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Soaring above life’s everyday routine By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
When people see a colorful hot air balloon gliding across the sky in Land O’ Lakes or Wesley Chapel, or other nearby places — chances are the beauty of the balloon is what captures their attention. But that’s a mere glimpse into the stories that play out every week in the hot air balloons operated by American Balloons, based in Land O’ Lakes. Just a few weeks ago, a couple got engaged during a flight that Tom Warren piloted out of Zephyrhills. After the groom-to-be popped the question, the balloon operator guided the balloon to a landing in the middle of the fiancée’s family’s property in Dade City where a big group was waiting. During another recent week, the balloon operator piloted three engagements and a wedding. American Balloons has flown hospice patients who wanted to fulfill a final wish, and has taken up wounded warriors so they could experience the freedom of flight, said Jessica Warren, the B.C. MANION/STAFF PHOTOS company’s owner. Balloon pilot Tom Warren shoots flames into the interior of a balloon, to It has helped people celebrate heat the air in the balloon. The hot air is what gives the balloon its lift. birthdays, anniversaries and retirements. It has played a role in solemn events, too, as people bid a final farewell to a loved one. The couple, who have operated the business for 17 years, enjoys sharing the tranquil experience that ballooning offers. And, they never know whom they’ll be flying next. Some passengers travel from far away places to catch a ride on the wind, while others come from just around the block. So far, their oldest passenger was 97, while the youngest were infants. Their balloons, equipped with doors, can accommodate people who use wheelchairs Tom Warren piloted a hot air balloon from American Balloons over New and have other physical limits. Tampa on a recent Thursday morning. In the distance, another balloon comJessica Warren dismantles a balloon after a morning Passengers have different reasons for pany is giving passengers a ride. flight over New Tampa. boarding the balloon. Jessica Warren was sitting in the lobby one morning at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa in Wesley They came from Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Lake The 10-passenger balloon, which Chapel, checking passengers in. Magdalene, Carrollwood and Tampa. stands 90 feet tall and 55 feet wide, American Balloons typically offers more “This guy came downstairs and began There was an air of anticipation as the is fueled by propane, he said. It can than 150 flights a year, based on weather. The comasking questions,” she said. group traveled by van to a field in New heat up to 208 degrees near the top pany also handles a wide variety of special events. When she explained the flight, the man Tampa, where the flight would depart. of the balloon, and that heat is what For more information or to book a balloon, visit wanted to join the group.And he could, beAt the field, the Warrens and their three- keeps the balloon aloft. AmericanBalloonRides.com, or call (813) 243-9507. cause there was room — two scheduled member crew sprang into action. They He controls the balloon’s direcFlights cost $189 per adult and $125 for children, passengers had failed to show up. quickly unloaded the massive fabric balloon tion by raising and lowering the ages 5 through 15. Discounts are available for It turns out the man was from Puerto Rico and spread the envelope flat on the ground. balloon, to ride the wind, which groups of six or more. and was suffering from a brain tumor, the bal- They rigged the balloon’s vents and set up blows in different directions and at The company also offers private exclusive flights loon company owner said. He was traveling giant fans to inflate the balloon. varying speeds, depending on the alat $525 per couple. The price includes a hot air balthe world while he could, dipping into as Finally, they shot propane flames into the titude. loon ride, a crew to inflate and pack up the many new experiences as time would permit. interior to heat the air, which is what causes Every flight is unique, the balballoon, a professional pilot and a traditional chamWhether it’s from a sense of adventure, a the balloon to rise. loon pilot said. pagne toast and breakfast, following the flight. penchant for romance, or a matter of mere Within minutes, it was time for passen“We’re not going to go very far curiosity, the company attracts enough pas- gers to board. Some used footholds to climb today,”Tom Warren said.“There’s not sengers to fly more than 150 flights a year. It into a compartment, while others stepped a lot of wind. It’s the kind of crapshoot that smooth landing.” would fly more, but many flights are can- through an open door into the other side of God gives you every day.” “It was quiet and peaceful,” her husband celled because of weather conditions. the basket. On this particular day, passengers can see Tom said, noting he especially enjoyed expeOne recent Thursday morning, a group As they prepared to launch,Tom Warren stands of cypress, shimmering ponds and a riencing “the beauty of creation.” of seven passengers gathered at the hotel — who has flown balloons all over the gorgeous sunrise as they glide above New Jimi Gillespie of Carrollwood acknowlbefore dawn to check in for their flight. world — began his commentary. Tampa. edged she was bit nervous before the flight. They can see the downtown “I’m a little afraid of heights,” she said, Tampa skyline in the distance and can but it turned out that the ride was smooth check out The Shops at Wiregrass, and not at all intimidating. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, PascoGillespie enjoyed seeing the world from Hernando State College’s Porter a different perspective. Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, and subdi“It’s a vantage point you don’t typically visions nearby. get, so that was interesting,” she said. The balloon pilot has seen some inBrian Bernhard of Lake Magdalene has a teresting sights through the years. He’s pilot’s license, so he’s no stranger to flight. seen boars the size of cows on land But this was his first time up in a balloon. within Wiregrass Ranch. He’s seen “I loved it,” Bernhard said. marijuana being cultivated in a field Jim and Kathy Appleby of Lutz both said behind apartments. He’s seen nudists they enjoyed the flight. After six cancellaon their back porch in Caliente, a tions by the balloon company, and three clothing optional community in Land cancellations from themselves, the couple O’ Lakes. was finally able to go on a ride. During this particular flight, Now, Kathy Appleby said, she can scratch though, the winds were calm, the that off her bucket list. wildlife was hiding and the balloon She complimented the balloon pilot and didn’t travel far. crew. As they disembarked, passengers “We’ve done a lot of this stuff and I said they’d had a great time. thought they were very informative,” she “It was so calm. I’m afraid of said.“They were very professional.” heights and I wasn’t afraid at all,” said The pilot was entertaining too, Tom Jessica Warren and John Allen rig the balloon’s cap, to prepare it for an early morning flight. The Kathy Rizzo of Wesley Chapel.“It was- Rizzo added, noting it’s an outing he’d highballoon has vents, which can be used to control the speed of its descent. n’t at all frightening. It was a very ly recommend.
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