MARCH • 2022
magazine Run for Luck Race Supports Faces of Courage Camps for those touched by Cancer
Guide The 6th Annual Pasco Blues Benefit Concert is Back!
TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894 | MARCH • 2022 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE |
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Land O’ Lakes Magazine is published monthly and is distributed by the U.S. Postal Service to residents in Land O’ Lakes as well as local businesses.
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©2022 Land O’ Lakes Magazine. All rights reserved. The views expressed within are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Editorial submissions are welcome. Publisher reserves the right to reject or edit submissions for length and clarity. The Publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. Land O’ Lakes Magazine reserves the right to reject or edit advertisements. Land O’ Lakes Magazine is not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space.
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Accepting New Patients Welcome to BayCare Medical Group Primary Care and Pediatrics at the BayCare HealthHub™ in Land O’ Lakes. You’re the most important person in the delivery of health care. Our board-certified physicians provide all primary care needs for newborns, adolescents and adults, including: Adult Disease Management n Diabetes n Acute illnesses n Hypertension n Arthritis/ Osteoporosis Other Services Offered n ADHD management n Developmental assessments n Asthma/COPD management
n Hospital newborn care n Immunizations n Minor surgery n Pediatric physicals
n Well woman exams
Nicole Conde, DO Pediatrics
n Pediatric sick visits n School and sports physicals n Sick visits n Well child care
To help protect your health, we have enhanced safety measures in place at our office. We screen everyone for fever and COVID-19 symptoms before they enter, and all doctors, team members and patients are required to wear masks. Additionally, our clinics are sanitized after every patient and throughout the day.
Mercedez Cruz, MD Pediatrics
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8am–5:30pm Wednesday and Friday: 8am–5pm 18600 Fernview St., Suite 102 | Land O’ Lakes Located at the intersection of State Road 54 and Sunlake Boulevard Schedule an appointment: BMGLandOLakes.org Family medicine: (813) 692-8044 Pediatrics: (813) 692-8033
Omaima Kobaisy, MD Family Medicine
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TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894 | MARCH • 2022 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE |
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The 6th Annual Pasco Blues Benefit Concert is Back! B Y S A N DY PA R R I S H
On March 12th, the Pasco Blues Festival will host leading Blues performers from the Tampa Bay area and national award-winning acts at beautiful Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. This year, Florida Penguin Productions and the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel are partnering to raise funds for the Bridging Freedom Organization. Event profits including Ticket sales and adult beverage sales for this event will help raise funds to build a facility in Pasco County to house female minors who were rescued from Human Sex Trafficking in Florida. Child sex-trafficking is a horrific crime that robs the innocence of its victims and causes significant physical, mental and emotional trauma. In the United States each year, approximately 300,000 children are forced into trafficking. Bridging Freedom’s mission is to combat minor sex-trafficking by bringing restoration to those rescued and victim prevention through education in the community and partnering with organizations to increase awareness. Bridging Freedom built Florida’s urgently needed therapeutic safe home campus community to provide long-term, comprehensive care to these victims in a secure environment. Blues Performers from across Tampa Bay have gathered to help raise funds for this local cause including local favorite Jam Band – The Jukebox Johnnies kicking off the show at 12:30pm. The second act is Dottie Kelly & the Rock the House Band. Dottie Kelly is a powerhouse blues singer, with over 20 years of performing experience. Once you hear Dottie Kelly sing you can’t help but get up and dance. The third act of the day is the incredible Alex Lopez. His third album, "Slowdown" achieved a new level of success with international recognition and critical acclaim rising up the blues, jam and Americana charts with worldwide airplay and earning Alex fans across the globe. Finally, the headlining star of the show, Castro Coleman, aka Mr. Sipp, “The Mississippi Blues Child” is generously traveling all the way
4 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE | MARCH • 2022 | TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894
from Mississippi to help raise funds for this great cause. Mr. Sipp is the 2014 International Blues Challenge Winner by way of The Vicksburg Blues Society as well as the 2014 Gibson Best Guitarist Award Winner. In 2015, he won several Jackson Music Awards including International Male Blues Artist, Blues Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the year. He was the BMA Best New Artist Album winner 2016 and The Spirit of Little Walter Award 2016. For the 25th Annual Living Blues Awards, he won the Best Blues Album of 2017 New Recordings award for Contemporary Blues, and in 2018 he won the National Blues Artist of The Year award at 44th Annual Jackson Music Awards. Limited Early Bird Tickets are available at a discounted rate of $15, and $18 on Eventbrite.com and Facebook.com by searching “Pasco Blues Festival” while supplies last. Adult Entry at the gate is $20 with proceeds benefiting the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club. Kids 12 and under are free. g
Alex Lopez
Castro Coleman, aka Mr. Sipp
The Pasco Blues Benefit Concert will be held Saturday, March 12th from 12pm – 8pm at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park at 5401 Land O' Lakes Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes. For more information please call (727) 674-1464 or email Kevin@FloridaPenguinProductions.com.
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Run For Luck 5K
Supports Faces of Courage Camps for Cancer Patients and Survivors ALL PHOTOS BY PAM KNOWLES PHOTOGRAPHY
BY SANDY PARRISH On Saturday, March 26th, the Run For Luck 5K race will take place in Shady Hills. The run supports Faces of Courage, a nonprofit organization that provides free camps
for Cancer patients and survivors in the community. Race attendees will enjoy live music by Crossroads, food trucks, green beer, raffles,
6 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE | MARCH • 2022 | TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894
vendors, a costume contest, costumed Super Heroes and lots of family-friendly fun - all while supporting a great cause. The Run For Luck event was created for competitive runners with a chip-timed 5k run, and also for families with the 1-mile Walk and Family Fun Run. Faces of Courage provides day outings, educational workshops, and medically supervised overnight camps for women, children, and families touched by all types of Cancer and blood disorders. Programs are made available to participants and their families at no cost. The services are palliative in support and focus on developing strong positive attitudes towards recovery and good health management. Faces of Courage has served over 11,000 cancer families with the help of
over 1,600+ active volunteers. Their slogan is, ‘Cancer is Serious. Camp is Serious Fun!’ The Women’s Cancer Retreat is uniquely designed for women who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, and/or survivors. A myriad of services is provided through this program with the goal of developing a support network that transcends demographic barriers such as race, religion, or socio-economic backgrounds. The common thread is cancer. The program focuses on bringing support, joy, laughter, and fun back into
the lives of these women during a very traumatic time. The Teen Weekend Camp takes place Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. The major focus of Teen Camp is to allow all participants to enjoy themselves with no pressure to follow a mandatory schedule. Events include activities aimed toward creating an open atmosphere where teens engage with each other and also see the benefits of education, hope, and increased self-esteem. Additionally, able-bodied siblings are invited to attend. This weekend sleepover provides a medically supervised traditional camp experience full of fun and activities for the kids, while giving the parents a much needed weekend break. g The Run For Luck Race begins at 7:30am on Saturday, March 26th and will be held at The Concourse at 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills. For more details on start times, fees and registration, please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/ShadyHills/RunForLuck5k. For more information on Faces of Courage and their programs, please visit www.facesofcourage.org. TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894 | MARCH • 2022 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE |
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EVENTS 3/4 The Market Elaine 5pm – 9pm
6013 Wesley Grove Blvd - Wesley Chapel Come out on Friday evening to The Grove in Wesley Chapel for this open air market. The event will host 60 + local, small business owners, live music, beer, and fun for the whole family. For more information on this market, please visit www. themarketculture.com.
3/4 & 3/5 Pigz in Z'Hills BBQ & Blues Festival
Friday 5pm – 9pm Saturday 10am – 6pm 5200 Airport Road - Zephyrhills Pigz in Z'Hills BBQ & Blues Festival is the signature event of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce. It's a day packed with food, fun, and family-friendly attractions for everyone. More than 11,000 people attended in early 2020 to enjoy award-winning BBQ and the sensational sounds of Blues music. Admission $5. For more information, please visit www.zephyrhillschamber.org.
3/5 Hillsborough Fire Museum 4th Annual Car Show 8am
First United Methodist Church of Lutz 960 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd - Lutz Car Show Fundraiser with family-friendly fun, food and trophies - and of course lots of amazing cars all to support your Hillsborough Fire Museum! Fire apparatus on display. Come out for a great time. Pre-register cars at www.hillsboroughfiremuseum. org. In advance $15, day of show $20. The event is free to the public.
3/5 Pet in the Park Pet Expo
10am – 2pm Heritage Park -5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd Your Best Friend is getting a Pet Expo! Familyfriendly free event honoring man’s best friend. Music, vendors, and speakers. The Best part about this event is that it will help benefit local organization, Corsos for Heroes. For more information, please visit www. petsintheparkpetexpo.com
3/6 Oakstead Spring Sprint Family Fun Run
Sunlake High School 3023 Sunlake Blvd - Land O’ Lakes This 5K run will follow a flat course ending with cheers and shouts from the audience at the finish line at Sunlake High School Stadium. The Spring Shuffle will be a 1 mile fun run that will take off after the 5K. Visit www.active.com/land-o-lakes-fl for race information or call Oakstead Elementary for more information (813) 346-1500.
3/12 Pollinator Garden in a Flowerpot
9am – 10am Heritage Park -5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd You don't need space to attract pollinators, just the right potted plants! Join the UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension to learn how to attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. For more information & registration, please call (352)-518-0156.
3/12 6th Annual Pasco Blues Benefit Concert
12pm - 8pm Land O'Lakes Heritage Park 5401 Land O'Lakes Blvd Bring your lawn chairs and come out for an unforgettable day of blues, food, family, pets and fun at Heritage Park. 100% of event profits including ticket sales and adult beverage sales for this event will help raise funding to build a facility in Pasco County to house female minors who were rescued from Human Sex Trafficking in Florida through a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel benefiting the Bridging Freedom Organization. This year’s headliners include Alex Lopez & Mr. Sipp delivering amazing blues! Kids 12 & under are free. Tickets $20 at the door. For tickets and more information, please contact kevin@floridapenguinproductions.com or call (727) 674-1464.
3/16 Facial Beauty Seminar 2pm
The Hyatt Hotel 26000 Sierra Center Blvd – Wesley Chapel Image Lift is hosting a Facial Beauty Seminar with Dr. Rich Castellano. Surgical and non-surgical treatments will be presented. Image Lift is offering exclusive seminar pricing for attendees. Masks are required. For more information, please call (813) 384-4324 or visit www.imagelift.com.
3/17 14th Annual St. Paddy's Day Street Party
12pm – 1am The Brass Tap – Shops at Wiregrass 2000 Piazza Ave - Wesley Chapel The Brass Tap’s Annual St. Patrick's Day Street Party is back! The event will start at noon, and run until 1am. Outdoor bar, live music from 4pm on. Free entry but this is a 21+ event after 6pm.
8 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE | MARCH • 2022 | TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894
3/18 – 3/27 Various Dates Titanic: The Musical 8pm
Carrollwood Cultural Center 4537 Lowell Road - Tampa The sinking of the Titanic in the early hours of April 15, 1912, remains the quintessential disaster of the twentieth century. A total of 1,517 souls—men, women, and children—lost their lives. Only 711 survived. The musical examines the causes, the conditions, and the characters involved in this ever-fascinating drama. This is the factual story of that ship—of her officers, crew, and passengers, to be sure—but she will not, as has happened so many times before, serve as merely the background against which fictional, melodramatic narratives are recounted. The central character of our TITANIC is the Titanic herself. Tickets range from $29-$33. For performance dates, times and tickets please visit www.carrollwoodcenter.org
3/26 2022 Run For Luck 7:30am
11919 Alric Pottberg Road - Shady Hills Run this 5k to support Faces of Courage Cancer Camps for adults and children. The Run for Luck 5K & 1 Mile Walk for Gold was created for competitive runners with our chip-timed 5k run and for families with our 1-mile Walk and Family Fun Run. Funds raised help to send adults and children fighting cancer to attend free camps and to receive educational materials. For information visit www.FacesofCourage.org. Giveaways and fun for runners include commemorative t-shirt, finisher’s medal, trophies, swag bags, costume contest, live music, DJ, raffles, vendors and food trucks complete the fun at this family friendly event. For registration and starting times, please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/ ShadyHills/RunForLuck5k.
3/27 Touch Nails 5th Anniversary Party
11am 27233 SR 56 - Wesley Chapel Touch Nails in Wesley Chapel is celebrating its 5th Anniversary with a special Appreciation Day! First 50 customers receive a free Simple Touch Pedicure. First come, first served. Doors open at 11am. Wesley Chapel location only. For more information, please call (813) 973-4111.
3/29 The Kingston Trio
Carrollwood Cultural Center 4537 Lowell Road – Tampa Four-time Grammy Award winners The Kingston Trio emerged from San Francisco’s North Beach club scene to take the country by storm during the late 50s and early 60s. 58 years after Tom Dooley shot to the top of the chart, the Trio (now with Mike Marvin, Tim Gorelangton, and Don Marovich) are back on the road again – bringing back all of the great memories and creating new ones. Tickets range from $50 - $100 in person and $20 to view online. For ticket pricing and information, please visit www.carrollwoodcenter.org.
GFWC Lutz / Land O' Lakes WOMAN’S CLUB
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club sewing team members have produced 40 comfort pillows, 10 baby blankets, numerous port protectors, and hats and turbans which were delivered by Chairperson Pam Blumenthal to Moffitt Cancer Center and Advent Health Hospital. These items are regularly handcrafted and delivered to local hospitals where they are most enthusiastically received by the staff. Requests are always made for more because the need for these items is so great. For more information on this organization or to learn more about membership opportunities, please visit www.gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org or follow them on Facebook.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894 | MARCH • 2022 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE |
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Carrollwood Day School 1515 W. Bearss Ave - Tampa 12606 Casey Road - Tampa (813) 920-2288 www.carrollwooddayschool.org
Guide Academy at the Lakes 2331 and 2220 Collier Parkway - Land O’Lakes (813) 948-7600 www.academyatthelakes.org AdventHealth Center Ice 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd - Wesley Chapel (813) 803-7372 www.floridahospitalcenterice.com The After School Scholar 2418 Raden Drive - Land O’ Lakes (813) 690-2071 www.theafterschoolscholar.com All That Dance 20741 Center Oak Blvd - Wesley Chapel (813) 991-0283 www.allthatdancefl.com Angels Gymnastics 18437 US Hwy 41 N – Lutz (813) 909-9510 www.angelsgymnastics.com Avalon Stables 18029 Lake Reflections Boulevard - Lutz (813) 765-7162 www.avalonstables.com Bradstreet Sports Locations in Lutz & Land O’Lakes 1-877-BEST-419 www.bradstreetsports.com Bricks 4 Kidz 17951 US Hwy 41 - Lutz (Lutz Preparatory School) www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 10165 N McKinley Dr - Tampa (813) 884-4386 www.buschgardens.com/tampa Camp Idlewild of Florida A summer camp for kids with special needs. 7602 Henry Drive - Land O' Lakes (813) 996-1226 www.campidlewildofflorida.com Carrollwood Cultural Center 4537 Lowell Road - Tampa (813) 922-8167 www.carrollwoodcenter.org
10 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE | MARCH • 2022 | TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894
Classical Preparatory School 16500 Lyceum Way - Spring Hill (813) 803-7903 www.classicalprep.org Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage - Clearwater (727) 441-1790 www.seewinter.com Contempo Dance 24148 S.R. 54 - Lutz (813) 948-3262 www.contempodance.com Corbett Preparatory School 12015 Orange Grove Dr - Tampa (813) 961-3087 www.corbettprep.com Discovery Point Seven Oaks 27830 Summergate Blvd - Wesley Chapel (813) 994-2700 www.discoverypoint.com/seven-oaks Florida Academy of Performing Arts Summer Camps 402 Oakfield Dr - Brandon (813) 490-2787 www.faopa.org The Goddard School 5 locations in Tampa Bay 2539 Bruce B Downs Blvd - Wesley Chapel www.goddardschool.com Inspire Studios 1918 Oak Grove Blvd - Lutz (352) 410-3332 www.inspirestudiosfl.com Kiddie Academy of Wiregrass Ranch 2900 Hueland Pond Blvd - Wesley Chapel (813) 702-5656 www.kiddieacademy.com/academies/wiregrass-ranch Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Wesley Chapel North 30100 Overpass Road - Wesley Chapel (813) 355-4824 www.kidsrkids.com/wesley-chapel-north Land O'Lakes Recreation Complex 3032 Collier Pkwy - Land O’Lakes (813) 929-1220 www.pascocountyfl.net Lift Adventure Park 17562 Old Dixie Hwy – Hudson (727) 569-6472 www.theliftadventurepark.com Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy 15906 Mapledale Blvd - Tampa (813) 969-0240 www.mjpaa.com
Master Academy Summer Camp 14515 Bruce B. Downs Blvd - Tampa (813) 978-9696 www.masteracademytampa.com Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) 4801 E. Fowler Ave - Tampa (813) 987-6000 www.mosi.org/summer-camp Pasco Fine Arts Council Summer Art Camp 4145 Fairford Dr - Newport Richey (727) 845-7322 www.pascoarts.org
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Premier Gymnastics Summer Camp 27033 US Hwy 56 - Wesley Chapel (813) 973-9920 www.premiergymnasticsclub.com Protential Sports Multiple Area Locations (813) 843-9460 www.protentialsports.com Sarah Russell Stables 29319 Hadlock Drive - Wesley Chapel (810) 955-5023 www.sarahrussellstables.com Song & Dance Studio of the Arts 27221 Foamflower Blvd - Wesley Chapel (813) 973-3156 www.songanddanceinc.com SRK Camps 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway - Lutz (813) 355-1720 www.srkcamp.com Suncoast Stables and Riding Academy 1108 Altamont Lane - Odessa (813) 368-0666 www.suncoaststable.com Sylvan Learning Center 27724 Cashford Circle - Wesley Chapel (813) 534-4126 www.locations.sylvanlearning.com Tampa Metropolitan YMCA 17 Tampa Locations www.tampaymca.org Tampa Tarpons Baseball Summer Camps George M. Steinbrenner Field 1 Steinbrenner Dr - Tampa (813) 673-3102 www.milb.com/tampa/tickets/baseballcamp Young Chefs Academy 20709 Center Oak Dr - Tampa (813) 574-2433 www.youngchefsacademy.com World Champion Center 2133 Collier Pkwy - Land O’Lakes (813) 949-3222 www.worldchampioncenter.com
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Rita Lowman A Woman of Substance BY MAUREEN FAMIANO, MEF MEDIA Determined, driven, dynamic. Meet Rita Lowman of Lutz. This woman just wrapped up the Outback Bowl Series of showcase events and still remains Outback Chair until May. As she reflects on the year gone by there’s a lot to look back on and look ahead to. Lutz has been home to this powerhouse for years. The active, engaging community drew her in back in 1993. In raising a family with her husband and two boys, Lutz offered a family friendly feel with so much to enjoy. It's a small town that draws many visitors because of its charm and welcoming hometown vibe. Many people often look for the creature comforts of an area where neighbors know each other, kids grow up and go to school together to become lifelong friends. The parents watch it all from the sports fields to the classroom Here are just a few of the many highlights
and beyond. Lutz offered that and more. It still
judge asked her who she'd like to live with. At that
does. Rita found that inviting and perfect for
young age, Rita spoke up and said she'd like to
in her 40+ year career:
raising a family.
stay with her mom Monday through Thursday and
• 2020 & 2021 Chair of the Outback Bowl
her dad Friday through Sunday. The judge granted
• 2021 Chair of Go Red for Women,
In finding this community, they settled on Cheval and built a home. Her sons Gary and
her wish. That really changed her life making her
American Heart Association
Clint enjoyed many days playing baseball being
realize she had the opportunity to share her voice
• 2021 Dottie Berger MacKinnon
coached by their dad Gary with Rita in the stands
and be heard. That's pretty inspiring and proved to
cheering on their kids. Golf with the Cheval Juniors
be a pivotal point that led her on a path filled with
team became a big draw for her boys too. The
possibilities that continues to this very day.
familiar welcoming feel of Lutz with fantastic
As a young girl she spent time in 4-H and Girl
Woman of Influence Award • 2018 Tampa Bay Business Journal Business Woman of the Year • 2017 & 2018 Chair of the Florida Bankers Association
neighbors was terrific. Rita looks back with
Scouts and that began her love for leadership and
fondness on the many neighborhood parties they
community. She competed in beauty pageants
she's giving back. Part of the American Cancer Society
held at the Cheval Clubhouse. From Halloween to
and enjoyed amazing homemade gowns that her
since 2006, her involvement has raised 4 million dollars.
dance parties to special patriotic July 4th picnics
step mother created. In high school she met her
She also supports Making Strides against Breast Cancer,
complete with epic fireworks displays, she reflects
husband to be Gary. Their relationship grew and
The Girl Scouts, Working Women of Tampa Bay and
and smiles at those wonderful memories.
their love story blossomed. They are celebrating
Gracepoint. The economic impact of the Outback
their Golden Anniversary. A big congratulations to
Bowl includes giving out $500,000 annually to local
family, Rita's banking career blossomed. It all began
50 years of love, respect, accomplishment, giving
organizations. She really does pride herself on growing
in the retail and commercial banking side. She
back and lifting others up.
better together. Rita felt the love of her community
As the community set the stage for raising a
When Rita is not focused on her family and career,
moved from a banking center manager to a District
Rita's involvement in the banking
just two years ago when her son Clint passed away.
Manager and onto be Florida State Administration
industry includes many accomplishments
Her many friends and colleagues showered her with
Executive. She says both she and her husband,
and opportunities. In 2000 she moved into the
comfort and support at this unexpected tragic passing.
who was an Executive with Kraft Foods, had many
community bank arena. She often uses the
The loss is felt daily, but Rita finds strength in her family
career opportunities that forced them to move
word "we" in describing her years in the banking
bond and treasured memories that keep Clint close.
several times. They made sacrifices for career
industry and shares her sense of accomplishment
needs, but the family was always top of mind and
in the areas of advocacy, education and growing
her visits to her family's HooperWill Farm in Georgia
the central focus. Each time they made their way
emerging leaders. She’s worked and held top
named after their sons. She'll look forward to community
back to Lutz settling on Cheval and then Avila.
level positions at many banking establishments.
events like the Strawberry Pageant and other initiatives
As a kid growing up on a farm in Georgia,
Rita says her biggest career accomplishments
that require Rita's special touch. In the banking world,
Rita's journey was a little different. As an only
are becoming the Chair of the Florida Bankers
Rita is legendary. In the community she lives, works and
child - her parents divorced when she was 2 years
Association, only the 3rd woman in 130 years to
plays in, she's a wonderful woman who has left her mark
old. She split her time between her parents and
serve as chair and taking C1 Bank public with
for others to learn from and follow. Her kindness and
that was challenging. She shares her journey
a group of amazing bank executives. She just
connection makes her a community champion
in her book From the Farm to the Boardroom:
wrapped up her time as President of Pilot Bank
for goodness. g
Leadership Lessons. In fact her determined spirit
where she led great teams growing community
was front and center when, at the age of 9, a
partnerships across many platforms.
12 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE | MARCH • 2022 | TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894
As Rita looks ahead to what's next, she will treasure
Rent Control Coming to Tampa Bay? BY JEN WIGGINS Local officials in Tampa are contemplating a form of rent control throughout the greater Tampa area, referred to by some officials as “rent stabilization”. What is rent control? Rent control is a type of restriction that has been enforced in several cities over the years to essentially cap the amount homeowners can charge each month for their rentals. Who is trying to make this happen and why? Rent control isn’t simple. It requires a declaration of a state of emergency because, in Florida, currently there is no statute that limits the amount a landlord can charge for rent. How has rent control worked in the past? There have been multiple studies in
environment, and a more wallet-friendly cost of living. In May 2021, Florida State CFO, Jimmy Patronis, reported that about 900 people move to Florida daily. According to U-Haul, Florida came in second, narrowly beat out by Texas, as their two top growth states in 2021. New residents, as well as locals, all need a place to live, leading to a classic issue with supply and demand. Ideally, our local lawmakers will prioritize both landlords and renters. Many landlords are still paying mortgages, as well as taxes, insurance, and maintenance on their rental properties. On February 24, 2022, Tampa’s City Attorney, Gina Grimes’, office will be presenting some possible solutions at a City Council workshop. It will be interesting to see the reports of what is being considered. I truly believe, some balance can be found with some innovative thinking and a straightforward conversation. g
regards to rent control programs that have been enforced in the past, in cities such as San Francisco. Below are just a few results of previous rent control studies: ● • Extremely short-term help for current tenants. ● • Decreased affordability. ● • Led to mismatch with tenants vs home. For instance, empty nesters stay in large homes because the rent is more affordable, leaving fewer homes available for larger families. Or vice versa, growing families opt to stay in a rent-controlled property that has limited space available, due to a potential rent increase if they relocate. ● • Homeowners unable to afford the maintenance. ● • Renters don’t turn to buyers in the usual timeline. In greater Tampa Bay, rent prices increased by a record 24% in 2021. Over the past 24 months, Florida has experienced a significant increase of new residents seeking a more temperate climate, an open
Jen Wiggins is a local Realtor® with Smith & Associates Real Estate. (813) 539-1678 www.jenwiggins.com
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19-313 N US Highway 41, Lutz, FL TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894 | MARCH • 2022 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE |
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Working Out At Home BY COLLEEN PEDERSEN, JAZZERCISE LUTZ OWNER We all know that exercise is an important part of staying healthy. It increases your metabolism, helps aid in weight loss, improves cardiovascular fitness and let’s face it, it can be a form of therapy to reset and recharge to tackle life’s greatest obstacles. But since COVID-19, going to the gym has changed dramatically. More people are working from home and find it hard to make it a part of their regular schedule, while others still have reservations about attending a gym or fitness class in person. The fitness industry took a big hit during COVID. 17% of clubs closed permanently and 44% of the fitness industry workforce lost jobs according to iHRSA, the Global Health & Fitness Association. However, Jazzercise took the pandemic as an opportunity to give consumers another option, live stream workouts. Within just two weeks of the country going on lockdown, Jazzercise Lutz had seized the opportunity to continue to keep its customers engaged and moving even though the business thrives on in person group exercise classes. Instructors would either come into the studio alone with a camera and their music to live stream a class or they would mimic it from home. In either situation, customers were able to continue the workout they fell in love with while keeping active during one of the most challenging times in history. Learning to teach to a camera was a little challenging at first but with time and knowing who was online taking the class, a whole new way of communication was born! What do you want to look for with a fitness streaming program? Convenient class times where you can work out before or after work or during the day when the kids are in school. You want a variety of class formats with aerobic activity, strength building, stretching, kick boxing, core classes, etc. You want to choose a program where you feel the cost and quality of the service is a value. Another key point is music that you enjoy and an instructor with a personality that motivates you. After three months of relearning how to service our customers, we were able to allow people to come in person in limited quantities. Some chose to come in person, and some continued to remain at home. While Jazzercise corporate had plans to add the online class option in the future, the pandemic just pushed the timeline up a few years. “We are family at Jazzercise, so we felt the need to take care of our family at a time they needed us the most,” said co-owner of Jazzercise Lutz, Colleen Pedersen. “There was never a hesitation from any of us that this was the direction we needed to go.” Now, almost two years later, the live stream option is here to stay. All 47 classes a week at the Jazzercise Premier Fitness Center in Lutz, are live streamed while being taught in person. “There’s no limit to how many people we can have attend online nor is there a location barrier,” said Deb Goldman, co-owner of Jazzercise Lutz. “We even have a customer in Germany that dances with us weekly. How cool is that?”
It’s apparent that online classes are the wave of the future for the fitness industry. Time, convenience, and the ability to exercise from anywhere make it another choice to stay active and healthy! Join Lutz Jazzercise live streaming for $22 for your first month. We offer the same price for streaming or in-studio, whichever is more convenient. g
Jazzercise Lutz Premier Center is located at 19012 First Street S.W. in Lutz. For more information, please call (813) 406-4707 or email them at JazzerciseLutz@gmail.com. 14 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE | MARCH • 2022 | TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894
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