Citation
The Laker

Material Information

Title:
The Laker
Uniform Title:
Laker (Land O'Lakes, Fla.)
Creator:
Diane Kortus ( publisher )
Place of Publication:
Land O'Lakes, FL
Publisher:
Community News Publications, Inc.
Creation Date:
September 21, 2022
Publication Date:
Frequency:
Weekly
regular
Language:
English
Physical Description:
v. : ill. ; 44 cm.

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Newspapers -- Land O'Lakes (Fla.) ( lcsh )
Newspapers -- Pasco County (Fla.) ( lcsh )
Florida -- Land O'Lakes ( fast )
Florida -- Pasco County ( fast )
Genre:
Newspapers. ( fast )
newspaper ( sobekcm )
periodical ( marcgt )
Newspapers ( fast )
Spatial Coverage:
United States -- Florida -- Pasco -- Land O'Lakes
Coordinates:
28.2033519 x -82.4634581

Notes

Dates or Sequential Designation:
Began in 1982.
General Note:
Janet Gillis, publisher.
General Note:
"It's not Wednesday til you read The Laker."

Record Information

Source Institution:
University of Florida
Holding Location:
University of Florida
Rights Management:
Copyright, Community News Publications. Permission granted to University of Florida to digitize and display this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Resource Identifier:
34749923 ( OCLC )
sn 96027394 ( LCCN )
ocm34749923

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LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM The L LAND O’ LAKES EDITION JUNE 14, 2023 The L Free Auto Accident? Slip and Fall? FREE CONSULTATION No Fees Or Costs Unless You Win Walk-Ins WelcomeHelpingInjuredPeople.com 18920 N. Dale Mabry Hwy Ste 101 Lutz, FL (Corner of Sunlake & Dale Mabry) HOLLIDAY KARATINOS LAW FIRM, P.L. “I Will Aggressively Fight To Protect Your Legal Rights”Call Attorney JIM HOLLIDAY 813-868-1887 WE’RE THE TEAM YOU CAN COUNT ON 20122020 813-990-0561FOR FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS 813-990-0561 813-990-0561 813-990-0561 Same-Day Service Free 2nd Opinion* Free Estimates** 24/7 Emergency**Free estimates for new A/C, water heater, water treatment, whole home generators, whole home repipe and electrical panel upgrade. *Free second opinion with written diagnosis from another company. cornerstonepros.com $150.00 OFFTANKLESS WATER HEATER INSTALLATIONCustomer supplied tankless water heaters excluded. Cannot be combined with any other coupons or discounts. Exp. 7/30/23.$250.00 OFFNEW HVAC SYSTEMCannot be used on previous purchase or HVAC system already installed. Valid on Daikin equipment only. One coupon per purchase. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Exp. 7/30/23. A A d d v v e e r r t t i i s s i i n n g g i i n n T T h h e e L L a a k k e e r r / / L L u u t t z z N N e e w w s s W W o o r r k k s s f f o o r r U U s s ! ! We’ve been advertising in The Laker since April 2021 to promote our insurance agency in Dade City, and are very pleased with the results. We get new customers every week from readers in East Pasco and Wesley Chapel, and have even received calls from Land O’ Lakes! L L a a r r r r y y B B o o t t k k i i n n s s a a n n d d T T o o m m S S p p o o o o r r By Mike Camunasmcamunas@lakerlutznews.comEvery year in the middle of June, poles are surveyed. That’s because the nation recognizes Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the ag of the United States, or Old Glory, on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution was passed, and stated: “Resolved, that the ag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue eld, representing a new constellation.” In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that ofcially established June 14 as Flag Day and on Aug. 3, 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. Flag Day is not an ofcial federal holiday. On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the rst state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, and several other states, such as Washington, Massachusetts and New York, have held ag parades for decades. Throughout grade school, several lessons were taught, telling students the story that credits Betsy Ross for sewing one of the rst ags from a pencil sketch handed to her by George Washington. However, no such evi-dence exists either in George Washington’s diaries or the Continental Congress’ records. By her family’s own admission, Ross ran an upholstery business, and she had never made a ag as of the supposed visit in June 1776. That being said, researchers accept that the rst ag evolved, and did not have one design. The current design of the U.S. ag is its 27th and the design has been modied of-cially 26 times since 1777. The national ag of the United States con-sists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specically as the “union”) bearing 50 small, white, ve-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows, where rows of six stars alternate with rows of ve stars. The 50 stars on the ag represent the 50 U.S. states, and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared indepen-dence from Great Britain and thus became the rst states in the U.S. A FLAGSHIP CELEBRATION, HISTORY LESSON Flag Day might not be as widely known as its fellow patriotic holidays, but it does come with a surprising amount of historical signicance By B.C. Manionbcmanion@lakerlutznews.comIf you’ve lived in Pasco County for a while, chances are you’ve heard Wilton Simpson’s name. He’s the guy who grew up In Trilby, played football at Pasco High and went on to become president of the Florida Senate and is now Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. The Pasco County Commission recently cast a spotlight on Simpson, to thank him for his continuing contributions to improve the quali-ty of life both in Pasco County and around the state. Simpson has used his inuence to help bring state funding for needed infrastructure and health care projects in Pasco County and he has supported a number of programs such as PACE Center for Girls, Habitat for Humanity, and CARES, which stands for Community Aging and Retirement Services. In fact, Simpson donated 1.7 acres of land in Dade City for a new 6,000-square-foot CARES Center there. He and his wife, Kathy, founded the Simpson Breast Health Center, which is at AdventHealth Zephyrhills, and is led by an independent team of board-certied physicians, according to the county board’s resolution. Simpson was singled out when ground was being broken for SperosFL, which is the Moftt Cancer Center’s Pasco Campus. In acknowledgement of his advocacy for Moftt and for scientic research, in general, the rst 75 acres of Moftt’s Pasco campus will be called the W.E. Simpson Concourse for Cures, and the road leading into it will be known as Wilton Way. Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, who sponsored the resolution, told Simpson: “You don’t look old enough to have done all of Pasco board honors Wilton Simpson for his leadership, contributions COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTYFlorida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is honored by the Pasco County Commission during its June 6 meeting. The board noted Simpson’s many accomplishments through the years and members said they expect more to come. From left: Heather Grimes, chief administrative ofcer for the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Ofce; Pasco Commissioner Seth Weightman; Pasco Commissioner Ron Oakley; Simpson; Kathy Simpson (his wife); Pasco Commissioner Kathryn Starkey; Lauran Monbarren (Simpson’s daughter); Kenton Monbarren (sonin-law); Caroline Simpson (daughter-in-law) Wilton Simpson Jr. (son); and, Pasco Commission Chairman Jack Mariano. See WILTON, page 7AMIKE CAMUNASIn 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that ofcially established June 14 as Flag Day; on Aug. 3, 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. Flag Day is not an ofcial federal holiday. Musician Paul Lewis — owner of Prelude Academy of the Arts, a music school in downtown Dade City — composed a song that was featured in the 7th New Music on the Bayou Festival from May 31 to June 3 in Monroe and Ruston, LouisianaBy Mike Camunasmcamunas@lakerlutznews.comPaul Lewis can’t play the song — but he wrote it. Such is the life of some composers, including this one. Lewis is a musician and the owner of Prelude Academy of the Arts, a music school in down-town Dade City.Prelude to a festive songMIKE CAMUNASPaul Lewis, the Dade City native, musician and owner of Prelude Academy of the Arts, had a song he composed featured in the 7th New Music on the Bayou Festival from May 31 to June 3 in Monroe and Ruston, Louisiana. See PRELUDE, page 7A

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2Awww.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 2023 By B.C. Manionbcmanion@lakerlutznews.comAs another election season begins to rev up, Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley recently talked about election integrity at a North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce luncheon. His talk came amidst the backdrop of per-sistent claims by some that the 2020 presiden-tial election was stolen, continuing court cases involving that election and a $787 million set-tlement in the Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News. Despite those controversies, Corley said vot-ers in Pasco and across Florida should have con-dence in the integrity of the voting system. “Florida leads the nation in what we do,” Cor-ley said. “For example, paper ballots — we’ve been using them since 2008. Worst-case sce-nario, we could always recreate an election. “Some states, they don’t have early voting. Some states, you have to have an afdavit for why you can’t vote by mail. Vote by Mail has become so politicized,” he said. Under Florida’s system, the ballot is sent at the voter’s request. “And, when you request it, you have to pro-vide the last four of your social (Social Security) and your driver’s license, so we can match it up. That’s very, very important,” Corley said. Also, when ballots are mailed, they cannot be forwarded. “Every election we send out a mass mailing of those who made a request to us, and it comes back to what I refer to as the ‘Trays of sadness,’” Corley said. The elections supervisor was talking about the mail that returns to his ofce with yellow stickers on them, because the ballots cannot be forwarded. People don’t think twice about notifying their bank, their utilities and others when they move, but he added: “I can tell you what they probably didn’t do, they didn’t notify their local Elections Ofce.”That can result in a voter being registered in two states, which, in and of itself, isn’t a huge problem, Corley said. But it becomes a serious issue if someone tries to vote in two states.Corley thinks the improved convenience of voting has helped the process. “Having early voting, having Vote by Mail is just so, so huge,” he said. He acknowledged, though, that it has been problematic in some states. “I knew trouble was brewing in 2020. “In October, I was talking to my colleagues in Michigan. “Because of the pandemic, almost half of the votes that were cast were votes by mail,” he said. His Michigan peer told him: ‘Yea, we’re at record numbers for us, but it’s going to be a problem.’ “I said, ‘What do you mean?’ “She said, ‘By law, we can’t start counting until Election Day.’” Being unable to begin the count until Elec-tion Day meant it would take longer to report the vote, which aroused suspicions among some voters. Even though Florida’s results weren’t close, Corley said he encountered some of that skep-ticism. “I can’t describe the awkwardness of when you have family members that want to re-litigate the election,” Corley said. He said a relative told him: “Brian, ‘I go to bed and Trump’s winning and I wake up, and Biden’s winning. “What, in the middle of the night did they dump these votes when no one was looking?’ “I’m like, ‘No.’ “Elections are not over on Election Night. They never have been,” Corley said. There needs to be time to count provisional ballots and ballots cast by men and women in the military, he said. “By law you can drop off your Vote by Mail ballot to any one of our ofces by 7 p.m. on Election Day,” he said. So, if a voter drops off a ballot in Dade City and it is taken over to New Port Richey, it takes some time to get there, to be veried and counted. There are other reasons that votes are counted past Election Night, Corley said. “If you don’t sign your Vote by Mail ballot, or the signature doesn’t match, you’ll have until that Thursday by 5 p.m. to basically prove why it should count. “Or, if you show up to the polls and you don’t have your ID — we never turn voters away — you get to do a provisional ballot. By law, we can’t even look at those until Thursday at 5 p.m. “Having those safeguards in place for Vote by Mail is absolutely huge,” he said. There are other steps that Corley’s ofce takes to ensure the integrity of the voter rolls. “We do voter list maintenance every single day,” he said. “People move. People die. People commit felonies. “After every cycle, we reach out to people we think have moved. “If you haven’t voted in two cycles, we will get with you and say, ‘What’s the deal?” “If you don’t vote, you’ve got to return the form to us. If you don’t, then you get a second notice. Then, if you don’t do that form, you get put on inactive,” he said. Before elections are held, election equipment is tested. After votes are counted, it does audits to check results. “We randomly select a contest. It can be the president, it can be a county commission. “Then, we select a percent of precincts. Usu-ally about four out of our 120 precincts, and we physically hand-count the ballots. “It has been 100% accurate since August of 2008,” Corley said. “I’m not bragging. It’s sup-posed to be accurate.” rfn rfnrtrrrnnrtrtrbtr rnnfrrnrtnrr tb f nrfn tbf Supervisor of Elections says Florida’s system is sound B.C. MANIONPasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley offers assurances that great steps are taken to ensure the integrity of election outcomes, during a speech at a North Tampa Bay Chamber luncheon. 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www.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 20233A Great deals piled high.Find BOGOs and savings all over the store. Join our free loyalty program at clubpublix.com for more personalized savings.Terms & conditions apply. 9.6in x 2.5in I I n n j j u u r r e e d d ? ? I I n n j j u u r r e e d d ? ? 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DELIVERY PROBLEMS: Visit www.lakerlutznews.com and select the Circulation Request tab to stop/request delivery or to report a delivery problem.. ADDITIONAL COPIES: A listing of boxes and business locations is on our home page at www.lakerlutznews.com. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: Suggestions for stories and news coverage are welcome. Please send ideas to news@lakerlutznews.com, or call our newsroom at 813-909-2800. ADVERTISING ERRORS: Publisher is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the space cost for the rst insertion, or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Advertising and editorial content by Street Media, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without prior written permission from the publisher.WEBSITE: www.lakerlutznews.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/lakerlutznews TWITTER: www.twitter.com/lakerlutznews EMAILS: news@lakerlutznews.com sales@lakerlutznews.com SALESMARY JANE WEEKS Account Managermweeks@lakerlutznews.comCAROLYN BENNETTCustomer Servicecbennett@lakerlutznews.comDESIGNLAURA WHITE Graphic Designerlwhite@txstreetmedia.comMARKETINGSARA MINTON-OGLESBY Director of Digital Marketing soglesby@lakerlutznews.comEDITORIALB.C. MANION Editor bcmanion@lakerlutznews.comMIKE CAMUNAS Staff Writermcamunas@lakerlutznews.comMARY RATHMAN Editorial Assistantmrathman@lakerlutznews.comMAIL: 2020 N LOOP W, SUITE 220 HOUSTON, TX 77018 PHONE/FAX: ph: 813.909.2800 • fax: 813.909.2802 By B.C. Manionbcmanion@lakerlutznews.comPasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley wasn’t pleased with the way Nest Hockey Academy got its start in the district he oversees, but ultimately he made the motion to support the unique new school at 9175 McKendree Road, in Wesley Chapel. Oakley complained that the initial approach used by the school to set up operations didn’t have adequate oversight by the county. “The main issue with this project — is No. 1 — it was put in a residential area,” Oakley said. The applicants built the academy, after receiv-ing a special exception for a school. However, the use was restricted to no more than 20 peo-ple on the site. County planners said the applicants, Russ and Leann Henderson, were informed they would need a master-planned unit development rezon-ing, in order to use the site for 150 students. The Hendersons then led an MPUD request. Planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission recommended approval of the re-quest. Neighbors, however, raised objections. John Parlapiano, who lives on McKendree Road, told the county board: “I’m not against them, but I’m for my quality of life.” He also noted that he’s a retired law en-forcement ofcer and has concerns about the potential impacts of allowing alcohol sales at the site — which could be a possibility in the future. County planners said the academy is an appropriate use for the site because it’s in the business core of Connected City — an area expected to attract a considerable amount of growth and a mixture of uses. About a dozen students from the academy, dressed nicely, sat politely in the audience, while the county board deliberated the request. During the public comment portion, one student told the board that this academy goes beyond teaching math, science, reading and so-cial studies, and helps to shape students into good people. The student’s mom, speaking on behalf of parents who support the request, said the Hendersons are providing a unique opportunity and she asked for the board’s support. Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted that the area where the academy will op-erate is in the midst of massive change. In approving the request, the board also required the applicant to improve McKendree Road up to county standards, between the school and Tyndall Road. The applicant also is required to provide right of way for a future vision road, known as Boyette Road. Nest Hockey Academy approved for up to 150 students FILEThe Pasco County Commission voted 4-0 to ap-prove Nest Hockey Academy, at 9175 McKendree Road in Wesley Chapel, for up to 150 students. The approval came despite concerns raised by some area residents over potential impacts the hockey academy will have on their neighborhood. The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Hillsborough County’s Parks & Recreation has been named one of the top parks and rec-reation programs in the country, according to a county news release. The program is one of four national nalists in the Class 1 Category for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the program has been singled out for its excel-lence, by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Class 1 includes the nation’s largest parks and recreation departments, serving populations of more than 400,000. Only one department will receive the highest award, the Grand Plaque, which will be award-ed in September. Here are some key facts about Hillsborough’s parks and recreation department and its pro-gramming: • It offers offers more than 1,700 partnered, athletic programs that have 503,000 visits an-nually. • It manages 167 parks, 223 sports elds, 118 playgrounds, 54 recreation centers, 47 athletic complexes, 10 dog parks, six cemeteries, and ve splash pads. • It is estimated that these facilities result in nearly $50 million in increased property values. • Its $9 million Athletic Turf Initiative aims to ensure high-quality playing conditions for 40,000 youth athletes and a $3.5 million Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan assists in removing physical barriers. • Lucy Dell Community Pond, once an overgrown, littered water basin dividing two neighborhoods, has been transformed by in-stalling a boardwalk, tness station and walking trail, creating an urban oasis. • A $10 million investment turned a de-commissioned wastewater treatment plant into a destination park, which attracts more than 603,000 visits a year. • A former landll site has been converted into the county’s rst drone racing park. • Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports (HCAS) is the only team representing a govern-ment agency in the USA Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL). • Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports hosted the USAWFL tournament at the Tampa Convention Center in August 2022. • A Wellness Access Pass was created to pro-mote healthy lifestyles. For $10.75 per month, participants receive access to county-owned t-ness centers and open gyms. • Move Hillsborough activities served more than 78,000 people in 2022. • The annual Hillsborough County Hiking Spree encourages residents to “Take a hike!’’ and highlights 22 trails that encompass everything from paved neighborhood trails to primitive treks. Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal awards program honors park and recreation agencies in the United States and military installations worldwide that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environ-mental stewardship, program development, professional development and community en-gagement. Applicants are placed into six classes, with ve based on population and one class for Armed Forces installations. The award is given by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.FILEHillsborough County Parks & Recreation is one of four nalists across the country for the quality of its parks and recreational facilities and programming. Hillsborough County’s parks and recreation get national attentionJoel Jackson captured this image of an alligator at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, at 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., in Hillsborough County. You can get close to nature by hiking through many of Hillsborough County’s parks, including Lettuce Lake Park, off Fletcher Avenue.

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4Awww.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 2023 WE’RE THE TEAM YOU CAN COUNT ON It’s been a great honor serving our commuity with their home service needs.DanaPresident Cornerstone Pro’s 813-990-0561 www.cornerstonepros.com GENERATORS AIR CONDITIONING Electrical Inspections Electrical Panel Upgrades Ceiling Fan InstallationsLED & Can LightingWhole Home Generator Electrical Maintenance Plan 18 Month NO Interest Financing *WAC ELECTRICAL Full Service A/C, Plumbing & Electrical A/C Emergency Service & Repair A/C Tune-Up & Inspection New A/C System Installation Service and Repair on all brands of A/C Equipment A/C Maintenance Plan Up to 5 years NO Interest Financing *WAC New A/C System as low as $65 Monthly *WAC PLUMBING Plumbing Inspections Stoppages, Leaks, Drain Cleaning Water Heater Repairs & Replacement Tankless Water Heater Water Treatment & Puri cation Plumbing Maintenance Plan Whole Home Repipe 18 Month NO Interest Financing *WAC Generac Guardian Series Generator Installation Whole Home & Portable Generators Serv & Maint of Cornerstone installed Generators Runs on natural gas or liquid propane for days to weeks Protects your home automatically when the power is out No risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning Provides 24/7 protections, whether your home or away Turns itself off when utility power returns 18 Month NO Interest Financing *WAC Call Today! Fixed Today! $150.00 OFF TANKLESS WATER HEATER INSTALLATIONCustomer supplied tankless water heaters excluded. Cannot be combined with any other coupons or discounts. Exp. 7/30/23.$250.00 OFFNEW HVAC SYSTEMCannot be used on previous purchase or HVAC system already installed. Valid on Daikin brand equipment only. One coupon per purchase. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Exp. 7/30/23. What’s Happening What’ s Happening Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge LUTZ PARADEThe Lutz Independence Day parade and cele-bration, “Red, White & Lutz,” is accepting appli-cations for oat entries. There is no charge to participate in the parade. Trophy categories include: largest turnout (participants in oat entry); bicycle entry; themed entry; commercial entry; youth entry; best vehicle; most patriotic; walking unit; judge’s favorite; and grand mar-shal’s choice. Links for information and regis-tration are: • Vendors: bit.ly/LutzParadeVendor • Floats: bit.ly/LutzParade2023 • Online program: LutzParade.comTHE SOUND OF MUSICThe Carrollwood Players will present “The Sound of Music” now through June 24, on Fri-days and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., at 4333 Gunn Highway in Tampa. The cost is $29. For information, call 813-265-4000, email info@carrollwoodplayers.org, or visit Car-rollwoodPlayers.org.DEMOCRATIC CLUBThe East Pasco Democratic Club will meet on June 19 at 6:30 p.m., at the Genesis Commu-nity Center, 38112 15th Ave., in Zephyrhills, and via Zoom. The topics will be county util-ities and local growth. Refreshments will be served. For information, call 813-383-8315, email eastpascodems@gmail.com, or follow the club on Facebook.INTERACTIVE MAGIC SHOWThe Hillsborough County Public Library Coop-erative will host “All Together Now: Interactive Magic Show” on June 15 at 11 a.m., at the Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road. This is a ventriloquism and magic show for the whole family. Space is limited. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 30 minutes prior to the event. To register, visit HCPLC.org.MAKE A DREAM BOARDThe Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Park-way, will host “Teen SRC: Dream Board Jour-nal” on June 15 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., in Multipurpose Room C, for ages 13 to 18. A dream board is a collage that sparks emotion, feeling or provides motivation to achieve a goal. All materials will be provided. Registra-tion is required at tinyurl.com/pt7vbs4b.KRATE EVENTSKRATE, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel, will host these upcoming events: • June 15 and June 29: Latin Night dance party with DJ Mickey, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. • June 16: s Funk Night with Groove Band, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. • June 17: Kids Summer Fest, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Nunes at Night, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. • June 18: Live Music with Wesley Spangler, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. • June 19: Juneteenth Celebration with the Jah-fari Reggae Band, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. • June 20: Provisions After Hours Car Show, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. • June 22: House Night with DJ Labro, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. • June 23: Live Band, Bag-O-Trix, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. • June 24: Live Band, Code Monkey, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. • June 25: Tesla Car Show & Live Music, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Live Music with Tom Surynt, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. • June 28: 2 Wheelz 1 Luv Bike Night, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. • June 30: Live R&B Singer Rubi Mar, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.RAILFAN FRIDAYThe Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum, 14206 U.S. 98, will host Railfan Friday: Father’s Day Weekend on June 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will include train watching, games, a model train room, food trucks, and more. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Food and drink, as well as train memorabilia and T-shirts will be available for purchase. COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONPasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources will host a Community Celebration on June 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Lewis Abraham Boys and Girls Club, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., in Dade City. The free event will include health screenings; prizes for the rst 100 people; food trucks; music; family fun zone; games; rafes; local vendors; Juneteenth Pageant; and special performances. For more information, call 352-521-4166.SNEAKER BALLPasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natu-ral Resources will host a “Father/Daughter Sneaker Ball” on June 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road. Guests can lace up their best sneakers and make daddy’s little girl feel like a princess with dancing, music, photo opportu-nities, and light refreshments. The cost is $20 for a father/daughter pair and $5 for additional daughters. To pre-register, visit Secure.rec1. com/FL/pasco-county-/catalog. Call 352-5214166 for more information.ZEPHYRHILLS KIDFESTThe Main Street Summer Nights Market Series will host a KidFest presented by Walmart Health on June 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will include a foam party, games, vendors, movies and more. To learn more, call 813-780-1414, email director@mainstreetzephyrhills.org, or visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER?The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host representatives from Seniors in Service and the Florida Ombudsman program on June 19 at 11 a.m., for an informa-tion session. These groups are looking for volun-teers to help with multiple opportunities in the community. For more, call 813-788-6375.POKEMON TERRARIUMSThe Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host “All Together Now: Pokemon Terrari-ums” on June 20 at 2 p.m., for preteens ages 9 to 12. All supplies will be provided. For informa-tion, call 813-929-1214.ONLINE HISTORYThe Hillsborough County Public Library Cooper-ative will bring World War II history to life with an online event on June 20 at 6 p.m., for adults. Authors Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee will discuss their book, “The Long March Home,” which blends real facts with ctional storytelling to create the coming-of-age tale. Registration is online at HCPLC.org.MAGICIAN SHOWThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Cen-ter, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will present magician Cesar Domico on June 20 at 2 p.m., as part of its Elementary Summer Reading Challenge. Tickets are free and will be available at the library a half-hour prior to the show, on a rst-come, rst-served basis. All parties must be present to receive a ticket. For information, call 727-815-7126.REPUBLICAN CLUBThe East Pasco Republican Club will meet on June 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Academy of Spec-trum Diversity, 5320 First St., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Rep. Randy Maggard, District 54.CRAFT A COOKIEThe Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host “Craft a Cookie,” on June 21 at 4 p.m., for preteens; and at 6 p.m. for teens. Participants can work together to create an ultimate cookie recipe. All materials will be provided. Registration is required. Call 352-567-3576.PAINTED COASTERSThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Cen-ter, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a craft class on June 21 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., for ages 18 and older. Participants can cre-ate their own painted fruit slice coaster set (four coasters). All supplies will be provided. Registra-tion is required. Call 727-815-7126.SCIENCE PROGRAMThe Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., will host a “Talewise Science Heroes Summer Program” on June 21 at 10 a.m. Participants can work together to stop a super-polluting master-mind. Throughout the story, there will be experi-ments and education on chemical reactions, Law of Motion, air pressure, and more. For informa-tion, call 813-780-0064.OPEN AUDITIONSLive Oak Theatre announced open auditions for “Fiddler on the Roof.” Any talent should submit a video audition of themselves performing one of the pre-selected monologues from the show and one of the pre-selected character-specic songs by 11:59 p.m., on June 21. Non-members of the theater should email marie@liveoakthe-atre.org for instructions on accessing links for music and characters. The show begins in Sep-tember, for a minimum of 10 performances over three weekends.ANIME DRAWINGThe Hillsborough County Public Library Coop-erative will present a beginners’ anime manga drawing class on June 21 at 3 p.m., at the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., for teens. Participants can learn how to draw emotions in an anime manga style. Space is limited. Tickets will be available at the marked service point 30 minutes prior to the event. Register online at HCPLC.org.DRUM CIRCLEThe Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Park-way, will host “All Together Now: Giving Tree Music” on June 21 at 2 p.m., for kindergarten through third grade. Participants can make some noise with the drum circle. For information, call 813-929-1214.FAMILY BOWLING NIGHTThe Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department will host a Family Bowl-ing Night on June 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Pin Chasers of East Pasco in Zephyrhills. For information and tickets, call 352-521-4166. Summer Kids SeriesB&B Theatres Wesley Chapel-The Grove 16 will host a Summer Kids Series with $5 movies or $3 for back-stage pass members, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For information, visit BBTheatres. com. Traditional showtimes are 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; sensory-friendly showtimes are at 10:15 a.m. Upcoming movies are: • June 20 to June 22: “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” • June 27 to June 29: “Smallfoot” • July 4 to July 6: “Space Jam” • July 11 to July 13: “Scoob!” • July 18 to July 20: “The Lego Batman Movie” • July 25 to July 27: “Tom & Jerry The Movie”Summer ChillsThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host “Summer Chills” on June 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., as part of its spooky, scary movie series. Bring a blanket and a friend, and be prepared to be scared. For information, call 727-815-7126.

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www.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 20235A rfntbtnbrffn tbbrrtbbbbbtbrrbrrbttr bbbtbrrbrrbttr rffntbrfn rfntbtnb nt bb tn rfnt f 06/30/23 AFTER BEFORE Dade City37925 Sky Ridge Circle Dade City, FL 33525 (813) 782-7200Zephyrhills36524 State Road 54 Zephyrhills, FL 33541 (813) 788-5461Store Hours:Monday Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pmAll store proceeds benefit Gulfside Hospice.Learn more at www.GulfsideThriftShops.org STOCK UP ON By B.C. Manionbcmanion@lakerlutznews.comThe Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization — Pasco’s lead transportation plan-ning agency — is expected to get an update on planning efforts for the Orange Belt Trail in July. As envisioned, the 37-mile Orange Belt Trail will stretch from Trinity to Trilby and will pro-vide regional connectivity. It’s also expected to enhance the existing and planned regional trail network by providing key connections to the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail and Withlacoochee Trail, ac-cording to information on the Orange Belt Trail’s website. The 12to 14-foot multi-use trail is expected to link communities such as Trinity, Odessa, Land O’Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Dade City to help fuel economic transformation. It will be open to pedestrians and bicyclists, and possibly for equestrian use in some areas. Generally, it will follow the path of the Orange Belt Railway, but deviations are expected. Although planners have not honed in on the exact path yet, there’s been considerable dis-cussion on what should be included and there’s been pushback from some areas that do not want the trail. Tina Russo, a transportation planner for the Pasco MPO, recently gave that board an over-view of some of the thoughts that have been surfacing — including input from public meet-ings held in December and April. She also shared suggestions from the MPO’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and its Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The project is being led by Sam Benick, a Pasco County project manager, along with coun-ty staff and consultants. “We had an in-depth conversation with our CAC committee and our BPAC on this alignment,” said Russo, who devotes much of her time to seeking ways to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. Russo said she spent more than an hour dis-cussing the issue with BPAC members. “These guys have waited years to provide these comments,” she said. She expects Beneck and the consultants to have an informal conversation about the Orange Belt Trail planning efforts during the MPO board’s July meeting. “That (Orange Belt) rail line is what the Pinellas Trail is on and what the Coast-To-Coast is on,” Russo said. “That line has been on Pasco mapper for quite a few years and, now, we’re nally getting to study it.” During public sessions on the project in April, questions arose about the potential alignment in certain parts of West Pasco, Land O’ Lakes and Dade City, Russo said. While the trail alignment is not yet clear, there’s obviously considerable interest in the project. Russo estimated more than 150 people attend-ed public meetings on the project in December and a considerable number of comments have been submitted on the Orange Belt Trail’s web-site. Public input is being used to help determine such things as where trailheads should go and the locations of trail crossings, Russo said. “We got a good idea of what people want and don’t want,” Russo said. “We found out that people wanted a paved trail and they wanted it kind of in the woods,” she said. They’d like to keep a separation between the trail and trafc, to help keep trail users safe. In a perfect world, the trail users would like 100 feet of right of way, consisting of a clear zone and trees, Russo said. “We can do that in some places,” the transpor-tation planner said. In some places, though, the right of way will be smaller. There may be some places, where the trail is on a road, with a separation from cars, Russo said. That may be necessary, in order to make a desired connection, she explained. For instance, there’s a trail in New York that traverses the entire state, but portions of it are on the road, Russo said. Members of the public also have weighed in on amenities they’d like to see. “They wanted trailheads with restrooms. That’s always a big one,” Russo said. Other requests include water fountains, waynding (directional signage) and grade-sep-arated crossings. Planning can make a real difference in creat-ing an effective trail system, Russo said. “If we build a trail correctly, in a community, you need less trailheads. “If we build this right, we want you to be able to ride from your house and not have to build trailheads, if possible,” she said. Proper planning also can reduce the need for overpasses, Russo added. “Overpasses are expensive. They’re about $15 million. And not everybody uses them. “We want to try to actually design a trail that we can cross the road safely, without planning to build an overpass that might take 10 or 15 years to build,” Russo said. Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said property owners from Blanton to Trilby don’t want the trail to align with the Orange Belt Trail because portions of the former rail line are now on private land. Oakley suggested looking at a different route, perhaps further to the east. Oakley said he would love to see a trail that would accommodate equestrian users. He also envisions the possibilities of having camp spots for equestrian trail users, on the west side of the county, on the east side and in the Green Swamp. “We haven’t done much for equestrian, but we do have a lot of people who love horses and love riding horses,” Oakley said. What is the best path for the Orange Belt Trail? FILEAs work continues on developing a plan for the Orange Belt Trail, a desire has voiced for amenities such as waynding, trail heads including restrooms and water fountains, and paths that are away from busy roads. Providing access to natural areas is another thing that trail planners are keeping in mind, as they work on the alignment for the Orange Belt Trail. Orange Belt TrailThe Orange Belt Trail is intended to be a trail that crosses Pasco County, linking Trinity to Trilby and providing connections to the Coast-to-Coast Trail, the Starkey Trail, the Suncoast Trail and the Withla-coochee Trail. It also will link such communities as Trilby, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Dade City. For additional details on the Orange Belt Trail project, visit OrangeBeltTrail.com. The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report The Tampa Water Department is tempo-rarily using a different water disinfection process, which will continue until July 3. The switch began on June 12 and is part of the city’s routine maintenance to preserve drinking water quality, according to a city news release. Customers may experience a change in their drinking water’s smell, color, and taste during this time, the release says. The department is temporarily using chlo-rine instead of chloramine — which is a mix of ammonia and chlorine— to disinfect its drinking water. This is a routine and temporary adjustment to help prevent bacteria from developing in water mains and service lines, according to the city. Customers who are sensitive to chlorine can take several steps to minimize the effects of the change, the release says. Those options include: • Running the tap for a few minutes be-fore using the water • Filling a pitcher of water and letting it sit for several hours to allow any residual chlo-rine to evaporate • Considering the installation of a carbon lter on kitchen/bathroom faucets or shower heads or replacing existing lters with new ones This routine change was delayed due to seasonal drought conditions. The Hillsborough River Reservoir is now back to normal levels thanks to recent rains. For more information, contact the City of Tampa Utilities Department at 813-274-8811, or visit Tampa.gov/ChlorineDisinfection. 813-909-4888 SINCE 1946 Franklin Jewelers GIA & EGLDiamonds AvailableJeweler on Premises Let us x your eyeglasses & much more LAY AWAY & GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Stop in & take a look at what’s HOT forFather’s Day! Tampa temporarily changes water disinfection process

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6Awww.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 2023 TAG ART REAPS REWARDSForty-three Hillsborough County schools partici-pated in the Kids Tag Art Program for the 2022-2023 school year, yielding more than 1,000 plate design entries. The Kids Art Program is a creative fundraiser that allows students to showcase their artistic abil-ities by designing front license vanity plates in art class. The plate designs are printed on metal plates and sold to family, friends and the public. Proceeds from the plate sales and sponsorships go back to the participating schools to help support their arts program. This year the program raised more than $37,800, and to date, the program across the state of Florida raised more than $2 million. Top honorees this year were Aaliyah GreeneWalker from Dunbar Elementary School, who received the Sponsor’s Choice Award; and Katilyn Pace from McDonald Elementary, who received the Tax Collector’s Choice Award. For a complete list of each school’s winner and artwork, visit https://www.hillstax.org/kids-tag-art/ tag-art-winners-2022-2023/. For information about the Kids Tag Art Program and other initiatives by the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce, visit HillsTax.org.FLAG DAY LESSONWreaths Across America (WAA) has announced the addition of new Flag Day lesson plans to its TEACH Program, which provides free access to curriculum and educational resources for all, accord-ing to a news release. Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 and commem-orates the adoption of the ag of the United States. The new lesson plans are designed for all grade levels and learning abilities, and have an objective for civic ideals and practices. “An understanding of civic ideals and practices is critical for full participation in society and is an essential component of education for citizenship,” said Cindy Tatum, WAA curriculum developer and Gold Star mom, in the release. “This theme enables students to learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizens of a democracy, and to appreciate the importance of active citizen-ship,” said Tatum. To learn more or to download the plans, visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/teach.SUMMER BREAK TIPSWith schools in ‘recess’ for summer break, Dr. Tammy Lowery Zacchilli, a professor of psychology at Saint Leo University, offers these useful tips to help avoid your children having meltdowns or experienc-ing boredom. • Consider your own schedule for the summer and try to take some time off to spend with your children this summer. • Take a vacation or staycation. Take a road trip or make quick trips to the beach, park, zoo, aquar-ium or amusement park. • Check out camps offered in your area. Some local elementary schools offer camps, but there also are programs for dance, music, gymnastics, art, and more. Visit Fun4TampaKids.com/Camps/Vari-ety-Camps/. Saint Leo University also offers camps ranging from athletics to robotics and more. Visit SaintLeoCamps.com. • Plan activities for days at home. Break out board games, make chalk drawings in the driveway, make crafts, paint pictures with the kids, play out-side, check out books from the library.STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS• Tiana Alfsen, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Uni-versity of Wisconsin-Madison • Emersen Angel, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa • Anthony Rocco Becht, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames • Camryn Bliss, Lutz: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi • Cameron Douglas Coughlin, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames • Caitlyn Culpepper, Odessa: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi • Gabrielle Fontanez, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Saint Leo University, and inductee into and board secretary of the PSI CHI International Honor Society for psychology • Angelica C. Gonzalez, Lutz: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames • Abigail Greene, Lutz: Dean’s List, Pennsylvania Western University, California, Pennsylvania • Madeline Griggs, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa • Christian Hewett, Odessa: Dean’s List, Univer-sity of Alabama-Tuscaloosa • Logan Hinsberg, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa • Graydon Horn, Odessa: President’s List, Univer-sity of Alabama-Tuscaloosa • Igor Christian Ibaka Kabasele, San Antonio: Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas • Noah Kilpatrick, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa • Charles King, Odessa: President’s List, Georgia Southern University-Statesboro • Alexis Leighty, Lutz: Dean’s List, Lincoln Memo-rial University, Harrogate, Tennessee • Midhun Raj, Lutz: Bachelor of Science, Com-puter Science, Oregon State University-Corvallis • Kaitlyn Ryan, Lutz: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi • Christiana Till, Odessa: President’s List, Univer-sity of Alabama-TuscaloosaTRUCK DRIVER PARTNERSHIPFleetForce Truck Driving School and Pasco-Her-nando State College (PHSC) have launched a part-nership to recruit commercial truck drivers in West Pasco and surrounding areas, according to a Fleet-Force news release. PHSC’s West Campus is now home to one of FleetForce’s six new locations statewide. This partnership helps generate an additional 3,000 commercial truck drivers annually, helping to alleviate the critical need for commercial drivers. The partnership, with assistance from the State of Florida and CareerSource Pasco Hernando includes testing and on-site training, the release said. FleetForce training programs are designed to teach all the mandatory skills drivers need to obtain a Certied Driver’s License (CDL). It offers a variety of options to help people enroll as soon as possible, including a Pre-Hire Program, created in collaboration with the Florida Trucking Association, to match qualied drivers with potential employers who may sponsor them. FleetForce offers training opportunities for Class A, B, and C licensees, and students can graduate in as little as one month after enrollment, training and passing the CDL exam. To learn more, visit FleetForceTruckDriving-School.com. For information about the college, visit PHSC.edu.ESSAY WINNERSThe GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club sponsored an Essay Contest for fth-graders at Lutz Elementary School, to encourage and reward stu-dents’ writing skills. First prize received a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card; second prize, $50 gift card; and two third prizes, $25 gift card. Two Honorable Mention certicates also were awarded.BOARD MEETINGThe Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) District Board of Trustees will meet on June 20 at noon, at the PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Building A, in Dade City. Visit Policies.phsc.edu/district-board-trustees/ agenda to see a copy of the agenda. For information, email Rhonda Dodge at dodger@phsc.edu.HERRICANE SUMMER CAMPPasco County Emergency Management invites high school students to take part in its inaugural HERricane program from July 17 to July 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center, 8744 Government Drive, Build-ing A, New Port Richey. The free, weeklong program gives young women in ninth through 12th grades the oppor-tunity to explore emergency management-related careers. The program includes multiple sessions and activities with guest speakers. Each student will receive Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certication upon completion. The pro-gram will count toward the student’s volunteer hours. Incoming ninth-grade students can apply. Students younger than age 18 will need a paren-tal/legal guardian’s signature. Interested students should apply no later than June 16 by lling out an application that includes a short essay question, online at tinyurl.com/ mw625fe8.SUMMER READING CHALLENGEPasco County Libraries has launched its Sum-mer Reading Challenge, “All Together Now,” at all Pasco library locations, now through July 31. Requirements include 600 minutes of reading and record-keeping in the Beanstack app. Readers who complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card, courtesy of Friends of the Library. Other individual prizes also will be up for grabs at all Pasco library branches. To learn more, visit MyPas.co/SummerRead2023.SUMMER HAUL BUS PASSStudents can ride Pasco County Public Trans-portation (GoPasco) buses all summer through Aug. 31 for just $20. The special student-rate passes can be pur-chased at these places: • GoPasco Administrative Ofce, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Ofce, East/West Pasco Government Centers • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores New Port Richey, Dade City and Wesley Chapel • County libraries, various locations For more information on the pass and GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit MyPas.co/ SummerBusPass. THRIVE OVER 55Senior Expo APRIL 5TH, 2023 9AM-12:30PMB&B Theatre 6333 W esley Grove Blvd. W esley Chapel, FL 33544FREE ADMISSION • FREE P ARKING Live it up in your golden years!Our Thrive over 55 Senior Expo brings the latest products, services, lifestyle enhancements and special offers directly to you.THERE’S SO MUCH TO SEE, DO AND ENJOY!•Free Breakfast / Lunch •• • Sample New & Exciting Products •Free Giveaways & Discount Offers • • Free Health Screenings • • Door Prizes & Giveaways • REGISTER NOW TO ATTENDTickets are free, but mandatory for entry. Register now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thriveover-55-senior-expo-tickets-642979327477 or call 813-909-2800Vendor Opportunities Available!Call 813-909-2800 Today for Detail Package Information • Space is Limited per Business Categories!OCTOBER 26TH, 2023 9AM-12:30PMB&B Theatre 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544FREE ADMISSION • FREE PARKINGBringing you the latest products, services, lifestyle enhancements and special offers directly to you.THERE’S SO MUCH TO SEE, DO AND ENJOY!• Free Breakfast / Lunch • • Sample New & Exciting Products • • Free Giveaways & Discount Oers • • Free Health Screenings • • Door Prizes & Giveaways • SEND YOUR SCHOOL NEWS TO NEWS@LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM COURTESY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICEA presentation was made to the Hillsborough County School Board of total funds raised through this school year’s Kids Tag Art Program.

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www.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 20237A these things. “Really, you’ve done a great job.” Oakley also freely expressed his affection and respect for Simpson. “Wilton, I cherish your friendship. I love and care for your family, as if they were mine. “I just can’t say enough for all of the things you’ve done for Pasco County and I certainly want to thank you for every little bit.” At the same time, Oakley said he thinks that Simpson will continue to do great things to ben-et the people he serves. “We have greater expectations for you in the future,” Oakley said. Oakley’s board colleagues also expressed their appreciation for Simpson’s efforts. Commissioner Seth Weightman put it this way: “It’s amazing to see the work that you’ve done and to see how it’s going to carry on to another generation. Board colleague Kathryn Starkey added: “When we had some others in the Senate that were reluctant to le for appropriations, we can always count on Senator Simpson, and now (Agriculture) Commissioner Simpson. He carried a lot for us that I think a lot of people in this county don’t realize. “You saw what our needs are here, in the county, and they’re big. All of your help that you gave us during that time is greatly appreciated. Thank you.” Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa also weighed in: “From an administrator’s perspective, your team and yourself are just fan-tastic to work with. I really appreciate all of the support you’ve given to the county. You’ve really helped us get a lot of things done. “It’s just been a phenomenal partnership, so we thank you for all of it.” Commission Chairman Jack Mariano praised Simpson’s ability to make things happen. “I want to say, commissioner, that you’ve been the most impactful elected ofcial that Pasco County has ever had,” Mariano said, add-ing that Simpson’s overall thinking benets the entire state. In accepting the board’s honor, Simpson ex-pressed appreciation for their tribute and also thanked his family, who accompanied him to the meeting, for their support. Simpson told the commissioners: “It was such an honor to serve the last 10 years in the Florida Senate and to be the Senate President during the pandemic, and keeping Florida open and getting our kids back in school and making sure our businesses were able to run and operate.” He said he’s pleased with the work that has been done to ensure protection for the state’s wildlife and agricultural interests through the Florida Wildlife Corridor. “It was one of my major priorities that we had, you know, in my last two years as presi-dent,” he said. Simpson is also pleased by the opportunity to serve in his current role. “To be elected Commissioner of Agriculture is clearly an honor of a lifetime,” Simpson said. “Two weeks ago, in our Cabinet meeting, we approved almost $70 million — almost 40,000 acres of land to be preserved in the state of Florida. In this year’s budget, there’s over $30 million to preserve 1,000 acres of land in the Wesley Chapel area.” He’s excited about the potential of Moftt’s Pasco campus. “Moftt is going to revolutionize cancer care in the world. The research facility that they’re building — not only will bring thousands of jobs to our area of the state, but the world will travel to the Tampa Bay area, now, to receive care,” he said. He said he knows people are already trav-eling here, but he expects more to do so as Pasco’s new project comes online. He doesn’t expect that to be too long down the road, either. “In two or three years, I think, we’ll have some of the rst buildings open,” he said. His focus now is on “making sure our food supply remains robust, in the country, but in this state, in particular. “As Ag Commissioner, it’s all about safe, af-fordable, abundant food,” Simpson said. FILEFlorida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson addresses a small crowd on Jan. 31 during the groundbreaking of the CARES Wilton Simpson Senior Center, in Dade City, which will be built on 1.7 acres of land Simpson donated. Simpson was surprised to learn his name would be part of the building’s name. Over the course of two years, he composed and wrote a beautiful cello/electronic music piece — titled ‘Xenon’ — which was selected to be played in the 7th New Music on the Bayou Festival from May 31 to June 3 in Monroe and Ruston, Louisiana. Lewis, a talented musician, plays several in-struments, including the double bass. But he can’t play this song he composed. “It’s a great honor to be chosen for the festi-val, but, sadly, no, I can’t play it — it’s way above my level,” said the 35-year-old Dade City native, who also plays in the Dade City Orchestra. “I wrote it for a very talented cellist, Eduard Teregulov, who will do a chamber performance in Monroe. “When I was writing this piece, Edward asked me to write him the piece for the cello and had no idea what it would be about. As a composer, I really feel the need to have hooks (in the piece), otherwise, I don’t see the point, and I don’t think anyone is going to remember if it doesn’t have interesting hooks,” the com-poser said. He acknowledges as he sat down to write the score, he was still trying to gure out what direction he was going in, the motifs, rhythms and hooks. But then he stumbled upon inspiration. “I came across this wonderful Greek prov-erb,” Lewis said. “‘A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.’ That’s powerful. I wanted this piece to be about that, and it’s a little political, but I re-ally do believe in that phrase and the biggest issue I have is the stiing of innovation — that I don’t understand and I think this piece is about not doing that.” Xenon is a dense, colorless, odorless noble gas found in Earth’s atmosphere in trace amounts. However, xenon can be used to bal-ance out nuclear ssion, which inspired the innovation part of Lewis’ piece. In the end, it was the Greek proverb that moved him. “I don’t like to be practical with music — I like to hint subtly in it,” he said. The festival received 337 submissions from 180 different applicants from 34 states and 18 countries. Lewis became one of 50 composers whose work was selected for the weeklong cel-ebration. Lewis and his wife, Charlotte, who is co-own-er of Prelude Academy, attended the festival so they could “get to see it played and played well by someone who is good and someone we know,” she said. It was a musical trip worth the wait. “I heard it through all its stages of devel-opment — from ‘What do you think of this?’ and ‘What do you think of that?’ Every part,” Charlotte said. “I make the noise — I don’t write it, so I only know composing through Paul, but it’s nice to see his project where he has all this creativity pouring into it and I can just look at it from the outside and offer a gentle critique. “We joke because I tell him, ‘I would tell you if I didn’t like it,’” she continued. “It’s a delicate balance being the married couple and working partners, because if something doesn’t sound good, we want to be supportive, but still give real feedback. “So, he might pout and then rewrites.” The couple opened their ourishing music academy in November 2021, and have seen an inux of local musicians walk through its doors. Those learning music there are both ex-perienced and aspiring, and they use all kinds of instruments to create classical to pop. Students range from age 80 to 18 months. The academy’s growth has happened faster than its owners expected — creating the need to hire three more instructors to respond to the de-mand. Paul teaches percussion and piano, while Charlotte gives guitar lessons. One of their in-structors gives lessons on trumpets, bagpipes and other brass instruments. And the reception from the Dade City com-munity has been music to their ears. “We love that Dade City is invested in us,” Charlotte said. “And the music.” PRELUDE, from page 1A ‘Xenon’ by Paul LewisDetails: Paul Lewis’ piece for cello and electron-ics was featured in the 7th New Music on the Bayou Festival from May 31 to June 3 in Monroe and Ruston, Louisiana. The festival received 337 submissions from 180 different applicants from 34 states and 18 countries. Lewis became one of 50 composers selected for the festival. To hear the score, visit Soundcloud.com/plewis-music/xenon. To learn more about the festival, visit NewMusi-cOnTheBayou.com, and to learn more about Prelude Academy of the Arts, 14249 Seventh St. Dade City, visit PreludeAcademy.com. WILTON, from page 1A MIKE CAMUNASCharlotte Lewis, owner of Prelude Academy of the Arts in downtown Dade City, works on some gui-tar lessons with a student. The percussion studio room at Prelude Academy of the Arts in Dade City. Sheet music composed by Paul Lewis, owner of Prelude Academy of the Arts in downtown Dade City. By Mary Rathmanmrathman@lakerlutznews.comPasco County Schools’ Summer Food Service program will provide breakfasts and lunches, Monday through Thursday, to anyone age 18 and younger, now until July 28, according to a news release. Students attending PLACE or Extended School year programs at the various participat-ing schools will receive their meals on campus while attending the program. Meals will be available at the following schools: • Central Pasco: Crews Lake Middle; Dr. Mary Giella Elementary; Shady Hills Elementary • East Pasco: Centennial Elementary; East Pasco Education Academy; New River Elementary; Pasco High; Pasco Middle; Quail Hollow Elementary; R.B. Cox Elementary; R.B. Stewart Middle; San Antonio Elementary; Woodland Elementary; and Zephyrhills High. • West Pasco: Anclote Elementary/High; Chasco Elementary; Cotee River Elementary; Dayspring Academy (Harmony location); West Pasco Education Academy; Fivay High; Fox Hollow Elementary; Gulf Highlands Elementary; Gulfside Elementary; Gulf Middle; Hudson Primary Academy; Mittye P. Locke Elementary; Moon Lake Elementary; Richey Elementary; Schrader Elementary; Sunray Elementary; Wendell Krinn Technical High; and West Pasco Education Academy. Additionally, buses will stop to provide lunch, Monday through Thursday, at these locations: • Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City • Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City • Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City • Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills • Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills For information and questions, email tyoung@ pasco.k12..us.Pasco Schools offers free food programBy Mary Rathmanmrathman@lakerlutznews.comReduce. Reuse. Recycle. That is the mission of the Pasco County Recycling and Education Department, as it is “committed to reducing the waste stream through recycling, encouraging environmental steward-ship, and providing educational resources for residents about the benets of recycling and waste reduction,” according to its website. Recycling can reduce the amount of waste sent to landlls and incinerators. It can conserve natural resources such as timber, water and minerals, and can prevent pollution and reduce greenhouse gasses. In Pasco County, these items can be recycled: aluminum cans, cardboard, metal food cans, paper, plastic bottles and containers. Items that cannot be recycled include: glass, juice and milk cartons, plastic bags, Styrofoam, tanglers, and anything wet or dirty. There are size restrictions as well — Pasco County does not recycle items that are larger than a cat litter container or smaller than your st. Pasco County Solid Waste and Recycling offers these drop-off locations: • East Pasco Recycling Center, 9626 Handcart Road in Dade City. Open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional materials accepted. Call 352-521-0500. • Holiday Area Recycling, Anclote Gulf Park, 2305 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Land O’ Lakes Area Recycling, Senior Services Center, 6801 Wisteria Loop, Land O’ Lakes. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. • West Pasco Recycling Center, 14606 Hays Road in Spring Hill. Open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional materials accepted. Call 727-857-2780. The county’s Recycling and Education Department also provides free educational pre-sentations for groups and communities. For more details on acceptable items and to learn more about program presentations, visit Pascocounty.net/546/Recycling.Recycling can benet the environmentBy B.C. Manionbcmanion@lakerlutznews.comBills passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis will help consumers save when purchasing essential items and while having fun. For details on exemptions and other informa-tion, check FloridaRevenue.com and search for the Sales Tax Holiday page. Here is a rundown on the sales tax holidays that were adopted: • 2023 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday: The rst tax relief period ended on June 9 and the second one runs from Aug. 26 through Sept. 8. Items designed to help people and pets safe during hurricane season are taxfree. • 2023 Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday: Consumers can purchase qualifying recreation and outdoor items and admissions to entertain-ment and cultural events. The sales tax holiday began on May 29 and runs through Sept. 4. • 2023-2024 ENERGY STAR Appliances Sales Tax Holiday. Consumers can purchase qualify-ing ENERGY STAR appliances, This sales tax holiday begins July 1 and extends through June 30, 2024. • 2023-2024 Gas Ranges and Cooktops Sales Tax Holiday. The tax relief applies to qualifying gas ranges and cooktops. The tax holiday runs from July 1 through June 30, 2024. • 2023-2024 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. Consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax, from July 24 through Aug. 6, and from Jan. 1 through Jan. 14, 2024. • 2023 Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday. Consumers can purchase qualifying tools and equipment exempt from tax from Sept. 2 through Sept. 8. The list of exemptions also includes two that began last year and that are ongoing. They are: • 2022 Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption. Consumers can purchase qualifying home hardening products exempt from sales tax from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. • 2022-2023: Children’s Diapers and Clothing Sales Tax Exemption. Consumers can purchase qualifying children’s diapers and clothing ex-empt from tax July 1, 2022 through this June 30.State sales tax holidays will yield savings for consumers

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8Awww.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 2023 Call Hudgins Law Firm 800-950-5534C C i i v v i i l l T T r r i i a a l l P P r r a a c c t t i i c c e e • • F F r r e e e e C C o o n n s s u u l l t t a a t t i i o o n n HudginsLawFirm.net I I n n j ju ur re ed d? ? I I n n j ju ur re ed d? ? Drew Ben Hudgins, Esq Zephyrhills, FL • CAR CRASHES • MOTORCYCLE CRASHES • TRUCK CRASHES • BOAT INJURIES • JET SKI CRASHES • TRIP & FALL INJURIES • SLIP & FALL INJURIES • SERIOUS INJURIES • WRONGFUL DEATH Your Neighborhood Sports Source Community Sports Community Sports SUNLAKE RUNNER, TEAM EXCEL AT STATESPutting an exclama-tion point on a stellar high school running career, Sunlake senior distance runner Alex Pena took home the state title in the 1600 meter race at the Class 4A state championships on May 20 at the Jax Track at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Pena ran a time of four minutes, seven seconds, which represented the event’s fastest time in all state classications, as well as the eighth-fastest in Florida High School history. By overcoming an early season injury, Pena worked with his coach, Randal Reeves, and devel-oped a “cross training” plan that enabled him to keep his tness level high throughout the season. Pena also placed sixth in the 3200-meter race at the state championships with a 9:19 time. At the Class 4A-District 6A meet, he also nished rst in the 1600 meter (4:29), the 800 meter (1:56) and the 3200 meter (9:34). Additionally, several other Sunlake distance runners were at the state championships, includ-ing freshman Christian Hindman in the 1600 meter (4:24) and the 3200 meter (9:35). Sophomore Cade Culpepper placed ninth (9:24) in the 3200 meter, junior Joshua Hindman placed seventh in the 800 meter (1:56), Abigail Williams placed 10th in the 3200 meter (11:25) and Christian Hindman placed 15th in the 1600 meter (4:33). Sunlake also had two eld event athletes com-peting at the state meet, with Jadyn Wolf placing 15th in the pole vault and Kendyl Okin placing eighth in the javelin. AATL SOFTBALL PLAYERS EARN HONORSA handful of Academy of the Lakes softball players earned season honors after nishing 2023 with a 17-8 record, and ending in the Class 2A regional seminals.Junior outelder Adelaide Aliano (.425 ag., 29 runs, 31 hits, 16 RBI), junior pitcher and third baseman Shannon Kendall (.340 avg., 19 runs, 17 hits, 18 RBI, seven doubles, two triples, four homers), junior pitcher Sydney Kline (3.97 ERA, 6-0, 78 K; .333 avg., 15 runs, 23 hits, 19 RBI, ve doubles triple), junior shortstop Juliana Ries (.313 avg., 23 runs, 21 hits, 7 RBI, double, triple) and junior rst baseman and Bethune-Cookman College commit Molly Blackwood (.393 avg., 10 RBI, homer in nine games due to injury) were all named to the All-State Academics honors team.Additionally, the Wildcats softball team became the rst varsity team to be awarded the school’s rst on-campus outdoor eld on March 28, chris-tening it with a 16-1 win over Hernando Christian.PASCO HIGH NAMES NEW FOOTBALL COACHThe Pirates announced on June 5 the hiring of Arm-wood High defensive coordi-nator Fred Hicks as its new football coach, replacing the departing Alphonso Freeney, who accepted a head foot-ball coaching job at Saks High School in Alabama. The Hawks’ defensive coordinator led a unit that allowed 12.2 points per game in 2022, when Armwood went 6-4. Freeney turned around a Pasco team that went 0-10 in 2021 and led the Pirates (9-2) to a Class 3S playoff berth.ROLLER DERBY EVENT Revolution Roller Derby will host its Camp Wannaskate at Sunderman Hockey Rink, 1631 Ninth St., Palm Harbor, at 12:30 p.m., on July 1. Entry is $10 at the gate and children ages 12 and under are free, and bring donations and bring a beach towel or chair for seating. The event is col-lecting school supplies, such as backpacks, pen-cils and pens for The Boys & Girls Club. There will be a women’s, mixed gender, rookie scrim-mage and non-derby direction gameplay, plus a bake sale and local vendors. For even more information, visit Revolution-RollerDerby.com.NEON MINI GOLF LEAGUE7th Street Mini Golf & Game Parlor, 13841 Sev-enth St, Dade City, will host a six-week Neon Mini Golf League starting Sept. 3 and running through Oct. 15. Registration is $60 per player and includes a shirt, sticker, one game per week, scorekeep-ing, live leaderboard and prizes. Parlor members receive $20 off entry fee and sponsorship oppor-tunities are available. For more information or to register, stop in at the course, or call 352-437-4715. SEND SPORTS NEWS TO MCAMUNAS@LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM CHECK THIS OUTAlex McGough has excelled everywhere he has played — Gaither High and Flor-ida International — and now looks to get United States Football League’s Birming-ham Stallions another championship, as the league’s top passerBy Mike Camunasmcamunas@lakerlutznews.comAlex McGough doesn’t mind being a local celebrity. Not just in his hometown of Tampa — specically the Lutz and Central Pasco areas — but also in Birmingham, Ala-bama, where he’s the starting quarterback for the United States Football League’s Stallions. “Alabama really loves their football and they’re not lying when they say it,” the former Gaither High football star said. “They support us and it’s great, and it’s fun to get recognized in town at the store or in a restaurant, be asked for a sele. That’s nice, but I’m just really happy playing football again on a consistent basis.” McGough was selected with the sixth pick of the rst round of the 2022 USFL Draft by the Stallions, however, he suffered an ankle injury in the team’s rst game on April 16, 2022. The Stallions went 9-1 that season and made it to the championship game vs. the Philadelphia Stars. McGough came into the game for the injured J’Mar Smith and went 7-for-10 passing for 77 yards and a touchdown, helping the Stallions earn their rst USFL championship with a 33-30 win. “Last season was an interesting roller coaster of things that led to that (performance in the championship game),” McGough said. “I just went into that game preparing like I always do and, unfortunately, I hate that he had to come out due to injury, but I just went out there and played like I always do and I was just happy we fought the way we did. “It was pretty unbelievable how it all hap-pened and the emotions of it didn’t hit me until the next day.” It’s been a long journey for McGough, who started his high school football career at Wesley Chapel High before transferring to Gaither prior to his sophomore year. As a Cowboy, McGough passed for 1,727 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior, then another 1,258 yards and eight touch-downs in his senior year in 2013 before signing with Florida International University (FIU). “Yeah, of course, I think about those days, but I also think 10 years — it kind of just puts in perspective how fast it can go when you’re not paying attention,” McGough said. While at FIU, McGough had a record-break-ing career starting as a true freshman, throwing for 1,680 yards and 14 touchdowns and earn-ing a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. As a sophomore, he set single-season records in pass attempts (420), completions (269), yards (2,722) and touchdowns (21). Injuries limited his playing time as a junior, but he still threw for 1,891 yards and 13 touch-downs, and when his college career was over, he had a school-record 9,091 passing yards and 65 touchdowns in 45 games. Then it was time for the National Football League. The Seattle Seahawks took McGough in the seventh round (220 overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft, becoming the rst quarterback drafted by that team since they selected Russell Wilson in 2012. Unfortunately, though, McGough didn’t see any real NFL action, instead bouncing around on practice squads with the Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans. He got a second stint with Seattle and even started a preseason game, but never got to play meaningful professional games until he was with the Stallions. “I am happy I chose to stick with (football),” he said. “I mean, the goal is to get back to the NFL, but, again, I’m just loving being able to play regularly again.” Not only is McGough playing regularly, he’s now one of the best USFL quarterbacks, leading the league with 18 passing touchdowns and is second in passing yards, with 1,822 yards. With a record of 7-2 — which is rst place in the South Division over the Memphis Show-boats, New Orleans Breakers and Houston Gam-blers, respectively — McGough and the Stallions are eyeing back-to-back USFL championships. “Coach (Skip Holtz) really puts an empha-sis on each week and comes in with the 0-0 (record) mindset,” McGough said. “We’re not to worry about the playoffs, but that we be better than the next team and handle each week like we should — and the chips will fall where they may.” This year’s playoffs begin on June 24, with the championship game set for July 1. As McGough continues the season, he still fondly remembers his “glory days” as a local football star — and celebrity. “That’s why they call it glory days, right?” McGough said. “The goal was always to make it to the NFL and play at the highest level, but it’s hard to say I haven’t thought about that, but I don’t ever really think about it all the time or in the moment — I’m just trying to win games, like I always have either back home or at FIU or here in Birmingham. “But (playing here in Birmingham) is going great and I’m really enjoying it.” COURTESY OF ALIYAH HILLFormer Gaither High star Alex McGough leads the United States Football League (USFL) with 16 passing touchdowns and helped lead his Birmingham Stallions to the 2022 championship. He went 7-for-10 passing for 77 yards and a touchdown. McGough, local football star, excelling in USFL United States Football League (USFL)Details: A professional American football minor league that began play on April 16, 2022. As of 2023, the league operates eight teams in four cit-ies, seven of which are east of the Mississippi River. All eight teams bear the brands of teams from a previous incarnation of the United States Football League that operated from 1983 to 1985. The current USFL champions are the Birmingham Stal-lions, who won the league’s championship game against the Philadelphia Stars on July 3, 2022, 33-30. For more information on the USFL, visit TheUSFL.com. FILEAlex McGough started his high school football ca-reer at Wesley Chapel High before transferring to Gaither High prior to his sophomore year in 2011. COURTESY OF RANDAL REEVESAlex Pena COURTESY OF PASCO HIGH ATHLETICSFred Hicks

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JUNE 14, 2023 INSIDE: Directories, Classieds, Games & More B Lutz Lutz The L The L rf rfnt Mirada Lagoon opened June 2, becoming the largest human-made lagoon in the nation, and the second in human-made lagoons in Pasco CountyBy Mike Camunasmcamunas@lakerlutznews.comPasco County is becoming the Land of Lagoons. Joining its sister lagoon in the nearby Epperson community in Wesley Chapel, Mirada Lagoon in San Antonio ofcially opened its sandy shores and expansive waterways to its Mirada residents, as well as the public, on June 2. At 15 acres of water, Mirada Lagoon is the largest human-made lagoon in the country. It has a 5,100-foot perimeter, 17.2 million pounds of sand and 33 million gallons of water. “We have something for everyone,” said Jon-athan Kelly, Mirada lagoon general manager. “And we’ll just add more, such as a few things still needed to get put in — more food trucks, the volleyball court — but as the largest lagoon in the nation, we want to have the best ameni-ties to offer residents and visitors.” Mirada Lagoon, 1 Mirada Blvd., San Anto-nio, is indeed built for the residents of the Mirada Community, which is a 2,000-acre mas-ter-planned community just off the new State Road 52. The community features approximately 4,500 residential homes, with prices ranging from $200,000 to nearly $1 million. The community, and lagoon, is managed and owned by MetroPlaces and MetroLagoons, which also owns and operates the Epperson Lagoon and Community that opened in 2017. Mirada Lagoon boasts a number of amenities. It also offers a limited number of visitor day passes. The attraction offers kayak and paddle-board rentals, as well as the opportunity to book about 45 minutes of play on the oating obstacle course, AquaGlide. There’s a waterpark playground for kids and a water slide for older youths and adults. Additionally, there are beach areas with com-plimentary, rst-come, rst-served beach seat-ing, but also beach umbrella rentals, as well as cabanas. There also is Gasparilla Island — a sandy beach island surrounded by clear blue shallow water. “That is quite popular to grab a spot and just spend the day for sun and fun,” Kelly said. There are four concession stands, as well as permanent food trucks on the grounds. There’s also a resort-style swim-up bar, where patrons can order beverages. The lagoon also has The Hub, which will live music, events and entertainment. There’s also Cabana Cove, which is the exclu-sive, 21-and-up area where residents and visitors to Mirada Lagoon can rent lounging chairs and even oating cabanas known as AquaBanas — an inatable experience for up to eight people. “When those are available to rent, they go really quick,” Kelly added. “That’s a really popu-lar attraction we have here.”Living large with the largest lagoonMIKE CAMUNASThe Mirada Lagoon, 1 Mirada Blvd., San Antonio — the largest human-made lagoon in the country — opened to the public, and Mirada residents, on June 2. The lagoon has 15 acres of water and offers activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and obstacle course, water slides, a swim-up bar, loung-ing and beach play and playgrounds. Mirada residents Emmy Jacobstein, left, and Grayson Montoya play in the sand at Mirada Lagoon, the nation’s largest human-made lagoon. Mirada Lagoon, the largest human-made lagoon in the country, features a waterpark playground and water slides for residents and daily visitors who come to play in the 15 acres of water at Pasco County’s newest attraction. Mirada LagoonWhere: 1 Mirada Blvd., San Antonio When: Sunday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cost: Day passes start at $20 Details: The Mirada lagoon, with its 15 acres of water, is the largest human-made lagoon in the country. It offers daily public access, as well as activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, an obstacle course, water slides, a swim-up bar, lounging and beach play, a play-ground, concession stands and will have food, permanent trucks and events. Info: MetroLagoons.com/lagoon/miradaGrand Opening CelebrationThe grand opening celebration is scheduled for June 24 and June 25, from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. Miranda Lagoon offers watersport activities such as renting kayaks or paddleboards to explore the expansive attraction. AquaBanas are a fun feature at Mirada Lagoon. The popular amenity gets rented out very quickly. Mirada Lagoon will feature permanent food trucks, in addition to the four concession stands on its grounds.

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2Bwww.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 2023 The LAKER / Lutz NEWS BUY 3 WEEKS, GET 1 FREE IN THE ALL NEW PETCETERA DIRECTORY! CALL RIGHT MEOW! (813) 909-2800 rfnt bb rfntSatisfaction completely guaranteed brr ONLY$2598tt www.gentlecarepethospital.com • Facebook.com/Gentlecare etHospital S Ay & NEuTER CLINIC: Contact s for appointment: (Incldes pre-anesthetic exam, anesthesia, pain & antibiotic pre-medication) Cat Neuter: $65 • Cat Spay: $75 • Dog Neuter: $85-$140* • Dog Spay: $90-$175* *Based on weight *medications/treatments & lab work are additional cost MONDAY-FRIDAY 8 AM 6 PM SATURDAY 8 AM 2 PMPETS SHOULD BE HEALTHY & NOT PREGNANT. MUST BE CURRENT ON RABIES & DHPP/FVRCP VACCINES.DENTAL SERVICES: Now equipped with a new digital dental X-ray system! Prices include Dental X-rays, General Anesthesia, Monitoring, Dental Scaling and Polishing, an antibiotic and pain injections. • Dogs/Cats p to 25lb $215 • Dogs 26-50 lb $237 • Dogs Over 50 lb $259 rfrntb bnnnnbnnntnn rrnbnnnntbn rnbn OPEN FOR WELLNESS & MEDICAL CARE• In Person visits available by appointment only • Curbside service available • Home Delivery available for Medications/SuppliesDUE TO HIGH CALL VOLUME, PLEASE TEXT US AT 813-803-2441(813) 949-4416 21515 VILLAGE LAKES SHOPPING CENTER LAND O’LAKES • FEATURES • EVENTS • PHOTOS • CONTESTS • VIDEOS • AND MORE rfnttrbbttft DONATE TO CINDY’S PETSPasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s ve ofces will feature Cindy’s Pets: Helping Seniors & Their Pets as its charitable organization for the month of June. Cindy’s Pets works with the Pasco County Senior Services Program to provide food for the pets of seniors in need, particularly recipients of the Meals on Wheels program. “The goal of Cindy’s Pets is to provide good nutritional food for animals, thereby enabling the elderly to enjoy their own meals with the knowledge that their pets are also well-fed,” said Dr. Missy Nurrenbrock, founder of Cindy’s Pets, in a news release. For more information about the organization, visit CindysPets.org.To learn about the tax collector’s charitable giving programs, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.NO-SEW PET BEDSThe Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host “DIY for Donations: No-Sew Pet Beds” on June 24 at 2 p.m. Participants can create no-sew pet beds for Pasco County Animal Services. Bring a furry friend to hang out and to try some beds. Registration is required. Call 813-929-1214.SHELTER RECEIVES RECERTIFICATIONPasco County Animal Services’ (PCAS) volunteer program is newly recertied as a Service Enterprise through the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE), according to a news release. Factors for recertication include: Training and integrating volunteers; expanding opportunities; and soliciting feedback. PCAS joins seven other Service Enterprise organizations in Florida, including ve in the animal welfare eld. The department received a total score of 95 out of 100, the release said. The PCAS application for recertication was marked as “exceptional,” highlighting the department’s high level of planning and use of needs assessment to create new volunteer roles.SHARE YOUR PET NEWSIf you have pet news about adoptions, walks or other events for pet owners and their pets, you can let us know by sending us an email. We just need the basics: who, what, when, where and why. The information should be submitted two weeks prior to the desired publication date. We also need a contact name and number, in case we have questions. There is no guarantee of publication, but we consider each item we receive. If you’d like to make a submission, send it to news@lakerlutznews.com. PET PAWS Gracee is a sweetheartIn late April, Gracee was dumped at the Lakeland SPCA. She seemed to be a perfect t for what Emma Pettit was looking for in a dog. Pettit has no idea of what Gracee’s life was before she was adopted, but she is a true sweetheart and loves a good game of tug-of-war. Within a few days, Gracee made herself at home with Pettit in Zephyrhills. True to a Schnauzer personality, Gracee is very protective, yet lovable. PAWSOME Pet of the Week! PET OF THE WEEK FAMILIES RECEIVE A $30 GIFT CARD TO CHUY’S TEX MEX.Write a short paragraph about why your pet is special along with a photo and email to: mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, SUBJECT: Pet of the WeekPLEASE NOTE: OWNERS NAME AND ADDRESS MUST BE INCLUDED FOR YOUR PET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION. 813-948-221125750 Sierra Center Blvd. Lutz, FL 33559 www.Chuys.com www.Chuys.comSPONSOR: www.Chuys.com www.Chuys.com www.Chuys.comFacebook.com/ChuysTampa A cooler, shady spotDarrell Thompson, of Long Lake Ranch in Lutz, caught this Canada goose mom and baby seeking some shade. Thousands of these ‘honkers’ migrate north and south each year, lling the sky with long V formations. COURTESY OF VINAY NAIRA memorable birthdayRhea Nair, a student at Rushe Middle School, celebrated her 13th birthday in a meaningful way — she started a GoFundMe initiative to raise funds for the Pasco County Animal Shelter (PCAS) in Land O’ Lakes. Nair raised a total of $1,750, which was used to buy supplies for rescued pets at PCAS.

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www.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 20233B WORD SEARCH & SUDOKU The L / Lutz N ADVISORY ALERTS ATMOSPHERE CENTER COAST CYCLONE EYE WALL GALE HURRICANE INTENSITY INUNDATION LANDFALL LOCATION POSITION PRECAUTION RAINING SEASON STORMY TRACKING TYPHOON VORTEX WARNING WATCH WINDSTo solve a SUDOKU, the numbers 1 through 9 must ll each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can gure 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! If you would like to adopt Cookie or Pabalou, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by call-ing 813-929-1212. 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@pascocounty.net. Pabalou is low-key and calmPabalou is 6 years old and weighs about 65 pounds. He walks beautifully on a leash and is perfectly house-trained. He’s sweet, gentle and likes to be near his person. He’s not eager to make friends with other dogs, though, so he may do best as the only prince of the household. Pabalou did test positive for heartworms, but his treatment will be sponsored upon adoption. Make an appointment today to meet Pabalou! A PET Make a fur-ever friend!SEE SOLUTIONS, PAGE 7B LAND O’ LAKES 813-996-1211 DADE CITY 352-567-1414 ZEPHYRHILLS 813-779-1999 DELIVERY THRU DOOR DASH, SLICE & UBER ••• ORDER ONLINE AT ABCPIZZA.COM LUNCH SPECIALSSMALL CHEESE PIZZA AND DRINK . . . . . . $7.99 SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALL . . . . . . . . . . . $6.99 GREEK LEMON CHICKEN . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.95 SPAGHETTI SPECIAL TUES • WED • SUN $6.99 All recipes made with 100% extra virgin olive oil For military veteran caregivers, caregiving often starts earlier in life and lasts longer. To better care for your loved one, you must also care for yourself. Get a FREE military veterans caregiving guide at aarp.org/caregiving Cookie is a social butteryCookie eagerly greets visitors and loves attention. He enjoys pets and head scratch-es, and will rub against you or roll on his side for more affection. He seems interested in other cats, but as always, a slow introduction is key to making friends. Cookie does have a few senior lumps and bumps, and he could use a dental. This 8-year-old is a bigger guy at 17 pounds, but a healthy diet and regular activity should help to get him in tip-top shape. Make an appointment today to meet Cookie, and you’re sure to fall in love!

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4Bwww.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 2023 $3 O F FANY TWO L U NCH E NTREESPLAZA MEXICO Restaurant Bar & GrillWith this coupon. One coupon per table, per visit. Not valid with other offers or with the purchase of alcohol. Offer expires /3/23$5 O F FANY P U R CHAS E OF $ 30 OR MOREPLAZA MEXICO Restaurant Bar & GrillWith this coupon. One coupon per table, per visit. Not valid with other offers or with the purchase of alcohol. Offer expires //23 A UNIQUE & PLEASURABLE DINING EXPERIENCEA UNIQUE & PLEASURABLEDINING EXPERIENCEOpen Everyday 11am-10pm for Carryout, Delivery & Door Dash WESLEY CHAPEL JUST 20 MINUTES AWAY$7.99 & Up Lunch Menu • 11am-2:30pm • 30 Items to choose from Every Sunday MARIACHI BAND 6-9pm Every Sunday MARIACHI BAND 6-9pm With this coupon. One coupon per table per visit. Not valid with other offers or with the purchase of alcohol. Offer expires 06/30/23 With this coupon. One coupon per table per visit. Not valid with other offers or with the purchase of alcohol. Offer expires 06/30/23 Russell Adams Realty, Inc. 2502 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.Corner of Carson Rd. & US 41949-3603 • www.russelladamsrealty.comKNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCEBringing real estate to you for over 50 years! HOMES FOR SALEWILLOW BEND – LUTZ Here’s your chance to live in a community that’s perfect. Custom built home, with a pool that overlooks a nature pond. There’s a large master suite, with its own bathroom. Very Private split floor plan. There are two other bedrooms, a full bath is near. Sliding thermo-paned glass doors separate the pool area from the family room. Beautiful side yard that’s shaded in the afternoon. A large 3 car garage great for all your tools and storage. A den/office with double doors that can be closed for privacy. A spacious dining room that greets you when you enter. Inside laundry room. Nice sized pantry just off the kitchen area. Make your appointment today to see this home. We are open to offers! Contact Ava Rossler 727-992-4974 TAMPA’S NORTH SIDE COUNTRY CLUB AREA This very unique home will have you saying “wow”. The extremely large great room will stimulate endless ideas. The main house with three bedrooms on the south side and a fourth or guest room on the north which could also be used as a home office is wonderful. The very spacious attached in-law suite is unique in itself with a walk-in shower, whirlpool tub, and many closets. Total 4057sq ft. This is a rare gem in Forest Hills adjacent to Carrollwood. Hurry to schedule a private showing as a property like this does not come along very often. Contact Phil Tamm 813-408-1357 LAKESHORE RANCH – LAND O LAKES OPEN THE DOOR TO YOUR NEW HOME! This well maintained, 4 Bed/2.5 Bath/+Den home situated on a tranquil cul-de-sac! Spacious GREAT ROOM has large sliding glass doors that flow to the patio overlooking a large backyard area with no rear neighbors. The kitchen is roomy and offers granite countertops perfect for food preparation and cooking. The primary bedroom suite is SPACIOUS and offers a walk-in closet and oversized bathroom with a LUXURIOUS garden TUB, separate SHOWER GLASS ENCLOSURE and vanity. The additional THREE bedrooms are split from the primary bedroom and located on the 2nd floor. Enjoy your evenings on the EXTENDED patio or grilling out with family and friends. Finish your evening relaxing in the heated Jacuzzi. Lakeshore Ranch features a COMMUNITY GATE with a security guard 24 hours a day. The community offers a large 12,000+ sq. ft. clubhouse, a heated lap/fitness pool, a resort-style pool as well as a kiddie pool, fully-equipped fitness center, massage room, Tennis & Pickle ball courts, Amphitheater, fire pit, fenced Dog Park, Playground and Basketball courts. The community dock allows for Kayaking/Canoeing and fishing on Lake Mariel, as well as picnic areas for entertaining! Highly rated schools, Publix close by, easy access to major highways, and just down the road Tampa Premium Outlets with a plethora of shopping and restaurants. Schedule your visit TODAY! Call Billie Blanchard at 813-446-5144 LAND O LAKES A little bit country and a little bit city like. Awesome sixteen acre farm with lots of possibilities and potential. The main house is very open with a dining area, kitchen with bar and eat-in areas, as well as a great room. There is a huge master suite, and a total of 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms in the main house. The pool with Jacuzzi is surrounded by the house and is in the open air with a large patio. The barn with horse stalls is 2,800 sqft on the each of the first and second level. The second level of the barn has one apartment fully equipped. The third level has two bedrooms with separate entries. Contact Phil Tamm 813-408-1357WATERFRONT LOTSLAKE JO ANN 2 beautiful lake lots. 8+/acres. Lots are buildable. Homes only! Paved road. Owners owed for almost 50 years waiting to sell to YOU! Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712VACANT PROPERTYAUTUMN OAKS – HUDSON Great Buildable Lot ready for your dream home. 1.34 Acre paved street Homes only Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712 LOCAL HOSPITAL NAMED ONE OF THE BESTAdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been named to Newsweek’s list of World’s Best Hospitals 2023, an award presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, according to a news release. Four data sources were used for the evaluation: • Hospital recommendations from medical experts — an international online survey sent to more than 80,000 doctors, hospital managers and health care professionals • Patient experience — survey of patient sat-isfaction with hospitalization • Patient reported outcome measures — sur-veys measuring patient satisfaction with hospitals • Hospital quality metrics — patient safety, hygiene measures, waiting times and quality of treatment “We are honored to be on this highly recog-nized list. This award underscores our unwav-ering commitment to deliver world-class health care services to our community,” said Erik Wangsness, president and CEO AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, in the release. “It’s also a testament to the hard work, dedica-tion, and expertise of our committed team mem-bers and physicians,” said Wangsness.SUMMER WORKOUTSThe Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, is hosting free 30-minute work-outs every Tuesday morning in June and July, at 9:30 a.m., on the Center Court lawn. Local tness studios will lead the sessions. Participants should bring a mat and water bottle. Upcoming classes include: • June 20 and July 18: Row House (low-im-pact workout and resistance training) • June 27 and July 25: Orange Theory (quick, full-body workout) For more information and to regis-ter, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/event/ summer-outdoor-workout-series/2145571793.RESOURCE FAIRAn All Inclusive Resource Fair is scheduled for July 22 at B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel and is looking for support services/partners/vendors for: therapy, tutoring, mental health, disability programs, reading services and special needs services. For more information, contact Demene Ben-jamin at 813-334-6006, wesleychapelmarketing@ bbtheatres.com or b4uresteem@gmail.com.MOBILE MEDICAL CLINICThe State Attorney Mobile Medical Clinic is a medical ofce on wheels where Pasco County residents can receive basic health care at no charge. Emergency services are not provided at this clinic. The clinic’s full-time staff includes a direc-tor, nurse practitioner and a driver. It often has community volunteers, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to assist, according to its website. Upcoming stops include: • June 15 and June 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Farmworkers Self-Help at Resurrection Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City • June 20, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., by Alice Hall • June 27, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel For more information, visit FLSA6.gov/ mobile-medical-clinic/. BLOOD DRIVEOneBlood will make a stop at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, on June 20 from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., for a Community Blood Drive. Donors must be age 16 and older (with parent/guardian permission). For information, call 813-929-1214.END-OF-LIFE PLANAmerilife representative Mike Frisbey will visit the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., to present an educational seminar on end-of-life preparation, sponsored by Seniors in Service. Registration is required. Call 352-567-3576. The Laker/Lutz News likes to keep our readers informed about available classes, seminars, lectures and events regarding health and wellness issues. Hospitals, doctors, individual practitioners and anyone related to the health care industry can submit information, at least two weeks in advance, to be considered for publication. Photos of events, recognitions and so on, also are welcome. Submissions should include who, what, where, when, cost, contact information, identications for individuals in a photo (unless it is a large group), and a photo credit. This information should be emailed to news@lakerlutznews.com. COURTESY OF ADVENTHEALTH WEST FLORIDA DIVISIONAn aerial view of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.By Mary Rathmanmrathman@lakerlutznews.comAmerica’s natural bounty includes a variety of unique and priceless wildlife. Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which marks its 50th anniversary in 2023, more than 1,300 imperiled plant and animal species are safeguarded to increase their chances of survival, according to a news release. The Florida panther is among the endangered species. The First-Day-Of-Issue stamp dedication cer emony for the United State Postal Service’s new collector edition took place on May 19. The pane, which may be purchased at local post ofces, presents a photographic portfolio of 20 endangered animal species, which are found within the 50 states and American territories and possessions or living near U.S. borders.The endangered species featured include: the Laysan teal, black-footed ferret, Roanoke logperch, thick-billed parrot, candy darter, Florida panther, masked bobwhite quail, Key Largo cotton mouse, Lower Keys marsh rab-bit, Wyoming toad, Vancouver Island marmot, golden-cheeked warbler, Guam Micronesian kingsher, San Francisco garter snake, Mexican gray wolf, Attwater’s prairie chicken, Nashville craysh, piping plover, desert bighorn sheep and Mississippi sandhill crane. The endangered creatures on the stamps are selected from among more than 13,000 species featured in Joel Sartore’s National Geographic Photo Ark project, which aims to document every species living in the world’s zoos, aquar-iums and wildlife sanctuaries; inspire action through education; and help protect wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts, the release said. In the 50 years since President Richard Nixon signed the ESA into law on Dec. 27, 1973, other nations worldwide have emulated the pioneering U.S. initiative. The ESA provides a framework to conserve and protect endan-gered and threatened species and their habitats both domestically and abroad. Scientists estimate that hun-dreds of species have been rescued from the brink of extinction in the United States since the ESA began. A species found to need protection is listed under the ESA as either threatened or endangered, the latter dened as “in danger of extinction throughout all or a signicant portion of its range,” the release said.New stamp pane features Florida pantherCOURTESY OF THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEThe endangered Florida panther will be featured on the U.S. Postal Service’s new stamp pane. BOLLYWOOD WORKOUTThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Tampa Thumakda: Bollywood Workout Class on June 22 at 7 p.m., for ages 16 and older. The 50-minute class will combine lowto high-intensity moves to burn extra calories, tone muscles and boost mood. A safety waiver is required to participate and can be lled out prior to the class. Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126.BREASTFEEDING BASICSAdventHealth Zephyrhills will offer a Breast-feeding Basics class on June 22 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the former AdventHealth Wellness Center, 38233 Daughtery Road. For information, call 877-534-3108. To regis-ter, visit AHZephyrhills.com/Events.HOPE BREAKFASTSunrise of Pasco County will host a Hope Breakfast on June 23 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 9426 Little Road in New Port Richey. Community leaders, trustees and business partners are asked to sponsor a table and invite friends to have a free breakfast while hearing a survivor’s story of overcoming violence. For more information, contact Leesa Fryer, director of development, at 352-521-3358 or lfyer@sunrisepasco.org. The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report A collaboration between the Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service and Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart Entrepreneurship Program has received an award in the 29th annual Future of the Region Awards. The honor recognizes the partnership for creating an incubator kitchen at the One Stop Shop in Dade City, according to a Pasco County news release. “It’s an absolute honor to receive this award,” Dr. Whitney Elmore, director of Pasco Extension, said in the release. “Our goal for the kitchen is to help local businesses launch, grow and con-tribute to our economy.” The incubator kitchen uses commercial kitch-en equipment donated by Welbilt Inc. Since the kitchen began operation in 2019, it has attracted 17 incubator members, who are now operating successful locations or catering businesses throughout the area, according to the release. “It has been extremely fullling to provide guidance and support to the incubator members and watch as this partnership helped launch 45 new, food-related businesses right here in Pasco County,” Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart program di-rector, said in the release. To learn more about the Incubator Kitchen, visit MyPas.co/IncubatorKitchen. The Future of the Region Awards recog-nize programs and projects that exemplify regionalism and also recognize outstanding achievements and contributions beneting the Tampa Bay community. To learn more about the regional awards, visit TBRPC.org/for/.Local partnership yields regional award FILEHere’s a look at some of the commercial equip-ment used at the incubator kitchen, which op-erates at the Stallings Building, also known as The One Stop Shop, in Dade City. The kitchen re-sulted from a partnership between The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences-Pasco County Extension, Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart Entrepreneur Program and Pasco County.

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www.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 20235B Do you need help paying for childcare? Call us today to discuss your options. p a y i n g f o f o f r c h i l d c a r e ? V is it w w w .e lc p h .o r g fo r m o r e in fo r m a t io n o r c a ll t h e C o a lit io n o ffic e c lo s e s t t o y o u . Spring Hill Westwood Plaza 15506 County Line Road, Suite 101 Spring Hill, FL 34610 (727) 233-8291 New Port Richey Courtside Commons 7334 Little Road, Suite 102 New Port Richey, FL 34654 (727) 569-1004 WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP!The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, is a 501 (c) (3) organization. CAPITAL TACOS PARTNERSHIPCapital Tacos has announced a monthlong campaign in partnership with MakeA-Wish Foundation, running from June 5 through July 5. During that time, all Capital Tacos locations across Tampa and Orlando will introduce the Make-A-Wish Mac N Queso Kids Meal to the menu and will donate 100% of the prots to support the wish-making efforts of the foundation, according to a news release.CHAMBER AWARDS BANQUETThe Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is set to have its annual awards banquet on June 22, at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., in New Port Richey. Cocktails and games begin at 5:30 p.m. The banquet program is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person, or $450 for a reserved table of eight. Reserve your seat at GreaterPasco.com.FLORIDA’S ECONOMYWalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 28 key indicators to determine America’s top economic performers. The data set includes such as change in gross domestic product, startup activities, share of jobs in high-tech industries, and other factors. Here’s a look at some of Florida’s results with ranking of 1 being the best and 25 being average: • 1st: Unemployment rate • 2nd: Startup activity • 3rd: Change in gross domestic product • 3rd: Change in nonfarm payrolls • 24th: Government surplus/decit per capita • 33rd: Percentage of jobs in high-tech industries • 34th: Annual median household income • 37th: Exports per capita Visit WalletHub.com/edu/states-with-thebest-economies/21697, for a full report.TAX OFFICE UNDER RENOVATIONThe Pasco Tax Collector’s Ofce at the West Pasco Government Center, is undergoing renovations. Work began June 1 at the ofce, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey. The ofce is expected to return to full service on Oct. 16, according to a news release. Throughout the remodel, all services, except driver license services, will be available during normal business hours. Customers who may need driver license assistance are encouraged to visit the Gulf Harbors ofce, at 4720 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey. For more information about services and locations, visit PascoTaxes.com, or call the Centralized Call Center at 727-847-8032, 813-235-6076 or 352-521-4338. PROTECT YOUR BUSINESSBusinesses need to have a plan to protect their property, their data and their employees during Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. (PEDC) has put together a list of reminders to help businesses prepare for severe weather, to operate in the aftermath and to recover from any damages. Here’s a synopsis of the PEDC’s advice: Before a storm hits: • Know the best way to contact your employees. • Establish a mass notication system so you can notify and get in touch with employees quickly and easily. • Protect your business assets. (Take steps to protect your equipment, supplies, products, networks, data and so on. Cover your property and raise it above oor level, when possible.) • Identify how you will protect important business documents and inventory that is vulnerable to water damage. • Have an emergency business plan that enables operations with various employees at different locations. • Backup your data offsite and consider using Cloud based systems. This should include payroll and other systems. • Keep employees and customers aware of your plan. • Identify a list of available post-disaster resources that you may need to call upon if you need help in reopening your business or obtaining emergency funding to repair damaged property. • Be sure you know the address of all of your buildings, including storage facilities. • Be sure you have an evacuation plan for each facility. • Use sandbags to prevent ooding at all entrances. Know the potential for damage at each facility and which ones are at higher risk for damage. BUSINESS digestSEND YOUR BUSINESS NEWS TO NEWS@LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM 10% OFF All Services813-536-016125682 Sierra Center Blvd. Lutz (Near Mellow Mushroom)HOURS: Mon-Sat, 9:30am-7:30pm Sun 11am-5pmMon-Wed ONLY w/coupon. Cannot be combined w/other offers. EXPIRES 6/30/23. • Manicures • Pedicures • Nail Enhancements • Dipping Powder • Waxing • Gift Cards • Eyelash ExtensionsWe are open & committed to our clients’ health! Sizzin' Sizzin' Hot! Hot! Nothing seems complete when you have one missing piece.Come hear what you’re missing!Free adult hearing screenings this month. Call for your appointment 813-949-1331 For more information, visit Pasco County’s website to download a copy of the county’s disaster guide, which contains a substantial amount of useful information.WUSF PUBLIC MEDIA WINS THREE AWARDSWUSF Public Media has received three Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards in the Large Market Radio Division for Excellence in Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, Excellence in Sound and News Series, according to a news release. WUSF competes in a region that includes Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The regional winners will vie for national awards, which will be announced later this year. COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIOA celebratory luncheonThe GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club hosted a luncheon to welcome three new members and rec-ognize its volunteers. Club president Elayne Bassinger also honored long-serving members with a ‘years of service’ pin to acknowledge their volunteer work — Barbara Booth, ve years; Mary Anne Lykins, Lois Cohen and Cheryl Winegar, 10 years; and Peggy Cooper, 20 years. From left: Elayne Bassinger, new mem-bers Pennee Bowen, Karla Wilson and Tracy Kersey, and District 8 director Annette Bellingar.

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8Bwww.LakerLutzNews.com June 14, 2023 OUR SHOPS ARE OPEN! VISIT VINTAGE ROW VISIT VINTAGE ROWIn charming, downtown San AntonioLESS THAN 30 MINUTES FROM WESLEY CHAPEL, LAND O’ LAKES AND LUTZ TWO KRAZY CHICKS ANTIQUES & MORE(352) 521-3361 • 114232 7thSt • Dade CityStacie Hartwig and Mary Warfel, OwnersWe have antiques, collectibles, shabby chic, vintage and farmhouse dcor. We carry Country Chic and Farmhouse Paint. CALL TODAY FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR DIY CLASSES! $6 LUNCH: 2 SLICES OF PIZZA & A DRINKAL’S FAMOUS PIZZA SHOP(352) 588-4422 • 11931 Curley StreetFollow us on facebook/instagramHand Tossed Pizza, Wings, Breaded Ravioli, Cheese Bread, Garlic Sticks, Calzones, Strombolis, Salads, Beer and Wine by the Glass NEW DADE CITY LOCATION!!! TWO ‘OLE HENS (813) 918-5720 • 32745 SR 52 Like us on Facebook/InstagramMary Warfel, OwnerAntiques to Shabby Chic, Vintage, Farm House & Rustic Dcor, Shabby and Farmhouse Paints, CollectiblesNow also open Sundays 12-4pmAND CHECK OUT OUR NEWEST LOCATION!TWO ‘OLE HENS TOO 14136 8th Street, Suite A • Dade City (352) 437-5732We have antiques, vintage home decor with a lot of handmade items. Primitive and shabby chic and farmhouse items Jams, Pickles, Baked Goods! AN AFFORDABLE WAY TO ADVERTISE YOUR AD HEREContact The LAKER / Lutz NEWS today813-909-2800 $5 OFF purchase of $25 or morewith this ad SAN ANTONIO POTTERY(352) 588-4228 • 11903 Curley Streetwww.potteryorida.comJack Boyle, Artist/OwnerHand made pottery, working studio, local Florida artists, unique gifts CALL TO SCHEDULE A 2 HOUR ‘JUST TRY IT’ POTTERY CLASS Next 6 week classes beginJune 13, 14 & 17, 2023 Considering Assisted Living Considering Assisted Living for yourself or a loved one? for yourself or a loved one? NOW is the time! 2200 LIVINGSTON ROAD LAND O’ LAKES, FL 34639 AL# 13228 INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE CALL CALL TODAY TODAY FOR A TOUR AND TO SECURE YOUR FOR A TOUR AND TO SECURE YOUR LUXURIOUS APARTMENT HOME THAT INCLUDES: LUXURIOUS APARTMENT HOME THAT INCLUDES:• Management of medication and in-house healthcare services. • 3 nutritious meals a day • Housekeeping • A wide variety of activities & tness programs • and much more!www.KeystonePlaceAtTerraBella.com813-575-7816 AL# 13228 Land O’ Lakes Premiere Assisted Living Community has limited availability. LIVE LEARN WORK PL AY WESLE Y CHAPEL valonpplauds33425 state road 54 Since its founding, American Legion Post 108 of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel has been a vital part of the community — for veterans, of course, and also for the families of veterans, students and community members of all stripes who have bene ted from services the Post provides. This is why Avalon Park Wesley Chapel would like to applaud the excellent work American Legion Post 108 is doing in support of our community. Post 108 was founded in 1937 and covers northern Hillsborough County, an area of 270 square miles. It has 250 members — known as Legionnaires — all of whom are veterans coming from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. We spoke with Commander Randy Holey eld who explained that Post 108 is the local outpost for the national American Legion. Formed in 1919, the American Legion is our country’s premiere veterans organization. It routinely advocate for veterans and their families, and lobbying efforts have been instrumental in the establishment of key resources and bene ts for them, including the G.I. Bill and the Veterans Administration. The local post supports a number of the Legion’s national programs, including JROTC in schools and the Stanley Johnson Nursing/ Health Science Scholarship and the Boys State Scholarship. Post 108 also is engaged in a number of local service projects. This year, the post has been working to revitalize Lutz Cemetery, which had become run down. “It’s just something we wanted to do. When we told the cemetery association — literally, the treasurer almost cried,” Holey eld shared. “They didn’t have the money to do anything, and for us to come in there to do this project — they’ve been praying for someone to help them.” The Post has a number of events on the horizon open to the public. On Sept. 2, starting at 10 a.m., it will host a Post 108 Picnic at East Lake Park. Its second annual Golf Tournament, to be held at Plantation Palms Golf Club, will be Oct. 27 starting at 8 a.m. Closing out the year will be a Christmas Party on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., at Lake Pagett Estates Clubhouse, where all veterans from the community are invited. And early next year, there will be another picnic celebrating the American Legion birthday — mark your calendars for March 16, 2024 at 11 a.m., at East Lake Park. Holey eld tells us that being a “homeless post” is hard — they have no permanent building to call home and host events. But Post 108 hasn’t let that get in the way of its commitment to supporting veterans and service to the community. To learn more about American Legion Post 108, visit AmericanLegionPost108.org.