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FREE LOOK INSIDE FOR THIS WEEK’S FRONT PAGE NEWS Lutz Lutz The L The L JUNE 28, 2023 Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is conveniently located 3.5 miles east of I-75 on SR 54. For more information on this and other events, visit the website below or call our office. PRESENTED BY R E G I S T E R O N L I N E T O S T A Y U P T O D A T E W I T H N E W S & E V E N T S
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2Awww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 2023 Start your summer with a bang while showing off your national pride at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Fourth of July Festival — Tuesday, July 4th from 5 to 9 p.m. The annual celebration of America’s independence will feature an array of attractions including a patriotic bakeoff, a bike parade, bounce houses, food trucks, vendors and a host of community performances, all culminating with a spectacular reworks show at 9 p.m. Culinary enthusiasts are invited to participate in the Apple Pie Bakeoff. Submit your homemade apple pie to compete for a chance to win one of the top three cash prizes. Winners will be announced at the performance stage at 8 p.m. Register at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com and keep in mind that early bird registration closes on July 3rd. On your marks! Ride in a patriotic style through River Glen Blvd by joining the bike parade, starting at 5:30 pm at the performance stage. Decorate bikes, strollers, or wagons in red, white, and blue to compete for best group or most creative entry, with prizes for the winners. Participation is free and all are invited to join — registration is encouraged online by July 3rd. For those looking to just kick back and soak up the lovely American summer, the evening will be lled with plenty of relaxing fun — entertainment from community performances, food and vendors, a wet/ dry bounce park, and of course, reworks to close out the night and remind us what it’s all about. But the fun doesn’t end on July 4th! Festivities will continue throughout the summer. Jazz Under the Starz, hosted by Coffee Speaks N’ Tea Talks, will be on July 15th from 7 to 9 p.m. Join for a vibey evening of live jazz and painting, art and food trucks under the twinkling summer sky. And Food Trucks Night will continue throughout the summer at the Avalon Park Amenity Center, with local food trucks featuring a variety of cuisines and treats. The menus of trucks who will be serving at upcoming Food Trucks Nights will be available online if you want to plan your culinary adventure beforehand. Visit us at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com for the latest information on events and community news, and nd us on Facebook and Instagram. Have Fun While Showing Your Patriotism at Avalon Park’s Fourth of July Fest
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LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM The L LAND O’ LAKES EDITION JUNE 28, 2023 The L 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 Rightsâ€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 MIKE CAMUNASTrain enthusiasts and visitors to Dade City Heritage Museum wave as a CSX locomotive passes and the conductor waves back, at Railfan Friday on June 16. Dozens of train and rail fans come to not only discuss trains and video and photograph the handful of trains that pass by, but also see the three scale model train layouts in the J.R. Hubbard Memorial Train Room, learn more of the train history at the mu-seum, which is a former Atlantic Coastline Train Depot and see the train vendors on hand to sell model trains and other train paraphernalia. For more on this story, see Page 10A. Jeanette Wallace, who came from Lakeland to Dade City for Railfan Friday at Dade City Heritage Museum, lms as a CSX train goes down the track that runs parallel to the U.S. 98 Bypass. From left: Dade City siblings Darla, Eloise, Everett and Abigale Hedgecock watch as a train passes by the Dade City Heritage Museum on the U.S. 98 Bypass. They counted how many cars the locomo-tive pulled down the track. David Schock, left, and his son, Evan, enjoy watching a model train make its way around a very large layout intended to resemble Dade City. The model train was running on June 16, in the J.R. Hubbard Memorial Train Room, at the Dade City Heritage Museum. Sumadhva Hebbani, a Tampa resident who is a train enthusiast, eagerly looks over train model locomotives on sale inside the Dade City Heritage Museum during Railfan Friday on June 16. Savannah, left, and Korbin Stuart, of Inverness, play along the track, trying to feel vibrations from incoming trains that will travel past the Dade City Heritage Museum on U.S. 98.If you love trains, check out this Dade City spotBy B.C. Manionbcmanion@lakerlutznews.comPasco County Schools has adopted a new policy relating to wireless communications de-vices. In essence, the policy requires: • Students in pre-kindergarten through fth grade keep their wireless communication devic-es (WCDs) on silent mode and completely out of view for the entire school day • Students in grades six through eight keep their devices on silent mode and out of view throughout the school day, except for during the student’s lunch period, or when expressly authorized by a classroom teacher for a specic See WIRELESS, page 10A By B.C. Manionbcmanion@lakerlutznews.comIn the beginning, Florida Premier FC was a small recreational neighborhood club, known as the West Pasco Soccer Association. That was back in 1979, when the club was a relatively unknown. Since then, it has grown into one of the nation’s most successful youth soccer organi-zations, giving youths an opportunity to play recreational and competitive soccer — while at the same time giving the athletes an opportunity to develop a work ethic, form relationships and stay t, according to a recently adopted resolu-tion by the Pasco County Commission. “Florida Premier FC strives to develop future leaders by teaching kids teamwork, respect, and values in a positive training environment, while developing necessary skills to have a successful future on and off the eld,†according to the county board’s resolution, adopted on June 6. The resolution details many of the soccer organization’s accomplishments. For instance, “Florida Premier FC has proudly sent over 40 players to play NCAA soccer on athletic scholarships this year and has placed over 400 of their players in college as student athletes,†it says. The organization also “hosts teams from all over the United States every weekend, invests in the community, and has a positive economic impact on Pasco County,†the resolution notes. Beyond that, its soccer programs are highly successful. “The boys and girls programs are ranked No. 1 in the state and Florida Premier FC currently has seven teams competing for the national title at the highest youth soccer competition,†according to the resolution. In addition to its tournaments, “Florida Pre-mier FC provides a low-cost recreational soccer program so that all families have the opportu-nity to involve their children in the sport while also providing over $100,000 in hardship and scholarship money every year to kids in Pasco County,†the resolution says. Florida Premier FC also hosts a no-cost pro-gram for disabled children in Pasco and pro-vides free clinics in the community six times each year. Plus, it works with multiple nonprot organizations, hosts fundraising events, and gives soccer balls to schools, according to the resolution. Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano told his colleagues that his daughter knew she wouldn’t pursue playing Division 1 Premier Soccer FC scores honor for excellence COURTESY OF MIKE MOORESoccer players compete on a eld at the Starkey Ranch District Park. Florida Premier FC, which began in 1979 as a small neighborhood club, hosts scores of soccer tournaments throughout the year. It has been instrumental in putting Pasco on the map among national soccer circles. See SOCCER FC, page 10A By B.C. Manionbcmanion@lakerlutznews.comWhen it comes to opening a new hospital, there are millions of details to consider. Just ask Becky Schulkowski, president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, “If somebody had told me what it was re-ally like to open a hospital, I’d have thought twice about accepting the job. It was the hard-est, most stressful and most incredible thing I’ve ever done in my career,†Schulkowski told the crowd at a recent North Tampa Bay Chamber breakfast meeting. There are challenges one might not consider. For instance, when a hospital is under con-struction, since it’s not possible to be in the building yet, visualizing how the building will function is key, she said. “You have to think of everything you’re going to do in the building,†she said. It’s a matter of taking printed oor plans and attempting to convert them, mentally, into three-dimensional spaces, and then to include the patient’s perspective, while guring out how the building will function, she explained. “How is the patient going to come into our ER? Once they do, how are we going to get them to that MRI? How are we going to get them up-stairs? “I am not a creative type, so it was ex-tremely difcult for me to take those printed plans and try to visualize what it really meant,†Schulkowski added. To help prepare for patients, staff began working in the building in December.Sharing an insider’s look at building a hospital See BAYCARE, page 10ANew rules apply to wireless devices in schools
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rfn rfnrtrrrnnrtrtrbtr rnnfrrnrtnrr tb f nrfn tbf 4Awww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 2023 By B.C. Manionbcmanion@lakerlutznews.comPasco County Schools and the United School Employees of Pasco have reached an agreement on how funds from a voter-backed tax increase will be used to raise salaries for non-administra-tive district employees. Payment of the salary supplements is ex-pected to begin with the start of the eligible employees’ 2023-2024 work calendars on or after July 1, according to information in the Pasco County School Board’s June 20 agenda packet. The approved plans outline how to distribute these funds to eligible teachers and school-re-lated personnel (SRPs) for the 2023-2024 school year. The school district also developed a plan for the distribution of a proportional share of these funds to eligible district employees who are not represented by the union. For the 2023-2024 school year, approximate-ly $53,470,000 of referendum revenue will be generated based on a 1 mil levy of the projected 2023 Pasco County tax roll, according to district calculations, according to the agenda packet ma-terials. Assuming a maximum collection rate of 96%, establishing 5% reserve for fund balance and providing eligible charter schools with their pro-portional share of funds, the district estimates that $43,880,000 will be available to provide non-recurring salary supplements, including mandatory employer deductions for the district’s non-administrative employees. By providing a proportional share of funds to each of the eligible employee groups, an estimat-ed $28,860,000 will be provided for instructional employees, $10,410,000 for SRP employees, $3,730,000 for non-instructional, non-bargaining employees and $880,000 for professional-tech-nical employees, the background materials say. On another salary-related matter, the board and the union are expected to soon begin the traditional annual negotiations process for the 2023-2024 school year. In other action, the board discussed two new tools the district intends to use to help improve communications with parents and bus safety. The rst tool — called “Where’s the bus?†— is an app allowing parents to see where their stu-dent’s bus is located. The board also expects to eventually have cards students can use to check onto and off of the bus. “We know with our driver shortage we do have a lot of late buses in our system. We’ve worked hard on making sure that we’re connect-ing our routing system with our communication. This would then ramp that up and provide additional communication,†said Betsy Kuhn, as-sistant superintendent for support services. The district also wants to improve its use of data to make its bus routing more efcient. By having daily counts, the district will have better information to use when making routing deci-sions, Kuhn said. The district also plans to install a more so-phisticated video system on its buses, which also will have additional features, Kuhn said. The sys-tem will provide reliable video and additional capabilities that are intended to enhance the dis-trict’s safety efforts. Voter-backed salary increases expected to start soon in Pasco schools MIKE CAMUNAS By Mike Camunasmcamunas@lakerlutznews.comThe City of Zephyrhills is home to many parks, large and small, but one tucked inside one of its oldest neighborhoods may soon be getting a new name. The city has convened a special advisory board to consider renaming Lincoln Heights Park. City Councilman Steve Spina has suggest-ed changing the park’s name to Ellis Harrold Neighborhood Park, to honor the city’s rst African American employee, who was on the city’s staff for 34 years. The idea came up during a June 12 City Council meeting, when City Manager Billy Poe presented a resolution to convene a special city advisory board to rename Lincoln Heights Park, which sits between homes on Lincoln Avenue, just east of Airport Road. The newly elected Seat 2 City Councilman Steve Spina brought forth the resolution. In a letter to advocate the renaming of the park to honor Ellis, Spina wrote: “I believe Mr. Ellis Harrold meets these criteria, in breaking the racial barriers of his time, in contributing to the fabric of the community and having support of the neighborhood of which he resides and where the park is located.†The City Council voted 5-0 to convene a special advisory board to consider the park’s renaming. The special advisory board will consist of seven members: two planning commissioners, two historic planning members, two parks and recreation represen-tatives, and the mayor, Melonie Bahr Monson. Spina told city leaders he has spoken to several residents of the neighborhood surrounding the park and “has the full support†of them, including the Rev. Adrian Gay of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, which is close to the park. Harrold has lived in Zephyrhills since 1957 and previously resid-ed in the city’s Lincoln Heights neighborhood. He was hired by the city in 1962. The city honored Harrold with a proclamation on Feb. 27, which in part, noted that when Harrold was hired he “broke barriers that existed at the time and opened doors for other African Americans to work for the City of Zephyrhills.†The board will come up with a few suggest-ed names, but ultimately the City Council will choose the name and then appropriate changes, including signage at the park, will be made. Meanwhile, the board will hear public comments, including suggested names from residents, all of whom can support naming it after Harrold or suggest other names and/or in-dividuals they may think worthy of the honor. “There were several people there the night of his proclamation (in February), so we think that residents in Lincoln Heights are very supportive of naming it after Mr. Harrold,†Poe said.Zephyrhills considers naming park to honor Ellis HarroldMIKE CAMUNASLincoln Heights Park, located on Lincoln Avenue, east of Airport Road in Zephyrhills, may soon have a new name, as the City Council has voted to convene a special city advisory board to con-sider renaming the park. Spearheaded by new councilman Steve Spina, the board will consider changing the name of the park to honor Ellis Harrold, the city staff’s rst African American employee. He worked for the city for 34 years. COURTESY THE CITY OF ZEPHYRHILLSEllis Harrold, center, is surrounded by family members on Feb. 27 when the City of Zephyrhills honored him with a proclamation for his 34 years of dedicated service to the city. He was the rst African American employee hired by the city.
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rfrnrtbrtfr ttffffffffrffrtbr tr rttfr rtfttbtrtftrff tfttnnt‘f’’trt“ â€nn• YOUR NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! BEXLEY –r— – – r b b f f 55+ www.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 20235A There’slike rfrnrtbrtfr ttfffffff frffrtbr t r rttf r rtfttbtrt ftrff tftt‘nn’t“‘ fâ€â€trt•–‘–‘—nn‘ YOUR NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! BEXLEYr‘ r b b ff 55+ Healthy, Active and Connected: It’s More Than Just a HomeWhen it comes to home ownership, there always seems to be one need that is ever-present with every move: a strong sense of community. For the 55+ buyer looking for a new home, it can be a daunting task to nd somewhere that is not only beautiful and comfortable but still promises to uphold these values. That is why Del Webb Bexley, just off Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, has made it its mission to transform the idea of “living a fullled lifestyle†into an all-encompassing development. Just east of the Gulf Coast beaches and north of Tampa, this active adult community provides easy access to workplaces throughout Tampa Bay and an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the Tampa Premium Outlets and the all-new Hub at Bexley. It is conveniently close to downtown Tampa and just 250 minutes from Tampa International Airport. “It’s all about the community here and making memories with friends and family. Whether it’s play-ing sports, relaxing in the sunshine by the pool, or enjoying an art class, there’s always something for everyone,†said Sarah Herting, marketing director.To Del Webb, the community is everything. That’s apparent when you experience Del Webb Bexley’s expansive 19,000-square-foot amenity campus. This all-encompassing social and activity campus is the center of operations that brings the entire commu-nity together every day. The ttingly named “Meridian†is inspired by a warm, coastal Florida theme. It offers all the joy of seaside living plus convenient access to all Tampa Bay offers. Here you can meet for a game of Mahjong, enjoy a snack or watch TV while playing a game of cards. Staying healthy and active is a huge priority for the Meridian’s activity schedule. Inside the cam-pus, the Maritime Fitness Center features cardio machines, free weights and weight machines. It sits right across from the Floriblanca movement studio that houses all the tness classes that Hert-ing mentioned. Outside there are sports courts for tennis, bocce ball, and pickleball. The resort pool sits conveniently around the corner with a spa and cabanas. The expansive yoga lawn is always available with coinciding classes for residents, and the entirety of the community is interconnected by scenic bike and jogging trails. High-intensity activity isn’t all of the Meridian’s features. For those looking to relax, the Bellamy Arts and Crafts room offers a variety of classes for the pursuit of knowledge or hobbies. The Soleil Royal Ballroom hosts year-round events and houses demonstration kitchens for cooking clubs and classes. The amphitheater on the event lawn does the same for music performances. At the center of it lies the Crow’s Nest Bistro & Sports Lounge with its selection of beer, wine, specialty meals, trivia nights, games, and Super Bowl parties. For any potential residents looking to make Del Webb their home, there is no better time than the present. In addition to the lifestyle, homeowners at Del Webb Bexley appreciate the value and con-veniences of owning a new construction home. The community features its one-of-a-kind, con-sumer-inspired GenYou Floor Plans that are all about you. They’ve designed a set of oor plans that can be centered around what you want to do. Whether it’s cooking, entertaining, hosting out-of-town guests, or just taking up a new hobby, there is a plan for that. Every plan offers luxury features such as walk-in showers, point-of-use storage, widened hallways, and open-owing spaces. Plus, every home is backed by Del Webb’s industry leading 10-year limited structural warranty, 5-year leak warranty and 2-year mechanical warranty. As the number one active adult community in Land O’ Lakes and the surrounding areas, it’s no surprise that Del Webb Bexley has quickly sold over 800 homes. With less than 35 homes remaining, including homesites with highly desired water and conservation views, now is the time to purchase before they’re sold out. “We’re getting close to our nal opportunities. Buyers need to act now to enjoy all the benets of a new construction home,†said Herting. “This is a community of friendship, lifelong relationships, and connection. Anyone with those values will feel at home Del Webb Bexley.â€The sales ofce and model park, with six pro-fessionally decorated models, are open seven days a week for tours. For more information and to learn about current incentives, call 813-412-8842.Final Opportunities for Homeownership at Del Webb Bexley
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Asbury at Chapel Crossings Citron Grove Parkview at Long Lake Ranch Timberdale at Chapel Crossings Volanti Twin Creeks at Chapel CrossingsNew single-family homesWesley Chapel, FLNew townhomesOdessa, FL FINAL OPPORTUNITIES BY APPOINTMENT ONLYNew townhomes and single-family homesLutz, FLNew paired villasWesley Chapel, FLNew townhomesWesley Chapel, FL GRAND OPENINGNew townhomesWesley Chapel, FLVisit MattamyHomes.com or see a Mattamy New Home Counselor for further details and important legal disclaimers. This is not an offer in states where registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. To learn more call 813-563-0349 or visit mattamyhomes.com/tampa amenities. Visit and experience the Mattamy Way and commitment to excellence of North America's largest privately owned homebuilder. IMAGINE MORE WITH MATTAMY HOMES Visit today! Decorated models are open daily. for a limited time To learn more call 813-563-0349 or visit mattamyhomes.com/tampa 6Awww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 2023
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www.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 20237A rffnt n bf rf Mattamy Homes Oers Quick Move-In Homes at Top Area Locations Parkview Amenities Aerial Pool Volanti Elevation TPA Timberdale Largo DiningMattamy Homes has just released an array of quick move-in homes avail-able in great locations throughout the North Tampa and Pasco County area. Even with low inventory levels in the hous-ing market now, Mattamy provides homebuyers with the power of choice and an array of quick move-in homes that are available and attainable now. With every new home community, Mattamy Homes demonstrates its dedication to provid-ing the BEST homebuyer experience through thoughtful home design details, meaningful value and team members who are with home-buyers every step of the journey. Mattamy focuses on the intrinsic value of a given area such as the Tampa Bay area — scenic beauty, natural features, nearby attractions, local culture and accessible conveniences. Then, they deliver a variety of oorplans specically designed for comfort, space, light and air — including the most sought-after features, according to satised customers. So, who is Mattamy Homes? Since 1978, Mattamy Homes has been building homes that break the mold with their inspired designs. As the largest privately-owned homebuilder in North America, Mattamy has a commitment to excellence that has been evident since the beginning, along with numerous Customer Satis-faction and industry award wins. Visit a Mattamy Homes community and you’ll experience the Mattamy difference with beautiful streetscapes and exterior styles. Attention to detail is appar-ent inside and outside of each home, with open and airy layouts that include charming, versatile living spaces.3 NEW NEIGHBORHOODS AT CHAPEL CROSSINGS IN WESLEY CHAPELMattamy now offers three new-home neigh-borhoods in the popular Wesley Chapel mas-ter-planned community, Chapel Crossings, located off S.R. 54 and Chapel Crossings Blvd. These neighborhoods offer homes designed for any lifestyle and include townhomes, single-family homes and low-maintenance paired villas. Timberdale at Chapel Crossings brings Mattamy Homes’ award-winning paired villas to you with open and airy layouts that truly live like single-family homes. Three paired villa home designs — the Largo, Oceana and Regatta — offer 2 to 3 bedrooms plus a ex room or study. These range from 1,431 square feet to 1,765 square feet and include lawn maintenance for easy living, so you have more time to do what you want. For those homebuyers looking for a sin-gle-family home, Mattamy’s offerings at Asbury at Chapel Crossings include nine single-family home designs with 1,506 square feet to 2,810 square feet and 2 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 4 baths, and a 2-car or larger garage. Both 40’ wide and 50’ wide homesites are available. New models are open daily for touring: two new decorated paired villas and one single-fam-ily home model. You are invited to come in and experience them for yourself! Twin Creeks at Chapel Crossings begins sales on June 29 for stylish townhomes that fea-ture 1,667 sq. ft. to 2,574 sq. ft. and 3 to 4 bed-rooms, 2.5 to 3 baths, and 1to 2-car garages. These award-winning two-level townhomes are open, airy and spacious with abundant natural light. Four decorated townhome models at Twin Creeks will open in early July. Quick move-in townhomes are available. Appointments are available now on a rst-come, rst-served basis. “We are thrilled to be part of this exciting new master-planned community — and offer-ing three new home types so we can meet and exceed what today’s homebuyer wants and needs,†says Kathleen Dec, Director of Market-ing for Mattamy Homes’ Tampa and Southwest Florida division. “Our Mattamy neighborhoods in Chapel Crossings are designed to provide our homeowners with a true sense of community, a fun-lled lifestyle and well-being to make every-day living truly a joy.†All three Mattamy neighborhoods have Flor-ida Green Building Certication and offer ener-gy-efcient, sustainable features and a smart home tech package. All homes will also receive a HERS certication which reects the energy efciency and cost savings of each home. Tesla Energy Solar Panels are an available option at Asbury. Chapel Crossings is conveniently located just a short drive from popular Pasco County desti-nations such as The Shops at Wiregrass and The Tampa Premium Outlets. Mattamy residents will have access to the Chapel Crossings master-planned amenities that are nearing completion. These amenities include a distinctive clubhouse with a tness center, dog park (the perfect place to make your pet’s day), resort-style pool, lazy river and more. These amenities will be a great place to connect with friends and neighbors year-round.VOLANTI IN WESLEY CHAPELLocated just 4 miles from Interstate 75, off Wesley Chapel Blvd., Volanti offers stylish, low-maintenance townhomes and boasts excel-lent access to the best of the Wesley Chapel area. This gated entry community is near pre-mier shopping and dining destinations include Tampa Premium Outlets, the Grove and The Shops at Wiregrass. Volanti was recently awarded the prestigious 2022 Community of The Year award by the Tampa Bay Builders Association, as well as the 2023 Grand Award for the Sebring model in the 2023 Parade of Homes. Four home designs — the Marianna, Ormond, Sebring and Venice — are currently available and offer 1,667 square feet to 2,574 square feet, with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2.5 to 3 baths. All have 1or 2-car attached garages and large lanais. The gated community will have 200 homes at build-out and offers brand-new amenities including a resort-style swimming pool with an open-air pavilion, a barbecue area and a re pit. Four model homes are open for tours daily.PARKVIEW AT LONG LAKE RANCH IN LUTZPerfectly situated just off State Road 54 at Sunlake Boulevard is Parkview at Long Lake Ranch, which offers single-family homes and townhomes. Parkview also has amenities for all ages including Parkview Pavilion — the hub of the community that features a resort-style pool, shaded breezeway, cabanas and social gathering areas. Residents of this gated community also enjoy a paw park, 2 tot lots and fun park areas. There is currently a great selection of quick move-in homes available, as well as nine stylish oor plans to choose from. Six designer-deco-rated model homes are now open daily.CITRON GROVE IN ODESSAOnly 4 townhomes remain in this Odessa enclave of only 60 new townhomes just off Gunn Highway. This community, Citron Grove, offers unique Craftsman-style townhomes. Cit-ron Grove is just 1.5 miles from the Veterans Expressway, 2 miles from Citrus Park Mall and 12 miles from Tampa’s Westshore Business Dis-trict and International Airport. It’s an easy com-mute to work or the all the sports, recreation and arts that Tampa offers. These nal opportu-nities are being sold by appointment only.GREAT SAVINGS AND REDUCED PRICING ARE AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIMESpecial pricing and savings are available for a limited time, and make it easier than ever to own a new Mattamy home. Contact a New Home Counselor to learn more about these spe-cial savings and quick move-in homes.ABOUT MATTAMY HOMESMattamy Homes is the largest, privately owned home builder in North America, with 40-plus years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of home-ownership. In the United States, the company builds homes in Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoe-nix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Sara-sota, Naples and Southeast Florida. For more information about all Mattamy Homes’ local communities, visit mattamyhomes. com/Tampa or call 813-252-2715.
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ShadowWoodVillage.net RESTRICTIONS APPLY, 3RD PARTY FINANCING AVAILABLE AND BACKGROUND CHECKS REQUIRED. POOL, PICKLEBALL, SHUFFLEBOARD, BOCCE BALL, FITNESS CENTER, LIBRARY, GAME ROOM, DOG PARK, RENOVATED CLUBHOUSE W/KITCHEN, GAZEBO, FIRE PIT N N E E W W H H O O M M E E S S F F O O R R S S A A L L E E O O R R L L E E A A S S E E P P U U R R C C H H A A S S E E O O P P T T I I O O N N . . M M A A N N Y Y F F L L O O O O R R P P L L A A N N S S T T O O C C H H O O O O S S E E F F R R O O M M . . Welcome to Shadow Wood Village, an age qualified manufactured home community where your dream of home ownership in Florida can become a reality. Shadow Wood features beautiful homes and friendly neighbors with community activities and an impressive amenity package. As a resident of Hudson, you can access the Gulf Coast in less than 2 miles. JUST 10 MILES FROM LAND O’ LAKES & 1 MILE FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO Olympic-size heated swimming pool — 85,000 gallons Renovated clubhouse with TOUR YOUR NEXT HOME IN THIS PREMIER 55+ RESORT COMMUNITY. Make Club Wildwood Your Next Home! Make Club Wildwood Your Next Home!Featured Homes: We have Pre-Owned Homes Starting In Price From The Mid $30K’s On Up. CLUB WILDWOOD866-799-6707 Hudson, FL 34667 ClubWildwoodSales.com 1430 LOGAN STREET, HUDSON FLSite: #0322 $61,90014302 DRYDEN STREET, HUDSON, FLSite: #0281 $80,0007727 HOMER AVENUE, HUDSON, FLSite: #0601 $79,900 WE’RE THE TEAM YOU CAN COUNT ON Call Today! Fixed Today! With a more energy efficient A/C system, or tankless hot water heater, save on your electric bill throughout the year. 813-990-0561 www.CornerstonePros.comLic: #CFC1428982 #CAC1816647 #EC13011923 $150.00 OFF TANKLESS WATER HEATER INSTALLATIONCustomer supplied tankless water heaters excluded. Cannot be combined with any other coupons or discounts. 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I I n n j j u u r r e e d d ? ? Civil Trial Practice 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 D D r r e e w w B B e e n n H H u u d d g g i i n n s s , , E E s s q q Z Z e e p p h h y y r r h h i i l l l l s s , , F F L L Drew Ben Hudgins, Esq Zephyrhills, FL Call Hudgins Law Firm 800-950-5534 8Awww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 2023 Russell Adams Realty, Inc. 2502 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.Corner of Carson Rd. & US 41KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCEBringing real estate to you for over 50 years! HOMES FOR SALETHE GROVES LAND O LAKES The Groves is an active 55+ gated, golf course community. The maintenance-free villas offer lawn care, exterior painting and roof replacement which are included in the homeowner’s fee. Features include an extended covered and screened lanai, hurricane shutters, tray ceilings, bay window in master bedroom, plantation shutters. The active lifestyle includes amenities such as salt-water community pool, tennis/pickle ball courts, bocce and shuffleboard courts. The Clubhouse boasts a restaurant, fitness center, library and craft room. Highly rated 18-hole golf course. Active community clubs such as social, book and travel just to name a few! Both large and small dog parks. Easy access to Veterans and I75, Tampa Airport and Tampa Premium Outlets. CDD included in tax shown. Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712 TAMPA’S NORTH SIDE COUNTRY CLUB AREA This very unique home will have you saying “wowâ€. 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 WILLOW 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 727-992-4974LAKES MARJORY ESTATES – LAND O LAKES Lake Front, One of a kind in the heart of Land O Lakes. Uniquely charming olde Florida home. Featuring hand Hume exposed cypress timber framing from 1930. Definitely a once in a lifetime chance to own a piece of old Florida history. Spend your evenings in front of the cozy brick fireplace. Entertain family and friends in the large family room. Cozy loft above kitchen. She shed, its craft/hobby room all to yourself. Detached garage, 2 cars and workshop area. This is a must see to appreciate. Make your appointment today! Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712LAND 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
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www.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 20239A What’s Happening What’ s Happening Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge BOTTLECAP NECKLACEThe Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host a necklace craft on June 29 at 10:30 a.m., for kindergarten through fth grade. Participants can make a friendship necklace using bottle caps. For information, call 352-567-3576.FRIENDSHIP GIFTThe New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will continue its Friendship Week on June 29 at 3 p.m. Participants can make friendship gifts. All supplies will be provided. For questions and information, call 813-788-6375.MAKE A CHOCOLATE BARThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host “Taste of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory†on June 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., for tweens. Participants can design their own Willy Wonka bar during this interactive show-ing of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.†Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126.KINDNESS CARDSThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Kindness Cards craft session on June 29 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., for ages 18 and older. Participants can craft a card for a friend or loved one who may need a boost. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126.ANNUAL SUMMERFESTThe eighth annual Zephyrhills Summerfest will take place on July 1 from noon to 9 p.m., at Zephyr Lake Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. The event will include DJ Express from noon to 7 p.m.; pony rides/ petting zoo; food trucks/vendors; bounce houses; giveaways, games and contests; live music from 7:30 p.m. to dark; and reworks at dark. Admission is free. For information, call 727-674-1464.FAMILY MOVIEThe Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host a family friendly movie on July 1 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., in the children’s room. For information, call 352-567-3576.SUMMER KIDS SERIESB&B Theatres Wesley Chapel-The Grove 16 will host a Summer Kids Series with $5 movies or $3 for backstage pass members, on Tues-days, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For informa-tion, 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: • 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 Movieâ€LITTLE LIBRARY PAINTINGThe Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Park-way, will host a Little Free Library painting session on July 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for ages 18 and older. Participants can help to nish painting a Little Free Library that will be put out in the community. Registration is required. Call 813-929-1214.CRAFT PACKSPreteens and teens can take home a craft pack: The Legend of Zelda that will feature activities from the video game series. The kits are rst-come, rst-served, and can be picked up anytime between July 5 and July 8. • The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City. Call 352-567-3576. • The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. Call 813-788-6375.SHRINKY DINK KEYCHAINThe Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, will host a summer craft on July 5 at 10 a.m. Participants can make a shrinky dink keychain. Space and supplies are limited. Reservations are required by calling 813-780-0064.FARM CREATURESThe Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Park-way, will present “All Together Now: Dundee Farms†on July 5 at 2 p.m., for kindergarten through third grade. Participants can learn about the cool creatures that DunnDee Farms will bring to the library. For information, call 813-929-1214.CONSTITUENT SERVICESCongresswoman Laurel Lee’s ofce will stop by the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, on July 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Constituent services offered include: passports, social security, military/ VA, medicare, IRS, legislative, immigration, and more. Registration is recommended to reserve an appointment. Visit EventBrite. com/e/zephyrhills-mobile-ofce-hours-tick-ets-619957829557. TEEN PUZZLE-OFFThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa, will host a Teen Puzzle-Off on July 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., for grades eight to 12. Partic-ipants will be placed in three teams of ve for a friendly competition. Masks are recom-mended, but not required. To register, call 727-815-7126.DRAMA PROGRAMThe Academy of Arts traveling drama ministry program will present “The Pilgrims Progress†on July 6 at 7 p.m., at Faith Baptist Church, 38634 E. County Road 54 in Zephyrhills. The tale is of one man’s journey from the City of Destruction to the gates of the Celestial City and all the challenges, triumphs and perils he faces along the way. Admission is free. For information about the presentation, call the church at 813-782-0880.ROCK PAINTINGThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa, will host Kindness Rocks: Community Rock Painting on July 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., for ages 18 and older. Participants can paint a rock with a kind message to leave somewhere or to give to someone who could use a smile. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required by calling 727-815-7126.AVENGERS MOVIEThe Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Park-way, will host a teen summer movie, “Aveng-ers: Innity War,†on July 6 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., for ages 13 to 18. For information, call 813-929-1214. DRIVER SAFETY COURSEThe Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, will host the AARP Smart Driver Safety Course on July 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for drivers age 50 and older. Topics include: defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, new trafc laws, and the rules of the road. Space is limited. Registration is required. Call Marcus Vinson at 813-5753594, or visit AARP.org/drive.TURN & LEARNThe Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Park-way, will host two Tri County Woodturners’ Turn & Learn sessions on July 8 from 9 a.m to 11:30 a.m., and from noon to 3 p.m. Skilled mentors will guide participants in their chosen project (bring your own piece of wood). The program is for ages 18 and older. Registration is required. Call 813-929-1214.BUTTERFLY GARDENThe Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, will host a “Creating a But-tery Garden†seminar on July 8 at 10 a.m. Participants can learn to choose the correct plants to create a buttery haven. Registration is online at Eventbrite.com. For information, call 813-780-0064.SUMMER SING-ALONGThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Summer Sing-along on July 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., with a family musical movie. Popcorn will be served, and guests can bring outside snacks and beverages into the theater. There also will be a Lego set giveaway. For information, call 727-815-7126.EAT GOOD, DO GOODThe Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel is working to raise $500,000 to build a therapeutic home for young girls who are victims of sex trafck-ing. Those interested in helping can take part in “Eat Good & Do Good†on July 11 at Keke’s Breakfast Caf, 22952 State Road 54 in Lutz — 20% of total sales on that day will be donated to the club’s Build That Home project. Guests can dine in, take out, or get a catering order to support the cause.FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTIONThe Pasco Sheriff’s Ofce is teaming up with Pasco Sheriff’s Charities, Farm Share, the Pasco County NAACP, Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay, the Gentlemen’s Course and the Samaritan Corporation of Pasco Inc., for a free community food distribution on July 13 at the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee, 38724 Mud-cat Grant Blvd., in Dade City. The drive-thru starts at 9 a.m., rain or shine, on a rst-come, rst-served basis (until food items run out).RODEO & FAMILY FESTIVALThe Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, presented by Bartow Ford, arrives July 14 and July 15, at the Hillsborough County Fair-grounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road in Dover. The two-day event will feature bull-riding, bronco-busting, barrel-racing, live music, a monster truck show, meet-and-greets, a mechanical bull, pony rides, giant slide, over-sized lawn games, food, and more. For infor-mation, schedule of events and tickets, visit HillsboroughCountyFair.com/tickets.ART GUILD PROGRAMSThe West Pasco Art Guild will host an Art FUNdamentals Workshop by Helen Hanley on July 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for beginner and intermediate artists. For more information and to register, email helen@westpascoart-guild.org. The guild’s Special Show and Sale of artists’ original artwork runs through Sept. 27, at 6206 Jefferson St., in New Port Richey. The exhibit is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, email carolo@westpascoart-guild.org.TAMPA BIRTHDAY BASHThe Tampa Bay Moms Group will host Tampa’s Biggest Birthday Bash on July 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Waterworks Park, 1701 N. Highland Ave., in Tampa, to ben-et the organization, Celebrate Birthdays. The event will include food trucks, games, exhibits, entertainment, and more. For infor-mation, visit TampaBayMomsGroup.com/ tampasbiggestbirthdaybash.BENEFIT FOR THE BLUEThe Dade City Police Foundation will host a “Benet for the Blue†on July 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges, 14139 Seventh St., in Dade City. The 2 -hour evening will be one of appreciation, ne din-ing and community unity. Tickets are $100 per person and are available on Eventbrite.com.GREASE PERFORMANCEThe New Tampa Players will present “Grease†on July 21, July 22, July 28 and July 29 at 8 p.m., and on July 23 and July 30 at 3 p.m., at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road in Tampa. For informa-tion and tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.thun-dertix.com.LIBRARY SURVEYPasco County Libraries wants to hear feedback from its patrons, through its 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey at bit.ly/423cTMH. Par-ticipants who complete the survey will be entered to win a $100 gift card (provided by the Friends of the Library). Only one survey/ entry per person. The survey will be active until July 22.BACK TO SCHOOL BASHZephyrhills Chick-l-A, 7490 Gall Blvd., will celebrate its second birthday with a Back to School Bash on July 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This community celebration will include giveaways, games, free health screenings and more. No registration is required.PHOTO CONTESTGulfside Healthcare Services is hosting its annual photo contest. At least 13 pictures will be chosen for its calendar, a picture for each month of 2024 and one for the remainder of 2023. In addition to the winning photos, judges will select a few entries for 2024 hon-orable mentions. Photos must be taken in Pasco County and able to be printed horizon-tally, 12 inches wide by 9 inches high. Entries are due by 5 p.m., July 31. Contest winners will be notied by Sept. 1 and will receive ve copies of the calendar. For complete contest rules and to enter, visit tinyurl.com/tb24xcf4, or email publicrelations@gulfside.org for information.BINGO FUNDRAISERThe GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club’s Education Committee will host a bingo fund-raiser on Aug. 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Beef O’ Brady’s, 18421 U.S. 41 at Sunset Lane, in Lutz. The cost is $10 for 10 bingo games with prizes, opportunity baskets and a 50/50 drawing. Money raised will benet the club’s community projects and support local schools and libraries.BELLAMY BROTHERSThe Thomas Promise Foundation and Simp-son Lakes will present The Bellamy Brothers on Aug. 26, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, in the Dan Cannon Auditorium, to benet Thomas Promise and to help feed children in Pasco County. In addition to the music, there will be food and drink, and an auction. For information and table reservations, call 813-782-0000.NEW STEAM EXHIBITThe Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa, has a summer exhibit, “STEAM Team Superhero Training Acad-emy,†available now through Labor Day, and is included with general admission tickets, thanks to the underwriting support from Flor-ida Blue. MOSI is part of the Blue Star Muse-ums initiative, which allows military families to visit for free. For more information on the exhibits and tickets, visit MOSI.org.BOY SCOUT FUNDRAISERBoy Scout Troop 12 of Lutz will celebrate its 90th birthday on Sept. 9 and will host a cele-bration on that day at 205 Second Ave., S.E., in Lutz. Community members that have had an afliation with Troop 12, Eagle Scouts, Scouts, leaders and families are welcome to attend. Save the date for food and nostalgia. Keep an eye out for more information. Boom by the BayBoom by the Bay is set for July 1 starting at 4 p.m., at the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Blvd., in Tampa. The event will feature activities for the whole family, including a pickleball tournament. There also will be an apple pie bake-off, a free outdoor concert, a family zone with bounce houses, corn hole, local food trucks, and a reworks display. The event is dog-friendly, and there will be a Sensory Relief Zone at the park. Admission is free, with food and drink available for purchase. For more infor-mation, visit TampasDowntown.com/outside-is-in/ boom-by-the-bay/.Lutz ParadeThe Lutz Independence Day parade and celebra-tion, “Red, White & Lutz,†is accepting applications 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 marshal’s choice. Links for information and registration are: • Vendors: bit.ly/LutzParadeVendor • Floats: bit.ly/LutzParade2023 • Online program: LutzParade.comFourth ExtravaganzaStarkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., will host its an-nual Fourth of July Extravaganza on July 4. Gates open at 4 p.m. The event will feature “The Shakes Society,†a seven-piece band; kids entertainment; bounce house; lawn games; face painting; food trucks; and a reworks display. No outside food, beverages or coolers. Admission is $10 for military (active duty, retired, veterans); $27.50 for adults ages 18 and older; $16.50 for kids ages 6 to 17; and free for kids ages 5 and younger. Tickets are needed for entry to the event and are available online at EventBrite.com.4th of JulyAvalon Park Wesley Chapel’s 4th of July Celebration is on July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 5060 River Glen Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The event will include a bounce park, a bike parade, a bake-off, community performances, and reworks at 9 p.m. Bike parade registration is online at AvalonParkWesleyChapel. com. Participants can decorate their bike, stroller or wagon with a 4th of July/Patriotic theme. Line-up begins at 5:45 p.m., in front of the Amenity Center. Parade begins at 6 p.m. Winners for most patriotic and best group will be awarded after the parade.Cake ContestThe GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will sponsor the Cake Contest for the “Red, White & Lutz’’ celebration on July 4. Categories include: Adult Best Decorated; Adult Best Tasting; Youth Best Decorated (ages 11 to 18); Youth Best Decorated (10 and younger); Youth Best Tasting (10 and younger); Most Patriotic (all ages); Guv’na Favorite; Cupcakes Best Decorated; Best Pie (all ages); and Youth Best Tasting (11 to 18). Cakes cannot be larger than 9 inches by 13 inches. Entries can be dropped off at the Lutz Community Center, 98 First Ave., N.W., on July 3 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; or on July 4 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. All entries will be auctioned off after the parade. For information, email cake-contest@gmail.com. All Pasco County libraries will be closed on July 3 and July 4 in recognition of Independence Day.
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10Awww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 2023 Dade City Heritage Museum is embracing its roots as the former Atlantic Coastline Train Depot and hosting Railfan Fridays, bringing together train enthusiasts from near and farBy Mike Camunasmcamunas@lakerlutznews.comA train whistle blows in the distance and everyone scatters to get into place. They’re train enthusiasts and they’re vying for the best spot to video and photograph as a CSX locomotive pulls dozens of cars down the track that runs parallel to the U.S. 98 Bypass., and just mere feet away from the Dade City Her-itage Museum. This group enjoys all kinds of trains — both full-scale and model-scale locomotives, cars and cabooses. With each gathering of Railfan Friday, the number of event-goers increases at the museum that embraces its train roots and history, as the building housing the museum was a former Atlantic Coastline Train Depot. “We used to only do it once a year, but the response and feedback has been overwhelming that we hold (Railfan Friday) more often,†said Joy Lynn, the museum’s founder. “We did one in the spring and were looking at doing one about every four to six weeks, but the turnout is always so good that we know we’ll end up doing it again.†During Railfan Friday, visitors can enjoy everything the museum has to offer, at no charge. There are food vendors on hand, as well as others selling model trains and other train par-aphernalia. When train enthusiasts and locals aren’t camping out waiting for the next train to pass by, they’re inside enjoying the impressive J.R. Hibbard Memorial Train Room, which features three scale model train layouts. The largest of the layouts — still a work in progress — is set to replicate the town of Dade City, right down to models of historic businesses and buildings all over the city. Lynn says the plan is for the business to spon-sor its own building, as the Train Room runs on donations from visitors or Railfan Fridays. “It’s taking some time and you see some of them already, like the Historic Courthouse, but eventually, there will be a Lanky Lassie’s and American Pizza Oven or Kafe Kokopelli down there, just like in downtown,†she said. The latest Railfan Friday, on June 16, saw more than a hundred visitors, including popu-lar train acionado, Danny Harmon, who has an extensive train following on YouTube. The former train depot now-turned museum was the rst site in Pasco County to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places in July 1994. The tracks that run closest to the depot were the rst to reach Dade City in 1887. Much of the building has been maintained in its original state, aside from some federally funded minor renovations in 1996-1997. The station was preserved and reopened as a tourist destination in 2008 and became the 501(c)3 nonprot and solely-volunteer-run Dade City Heritage Museum in 2018. It houses arti-facts, photographs, documents and records of historic places and longtime residents of Dade City. The museum consists of a main exhibition space, a model train room, and a Community Archive and Reading Room. Railing together for train fun MIKE CAMUNASOne of the three scale model train layouts J.R. Hubbard Memorial Train Room inside the Dade City Heritage Museum is being designed to look like the town of Dade City and eventually will feature models that look like the city’s historic buildings and businesses. J.R. Hubbard Memorial Train RoomWhere: Located inside Dade City Heritage Museum, 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass, Dade City Details: Features three scale model train layouts that were all donated by local Dade City resi-dents, and includes models that will represent buildings and businesses located throughout Dade City. Info: Visit DadeCityHeritageMuseum.org instructional activity. • Students in grades nine through 12 keep their devices on silent mode and out of sight for the entire school day, except for during the stu-dent’s lunch period, in between class periods or as expressly authorized by a classroom teacher for a specic instructional activity. As dened by the board’s policy, WCDs in-clude peripheral devices such as headphones, earbuds and watches. The school board adopted the policy at its June 20 meeting. Materials in the board’s agenda packet note “the board is aware that WCDs are used by stu-dents and parents to communicate with each other. However, the use of WCDs on school grounds must be appropriately regulated to protect students, staff and the learning environ-ment.†The background materials added: “Whether intentional or not, WCDs can remove students socially, intellectually and emotionally from being present while at school or when involved with school-related activities. “The district wants all students to have the greatest opportunity for face-to-face engage-ment with their teachers and peers, as not being presently focused can increase social and aca-demic isolation issues. In addition, while the use of social media can be intentional and positive, it can also be used in a way that causes others to feel left out, judged, anxious and targeted. “Unfortunately, WCDs can also be used by stu-dents to initiate and perpetuate inappropriate and/or unlawful conduct that can disrupt the orderly operation of schools and jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of others in the school community,†the agenda materials say. School board member Colleen Beaudoin raised objections to the part of the policy that prohibits elementary teachers from allowing stu-dents to use wireless devices in connection with specic lessons. But Superintendent Kurt Browning said, “There’s no need to have elementary school stu-dents with cell phones. It is incredibly rare that you will have a teacher in elementary school that is engaging kids on their personal devices.†Initially, the superintendent said, “I want-ed a scorched-earth approach — which is no cell phones anywhere, pre-K/12. That’s where I started. “I became a little more lenient in middle school, which is grades six through eight, by saying, you can have them at lunch. And, in high school, I became a wee bit more lenient by saying you can have them not only at lunch, but also at passing (between class periods), but in no circumstances, will you take them out, whether you’re in rst grade, or fth grade, or sixth grade or 12th grade during instructional time,†he said. The district is “spending an incredible amount of resources on support and supporting schools and curriculum,†Browning said. It has invested in instructional assistants, tutors and materials aimed at helping turn students around, he said. “Yet, we have kids in some of our classrooms that stay wed to these things (WCDs),†Browning said. But Beaudoin said she sees no reason to pre-vent elementary teachers from using the tool, when appropriate. “I think we should treat our teachers as the professionals that they are and why would we take away an option from teachers who are using technology effectively?†Beaudoin said. She thinks the policy sends the wrong mes-sage to elementary school teachers. Browning responded: “At no time, when we crafted this policy, did I, as superintendent, or staff, want to impugn the professionalism of our staff or teachers in pre-K/5. That was never the case.†Rather, he said, the focus was on the poten-tial harm that wireless devices can cause. WIRELESS, from page 3A soccer, but enjoyed competing. “She made the most of that opportunity,†he said. “I will say the training, the camaraderie of going into a tournament and winning — the thrill of that is phenomenal,†Mariano said. “Sports is just a great thing for the families. It’s great for the kids. It keeps them busy. It keeps them out of trouble. It keeps them moti-vated. It leads to great things to happen,†Mari-ano added. The county board chairman was impressed by the number of scholarships associated with Premier Soccer FC. “That’s phenomenal. I salute all of the work that you do,†Mariano said. Nathan Bender, director of soccer at Florida Premier, responded to the board’s recognition. “On behalf of Florida Premier, we want to thank the county commission — Kathryn Star-key, Jack Mariano, Seth Weightman, Ron Oakley and Gary Bradford — for all of you, and what you guys do, to elevate and push Pasco County forward, as the premier county in Florida.†He thanked the county’s Parks and Recre-ation department, specically mentioning Keith Wiley, Brian Taylor and their team. “Without this team, we literally would not be able to do what we do,†Bender said. “They provided a world-class facility for our players and families to play on and impacted thousands of kids’ lives. “We want to thank (County Administrator) Mike Carballa and (Assistant County Adminis-trator) Cathy Pearson for all of the support to the club, and the community.†He also expressed appreciation for the coun-ty’s tourism arm, Florida’s Sports Coast, and Adam Thomas, the county’s director of tourism and Consuelo Sanchez, sports development and tourism manager. Each weekend, Florida Premier FC brings 80 teams and more than 5,000 people to Pasco County, Bender said. “On a monthly basis, this brings in an impres-sive 360 teams and 20,480 people into our county. “Over the course of a year, which is a 10-month season for us, our contributions are even more impactful, with this year, 3,600 teams coming and 204,800 individuals coming to Pasco to play Florida Premier. “We’re honored to consistently showcase the potential and the allure of Pasco County to all of those attending. “We know that none of this impact would be possible without our partnership with Flor-ida Sports Coast and with you,†Bender told the commissioners. Florida Premier FC has come a long way since its inception at Mitchell Field, as just a small neighborhood club with a few teams, he said. “We’ve been lucky enough to grow into one of the most successful and largest youth orga-nizations in the entire country, and in the past year, have represented USA on an international stage, as well. “As a non-for-prot club, as you mentioned, our mission is to serve the community in any way that we can. “We want to enhance the lives of every mem-ber of Pasco County, through the beautiful game of soccer, through community engagement and through helping change young people’s lives, on and off the eld. “Each year, the club has been able to give over $100,000 in scholarships to players and families that are experiencing nancial hardships and ensuring these young men and women can pur-sue their dreams and experience their dreams. “We’ve been lucky enough to send 40 players this year alone, to play on an academic scholar-ship and continue their dream of playing colle-giate soccer. “This year we have 150-plus seniors graduat-ing that will go on to attend university and col-leges — many are the rst person in their family to attend university and college,†Bender said. Bender said he also appreciates the work that’s done by the Florida Premier FC board of directors to foster the organization’s success. Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted that years ago, when her daughter wanted to play Division 1 soccer, she was forced else-where for training because there weren’t any opportunities in Pasco. That’s no longer true today. SOCCER FC, from page 3A That gave them time to practice how the building would be used. “We drilled and we trained and we literally had people in stretchers and we pushed them through the hallways and we were like, ‘No, you actually can’t get there from here, we’ve got to do it a different way.’†It was a lot of guring it out, the hospital leader said. “You think you know how it’s going to work, then you get in the building — you realize you have to change it. The patients show up and you realize, you have to tweak it some more,†she said. It also was important to set the right tone, she added. “As we were introducing BayCare to the community, the very rst thing I wanted our community to see is our values, and our commit-ment of taking care of the community,†she said. There’s a sculpture in a prominent spot at the hospital etched with the words representing BayCare’s values. “Dignity, excellence, respect, responsibility, and trust — that’s what you can expect when you come to a BayCare facility,†the hospital ex-ecutive said. When people arrive at the hospital, she wants them to feel at ease. “We put a lot of thought into what the facility looked like, what you feel when you walk in. “I’ve been working in hospitals and health care for over 20 years. I walk into a hospital, it feels like home. “Most people don’t feel that way. (For) most people coming into a hospital — it’s unnerv-ing. You’re scared. Your family member is sick. Maybe it’s some kind of emergency, having sur-gery. “We wanted to make you feel calm, wel-comed and that we were going to take care of you,†she said. Having the right team is crucial, too, Schulkowski said. The hospital president and the other three members of her executive team represent a total of more than 70 combined years in BayCare’s system, she said. “We spent a lot of time as a leadership team: How are we going to embody that (BayCare way) every single day? We did a lot of work on visioning and culture building. “We had set questions for every single team member interview that we did, because if you were going to work at BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, you had to have the same mindset of the leadership team and give that most incred-ible care to every person who sets foot in our building,†she said. The talent acquisition team used social media to attract applicants and held a hiring fair. The hospital was able to meet its hiring needs of slightly more than 270 full-time equivalent posi-tions, which works out to about 350 individual people, including part-time and labor pool roles. It helped that the hospital is part of the BayCare system. About 45% of Schulkowski’s staff came from another BayCare location. “I think one of the things that worked in our favor is that we were the shiny new building. Everybody wants to come and work in the shiny new building, right?†FILEBecky Schulkowski, president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, is seen here during BayCare Wesley Chapel’s community open house. COURTESY OF FLORIDA PREMIER FCThe Pasco County Commission recently hon-ored the accomplishments of Florida Premier FC, an organization that’s been operating in the county for 44 years. From left are: Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley; Kristin Russell (goal-keeping director); Danielle Fotopoulos (elite clubs national league director); Pasco Commission Chairman Jack Mariano; Nathan Binder (soccer director); Ljubo Korda (girls director); Bosho Maric (chief operating ofcer); Pasco Commissioner Seth Weightman and Pasco Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. BAYCARE, from page 3A BayCare Hospital Wesley ChapelWhere: 4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel Quick facts: • Opened March 7 • 318,000-square-foot building on a 40-acre site • 86 private rooms, including 12 intensive care unit beds, • 20 Emergency Room beds. • Cost: $246 million Details: BayCare Wesley Chapel offers comprehen-sive medical services and health care resources, including an emergency department, an intensive care unit with virtual-monitoring beds, diagnostic services, such as imaging and lab, and surgical services. Patient rooms are Alexa-enabled. Patients can ask Alexa to play music, turn on the TV, turn off the TV; raise the blinds, lower the blinds; change the temperature; and, of course, call the nurse. FILEBayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel opened in March, and Becky Schulkowski, the hospital’s president, recently discussed the various challenges that go into opening a new hospital. Her remarks came during the breakfast meeting of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
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www.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 202311A Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is planned to host more than 400,000 square feet of retail and 100,000 square feet of of ce space allowing for a bustling, pedestrian-friendly downtown that will become a hub of activity as the community grows. The initial construction of Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began in 2019 with 1,100 student stations at Pinecrest Academy K-5 Charter School.• 3-Story 73,067 SF Mixed Use Building • 40 Multifamily Apartment Homes • 23,720 SF Commercial/Retail Space • 2-Acre Community Park with Amphitheater • 600 6th-8th Grade Student Stations at Pinecrest Academy Wesley ChapelDOWNTOWN AVALON PARK WESLEY CHAPELNOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com | 813.783.1515 | info@AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com*Renderings are strictly conceptual and subject to change. Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is planned to host more than 400,000 square feet of retail and 100,000 square feet of of ce space allowing for a bustling, pedestrian-friendly downtown that will become a hub of activity as the community grows. The initial construction of Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began in 2019 with 1,100 student stations at Pinecrest Academy K-5 Charter School.• 3-Story 73,067 SF Mixed Use Building • 40 Multifamily Apartment Homes • 23,720 SF Commercial/Retail Space • 2-Acre Community Park with Amphitheater • 600 6th-8th Grade Student Stations at Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel DOWNTOWN AVALON PARK WESLEY CHAPELNOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com | 813.783.1515 | info@AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com*Renderings are strictly conceptual and subject to change. NOW OPEN!
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12Awww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 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 PROSPECTS HOCKEY CAMPProspects Hockey Intermediate and Senior camps will return for their seventh year at Adven-tHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. During the week of camps and the World Tournament, players will receive a combination of skill development, in-game awareness training, power skating, small area games, on-ice testing and professional guest speakers. The camp also will include an NHL-style draft, with all players entering the draft. Teams representing specic countries will be formed to compete in the World Championship (ve games guaranteed). The camp will be led by coach Marcin Snita, who has two decades of experience working with elite athletes, including 40 current NHL players. Cost for the camp starts at $799 and spots are lling quickly. For more information or to register, visit AHCenterIce.com/icehockey-prospectshockeyc-amp.SAINT LEO HIRES COACHSaint Leo University has hired Britteny John-son as its new head coach of Acrobatics & Tum-bling. Johnson joins Saint Leo after previously serving as the head coach at Coker University. She was appointed as the rst head coach in the program’s history for the Cobras in 2019. During Johnson’s tenure at Coker College, 11 Cobras were named to the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) Aca-demic Honor Roll. Johnson earned a degree in exercise science at Glenville State, where she also competed on their Acrobatics & Tumbling team. During her time as a student-athlete, she was awarded the Glenville State College Most Valuable Player on the acrobatics and tumbling team. Additionally, Johnson is a two-time NCATA national event title qualier in ve-element acro and a one-time qualier in duo pyramid, toss heat one, and heat two pyramid.9/11 GOLF TOURNAMENTPasco County Professional Fireghters Local 4420 will host its inaugural 9/11 Golf Tourna-ment on Sept. 11 at 11 a.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Cost is $125 per person or $500 per four-per-son team, and includes fees, cart, range balls, lunch and dinner. Local 4420 was chartered in 2005 to organize reghters and guarantee safer working condi-tions and equitable wages, as well as to contrib-ute time and resources to the community, and to help charities such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Sydney has a Sister and the Children’s Burn Camp. For more information or to register, email Ste-phen Stanforth, communications director, Pasco County Professional Fireghters, Local 4420, at sstanforth@iaff4420.org.AUTISM GOLF TOURNEYJacob’s Touch Foundation, a nonprot 501(c) (3) community-based organization in the Tampa Bay area, will host its eighth annual Charity Golf tournament on Sept. 30 at 8 a.m., at Westchase Golf Club, 11602 Westchase Golf Drive, in Tampa. The cost is $150 per player or $600 for a four-some, and includes breakfast and lunch, silent auction and rafe, contest, prizes and more. For more information, visit JacobsTouch.org/ events. Jacob’s Touch Foundation is dedicated to providing nancial care and assistance to fami-lies and organizations supporting children on the autism spectrum. To submit notable sports news, event infor-mation, and individual or team accomplish-ments, email mcamunas@lakerlutznews.com. SEND SPORTS NEWS TO MCAMUNAS@LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM CHECK THIS OUTMeet the Stevens and the Stoddards — a blended, karate family that has been running West Coast Karate in Lutz the past three years. Everyone has a hand, and st, in the business.By Mike Camunasmcamunas@lakerlutznews.comHere’s the story — of a karate fam-ily. Two parents, six kids and plenty of black belts. And, somehow, this blended family formed a dojo in Lutz. At West Coast Karate, it’s all hands, and sts and kicks, on deck. While patriarch James Ste-vens is the Sensei, he turns to his wife of nine years, Sabrina, to run the administrative side. Then, their six children, ages 20 to 5, either teach and or train at the dojo. “We are, obviously, a blended family — a karate Brady Bunch!†Sabrina said. “We are a family owned and operated dojo, and people will be surprised by that. “Usually, they’ll come in for a couple of classes and then be like, ‘You know, some of the instructors look alike’ and then they realize it’s all in the family.†James added: “It is all in the family — we don’t ever miss the kids or what they do. Of all the jobs you can have, this is one you don’t dread ... because you’re here all day, doing something you love with the ones you love. He relishes his dual role: “Sometimes I’m just Sensei, sometimes I’m just Dad and sometimes I’m Sensei Dad, and I love it.†The rest of this karate clan includes Sabrina’s kids: Richard Stoddard, 20; Leia Stoddard, 19; Benjamin Stoddard, 16; and Samuel Stoddard, 13. Then there’s James’ two children — William, 7, and Emily, 5. The four oldest children are black belt instructors, while the two youngest, as well as Sabrina, are working their way up to that level. The Stoddard children help James with classes, especially the younger students. “I denitely feel as though I’ve embraced that leadership role,†said Richard, who also is a youth pastor. “With karate, you get to turn around and help people up. It’s helping other people grow and get better and ourish in life, both on the mat and outside the dojo. “And I love being around the family because it’s always a great time.†“I really love what we do and that we do it as a family,†Leia added. “I love teaching and working with the kids — just to see what they’re capable of and build up that trust and relation-ship with them. I work with the children’s min-istry at church, too, so I just like to be involved with the kids.†Benjamin also chimed in: “I think we all work well together, especially when most, if not all of us, are here teaching and running the dojo. We’re denitely stronger as a family when we’re all here together.†West Coast Karate just celebrated its third year since opening during the height of the COVID pandemic in June 2020. It began with an enrollment of zero and grew to more than 100 in less than two years. “We felt it was time to open to the dojo, but we also took the mindset that let’s be ready when people can come back,†Sabrina said. “Everything was ready — mats were on the oors, doors open to the public — and it’s gone better than we could have imagined.†That’s not just from a business standpoint — because the students are excelling. The dojo has attended countless AAU (Ama-teur Athletic Union) tournaments, locally and nationally, as well as the Junior Olympics. In 2022, it produced a silver and three bronze med-alists at the World United Karate Federations ’s International Tournament. At the AAU national tournament, Benja-min took gold in 15-advanced male kumite (sparring), while Samuel took gold in age 12-advanced male kumite. Last year, they also started the West Coast Competitive Martial Arts Foundation, which strives to provide funding for martial arts pro-grams and competitions for at-risk youth. Additionally, Sensei James was named the Positive Coaching Alliance’s regional coach for 2023. “Every class I’m out there teaching, Emily and William, for example, will be out there, too,†James said. “They have a curriculum, from a sen-sei point of view, and it’s just like their siblings, that they got the curriculum and need to follow it for their belts.†This year, Benjamin and Samuel, as well as fellow students Blake Kongmanichanh and Gabriel Coleman, were selected to represent the U.S. and travel with the AAU to Dundee, Scot-land in July. All of which has come through the hard work at the family-run dojo that has seen all the kids follow in the footsteps of James. “There’s always the hope (your kids) follow what you do, and, sure, kids sometimes venture out and don’t, but my entire family ended up here at the dojo,†James said. “I started (when I was) 11 and some of them started even younger than me, like William and Emily, but everyone has a little something to do around the dojo — which cuts down on overhead having to hire outside instructors!†Sabrina agrees. “It doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do and, of course, get to see your family this much,†she added. “It’s a bit of an excuse to see my older son, who’s married and moved out, but I get to see him a lot at the dojo still. We get to have our family here at the dojo all the time and it really doesn’t get better than that.â€The Black Belt Bunch West Coast KarateWhere: 23604 State Road 54, Lutz Details: A family owned and operated martial arts school that offers traditional martial arts classes, sport karate, weapons classes, daytime homeschool classes and an after-school pickup program. The dojo is a member of the World United Isshin-ryu Karate Association and has trained martial arts students who are nationally ranked and recognized. Info: Visit WestCoastKarateDojo.com, or call 813-469-8549. MIKE CAMUNASJames Stevens and his blended family, featuring six kids, operate West Coast Karate, in Lutz. Four of the kids are black-belt instructors. Since opening during the midst of the pandemic, in 2020, the dojo that features martial arts and homeschool classes has ourished, with a roster of more than 100 students, including individuals who are nationally recognized and ranked. Pictured here in their dojo, back row, from left: James Stevens, Samuel Stoddard, Richard Stoddard, Leia Stoddard, Benjamin Stoddard and Sabrina Stevens, and front row, from left: William Stevens and Emily Stevens. MIKE CAMUNAS West Coast Karate Sensei James Stevens, right, works on a hand drill with his daughter, Emily Stevens, 5, during a martial arts class in Lutz. Emily is one of his two kids, plus James’ four stepkids, all of whom train and work out of the Lutz-based dojo. Leia Stoddard, 19, works with a young karate student at the dojo her family owns in Lutz, West Coast Karate. James Stevens, left, and his stepson, Benjamin Stoddard, right, instruct karate youngsters at West Coast Karate in Lutz. West Coast Karate Sensei James Stevens instructs a young student through a handstand during a session at his Lutz-based dojo.
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JUNE 28, 2023 INSIDE: Directories, Classieds, Games & More B Lutz Lutz The L The L rf rfnt By Mike Camunasmcamunas@lakerlutznews.comPasco County’s east side honored June-teenth for the third consecutive year — again with a weeklong celebration. The City of Dade City adopted a res-olution guaranteeing there also will be a June-teenth Community Celebration Day on June 19, or the Saturday preceding it. That proclamation was presented by Dade City Mayor Jim Shive, along with Dade City com-missioners Lisa Simon and Normita Woodard. The city’s third annual celebration was held on June 17 at the Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., in Dade City. The event included a family fun zone, local ven-dors and food trucks, free health screenings, prizes, games and rafes. There also were spe-cial performances from local organizations and groups. Juneteenth activities also featured a June-teenth Pageant for boys and girls. The festivi-ties were organized by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department. “It’s great that we can hold events all week long,†said Kimberly Miller, a recreation coordi-nator for the parks and recreation department who began the Juneteenth Celebration tradition three years ago. “Of course, as a Black woman, it’s important to me, but I also honestly think that people here in East Pasco are not used to this kind of celebration and events. But the turn-out from the community each year keeps getting better. “So, the goal has always been to get more people from the community involved and part of the Juneteenth celebration.†The event at the Boys & Girls Club was just the start of the celebrations. There also were events in Dade City, Lacoochee, Trilby, Wesley Chapel and Zeph-yrhills throughout the week. Some of those events included Beat N’ Brushes: a musical painting gathering, Family Bowling Night at Pin Chasers in Zephyrhills, Community Unity 3x3 Basketball Tournament at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Center, and the Madden video game tournament, also at the Wesley Chapel Rec Center. There also was a Sneaker Ball (daddy/daugh-ter dance), but it was rescheduled to Sept. 15, also to be held at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Center. Juneteenth celebrations focus on history, fun MIKE CAMUNASC’Rayiah Gardner, 7, takes a fun ride down the slide on an inatable obstacle course during the Juneteenth Community Celebration on June 17, at the Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., in Dade City. The celebration included the family fun zone, local vendors and food trucks, free health screenings, prizes, games and rafes. It also featured special performances from local organizations and groups as part of a weeklong commemoration of events throughout East Pasco County. JuneteenthDetails: Juneteenth is the federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Its name was derived from combining June and nineteenth and it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865 (2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued). Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. COURTESY OF KELLY PEACOCKZephyrhills resident Micah Berrin received a Juneteenth Scholarship from AdventHealth and the Pasco County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Department. Kimberly Sanders, of Dade City, poses in front of the Juneteenth sign during the Community Celebration on June 17 at the Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club. Hundreds of residents from Dade City, Lacoochee, Trilby, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills came out to the Juneteenth Community Celebration on June 17 at the Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., in Dade City. Dade City Mayor Pro Tem Normita Woodard, left, watches a special Juneteenth performance with fellow Dade City Commissioner Jim Shive.
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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 2Bwww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 2023 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.SCALLOP SEASON KICKS OFFExperience Florida’s Sports Coast has announced the return of the Bay Scallop Season, with an extension. The season will kick off on July 1 and continue through Aug. 6, marking a 37-day season, according to a news release. “The extended season is going to do so much for tourism in Pasco County,†Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano, said in the release. Participants should follow these scalloping regulations and safety tips: • Collect scallops by hand or with a dip net • Daily bag limit: 2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint shucked per person • Daily boat limit: 10 gallons in shell or 1/2-gallon shucked meat • Display a diver-down ag while in the water For more information about the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s scalloping regulations, visit MyFWC.com/shing/saltwater/recreational/bay-scallops/. For tips on how your family can enjoy the scallop season, visit FLSportsCoast.com/scalloping.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. Readers can now nd Pets of the Week and Local Wildlife photos on our website at Laker LutzNews.com, under the Pets/Wildlife link. PET PAWS Scout loves her parents!Scout has a very affectionate personality and must sit on her parents’ laps at all times, from the couch, to the kitchen table, to the ofce chair. She was adopted from the Tampa Bay Humane Society in 2018 and has been making her parents laugh since day one. One of her favorite ‘toys’ is the weekly Laker newspaper, where she likes to either lay on it, or use it as a surfboard and surf across the oor or couch. Scout lives with her proud parents, Shari and Dan Bresin, in Land O Lakes. 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 In the spotlightBeth Musgrove, of Zephyrhills, found a katydid on her car and said it refused to cooperate with the paparazzi that was taking its photo. Katydids are a family of insects that may also be called long-horned grasshoppers because of their super long antennae and are also known as leaf-hoppers. Many katydids resemble green leaves.
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WORD SEARCH & SUDOKU The L / Lutz N CHRONIC CLUSTER CONGESTION DEHYDRATION DIAGNOSIS DOCTOR GRADUAL HEADACHE ILLNESS INFLAMMATION LIFESTYLE MIGRAINE PAINFUL PERSISTENT PRIMARY SECONDARY SENSITIVITY SHARP SPINE STRESS SUDDEN TENSION THROBBING TRIGGERSTo 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! 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 www.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 20233B SEE SOLUTIONS, PAGE 11B If you would like to adopt Lance or T-Bone, 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. T-Bone is shy, but sweetT-Bone is looking for a soft place to land. This 4-year-old weighs about 50 pounds. He walks well on a leash; sits on command; and takes treats gently. He is a little timid, but is learning to make friends with both people and other dogs. So far, he prefers puppy pals that are calm like he is. T-Bone’s nder reported he was good with children and rode well in the car. Make an appointment today to meet this handsome guy! A PET Make a fur-ever friend!Lance is a beautiful boyLance is ready for an adopter who understands him. He is nervous at rst, but will warm up when he realizes you are a friend. He’ll rub his face against your hand and arch his back for butt scratches. Lance previously lived with other cats and may do well with another condent kitty that can show him the ropes. This 8-year-old has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, and Animal Services staff can discuss how to manage the condition. Ask to see Lance today! The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report American Legion Post 108 hosted a Flag Retirement Ceremony on the afternoon of June 11, at Harvester Community Church at 2432 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. The ceremony retired 357 community ags, bringing the total the group has retired to more than 1,700 to date, according to information provided by Raymond Williams, second vice commander of the American Legion Post 108. Post Commander Randy Holeyeld presid-ed over the ceremony and Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer†Hartsel delivered the keynote address. Hartsel is the ex-ecutive director of Florida State Veterans Affairs. Besides the speakers, the ceremony included the Legion Rie Team, its Color Guard and a bugler who played ‘Taps.’ Post 108 partners with Pasco County Fire/ Rescue, which collects unserviceable ags that are brought by the public to the county’s re stations. Post 108 then conducts public ceremonies to honorably dispose of the ags. Before the ceremony, Post 108 held a picnic, with about 150 people in attendance, Williams estimated. A Dunkin’ truck was on hand providing sam-ples, and a Tap Truck dispensed fruit punch and lemonade. Bringing these American COURTESY OF RAYMOND WILLIAMSFlags awaiting a dignied disposal ceremony. These veterans stand at attention as res blaze through American ags that are no longer ser-viceable. The solemn ceremony provides a way to dispose of the ags with dignity. People gathered at the American Legion Post 108’s Flag Retirement Ceremony. Before the cere-mony, there was a picnic where hamburgers and hot dogs were served. There also was a Dunkin truck there providing samples, and a Tap Truck, which dispensed fruit punch and lemonade.
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rfn tbttt n b b rfb b rb b n b b n rfntbnfntb rfrfntb frf frrnf rfnrn nrfnrf ff ft bf fr frrff ffn nffffrn ff fffrfn nffft ffnfrf rfr ff fff ffnff fff f rt bff rrnfr rrft fnff fffrff rrnffn nr fn nff rnrrnf ff ffnff fft ffnb fff ‘frrffrf ’“â€nff rrr frfrrr rfrnf rrfrrrf ff rft frrnb ffff f •r rfn fr ffft rf 4Bwww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 2023 FUNDING AVAILABLE TO FIGHT OPIOID ADDICTIONThe Pasco County Opioid Task Force is seeking applications for treatment, prevention and recovery programs aimed at serving people who are affected by the opioid crisis in Pasco County. The application period for funding has been extended through July 14. The funding available exceeds $8 million and can be used to provide opioid and substance-use disorder services in our community. Applicants are required to watch a one of these two informational sessions before applying: • Session 1: mypas.co/43WgoWJ • Session 2: mypas.co/43WgFsJ For more information, visit MyPas.co/ AdvisoryBoardsCommittees.WELLNESS FAIRBayCare will visit the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, on July 8 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., for a Wellness Fair. There will be free lipid screenings with blood pressure, lipid, BMI, and glucose check (nger sticks). Each screening will take 10 minutes to 15 minutes per person. For information, call 813-929-1214.CHILDBIRTH/NEWBORN CAREAdventHealth Zephyrhills will offer two Baby Place classes on childbirth and newborn care — one on July 15 and one on Aug. 19, both from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at AdventHealth Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., in the Cypress Room. The guest speaker will be registered nurse Tammie Williamson. For information and to register, call 877-5343108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com/events.BACK PAIN SEMINARAdventHealth Zephyrhills will present a Lunch and Learn: Treatments for Back Pain on July 19 at noon, at The Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Ave., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Dr. Mohamed Saleh. For information and to register, call 877-5343108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com/events.MEDICARE SESSIONSVolunteers from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas’ SHINE (Serving Health Insur ance Needs of Elders) program will visit these locations to answer Medicare questions: • July 19 from 10 a.m. to noon: The Genesis Center/Meals on Wheels, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. Call 813-782-7859. • July 20 at 10:30 a.m.: New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. Call 813-788-6375. • By appointment: Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. Call 813-929-1214. • By appointment: Land O’ Lakes ofce, Hap Clark Building (next to Tax Collector building), 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 100. Call 727570-9696, ext. 235.BREASTFEEDING BASICSAdventHealth Zephyrhills will offer two Baby Place classes on breastfeeding basics — one on July 20 and one on Aug. 24, both from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the former AdventHealth Wellness Center Zephyrhills Building, 38233 Daughtery Road. The guest speaker will be registered nurse Tammie Williamson. For information and to register, call 877-5343108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com/events. YOGA FOR EVERYONEThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host “Yoga for Everyone†on July 5 at 6:30 p.m. This Hatha Yoga class will guide participants through movements that develop strength, exibility, and the connection between body, mind and breath. Those attending can deepen their understanding of the postures and basic alignment of the body, breathing and relaxation techniques. The program is designed for mixed-level participants — all levels are welcome. Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126.CHAIR YOGAThe Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host chair yoga on July 6 at 10:30 a.m. This session uses yoga poses while seated or using a chair for balance, and offers the same benets as traditional yoga, such as boosting energy, exibility, and mental well-being. Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126. 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.
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rrffn tbbrrtbb rfnntb bb r INHOUSE FINANCING FOR ALL BUDGET & NEEDS. LEAVE YOUR HEALTH IN THE CARE OF A SPECIALIST.NO BONE, NO PROBLEMSmile and Chew with Con dence• Same Day Smiles • Dental Implants • Permanent Solutions AFTER BEFORE ALL IN ONE DAY • IN-HOUSE LAB www.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 20235B 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 39104 3rd Avenue, Zephyrhills, FL 33542-5264B&N LENZ ENTERPRISESBUSINESS / INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTANT• Start Up Counseling • Bookkeeping Are you having problems with the IRS? Nils R. Lenz, MBAGive me a call. 813-782-9491ENROLLED AGENT • QUALIFIED TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE IRS• Tax Planning Preparation • Tax Resolution OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-6PM • SATURDAY 8AM-4PM rfntbtfntfbntntnt WALK-INS WELCOMEASK US ABOUT OUR AFFORDABLE WELLNESS PLANS PREVENTIVE CARE • MEDICINE • SURGERY • DIGITAL X-RAY • DENTAL CLEANING PRE-BREEDING EXAMS • OVULATION TIMING • PROGESTERONE TESTING 24416 State Road 54, Lutz 33559 • 813-428-6994 At the corner of SR 54 and Oak Grove BoulevardPetPointAnimalHospital • www.petpointanimalhospital.com New Clients Receive a $42 EXAMOne per client, discounted multi-pet exam for second petCall Now & mention PROMO EXAM813-428-6994 The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report To help reduce the risk of wildres — set by lightning or other sources — the Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts “prescribed burns†in specic areas, according to a news release from the district. Some major benets of prescribed re in-clude: • Reducing overgrown plants, which decreas-es the risk of catastrophic wildres • Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants • Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat • Maintaining access for public recreation The water management district has scheduled these “prescribed burns†at these Pasco County properties, between June and September: • Starkey Wilderness Preserve: This preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 1,500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. • Cypress Creek Preserve: Cypress Creek Preserve is located east of Ehren Cutoff, 1 mile south of State Road 52. Approximately 100 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. • Upper Hillsborough Preserve: Up-per Hillsborough Preserve is located south of County Road 54 and east of Chancey Road in Zephyrhills. Approximately 1,000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. • Conner Preserve: Conner Preserve is lo-cated south of State Road 52 and west of Ehren Cutoff. Approximately 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. The water management district conducts pre-scribed res on approximately 30,000 acres each year, the release says.‘Prescribed res’ aim to reduce wildre riskCOURTESY OF THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTThe Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts ‘controlled burns,’ which are intentionally set res aimed at providing active forest management by reducing the risk of wildres and promoting the growth of new, diverse plants and creating other benets. The L AKER / Lutz N EWSLUTZ, ODESSA, LAND O’ LAKES, WESLEY CHAPEL, NEW TAMPA, ZEPHYRHILLS, DADE CITY Serving Pasco since 1981 / Serving Lutz since 1964 PUBLISHER & OWNER BRIAN CALLE bcalle@lakerlutznews.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mail subscriptions are sold to cover postage cost: $40/3 months, $80/6 months, $160/12 months. 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
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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 07/30/23. Manicures Pedicures Nail Enhancements Dipping Powder Waxing Gift Cards Eyelash ExtensionsWe are open & committed to our clients’ health! Sizzin' Hot! 6Bwww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 2023 813-909-4888 2153 Collier P SINCE 1946Franklin Jewelers E W GIA & EGL Diamonds AvailableJeweler on Premises Lay Away & Gift Certificates Available 813-909-4888 2153 Collier P SINCE 1946 Franklin Jewelers E WGIA & EGL Diamonds AvailableJeweler on Premises Lay Away & Gift Certificates Available Laser Welder Repairs!We Pay Top Dollar for Gold & Diamonds! 813-909-4888 2153 Collier P SINCE 1946 Franklin Jewelers E W GIA & EGL Diamonds AvailableJeweler on Premises Lay Away & Gift Certificates Available LAUREN’S KIDSPasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s ofces have raised $24,399 for Lauren’s Kids, through donations and the promotion of the Lau-ren’s Kids specialty license plate. Lauren’s Kids works with local school districts to prevent childhood sexual abuse through educa-tion and awareness. It also helps to heal survivors with guidance and support. To learn more, visit LaurensKids.org. In addition to the funds raised, there are now 30 new Lauren’s Kids tags on the roads of Pasco County. For information about the tax collector’s charita-ble giving programs, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8719.FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERSSteinbrenner High School’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) students recently attended the 2023 State Leadership Conference in Orlando and walked away with the most wins in Steinbrenner history: • Jacob Salmon and Tabur Salmon, juniors: rst place, computer game programming • Kartikeye Gupta, senior: rst place, cyberse-curity • Katrina Lippert, sophomore: rst place, eco-nomics • Alyssa Hayman, freshman, and Ryan Sumian-toro, sophomore: rst place, mobile application development • Rahul Boggavarapu, junior: second place, advertising • Louis Li, senior: third place, impromptu speaking These students will now go to Nationals. Alyssa Hayman is the only freshman and the only one in the state of Florida who was selected from hundreds of applicants as an intern at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, at the Georgia World Congress Center.PIANO FESTIVALThe Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) will launch its 11th season at the University of South Florida School of Music, now through July 17. The festival’s continuing theme is “Legacy of Piano and Planet.†Founded by Rebecca Penneys in 2013 as her legacy project, RPPF boasts a multi-generational, internationally renowned faculty together with the most talented students from across the globe. The public is invited to enjoy the festival includ-ing Master Classes, Soires, and Satellite Concerts at various venues throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, plus two live WUSF radio perfor-mances and the “2 Piano – 8 Hand Extravaganza Event†on July 15. All events are free and open to the public. To learn more about the festival, visit RebeccaPen-neysPianoFestival.org. NEW PARTNERSHIPCovenant Journey Academy (CJA), a Christian online school for kindergarten through 12th grade, announced a new partnership with America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU), to provide families with education-related nancial services, according to a news release. The partnership will allow all families enrolled with CJA to access such resources as: exible tuition nancing; Biblical nancial literacy train-ing materials; and student checking and savings accounts. CJA is a full-service online Christian academy offering more than 150 courses, all taught by cer-tied teachers — its programs designed to ensure students have the knowledge and ability to apply God’s truth to make sense of the cultural issues facing the world today, the release said. Founded by pastors in 1958, ACCU currently serves more than 75,000 Christian ministries and individuals across all 50 states. From basic check-ing accounts to adoption loans to church construc-tion nancing, ACCU gives Christians a high-quality alternative to nancial institutions that champion causes contrary to biblical values, the release said. To learn more about the academy, visit CJ.Acad-emy, or call 407-875-1967. For more information about ACCU, visit Ameri-casChristianCU.com, or call 800-343-6328.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/Summer-Read2023.SUMMER HAUL BUS PASSStudents can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (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/Summer BusPass.LIBRARY READING PROGRAMThe Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library will host its summer reading program with inter active events, reading challenges and prizes for all ages. Join the Reading Challenge, through the registration portal of Beanstack, to log reading and activities to unlock digital badges and prizes. The portal includes themed suggestions for kids, tweens, teens and adults. Reading during the school-year gap can help critical thinking skills and the ability to retain information, as well as encourage an interest in reading for pleasure. Children can participate simultaneously in the Reading with the Rays program, too. Pick up a Reading with the Rays game card at your library to be eligible for more prizes. Once a game card is completed, participants can turn it into their local library for a chance to win Tampa Bay Rays prizes, including tickets to a home game. Visit MLB.com/rays/community/reading to download a game card. SEND YOUR SCHOOL NEWS TO NEWS@LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Robert “Bob†Fortney has been named the District Ombudsman of the Year for the North Pinellas and Pasco Council of the Florida Ombudsman Program, which is part of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Fortney was recognized for exceptional ser-vice in a presentation made on May 22. Volunteers in the ombudsman program are involved in advocating for quality long-term care in senior living facilities throughout Florida. The volunteers receive special training and are certied. They work to identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In another honor, Fortney received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and Medal, as well as a letter from The White House, in rec-ognition of his 292.45 hours of volunteer service Fortney lives in The Groves Golf and Country Club in Land O’ Lakes.Robert ‘Bob’ Fortney, of Land O’ Lakes, received a letter from The White House, as well as this medal, in recognition of his volunteer service work.Land O’ Lakes man singled out for his volunteer ombudsman efforts COURTESY OF BOB FORTNEYBob Fortney holds a certicate recognizing his contributions to the Florida Ombudsman Program.The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Hillsborough County has launched a “Home Sweet Hillsborough†campaign to help new residents connect with county services and pro-grams, according to a county news release. The county has created a digital welcome guide that provides information for families and individuals about pets, parks, recreation and other services. An estimated 2,500 new residents move into Hillsborough County each month, the news re-lease says. The guide is intended to navigate the services and benets available — and to help the new residents get settled without too much stress. “Home Sweet Hillsborough†provides a one-stop shop of useful information for new residents. It includes videos on family resources, parks, recreation, pets, water services, and emergency preparedness. Individuals can visit the “Home Sweet Hillsborough†hub to set up utility services, sign up for emergency alerts, nd recreational activ-ities, learn trash and recycling pickup days, and more, according to the release. To nd out more, visit HCFLGov.net/ HomeSweetHillsborough. Hillsborough County offers hospitality to newcomers
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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 www.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 20237B The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Pasco County is facing higher solid waste dis-posal costs as a consequence of its rapid growth. To address those costs, the Pasco County Commission approved an increase in purchasing authority for as-needed transport and disposal of solid waste. The county board approved an additional not to exceed (NTE) $2.2 million for scal year 2023 and an additional $3,597,100 for scal year 2024, resulting in a new cumulative NTE total of $15 million in a three-year contract with A.C.M.S. Inc, doing business as Heart of Florida Environmental. Originally, the board had approved a cumula-tive NTE amount of $9,202,900 for the three-year contract term, according to background materi-als in the board’s June 6 agenda packet. However, the materials say: “Development within Pasco County continues to drive yearover-year increases in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) volumes. As the county’s Waste to Energy (WTE) Facility is currently processing MSW at its design limit, the Solid Waste Department must provide supplementary solutions for managing its waste disposal needs. This additional pur-chasing authority for as-needed transport and disposal of solid waste is necessary to manage waste volumes in excess of the WTE Facility pro-cessing capacity (particularly during periods of scheduled or unscheduled facility maintenance) and to prevent the depletion of the county’s lim-ited on-site MSW disposal capacity.â€Pasco’s growth pushes up COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIOMembers of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club worked for more than a year on a project to furnish each of the 100 residents of the Angels Senior Living ALF in Tampa, with fresh, brandnew comforters for their rooms in a choice of several colors. The women secured a Walmart grant for part of the required funds and the club provided the balance. The comforters were delivered to residents, moving some of them to tears of gratitude. The club provided ice cream sandwiches, too. For information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org. COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIOThe GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club celebrated with Lutz Senior Center clients and guests, as the facility was awarded its formal National Accreditation of Senior Service, which is de-termined by adherence to a strict and comprehensive Standards of Service mandate. Among those attending were County Aging Services Department and Nutrition & Wellness staff representatives, Lutz librarian supervisor Marci LaTorella, American Legion chaplain Don Hinst and Lutz Guv’na Atlas Cortecero. The women provided and served brunch to the seniors and guests to mark the occasion. From left: Pam Blumenthal, Darryln Caudill, Linda Mitchell, Marshal Gibson, Barbara Booth, Melba Pineiro, Mary Anne Lykins, Rose Ann Edwards and Shirley Simmons. COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club member Nancy Taylor participated as a staffer, guiding veterans to the proper areas of service at the annual Operation Stand Down 2023. The Pasco County event serves the homeless and the most vulnerable veterans by providing legal advice; medical, mental health and dental services; referrals to appropriate agencies for additional resources; and employment strategies. Shower facilities were available, and free hair cuts, clothing and gift bags of personal hygiene items, socks, and other items were provided.
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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 8Bwww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 2023 By Doug SandersInterstar1@juno.comYou might call it a twist of fate — for all of the parties involved. The late Lakeland developer John E. Melton, who has descendants liv-ing in Trilby; the once-heralded Publix Theatre Corporation; and George Jenkins, founder of Publix supermarket, all have a connection to the widely known supermarket’s chain name. Publix now has 1,300 locations, operating in seven states, with 225,000 employees. Of course, Publix also has cooking schools, corporate ofces, grocery distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. It is the largest employee-owned company in the United States. But have you ever heard how Publix got its name? John E. Melton, who was a prominent Lake-land businessman, had developments including Cleveland Heights and the 18-hole golf course and country club adjoining Lakeland. He was the rst to plan a multipurpose build-ing anchored by a grand movie palace in Polk County, according a published history of the Polk Theatre, in Lakeland. At the time, about 15,000 people lived in Lakeland, which was a predominantly rural community. It turns out that the timing of John E. Melton’s project wasn’t great. Florida’s economic bubble burst around 1926, and the developer sold his unnished building to Publix Theatres Corporation in 1928. Publix Theatres was the movie group that at one point operated 19 opulent theaters in Flor-ida, according to a report in The Palm Beach Post. Many of the Publix Theatres ended up clos-ing their doors at a time when borrowing money became nearly impossible. John E. Melton had experienced the same kind of problems. The name that had been used by the theater company that purchased his theater ended up being the name that Publix supermarkets would adopt. Hannah Herring, a media relations man-ager for Publix told The Laker/Lutz News: “Mr. (George) Jenkins had an admiration for the name of Publix.†In a speech on le as a “Florida Memory†at the state library in Tallahassee, and later published as The Publix Story, Jenkins himself explains, “I liked the sound of the name so I just took it for my store.†Much of the history of Publix is preserved at its Lakeland headquarters, in Jenkins’ old ofce, which has been preserved from the 1970s. His original Rolodex is there, as are his eyeglasses. There are receipts from the rst transactions after Publix installed ATMs in 1982. There are copies of the rst prescriptions written when pharmacies were added to the Publix stores in 1986. Perhaps the largest historic exhibit there is the 4,200-pound safe that belonged to Jenkins’ grandfather, dating back to 1873. There are also Publix shopping carts from the 1940s. While Publix supermarket would go on to create a sizable presence in the grocery industry, the Melton family has a legacy of its own. John E. Melton’s son, “Jack†Melton III moved to Trilby, in northeast Pasco, to grow watermel-ons. He, his four sons and his daughter created a ranch and farm operation that expanded to include a cow/calf operation, working quar-ter-horses, citrus crops and seed harvesting. The family continued to assemble acreage through the years, growing their enterprise to 1,500 acres. Steve Melton, the grandson of John E. Melton, created his own kind of attraction: Melton’s Machinery Museum, a free museum featuring antique agricultural tools and equipment. With its array of diverse artifacts, the agricul-ture museum aims to keep alive the history of the agrarian way of life.The museum is open by appointment only. To schedule one, email Steve Melton at smelton1234@ gmail.comDoug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuth-ing skills have been developed through his expe-riences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at interstar1@juno.com.There’s a local connection to that familiar ‘Publix’ name By Doug SanderInterstar1@juno.com KnowingYourHistory COURTESY OF DOUG SANDERS The Polk Theatre, built in 1928 by John E. Melton, has a Renaissance-era Mediterranean-themed dcor. The two-level auditorium has 1,400 seats. Some of the theater-developer’s descendants live in Trilby. COURTESY OF PUBLIX CORPORATIONThe rst store with the name “Publix†opened in Winter Haven on Sept. 6, 1930. FILEThe Meltons — including Jack Melton, his children and their families— live on 1,500 acres in Trilby. The family acquired its land holdings through years of hard work. FILESteve Melton, owner of Melton’s Machinery Museum, demonstrates how to use a piece of antique equipment to shell corn. Melton wants to keep alive the history of the agrarian way of life. FILEMelton’s Machinery Museum was established in 2002. It represents: ‘Investing in the future, by pre-serving the past.’
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World-class Medicine. Hometown Care.Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has built a national reputation for providing worldclass cancer care in community settings. With nearly 100 locations across Florida, including six in Pasco County, we deliver exceptional care for all forms of cancer and blood disorders.Experienced doctors you can trust to treat your unique cancerIn Pasco County, 15 board-certified physicians specializing in hematology, medical oncology, gynecologic oncology and radiation oncology provide personalized care to each of our patients. From genetic screening to immunotherapies and access to the latest clinical trials, our top-ranked cancer experts provide the newest and most advanced treatments available — increasing cure rates and extending lives.At the forefront of science and researchFCS physicians and patients are part of leadingedge cancer innovations and discoveries through participation in clinical trials. In fact, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. in recent years were studied in clinical trials with FCS participation, prior to approval. No other community-based oncology practice in Florida matches the clinical trial opportunities we make available to patients.Supporting patients and families through every step of the cancer journeyDespite rapid advancements, cancer treatment can be complex and span months and years. That’s why it’s critical for patients to have convenient access to the comprehensive care they need in a single location, close to home and loved ones, without driving long distances or traveling out of state.At FCS, every interaction is focused on each patient’s experience and well-being to minimize disruption to daily life. Beginning with your rst appointment through your last round of targeted treatment and survivorship, our dedicated FCS team will provide expert guidance and support. We take care of the big things in cancer care, so you can make the most of the little moments – every step of the way. Providing care at six locations in Pasco County: 14100 Fivay Road, Suite 380, Hudson, FL 34667 7651 Medical Drive, Hudson, FL 34667 9320 State Road 54, Trinity, FL 34655 2391 Oak Myrtle Lane, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 26823 Tanic Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 7315 Green Slope Drive, Zephyrhills, FL 33541 Learn more or schedule a consultation today: FLCancer.com. PAID ADVERTISEMENT Closer Look AN ADVERTISER PROFILE www.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 20239B AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINEOpen Everyday 11am-10pm for Carryout, Delivery & Door DashWESLEY CHAPEL JUST 20 MINUTES AWAY $7.99 & Up Lunch Menu • 11am-2:30pm • 30 Items to choose from A UNIQUE & PLEASURABLE DINING EXPERIENCE EVERY SUNDAY • MARIACHI BAND • 6-9PM $3 OF FANY TWO LUNCH ENTREESPLAZA MEXICO Restaurant Bar & Grill$5 OF FANY P URCHASE $ 30 OR MOREPLAZA MEXICO Restaurant Bar & Grill With this coupon. One coupon per table, per visit. Not valid with other offers or with the purchase of alcohol. Offer expires 07/31/23.With this coupon. One coupon per table, per visit. Lunches must be purchased in the same transaction. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 07/31/23. COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIOMembers of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club delivered an SUV full of handbags stuffed with needed and requested personal hygiene items to Felicity House, a new four-month transitional shelter for homeless women in Hudson. The shelter is run under the auspices of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Krysta McIntosh, the facility house manager, gave the woman’s club a tour of the facility. She explained the services provided to help women in need restructure their lives and regain housing and employment. From left: club members Barbara Booth, Elayne Bassinger and Annette Bellingar, and Krysta McIntosh. IERNA’S TURNS 20Ierna’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing held a celebration on June 21 to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The company also held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its new location at 16011 N. Nebraska Ave., in Lutz.BREEZE AIRWAYS ADDS TAMPA SERVICE TO RALEIGH-DURHAMBreeze Airways has announced a new service to Raleigh-Durham from Tampa, making it the airline’s 14th destination from Tampa International Airport. The new route is scheduled to start on Sept. 7. For more information, visit www.y-breeze.com. STATE INSURANCE REGULATION OFFICE APPOINTS TWO NEW OFFICIALSFlorida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky has appointed Sheryl Parker as the Florida Ofce of Insurance Regulation’s (OIR) rst deputy commissioner of market regulation and Virginia Christy as OIR’s dep-uty commissioner of property and casualty, according to a news release. In making the appointments, Yaworksy said: “They both are bringing extensive knowledge and experience to their respec-tive positions and I am proud to announce their appointments as deputy commission-ers. I’m condent they will continue to serve and protect policyholders to the fullest ex-tent.†The deputy commissioner of market reg-ulation position was established to oversee OIR’s market regulation efforts to further protect insurance consumers from unlawful or harmful business practices. The deputy commissioner of property and casualty oversees the property and casu-alty nancial oversight and product review units. LAND O’ LAKES BROCHURE EXCHANGEThe Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has its Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange on the second Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane in Land O’ Lakes. The event gives people a chance to min-gle and learn about each other’s businesses. Those attending pay the cost of the meal, plus $10 for non-chamber members. If you are not a member but would like to give the event a try, call the chamber ofce for a one-time free entry. To nd out more, call 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722.EAST PASCO NETWORKING GROUPThe East Pasco Networking Group (EPNG) meets on the second Tuesday of the month (except for December), at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. The group’s meetings feature speakers from a wide array of backgrounds. Here is its upcoming slate of speakers: • July 11: Billy Poe, city manager for the City of Zephyrhills • Aug. 8: Peter Castellani, founder of Oasis Pregnancy Care Center and Amy Yarborough director of Pregnancy City Center • Sept. 12: Todd Vande Berg, director of planning, City of Zephyrhills • Oct. 10: Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller For more information about EPNG, con-tact Nils R. Lenz at 813-782-9491 or nilslenz@ gmail.com TAX OFFICE UNDER RENOVATIONThe Pasco Tax Collector’s Ofce at the West Pasco Government Center, is in the midst of renovations that began on June 1. The ofce, at 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey, is expected to return to full ser-vice on Oct. 16, according to a news release. Throughout the remodel, all services, ex-cept 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. THIS ADVICE IS WORTH REPEATINGBusinesses need to have a plan to protect their property, their data and their employ-ees during Hurricane Season, which began June 1 and runs 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: BUSINESS digestSEND YOUR BUSINESS NEWS TO NEWS@LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report The Building Ofcials Association of Florida has selected Esther Oluyemi as its 2023 Building Ofcial of the Year, according to a county news release. Oluyemi is the county’s building ofcial, in the county’s Building Construction Services department. She was nominated for the award by the county’s building construction services team for her continuous efforts to keep Pasco County a safe place to live, work and play, ac-cording to the release. The award is bestowed by the Building Ofcials Association of Florida (BOAF) to someone whose contributions to the code enforcement profession, and the building industry, as a whole, is considered to be com-mendable, the news release adds. “I’m humbled and deeply honored to ac-cept this award,†Oluyemi said, in the release. “I take pride in my work and strive to make sure everyone in Pasco is safe and healthy.†“The role of the building ofcial is integral to the health and safety of our residents and visitors,†Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa, said in the release. “We commend Esther for her efforts in leading the way for Pasco County.†Oluyemi received the award on June 12 at the BOAF’s conference in Orlando.BEFORE A STORM HITS:• Know the best way to contact your em-ployees. • Establish a mass notication system so you can notify and get in touch with em-ployees 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. • Back up your data offsite and consider using Cloud based systems. This should in-clude 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. 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. COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY
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The application is available for public inspection Monday through Friday at 7601 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida 33637, or through the “Search for a Permit Now†function on the District’s website at https://www.swfwmd.state..us/business/epermitting/environmental-resource-permit . Interested persons may inspect a copy of the application and submit written comments concerning the application. Comments must include the permit application number and be received within 14 days from the date of this notice. If you wish to be notied of intended agency action or an opportunity to request an administrative hearing regarding the application, you must send a written request referencing the permit application number to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Regulation Bureau, 7601 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida 33637, or submit your request through the District’s website at www.watermatters.org. The District does not discriminate based on disability. Anyone requiring accommodation under the ADA should contact the Regulation Bureau at (813)985-7481 or 1(800)836-0797, TDD only 1(800)231-6103. LEGAL NOTICES www.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 202311B
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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! REGISTER NOW TO ATTENDTickets are free, but mandatory for entry. Register now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/642979327477 or call 813-909-2800Vendor Opportunities Available!Call 813-909-2800 Today for Detail Package Business Categories!OCTOBER 26TH, 2023 9AM-12:30PMB&B Theatre 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. Bringing you the latest products, services, lifestyle directly to you.THERE’S SO MUCH TO SEE, DO AND ENJOY! 12Bwww.LakerLutzNews.com June 28, 2023 WISHES A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO OUR READERS. It’s a day to celebrate our freedoms.
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