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Proposed plan would accelerate projects
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
It’s a tentative list — but if it gains approval and subsequently secures funding, numerous transportation improvements affecting local motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists could occur faster than previously proposed. The new work program presented during the Pasco Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) meeting “represents an over $40 million increase from what we are currently enjoying,” Carl Mikyska, executive director, told members of the MPO board during its Oct. 14 meeting. Public comment will be accepted online regarding the tentative work plan, from Oct. 25 through Oct. 29, and at a public open house will be conducted by the District Seven office of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on Oct. 28.
All public comment, regardless of how it is provided, must be submitted by Nov. 12. (For more details, visit FDOT.gov/wpph/district7.) Jensen Hackett, of the FDOT’s District Seven office outlined some of the proposed changes to the tentative work program, in an update to the MPO board. The board is made up of the Pasco County Commission See PROJECTS, page 9A
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Celebrating long-time volunteers In a pregame ceremony on Oct. 1, the Zephyrhills High press box at Tom Fisher Field in Bulldog Stadium was named the G. First & K. Ryman Press Box. Those attending the game heard new voices emanate from the speakers. Zephyrhills High School teacher Justin Santiago did the play-by-play announcement, replacing Greg First, while Zephyrhills High School teacher Will Terranova, took over Kerry Ryman’s scoreboard operating duties. See story, page 10A.
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Zephyrhills City Councilman Ken Burgess comments on Greg First and Kerry Ryman during the press box naming ceremony.
Friends and family watch as Kerry Ryman and Greg First receive plaques and recognition for their 40 years of voluntary service providing play-by-play and scoreboard duties for the Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs football team. Here, principal Dr. Christina Stanley makes the honor official, during a pre-game ceremony.
Solid waste commercial Resurfacing work rates to change in Pasco proposed for By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Pasco County is proposing that future commercial waste collection rates be determined by the open market. The Pasco County Commission is set to have a public hearing on the issue at its Oct. 26 meeting, at 1:30 p.m., in the first floor board room at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey. The county currently sets a fixed maximum hauling charge based on the size and numbers of containers.The last adjustment for those rates for commercial customers occurred on Jan. 1, 2009, according to agenda backup materials for the county board’s Oct. 12 meeting. During the past 12 years, the costs of equipment, fuel, and staffing for private waste haulers within the county have increased significantly, the agenda materials note. Since the last adjustment, the Producer Price Indices (PPI) for truck transportation have increased over 25%. The county now plans to join other counties around the state in allowing commercial haulers to operate in an open market, and letting competition among private businesses establish the charges. The price for residential waste collection
will not be affected by the change. On another issue, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey raised the need for developing some type of voluntary registry to help the county reach out to leaders of Community Development Districts and Homeowner Associations. She said she would like to be able to create a system to make it easier to reach these groups to provide opportunities for them to learn more about county departments and services, to help them to address issues within their communities. But such meetings are difficult to arrange without contact information for the leadership of the associations, she said. Commissioner Mike Moore agreed that such a registry would have value and supported an effort to create one. He told his colleagues that the county may be able to pick up some pointers from Hillsborough County, on this issue. In other action, the county board: • Amended the composition of the Airport Zoning Commission to add Hidden Lake Airport, and appointed James Bunn to represent that airport. The board, which helps with the creation of airport zoning regulations had three board members in the past, each representing a public use airport: Pilot Country Airport, Tampa North Aero See RATES, page 9A
Suncoast Parkway By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise has included a resurfacing project on the Suncoast Parkway, as part of its tentative work program for fiscal years 2023 through 2027. Siaosi Fine, of the Turnpike Enterprise, briefed the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board about the sole Pasco County project included in that proposed plan, at the board’s Oct. 14 meeting. The resurfacing work would be done on the Suncoast Parkway, from just south of the Hillsborough County and Pasco County line to a little bit north of State Road 52, Fine said. The design funds are included in the tentative five-year work plan in fiscal year 2024 and the construction funds are included in the fiscal year 2025 plan. The total cost would be $23.1 million for work that includes milling and resurfacing, guard rail installation, and signing and pavement marking improvements, he said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who sits on the Pasco MPO board, See SUNCOAST, page 9A
GRAND D OPEN NING! Parking lot upgrades
planned at rec center
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
Florida Parking Inc., doing business as Yellow Dawg Striping of West Central Florida, has been awarded a bid to repair and resurface the existing parking lot at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center Complex, off Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. The bid was awarded in an amount to exceed $249,516, according to agenda backup materials in the Pasco County Commission’s Oct. 12 meeting. The county sent automatic email notices to 142 vendors, including 19 from
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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has announced that his office’s Dade City location has resumed full services, effective Oct. 15. The office is located at 14236 Sixth St., No. 100, in the East Pasco Government Center, in Dade City. The tax collector’s Dade City location has been providing limited services since early August to enable needed remodeling, according to a news release from the tax collector’s office. All services provided at the Dade City of-
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Land O’ Lakes teen shines light on mental health needs By Kathy Steele Special to The Laker/Lutz News
Eliza Smith knows what it’s like to struggle with depression. The Land O’ Lakes 15-year-old, however, has learned some ways to help conquer her challenges. She writes in a journal. She adds up the positive things in her life, daily. And, she does have successes: She has a 4.6 GPA. She’s a former Miss Land O’ Lakes Teen USA, and is the current Teen Miss Earth Florida USA. She will compete for the national Teen Miss Earth USA in January. Now, she’s seeking to help others by sharing her story and advocating for mental health programs such as those offered by NAMI Pasco, a local nonprofit chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In a new normal, where COVID-19 is upending daily lives and increasing everyone’s stress levels, Smith sees mental health education as a calling. “I think that this is what I was meant to do,” Smith said — about her goal of making a difference for others. She said others in her family, including her mother, also have dealt with mental health issues in the past. “It’s something I struggle with personally, so that’s why I care about mental health for others,” Smith said.“I do know what it’s like, and I know friends who struggle with depression and anxiety.” In recent months, she has posted weekly video chats and podcasts on Instagram and other media platforms, specializing in oneon-one interviews with family and friends. She also has completed volunteer service hours, along with other teens, in support of NAMI. “She is passionate,” said Debbie Proulx, NAMI Pasco’s executive director.“She is willing to just put herself out there.” NAMI is a national nonprofit with chapters nationwide. Services include family based support groups, advocacy, one-on-one counseling,
New York, but her family moved school partnerships, education, outto Tampa about two years ago. reach and referrals. NAMI Pasco has seen an asShe attended Alonso High tounding 1,456% increase in new School before moving to Pasco calls from people needing services County and enrolling at Land O’ in the past year, largely due to the Lakes High School. pandemic, said Proulx. She aspires to graduate a “There is a lot of anxiety and deyear early and to enroll at Duke pression,” she said.“Last year it was University. bad, but not as bad as now.” She plans to pursue a nursProulx worries about the hostiliing degree, and is aiming to ty arising from divisions over attain a master’s degree in nursmasks and vaccines. ing by age 25. “This is affecting everyone,” she She has four completed podsaid. casts, with more to come. In-person support groups aren’t She is taking a brief break possible for now. from her hosting duties to focus So, NAMI Pasco is relying on viron SAT exams in October, when tual support groups to discuss she also celebrates turning 16. whatever issues people are facing, After the break, she intends Proulx said. to return to a routine of posting “They are really supporting one podcasts or video chats weekly another,” she said.“You will see disor monthly. agreements, but at the end of the One especially memorable day, they are really supporting each podcast featured a frank discusother.” sion with her mother and her The Land O’ Lakes teen said she aunt. has seen the impact of COVID-19 “We had a really deep conat school, as well, particularly while versation and tears flowed,” taking classes virtually. Smith said. “Everyone kind of stopped The podcast “shows how to doing what they were doing,” be vulnerable in a good way. Smith said.“I know kids who loved Even if I have crazy dreams, my going to school who kind of family supports me to have a slumped.” better life than they had growShe said she hopes her podcasts ing up in Queens.” help educate people about mental One of her passions is being health but also send the message involved in pageants, which she that no one is alone. said encourages her growth and COURTESY OF ELIZA SMITH confidence, and has opened Help is close by, she said, through organizations such as Land O’ Lakes High School student Eliza Smith is involved in doors to her. volunteer efforts to help spread the word about mental health NAMI Pasco. “I didn’t hesitate to take the Smith said she prefers doing programs, such as those offered by NAMI Pasco. She’s also opportunity and try it out,” she one-on-one interviews because that involved in pageants, which she says provide a platform to help said. “I got to volunteer and to allows each guest to shine a light raise awareness. promote my platform, and to inon his or her personal journeys. spire others to seek help.” She enjoys talking with people of all ages Being able to listen to the unique stories One door that opened was to NAMI and backgrounds. of everyone is what makes for a great socie- Pasco and volunteer service. Her conversations are free-wheeling, ty, Smith said. “I truly love their organization and what funny and open to any topic though, sooner “Your problems matter.You matter,” she they do,” she said. or later, they always get around to mental said.“And always remember that.” For more information, visit online at health education. Smith grew up in Queens and Brooklyn, NAMI.pasco.org, or call 727-992-9653.
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WATERFRONT LOTS 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
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October 20, 2021
3A
What’s Happening
Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge
JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL The 2021-2022 Festival of Jewish Books & Conversations kicks off on Oct. 21, hosted by the Tampa JCCs and Federation, with inperson and Zoom events.Tickets run from $6 to $36; monthly Zoom discussions are free. Each in-person event will conclude with a book signing by the author. For virtual programs, Zoom information will be emailed after ticket purchase. For a complete list of dates, times and books, visit JewishTampa.com/bookfestival.The festival is sponsored by The Gemunder Family Foundation.The book sponsor is Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg.
TRUNK-OR-TREAT Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center will host a drive-thru Trunk-or-Treat on Oct. 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1402 N. Howard Ave., in Tampa. (The center is in the former Berriman-Morgan Cigar Factory building.) Families are invited to wear costumes as they pick up a goody bag of Halloween treats. For information, email tampa@saintleo.edu or rod.kirkwood@saintleo.edu, or call 813-2262777.
BINGO FUNDRAISER Arts in Motion will host a family friendly Bingo Night Fundraiser on Oct. 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 13921 Seventh St., in Dade City, to raise money for its fall show,“The Sound of Music.”There will be 10 rounds of bingo (a 10-pack of cards will cost $10). There will be a variety of gift baskets as prizes. Pizza, chips, baked goods, sodas and water also will be available.Arrive at 6 p.m., to purchase cards and eat. Bingo will start at 6:30 p.m.
EXPLORE COLOR The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will offer a Take & Make Little Makers Color Exploration Kit on Oct. 22, all day, for ages 3 and older.The kit includes finger-painting supplies, hands-on activities, and a reading list. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Pickup can be done at the drive-thru window or inside. For information, call 727815-7126.
SPOOKY TRAIN & TRAIL The Concourse, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills, is hosting its Spooky Train
Monarch Butterfly
FESTIVAL
The Dade City Youth Council and the Dade City Garden Club will host the city’s Monarch Butterfly Festival on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hibiscus Park, at Seventh Street and Bougainvillea Avenue. There will be a native plant sale; vendors; educational displays and presentations; butterfly talks/conservation; hands-on activities for kids; raffles; and surprises. Guests can enter to win a backyard retreat, too. Lillian Cucuzza, local photographer and author, will introduce her newest photo book, “Butterflies & Dragonflies - A Photo Collection of God’s Unique Creation.” She has authored three photo books and published a children’s book. The book signing and sale will take place all day in the Kids’ Zone, near the Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum. Seminars are at 11 a.m., Butterfly Gardening; noon, Enjoying Butterflies; 1 p.m., What Community Gardens Can Do for You; and at 2 p.m., Creating a Butterfly Puddler. For more information, please visit DadeCityGardenClub.com, or email dcgcmonarch@gmail.com.
and Scary Haunted Walk-thru Trail on Oct. 22, Oct. 23, Oct. 29, Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests can ride the train past and through Halloween venues and walk through a quarter-mile haunted trail.“Do not scare” trail escorts are available upon request for sensitive people or small children.Tickets are sold at the gate.The cost is $8 per person for the Spooky Train; $8 per person for the Haunted Trail; or $15 for both. Children younger than 24 months are free. For information, text 727-639-7639.
FESTIVAL & HAUNTED FARM The Raprager Family Farms, 16907 Boy Scout Road in Odessa, will host a Fall Pumpkin Festival & Haunted Farm on Oct. 22, Oct. 23, Oct. 24, Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. Friday and Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival will include farm animals, pumpkins, an 80-foot giant bounce pillow, a 40-foot hay chute slide, a corn pit, a mini crop maze, live entertainment (comedians, musicians and more), a haunted barn, Fort Merlin (play fort), tractor-pulled hayrides and a greenhouse display, included in the $12.50 cost per person. Children ages 2 and younger are free.There also will be a scarecrow contest. Gem mining, pony rides, face painting and items at the Raprager’s
Sweet Shop will cost extra. For more information and tickets, visit RapragerFamilyFarms.com.
ST. TIM’S FALL FESTIVAL St.Timothy’s Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road in Lutz, will host a Fall Festival on Oct. 23 from noon to 7 p.m. Activities will include inflatables, a rock wall, quad jumper, pony rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts for kids, and live entertainment.The Choo Choo Train will accommodate children and adults.There also will be five food trucks on site. Bingo games are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids activities and entertainment are free.
FAMILY HERITAGE FEST The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host “A Librarian’s Carpetbag of Tips and Tricks,” as part of its Family Heritage Festival, on Oct. 23 at 10:15 a.m., for adults. Participants can discover the different types of libraries that can help with genealogical research, how to scrutinize sources for information, and how to use online databases. For a chance to win a book, provide an address in the registration. Register online at HCPLC.org.
AVALON SPOOKTACULAR Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, 5060 River Glen
Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host a “Spooktacular” celebration on Oct. 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., for the whole family.The night will include costume parades, haunted houses, music, food, trick-or-treating, prizes, and more.
TALL TALES AT MUSEUM The Cracker Country Living History Museum, at the Florida State Fairgrounds, will present its fourth annual “Tall Tales of Old Florida” on Oct. 23 starting at 6:45 p.m., for ages 6 and older. Participants can explore Tampa’s 19th century living museum by night. Storytellers will spin wild yarns about a few of the state’s unexplained oddities, including skunk apes, misbehaving trains, cow-hunting giants, and other legendary creatures.There also will be a magic lantern show. Guests can come early and take part in Victorian games and activities before the tours begin. Each walking tour will last an hour.Admission is $14 per person and includes a snack. Advance purchase tickets are $12 through Oct. 17.Tickets will be sold in time blocks. For information and tickets, visit CrackerCountry.org.
HARVEST FESTIVAL The 12th annual Harvest Festival in downtown Zephyrhills will take place on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.There will be family and children’s activities; live entertainment; shopping and crafts; food trucks; and a business expo and marketplace.Admission is free.
COMMUNITY COOKBOOKS The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will offer “Researching Women: Community Cookbooks and What They Tell Us About Our Ancestors” on Oct. 23 at 1:45 p.m., for all ages. Community cookbooks, also known as fundraising cookbooks, have been around since the Civil War, and are a genealogical source that provides more information than just a recipe. Participants can learn how to use these cookbooks for a family history. For a chance to win a book, provide an address in the registration. Register online at HCPLC.org.
PUMPKIN PILLOWS The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will offer an adult takeSee WHAT’S, page 5A
Land O' Lakes High H School Athletic c Booster Club WOULD LIKE TO CONGRA ATU ULA ATE THE FOLLOWING 2021 SCH HOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS.
William F . . . . .Kim Fish Scholarship / $10,000 Erin W . . . . . . .Kim Fish Scholarship / $6,000 Courtney E . . . .Kim Fish Scholarship / $6,000 Taylor D . . . . . .Kim Fish Scholarship / $6,000
Joseph L . . . . . .Kim Fissh Scholarship / $6,000 Kylie D . . . . . . .Mike Coonnor Scholarship / $1,500 Emmaly H . . . .V Vicky King K Scholarship / $1,500 Hutchinson Scholarship / $1,000 Steven R . . . . . .Doug H Jacob W . . . . . .Darlenee Harris Scholarship / $1,0000 Mia G . . . . . . . .Athleticc Booster Club Scholarship / $500 Alexis F . . . . . .Athleticc Booster Club Scholarship / $500 Marisa G . . . . . .Athleticc Booster Club Scholarship / $500 Zavian M . . . . .Athleticc Booster Club Scholarship / $500
3 NIGHTS, NIGHTS 28 R RIDES 1 AMAZING E RIDES, EXPERIENCE,
FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FA FAMIL LY Y! October 29-31, 20 021 FREE EvENT Only pay for rides, games & food a and $5.00 per car for parking
LAND O' LAKES HERITTA AGE P PA AR RK / COMMUNITY CENTER 5401 Land O' Lakes Boulevard • Land O' Lakes, Florida 34639 HOURS OF OPERA AT TION:
Friday: 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. • Saturday: 12:00 (noon) - 11:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 (noon) - 6:00 p.m.
2021 Swampfeest is dedicated to Doug Hutchison w who was the energy and drive behind Sw worked tirelessly for the wampfest from its inception. Doug w Land O’ Lakes Community and he has left a legacyy of service and volunteerism foor all of us to emulate.
New Swamp Fest st We Website: landolakessw wampfest.com Presale ride tickets for arm bands available until October 288 online (pick up will be at festival ival will-call tent) and until October 29 at the foollowing locations: Land O Lakes High School • Sugarr & Spice School and Daycar Daycare • Pine Vi View Midd dle School • Sanders Memorial Ride tickets and armbands bands available for purchase on the midway beginnning October 29. Costume contest for all ages from infant to adults on October 30, at 5 p.m. Prizes will be givenn out for best costume in each age level. 4A
October 20, 2021
www.LakerLutzNews.com
WHAT’S,
FREE
from page 4A
and-make kit from Oct. 24 to Oct. 30. Participants can make a pumpkin pillow using the kit and a few materials from home. For information, call 813-788-6375.
Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, and as an e-book and e-audiobook format on Hoopla.To register for the meeting, visit PascoLibraries.org.
SOAP MONSTERS
BARELY SPOOKY STORIES
The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will offer a youth takeand-make kit from Oct. 25 to Oct. 30. Participants can make a soap monster, using materials from the kit and from home. For information, call 813-788-6375.
The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will present in-person “Barely Spooky Stories” on Oct. 27 at 10:15 a.m., for toddlers; and at 11 a.m., for preschoolers.The story times will include songs and dances. Register at PascoLibraries.org. For information, call 813788-6375.
CLAY EARRINGS The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will offer a take-and-make kit on Oct. 25, all day. Participants can make their own polymer clay earrings. Kits are firstcome, first-served. For information, call 727815-7126.
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SOOT SPRITES The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will offer a tween take-and-make kit from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30. Using the kit, participants can make soot sprites at home, to celebrate the work of creator Hayao Miyazaki. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.An instructional video will be posted to the library’s social media. For questions, email sr@pascolibraries.org.
REPUBLICAN CLUB The Republican Club of Central Pasco will meet on Oct. 25 at the Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.The guest speaker will be Frank Reeves, a volunteer with the Convention of States.There will be a social at 6 p.m., followed by the business meeting at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 813-9963011.
DRAWING OUTSIDE
TUESDAY BOOK CLUB The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host its Tuesday Book Club on Oct. 26 at 5 p.m., via Zoom.The club will discuss “What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism,” by Dan Rather and Elliot Kirschner.The book is available for pickup at the New River
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host “Drawing on the Patio” on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m., for ages 16 and older, of all skill levels.These outdoor sessions will explore drawing nature, architecture, landscapes, and more. Easels, paper, drawing boards and drawing tools will be provided, but participants can bring their own.A signed safety waiver is required.To register, visit PascoLibraries.org.
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Who says you have to use a pumpkin to make a Jack-o’-lantern? Why not use a pepper? There are other edible decorations you can make, too. Try your hand at making some fun, less sugary, treats.
Halloween doesn’t need to be all about candy What else can you do to make Halloween fun and food-centered, while trying to keep the excess sugar to a minimum? You don’t need to be a food-crafting expert to have fun with your kids and impress party guests. Here are a few ideas:
JACK-O’-LANTERN CHEESE QUESADILLAS
By Shari Bresin Special to The Laker/Lutz News
Y
ou want to hear something scary? The amount of sugar the average child consumes on Halloween can be downright
frightening. Industry reports suggest the average trick-or-treater consumes three cups of sugar on Halloween, or about 7,000 calories worth of candy, according to a report in Fortune. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with kids wanting to join in on the fun of the holiday — and a few pieces of candy for a couple of days isn’t going to lead to childhood obesity. In fact, studies show that banning candy or other certain foods altogether increases the chances of a child overindulging in the “bad” food once they have access to it, compared to kids that don’t have such restrictions. But keeping a few pounds worth of candy in the coming days and weeks around the house, creates too much of a sugar-accessible environment. For those who know that their children (or themselves) might not have the self-control, this can have an unhealthy impact. Kids, and adults for that matter, can fill up on candy throughout the day and can skip the healthy snacks or actual meals needed for adequate nutrition. Plus, those sweets can result in an excess intake of calories. So what can you do? Here’s an idea: Introduce your kids to the Switch Witch. The Switch Witch is similar to the tooth fairy and Santa. The Switch Witch is a good witch who needs candy to heat her home and keep her broomsticks going, and is willing to swap a toy or prize for your child’s candy. After your child (and you) sift through the candy and decide on how many pieces to keep (best to discuss this number in advance), you leave the rest of the candy out in a common area for the Switch Witch. The Switch Witch will take the candy while your children are asleep and will replace the candy with a prize. You can then donate the candy to a food pantry or other charitable cause, or take it to work as a treat for your colleagues. The Switch Witch provides an easy way to get rid of the excess candy, it may minimize temper tantrums with your children, and can help you teach them about limiting their candy intake. There’s a story and a doll that’s available for purchase (check Google), which can help you build excitement for the Switch Witch’s upcoming visit. But much like Santa and the tooth fairy, it’s not necessary to see the Switch Witch to engage the imagination of a child.
Either ‘carve’ free-handed or trace an image from your pumpkin carving kit onto a tortilla shell using a toothpick and then carve it with a paring knife. Next, put cheese (or other ingredients) onto the bottom tortilla shell, then top it off with the shell with the carved face. Place in the oven for about 10 minutes, and the melted cheese makes it look lit up.
JACK-O’-LANTERN ORANGE PEPPERS A pepper that can stand on its own and has a smooth surface for cutting is best to use for this. Make a cut at the top stem of an orange pepper, and scoop out the seeds and the membrane. Carve free-handed with a paring knife to cut out small eyes and mouth, or draw out a face using a gel pen, and cut slightly beyond the pen markings. Put a thick dip inside the pepper, such as ranch or avocado dip. If the dip is too thin, it will come out of the eyes and the mouth. Or, simply use the pepper as a ‘veggie’ tray, holding carrots and celery sticks.
APPLE TEETH Make 12 to 14 thin apple slices.Take two slices and spread peanut butter on one side of each, to act as a glue. Place miniature marshmallows on the peanut butter sides, and sandwich together to make a mouth.
MONSTER MOUTH Cut an apple into quarters or halves. Remove the seeds. Make a wedge in the skin to create a mouth, then add peanut butter and items such as sliced almonds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins and so on, to make the teeth and eyes.You can create the effect with a sliced strawberry for the tongue. (Be sure to add lemon juice, if they won’t be eaten right away.)
CANDY CORN SKEWERS Use pineapple for yellow, cantaloupe for orange and banana for white. Places the pieces through a skewer to create a treat that looks like candy corn and is just as sweet.
PRETZEL SPIDERS If your kids like protein peanut butter energy bites, make them a little more Halloween-spirited. Break up regular-shaped pretzels and insert them to create legs, and attach two pine nuts for eyes
EDIBLE EYEBALLS Slice carrots, and add a little bit of cream cheese on the top and place a sliced olive to make an eyeball. Remember, you don’t have to be the sugar police, but there’s plenty of candy going on around this time of year, and it’s important to find the right balance. Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.
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Registration opens for Skyway 10K The fifth annual Skyway 10K is scheduled to be held in person on March 6, in St. Petersburg. Registration for the 2022 event will be based on a lottery process.Those wishing to run must register by Oct. 24 at 11:59 p.m. Winners of the lottery will be notified by Oct. 28. Price of general admission is $80 per person.There will be a total if 8,000 registration spots, with 7,500 of those spots designated as general admission, and the remaining 500 designated for VIP admission. As in previous years, participants will need to arrive at Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive in St. Petersburg, the morning of the race, at the appropriate
SPORTS ANNOUNCERS SOUGHT The Saint Leo University athletics department is accepting applications for public address announcers and play-by-play announcers to help out during the course of the 2021-2022 athletic seasons for all sports. Each applicant is required to send in recordings read from multiple sport scenarios that will then be screened. All students and outside applicants are encouraged to apply. To be considered for any of the roles, the submission process must be completed for each sport in its entirety. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/4wbmfptu.
NEW BASKETBALL COACH Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School has announced Doug Greseth as its new boys basketball head coach. Greseth has coached basketball at the high school and college level for over 36 years, including the past 17 years at Wesley Chapel High School. He also spent time as an assistant at the University of Tampa, then led Okeechobee and Jefferson high schools. Greseth has registered over 500 career wins in his prep coaching career. He’s a three-time FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) district coach of the year, three-time Treasure Lakes Conference coach of the year and two-time Sunshine Athletic Conference coach of the year. Greseth played collegiate hoops for Rochester Community College and Augsburg University in Minnesota, before launching his coaching career.
RUN WITH THE BOBCATS 5K Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host its annual 5K Run with the Bobcats on Nov. 7, at the college’s West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey. The 5K race start is 8 a.m., followed by a 1-mile Bobcat Trot at 8:10 a.m. The event is sponsored by Dr. Rao Musunuru, vice chairman of the PHSC District Board of Trustees. A brief ribbon-cutting ceremony will dedicate the newly completed Mrs. Prameela Musnuru Health and Wellness Trail in honor of Dr. Musnuru’s wife. The paved, wheel-chair accessible path rims the campus’ tree-lined perimeter road, also to be dedicated as Rao Musunuru, M.D. Circle Blvd.All walkers and runners are welcome to participate in either race, regardless of fitness levels. The 5K and Bobcat Trot registration fees begin at $25 and $10, respectively.There is no charge for children ages 12 and under to
time for their bus wave and will be required to board designated buses to be transported to the south end of the Sunshine Skyway Bride, where they will exit and wait for the race to begin. After they finish the race, on the north side of the bridge, they will board buses to return to Tropicana Field. All race participants will be required to arrive at Tropicana Field for busing. No exceptions will be made. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Armed Forces Families Foundation, which helps fund infrastructure projects that help families of servicemen and servicewomen. For more information about registration, visit Skyway10K.com.
Life Changing Vision ®
take part in the Bobcat Trot. Middle school and high school students, as well as PHSC faculty, staff and students, can register for the 5K race at a discounted rate of $15. All registered participants will receive medals,T-shirts and PHSC swag. Free refreshments also will be available. For more information and registration, visit tinyurl.com/2zby7av8.
Jeffery Wipfli, MD C ATA R A C T S U R G E O N
GOLF SCRAMBLE SET The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) men’s baseball program has set its annual golf scramble tournament for Nov. 7, at Crescent Oaks Golf Club, 3300 Crescent Oaks Blvd., in Tarpon Springs. Check-in begins at 11 a.m., with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Cost is $100 per player, and $400 per foursome. Sign-up includes 18 holes of golf, dinner, longest drive and closest to the pin contests, gifts, raffles and silent auction. Various sponsorships also remain available. For information, contact PHSC head baseball coach Lyndon Coleman at 727-8163156, or visit tinyurl.com/2kmrfjxe.
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RUN FOR JUSTICE 5K Saint Leo University’s Social Justice Committee is sponsoring the inaugural Saint Leo Run Toward Justice 5K to benefit local organizations that promote social initiatives throughout the community. The virtual 5K race is Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 17, 2022). Participants may run, walk or use any mobility assistance device to complete the 3.1 miles. All skill levels and abilities are welcome. The goal is to complete the 3.1 miles in one session, and participants will monitor their own completion time. Participants may use a watch or any timekeeping/race-tracking app on their phone. Participants must send their completion time to runtowardjustice@saintleo.edu, after completing the race. Registration fee is $30 through Oct. 31, then increases to $40 beginning Nov. 1. Participants will receive a Saint Leo Run Toward Justice 5K T-shirt and certificate of completion. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Hillsborough County Public Schools Migrant Education Program, which provides services to migrant students and their families. Visit SaintLeo.edu/runtowardjustice5k for more information.
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PROGRAM & LAB FEES MEETING
The Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees will meet on Oct. 27 at 4 p.m., at the Dr. Gwendolyn Stephenson District Administration Center board room, 39 Columbia Drive in Tampa, to consider a new program fee and lab fee increase. The proposed fees are limited to covering costs incurred by the college and will not generate a profit. The new fees, if approved, will go into effect in fall 2022. To see the press release in full, visit News.hccfl.edu/press-releases. Comments on the new fees may be sent to trustees@ hccfl.edu, and then will be shared during the meeting.
MERIT SEMIFINALISTS Pasco County is home to seven National Merit semifinalists from five high schools. These students are among 16,000 high school seniors nationwide competing for about 7,500 scholarships worth about $30 million. • J.W. Mitchell High School: Leonid Alexeyev and Jacob Bolton • Land O’ Lakes High: Sohan Malladi and Daniel J. Urbonas • Pasco High: Kenneth P. Chew • Sunlake High: Louis E. Cohen • Wiregrass Ranch: Eric T. Reichard Scholarship selection weighs a student’s academic record, SAT or ACT scores, participation in school activities, community
The Laker/Lutz News likes to keep our readers informed about news from our local schools, including upcoming events, photos of events, recognitions and so on. Submissions need to include who, what, where, when, contact information, identifications for individuals in a photo (unless it is a large group), and a photo credit. Please send your information two weeks prior to desired publication date, and email it to news@lakerlutznews.com. If you would like The Laker/Lutz News to consider coverage of an event, send a request to the same email.
LAND O' LAKES NATIVE PART OF ‘SILENT SERVICE’ Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Alfonso, a 2015 Sunlake High School graduate, joined the Navy five years ago. Today,Alfonso serves aboard the USS Alaska, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines, as an electronics technician (navigation). His responsibilities include operating a nuclear reactor and performing maintenance on the equipment that monitors the reactor, according to a news release. Known as America’s “Silent Service,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. “I joined the Navy for the travel and career opportunities, as well as to make new friends,” said Alfonso, in the release. According to Alfonso, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Land O' Lakes. “Land O’ Lakes taught me to have a positive attitude and keep an open mind,” said Alfonso.
service, leadership, employment, awards, and other honors and distinctions. Students also must receive a recommendation from a high school official, and write an essay.
NEW ADMINISTRATOR Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has named Alysen Heil, Ed.D., as dean of workforce development and career and technical education, according to a news release. Heil’s experience at PHSC includes roles as the assistant dean of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs and, more recently, assistant dean of workforce programs, career and technical education. She formerly was a mathematics instructor/chair and co-coordinator of Achieving the Dream and quality enhancement plan (QEP) at Athens Technical College in Georgia, where she was employed for 15 years. Heil earned an Ed.D. (Doctoral Degree in education) in occupational studies from the University of Georgia; a Master of Science in mathematics from the University of
COURTESY OF MEGAN BROWN, NAVY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Alfonso
Central Florida; and a Bachelor of Science in secondary education mathematics from the University of South Alabama.
EARLY RELEASE DAYS Pasco County Schools again will utilize a monthly, early release time to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and
school priorities. Upcoming early release dates are: Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 2, March 9 and April 13. On each of these days, students will be released two hours early. The bell times, including the early release times for each school, can be found online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/site/pcs_bell_schedule.
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Southbound traffic on Interstate 75 passes under the State Road 56 overpass. A proposed project in the State Department of Transportation’s five-year tentative work program calls for improving the traffic flow for southbound motorists, heading to I-75 and I-275, from State Road 56.
PROJECTS, from page 1A and elected officials from the county’s largest municipalities. One project, now included for construction in fiscal year 2027, is the widening of State Road 52, from Ehren Cutoff to Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, Hackett said. “This is the final project as part of the (State Road) 52 widening, across the northern part of Pasco County,” he said, noting the project had been identified as the Pasco MPO’s No. 1 priority. Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey reacted:“Thank you. I’m happy to see the rest of (State Road) 52 in the work plan.” Another proposed change involves an effort to improve traffic flow heading south at Interstate 75/Interstate 275, in an area between State Road 56 and County Line Road. It would be similar to the collector/distributor system that already exists for northbound motorists on I-75 and I-275 that get off the long exit ramp at State Road 56, Hackett said. “This will be almost identical in the southern direction, to guide you from State Road 56 to southbound 75 or southbound 275 — taking away a lot of those weaving conflicts that occur, heading in that southbound direction. “This construction is being added to fiscal year ’27,” Hackett said. Other projects that have been added, or moved up on the proposed work program, include:
BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS • Overpass project for the Suncoast Trail, at State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway. This pedestrian overpass project has been added to the construction list for fiscal year 2023. It is being paid for through an agreement with Pasco County. • Overpass project for the Suncoast Trail, at State Road 52 and the Suncoast Trail.This pedestrian overpass has been added to the construction list for fiscal year 2023. It, too, is being paid for through an agreement with Pasco County.
SAFE ROUTE TO SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS • Ballantrae Boulevard, from north of Straton Place to Tower Road.This is a sidewalk project near Bexley Elementary School. Construction of this project has been added to the list for fiscal year 2026. • Fort King Road, from Hester Road to north of Coleman Avenue.This is a sidewalk project near Pasco Elementary School. Its construction has been added to the list for fiscal year 2026. • Leonard Road, from U.S 41 (State Road 45/Land O’ Lakes Boulevard) to Henley Road. Design has been added to fiscal year 2025; construction, to fiscal year 2027.
RESURFACING PROJECTS • State Road 39, from north of Central Avenue to U.S. 301 (Gall Boulevard). Design
Want to weigh in? The Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven office is accepting public comment on its tentative work program for the upcoming five fiscal years, 2022-2023 through 2026-2027. The public can participate online, from Oct. 25 through Oct. 29. To do so, go to FDOT.gov/wpph/district7. The public open house will be on Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the District Seven office, 11201 N. McKinley Drive, in Tampa. All public comments, regardless how they are submitted, are due by Nov. 12.
has been added to fiscal year 2023; construction added to fiscal year 2025. • State Road 54, from west of Ray Drive to U.S. 301 (Gall Boulevard). Design added to fiscal year 2023; construction added to fiscal year 2025. • State Road 54, from Gunn Highway to east of Crossing Boulevard. Design has been added to fiscal year 2023; construction to fiscal year 2025. • State Road 54, from Marathon Road to Gunn Highway. Design has been added to fiscal year 2023; construction to fiscal year 2025. • State Road 581 (Bruce B. Downs Boulevard), from State Road 56 to State Road 54. Design has been added for fiscal year 2024; construction, to fiscal year 2026. • State Road 54, from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to Curley Road. Design has been added in fiscal year 2024; construction to fiscal year 2026.
AVIATION IMPROVEMENTS A number of improvements at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport also have been added or moved up on the list. They are: • Zephyrhills Municipal Airport Master Plan Update, added to fiscal year 2024, includes partial local funding • Design and construct box hangars, added to fiscal year 2024, includes partial local funding • Sixth Avenue realignment around the airport grounds, added to fiscal year 2026; includes partial local funding • Rehab Runway 1/19, design added to fiscal year 2023, includes partial local funding • Rehab Runway 1/19, construction added to fiscal year 2024, includes partial local funding The proposed changes — and many other projects that have been previously included in the plan — still must gain funding through the Florida Legislature and secure the governor’s signature before they become operational. The current work program ends on June 30 each year, with the new work program beginning on the first year of the five-year program, on July 1. New projects are then added into a new fifth year, based on transportation goals.
Park, and the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Now the advisory zoning panel will have four board members. • Approved a two-year extension for the county’s construction of trail restrooms at the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve.The extension is needed because of delays in funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. • Officially recognized the Fire Cadet Program as a county initiative. It has operated since 1989, but has never been formally recognized. Cadets are high school-aged individuals who want to pursue a fire service career after graduation.They are given exposure to all aspects of the fire service and its pathways to various careers. Participants meet regularly to learn the ins and outs of becoming a firefighter, emergency medical technician, or paramedic. • Approved spending up to $2.3 million for fiscal year 2022 for legal services, which are exempt from competition.The funds are designated for retaining the services of law
SUNCOAST, from page 1A inquired about funding for the two pedestrian/bicycle overpasses that are planned at State Road 54 and State Road 52, respectively, to connect to the Suncoast Trail. Those projects are being funded by Pasco County, while overpasses in Hernando and Citrus counties are being paid for by the Turnpike, the commissioner said. “It’s not fair,” Starkey said. “Board members, citizens of Pasco County are paying for the bike/ped overpasses on (State Roads) 54 and 52, and the Turnpike is paying for the overpasses in Hernando County and Citrus County) who have a lot less traffic than us. I don’t understand how that happened,” she said. She added that she’d like to talk to someone at the Turnpike Enterprise about the possibility of it sharing those costs. Starkey addressed her MPO board colleagues: “Guys, I really think we should elevate our voices on that,” adding that perhaps that can be done when they go to Tallahassee to address concerns. “Why are other counties getting it paid for, and we have to pay for our own?” she said.“It bothers me.” In another part of the meeting, Starkey reiterated her concerns about trail design, urging those who are planning trails to use an approach that allows trails to meander
firms, outside counsel, process servers, investigators, expert witnesses, trial consultants or similar persons or firms deemed necessary by the county attorney, for any reason, as necessary to address the county’s legal needs. • Approved a conditional use for Focus Forward Solutions, LLC/Fields Farm to permit a private motocross track for personal use on 30.58 acres, on the south end of Fields Farm Lane, approximately 1.25 miles west of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. A private use motocross track had been operating at the site, in violation of the county’s land development code.The conditional use designation brings it into compliance. • Authorized additional purchasing authority in the total amount of $50,000 to Lewis, Longman & Walker P.A., for attorney’s fees, paralegal fees, travel expenses and costs, as may be incurred by the law firm on work done in behalf of the county.The maximum cumulative amount in 2022 is not to exceed $457,301.88. The law firm is handling litigation for the county in connection with the Ridge Road extension.
away from roads and to place them behind ponds or landscaping, to improve the experience for users and to make it safer. In some cases, that might increase costs, she said. But it might not. “There are ways to make the user experience better. You don’t have to buy more right of way, you just have to plan it as a user would like to use it,” Starkey said. Pasco County Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick agreed. She said trails should be farther back from roads, not butted up right next to them, to help keep users safe. MPO Board Chairman Lance Smith, who serves on the Zephyrhills City Council, agreed that more thought needs to be given to trail design. “I do want to say that I appreciate the commissioners’ input on the trails because I think this trail idea has evolved over the years,” Smith said. “It used to be — well — no trails. Then, over the years, as an afterthought, let’s put in a trail. Now, we’re thinking more on integrating it as part of the actual construction. I think it’s great to have a landscape architect in there and fight as hard as they can to create these nice spaces on the trail. “It’s great to have a trail, but if there’s not a piece of shade on it, in August, I don’t know how many people will use it,” Smith said. “And,” Starkey added, “an occasional bench?”
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Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source
FRED BELLET
Early-comers to the bleachers at Tom Fisher Stadium sit in front of the base of the Zephyrhills High School stadium press box, now named for Greg First and Kerry Ryman. A ceremony took place prior to the start of the recent football game between Zephyrhills and Weeki Wachee high schools.
Longtime volunteers receive permanent honor By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
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reg First and Kerry Ryman have witnessed their fair share of Zephyrhills High School football games over the last 40 years or so. They’ve played a notable role over that time, too, with First providing play-by-play as the stadium announcer, and Ryman operating the clock and scoreboard. They’ve also helped out with countless homecomings, senior nights and other special events at the school. Because of those efforts, the press box at the high school stadium has been named to honor the two men. A pregame ceremony on Oct. 1 made it official. The Zephyrhills High press box at Tom Fisher Field in Bulldog Stadium has been named the First-Ryman Press Box. The two men have relinquished their volunteer duties this season, after serving for some four decades. The dedication ceremony was organized by Zephyrhills High principal Dr. Christina Stanley and athletic director Bruce Cimorelli. The ceremony followed official approval of the honor by the Pasco County School Board, which happened during a board meeting in August. Besides receiving plaques during the press box ceremony, the duo also basked in appreciation from family, friends and fans during the ceremony at the field. The press box now dons the volunteers’ names in large black font with an orange backdrop — the school’s signature colors. Zephyrhills students designed and painted the press box’s new look. First and Ryman — both Zephyrhills High graduates — expressed gratitude for the school’s gesture, during a later interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “It’s an honor,” said Ryman, owner of 3R Garage Door Company in Zephyrhills. “It’s very humbling to see your name up there,” said First, who was the public relations director for OneBlood and Dade City Hospital. “That’s a legacy for us, you know what I mean, and we couldn’t be happier.’ First continued, “It’s never really been about us, because it’s really about the community, it’s really all about the school.There’s so many pieces to this puzzle, we’re just a small part of it.” As a part of the action for so long, First and Ryman were in on many highs, some lows and countless unforgettable occurrences. There was a playoff game where the Bulldogs’ opponent — Bartow High — was given five downs and ultimately won on the game’s last play. There was a game when a referee gave First a penalty flag after he inadvertently bemoaned a referee’s questionable call on the field under a hot mic. There were the numerous highlight-reel plays of All-American defensive lineman Ryan Pickett from 1994 to 1997, who would go onto enjoy a 13-year NFL career and win a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2011. “We need to write a book,” First said.
Former longtime Zephyrhills High School football coach Tom Fisher, right, welcomes Kerry Ryman, left and Greg First, center, to the namesake club. Fisher’s name, tops the scoreboard, while the inscription on the press box will bear the names of First and Ryman.
Rodney Price said he went to school with Greg First and will miss his friend announcing the play-by-play action.
“There’s so many memories over the years that you really could write a book.” Their duties and dedication were easier said than done. Year in and year out, the duo built their respective Friday nights in football season around Bulldog football. First had to be locked in on all aspects of the game, taking cues from spotters and properly pronouncing players’ names on a particular offensive or defensive play, all while peppering in various school announcements and sponsorships throughout the game, as his voice was heard by everyone from the stadium’s booming sound speakers. He became so adept that the school’s athletic director didn’t bother giving him a script. He knew what he had to do. “From the very beginning when the Bulldogs come on the field — to the opening ceremonies and the pledge — there’s a lot of things happening,” First explained. Ryman, meanwhile, had to pay rapt attention to the game’s head official, monitoring various starts and stoppages in action and
Zephyrhills High School teacher Justin Santiago, 26, of Wesley Chapel, has taken over calling the play-by-play for Greg First.
other game situations, while simultaneously following specific clock and scoring procedures. Complicating matters — the crowded press box had people steadily filing in and out, and asking questions or making requests. “I have to keep an eye on the white hat for what’s happening as far as starting and stopping and the whole nine yards, and people are coming up there (to the press box),” Ryman said.“There’ve been times where I’ve had to say,‘Not now, I can’t do this, I’m busy, I’ve got to pay attention.’” All told, First and Ryman have relished their tenures at the center of the action, lifted above the stands at the 50-yard line. Although they were volunteers, First and Ryman quipped they did get paid over the years — in the form of hearty ballpark meals and snacks, like hamburgers, hot dogs and boiled peanuts. Plus, Zephyrhills generally has had a strong football program, year in and year out. “I can say, over our 35-plus years, we’ve done a lot more laughing and high-fiving than
IInjured? njured?
we did crying up there,” Ryman said.“But we had some lean years where we were like, ‘Holy moly.’ But the majority of them were fun and good.” The two men had considered stepping away from their positions for the last few years, but didn’t make it official until this season. Now, teacher Justin Santiago is doing playby-play and teacher Will Terranova is handling the scoreboard duties. First and Ryman still plan to enjoy Friday nights at Bulldog stadium, albeit from a different vantage point. They did that on the night they were honored, with the Bulldogs trouncing Weeki Wachee, 48-0. “It was a little weird, watching everything from down in the end zone instead of up in the press box,” said Ryman, chuckling. The two are bullish on the team’s prospects. “This could be a year that they go all the way,” First said. “We hope that every year, we’ve been hoping it every year.”
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The LAKER / Lutz NEWS INSIDE: Directories, Classifieds, Games & More
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Land O’ Lakes neighbors turn GIFs into games By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
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any people enjoy card games. Using animated images, called GIFs, on smartphones are a popular way to communicate, too. So, Land O’ Lakes Connerton neighborhood residents Michael Cornuta and Ramon Jimenez put their heads together and thought — Why not mold the two into a fun, interactive activity? They did just that, with “That GIF Game.” The game is described as a hybrid party group game that combines a physical custom deck of cards with a free smartphone app interface. Each player anonymously submits responses through the app, and points are awarded to the most fitting, funny, quirky or creative GIF. The deck of cards includes a total of 265 GIFtions — or situational expressions — which assist in facilitating the game. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Android Play Store. The corresponding deck of cards can be purchased on Amazon.com. Here’s how it works: Each player must first download the app, then sign up and enter their phone number associated for the game. A game organizer will select a new game and add all players, of up to 50 people. Players are added through phone contacts or manual entry. Once phones are added by the game organizer, each player will select “Join Game” for the fun to begin. Each individual card in the deck has a list of five GIFtions, or expressions, for a round. One particular card, for instance, reads the following five scenarios with which a GIF is needed to best match: • You look ridiculous right now. • Eurotrip! • My Valentine’s Day plans: • Do you believe in magic? • Eww, it’s all sticky! From there, players have two minutes to select a GIF from within the app, which sources GIPHY, one of the largest public online GIF databases with over a billion selections. There’s strategy involved in searching for and choosing a GIF — taking into account the personality and humor of the card reader during each turn, so users can earn points.The first player to score five points wins the game. “Sometimes you’ve got to know their sense of humor,” said Cornuta, a health care professional. The game usually works best with a group of five to six people. A typical session — the first to five points — runs about an hour. “You just laugh and have a good time playing it,” Cornuta said.“It’s really just a fun, easy, quick game. Everybody’s got a phone on them all the time, so all you need is the deck of cards, and you could be anywhere the beach, a campfire…” He added,“The best part is when people start laughing at their own GIF that they think is going to be funny.” The original idea for “That GIF Game” came from Cornuta. Since Cornuta and friends often use GIFs to express their thoughts in group text messages, he wondered about using them to create some kind of game. Said Cornuta,“We were like,‘Everybody’s always got their phone in hand, so what if we come up with an idea, or you have an app with cards and questions? Can we create it? Is it possible? Can we do the app?’” Jimenez, an Air Force veteran, was the first to jump aboard to assist in the effort. “I threw it out to a bunch of buddies, and Ramon stepped up and was like, ‘That sounds like a great idea, and was like,‘Let’s do it,’” Cornuta recalled. It took about a year to develop the game before its official launch over the summer. The process involved finalizing a business model, then producing the cards and smartphone app with the help of printing
FRED BELLET
From left: Michael Cornuta, Ashley Jimenez and Ramon Jimenez, all of Connerton, have made ‘That GIF Game’ a reality. Gamers are taking to the new game, as the trio is coming up with new versions that will appeal to everyone.
Ashley Jimenez demonstrates how her phone and a stack of ‘That GIF Game’ cards make up the new game.
Whether you’re sitting across the table or across the world, ‘That GIF Game’ can be played anywhere. Ashley Jimenez demonstrates the game with her husband, Ramon Jimenez.
and technology companies in Orlando and Miami, respectively. The cards and app take on a 70s theme with a red-and-yellow color scheme and groovy font. “I mean, everything we did was right from scratch,” said Cornuta.“The name, the design of the package, the cards, the app. I mean everything was literally from ground zero.” The duo also enlisted help from over a dozen Connerton neighbors and friends to brainstorm and finalize and narrow the
The first edition of ‘That GIF Game’ already is a hit with newcomers. The best part about it is that a free interactive app is included with the game.
GIFtion sayings to put on each card. “It was a big, massive collaboration process, getting involved with the neighbors and personal friends,” Jimenez said. Going forward, Cornuta and Jimenez plan to launch specialty GIFtion card decks, such as sports-themed and celebrity-themed versions. They also have aspirations of getting the hybrid card game into name-brand retail and convenience stores, as well as gas stations. “You name it, it could go there; it doesn’t take up much space,” Cornuta said. “It’s a
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great stocking stuffer.” The game entrepreneurs received solid reviews when they unveiled the game in Tampa Toy Con at the Florida State Fairgrounds in July.They’ve also seen steady downloads of the app since. “Anyone who’s played the game has been nothing but positive feedback, and we confirmed it at the convention,” Jimenez said.“So, our sales pitch (at the convention) was, as people walked by, we said, ‘Here, take my phone, we’re about to read you a GIFtion.’ It was very positive.”
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THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE FISH?
Doris Moore snapped this anhinga snatching its breakfast in the pond behind her house, in the Northwood Community in Wesley Chapel.
PET PAWS CROAKER REGULATIONS The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved the creation of new regulations for spot and Atlantic croaker in state waters, from the Florida-Georgia border through Miami-Dade County, according to a news release. The following changes will go into effect on Dec. 1: • Establishing a daily recreational bag limit of 50 fish per person for each species • Establishing the following commercial vessel limits: Spot - 2,200 pounds; Atlantic croaker - 1,200 pounds There have been recent coast-wide declines in the abundance and harvest of spot and Atlantic croaker. The approved changes are part of a
multi-state conservation strategy for Atlantic stocks of these species. To see the FWC meeting agenda and documents, visit MyFWC.com/Commission, and click on “Commission Meetings” and on the agenda under “Oct. 6-7,2021.”
YAPPY HOUR The Dade City Brew House, 14323 Seventh Ave., in Dade City, will host a Yappy Hour on Oct. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for humans and their pets. There will be a dog costume contest, bingo, doggie giveaways, and photo ops. Dog food and adult beverages will be available. Leashes are required for pets. Another Yappy Hour is scheduled for Nov. 18.
Nacho loves his family Nacho celebrated his fourth birthday in August. His favorite thing to do with his family is to ride in the car. Nacho lives in Land O’ Lakes with his parents, Danielle and Rich Stitt, and his siblings, Mercedes, Luke and Janelle.
PET OF THE WEEK FAMILIES RECEIVE A $30 GIFT CARD TO CHUY’S TEX MEX. Send us a picture and information on your favorite pet! Write a short paragraph about why your pet is special along with a photo and mail to: Pet of the Week, c/o The Laker, P.O. Box 479, Lutz, FL 33548 or email to mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, ATTN: Pet of the Week PLEASE NOTE: OWNERS NAME AND ADDRESS MUST BE INCLUDED FOR YOUR PET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION.
COURTESY OF JIMMY TATUM, K9 PARTNERS FOR PATRIOTS
From left: Mary Peter, K9 Partners for Patriots founder; Robyn Lindsey, BluEgg Photography owner, with daughter Kathryn Lindsey; Jenn Licata, strategic partnership manager; and Sarah Thomas with her service dog, Tohopka (also known as ‘Hopi’), the 2021 Patriotic Pup contest winner.
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We are looking for photos and information on your favorite pet. Include in your short story your pet’s name, age, and breed.
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Robyn Lindsey, owner of BluEgg Photography, delivered a $1,000 donation to the local nonprofit K9 Partners for Patriots, which represented money that was raised from her recent photography fundraiser. Lindsey hosted a Patriotic Pup Contest, taking photos of participants’ dogs for individual portraits and then posting an online bracket-style photo contest. Each participant donated to the K9 Partners in Patriots program to be in the competition, and for treats and gifts donated by local businesses. The winner of the contest was Tohopka,
one of the program’s graduates and service dog to 10-year Coast Guard veteran Sarah Thomas. Thomas was the first owner of a pit bull breed to be trained by the program and continues to exemplify the true value of a service animal. BluEgg plans to make the Patriotic Pup Contest an annual fundraiser, to assist with the K9 Partners’ mission to eliminate veteran suicide. Find out more about K9 Partners at K9PartnersForPatriots.com. For information about BluEgg, visit BluEggPhotography.com.
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Owen is full of energy Are you an avid jogger or runner? Owen may be a match for you. This 1year-old, 50-pound boy is tall, lanky and full of energy. He loves to run — or gallop — around the yard and play with his humans. He is a goofball and is sure to make you laugh. Owen does well in playgroups, preferring other dogs that like to chase and play "tag" with him. He is attentive when treats are involved but could learn to take them more gently. An ideal home for Owen would be one where he gets lots of exercise and training. Make an appointment to meet him.
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Wilbur is an older gentleman Wilbur is looking for a soft place to land. This 10-year-old, 50-pound boy is sweet, affectionate and likes to cuddle. He walks well on a leash, and he sits and shakes on command. He'll even sit up and ‘wave’ his paws at you. Although Wilbur likes people, he may do best as an only pet. He does have a few age-related health concerns that Animal Services staff can discuss with you. He also will need to be house-trained. If you have a comfy couch or bed on which Wilbur can spend his golden years, make an appointment to meet him.
If you would like to adopt Owen or Wilbur, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. For more information, email adoptionpartners@pascocountyfl.net.
APPLE
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SEE SOLUTIONS, PAGE 9B
The LAKER / Lutz NEWS WORD SEARCH & SUDOKU
To solve a SUDOKU, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
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October 20, 2021
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Dr. Rosh Fulfills Lifelong Dream To Help Revitalize Patients’ Faces By Trevor Lloyd
This past July, Dr. Roshni RanjitReeves opened Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Institute in Lutz after years of education and work. “This was the fulfillment of my longtime dream of opening my own practice so I could focus on my passion. My work isn’t about changing someone into who they could be, but revitalizing someone into who they truly are,” said Roshni Ranjit-Reeves M.D., who goes by Dr. Rosh. Through rigorous medical programs at the University of South Florida, to her fellowship and teaching position at Duke University, Dr. Rosh spent over 10 years refining her specialty before she was ready to open her own practice. She wanted the flexibility of an individual practice, which allows her to communicate directly with patients and develop specialized treatment plans that best fits their needs. “I can give patients the due diligence they deserve,” said Dr. Rosh. “Our face is how we identify ourselves, and how other people identify us. My goal is to keep this in mind while helping people feel refreshed and accessing a better version of themselves, at a convenient location that avoids the traffic of going into Tampa.” Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Institute has a host of services that can take care of patients’ concerns all in one place. With both surgical and nonsurgical options, Dr. Rosh is able to impact someone’s quality of life by individualizing a treatment that best works for patients’ needs and schedules. “No two patients’ stories are the same,” said Dr. Rosh. “I can do the same surgery on ten different people and create specialized care for each person, given their facial structure specific to how they will heal.” One of the most common procedures
Status of Women appointment confirmed The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
The Pasco County Commission has confirmed Julie Rockwell as the United Way of Pasco County’s appointment to the Commission on the Status of Women for a three-year term, effective Oct. 12. The Commission on the Status of Women serves as an advisory body to the county board, the county administrator and the community, on all matters pertaining to
women, according to backup materials in the board’s agenda. The Commission on the Status of Women is made up of representatives from 10 agencies, as well as an appointee from each county board member. Summer Blevins had been representing the United Way of Pasco, but stepped away from the post in January. Rockwell was nominated by United Way to replace Blevins.
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Dr. Rosh she performs is upper and lower lid blepharoplasty, which removes excess skin around the eye. Over time, this skin droops due to the loss of elasticity. That’s where Dr. Rosh steps in to turn back the clock. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess eyelid skin to give your face a more rested look. Lower lid blepharoplasty can be done to remove under-eye bags. Laser skin resurfacing is often performed at the same time to help smooth out under-eye wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and improve skin texture. Dr. Rosh handles many other cases of ocular facial surgery, ranging from simple cosmetic adjustments to reconstruction after cancer defects to eyelid malpositions. The practice also has nonsurgical options, such as broadband light laser, erbium, and C02 resurfacing that help skin discoloration, age spots and/or wrinkles and even post op recovery. “I am able to tailor treatment to what patient’s need and what their downtime will allow, which makes every case unique.” During October, you can start rejuvenating in time for the holiday season with generous discounts on cosmetic procedures and neurotoxins, which will be honored in coming months, as long at the appointments are scheduled during October.
Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Laser Institute 24420 State Road 54 | Lutz, FL 33559 813.303.0123 info@doctorrosh.com | doctorrosh.com
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NAMI Pasco names Heroes of Hope The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report NAMI Pasco County has named its 2021 Heroes of Hope, recognizing those who go the extra mile to help people with mental health conditions. Joey Johnston, a contributor to The Laker/Lutz News, was recognized as the Media Person of the Year, for work published in The Laker/Lutz News. Other recipients were: • Professional of the Year: Dr. Eddie Williams • Board Member of the Year: Elaina Sabra • College Advocate of the Year: Heather Snyder • Justice Hero of the Year: Brandi Geoit
• Unsung Hero of the Year:Alyssa Smith • Innovator of the Year: Joe Chatham • Teen Advocate of the Year: Andrew Snyder • Officer of the Year: Karen Norris • Peer Support of the Year:Avery Lomax • Volunteer of the Year: Robin Boyko • Office of the Year: Trinity Behavioral Health NAMI Pasco County is affiliated with the National Alliance of Mental Illness, a not-forprofit organization that provides free support, advocacy, outreach and education to those with mental health conditions and their loved ones. The Heroes of Hope 2021 awards were presented on Oct. 9.
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Health
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. 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.
& Wellness Send health news to news@lakerlutznews.com
BREAST HEALTH SEMINARS
• The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host “PINK About Your Breast Health: Resources for Families and Caregivers” webinar on Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. Register at PascoLibraries.org. • AdventHealth Zephyrhills will host a Breast Health Panel on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m., on the hospital’s Facebook page. The guest speakers will be board-certified general surgeons Dr. Thushy Siva and Dr. Kimberly Apple. For information and to register, call 877-534-3108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com.
ZUMBA FOR HEALTH Every Monday and Friday at 10:30 a.m., the Karl & DiMarco North studio, 19022 Geraci Road in Lutz, hosts $5 Zumba classes for women. The large studio accommodates social distancing. Guests should bring a towel and water bottle. There are no memberships or contracts. No experience is necessary. For more information, email dance911@gmail.com, or visit the website ZumbaWithCece.com.
PRESCRIPTION TAKE BACK DAY The Pasco County Sheriff’s (PSO) Office will have a Prescription Take Back Day on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Shops at Wiregrass parking garage in Wesley Chapel and at the PSO Administration Building, 8700 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey. The event provides a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of prescription
drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. For more information, please visit TakeBackDay.dea.gov.
ONE BLOOD BUS VISIT The One Blood Big Red Bus will stop at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills, on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information, call 813-361-6660.
SKIN CANCER TREATMENT Skin cancer is the country’s most prevalent kind of cancer and often involves surgery, which can cause deformity, significant pain, long recovery periods, scarring, and discontinuation of medications. ForCare Medical Center, 15416 N. Florida Ave., in Tampa, now offers electron-beam therapy for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma skin cancers, according to a news release. The therapy requires no cutting or downtime, and may be less painful than surgery itself. Electron-beam therapy allows precise depth control and tight borders, especially around sensitive areas such as eyelids, lips and ears. And, patients do not need to stop taking medication, as they may have to if undergoing surgery, according to Dr. Seth Forman, in the release. For information, visit ForCareMed.com, or call 813-960-2400.
BOARD CHAIR NAMED The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s nonprofit Board of Directors has named Meredith Freeman as its chair for the 2022 financial
year, according to a news release. Freeman has voluntered as a member of the board since 2017. In previous years, she served on the executive committee as the board secretary and chair-elect. “The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides critical services to our community, from recent efforts to help residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, to helping those in crisis through the 211 crisis hotline. I am humbled and honored to be selected by my fellow board members to serve as chair of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay,” said Freeman, in the release.
CAREGIVER CONFERENCE A free, online Caregiver Conference will be offered on Nov. 2, Nov. 3, and Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The three-day event will offer resources, insights and proven techniques to give a caregiver the support needed, while honoring the wishes of a loved one. Space is limited. Register online at ConnectingCaregiversConference.com. For information, email Linda Burhans at lindaburhans@aol.com.
RESOURCE LIST The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has compiled community-based resources on its website to help serve its citizens, according to a news release. Resources are available for a variety of challenges that citizens may encounter, including mental health issues, houselessness, suicidal thoughts, and more. The list was developed to give those seeking assistance a place to start when they may not know how. To see the resources, visit PascoSheriff.com/MentalHealth.html.
COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO
GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club team members take a break from working on the garden border at Camp Idlewild in Land O’ Lakes.
GARDEN AIMS TO CREATE PEACEFUL SETTING The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has undertaken a large, special project in creating a sensory garden, from scratch, at Camp Idlewild in Land O’ Lakes. The camp serves as a setting for autistic children, and the club chose the garden project to provide a colorful, fun space with a calm atmosphere for the campers. Club members have provided benches, borders, a gravel pathway, an interesting sculpture, and two garden arches and a wooden Ms. Catie Pillar ‘train’ (made by David Bellingar). Plants soon will be placed to attract butterflies, too. The garden is still a work in progress, coming along in stages. For more information about the woman’s club and membership opportunities, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.
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Send business news to news@lakerlutznews.com
B&B THEATRES TAKING OVER
B&B Theatres has announced that it will reopen the 16-screen theater at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, later this year according to a news release from B&B. The 16-screen theater, which underwent dramatic remodeling and renovation efforts last year, represents B&B Theatres’ fifth operation in Florida. When the theater reopens, it will be called B&B Theatres The Grove 16 at Wesley Chapel. The management deal will result in millions of dollars in upgrades, which include replacing the seating in the downstairs theaters to reclining chairs, similar to what exists upstairs, the news release says. Additional details on the remodel timeline and specific new amenities will be rolled out in the weeks to come. SideSplitters Comedy Club will continue to offer comedy shows and Cycle Cinema, featuring spin bikes inside the theater, still plans to open. To find out more about B&B, visit BBtheatres.com.
CHAMBER TO AWARD HONORS This is the 60th year The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has recognized exemplary contributions to the betterment of the community, in various categories. The spike in COVID-19 led to a delay in this year’s celebration, but now it will be presented on Nov. 9, and awards will be given in seven categories. The banquet will take place at Southport Springs Golf & Country Club, 3737 Southport Springs Parkway, in Zephyrhills. For more information, visit the chamber’s website at ZephyrhillsChamber.org, or call 813-782-1913.
COURTESY OF ANDY TAYLOR/PASCO COUNTY
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore (in blue suit jacket) and members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber watch as Toni Derby cuts the ribbon for a combination ‘belated’ grand opening and one-year anniversary celebration.
Brewery’s ‘belated’ grand opening and Anniversary The Florida Avenue Brewing Co., at 2029 Arrowgrass Drive in Wesley Chapel, had a belated grand opening, which also served as a one-year celebration of the company’s restaurant opening. While the restaurant has been operating
since last October, the manufacturing/brewery side of the business just went fully operational a few months ago. So, the brewery had a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 8 to celebrate, with remarks offered by Pasco County Commissioner
Mike Moore. The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., was instrumental in helping the brewery come to Pasco, through economic incentives. The restaurant and brewery has 127 employees.
BOWLING TOURNAMENT
CREDIT UNION CELEBRATION
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its young professionals group bowling tournament on Oct. 26, at Lane Glo Bowl South, 8631 Old County Road 54, in New Port Richey. Registration is at 5:30 p.m. and bowling begins at 6:30 p.m. There will be raffles, a spirit table, pumpkin-carving, a team costume contest and more.The cost is $160 per bowling team; $40 for individual bowlers. Spectators are welcome. For more information, call the chamber at 727-842-7651.
Suncoast Credit Union is celebrating the opening of its 75th branch by donating $75,000 in 75 days to local nonprofits across its service area. The giving began on Oct. 1 and will conclude at the end of the year. Each of the credit union’s 75 branches is selecting a local charity within its community to receive a $1,000 donation.
government, and other commercial categories.While Florida has seen some return of business travel this year, full comparative revenue is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels until 2024, according to a news release from the AHLA.
GO-TO BUSINESS RESOURCE Need some free business guidance? Reach out to SCORE. Have some business expertise you’d like to share? Volunteer with SCORE. Want to know more? Email info@score439.org, or call 727-842-4638.
HOTEL REVENUES DOWN The hotel industry in Florida is projected to end 2021 down nearly 61% or $5.3 billion in business travel revenue compared to 2019, according to a report released recently by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Kalibri Labs. Business travel is the hotel industry’s largest source of revenue and has been slow to return since the onset of the pandemic. Business travel includes corporate, group,
LOCAL FOOD BANKS SUPPORTED Darden Restaurants is helping 10 Feeding America food banks that serve communities of color, by providing refrigerated trucks. The food bank receiving the donation in the Tampa Bay region is Feeding Tampa Bay, according to the news release. The refrigerated trucks are 26 feet long and are capable of transporting 12,000 pounds of food on each trip, the release says. Each food bank also is receiving $26,000 to use for food and other needs. The only other food bank in Florida receiving a refrigerated truck is Feeding Northeast Florida, which is in Jacksonville.
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