The Laker-East Pasco-November 18, 2020 by LakerLutzNews

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Retired Marine gets surprise bench

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Otis Felder, a retired U.S. Marine, was already having a pretty good Veterans Day — even before he made his daily trek to the dog park at the Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex, off Collier Parkway. He’d started the day by catching up with some of his fellow Marines on Facebook, and was feeling pretty good about that. Then, when he and his basset hound, Chopper, arrived at the dog park, his day got even better. Patriotic balloons bobbed from the perimeter of the chain-link fence at the compound, and there was a big surprise waiting inside. His friends, Judy Hudson and Leslie Friedel, of Wesley Chapel, shouted out greetings to Felder. “What’s up?” Felder asked, as he entered the dog park’s gates. Hudson encouraged him to check out the new bench there. As he approached it, he realized that the bench was dedicated to him. “In honor of Otis Felder,” it says.“Thank you for 20 years of service.” Below those words there’s an image of a flapping American flag.

“Holy mackerel,” the 84-year-old Felder said. “I’m really impressed.Wow. “I never expected anything like that. “Well, who did this?” he asked. Hudson was not forthcoming: “I guess, God,” she replied. “It’s awesome,” said the veteran, whose 20 years in the Marine Corps included two tours of duty in Vietnam, and assignments in such places as California, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand,Virginia, Hawaii, North Carolina and Michigan. Planning for the Nov. 11 surprise started a few months ago, Hudson said. That’s when she began reaching out to see if she could persuade a company to donate a bench to honor Felder. It took persistence, but the work paid off when Polly Products, a company based in Mulliken, Michigan, agreed to provide the bench. Next,Tommy D’Iorio, a park site supervisor for the Pasco County parks, recreation and natural resources department, made sure his team assembled the bench for the big surprise. They even wrapped it up, to make sure no one sat on it before Felder. Hudson and Susan Bernardino, another See BENCH, page 9A

B.C. MANION

Judy Hudson arrived early at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex’s dog park on Veterans Day because she wanted to put up these patriotic balloons along the chain-link fence of the compound.

Otis Felder, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years, tests out a bench that honors his military service. It’s in the dog park at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, which Felder visits daily.

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Input sought on 301/98 and Zephyrhills Clinton Avenue realignment renews utility By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

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INSIDE, PAGE 1B

Efforts are underway to enhance a busy and sometimes dangerous roadway intersection that passes through Dade City and unincorporated Pasco County. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 7 office has developed and unveiled recommended corridor realignment improvements for the U.S. 301/U.S. 98/Clinton Avenue intersection — via the agency’s Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) process. A virtual public information presentation was released on Nov. 4 online.This meeting provided an opportunity to review the corridor alternatives and provide input. Proposed improvements seek to: • Eliminate the current closely spaced intersections of U.S. 301 at U.S. 98 and U.S. 301 at Clinton Avenue • Facilitate east/west travel • Maximize the benefits of the improvements to Clinton Avenue and designation as State Road 52 west of U.S. 301 • Enhance safety along the corridor With those objectives in mind, five proposed corridor options were developed in FDOT’s ACE study, which were shared in detail in the prerecorded online presentation. Each of the proposed corridor routes are 250 feet wide to allow for flexibility in developing proposed alignments that avoid potential constraints. It also is anticipated that a four-lane, expandable to six-lane — in divided sections — will be developed for corridor consistency. From the five alignment alternatives, the state transportation department is recommending the Corridor B option, to proceed to the project development and environmental (PD&E) study. The 1.91-mile Corridor B route begins approximately 485 feet north of Townsend Road, and diverts U.S. 98 to the north along the east side of mobile home parks along

Wilds Roads, until it ties into Clinton Avenue, east of U.S. 301. The corridor, according to FDOT, “will impact primarily rural and farmland properties as well as a few residential properties, concentrated at the northern end of the proposed realignment.”The total cost of the recommended corridor alignment is estimated between $27.8 million and $38.3 million, according to the presentation. Here are the other proposed corridor alternatives studied: • Corridor A — 0.88-mile route begins approximately 3,300 feet southeast of the intersection of U.S. 98 and U.S. 301, and diverts U.S. 98 to the north, and ties into Clinton Avenue, east of U.S. 301 • Corridor C — 3.48-mile route begins approximately 725 feet northeast of the overpass of U.S. 98 and Old Lakeland Highway, and diverts U.S. 98 to the north, mirroring the existing geometry of Old Lakeland Highway until it ties into Clinton Avenue • Corridor D — 0.80-mile route begins approximately 350 north of the entrance to the Grove Ridge RV resort and diverts U.S. 98 to the west, and continues until it intersect U.S. 301 at an existing median opening • Corridor E — 1.47-mile route begins approximately at the intersection of U.S. 98 and Jim Jordan Road, and diverts U.S. 98 to the west, and continues until it intersects U.S. 301

billing service

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

The state’s presentation summarized the drawbacks of those corridors, as compared to Corridor B. Corridors D and E “do not meet the purpose and need criterion of eliminating the closely spaced major intersections and are proposed for elimination from consideration.” Corridor C “has the greatest involvement with the natural, social, cultural and physical

Utility customers and Zephyrhills city staffers can breathe a collective sigh of relief: For the next year at least, MuniBilling will continue to handle the city’s utility billing. That means customers will be able to continue to view their water consumption and make payments, without switching to another company. The Zephyrhills City Council made that official announcement during the council’s Nov. 9 meeting. Last November, the city had to change its water billing provider after it was informed that Fathom Water Management was going out of business.The notice came from the Arizona-based company in a Saturday email — telling the city it had three weeks to find a different provider to service utility customers. The bombshell — or what city officials describe “a disastrous day” — forced the city to scramble for a new utility billing provider, subsequently requiring the complete overhaul of billing system software and repository information, as well as bill printing. “It was quite an undertaking,” Zephyrhills Finance Director Ted Beason recalled. “I used to be thin and had a lot of hair before that process, so it’s had a toll on the staff.” By December, the city was able to land with MuniBilling, who converted the city’s billing data to their software and offered call center services within a period of days. Customers were able to provide their same username and account number on MuniBilling as they did on Fathom.Also, the company combined 1,700 irrigation accounts on the same bill as household

See INPUT, page 9A

See UTILITY, page 9A

HOW THE CORRIDORS COMPARE

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Tropical Storm Eta caused disruptions, some damage By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

By the time it hit the Tampa Bay area, Hurricane Eta had been downgraded to Tropical Storm Eta — but the storm still caused disruptions and left some damage in its wake. Pasco County Schools closed early on Nov. 11 due to the potential for high winds, and the district remained closed on Nov. 12. All events also were canceled that day. But, the district reopened on Nov. 13, as expected, because there were no reports of significant damage. “The school district sent students and staff home early on Wednesday while the unpredictable storm made its way toward the Tampa Bay area,” a district news release said. “The district is closed today (Thursday), as staff members take stock of all schools and district offices. It became clear early Thursday morning that, despite heavy winds and significant rainfall, schools and district offices were largely unscathed,” the release said. Some coastal and low-lying areas were flooded, but those were primarily outside The Laker/Lutz New coverage area. Tambrey Laine, communications manager for Pasco County, said there were no reports of significant damage in Pasco County, no rescues and no road closures. She also noted that any minor street flooding that did occur, had subsided. Hillsborough County Emergency Management also reported minimal damage,

according to Jose Patino, on the county’s communications staff.The county did open five shelters, which were used by 29 people, he said. As the storm was heading toward the region, Pasco County emergency officials urged residents to be prepared for tropical force storm winds and heavy rain. The county also opened additional sandbag stations in San Antonio, Hudson, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, Dade City and Land O’ Lakes, to help prevent flooding. Pasco County did not issue any evacuation orders, but encouraged those living in low-lying or coastal areas to consider staying with family, friends, or at a local hotel further inland. The tropical storm did disrupt serves from Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, which suspended all bus routes temporarily in preparation of sustained storm winds as high as 70 mph.Those services were restore on Nov. 12. Hillsborough County conservation parks and most nature preserves, including hiking trails, were closed on Nov. 13, for damage assessment after Tropical Storm Eta, but reopened on Nov. 14. Some parks and preserves that will reopen, however, might have some areas or amenities that are closed for several days due to flooding. Non-paved trails are expected to remain wetter than normal for the next several days. For more information, visit HCFLGov.net/Conservation.

COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR MIKE FASANO

Representatives of Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office and from Sunrise of Pasco’s Domestic & Violence Center stand near the tax collector’s office with a check representing the amount of contributions raised for the group.

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Donations top $5,600 for Sunrise of Pasco The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

Donations exceeding $5,600 came in to the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office during the month of September to support the Sunrise of Pasco’s Domestic & Violence Center. Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices collected the donations, which will be used to benefit the center that aims to end domestic and sexual violence, by providing prevention and intervention services to those in need, according to a release from Fasano’s office. “We greatly appreciate you for supporting us through your Charity of the Month Program,” Kelly Sinn, CEO of Sunrise of Pasco, told Fasano, in the news release.“We are beyond grateful that you selected us for this opportunity and are overwhelmed by the generous donations from our amazing community members. Your donation of $5,624.92 will help Sunrise of Pasco carry out our mission of assisting survivors of abuse.” In the release, Fasano responded:“Sunrise

of Pasco has made a positive impact on our community for decades. Our office was honored to be able to help advance their efforts by including Sunrise of Pasco as part of our Charity of the Month program.We know that every dollar raised will be spent to help families, mothers and their children, right here in Pasco County. Despite the challenges, financial and otherwise, that COVID has brought to so many people this year, the fact that over $5,600 was raised for Sunrise of Pasco speaks volumes as to the generosity of our community and to the fine reputation Sunrise of Pasco has earned over the years.” The Charity of the Month program is a year-round effort to bring as much attention to as many charities, both big and small, who serve those in need or are less fortunate. For more information about the charitable giving program at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com For more information about services provided at Sunrise of Pasco, please call Vicki Wiggins, director of development at (352) 521-3358.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE So proud to receive the Excellence in Integrity award By Diane Kortus Publisher

In 2021,The Laker/Lutz News will be 40 years old, and I have had the opportunity to be its owner for the past 20 years. Over the years, we have received many awards from newspaper organizations for our editorial excellence and ad design, as well as recognition from local chambers of commerce, civic groups and economic development agencies. My staff and I are always honored to accept these awards, and we proudly display them at our Land O’ Lakes office. But, no award has been as emotionally satisfying as the one we received last week from the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. We learned in early October that we were nominated for the Chamber’s 2020 Excellence in Integrity award.This was exciting, of course, but when we were notified a few weeks later that we were one of four finalists, we were extremely gratified. The announcement that we had won came during the Chamber’s 2020 Celebrating Excellence in Business event. This virtual event was well done, with hosts Hope Kennedy and Kevin O’Farrell keeping the commentary energetic and fresh. Most people participated by watching on the Chamber’s website or via its Facebook page, while several area businesses had small “watch parties,” with safe social distancing. We were invited to a small gathering at The Hilton Garden Inn in Lutz, and six of us from The Laker/Lutz News were able to go. It was fun to be out together, and to watch the show with other chamber members.

COURTESY OF PAULA O'NEIL

At last week’s Celebrating Excellence in Business event for the North Tampa Bay Chamber: (front row, from left) Diane Kortus, Mary Eberhard, B.C. Manion, Terri Williamson; (back row, from left) Kelli Carmack, Katie Fernandez. (Not pictured are: Carolyn Bennett, Stefanie Burlingame, Matthew Mistretta, Steve Mistretta, Kennedy Murdock, Mary Rathman and Kevin Weiss.)

We were fortunate that the Integrity category was the first award to be announced — allowing us to relax and enjoy the rest of the show, and cheer on other finalists and winners. Every business nominated for these awards is to be congratulated and honored for the outstanding work they do, and their outreach in the community. Please turn to page 4B to see a complete list of awards and winners. Receiving the Excellence in Integrity Award is especially meaningful in a year of so many challenges.What began as a strong first quarter, as we welcomed Pasco

Pasco drivers can save money on fines this week The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

Operation Green Light gives motorists a chance to pay unpaid court fines and fees, and get back onto the road, at a reduced price. The event is happening in Pasco County from Nov. 18 through Nov. 20. By paying their fines during this window of opportunity, drivers can save big on collections, penalties, and interest, according to a news release from the office of Paso County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles. “This is an important moment for drivers who have seen their licenses suspended over unpaid court obligations,” AlvarezSowles said, in the release.“So much of our modern lives depends on having reliable transportation, and for most of us, that means being able to drive. “During Operation Green Light, penalties, interest, and collections fees that have been piling up can, in many cases, be waived. For those who can’t pay their obligations in total, we offer payment plans that allow driving privileges to be restored, too.” There are three ways to participate: in person, phone, online.

Deputy Clerks will be available at both courthouses – the Robert Sumner Judicial Center (Dade City) and the West Pasco Judicial Center (New Port Richey) – during business hours, which are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., for in-person assistance. Sidelined motorists can skip the trip and get squared away by telephone: (352) 521-4542, Option 1; or (727) 8478031, Option 2, between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. And, anytime during the three-day event, access will be offered to a special Operation Green Light web page: https://www.pascoclerk.com/856/ Operation-Green-Light. Those with licenses suspended over failure to pay child support, DUI, failure to complete a driver’s course ordered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), traffic-related felony, or deemed by FLHSMV as a habitual traffic offender may not be eligible to participate, according to the release. Drivers wanting to get a grasp on the financial obligations pending against their license may check their status here: https://services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck/.

County’s many new businesses and residents, dramatically changed in March with the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Like many businesses, our revenue plunged after most area businesses and institutions closed. We responded by reducing expenses significantly, but were careful not to make cuts that would negatively impact the quality of our news coverage, or reduce the number of papers we print and deliver every week. We believe people want and need local news more than ever during a worldwide health and economic crisis.And, because we

are the only weekly newspaper in central Pasco and north Hillsborough, we also believe that local businesses still in operation and those reopening need our local audience to market their products and services. We are successfully navigating through this difficult year because of our commitment to our community, optimism that our local economy will rebound, and the hard work and integrity of my staff. With the help of my employees, we have moved our company forward and have made — and continue to make — changes that we believe are best for our readers, advertisers and community. Making good decisions begins with integrity. It means living your life personally, and professionally, with honesty, commitment, selflessness and empathy.Those core values are exemplified by every employee at our newspaper. I want to thank the North Tampa Bay Chamber for honoring our newspaper, and I want to close by sharing with you a note I received from our editor, B.C. Manion. She captures perfectly why this Integrity Award means so much to our team, and why we are so thankful to receive it. B.C. wrote:“I am so proud of our newspaper, Diane. I can’t imagine receiving an award that means more than receiving an award for integrity. It came at a good time, too. It’s been a tough year, with lots of demands. But, we are working our way through it and we will come out the other side, an even stronger and better company than we are right now. So, congratulations for leading a newspaper that means so much to the community.”

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Dignity bags presented to family program The Elevation Church Outreach group in Zephyrhills recently collected, organized and donated 100 Dignity Bags to Pasco Kids First’s Healthy Families Program. The bags were filled with personal hygiene products for women and girls. Last year, COURTESY OF BECKY BENNETT, PASCO KIDS FIRST Healthy Families Pasco- Hernando served 262 families who were expecting or had a newborn, through positive-parenting home visit services to assist with resources and increase self-sufficiency.

The LAKER / Lutz NEWS

LUTZ, ODESSA, LAND O’ LAKES, WESLEY CHAPEL, NEW TAMPA, ZEPHYRHILLS, DADE CITY Serving Pasco since 1981 / Serving Lutz since 1964 PUBLISHER & OWNER: DIANE KORTUS, dkortus@lakerlutznews.com EDITORIAL

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What’s Happening

Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has canceled its annual December Lutz Arts and Crafts Show, due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, and potential for infection of vendors, club members and the public. Plans are in the works for 2021, so stay tuned.

ART CLASSES REOPEN

The Pasco Fine Arts Council is currently open and starting fall classes. Safety precautions include sanitization of the center, reduced class size to eight students, and mandatory face masks. For a printable class schedule (watercolor, oil, acrylic, drawing, pottery) or to sign up, visit PascoArts.org, or call (727) 545-7322.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

The Shops at Wiregrass will offer these holiday entertainment events: • Movie Night Thursdays: through Dec. 10 (except Thanksgiving), at 6:30 p.m. • Live music: Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 19, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. • Strolling entertainers: from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Nov. 27; Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 28 to Dec. 20; and daily from Dec. 21 to Dec. 24. Upcoming movies include “Jingle All The Way” on Nov. 19;“The Grinch” on Dec. 3; and “Ice Age:A Mammoth Christmas” on Dec. 10. For information on the lineup of music and entertainers, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

THEATER SHOW

The Creative Arts Theatre Company will present a virtual “Sidekicks:An Original Show” on Nov. 19 at 11 a.m., and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m., for ages 5 and older.The audience will get to choose which way the story goes.There will be a Q&A session after the performance. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

YARD SALE FUNDRAISER

Ladies Oriental Shrine Cairo Court No. 97 in Zephyrhills will host a yard sale fundraiser on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Masonic Hall, at the corner of 12th Street and North Avenue. Proceeds will benefit Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa.

DOWNTOWN ICE RINK

The Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park, featuring a riverfront ice skating rink and a nightly light show set to holiday music, will open in downtown Tampa on Nov. 20. New this year is a train ride around the park, offering another way to take in the light show.The ice rink will operate at halfcapacity, and tickets must be purchased online in advance, at WinterVillageTampa.com. All skaters must wear masks, and ground decals will help participants to follow social distancing guidelines. No ticket is needed for the Winter Village.The train cars will be limited to one family at a time, and the cars will be sanitized between rides.The train will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

PHOTO SESSION FUNDRAISER

Robyn Lindsey, of BluEgg Photography, will host a “Making Spirits Bright” fundraiser to benefit Suncoast Kids Place, a center that provides support for children/teens from age 3 to 18 and their families, who have experienced the death of a significant

person. BluEgg will offer Christmas Tree Farm mini-sessions on Nov. 20, at Blue Acres Christmas Tree Farm, 20638 Moreland Drive in Spring Hill.There are only 10 sessions available, by appointment. For information and cost, call (727) 560-7458 or email Robyn@BluEggPhotography.com.

OUTDOOR THEATRE

Live Oak Theatre will perform “The Bard Unleashed,” as part of its Shakespeare on the Green series, on Nov. 20, Nov. 21 and Nov. 22, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville.The cost is $15 for adults, and $5 for kids ages 13 and younger, when accompanied by an adult. Seating will be available on the veranda and the lawn. Guests can bring their own lawn chairs. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. For tickets and information, visit LiveOakTheatre.square.site/, email liveoakboxoffice@gmail.com, or call (352) 593-0027.

ONLINE SHOPPING

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will offer a seminar on “Holiday Shopping: Safely, Securely, Sensibly” on Nov. 20 at noon, for adults. Participants can learn how to avoid scams, how to keep data safe, and how to find the best deals.To register, visit the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

MILITARY HISTORY

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15603 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host a Civilian & Military Timeline Event on Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Living historians will present elements of both civilian and military life from the Revolutionary War era up to the end of World War II, complete with live musket and artillery demonstrations, and combat vehicles. For information, call (352) 5670262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

CAR SHOW

The fourth annual Field of Dreams Car Show will take place Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Road in Brooksville.There will be live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a swap meet. Judging and trophies will be awarded on Nov. 21.Tickets range from $5 to $12.All proceeds will go to the Shriners Hospital for Children. For information, contact John Romanyak at (813) 956-3503.

BUTTERFLY EXPLORATION

A traveling exhibit,The Cool Zoo Butterfly Exploration Center, will be open at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.The exhibit includes a walk-in experience with seasonal Florida flowers and plants, and live butterfly species. Butterflies will include monarchs, zebra longwings, swallowtails, buckeyes, painted ladies, spruce bushes, Julias, viceroys, white peacock and others.There also will be a photo opportunity for guests at a butterfly cutout.The cost is $5 per guest.A $5 upgrade will be available to purchase a feed stick for the butterflies.

SONS OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION

The Tampa Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will meet on Nov. 21 at noon, through Zoom. For information and for a Zoom link, email Bill Floyd at bfloydpres@aol.com.

KIDS’ CLUB

DRUM CIRCLE

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present a Giving Tree Music: Family Friendly Community Drum Circle on Nov. 23 at 11 a.m., virtually, for all ages.There also will be a live Q&A after the performance.To register, visit the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

WINTER WREATH

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a virtual craft on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Participants can learn how to make an easy winter wreath.To see the video, visit Facebook.com/newriverlibrary, or Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary.

3D FLOWER DESIGN

The South Holiday Library will offer a “Stroke of Genius” on Nov. 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., for adults. Participants can learn to draw a 3D geometrical flower design, through a virtual instructional slide show. To view the show, visit the South Holiday Library Facebook page.

All kids ages 11 and younger can take part in the ALC (Atonement Lutheran Church) Kids Club on Nov. 21 for an hour of fun, games, crafts, singing and socializing (6 feet apart). Masks also are required.This month’s theme is “Kids Giving Thanks.”The get-together is at the church, 26917 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, under the backyard trees. Participants can bring a drink and a blanket or chair. Registration is required by calling the church at (813) 973-2211 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., on Nov. 18 or Nov. 19. If it rains, there will be no event.

PANTRY FOOD DRIVE

MISTLETOE MARKET

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer resume reviews through Nov. 30. Drop off a copy of your resume and/or cover letter to the library’s service desk or curbside, or email the same to lol@pascolibraries.org with the subject line “Resume Review.” Library staff will make notes and suggestions to have your resume stand out, no matter what field of work you are pursuing. Patrons will be served on a first-come, first-served basis, and should allow one to two weeks for the review to be sent back. Be sure to include contact information.Also, patrons can pick up a Career Development Kit that includes resources on resume tips, job searches, online applications, interview tips, skill building, library databases on career development, local organizations and resources, and recommended reading. For more, call (813) 929-1214.

The Dade City Woman’s Club, 37922 Palm Ave., will host its annual Mistletoe Market on Nov. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. There will be local arts, crafts, seasonal items and gifts. Admission is free.Vendor spots are $30. For information, call or text Judy Thom at (813) 244-6104.

‘HERBSIDE’ PICKUP

Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host an ‘Herbside’ pickup of fresh fall herbs on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guests can pick up a bag of fresh herbs that includes rosemary, thyme, oregano and lemongrass. For information and to register, call (813) 929-1214.

The Helping Hands Food Pantry of Wesley Chapel’s Food & Fund Drive will run through Nov. 30.Total Air Solutions, 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Tampa, will be a drop-off point. Items needed the most include peanut butter and jelly; macaroni and cheese; spaghetti sauce; boxed pasta; rice; beans; soup; canned vegetables; canned fruit; and cereal. For information and other food donation locations, call (813) 247-2665, or visit TotalAirFl.com.

RESUME REVIEW

HOLIDAY MARKET

The Suncoast Harmony Chorus wants to share a magical, musical COVID-free Christmas greeting. The west-central chapter of Sweet Adelines International is offering to telephone your family or friends, anywhere in the United States, and deliver a live performance of a chosen Christmas carol. Calls will be available on Dec. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Dec. 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Participants can purchase one song for $10 or two songs for $15, to the same phone number. Choose a time and a favorite Christmas song: “Little Saint Nick,”“Caroling, Caroling,”“Do You Hear What I Hear,” a Carol Medley (“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” and “Silent Night”),“Go Tell It on the Mountain,” or “Angels We Have Heard on High.” For information and an order form, visit Suncoast-Harmony.com. For questions, call (813) 996-4680. Orders and payments must be received no later than Dec. 10.

The Tampa Bay Moms Group (TMBG) will host a Holiday Market on Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz. There will be local unique small businesses and vendors offering personal services, hand-made items and more.The Moms Group will collect nonperishable food items and unwrapped toys for families in need.There will be swag bags for the first 100 guests to bring a donation to the TBMG table, as well as 100 bags for the first 100 moms to visit the TBMG table. Guests can keep an eye out for a favorite princess, super hero or Santa himself. Event is rain or shine. For details or vendor information, check “Holiday Market” on Facebook for updates.

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November 18, 2020

www.LakerLutzNews.com

Reaching out to help others at Thanksgiving By B.C. Manion

Want to help?

bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Metropolitan Ministries donation tent is open, and accepting food and donations at Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54 in Lutz. The tent is open Nov. 20 to Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on weekdays and Saturdays, and noon to 3 p.m., on Sundays. On Thanksgiving Day — a free take-out meal will be provided between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.All are welcome. Unlike the past 25 years, the Benedictine Sisters of Florida will not be hosting its annual community Thanksgiving meal, according to a newsletter published by the Sisters. Instead of organizing the traditional gathering, the Sisters are involved in an effort to provide Thanksgiving baskets for those in need. They joined a collaboration formed with First Presbyterian Church, of Dade City.The idea for the baskets originated with Fr. Ed Lamb, of Saint Mark’s Parish. The Knights of Columbus donated $1,520 and gift cards, and the Benedictine Sisters of Florida donated $1,305 from their monthly personal allowances. The Saint Leo University Social Service Club faculty advisor Dr. Veronika OspinaKammerer stepped up, as always, to raise money and supermarket gift cards for the cause. Another outreach effort involves Life Church at 6224 Old Pasco Road. It is providing a turkey and box of food, on a first-come, first-served basis from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Nov. 24.

Metropolitan Ministries has a donation tent at Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54 in Lutz. Donations are being accepted Nov. 20 to Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on weekdays and Saturdays, and noon to 3 p.m., on Sundays. The tent will reopen for Christmas holiday donations on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13, and from Dec. 18 through Dec. 23. Items most needed are: Canned fruit, vegetables, beans, yams, stuffing, penne pasta, instant potatoes, rice, pasta sauces, canned tuna, chicken, boxed cereal, protein bars, frozen turkeys, hams and gift cards.

The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger also is doing its part to help brighten Thanksgiving for those in need. The effort is expected to involve at least 300 volunteers to deliver more than 1,000 Thanksgiving meals, including turkey and stuffing. The meals are being taken to families that are homebound or do not have access to transportation. Deliveries were set to begin at 10 a.m., on Nov. 17. In addition to accepting donations for Thanksgiving, the Metropolitan Ministry tent at Keystone Community Church also will be accepting Christmas holiday donations, which will occur on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13, and from Dec. 18 through Dec. 23. (See glance box for details).

COVID-19 numbers continue to rise By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, both globally and locally. The World Health Organization, as of the morning of Nov. 16, reported 53.8 million positive cases and 1.3 million deaths. Cases were approaching the 11 million-mark in the United States, with about 245,000 deaths, according to a report the same day by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Florida, the Department of Health reported a total of 885,201 cases, including 872,810 residents.The state has charted 13,518 resident deaths and 216 non-residents. Hillsborough County totals were 52,572 positive cases of residents and 335 non-residents.The county reported 857 deaths. Pasco County’s figures stood at 12,425 positive cases among residents, and 122 in non-residents. It also has recorded 259 deaths. Hillsborough County Schools reported 791 students had tested positive for the virus, while the figure stood at 559 for employees — bringing the district’s total to 1,350. In Pasco County Schools, as of Nov. 16, there had been 391 student cases and 144

staff cases.A total of 7,053 students were impacted by those testing positive, as were 633 staff members. The district reports the number of positive cases, and the numbers of staff and students who are required to quarantine because of exposure. The Pasco County School Board and the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County were set to discuss the school district’s COVID19 response during a board workshop set for the afternoon of Nov. 17. The workshop will occur after The Laker/Lutz News press deadline. The school board also is scheduled to consider a change to district policy to continue its current mask mandate until the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The proposed rule “is required to protect the health, safety and welfare of students and staff,” according to background materials contained in the school board’s agenda. The rule “mandates and requires that all employees, contractors, visitors, and students wear a mask or other face covering while on school property and/or engaged in school activities.” The mandate also “requires that proper social distancing must always be observed to the maximum extent possible.” The rule also requires that “whenever feasible and possible, students, staff, and visitors must remain six (6) feet away from persons that are not members of their household.”

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November 18, 2020

The Laker/Lutz News likes to keep our readers informed about news from our local schools, including upcoming events, photos of events, recognitions and so on. Submissions need to include who, what, where, when, contact information, identifications for individuals in a photo (unless it is a large group), and a photo credit. Please send your information two weeks prior to desired publication date, and email it to news@lakerlutznews.com. If you would like The Laker/Lutz News to consider coverage of an event, send a request to the same email.

Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com

VIRTUAL CHOICE EXPO

Hillsborough County Public Schools will host a virtual session entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Magnet:Vision 2020 Exploration Nightsâ&#x20AC;? on Nov. 19 and Dec. 3. The Magnet Choice application period runs through Dec. 11. Students and families can watch live demonstrations, through Zoom, as current students showcase in-demand programs including robotics, performing arts, medical, International Baccalaureate and more. Students also can learn about the Magnet and Choice Program options. For a list of Magnet, CTE and Choice options, as well as the application, visit HillsboroughSchools.org/Choice.

SCHOOL GRANTS AWARDED

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) awarded $97,640.28 in grants to 43 educators within the District as part of the Splash! School grant program. The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources, in kindergarten through 12th grade. Splash! grants encourage hands-on student learning through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities, as well as engagement of the greater school community through awareness campaigns. Each school district allocates a portion of its annual youth education funding provided by the District to support the Splash! grants in their county. The District awarded grants to these schools/teachers in Pasco County: â&#x20AC;˘ Deer Park Elementary School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jamie Thornton â&#x20AC;˘ James Irvin Education Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr. Jose Olmo â&#x20AC;˘ Pasco eSchools â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Shamsher Lamba â&#x20AC;˘ Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rachael Robinson â&#x20AC;˘ River Ridge High School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Laine Smith â&#x20AC;˘ Sunlake High School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kathryn Bylsma/Michelle Hock Grants are available for freshwater resources field studies, water-conserving garden projects, community or school awareness campaigns, and on-site workshops. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Splash! grants brought water resources education to 5,478 students throughout the District. For more information, please visit WaterMatters.org/SchoolGrants.

COURTESY OF WILDLIFE FOREVER

Largemouth Bass: Jiayi Ni, 11th Grade, first place, 2019

FISH ART CONTEST

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, will host the Florida State Fish Art Contest. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in the free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.The program is designed to inspire creativity, while encouraging the next generation of anglers and conservationists. Florida winners will be selected by the FWC in four grade categories: kinder-

ESSAY CONTEST

The Pasco County Library Cooperative is sponsoring a 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Type Capsuleâ&#x20AC;? Essay Contest through Dec. 31, for grades three to five. Because 2020 has been a historic year, students are asked to answer this question:â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you made a time capsule, what would you want to share about the year with future generations?â&#x20AC;? The essay can discuss something the child experienced during 2020 and explain why it is worth remembering. Submission deadline is 11:59 p.m., on Dec. 31. Third-graders should write at least three paragraphs; fourth-graders, four paragraphs; and fifth-graders, five paragraphs. Essays should not be more than three pages of writing. The student also can include images, but the images must be on separate pages from the writing itself. For more details and guidelines, visit PascoLibraries.evanced.info/signup.

Reef Triggerfish: Vivien Jiang, 11th grade, second place, 2019

garten through third grade; fourth through sixth grade; seventh through ninth grade; and 10th through 12th grade. State winners will advance to the national competition to be judged for top prizes, such as Best of Show. To enter, students should submit their entry consisting of the following: â&#x20AC;˘ An original horizontal 9-inch by 12inch piece of artwork featuring any fish from the Official Fish List â&#x20AC;˘ A piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about the chosen species (required for grades four to 12)

â&#x20AC;˘ A Florida State Fish Art Contest entry form The deadline to enter is March 31. Participants can mail entries to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Attn: Laura Rambo, Florida Fish Art Contest, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32301. Entrants also can submit photos or a scanned copy of the entry to R3@MyFWC.com. For complete contest information, entry forms and the Fish On! Lesson Plan, visit StateFishArt.org.

NEW FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

Saint Leo University has created new financial aid programs with the goal to make private university education accessible and affordable during challenging times. The schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Tuition Advantage Program will recognize high-achieving students throughout the state of Florida who demonstrate financial need. For students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, whose families make an Adjusted Gross Income of less than $50,000 a year (based on 2019 tax return), the program will cover the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full tuition after institutional, state and federal funds are applied. To qualify, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be determined to be Florida residents by Saint Leoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Student Financial Services Office. Students who participate in the tuition program are eligible to attend University Campus, the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residential campus, for a bachelor degree program at no tuition cost. The four-year estimated value of a Tuition

Time

Advantage financial aid package exceeds $100,000. The program will help students from lower income families pursue and complete their degrees. Saint Leo also is offering a new program to provide students with a high school GPA of 2.00 to 2.39 the opportunity to succeed in a private university academic experience. Through the D2R Associate Degree Program, students can earn an associate degree on their way to obtaining a bachelor degree. For less than $10,000 in tuition per year, students can earn a degree in one of four programs: Associates of Arts in Liberal Arts, Associate of Arts in Business Administration, Associate of Arts in Information Technology, and Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. Saint Leo also has expanded and updated its Catholic Promise Award, and added a new offering â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Global Citizen Award â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for international students. For more information, please email admissions@saintleo.edu.

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Their stories — and foods — are varied By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

A small group of entrepreneurs gathered recently to sell their goods at a drive-thru vendor fair at the University of Florida/Pasco County Extension’s One Stop Shop, at 15029 14th St., in Dade City. Those wishing to make a purchase could swing by on Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to order items and purchase them, from the comfort of their cars. The idea was to support the small businesses, while providing a safe place to shop, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating vendors included Hillbilly Farms Bakery Shops, Charm City Eats, Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread, Superfood Bakeshop, and Chef Sweets of Luminous Concession. The stories, shared by some small business owners taking part in the event, are as varied as the foods they sold. Rhoda Mazerolle, of Hillbilly Farms Bakery, previously sold her gluten-free foods from a storefront that she operated with her husband.They have sold that store and have scaled down, but she continues to prepared wholesale foods at the SMARTstart commercial kitchen, at the One Stop Shop. The commercial kitchen initiative is the result of a partnership between the Pasco Extension Office, which is part of the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, Pasco County and Pasco County Economic Development Council Inc., with assistance from Welbilt, an industrial kitchen company. Amy Henninger, of Charm City Eats, is a newcomer to the Pasco County area — moving here less than two months ago. She said the commercial kitchen allows her food truck — which specializes in authentic Maryland cuisine — to operate. Charm City Eats offers such foods as broiled crab cakes, slow-smoked pit beef, Baltimore fried chicken, hot chicken and hand-cut fries. Getting into the food business is a big departure for her, she said, noting she used to run a copier company in Baltimore. But, the pandemic has been a turning point, she said. “I’m going to be turning 40 soon, and I was just sick of the corporate world, and quotas and nonsense, and stress and all of that. I just wanted to do something different and work for myself,” Henninger said. Plus, her fiancé loves to cook. Like Henninger, Mary Katherine Mason Souter — who owns Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread — was greatly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the entrepreneur said she’s had

COURTESY OF PASCO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL INC.

Charm City Eats offers authentic Baltimore cuisine. The company was one of the vendors taking part in a recent drive-thru vendor fair at the One Stop Shop in Dade City.

Hillbilly Farms prepares gluten-free foods. The company’s founders sold the storefront, but are still selling items prepared at an incubator commercial kitchen in Dade City.

her shortbread business for years, but it was always a “very, very side hustle, hobby.” It turned into a full-time career, she said, “100% because of COVID.” Before turning all of her attention to running a baking company, she did interior designs and selected furniture for hotels. That came to a halt earlier this year, when she was furloughed in April, then laid off in July.

“Since April, I have made about 5,000 pounds of shortbread,” said the baker, who uses her maiden name, Mason, on her business documents. Her company’s slogan — “Long legs, short bread” — is a reference to her height, of 6 feet. She’s grateful for the SMARTstart kitchen. “Without that kitchen, I would not be

The owner of Lanky Lassie’s estimates she’s baked about 5,000 pounds of shortbread since being laid off from her previous full-time job of doing interior designs and selecting furniture for hotels.

able to have my business because in order to be able to ship legally and sell legally online, you have to have your manufacturing license. “The only way you can have your manufacturing license is to have your commercial kitchen, and it has to be inspected by the Department of Agriculture,” she said. It turns out that the kitchen is just 2 miles away from where she lives in Dade City. Dan Mitchell, Pasco EDC’s SMARTstart program coordinator, said “the drive-thru vendor fair was a way for our community to experience the new food businesses that have been developing at the incubator.” It also gave entrepreneurs a chance to get some feedback and hone their skills, Mitchell added. Whitney C. Elmore, director of Pasco County Extension, said she’s proud of the vendors who produce their foods at the incubator kitchen. “They’ve persevered during the pandemic - some had lost their job as a result and we were there, along with Pasco EDC, to provide the resources they needed to start their business,” she said. “Our vendors provide phenomenal products,” Elmore added, “We were excited to showcase them in a drive-through vendor fair at our One Stop Shop in Dade City.”

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November 18, 2020

Gulfside Hospice Helps Over 3,000 Pasco Families Every Year November is National Hospice Month

Gulfside has been able to keep up with Pasco’s population growth because of its ability to attract top professionals to its team. “We place a tremendous value on our employees, and consistently seek feedback from them on their challenges, equipment they need, the schedules that work best for their families,” said Postiglione. “We have a very dedicated group of people, most whom have worked here for many years, because of the high satisfaction they get by working with our patients and families.” Gulfside Healthcare Services also works with over 300 volunteers, many who become involved after hospice has cared for a loved one. “Many of our volunteers give the gift of presence — which is staying with patients who may not have family or friends close by, until they pass. Others work in our dietary area, bringing meals to patients in our in-patient facilities. We also have volunteers who take care of patients’ pets, play music for patients, and many volunteer at our thrift stores, do office work and help at fundraising events,” said Postiglione. For patients needing critical nursing care, Gulfside Hospice operates the Rucki Hospice Care Center in Zephyrhills and the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care at Heather Hill Healthcare Center in New Port Richey. Its thrift shops are located in Lutz, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Hudson. “People are often surprised at the range of services we offer at Gulfside Hospice,” said Postiglione. “We are proud of our ability to help many Pasco families in one of their greatest times of need.”

ospice is the bridge that helps terminally ill patients and their families navigate the health care system in the final stages of life, while also providing emotional and social services support for the entire family. In Pasco County, Gulfside Healthcare Services has been providing hospice services for more than 30 years, and helps over 3,000 families every year care for their loved ones, and provides grief counseling and spiritual guidance to help patients through their final journey. Heading up hospice services at Gulfside is Kathy Postiglione, who started work at the agency 15 years ago as a registered nurse, and today is chief operating officer and senior vice president. “As a nurse, what attracted me to hospice care in the beginning, and still captures my heart today, is its holistic approach to patient care that is driven by the patient and family,” said Postiglione. “It is the most personal type of care found in nursing, and one that has not changed much since the hospice movement was founded in the 1970s.” The hospice philosophy provides care in the comfort, security and privacy of wherever a patient calls home, by bringing together a team of professionals who addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. “Our team of nurses, physicians, chaplains and social workers works together to find out what the patient needs, discuss the best options for his or her wishes, and helps to set pain management goals,” said Postiglione. Hospice care begins with a discussion between the doctor and terminally ill patient and the family, who together agree to bring hospice in for a consultation. “Often it’s the patient who says, ‘I’m done, and no longer wants additional treatments,’” explains Postiglione. The initial meeting can be in a patient’s home, hospital, assisted living facility or nursing home, and include nurses, both RN and LPNs, hospice medical staff, social worker and chaplain. “We also work with the patient to identify personal goals they want to accomplish – it could be to write their personal story, put together a video, try to re-connect with family members and friends they have lost touch with, and often mend some bridges,” said Postiglione. Once a patient enters hospice care, the Gulfside team provides interdisciplinary medical support and services, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also has resources to help with legal and finan-

cial services involving end-of-life care. “Patients and families are often so overwhelmed by what needs to be done, that they are very anxious. We break down the tasks and set up a plan to help them accomplish their goals, while providing the care the patient needs to relieve pain, and make the journey as peaceful and comfortable as possible,” explains Postiglione. Being in hospice care does not mean patients need to give up treatments, and often continue to see their own doctors. “Patients sometimes want to continue their treatments, and we are here to support the patient in any way we can,” said Postiglione. Since its establishment in 1989, Gulfside Hospice has grown from an organization run primarily by volunteers, to a full-service health care entity that employs nearly 400 people with an average census of 650 patients. When Gulfside began operations, it had just 15 employees and was servicing 50 patients. While most patients are older adults and seniors, often diagnosed with cancer, Gulfside Hospice also cares for terminally ill children and young adults. Patients come into hospice when their prognosis is less than six months, and the average length of stay in the program is 70 days. One area that makes Gulfside Hospice unique compared to other hospice organizations is its ability to provide patients with more expensive medications. “When a patient has a need for a more expensive medication, we never deny the request, because we have the resources to provide medication that Medicare may not pay for,” said Postiglione.

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INPUT, from page 1A environment, engineering issues,” the presentation said. Corridor A “has greater social impacts (than Corridor B), including the potential relocations and potential effects to the Harmony Heights and South Clinton Heights communities,” it added. Corridor A has an estimated project cost from just under $13 million to $17.5 million, while Corridor C comes in at a projected cost between just below $51 million to $69.4 million. Public comments on Corridor B and other alternatives will be received through Nov. 25, and can be made by visiting FDOTd7Studies.com/US301US98IN T/ or emailing FDOT District 7 project manager Brian Shroyer at Brian.Shroyer@DOT.State.FL.US. The next steps in the project development process include the PD&E phase, design phase, right of way acquisition and then construction. There’s no set time frame on the project, but it’s anticipated construction wouldn’t begin for at least several more years. The PD&E study should be ready sometime in early 2022, Shroyer wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News. The PD&E phase would look at the road width, number of lanes, sidewalks and trails that may be necessary. Then, depending on if funding is secured for right of way and construction during that time, it could take a couple years after that before shovel hits dirt, Shroyer said.

REASONS FOR INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

District 7 of FDOT initiated the planning phase of the U.S. 301/U.S. 98/Clinton Avenue intersection project in early 2019. The U.S. 98 intersection realignment is list-

UTILITY, from page 1A meters. That first-year agreement with MuniBilling came with an $812,000 price tag, or $5.99 per active account (roughly 11,300) for 12 months. Now, in continuing the relationship for a second year, MuniBilling services will drop to $541,000 ($3.99 per account for 12 months), yielding a savings of $271,000 for the city, the finance director says. “We’re now in a position where we can take advantage of our second year of our contract with MuniBilling,” Beason explained to the Zephyrhills City Council.“We think it’s worth the second year of the contract, and we think they performed well enough that we’d like to push forward.” Beason highlighted other program benefits, too. The firm’s associated integrated customer portal — WaterSmart — allows customers to make online payments, set up autopay and review data on their water consumption.The program also sends email and text notifications to customers on abnormal water usage. A meter showing 20 gallons of water being used in the middle of the night may signal a leaking toilet, for example. Beason called the feature “a total win” as it allows customers to resolve a potential issue before seeing major effects on the following month’s bill. “It’s very much the case of, we don’t want to produce boomerang bills.As we notice the problem, reach out to the customer and try to head off the problem before it really becomes expensive for them,” explained Beason. However, the finance director acknowledged there were some hiccups in the early days of the MuniBilling partnership, including: inexperience of the firm’s call center staff; software that didn’t smoothly handle old customer move-outs and new customer move-ins; and, deposit refunds requiring a lot of effort by city staff. But, Beason noted the company in June added “a really good project manager” who “seems to be in tune with not repeating the

ed among the needs detailed in the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Mobility 2045 long-range transportation plan. The virtual presentation — which remains available online on FDOT’s website — outlined the necessity for alterations to the busy intersection. It was explained how the closely spaced major intersections of U.S. 301 at U.S. 98 and U.S. 301 at Clinton Avenue are only 1,500 feet apart and have roadways with high traffic volume (feeder and receiver roadway segments have an annual average daily traffic of 5,000 vehicles or greater). Because of this, traveling through the area requires turning and weaving movements that result in crash rates that exceed the statewide average, the presentation explained. The data shows that the closely spaced intersections have crash rates that exceed the statewide average. Between 2013 to 2017, the U.S. 301/U.S. 98 intersection saw 68 crashes, while the U.S. 301/Clinton Avenue intersection saw 72 crashes during that period, according to FDOT studies. Furthermore, the realignment of State Road 52 from east of McKendree Road to east of U.S. 301 will serve as an additional east/west route in the regional transportation network. Because of this, traffic at the U.S.301/U.S 98 and U.S 301/Clinton Avenue intersections is anticipated to increase, exacerbating the current intersection safety concerns, according to the presentation. Maps, drawings, and other information are available for review under the documents tab on the project website, fdotd7studies.com/US301US98INT/. Plans also can be viewed in person at: • The FDOT District 7 Headquarters, 11201 N. Malcolm McKinley Drive in Tampa • Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City

same mistakes more than once, and goes ahead and gets that taken care of quickly.” Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe also went to bat in favor of renewing MuniBilling’s contract. Poe told council members he’d “highly recommend against” changing gears and searching for a new water billing provider. If that was to be the case, Poe, perhaps half-jokingly, said: “We probably will not have a finance director or many utility employees,” referencing the stress and workload involved in transitioning from one utility billing firm to another. Other city staffers didn’t have to put up much of an argument, as council members likewise expressed their satisfaction with the MuniBilling and WaterSmart system. Said Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson:“For me personally, I think that the bill is easier to read. I think that it’s pretty consistent when it arrives and for the general customer experience, overall, has been pretty positive.” Council President Charles Proctor also shared upbeat comments about MuniBilling, noting he has not received many complaints from utility customers. Efforts to modernize the city’s water billing system had been in the works for some time. Prior to signing up with Fathom more than five years ago, Zephyrhills leaders expressed the need to shift to state-of-the-art, cloud-based technology that can monitor for leaks and spikes in water usage, and provide more accuracy and consistency in meter readings and billings. Confidence in the city’s billing system had eroded in recent years because of inaccurate meter readings, broken meters, leaks that went undiscovered and other problems. Residential and commercial customers then reported incorrect billing, including a $100,000 error in the Zephyrhills bottled water account. Yet, even the initial Fathom rollout led to numerous complaints from residents, who saw their bills go up after installation of new bar meters provided more precise water-usage readings, finding leaks the old system did not detect.

SAME DAY EMERGENCYY DENT TAL

Otis Felder finds out that the new bench at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex’s dog park is dedicated to him. The surprise presentation happened on Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day. Felder served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years.

BENCH, from page 1A one of Felder’s friends, chipped in to pay the shipping costs for the bench. The parks department spruced up the dog park, too, in honor of Felder’s special day. As a finishing touch, Hudson brought a chocolate sheet cake, decked out with frosting depicting an American flag. The three friends and their dogs, enjoyed their time together — despite a light, persistent rain. Hudson, who has known Felder for 10 years, was pleased to pay tribute to her friend. “It’s my honor to do it for him,” she said. People come and go to the dog park, as they move into and out of the area — but some who have moved away still make it a point to come back to see Felder, she said. Even some who have lost their dog continue to drop by to chat with him, she added. “He’s become a fixture,” Hudson said. Friedel, a user of the dog park for four

years, speaks fondly of Felder. “I love Uncle Otis. He’s great. I love his stories,” she said. She’s happy that he was honored. “I freaking love it,” she said.“I think that’s awesome.” Felder, who has been married 54 years to his wife, Janet, lives in Land O’ Lakes. Their son, Otis, is an attorney in California and their son, Dallas, is an architect in Chicago.A third son, Jason, is deceased. Besides retiring from his military career, Felder worked for 21 years in the brewery industry, before retiring and doing some additional contract work in that field. He also was a chauffeur and an armored car driver, before he finally stopped working at the age of 72. With such a full life, he has plenty of tales to share and he often shares them with his friends at the dog park. Hudson said Felder is particularly fond of telling people:“That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.” For her part, she thinks Felder is a special man, whose story is worth sharing. • Full Service Restaurant & Pub • Lottery System for Tee Times • NEW Champion Turf Greens • NEW Bunker Renovation

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www.LakerLutzNews.com

November 18, 2020

Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Lutz native named AL Manager of the Year By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

ampa Bay Rays manager and Lutz native/Gaither High School alum Kevin Cash notched yet another feather in his proverbial ball cap. Weeks after guiding the Rays to the American League’s best regular season record (40-20) and the franchise’s second World Series berth in history, Cash was crowned 2020 AL Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers’Association of America (BBWAA). The 42-year-old Cash received 22 of 30 first-place votes and 126 total points in the BBWAA’s scoring to win over former Chicago White Sox manager Rick Renteria (61) and current Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo (47). The Rays skipper also was a finalist the previous two seasons, becoming just the fifth AL manager to record three consecutive top-three finishes. The regular season-based managerial award was announced on a national television broadcast Nov. 10. Cash called the accolade “a huge honor,” at a Zoom media briefing later that evening, adding the recognition is meaningful coming from local and national baseball writers. “When you’re being voted (on) and appreciated by people that don’t always agree with your opinion, and there can be some back and forth, I think it says a lot,” said Cash, who wrapped up his sixth season as Tampa Bay’s top coach. Within minutes of the award’s official announcement, Cash volunteered that he’d received some 140 congratulatory text messages from peers throughout the sport’s industry:“It felt like a World Series win, or clinching the ALCS (American League Championship Series), that’s what it felt like. …It means a lot when your peers and your friends throughout the game reach out.” Cash mostly deflected his role in the team’s success to the organization as a whole, crediting the leadership of Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg, team presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, and general manager Erik Neander, among others. “It’s a really special group,” Cash said.“It’s a special place to work, led by Stu, Matt and Erik, Brian, everybody involved. …It certainly is a tremendous place to work.” Cash, too, mentioned being “so lucky” to have a roster of ballplayers who are “very much team first” and embrace a “team-oriented approach.”

HOMETOWN HEROICS

Cash becomes the fourth Tampa area product to win a Major League Baseball (MLB) Manager of the Year award — joining four-time winner Tony La Russa (St. Louis Cardinals in 2002; Oakland Athletics in 1988, 1992; Chicago White Sox in 1983), three-time winner Lou Piniella (Chicago Cubs in 2008; Seattle Mariners in 1995, 2001) and the one-time winner Al Lopez (Chicago White Sox in 1959, when the award was presented by the Associated Press). La Russa was raised in West Tampa and graduated from Jefferson High School. Piniella likewise was raised in West Tampa, attending Jesuit High School and the University of Tampa.The late Lopez grew up

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THIS OUT

GIRLS LACROSSE CLINICS

The Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) will host a 16-session girls lacrosse clinic throughout the fall and winter. Sessions will take place Monday and Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., from Nov. 30 through Jan. 20, at the turf fields at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel. The clinic is open for all girls in middle school through high school who are interested in playing lacrosse, regardless of skill level. A limited quantity of sticks and goggles will be available for those needing equipment. Clinic instructors include, but are not limited, to local club and high school-level coaches, as well as NCAA and SWLL (Southeastern Women’s Lacrosse League)

10A

November 18, 2020

COURTESY OF TAMPA BAY RAYS COMMUNICATIONS

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash recently was named 2020 American League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America. The Lutz native and Gaither High School alum guided the hometown franchise to a league-best 40-20 regular season mark and 2020 World Series appearance in Arlington, Texas.

in Ybor City and attended Jesuit High. Cash, meanwhile, grew up in the Valley Ranch Drive neighborhood across from Lake Park in Lutz, along North Dale Mabry Highway. His baseball notoriety started young. Some three decades ago, he was a 12year-old second baseman on the 1989 Northside Little League team that reached the 43rd Little League World Series. He would later star at Gaither High and Florida State University through the midand late- 1990s before enjoying an eightyear MLB career as a journeyman catcher.As a pro, he spent time on the then Devil Rays (in 2005), along with the Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox, respectively. Upon the end of his playing career, Cash in became a scout for the Blue Jays (2012) and then bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians (2013-2014), before landing the Tampa Bay gig in 2015.

SUCCESS ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET

Amid a logistically emotionally taxing, pandemic-delayed, 60-game shortened season, Cash navigated monumental feats out of a young, diverse team with a low payroll, and dearth of superstars and household names. Consider:Tampa Bay’s $28.3 million prorated payroll — third lowest in the Majors — paled in comparison to the $108.4 million sum of the National League’s Los Angeles Dodgers, who the Rays ultimately lost to in six games in the Fall Classic. Also consider:The Rays this season had 15 different players serve a total of 20 injured-list stints. On Sept. 1, they set a team-record-tying (not in a good way) 13 players unavailable for action. Handling the team’s ballooning attrition rate was arguably the greatest challenge this year, Cash said. “I think the injuries were up there, especially at the onset,” he said.“We all dealt with (COVID-19) protocols and we can’t talk

players. Position-specific coaching will be available for areas such as draw and goalkeeping. Cost is $65 for the 16 sessions. Registration will take place in person at the first session on Nov. 30. Players are instructed to arrive 10 minutes to 20 minutes prior to the beginning of the clinic in order to have time to register. For more information, email Eric Rosario at lacrossecoacheric@gmail.com.

THANKSGIVING RACE

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s annual Goody Goody Turkey Gobble Thanksgiving 5K race will take place virtually this year. Registered participants will have a full week from Nov. 22 through Nov. 29 to complete the race, and earn a Special Edition 2020 race shirt and finisher medal. Anytime during Thanksgiving week, participants can choose the location, date and time to complete the 3.1 miles and log their final time. Runners and walkers are encouraged to

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Some unique footnotes from the Rays 2020 season under Cash: • 59 different lineups in 60 games (tied for most in MLB) • Constructed the only all-lefty lineup in Major League history • AL-best 20 come-from-behind wins • MLB-best 14-5 mark in one-run games • 12 different pitchers recorded a save (tied MLB record set by the 1973 Texas Rangers) • Used 4.7 pitchers per game, more than the MLB average • Used an AL-most 1.15 pinch-hitters per game

about those enough, but I know that answer has gotten old.The injuries, for sure.” On the whole, Cash is widely revered for putting players in position to prosper via ever-changing batting orders, increased bullpen usage, openers, platoons, positional versatility, defensive positioning and shifts, and more. He’s likewise praised for cultivating a loose, welcoming clubhouse that features so many players from different countries, cultures and backgrounds.The team’s roster, in addition to players from all quadrants of the United States, was also represented by Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Japan and South Korea, respectively. Cash’s essential managerial philosophy centers around openness and honesty with players regarding in-game and in-house decision-making. Keeping a level-headed approach in victory and defeat is crucial, too. He observed of his role: “You’ve gotta make good decisions, there’s no doubt, but I think more times than not it’s being consistent and genuine, authentic with the people that you work with every day. It would be wrong of myself or any of our staff to change, depending on wins or losses. I don’t

complete the race in their own neighborhood, a local YMCA, or a new trail or terrain. Proceeds from the event will support LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a 12-week program offering people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities. Individual donation cost for the virtual race is $29, or $110 for a group of four. Various sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/yxcx9zsl.

LAKE JOVITA VIRTUAL RACE SET

The 14th annual Lake Jovita 5K Reindeer Run will be held virtually this year. Participants will be able to complete the 3.1-mile race on their own, anytime between Nov. 30 and Dec. 12. Mileage can be completed at one time or can be split up, running or walking at a location of your choosing, including by treadmill. Cost for the virtual race is $35, which

think you’re going to get players to really want to be in that environment, and our goal is to get them to want to be in that environment that we’re proud of, and I think you do that by consistency, and our staff is top-notch in that.” The 2020 campaign represented a pinnacle of Cash’s run in Tampa Bay — as he now claims the franchise’s best all-time managerial winning percentage (.522). The team had a losing record in Cash’s first three seasons, but has enjoyed three straight winning campaigns since, one better than the next. The team won 90 regular season games (.556 winning percentage) in 2018, then 96 games (.592) in 2019 — marking the franchise’s first playoff berth in six years. Extrapolating this year’s 40 wins (.667) to a traditional 162-game season, the Rays would’ve been on pace to collect 108 victories. Its 20 postseason games (including reaching Game 6 of the World Series) was the deepest playoff run in franchise history. “We had some ups and downs over the last years,” Cash sad. “I mean this year, 40 (wins) and 20 (losses), you can’t have too many downs. A lot of things went well. We got to the World Series, a lot of things went well. But, there were tough moments in there, but we owe it to the players to stay as consistent as possible.” Looking back, Cash is fortunate the 2020 baseball season was even able to get off the ground, considering countless COVID-19 hurdles and fragmented negotiations between team owners and players on salary structures, gameplay, health and safety protocols, and so on. “I wasn’t overly confident that we were going to get this thing up and running (this season). I don’t know of anybody that was,” he said. “So, there’s been a lot of head scratching, a lot of moments that it was really, really special, and really, really impressive what our team and organization accomplished this year, and hopefully as time continues, we’ll be able to appreciate it that much more.”

covers the cost of a medal, finisher bib and T-shirt. Various sponsorships also are available. All proceeds from the event will be donated to support Sunrise of Pasco Domestic & Sexual Violence Center. Visit SunrisePasco.org/reindeerrun2020 for more information and to register.

COVID-19 RESOURCE FOR YOUTH SPORTS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has unveiled a comprehensive COVID-19 online resource guide for the youth sports community. The CDC’s “Toolkit for Youth Sports” includes resources and tools to help youth sports administrators, coaches and parents protect their teams and players, and to communicate with their respective communities.The toolkit includes guidance and planning documents, web resources, FAQs, posters, fact sheets, checklists, sample social media posts and related videos. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/y6brvygs.

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FILE

This cow, in northeastern Pasco County, stands in a pasture behind a barbed wire fence. Florida was the last state to pass a fence law, to keep cattle penned into properties.

Fence law changed Florida’s cattle industry Knowing Your History By Doug Sanders Special to The Laker/Lutz News

lorida passed a fence law in 1949 — the same year Steve Melton was born. “This is amazing to me that within my lifetime we have gone from open range cattle to what you see today,” Melton said, during a recent meeting of the Pasco County Historical Society in Dade City. “When you drive in the morning and see the green pastures, and the housing developments, you have to remember it was open range not that long ago,” recalled Melton, whose family has farming and ranching operations on the northeastern edge of Pasco County. How ranchers transformed the state’s agriculture open ranges and woods to improved pastures was the topic of Melton’s talk before an audience of roughly 50 people. Those gathered had waited six months to hear from the cattle rancher and cowboy poet because of concerns about gatherings during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The state’s fence law — Chapter 588 of the Florida Statutes — makes it possible for approximately 19,000 livestock farms to coexist with the state’s rapid population and commercial growth. Complaints about traffic accidents with stray cattle had finally convinced more and more ranchers to permanently fence in their herds. But, the state’s history with cattle began about 500 years before that. Melton offered a historical glimpse of the role cattle has played in Florida, since explorer Ponce de Leon brought them to the

New World, in 1521. During the Civil War, Florida became the main supplier of beef to the Confederate army. But, the cattle industry didn’t enter its golden age until the period of Reconstruction, when a thriving trade opened with Cuba. Ranchers bred and raised “cracker cattle” to graze on wire grass, and native plants in pinewoods and wet weather ponds. That began to change in the 1800s. “Not many know this, but turpentine was the state’s largest industry at that time,” Melton said. Turpentine was manufactured from pine sap taken from old-growth trees. It was used for the so-called naval store industry for all products derived from pine resin, such as soap, paint, varnish, shoe polish, lubricants, linoleum, and roofing materials. The distillation process left the trees mostly barren. Then, Melton said, the turpentine companies would either walk away or sell their land for less than $2 an acre.

LOW LAND PRICES CREATE OPPORTUNITY

“Cattlemen and others with some money started to buy huge tracts of land,” Melton said. Landowners expanded their holdings, including the Barthle Brothers Ranch and the Krusen Land and Timber Company in East Pasco, the Wiregrass Ranch in Central Pasco, and the Starkey Ranch in West Pasco County. “The main thing that changed our agriculture at this point was watermelons,” Melton explains. Watermelon growers headed to the big ranchers and made deals to clear the land. Since they needed fresh ground when planting, this meant that each year the trees would be pushed and cleared to plant a new crop of watermelon. “They had a unique way of clearing the land,” Melton told his audience. “They would take a couple of D8

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Hundreds of boxcars loaded with watermelons were shipped out from the railroad sidings in Trilby by local growers over 60 years ago. The Trilby depot can still be seen on the grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village north of Dade City.

Caterpillar bulldozers and tie a ship anchor chain between them, and drag this back and forth across the field to clear scrub and light timber,” Melton said. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, watermelon growers found an early market up north for shipping product for the Memorial Day family picnics. The ranchers benefited because their land was cleared, for free, by the watermelon growers. After the watermelon harvests, alyceclover was planted first as a seed crop. When planting Baha as an improved pasture grass, and with genetics greatly improving the size and quality of beef, ranchers could average one calf per 13 acres instead of one calf per 15 acres. “The beef industry in Florida completely changed,” Melton observed. “Most all ranchers run a cow-calf operation. Meaning they keep the momma cow and sell the calves for beef.” Increased calf production necessitated economies in savings with giant feed lots operating in Texas, Kansas,Arizona and New Mexico.

“The calves are fed to be 2-year-old, 100pound steers or heifers, and then sold to a packer,” Melton explains. Only four or five packing houses in the United States are still cost-effective with the feed lots out west. “Cattle ranching, which had once been a family enterprise utilizing the open-range, became a capital-intensive agribusiness by the 1980s,” Melton concluded. Florida was the last state to pass a fence law. Dade City’s William M. Larkin, a long-time cattle rancher and prominent lawyer, drafted the fence law that was adopted by the Florida Legislature. Larkin wound up fencing about 15,000 acres of his ranch with woven wire, purchased from Sears, Roebuck and Company. Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at interstar1@juno.com.

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Layla is a calm, sweet princess

Layla is a 5-year-old Jack Russell-Beagle mix, although her beautiful and unique markings remind her owners of a Blue Heeler-Beagle mix. Layla was adopted from Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue. When she wants to, Layla can be very energetic. She loves to go for long walks, snuggle, and go for car rides. Layla’s favorite foods are scrambled eggs and cheese. She likes to play fetch (although she doesn’t like to give her toys back), and she’s always happy to go outside. Layla is very well-behaved and loves to be the center of attention. Layla lives with the Elam family in Wesley Chapel.

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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.

Dana is curious about toys

Dana loves her bed! This beautiful 2-year-old girl takes a little coaxing to leave her safe place, but when she does, you can see her gorgeous gray coat and stunning green eyes. Dana likes treats and enjoys being petted. Dana has lived with other cats in the Feline Freedom Room at the shelter, but is now available at the Pet Supermarket in New Port Richey.

PET PAWS Esmerelda loves to give kisses Esmeralda may look like a tough girl, but she's really a cuddle bug. Once she decides she likes you, she loves you! Esmerelda will wag her whole body in excitement when she realizes she's made a friend, and she loves to be patted. She is about 6 years old and 50 pounds. Make an appointment to meet this short, stocky cutie today! If you would like to adopt Dana or Esmerelda, 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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TWO RARE SEA TURTLE NESTS

At the conclusion of the 2020 sea turtle nesting season, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA)’s Sea Turtle Conservation team announced the appearance of two green sea turtle nests. It has been a decade since a green sea turtle nest was found within CMA’s survey area on the beaches of North Pinellas. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), green sea turtle nesting is primarily concentrated along the central-east and southeast coast of Florida. “Because it is so rare to have a green sea turtle nest on our beaches, we are collaborating with FWC to get an idea where these

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greens originated from, through genetic testing and stable isotope analyses,” Sea Turtle Conservation Program Supervisor Lindsey Flynn said, in a news release. The CMA reports annual nesting data to the FWC and Pinellas County.To FWC, the team reports nest counts, false crawls, disorientation events, obstruction events, predation and vandalism.The county also receives weekly escarpment surveys and bi-annual lighting surveys. Flynn’s team increased its observation area from approximately 12.4 miles of beach to 21 miles this season, stretching from Dunedin Pass through Treasure Island in Pinellas County.

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Virtual caregiver programs The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report In conjunction with National Family Caregiver Month, Hillsborough County has scheduled a series of virtual sessions this week. They are intended to offer family caregivers support, resources and camaraderie, according to a flyer publicizing the sessions. For more information and registration details, visit HCFLGov.net/Caregiving. Here is a synopsis of the remaining sessions scheduled this week.

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Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. Maryann Bakht, yoga instructor from Hillsborough County Well4Life, teaches beginner yoga poses and meditation techniques to help participants relax, destress and find calm in a way that is simple and flexible to fit your schedule.

Nov. 20, 1 p.m. Dr. Jean Fels, director of the University of South Florida Memory Disorder Clinic, will answer caregiver questions about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related disorders.

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Nov. 20, 3 p.m. Debbie Selsavage, founder of Coping with Dementia LLC, will teach about the importance of gratitude.

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fited the community and region. Excellence in Collaboration Award: Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center.This award honors an organization that has sought to build bridges and partner with individuals and groups that has strengthened the community and region during the past year. Excellence in Inclusivity Award: Pasco-Hernando State College — Porter Campus. This award honors an organization that has demonstrated, through its organizational culture or in service to the community, leadership in diversity and inclusion practice during the past year. Excellence in Innovation Award: Pinot’s Palette.This award honors an organization that demonstrated unique ingenuity during the past year has benefited the community and region. Community Heroes: Ghada and Lufti Judallah; Troy Stevenson; and, Dr. Paula O’Neil. Through their efforts, these individuals exemplified their concern and a compassionate response to the pandemic. Chairman’s Award: Roberto Saez. This award honors the myriad ways that Roberto Saez has contributed to creating a better community. He has given generously to charitable causes, has supported scholarships and has shared his talents, without charge, on chamber projects.

The North Tampa Bay Chamber presented its 2020 Celebrating Excellence Awards, honoring local companies and individuals that have benefited the community, and have demonstrated commitment and resilience during the past year. Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the chamber reimagined its annual awards ceremony — bestowing the honors on companies exemplifying the chamber’s core values of integrity, inclusivity, collaboration and innovation, according to a chamber news release. The chamber also recognized individuals who have gone above and beyond to serve the community, presenting them with Community Hero awards.And, it recognized an individual who embodies all of the chamber’s core values, through the organization’s chairman’s award. The awards ceremony was held virtually, on Nov. 12.A number of organizations hosted watch parties in different locations, while some chamber members watched from the comfort of their own homes. Recipients of this year’s honors are: Excellence in Integrity Award: The Laker/Lutz News. This award honors an organization that demonstrated commitment and resilience during the past year has bene-

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Health

Wellness Send health news to news@lakerlutznews.com

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COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO

The CARES Health & Wellness Expo will take place on Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hudson United Methodist Church, 13213 U.S. 19 in Hudson. More than 40 local vendors will participate. Guests (bring an insurance card) can meet health specialists, equipment suppliers and representatives from community resources. Those attending also can get free health screenings and information about wellness programs. Admission is free. Proceeds raised will help support the CARES Senior Health Clinic. For information, visit CARESfl.org.

BE A SHINE VOLUNTEER

The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program is a statewide volunteer program that offers seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers, free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, prescription drugs and other health insurance matters. The SHINE SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Program educates beneficiaries on how to protect, detect and report suspected Medicare fraud, waste and abuse. Individual volunteers complete professional training by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging;

A partnership to help those in need

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club collected and donated 145 pairs of eyeglasses to the local chapter of the Lions Club. Sandi Marrow (center with green mask) delivered the box of eyewear, which will be recycled, repaired and distributed to the needy in low-income countries around the world. The woman’s club has been a long-time supporter and partner of the Lions Club. For information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org. COURTESY OF ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

serve the community by educating others on an individual basis and through outreach events; and, gain knowledge about Medicare to benefit themselves and loved ones. In order to participate, a volunteer application and online orientation must be completed. To learn more, call (727) 217-8111, or visit FloridaShine.org and click on the Join Our Team link.

YIN YOGA CLASS

The Pasco County Cooperative will offer a virtual yin yoga class on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m., through Zoom. Yin yoga is designed to target the body’s connective tissues, including the fascia, joints and bones. Other benefits include relief of stress and tension, and improved circulation and flexibility.

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VIRTUAL WALK

The southeast region of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host the Florida Virtual Team Hope Walk on Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. A virtual walk is a real walk, but on the participant’s own terms. Choose your own course and walk in your driveway, neighborhood, in your house, or on a treadmill. Proceeds will support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease and their families. Registration is free. For information, email Jaime Lattin a jaimeclattin@gmail.com. To register and donate, visit HDSA.org/thwflorida.

JOINT REPLACEMENT

A virtual health talk entitled “New Technologies in Joint Replacement” will take place on Nov. 24 at noon, on the AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills Facebook pages. The guest speaker will be Dr. Gerald “Trey”Alexander, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. To register, call (877) 534-3108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com.

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Alzheimer’s walk

Pasco County residents helped to lead the way by participating in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, participants walked as individuals and small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails around Pasco County, raising more than $40,000 to benefit the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association. Fundraising for this event will continue through Dec. 31. Carolyn O’Connor Marlowe was just one of many who took part in the fight against Alzheimer’s. To donate and fight for a cure, visit ALZ.org/walk.

The Discovery RT multifunction Wide Bore CT Scanner meets virtually all the needs of a clinician in radiation therapy planning and simulation, and diagnostic, interventional and bariatric imaging. The new CT scanner will deliver: • high-image quality to see the anatomy • extremely low dose for the clinician and patient • flexible room controls for faster procedures It also will allow for imaging of bariatric patients, up to and including the morbidly obese population with a BMI greater than 40. The scanner comes with Advantage 4D, which is a retrospective gating CT application that analyzes and characterizes respiration-induced motion of the anatomy. In addition, the treatment center acquired a Smart Metal Artifact Reduction program that provides exceptional image quality and brings treatment plans clearly into focus. The ACTC recently received its Certificate of Occupancy and its medical oncologists are now treating patients at its new location.

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Great Food & Affordable Prices P Keep Folks Comingg Back to Plaza Mexico Special to The Laker / Lutz News

amilies in We Wesley Chapel and east Pasco keep discovering one of Zephyrhills’ newest and best restaurants — Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill. “W We have a lot of regulars who keep coming back because our food is very good, our portions generous and prices very afffordable,” said Hector Gallardo, one of owners of the restaurant. “W With our seasonal residents beginning to return, it’s great seeing so many familiar faces as we welcome back our senior friends and snowbirds.” Located on State Road 54, just east of U.S. 301, Plaza Mexico is in a beautifully renovated building in the heart of town, just blocks from AdventHealth Zephyrhills. The restaurant management has gone to great strides to protect its customers and stafff by following CDC guidelines during the ongoing pandemic. Social distancing is always practiced, and masks are used by stafff and customers. “W We are fortunate that about half of our seating is in booths, which are elevated and separate from each other,” explains Gallardo. “Even before the virus, we were social distancing at Plaza Mexico.” There are six Plaza Mexico restaurants in the Southeast, including Ta Tampa Bay locations in Zephyrhills p y and Spring p g Hill. The family owned chain specializes in traditional Mexican food, and decorates with authentic Mexican furniture and colorful decorations. The décor in Zephyrhills is unique with a “Day of the Dead” Mexican theme, which gives the restaurant a softer and more romantic ambiance. It is not unusual to see Hector Gallardo and his uncle, Hector Alvarez, working at Plaza Mexico. Both men are owners, who

Hector Gallardoo, left and Hector Alvarez are owners of Plaza Mexico Zephyrhills. lead from the frront, and work alongside their employees to ensure professionalism and quality control. “At most plaaces, the owner just opens the restaurant. Theey let the people work for them, but heree the owners work in the restaurant. Thatt’s one of the things that people like. We We havve two or three owners working at a time, too make sure that everything is done d very profe fessionally,” i ll ” said id Al Alvarez. The menu at a Plaza Mexico is extensive

with w many diffferent choices, includding a full page just for seafood, and lots of vegetarian v diishes. Food is made fresh daily, and soome of the reecipes have existed for generationns within thhe family. One dish — a popular house h speciial that can be ordered for one orr two persoons — that Gallardo is particularlyy proud of iss served in a molcajete. “M l j t iis volcano “Molcajete l stone, t andd we seerve the food inside the stone. We put in

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chicken, steak, shrimp, chorizo—a Mexican sausage—and onions, jalapenos and cactus. Cactus is a traditional food in Mexico. It comes with rice and beans, and a salad. It’s a big plate,” he explains. The menu has authentic versions of the usual Mexican favorites: tacos, fajitas, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas. And, for seafood f d llovers, there h e are crab b quesadillas, dill white shrimp enchilaadas and ceviche. A popular appetizzer is guacamole, made fresh tableside from m a pushcart. “Our cart goes around to every table to offfer fresh guacamole,” Gallardo saaid. “It’s a really popular appetizer because itt’s made fresh and in front of you.” Plaza Mexico alsso has a full bar with happy hour Monday to Friday with two-forO of its most popular one drink specials. One drinks is the margariita, including one nicknamed “the fish bow wl” because it is served in a 42-ounce glass. “Let me extend a personal invitation to readers of The Lakerr to visit our restaurant. We would love to inntroduce you and your family to the best Meexican food in the area, in an environment thhat is safe and fun,” said Gallardo.

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Fictitious name notice? Job to post? Room for rent? Garage or yard sale? Obituary? Get the word out in The Laker/Lutz News! Call 813-909-2800 www.LakerLutzNews.com

November 18, 2020

10B November 18, 2020