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Residents Love Avalon Park Wesley Chapel FOR ITS FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS AND LIFESTYLE OF THE MANY THINGS THAT SETS AVALON PARK WESLEY CHAPEL APART FROM OTHER PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS IS ITS LONG HISTORY OF HOSTING SPECIAL EVENTS. OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO TWO SPECIAL EVENTS — DADS & JAZZ THIS SATURDAY, ON THE EVE OF FATHER’S DAY, FROM 7 P.M. TO 9 P.M., AND A FEW WEEKS LATER TO ITS ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION THAT BEGINS AT 5 P.M. AND ENDS WITH A FABULOUS FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT 9 P.M. THESE FUN, SAFE EVENTS INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL MUSICIANS AND DANCERS, A BIKE PARADE, BAKE OFF, BOUNCE PARK, EXHIBITORS AND FOOD TRUCKS. A NEW HOMETOWN Families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it is so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities. “We are not just developers — we bring together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, about three miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando. PREMIER BUILDERS Avalon Park Wesley Chapel offers homes for all demographics — from young families buying their first home, to folks looking to move up to a new luxurious home in an upscale community, to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle. “We have homes priced for all budgets and all times of life,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. Homebuyers can choose from several floorplans from builders Avex Homes and D.R. Horton. Single-family and townhomes are currently for sale, and apartments and senior housing are planned for future phases. Homes range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s. D.R. Horton recently began selling homes in its new community, Westgate at Avalon Park, which encompasses 285 acres in the northwest section of the development.
“Westgate offers residents a quiet, suburban setting that has its own set of amenities, including a resort-style pool, open-air clubhouse and outdoor kitchen, playground, open sports field, and picnic area with pavilions,” said Courtney Creighton, the builder’s West Florida marketing manager. D.R. Horton is planning to build 30 new homes a month in Westgate at Avalon Park, with some homes expected to be ready for move-in later this year and early 2022. Home prices will begin in the low $300s for singlefamily homes, and the mid $200s for townhomes. Initial sales will be conducted through D.R. Horton’s online sales team, and then move to the company’s sales staff working inside its model homes. Townhome models and a single-family model, the popular multi-generational 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath Camden, will be ready this summer. Avex Homes is also selling singlefamily homes and townhomes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Its townhomes feature two-car garages and private alleys in the rear. Three floor plans are available, each with three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. “Our townhomes are beautifully designed and offer buyers a tremendous value for the Wesley Chapel area,” said Cheryl Gonzalez, sales representative for Avex Homes. “Each home has a front porch, covered lanai or private breezeway, and buyers can upgrade their home’s finishes to their individual design preferences, including flooring, cabinetry, countertops and lighting.” TWO AMENITY CENTERS Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Last year, an expansive second amenity center opened in at the
June 16, 2021 | www.LakerLutzNews.com
heart of the community, with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area. Avalon Park families also enjoy other amenities, including a second swimming pool, tot lot, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will eventually interconnect with its planned downtown. Ongoing monthly events include Movies Under the Stars, food trucks and large holiday celebrations. DOWNTOWN AVALON PARK Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in a downtown hub that will connect to residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths. “We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel breaks ground this fall, and includes a two-acre community park with amphitheater and five distinct buildings: an office building, two mixeduse buildings with apartments above the storefronts, and two multi-family apartment buildings. “We are building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret. At build out, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 400,000 square feet of retail and 100,000 square feet of office space. This 1,650-acre masterplanned community is approved for 4,400 single- and multi-family homes, and is projected to be home to 10,000 residents.
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‘Let Us Do Good Village’ gets OK
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Commission has cleared the way for the Steven Siler Tunnel to Towers Foundation to create a neighborhood in Land O’ Lakes devoted to recipients of mortgagefree homes for catastrophically injured veterans, for surviving widows and children of fallen military and first responders.
“The Let Us Do Good Village, which is what we are calling our development, is a community created by our foundation, which is going to bring these families together,” said Matthew Mahoney, executive vice president of the foundation, at the county board’s June 8 meeting. It will be the first development of its type in the country, created by a foundation that began 20 years ago, in the aftermath of
Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The foundation is named after Steven Siler, a firefighter who had finished his shift and was on his way home when the attacks occurred at the Twin Towers. Instead of going home, the firefighter turned around and headed back toward Lower Manhattan. See VILLAGE, page 7A
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As graduates from Saint Leo University celebrated their individual achievements during the 2021 commencement exercises, there were plenty of personal moments, too. One of those moments involved Tom Dempsey, seen above at center, with his granddaughter, Alexis. Dempsey, the founder and CEO of Saddlebrook Resorts, Inc., in Wesley Chapel and a trustee emeritus of Saint Leo University, was able to congratulate Alexis as she received her doctor of business administration degree. Saint Leo University had three in-person ceremonies — at the Florida State Fairgrounds on May 21 and May 22. Check out graduation photo submissions from our readers on page 1B.
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Nicholas Sobestanovich, of Land O’ Lakes, was the salutatorian of the Saint Leo University Class of 2021. Shown here, he is receiving his diploma from Mary Spoto, vice president of academic affairs.
One graduate of Saint Leo University used her mortar board to express herself, during the Class of 2021’s commencement exercises. The university had three in-person events, conferring more than 1,250 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and associate’s degrees.
New 122-house Maggard addresses state budget, new laws subdivision approved By Kevin Weiss
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Flurry of Pasco road projects underway
of Zoom — featuring Florida Department Once those projects are completed, Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault and Pasco’s road network is expected to be betU.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. ter able to handle the county’s considerable Thibault and Bilirakis touched on a numgrowth. ber of big-picture issues involving Projects under construction, or that soon transportation. will be, are expected to improve traffic flow Thibault talked about the expectation of at State Road 56 and Interstate 75; offer reduced gas tax revenues over time, as moBy B.C. Manion smoother travel through East Pasco County cars and bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com in- torists make the switch to electric on a new alignment for State Road 52; vehicles with higher fuel efficiency. crease access to Interstate 75 with a new Bilirakis talked about the proposed $2 Drive along nearly any major Pasco add cabe interchange at Overpass Road; and, trillion infrastructure package. County artery and you are likely to pacity at State Road 52 and U.S. 41. He said he doesn’t support the package. backed up in traffic — during rush hour. were discussed a transprojects Those moto obvious it’s At the same time, portation briefing hosted by the North See ROAD, page 9A torists that work is underway on numerous via Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Pasco roadways.
A strong partnership between Pasco County and the Florida Department of Transportation has paved the way for the multitude of projects.
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Nine-year-old Jawaun Washington, FRED BELLET of Dade City, lowered his mask to munch on a hot dog at the Jelly Bean Fling.
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undreds turned out to the Jelly Bean Fling at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village to take advantage of festivities that included free family photos, an Easter egg hunt, a petting zoo, live entertainment, games
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and crafts. Event-goers could make Easter bonnets, too, enjoy a bite to eat, purchase items from vendors and check out the model train room. And, there were bubbles — showers and showers of bubbles —during the Sphere’s Bubble Magic Show.
Ty Seifert, of St. Petersburg, seems to be having as much fun as family friend 4-year old, Cami Brown, of St. Petersburg. They were enjoying the Sphere's Bubble Magic Show during the event.
5
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District 38 state Rep. Randy Maggard has reason to be upbeat. After all, Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a record $101.5 billion state budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 — making it official during a notable June 2 appearance at Zephyrhills City Hall. The state budget allocates more than $66 million East Pasco projects alone, including: • $25 million for new facilities at PascoHernando State College’s Dade City Campus • $25 million for a new Florida National Guard armory in Zephyrhills • $6.5 million for water and wastewater improvements on Handcart Road • $4.6 million for improvements to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center • $3 million for improvements to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport Maggard — who was born in Dade City and grew up in Zephyrhills — gave a positive account of the latest legislative session and provided other news, as the featured guest speaker for the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber
of Commerce’s June 3 business breakfast meeting at Golden Corral in Zephyrhills. “We have a lot of good things to talk about,” said Maggard, who represents Dade City, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, among other areas, in the Florida House of Representatives. “Pasco, East Pasco especially, did really well this year,” the state lawmaker said. Maggard particularly credited the county’s legislative delegation — singling out Senate President Wilton Simpson, a Republican from Trilby and state Sen. Danny Burgess, a Republican from Zephyrhills — for myriad strides made on behalf of East Pasco during the past legislative session. The legislator otherwise emphasized that the region’s municipalities, businesses and educational institutions have a “prime opportunity” to garner state funding for other future projects and initiatives with the current legislative leadership. “I can’t say enough about the work the delegation did to help East Pasco,” Maggard said.“This is your time, because you only get See MAGGARD, page 7A
off Old Pasco Road
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning that will allow a new 122-home subdivision off Old Pasco Road, after delaying the request last month. Commissioners approved the request from Life Church, LLC, with conditions, including a requirement for a 1.2-acre neighborhood park and that a tree be planted in front of every home in the development. Commissioners disagreed with a recommendation by the Pasco County Planning Commission that would have required fencing near retention ponds in the development. Instead, that fencing would only be necessary if the ponds fail to meet sloping requirements and thus trigger the land development code’s requirement for fencing. The county board’s decision came after a delay last month based on concerns regardSee SUBDIVISION, page 7A
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Decked out for the luncheon, from left, are Pat Serio, Pat Wagner, Peggy Cooper, Linda Mitchell, Doris Ramaglia and Jane Mason.
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From left: April Saland, Lois Cohen, Debbie Cardona and Jan King join in the celebration.
Celebrating the end of a difficult year, in style The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s club wrapped up its year with a festive and sparkling Roaring ’20s-themed luncheon at the Temple Terrace Country Club. The ladies dazzled in their fringed frocks and headbands — sequined, bejeweled and feathered. The club celebrated the end of a long, difficult business year due to the COVID pandemic. The women do not plan on a summer hiatus, but will continue their projects and volunteer efforts. For information on this service organization, visit LutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.
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Remembering those who served The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club visited two local cemeteries to place flags on the gravesites of veterans, to commemorate Memorial Day. The club members also said a prayer of gratitude to all those who protected us through their military service. Patricia Serio helped to ‘plant’ flags at Cemetery Gan Shalom in Lutz. For more about the club, visit LutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.
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Donna Losch paid her respects at Baptist Church Cemetery in Land O’ Lakes.
Hillsborough offers text 911 option The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue has added a Text to 911 option to its emergency dispatch services, according to a Hillsborough County news release. The feature allows residents to access 911 services when they cannot communicate by a telephone call. Text to 911 could help residents who: • Can’t talk because they fear for their physical safety • Are deaf or hard of hearing • Are experiencing an emergency where they do not have adequate mobile phone service for a phone call to connect, but a
text may still go through. Text to 911 is as easy as texting friends and family, the release said. The text message will be handled by a dispatcher who will have an open text dialog with the resident until the situation is resolved. Calling 911 is still the preferred method, but the new Text to 911 option could be a lifesaver for residents who are unable to communicate over the phone with the emergency dispatch center. Put simply, Hillsborough County’s emergency dispatch ask people to call in emergencies if they can and use a text, if they can’t call.
Pasco officials resisting clerk’s request for big budget hike By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles is seeking a sizable increase in her budget and Pasco’s administrative leadership is pushing back. Alvarez-Sowles has formally requested about $13.3 million in her fiscal 2021-2022 budget. That’s nearly $9 million more than the constitutional officer’s budget this year. She justified the request in an April 30 letter to Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley and his county board colleagues. In that letter, Alvarez-Sowles wrote the proposed budget is necessary “to fulfill statutory responsibilities” for the coming fiscal year. But it became apparent, during a June 8 county board meeting, that the substantial increase is unlikely to be granted. Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director, touched on the clerk’s request during a preliminary discussion of the county’s financial priorities for next fiscal year. County Administrator Dan Biles weighed in, too. In her letter, Alvarez-Sowles explained the “support for this increase is the result of a thorough re-examination of Florida law that prescribes how clerks’ offices in noncharter counties are to be funded.” She continued: “The analysis identified the underlying reasons why the office is facing a breaking point in its ability to accomplish critical, statutorily mandated operations for the community, the Board of County Commissioners, and our many stakeholders, including county operations, justice partner agencies, outside auditors, and numerous other local, state, and federal agencies.” The clerk said research “revealed oversights with the historical methodology of funding requests in that the clerk’s office did not ask the county to sufficiently fund it in accordance with long-established provisions in Florida laws.”
FILE
Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles has agreed to meet with Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller and County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder to discuss the clerk’s budget request.
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles is requesting a substantial budget increase, but she said it’s to provide necessary services.
Alvarez-Sowles also offered a breakdown of the request, noting that county funding of board and court-related technology costs included in the request total $1,246,465. She added,“county funding of court-related local requirements computes to $7,380,737.” Her proposed increase also includes increases for retirement costs and group health insurance, as well as a pay adjustment of 3% — totaling $365,734. Additionally, Alvarez-Sowles noted the clerk’s office “has demonstrated fiscal responsibility by cutting positions while implementing new technologies and efficiencies; however, funding is not sufficient to cover the cost of providing required , essential services.” To underscore her argument, she said Pasco’s population has increased by 19%
since 2010, and county staffing has increased by 39% during that time. By comparison, the clerk’s office cut 11% of its positions due to funding shortages, she said. “Circumstances beyond the control of the clerk’s office continue to impact its workload and resource needs,” she added. The clerk cited other issues that are affected by inadequate funding, which include the ability to: attract and retain qualified applicants; to meet anticipated increasing service demands; and, to maintain proper reserves needed to plan for technological improvements. Goehig addressed the clerk’s request. He said the retirement and salary increases are already included in the clerk’s base budget. The $1.2 million request for court-relat-
FILE
ed technology has been moved onto the county’s list of business-plan initiatives — but has not yet made the cut for funding. Addressing the additional $7 million request, Goehig said:“We don’t feel that’s an appropriate expense for the county.That’s also not funded.” Alvarez-Sowles, who handles the clerk’s duties during board sessions, asked Oakley for permission to address the issue, which was granted. “I didn’t know until right now, what the (administrator’s) recommendation is,” she said. Funding for the court-related technology, would pay for equipment used for both court and board services work, she said. She said her request was not a surprise because she’d been meeting with Biles and his team to talk through the details of the requested increase. She said she had just recently received a legal opinion, regarding her budget request, from county attorney’s office. Commissioner Mike Moore said the board takes its lead from the county attorney. Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agreed. But Starkey said the two sides should talk. “I think it’s good to have a dialogue,” Starkey said. She suggested it might be possible to fund the technology request with extra revenue coming in, due to higher-than-anticipated growth in the county’s taxable values. Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick said a breakdown should be done to determine how much the new technology is used for board services and that the board should pay its fair share. Alvarez-Sowles asked if she could meet with Biles and County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder to discuss the issue before the budget is finalized. Oakley asked Biles to set up a meeting, which he agreed to do. Biles said he had looked at the clerk’s numbers and noted there are some things the county would be more inclined to support, than others.
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3A
Homebound can get books delivered to them The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
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Pasco County Libraries has launched a new service called,“Front Door Books.” The service is intended to help readers who can’t visit the library in person. Those wanting to use the service can borrow up to three books at once. At this point, the “Front Door Books” mail program is scheduled to run through Sept. 30, 2021, according to a county news release. You can apply to take advantage of the service at bit.ly/bookbymail. A member of the county’s library team will set you up with a virtual library card that you can use
The Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists (FABJ) has named WUSF Public Media the “Station of the Year” in the radio division for 2020, citing exceptional work in broadcasting, digital news and podcasting by WUSF journalists, amid a year of pandemic upheaval and social unrest. In all, WUSF won 17 awards – the most ever for the station – and the station’s firstever “Radio Station of the Year” award for a wide range of news projects, public affairs shows and feature programming, according to a news release, sent on its behalf from the Tucker Hall agency. The WUSF team collected six other firstplace awards and 10 finalist recognitions in
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this year’s contest.The FABJ is a not-for-profit organization of professionals in commercial and public television, and radio stations, as well as those at college-level journalism operations, the release said. The radio station won these awards on the heels of another recent award announcement: three Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards.The honors were for digital projects and for coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 national election. The regional Murrow award winners will vie for national awards, which will be announced later this year.
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by phone or online at: pascolibraries.org. Books are shipped via UPS. To return, ask UPS to pick-up the books or drop them off at any Pasco County Library or UPS drop-off location. “Front Door Books” is a pilot program funded by a CARES Act grant administered by the Florida Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The program is funded through Sept. 30. For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, e-content, programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit: pascolibraries.org.
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Pasco County’s budget picture is brighter than expected By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Pasco County has received its preliminary assessed values from Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells, and the news is looking good for county coffers. The preliminary numbers show that Pasco County has a $35 billion taxable assessed value, which represents a 10.8% bump over this year, according to Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director. He characterized the increase as “an astounding figure.” Goehig gave the Pasco County Commission an overview of the budget projections and a list of some potential expenditures during the board’s June 8 meeting. County Administrator Dan Biles told commissioners:“The general goal today is to give you a high-level overview in respect to where we are with revenue, and some required expenses. But also to kind of give you an idea of some of the business plan initiatives in the various funds that we are recommending, and then get your feedback, as we go through.” The increased valuation is expected to generate about $24.7 million in additional property tax revenues, Goehig said. “We have an informal agreement with the sheriff, in which we split any new property tax revenues,” Goehig said. So, of the $24.7 million, $12.36 million would go to the sheriff’s budget. The other $12.36 million would go to the county board’s spending plan, and to the
Pasco County Property, Pasco County Tax Collector and to the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller. Of the $12.36 million, $4.92 million would be deducted off the top because it will go to the community redevelopment agencies and the tax increment financing area, Goehig said. That leaves a total of $7.44 million available and the county has identified a number of “must spends” for a portion of that money, the budget director added. Those must spends include: • Increasing the general fund reserve to 16.7% • Bringing Fire Station No. 3 and Fire Station No. 9 online. • Covering about $600,000 in additional expenses relating to employee retirement, for general and public safety employees • Meeting contractual obligations with Starkey Park and Gulf Harbors • Providing additional funds for the county’s contributions to state Medicaid, typically that increases $300,000 to $400,000 a year. Other spending proposals include a 4% raise for county employees and firefighters; some IT hardware and software purchases; the construction of a road to lead to the Fire Training Facility in the central part of the county; an athletic field renovation program; a trails, blueways and greenways master plan; a library master plan; and some dredging, permitting and design work. Additional staff also is being recommended to meet the county’s growing needs. For instance, the county is putting together a technical team and a zoning team to
Next Steps July 1: Property Appraiser sends final assessed taxable value figures to county July 6: Pasco County Commission is scheduled to set the Truth in Millage tax rate, which can be lowered, but not increased before the budget is adopted. September: County board adopts final budget, after public hearings.
Pasco County Budget projections FISCAL YEAR 2022 Base Taxable Value: $31.6 billion New construction: $1.4 billion Reevaluations: $2 billion Total taxable value: $35 billion Source: Pasco County
help clear the bottleneck in its planning and development department, with the positions being paid primarily through fees. The county also wants to beef up its code enforcement staff. Goehig highlighted some factors contributing to the increased revenues.
For instance, the new construction figure was just over $1 billion last year and is almost $1.4 billion this year, he said. “Anyone who has spent any time in Pasco County driving around would understand this new construction value of $1.38 billion,” Goehig said. In fact, that category has experienced an increase in values every year since 2014, he added. The value for reevaluations — which are properties that have had significant improvements — nearly doubled this year, from about $1.1 billion to about $2 billion, he said. Next, the county will receive a final assessed taxable value figure by July 1 and the board is expected to set the Truth in Millage (TRIM) tax rate at its July 6 meeting. Once that rate has been set, it can be lowered, but cannot be increased, Goehig said. The budget will be produced and distributed to the board before the public budget adoption hearings in September.
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Parents are encouraged to fill out the online registration available from the school district website (Pasco.k12.fl.us), and select from the available dates, times and locations. An individual registration form must be completed for the student and every additional family member.
Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
ACADEMIC HONORS
Nicholas (Niko) Sobestanovich, of Land O’ Lakes, was named salutatorian at Saint Leo University, University Campus in Pasco County. Sobestanovich earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting. He completed a spring internship with Strategis CPAs & Consultants, in Lutz, and accepted a full-time job with the firm as a tax accountant. Chloe Padron, of Spring Hill, earned the recognition of class valedictorian and was named the winner of the Clara McDonald Olson Scholarship Award, which is given to a University Campus undergrad with the highest grade point average over four years of study. Padron graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in management. Both of the students studied in programs offered by the Saint Leo University Tapia College of Business.
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• Angelica C. Gonzalez, of Lutz, was named to the spring Dean’s List at Iowa State University,Ames, Iowa. • Danny Jennings, of Land O’ Lakes, earned a Master of Science in occupational therapy professional development from Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. • Anapaula Rios-Rosales graduated magna cum laude from Saint Leo University and will attend Edward Via College of Osteophathic Medicine in Auburn,Alabama. • Megan Rizzi, of Lutz, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina. • Amy Stanton, of Odessa, was recognized to the spring President’s List at Georgia College, Milledgeville, Georgia.
FREE VACCINATIONS
The Florida Department of Health – Pasco County is teaming up with Pasco County Schools and Health Hero to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to Pasco County students age 12 and older. The free vaccinations also will be made available to children’s eligible family members. Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at several school locations around the county. Appointments are required to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. The dates listed below are for the first and second doses. On June 21 and July 12: • J.W. Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road,Trinity - 8 a.m. to noon, in the cafeteria. Enter the school from Photonics Drive and park in the first parking lot on the right. On June 22 and July 13: • Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes – 8 a.m. to noon. Park in the student parking area. On June 23 and July 14: • Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City – 8 a.m. to noon. From State Road 52, pull in after the tennis courts and park in the staff or gym parking lot. • Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park in the faculty parking lot and take the sidewalk between Building 300 and the main office.
DAVRON, a local executive search and outplacement firm in Land O’ Lakes, will host a school supply drive through June 28, to benefit Christian Social Services (CSS) of Land O’ Lakes. CSS provides food, clothing, supportive services and Christian hospitality to families and individuals in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties. For each donation, a raffle ticket will be given to be entered into a live drawing for a chance to win prizes from local businesses, such as restaurant gift cards, trampoline park admission tickets, and more. DAVRON also will host a company fishing tournament for staff, and for every fish caught, DAVRON will donate $10 to CSS. Donations of school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes can be dropped off at the DAVRON office, 6753 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SUMMER FOOD SERVICE
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program will continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county. All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger. East Pasco school sites include: Cypress Creek High, Double Branch Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco High, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Cox Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, San Antonio Elementary, Sand Pine Elementary, Watergrass Elementary, Wesley Chapel Elementary, Wesley Chapel High, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Wiregrass Ranch High and Woodland Elementary. In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Sunlake High. Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup. School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh. For questions, please email FNS@pasco.k12.fl.us.
UNLIMITED BUS RIDES
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20. The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31. The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations: • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel • PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey • All Pasco County Libraries For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.
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District 38 state Rep. Randy Maggard, R-Dade City, was the featured guest speaker during the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce June 3 business breakfast meeting at Golden Corral in Zephyrhills.
MAGGARD, from page 1A these moons and stars to line up so often, when you have people (in the state legislature) from here (in East Pasco).”
BULLISH ABOUT BILLS
Maggard detailed several pieces of legislation that he supported, and which ultimately became Florida laws during the recent session. For instance, he told the audience that the state’s enhanced “right-to-farm” law expands protections for farmers by generally making it more difficult for residents to sue over the impacts of agriculture operations — whether for flooding, burn fields or other reasons. “You would not believe the lawsuits filed against farmers,” said Maggard.“They get sued more than you’ll ever know.” The speaker underscored “the pressure” Florida farmers face relating to rapid growth and development — noting the state is now netting about 1,000 new residents per day. “The farming industry is a lot bigger and we do a lot more than people realize,” Maggard said. He also talked about a new state law that limits civil liability against businesses for damages related to COVID-19 — creating separate standards and procedures for lawsuits against general businesses and entities versus litigation against healthcare providers. In other words, the law is designed to protect restaurants, retail shops and other establishments from lawsuits if an individual contracts COVID-19 in those places. “We had to do something to protect our businesses,” the lawmaker said. “I can tell you, certain sides were ganging up and getting ready to unload on businesses off of easy and cheap lawsuits, saying,‘Oh, my constituent got COVID in your establishment,’ and the numbers were startling how they were lining up for that to happen, so I’m particularly proud of that bill that protects the businesses,” he said. Another bill Maggard helped push through was enhanced civics education programming for public school districts and charter schools, requiring Florida high school students to earn three social studies credits covering U.S. history, world history, economics and U.S. government. It also requires the Florida Department of Education to develop or approve integrated civic education curriculum that meets certain requirements, including “a comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential toward the founding principles of the Unites States,” according to the bill’s text. The lawmaker said the legislation is needed to educate youth on the perils of communism and socialism beyond “what the world paints, that it’s a little rosy picture.” “We forget what we have.We forget these freedoms,” said Maggard.“If we don’t teach it, maybe it’s our fault.” The state representative also addressed the governor’s signing HB1, the so-called “antiriot” bill, which increases penalties for bad actors who turn otherwise peaceful and constitutional protests into violent assemblies where law enforcement officers are attacked
and public and private property is destroyed. The bill signed into law in mid-April came in the wake of civil unrest throughout the country over the last couple of years. Maggard observed of the highly-publicized legislation:“(It’s) basically saying, you’re not going to defund your police department, and if you want to protest, it’s fine to protest, you have that right, but you’re not going to burn down the Golden Corral to do it, you’re not going to burn down the bank across the street to do it. “There’s a lot of ways you can (protest) in this country, freely.You can walk up and down this road, but you’re not going to burn anything down. That’s not freedom of speech, that’s called rioting. Rioting’s against the law. We all work hard for this.We all work hard for what we do every day, and I think it’s a great bill, actually. It’s sad that we even have to have a bill like this.” Maggard also shared his viewpoint on the controversial law prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in female sports, dubbed the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act.” Signed by DeSantis on June 1, the law specifies an athletic team or sport that is designated for females, women, or girls may not be open to students of the male sex, based on the student’s biological sex listed on the student’s official birth certificate at the time of birth. The bill applies the requirements to interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural, or club athletic teams or sports that are sponsored by a public secondary school, high school, public college, or university institution. Maggard said the law “doesn’t allow boys and men to play in girls’ sports,” a comment which drew rounds of applause from Zephyrhills Chamber members in attendance. The lawmaker acknowledged the transgender community’s perspective, but also remarked, “How about the other 99.5% of folks? My granddaughter, I’m thinking of her during these conversations.” The entire measure brought about what Maggard labeled as “interesting testimony” from all involved parties. “That was a bill we got a lot flak over, but it’s just right,” he said. “You would not believe the hate e-mails and phone calls we got from that. It was quite interesting,” he said. Maggard elsewhere described being “most proud of” of a pair of other bills, one related to reclaimed water reuse technology requirements for utility companies; another related to auditing requirements and increased scrutiny of independent special taxing districts. Meanwhile, Maggard said DeSantis deserves “big credit” for keeping the Sunshine State open and restrictions relaxed amid the coronavirus crisis. “Not everybody liked it, not everybody was for it,” said Maggard,“but I can tell you, at the end of the day, ask the rest of the nation, when we talk to all of them, they want to be Florida. “People want to go back to work, people didn’t want to quit working, and the kids wanted to go back to school. “I think we need to thank our governor for standing up, because I’ll tell you what, he took a lot of criticism, a lot of hit from that,” Maggard said.
When he wasn’t able to drive into the area because of the emergency, Mahoney said,“Steven donned over 60 pounds of firefighting gear on his back and ran over 2 miles to the World Trade Center, ultimately losing his life that day at the South Tower.” Siler was one of 343 firefighters who perished, of the 406 first responders lost that day, Mahoney said. He left behind five young children. The foundation provides mortgage-free homes for recipients in its Smart Home, Fallen First Responder and Gold Star Family programs. Typically, it either provides mortgagefree homes or pays off the mortgage, he said. By the end of this year, it will have paid off or provided 400 homes. The Let Us Do Good Village will be created on about 75 acres, on the south side of Parkway Boulevard, about a half-mile east of Ehren Cutoff. It will include specially adapted onefloor homes, on 100-foot-wide lots, for catastrophically injured veterans, the foundation’s Smart Home Program. It also will provide two-story homes, on 60-foot lots, through its Fallen First Responders Program and through its Gold Star Family program. The foundation believes that bringing these families together will help them to recover, Mahoney said. “Their children are going to be able to grow up, where other children don’t have a dad, or other children don’t have a mom — because of their service,” the foundation executive said. The county board’s unanimous approval came after the foundation agreed a number of concessions, which will be recorded through a deed restriction. That deed restriction limits the development to 103 lots, said Cyndi Tarapani, a planning consultant representing the foundation. The reduction in lots equates to an overall density of the development of about two homes per acre, she said. The deed restriction also specifies that a 6-foot fence will be installed to separate the new neighborhood from the adjacent Panther Run and Dupree Lakes subdivisions, she said. The development also will include a number of other amenities for its residents, including a clubhouse and neighborhood park,Tarapani added. Mahoney said the foundation also plans to plant trees in backyards. “We want to ensure privacy for our neighbors, and, of course, for our widows and children,” he said. The foundation, technically, was not re-
SUBDIVISION, from page 1A ing the timeline for construction of the widening of Old Pasco Road. Commissioners also wanted to know about trail and sidewalk plans along that portion of the Old Pasco Road widening project. Tammy Snyder, of the county’s planning and development department, told commissioners that design work for the portion of Old Pasco Road near the subdivision is set to be done this summer with construction of the road widening expected by the end of 2023. Snyder said that the road widening also includes a 6-foot-wide sidewalk on one side of the road, a 12-foot-wide multi-use path on the other side of the road and a bike lane on each side of the road. Commissioner Mike Moore said that timing of the road widening seems to nearly coincide with the development of the subdivision. The applicant previously had requested a reduction in the size of the subdivision’s neighborhood park, which planners had recommended. But Commissioner Jack Mariano objected to the reduction during the last meeting and the applicant dropped that request.
quired to provide a deed restriction, according to the county’s legal staff. However, neighbors in Panther Run had pushed back against the project, voicing objections based on concerns about compatibility and potential loss of privacy. Pasco Planning Commission members also expressed misgivings about the compatibility, ultimately recommending denial of the application. After the Planning Commission’s action, the foundation agreed to include additional concessions in its deed restriction — including reducing the number of lots on the Panther Run border, making most of those lots 100-feet wide and developing them with single-story homes. “The foundation has made significant commitments along that common border with Panther Run to address their concerns. We believe we’ve gone above and beyond, in our efforts, to be good neighbors,”Tarapani said. In general, some neighbors still voiced concerns about privacy issues and the intensity of the underlying zoning for the project. But fewer residents expressed objections during the county board meeting than did at the planning commission meeting. Panther Run resident Shelby Carrero, of 6448 Paw Place, thanked county commissioners for meeting with her to discuss the issue. She also thanked Tunnel to Towers Foundation for working with the neighbors. “I think that we have finally come up with a compromise on both sides,” Carrero said. Like many of the new development’s future neighbors, she supports the foundation’s work. “I greatly, greatly appreciate that,” she said. She’s also looking forward to the new community which the foundation will build. “I think we couldn’t ask for better neighbors,” she said, adding, “we are excited to see what they are going to do.” Pasco County Commissioners also expressed enthusiasm for the planned “Let Us Do Good Village.” “I thank you for coming before the board with such a great project,” County Commissioner Jack Mariano said. He also expressed appreciation to the foundation, for listening to the neighbors. “I think you’re making yourself fit in real well,” Mariano said. Commission Chairman Ron Oakley agreed: “You’ve all done a good job in answering the public — the neighbors of that project.” Commissioner Kathryn Starkey put it like this:“I’m very proud that we’re going to have this in our county.”
The tree requirement was added at the board’s June 8 meeting, at the urging of Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “For me to approve this project, it’s going to require a tree in front of every house. Not in the back. Not a queen palm,” she said. Starkey said she will continue to seek the tree condition on every master planned development until the county fixes its landscape ordinance. “Right now, we can put the tree in the backyard,” she said. She wants the county’s ordinance to require a shade tree in front of every house in every new master plan zoning approved by the board. One woman spoke, on behalf of her son, during the public hearing portion of the hearing. He lives behind the development site. The woman told commissioners that the road is packed with school buses, dump trucks and cars every day. She also showed video she took near the subject rezoning. But information provided to the commissioners about the timing of the widening of that portion of Old Pasco Road seemed to alleviate their concerns about adding another subdivision along the road. Commissioners voted 5-0 to grant the request.
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June 16, 2021
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Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source
Women’s soccer league blends fun, fitness, fellowship By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
V
isit Wesley Chapel District Park on any given Sunday evening, and you’re bound to find about 60 women scattered across four teams playing friendly games of soccer. It’s called the New Adult Premier Soccer League, or New APSL, for short. The recreational club was formed around 2013 by Colin Eke, a former semi-professional soccer player from England, who’s been involved with the game for some 50-plus years. The New APSL women’s spring league runs through July 11, with summer, fall and winter seasons planned beyond that. Players come from as far away as Orlando, Spring Hill, Brooksville and St. Petersburg, as well as locally the Dade City, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and other area communities. The club welcomes players of all skill levels, ranging from beginners to advanced. There’s even a player on the league’s Goal Diggers squad — Hudson High School and Flagler College product Lindsay Zullo — who was part of the 2014 Haiti women’s FRED BELLET national football team. The New APSL (Adult Premier Soccer League) has a women’s and men’s division. Both divisions take advantage of the long summer days, with “Anyone can come play,” Eke said, game action continuing after sunset. Here, before field lights are illuminated, the Goal Diggers are silhouetted against a sky of the approaching in a recent interview with The dusk. From left, teammates Victoria Rybka, Ashley Chevalier, Emily Myers and Briana Breland, all of Spring Hill, have a brief sideline discussion Laker/Lutz News.“There’s no division during a water break in their game against the Benito team. Goal Diggers beat Benito, 3-1. between how competitive and recreational. They’re all mixed in together, and they’re all there.” Besides good-natured contests in a welcoming atmosphere, many of these active ladies use the league as a vehicle for exercise and weight loss, and stimulating conversations. “Fun is the word,” Eke said the New APSL.“It’s just ladies coming out to have a good run and having a bit of fun on a Sunday night, getting away from the normal routine they would have during the week, and it’s a way of letting off a bit of steam as well. That’s what makes the difference.” The hardest part of overseeing the yearround women’s league? Sometimes, Eke jokes, it’s whistling to get the ladies together to start the games on time, because they’re usually “chatting away as if it’s a social event” on the sidelines.The conversations cover everything from relationships, to schooling, to cooking and other hobbies. The coveted trophy that will be “They’re all friends.There’s no rivalry be- bestowed to the New APSL league Goal Diggers player Sarah Gelinas of Spring Hill, right, prepares to take control as Sonic player, Jenna tween any of them.They just want to come winner, is revealed. Huetten of Wesley Chapel, covers Gelinas. Gelinas splits her time as a midfielder and goalkeeper. along, relax and enjoy the camaraderie,” the league organizer said. What also makes the club special, Eke said, is the ability for teenage daughters (ages 14 years old and up) to play alongside mothers or guardians for free, fostering a family bonding outing, of sorts. “They enjoy that side of it,” he said. Eke is also quick to note he invites ideas from club members, welcoming suggestions on game times, gameplay rules, field locations, roster sizes and so on. “I’m just a caretaker. I’m just here to listen to what they want,” said Eke. He subscribes to the notion of having an opendoor policy.“If someone wants to talk to me about something different, then I’m pre- Colin Eke is league director for the New APSL. He also splits Isabelle Martinez and her husband, Antonio Martinez, of Dade City, watch pared to listen to it.” his duties as a game referee. their daughter Silvia Martinez play soccer in the New APSL. Except for a close friend, who pitches in to help referee games, Eke is “a one-manband,” coordinating league schedules, reservations and other inquiries, oftentimes in between lunch breaks at his day job at Port Tampa Bay. “It’s good fun. I enjoy it,” Eke said of running the league.“It’s not a job for me, it’s a hobby, you know. It’s a vocation. I enjoy every Sunday night being a referee.” He also makes efforts to coordinate a trophy and awards celebration after each season. League champions generally receive a seasonal prize, such as woolen hats and gloves in the winter, or breathable T-shirts in the summer, along with coffee mugs, beer glasses “or whatever they fancy,” Eke said. The New APSL offers men’s and Hispanic leagues, too. Eke also has toyed with organizing indoor soccer, ultimate Frisbee and cricket leagues in the area, if enough interest picks up with those sports. Playing in one of four new women’s teams in the New APSL “There’s a lot of things I’d love to expand Sarah Gelinas of Spring Hill, left, plays goalkeeper for part of the (Adult Premier Soccer League), Goal Diggers player Alicia into,” he said. match and midfielder for another part of the match. Here, she goes Szilagyi of Hudson, left, squares against Sonic player, Alexandra For information, visit newapsl.com or high to prevent a goal by the Sonic team. Baker of Dade City, who comes in to block Szilagy’s kick. call (813) 610-2278.
8A
June 16, 2021
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What’s Happening
Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge
SUMMER READING
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System kicked off its Tails and Tales 2021 Summer Reading Program, for all ages. The program includes a series of reading challenges, activities and online presentations that will feature animal encounters, magic, music, science, trivia and more. Participants can be eligible for prize drawings that include books, Bluetooth speakers, cameras, gaming consoles, headphones, robotics, tablets and other items.Visit HCPLC.org, and click on the “Online Events and Classes” tab, to find live or pre-recorded programs. For information, call 813-273-3652.
DEEP SEA CRAFT
The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a Summer Reading Craft Video: Deep Sea Fish on June 17 at 10 a.m. Participants can use their own supplies and follow along with the video to create a fun animal-themed craft.Visit Facebook.com/CPLib to access the instruction video. For information, call 727861-3020.
LIBRARY PROGRAMMING
Railfan Friday
Pasco County Libraries will open a new branch, scheduled for later this summer, at the Starkey Ranch Theater Library Cultural Center, near the Odessa/Trinity area.As the new space is prepared, Pasco County Libraries will host a virtual meeting on June 19 at 1 p.m., to discuss the type of programming the community would like to see at the new location.Teens can join in a discussion on June 22 at 2 p.m., regarding teen programming. Information about how to join the Teen Advisory Board and available volunteer opportunities will be included, as well.To register and join the meeting, visit PascoLibraries.org.After registration, a link will be provided to participate.
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will host “Railfan Friday” on June 18 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Dade City Train Depot, 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass. Train enthusiasts of all ages can join in the event for a ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m., for the newest roundhouse. There also will be a guest speaker, books, train videos, a kid-friendly area, and a raffle. The Dade City Youth Council will sell food and refreshments. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Dade City Heritage Museum. For information, call or text 352-424-5778.
PET PALS CRAFT
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a Summer Reading Club Curbside Craft Kit: Pet Pals on June 19 at 10 a.m., while supplies last.The theme of the kit coordinates with the Page Turners’ weekly theme of “Fish Tales.” For information, call 813-929-1214.
GRAPHIC NOVEL CLUB
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present a virtual play,“The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus,” on June 19 and June 26 at 9:30 a.m., June 21 at 6:30 p.m., June 24 at 11 a.m., and June 29 at 4:30 p.m., for ages 4 to 8.The play centers around an 8-year-old girl and her pals who build a junkyard fort that draws the attention of a talking coyote.There will be a Q&A session after the performance. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
LIVE THEATER
The Tampa JCCs and Federation will host a live theater performance of “All My Sons,” by Arthur Miller, at the Cohn Campus J Stage Theatre, on June 17 at 7 p.m., June 19 at 8 p.m., and June 20 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Seating will be socially distanced and masks will be required at all times.Actors will be unmasked.Tickets are $20 each, and sold in single seats and pods of two, three or four seats together. For information about the show and tickets, visit JCCcohncampus.com/jstage.
VIRTUAL STORY TIME
The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a Virtual Summer Reading Storytime: Under the Sea on June 17 at 10 a.m., with the reading of “Rainbow Fish.”To view the video, visit Facebook.com/southholidaylib/.
ORIGAMI CLASS
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host an origami class on June 18 at 4:30 p.m., for ages 7 to 12. Participants can learn to create a custom hat
out of basic supplies, inspired by the social deduction video game,“Among Us.” Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
NEW TAMPA PLAYERS
The New Tampa Players have several shows coming up during the summer.“Motherhood Out Loud” will take place on June 18 and June 19 at 7:30 p.m., and on June 20 at 3 p.m., at Uptown Stage, at the University Mall, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.This presentation, arranged by Dramatists Play Service, includes the humor, raw emotions and rocky roads experienced in life. Motherhood Out Loud contains adult language and adult content; parental discretion is advised.Tickets are $20. For more information, visit NewTampaPlayers.org.
STRING ART
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer an adult curbside pickup craft starting June 21. Participants can learn how to make a DIY string art house project. Materials include wood, nails, string/yarn, paper template, and instructions. Pickup is through June 26. Registration is required through the library’s website. For information, call 813-929-1214.
EAST PASCO DEMOCRATS
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “Mama Griot’s Tall Tales” on June 22 at 2 p.m., for ages 5 to 12. Participants can learn about the history of the American tall tale, and hear stories about John Henry and his singing hammer, Paul Bunyan and his big blue ox babe, and the modern-day fable about the Swamp Angel. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
NETWORKING GROUP
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on June 22 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.The guest speaker will be model/actress Leja Apple. For information, contact Nils Lenz at 813-782-9491 or Vicky Jones at 813-431-1149.
ANIMAL STORY TIME
VIRTUAL PLAY
The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host a live, virtual Graphic Novel Book Club on June 17 at 6 p.m., for ages 18 and older. There will be a discussion on “Marvel 1602.” To register, visit PascoLibraries.org. For information and questions, email emilyb@pascolibraries.org.
TALL TALES
The East Pasco Democratic Club will host a “Coffee and Politics in the Park” social on June 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. Refreshments and music will be provided. For information, visit Facebook.com/eastpascodems, or call 813383-8315.
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present a Story Time with ZooTampa:Amphibians on June 24 at 9:30 a.m., for ages 3 to 6.The program will include stories, action rhymes, songs and interactive online activities, combined with an animal encounter, to promote literacy skills, reading readiness and social interaction. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office and community partners, such as the Pasco NAACP and local churches, will host its next free drive-thru food distribution on June 24, at West Pasco Little League, 6220 Pine Hills Road in New Port Richey.The event will run from 9 a.m., until the food supply is gone. Distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis.
SUSTAINABILITY CLUB
The Sustainability Club Summer Reading Series is a collaboration with Hernando County Public Libraries, Pasco County Public Libraries, Pasco-Hernando State College and the New Port Richey Public Library.The summer program is offered in a virtual setting via Zoom. Upcoming topics will include Social Sustainability on June 24 and Financial Sustainability on July 22. Reading will be comprised of articles that anyone can access through the Florida Electronic Library (FEL).All library card holders have access to FEL.Articles and Zoom links will be emailed to participants when they register for the event. Registration is online through PascoLibraries.org. For questions, email Kayla Kuni at Pasco-Hernando State College at kunik@phsc.edu.
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JUNE 16, 2021
Celebrating their rites of passage By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
T
heir milestones sparked joy. It didn’t matter whether they were wrapping up pre-kindergarten or picking up a master’s degree. They could have been moving up to middle school, or heading off to college. Whatever they were celebrating, it was a moment of
pride — and we thank their loved ones for submitting a photo to us, so we could share that part of their story with our readers. Two of those pictured here — Roman Boukorras and Rylie Chisholm — are part of The Laker/Lutz News’ family. They are the nephew and niece of Katie Fernandez, an account manager for our newspaper. Here, without further ado, we celebrate our “graduates.”
COURTESY OF BERMICE MATHIS
Shabanese D. Barrick, Saint Leo University, posing with her grandmother, Dr. Bermice S. Mathis-Thomas
COURTESY OF CHRISTINE FEDERSPIEL
Courtney Federspiel, Steinbrenner High School
COURTESY JULIANNA STEPHENSON
Liliana Stephenson, Kids R Kids
COURTESY OF RUSTY HAMMON COURTESY OF DAVID AND MARTHA HODIERNE
Julia Hodierne, Land O’ Lakes High School
William Asa Hammon, Cambridge Christian School
COURTESY OF LAURA BARTHLE
Evelyn Hernandez, Zephyrhills High School
COURTESY OF JESIKA KNIGHT COURTESY OF ERIN DOUGHERTY
Devyn Dougherty, The Pennsylvania State University
Jordyn Knight, Wesley Chapel Elementary School
COURTESY OF CORINNE MYS COURTESY OF TERESA COLLINS
Nathan Reeves, Sunlake High School
COURTESY OF KEITRA WATERMAN
Olivia Cruz, Seven Oaks Elementary
COURTESY OF KATIE FERNANDEZ
Rylie Chisholm, St. Joseph Catholic School
Kayla Mys, Pasco-Hernando State College and Wesley Chapel High School
COURTESY OF LAURA BARTHLE
Malcolm Gibbs IV, Pasco High School COURTESY OF KEITRA WATERMAN
COURTESY OF SUSAN ESPADA
Eva Waterman, Cypress Creek Middle School
COURTESY OF ROB SIMONELLI
Nicholas Simonelli, Wiregrass Ranch High School
Caylee Gonzalez, Florida Gulf Coast University
”
COURTESY OF ROMA ESTEMCDONALD
Romal EsteMcDonald, Wiregrass Ranch High School
COURTESY OF AIMEE ENSIGN
Bella Ensign, Wiregrass Ranch High School
COURTESY OF JOY AND GERALD SAGE
Grace Koplan, Cypress Creek High School
COURTESY OF KATIE FERNANDEZ
Roman Boukorras, Backyard Bears Day School
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Rebecca Urbonas, Florida Atlantic University
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of the Year. In addition to nearly 600 volunteer hours, Moser has created eight different stained glass windows that now can be seen at various locations at the aquarium.And, Moser and his wife donated their stimulus check to the aquarium. The Outstanding Service Award was given to both Patrick McGirk and Edwin Rodriguez. McGirk has volunteered almost 1,600 hours over the past two years. He has a passion for restoring coral reefs and also has helped the planting of the butterfly garden at the nonprofit’s Center for Conservation in Apollo Beach. Rodriguez has been volunteering at the aquarium for more than five years. He spends his time in marine operations helping to clean. A total of 33 volunteers have been donating their time for at least 10 years. John “Al” Oaks, Barbara Shank, Lillian Kenney, Jeri Carford, Ronald Carford, Karen Curd, Patricia Hare,Tina Lewis and R.Warren Hogg have each been volunteering at the aquarium since its opening in 1995.
Pasco County Animal Services is partnering with Subaru of Port Richey and Hits 106 for free microchipping for dogs on June 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for Pasco County residents. The drive-thru event will take place at the Subaru dealership, 11613 U.S. 19 in Port Richey. Preregistration is required online, with a limit of three dogs per vehicle. Visit app.waitwhile.com/book/pascocountyas. A cat-only event will be planned for a later date.
ADOPT A SHELTER CAT
June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, so Best Friends Animal Society offers this advice on adopting a feline friend. • Busy? There are cats for that. Shelters and rescues often have two adult cats that have grown up together and want to go home together. A pair of cats already has a friend! While you’re away, the cats will have each other for company and security. • Extroverts need love, too. If you are a homebody, then you will have more time to play with an active kitty. Some cats also can be trained to walk on a leash or go for stroller rides. • Consider a solo artist. There are many cats that are great with people but terrified of other cats.These cats may not make a great first impression if they are in a shelter surrounded by other cats. But, once they are in a home, they will flourish. • Involve the whole family. It is important to take everyone in the home to meet a prospective cat, so you can observe how they interact with the cat. Every cat can react differently to every child. • Keep an open mind. Don’t get hung up on color, sex or age. Not all cats’ personalities fit into stereotypes. Don’t discount a cat because they aren’t male or female, or orange or fluffy. By doing so, you will have the best odds of finding a great match. If you are still unsure, give the shelter team an opportunity to play matchmaker.
PROTECTING DEER POPULATION
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rule changes that prohibit importing or possessing whole carcasses or high-risk parts of deer, elk, moose, caribou and all other species of the deer family originating from any place outside Florida, according to a news release. The rule changes continue the FWC’s work to protect Florida’s deer populations by reducing the risk of chronic wasting disease spreading into the state. The changes will go into effect on July 1. To learn more about chronic wasting disease and the carcass importation rules, visit MyFWC.com/CWD.
SHARE YOUR PET NEWS
If you have pet news about adoptions, walks or other events for pet owners and their pets, you can let us know by sending us an email.We just need the basics: who, what, when, where and why. The information should be submitted two weeks prior to the desired publication date. We also need a contact name and number, in case we have questions. There is no guarantee of publication, but we consider each item we receive. If you’d like to make a submission, send it to news@lakerlutznews.com. Readers can find Pets of the Week and Local Wildlife photos on our website at LakerLutzNews.com.
VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED
Nearly 300 people volunteer each year at The Florida Aquarium. Nine of those volunteers have been donating their time since the aquarium opened 25 years ago, according to a news release. The aquarium recognized several individuals for their outstanding service and contributions. Ken Moser was honored as Volunteer
Send business news to news@lakerlutznews.com
NEW MEETING PLACE FOR ENPG
The East Pasco Networking Group is moving its meetings to a new location. It will begin meeting at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, in the Ron Oakley Room, at 7:30 a.m. on July 13. The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will make the move official by having a ribbon cutting that day. Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles will be the featured speaker at the meeting. The center is located at 6585 Simons Road, in Zephyrhills. For more information, call Nils Lenz, at 813-782-9491 or Vicky Jones at 813431-1149
VOLUNTEER WITH PASCO HERNANDO SCORE
By volunteering with Pasco Hernando Score, you can share your business expertise with local entrepreneurs, expand your professional network and meet other experts in various fields. You can also develop new skills through training. To find out more, email: info@score439.org, or call 727-8424638.
NEW DIRECTOR FOR PASCO FINE ARTS COUNCIL
Lianna Tatman has been named the new director for the Pasco Fine Arts Council. She is an arts administrator with a specialty in cultural programming and community relations. She holds a master of arts from the University of Buffalo, in Arts Managements. She also has presented internationally on the role of the arts in global issues.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
This ribbon cutting was presented by the North Tampa Bay Chamber and the Carrollwood Area Business Association: • Momentum Chiropractic, June 10, 224 E. Bearss Ave. This ribbon cutting was presented by the North Tampa Bay Chamber • Valentino’s Fine Jewelers, June 3, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive, Suite 828, in Lutz.
CELEBRATING LOCAL HEROES
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the community’s healthcare workers, first responders and other local heroes for their significant ef-
forts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The celebration will be June 23, at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., in New Port Richey. The event begins with hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 6:30.Tickets are $50 per person but if you purchase your ticket before 5 p.m. on June 16, you receive a $5 discount. Purchase your tickets online at www.GreaterPasco.com.
CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER HIRES ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
The Carrollwood Cultural Center has hired Ashley Lord to be its director of community engagement. She will serve as the center's liaison with other community organizations and will manage the volunteer program. Lord has spent most of her career as an educator, performer, and artist. She is the former program coordinator for the Kids on the Block educational puppetry program that served all the Hillsborough County elementary schools. She also holds credentials to teach music for kindergarten through 12th grade and drama for sixth through 12th grade. She also has expertise in expressive arts, dance, dramatic play and sound circles. The Carrollwood Cultural Center is an arts-based nonprofit located at 4537 Lowell Road in Tampa. Lord can be reached at 813-922-8167.
ENTREPRENEUR EDUCATION SERIES
Overcoming the Summer Slump: Learn how to market in slow season.The slow season is a great time to focus on creating valuable content to attract new and existing customers, as, during the busy sales season, you probably don't have enough time to engage with your audience, expand your brand's name and grow your reputation in multiple groups of people.This free session is set for June 23, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To find out more, go to pascoedc.com
CHAMBER NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has announced new board members.Their three-year terms begin on July 1.The new board members are: • Kirsty Churchill, director of public relations, Gulfside Healthcare Services • Nick Carideo, manager/operations, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital • Elle Rudisill, attorney/owner, Elle Rudisill Law Firm • Julie Rogers, general manager, Progressive Air Systems, Inc. • Crystal Lazar, president and CEO, Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County
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Access Health Care Physicians LLC has welcomed Dr. Francis Mercado to its medical team, at the practice of Dr. Jennifer Laman in Hudson. Mercado came to Access Health Care after completing a post-graduate internship in Hospital Auxillio Mutuo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he actively worked on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mercado received his medical degree Dr. Francis Mercado with distinction from Universidad Ibero Americana in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 2011. He also has extensive experience in assisting physicians, including serving as a case manager with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., and as a surgical department volunteer at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Washington.
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Premier Community HealthCare will host its fourth annual men’s health day,“Man Up For Better Men’s Health,” on June 21 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at various health centers. Men ages 18 and older can get free health screenings, community resources, light refreshments and more, at these locations: • Dade City Family Health Center, 14027 Fifth St., Dade City • Zephyrhills Family Health Center, 37920 Medical Arts Court, Zephyrhills • New Port Richey Family Health Center, 2114 Seven Springs Blvd.,Trinity • Brooksville Family Health Center, 300 S. Main St., Brooksville Free services include: A1C Test (blood sugar levels), blood pressure screening, skin cancer screening, cancer prevention resources, BMI (body mass index) testing, COVID-19 testing, and HIV screening. For information, call 352-518-2000, or visit PremierHC.org.
The Laker/Lutz News likes to keep our readers informed about available classes, seminars, lectures and events regarding health and wellness issues. Hospitals, doctors, individual practitioners and anyone related to the health care industry can submit information, at least two weeks in advance, to be considered for publication. Photos of events, recognitions and so on, also are welcome. Submissions should include who, what, where, when, cost, contact information, identifications for individuals in a photo (unless it is a large group), and a photo credit. This information should be emailed to news@lakerlutznews.com.
MOBILE UNIT ADDS DATES AdventHealth Mobile Mammography, formerly Tampa Bay Mobile Mammography, provides a quick, convenient way to get a mammogram, which is key to detecting breast cancer early. A physician’s prescription is required for ages 40 and younger; no prescription is needed for those older than 40. Upcoming mobile unit stops in May include: • June 21, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Meals on Wheels of East Pasco, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills • June 26, 10 a.m. to noon: Meadow Pointe HOA, 1500 Meadow Point Blvd., Wesley Chapel • June 29, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.:American House Senior Living, 38130 Pretty Pond Road in Zephyrhills • July 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Palm Tree Acres/Sunnyside MHP, Clubhouse of Palm Tree Acres, 36006 State Road 54, Zephyrhills • July 15, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Zephyrhills First Church of the Nazarene, 6151 12th St., Zephyrhills For questions, call 813-601-1925. To schedule an appointment or for other mobile unit stops, please visit AdventHealthMobileMammography.com, and select “Schedule Appointment” and then “Corporate.”
CONVERSE WITH A NURSE
The Alliance for Healthy Communities will host “Converse with a Nurse,” free virtual groups for moms and moms-to-be. • June 30 at 1 p.m.:“Mindfulness,” by Alyssa Smith, Florida Department of Health • July 14 at 1 p.m.:“Healthy Relationships,” by Megan Koontz, Sunrise Domestic and Sexual Violence Center After each presentation, participants can stay to chat with a nurse, and ask questions and connect to services. To register, please visit EmpoweredCommunities.org/event/.
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Pasco board moves ahead on jail expansion funding Commissioners also appoint members of the Northeast Pasco Rural Advisory Committee By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Commission has authorized county staff to secure funding from the county’s general obligation bonds to pay for expansion of the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center. The expansion is funded through general obligation bonds that Pasco voters approved in November 2018.The board unanimously authorized an amount of nearly $108 million of those funds to pay for the expansion work. The project will add 1,000 new beds, plus major upgrades to the jail’s central services, including medical, laundry, kitchen, intake and administrative facilities to meet a larger capacity. At completion, the 352,700-foot-facility will be about 200,000 square feet larger. The current facility has 1,432 beds, but is operating above capacity. Completion of the expansion will allow the facility, at 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, to house more than 3,000 inmates. Commissioner Jack Mariano requested an update on the project for the board and County Administrator Dan Biles said he would schedule a presentation sometime in July or August. On another matter, the board agreed to amend an ordinance, at the county administrator’s request, to permit greater flexibility in how the county spends it transportation tax increment funds. Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein told the board the proposed change would allow the funds to be transferred to the general fund for other public facilities and services — to the extent they’re not needed for mobility fee subsidies. “The exact amount of this transfer will be determined yearly, as part of the budget process,” Goldstein said. The change also will apply to the Villages of Pasadena Hills, which has its own tax increment financing district.Those funds also had been restricted to transportation-only related costs, Goldstein said. No one from the public spoke either for, or against, the change. In another item, the board appointed members to the Northeast Pasco Rural Advisory Committee. The county’s planning and development department sought applicants for the 13member volunteer board and received 22 applications. The committee’s task will be to evaluate policies and regulations related to the Northeast Pasco Rural Protection Overlay District, and to recommend commercial development design standards and guidelines
to the Pasco County Commission. The northeast rural area is bordered by Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, the Green Swamp, State Road 52 and the Hernando County line. Those appointed to the committee are: • Area residents: Nancy Hazelwood, Anthony Midthun, Lisa Moretti, Mary Kaye Harrison and Diana Hughes Diaz • Area business owners: Craig Linton Jr., James N. Hancock, Paul Boetcher, Frank Greco and Ronnie L. Deese • Land-use attorney: G. Randall (Randy) James • At-large members: Cyndi Tarapani and Chris Williams The board, at the suggestion of Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, also appointed Seth Weightman, one of the applicants, to serve as an alternate. Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, whose district includes the area, said “the staff did a good job of selecting the 13 out of the 22.” With Northeast Pasco’s growth, the board will be able to address issues regarding the need for workforce housing and other issues, he said. Oakley said the board will provide an avenue for input. “People will be able to voice their opinion,” the commission chairman said. Advisory committee members will serve until a final recommendation is made to the county board and then the committee will disband. On another issue, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she would like to pursue a board workshop on the issue of the county’s vacation rentals ordinance. She said she knows that opinions are divided on the issue, but she thinks something must be done regarding the county’s current ordinance — which she said is not working. It is not yet known whether a workshop will be held. In other action, the board: • Authorized the acquisition of 7.41 acres on State Road 54 for what will become Fire Station No. 5, and will serve central Wesley Chapel and communities within a 5-mile radius. A market value appraisal was completed on Feb. 8, using a sales comparison approach and it came in at about $3.1 million.The parcel is vacant and is zoned for commercial uses. The county’s purchase price is $2,450,000.00. • Approved a task order with Fleishman and Garcia Architects and Planners, AIA, PA (FGA) to perform architectural, engineering and related services for the design and construction of Fire Station No. 18 on Chancey Road in Zephyrhills in an amount not to exceed $261,230.00 for fiscal year 2021. • Accepted the donation of an electronic varsity scoreboard from the Dade City Little League, Inc. for John S. Burks Memorial Park. The 8-foot-by-4-foot LED scoreboard with wireless remote control, is valued at $3,090. It will be used for baseball games.
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DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH!! Bring all investors and flippers. Here is a gem waiting to be turned into someone's dream home! Great 165x140 - 1/2 acre lot. Brand new A/C. Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712
WATERFRONT LOTS WEEKI WACHEE Beautiful WATERFRONT property! Build here and watch the sunset over the water right from your own piece of paradise. OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE! Call Stacy Gervais at 813-842-3077 PICTURESQUE WATERFRONT LOT Come build your dream home in the heart of Land O' Lakes! Beautiful High and dry lot on a canal. Canal connects to Green Lake. Ready for the Boat and Friends! Make watersports your passion and life style with skiing and fishing out your back door! Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712
HUDSON Vacant building lot located in a community. Private boat ramp for residence. Canal goes directly to the Gulf of Mexico through Sea Pines Channel. No bridges. Near the New Sunwest Park. Call Ava Rossler at 727-992-4974. WOODED BEAUTY BELL LAKE & ALPINE in Land O Lakes. Come build your dream estate or family compound. Great Location, beautiful wooded lot. Almost 3 acres. NO DEED RESTRICTIONS! City water available. Property can be subdivided into two lots. Build on one and sell the other. $299,900 Call Cody at 813909-0712 DADE CITY LAKE LOT over 1 acre building lot on beautiful and peaceful Lake Pasadena. Located in the rolling hills of Dade City, this level building lot could be the perfect place for your dream home. There is a covered sitting area on the dock, so bring your fishing pole and/or favorite beverage and enjoy the sunsets. Power pole and water. Call Cody at 813-909-0712
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Volunteers needed for oversight board The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
The Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee (JEOC) is looking for new volunteers to participate in the committee that oversees the use of the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund (JEOTF) portion of Penny for Pasco, according to a county news release. The JEOC committee members are responsible for ensuring Penny for Pasco spending meets the requirements to promote projects creating new jobs and economic growth. The committee consists of nine members, appointed by the Pasco County Commission, representing diverse knowledge and expertise from each of the following areas: finance/banking, agriculture, real estate, manufacturing and other private industries. The committee meets at least once a quarter and presents annual updates to the Pasco
County Commission. Selected members will serve a term of one year or two, depending on the industry. The committee currently has openings for agriculture, real estate and industrial professionals, according to the news release. Pasco County residents first passed the Penny for Pasco local government infrastructure surtax in 2004, to pay for county, city and Pasco County School Board improvements. The JEOTF portion, adopted in 2015, is estimated to generate more than $60 million in revenue to be used for target industry job creation and economic development projects designed to improve the local economy. Anyone interested in serving on the JEOC is asked to submit a letter of interest and resume to Economic Growth Manager David Engel at dengel@mypasco.net. Applications are being accepted through June 18.
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specializing in reroofs & repairs
813-892-0738
6B
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OBITUARIES
O
ur beloved angel, Dale Saunders, earned her wings on June 2, 2021. She was surrounded by love in her ascending moments. Her legacy of love, compassion, and empathy lives on in the hearts, minds, and lives that she touched and the chosen family that was blessed to call her sister, aunt, and friend.
Dale was passionate about helping others. She spread sunshine everywhere she went - whether it be at her local Publix or feeding the homeless at Trinity Cafe. She found joy in giving back to her community through her many acts of kindness. Dale was an incredibly devout woman who inspired those she came in contact with. She found great solace within her faith with her church family. Being an 8th dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do, she shared her knowledge and love of the martial art in her dojang, Yung Ho Tae Kwon Do, in Lutz, FL for many years. Loved and respected, many students earned their belts under her instruction. Some of her students returned to instruct along with her and for her when she semi-retired due to scleroderma.
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A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Dale’s honor to the Scleroderma Foundation on their website, www.scleroderma.org. Condolences and memories can be sent to Dale.Saunders.Memories@gmail.com and will be read at the Celebration of Life unless otherwise requested. Dale was beloved by those that knew her. She was the physical embodiment of ‘Live, Laugh, Love.’ She will be deeply missed.
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www.LakerLutzNews.com
June 16, 2021
7B
Axe of Kindness owners Shaun Sikat, Sikat leeft and Riley Payne, Payne operate a family business with acctivities for every age and interest. interest
Family Fun n at Axe of Kindness AXE THROWING G, VIDEO GAMES AND D CRAFT BEER
W
hen the owners of Axe of Kindness in Z h hill tell Zephyrhills ll folks f lk they are a family destination, they often get questioning looks. “When people think of axe throwing, they assume our customers are young, athletic adults who also want a bar scene,” explains Shaun Sikat, owner of Axe of Kindness. “But we’re we re everything but that. that We We have created a fun place to go for families and kids to play video games and learn how to throw an axe so they can play games against each other, much like a family goes bowling together.” This vision of giving local families and kids a place to go that is fun, safe, afffordable and close to home is a bit unique in the competitive axe throwing world. But in Zephyrhills, it’s a perfect blend of activities and purpose that has made it a success. Axe of Kindness opened Easter weekend in a 5,000 square foot building on 5th Av Avenue in the heart of downtown Zephyrhills. Since then, thousands of area residents have come to check out its spacious ax throwing lanes, immerse themselves in a wide selection of video games, and enjoy a beer or glass of wine with friends. “It’s been so much fun to have so many people visit us since our grand opening,” said co-owner Riley Payne. “There is something for everyone to do, even if it’s just watching others play.” The goal of Sikat and Riley is to create a family fun center and a place for teens and young adults to gather in a safe environment close to home. “Zephyrhills is a small town, and like a lot of small towns with not much to do, it’s easy for kids to go down the wrong path,” said Sikat, who moved to Zephyrhills when he was 13. “W We want to channel their boredom and energy and offffer kids healthy alternatives to keep them busy and out of trouble.” Axe Throwing Is Easier Than You Think When you walk into Axe of Kindness, the first thing you see are
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the impressiv ve axe throwing lanes. Targets are made from pine and look like oveersized dart boards. Up front are fou ur single lanes and two competitive lanes, and in the back is a private lane perfect for date night or a ssmall group. group All lanes follow guidelines set by WA WATL — the World of Axe Throwing League, which governs urban axe
with a 30-minute lesson from m a professional ax throwing coacch, who teaches safety, form and tech hnique. Axe of Kindness takes safeety very seriously, and there is alway ys stafff on site overseeing safety, giving instructions and teaching g new games. “There are no exceptions w when it comes to safety – we do noot hesi-
“W We’ve created a place for local kidss to come to channel their boredom aand keep energy into healthy alternatives to ke them busy and out of trouble.” — Shaun Sikat, owner of Axe of Kinndness throwing memberships in 19 countries. “Throwing an ax is much easier than most people think, and your size and physical strength has little to do with how well you play,” explains Payne, a petite woman who is just 5 feet tall. “It’s more about finesse than strength, and it’s not unusual for a woman to outplay her man because she has better control.” Learning to throw an axe begins
tate to ask guests to leave if they are not following the rules,” explains Sikat. All players sign a releasse, and safety rules are reviewed aat every years or game. Children must be 11 y must be older to play, and parents m orm. present and sign a release fo Ax throwing is priced veery reasonably — $20 for 30 minuttes, $30 minutes. for 1 hour and $40 for 90 m The cost includes all equuipment and coaching.
Video Games s Galore Most guests begin with axe throwing, and then move m on the video games. Both children and a adults enjoy the video game area, where games range from traditional traditionaal Pac-Man and Donkey King, to race car driving and new high-tech games. All video games cost justt $1, and change machines are on site. Weekly specials at Axe of Kindness include “SIN” We Wednesdays for employees inn the service indusindus try, including servers, ervers, hosts, chefs and bartenders, who receive 10% offf axe throwing from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Then it’s Throw It Out Thursday — all you can throw for just $30. Plus, active military, veterans and first responders receive a 15% discount every day. Axe of Kindness has a large selection of craft beer, meads and wines. Food in its snack bar is pre-packaged for safety, and a 500-square-foot outside patio has two axe throwing lanes, inflatable axe throwing for kids, a fire pit and outside seating. “W We welcome families from throughout Pasco County to come to Zephyrhills and visit Axe of Kindness. We We guarantee you will have more fun than you ever imagined,” said Sikat.’’ PAID ADVERTORIAL
$ OFF $5 1 HOU HOUR UR
AXE E THROW WING
AxeOfKindnessFL.com
Wed – Fri, 2 to o 10 p.m. Sat, noon to 8 p.m. Sun, noon to 8 p.m.
544 5th Ave. • Zeph hyrhills, FL 33541 8B
June 16, 2021
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