APPOINTMENT
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles has been named to the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation Executive Council by Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, according to a news release. The 10-member board, created by the Legislature, sets business policy and makes decisions regarding clerks’ court-related budget matters. Alvarez-Sowles’ term, which lasts for two years, began April 11.
TEAM UP: BUILDING A STRONG ECONOMY TOGETHER
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., and Experience Florida’s Sports Coast are co-hosting an event aimed at bringing together representatives of Pasco’s diverse economy, including corporate businesses, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, attraction partners and restauranteurs.
• First Watch New Tampa had its official egg-cracking ceremony on April 5 to celebrate its new location at 8646 Hunter’s Village Road in New Tampa.
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The event, called Team Up: Building A Strong Economy Together, is planned for May 6 at 5 p.m., at AdventHealth Center Ice. The event includes networking, cocktails, a figure skating showcase, a plated dinner, tourism and economic development presentations, recognition and award celebrations. There also will be a keynote address by Mike Rayburn, who went from playing guitar for seven people in a bar in Virginia to playing in Carnegie Hall. For more information, call 813-926-0827, or visit PascoEDC.com.
NEW OFFERINGS AT WIREGRASS
Some new stores have joined the lineup at The Shops at Wiregrass, at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The new shops include Sephora, Optimal Wellness, Perfume Palace and Gold Mine Jewelers. The mall also expects to add Token Ramen, Clean Juice and Coffee Latitudes later this year. For more information, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.
FREE BUSINESS WORKSHOP
• April 20, from noon to 1 p.m.: Learn about the Business Model Canvas, which provides an easier way to develop a business plan.This webinar teaches participants how to visualize in a single page all the building blocks of your business plan, and still follow a detailed and rigorous process. This webinar is being presented by Jose Melgar, a Pasco-Hernando SCORE member. To register or find out about other resources available through Pasco-Hernando SCORE, visit PascoHernando.score.org.
GROWPASCO BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Kevin Harrington, a Shark Tank original, is the keynote speaker at GrowPasco, a daylong event offering 12 breakout sessions for entrepreneurs and executives.The registration fee for the event is $40 per person, with a $20 per person rate for Pasco businesses and residents. The event will be on May 8, at Hyatt Place Tampa Wesley Chapel, at 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.To register, go to PascoEDC.com.
THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS TO BE HONORED The Laker/Lutz News has been notified that it will receive honors in 21 categories during the Florida Press Association’s 2021 Weekly Newspaper Contest. The Laker/Lutz News has received a total of 27 awards, which will be bestowed during a July 16 luncheon in Sarasota. Staff members Matt Mistretta, Kevin Weiss and B.C. Manion will receive recognition, along with newspaper contributors Fred Bellet, Christine Holtzman, Joey Johnston, Doug Sanders and Kathy Steele. Lillian Cucuzza and Steve Vinik also are being honored, in a category for reader-gen-
erated photographs. The Laker/Lutz News, locally owned and published by Diane Kortus, serves the communities of Odessa, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Zephyrhills, Dade City, San Antonio and St. Leo.
Connect with us. The Laker-Lutz News
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The Pasco Fine Arts Council is hiring a Director to lead Pasco’s oldest and most prestigious arts agency. Qualifications include a bachelor degree, 2-5 years experience in not-for-profit management, fundraising, program development, grant writing and federal/state reporting.
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Family Fun at Molly’ss Hatchet AXE THROWING THROWING, V VIRTUAL REALITY AND D VIDEO GAMES When the owners of Molly’s Hatchet axe throwing venue in Zephyrhills tell folks they are a family destination, they often get questioning looks. “When people think of axe throwing, they assume our customers are young, athletic adults who also want a bar scene,” explains Shaun Sikat, an owner of Molly’s Hatchet. “But, we’re everything but that. We We have created a fun place to go for families and kids to play video games, experience virtual reality and learn how to throw an axe so they can play games against each other, much like a family goes bowling together.” This vision of giving local families and kids a place to go that is fun, safe, afffordable and close to home is a bit unique in the competitive axe throwing world. But in Zephyrhills, it’s a perfect blend of activities and purpose that has made it a success.
In addition to Payne and Sikat, the business also is owned by Chris and Rebecca Murphy, who opened the original Molly’s Hatchet in 2019. “Zephyrhills is a small town, and like a lot of small towns with not much to do, it’s easy for kids to go down the wrong path,” said Sikat, who moved to Zephyrhills when he was 13. “W We want to channel their boredom and energy, and offffer kids healthy alternatives to keep them busy and out of trouble.”
New Location Is Twice The Size Molly’s Hatchet has been so successful since it opened in 2019, that it recently doubled its size and moved up Fifth Av Avenue to a 5,000-square-foot building in the heart of downtown Zephyrhills. The venue kicked offf its grand opening Easter weekend, and hundreds of area residents have come by since then to see the expanded axe throwing lanes, try virtual reality for the first time, and immerse themselves in a wide selection of video games. “It’s been so much fun to have so many people visit us since our grand opening,” said co-owner Riley Payne. “There is something for everyone to do, even if it’s just watching others play.”
Axe Throwing Is Easier Than You Think When you walk into Molly’s Hatchet, the first thing you see are the impressive axe throwing lanes. Targets are made from pine and look like oversized dart boards. Up front are four single lanes and two competitive lanes, and in the back is a private lane perfect for date night or a small group. All lanes follow guidelines set by WA WATL — the Wo World of Axe Throwing League, which governs urban axe throwing memberships in 19 countries. “Throwing an axe is much easier than most people think, and your size and physical strength has little to do with how well you play,” explains Payne, a petite woman who is just 5 feet tall. “It’s more about finesse than
TAKE OUR VIDEO TOUR Take a video tour of Molly’s Hatchet’s new location by viewing our video at Facebook.com/LakerLutzNews/videos or the front page of our website, at LakerLutznews.com. Katie Fernandez of our social media team shot and produced the video. strength, and it’s not unusual for a woman to outplay her man because she has better control.” Learning to throw an axe begins with a 30-minute lesson from a professional axe throwing coach, who teaches safety, form and technique. There is always stafff on site overseeing safety, giving instructions and teaching new games. “There are no exceptions when it comes to safety – we do not hesitate to ask guests to leave if they are not following the rules,” explains Sikat. All players sign a release, and safety rules are reviewed at every game. Children must be 11 years or older to play, and parents must be present and sign a release form. Axe throwing is priced very reasonably — $20 for 30 minutes, $30 for 1 hour and $40 for 90 minutes. The cost includes all equipment and coaching, which is overseen by Manager Gavin Slater, a Navy veteran who has worked at Molly’s for over a year. Virtual Reality That Blows You Away Most guests begin with axe throwing, and then try the virtual reality, which is exponentially better than virtual reality games played at home.
“Most people have little experience with virtual reality and are blown away by the experience,” said Sikat. “Our simulation is unbelievable — especially Skyfront VR, where you actually feel like you’re flying 2,000 feet up in the air.” Molly’s has two virtual reality seats, and you can play with, or against, the other seat. VR games include archery, Fruit Ninja and music-based games that are ideal for youngsters, as well as war games and even zombie horrors for adults. Virtual reality also is very afffordable, at just $1 a minute, with most games lasting between 7 and 14 minutes. Both children and adults enjoy the arcade area, where games range from traditional Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, to race car driving and new high-tech games. All games cost just $1. Weekly specials at Molly’s Hatchett include “SIN” Mondays, where employees in the service industry receive 10% offf axe throwing and VR from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Later in the week is Throw It Out Thursday — all you can throw for just $30. Active military, veterans and first responders always receive a 15% discount. Molly’s Hatchet has a large selection of craft beer, meads and wines. Food in its snack bar is pre-packaged for safety, and a 500-square-foot outside patio is opening soon that will have two axe throwing lanes, inflatable axe throwing for kids, a fire pit and outside seating. “W We welcome families to come to Zephyrhills and visit Molly’s Hatchet. We We guarantee you will have more fun than you ever imagined,” said Sikat. PAID ADVERTORIAL
$5 5 OFF - 1 HR AXE E THROWING BU UY 2, GET 1 - VIRT TUAL REALITY
Thurs– Mon, 12pm to 10 p.m.
h Ave. • Zephyrhills, FL 3354 41 • FB Molly’ss Hatchet 10B
April 14, 2021
www.LakerLutzNews.com