The Laker-Land O' Lakes-August 25, 2021

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Will 7-Eleven set up in Lutz?

By B.C. Manion

bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

A proposed rezoning for a gas station and convenience store, off U.S. 41, north of Sunset Lane, drew both support and opposition during an Aug. 16 hearing.

“We’re planning a brand-new modern building, designed to fit within the character of the Lutz community design standards,” Cami Corbett, an attorney repre-

senting the applicant told Susan Finch, the hearing officer on the case.

The proposed development is “a nextgeneration” 7-Eleven that would be built “at the node that’s specifically designated for neighborhood commercial development within the Lutz Community Plan,” Corbett added.

Three experts spoke on behalf of the applicant.

One offered testimony regarding the

steps that are taken to ensure the safety of the fuel tanks and the methods used to capture gasoline vapors.

Another testified that the project will not pose a threat to water quality of private wells in the area.

A third expert discussed traffic issues. He pointed to improvements that are planned at the intersection of Sunset Lane and U.S. See 7-ELEVEN, page 11A

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Controversy continues over COVID-19 cases are school mask mandates straining hospitals, health care workers

By B.C. Manion

bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

www.lakerlutznews.c com

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COURTESY OF PASCO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

The Pasco Pirates are embracing having one of the toughest football schedules in the county this year.

Leon County Judge John Cooper was scheduled this week to conduct a three-day hearing involving a lawsuit that challenges the legality of an executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In the executive order, DeSantis stands firm on his position that parents — not school boards — have the right to decide whether their children should be required to wear masks on campus.

But a group of parents has challenged the governor’s legal authority to make that call.

This week’s Tallahassee court hearing, set to begin Aug. 23, comes after attorneys for DeSantis attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed.

The judge refused to toss the lawsuit, but refrained from any assessment on the merits of the case, according to numerous published reports.

In addition to DeSantis, the Florida of Board of Education has weighed in on the mandatory mask issue.

The board of education has created options for students who are in districts that mandate masks, but do not wish to comply.

Instead of complying, those students can obtain a scholarship through the state to attend a private school, or can attend school in a different district.

Also, the state has warned districts that if they defy the governor’s executive order,

School district statistics

2021-2022 school year, to date*

Hillsborough County Student cases: 2,310 Staff cases: 648

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

they can face reduced funding in an amount equivalent to the sum of the superintendent and school board members’ salaries, according to numerous published reports.

President Joe Biden has countered that by pledging the federal government could fill that funding gap — if one arises — by using American Rescue Plan dollars.

“We’re not going to sit by as governors try to block and intimidate educators protecting our children,” Biden said, on national television.

DeSantis, at another news event, countered:“We believe this is a decision for the parent.”

As the debate plays out, individual school boards continue to impose face mask requirements.

During an emergency meeting last week, the Hillsborough County School Board

Hospital admissions of patients with COVID-19 continue to rise, adding to the strain already being experienced by local hospitals.

Admissions for patients with COVID-19 are at their highest levels since the start of the pandemic in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oregon and Washington, according to statistics kept by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Things are so serious that Pasco County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Scott Cassin and EMS Division Chief Paula Coleman have issued a video, asking residents and guests to avoid using the 911 system unless they are experiencing a true emergency.

“Hospital emergency rooms are currently being inundated with patients, and the time it takes to be seen in an emergency room is skyrocketing across our community,” the fire chief says in the video.

“Many hospitals are at, or over, capacity and ambulances are currently holding patients at hospitals for hours at a time, due to a lack of available beds and hospital staff.

“This is causing an ambulance shortage across the county, and is causing long wait times for our 911 callers,” Cassin says.

See MANDATES, page 11A

See COVID-19, page 11A

Pasco County Student cases: 897 Staff cases: 196

*As of the evening of Aug. 22

Dade City Commission solidifies legislative priorities

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

The City of Dade City has identified four legislative priorities to present to the Pasco County legislative delegation at its upcoming annual meeting.

The session is for Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St. The public and representatives of various interest groups are invited to present their requests to the delegation before the 2022 Legislative Session begins.

Pasco’s delegation includes State Reps.

Amber Mariano, Ardian Zika and Randy Maggard; and State Sens.Wilton Simpson, Ed Hooper and Danny Burgess, respectively.

The Dade City Commission is seeking state funding for these key priorities: • Morningside Drive Extension: $8 million • Meridian Avenue/21st Street/St. Joe Road-Suwanee Way Intersection: $4.2 million • Wastewater Transmission Forcemain: $4.7 million • Wastewater Treatment Plant Relocation — design and permitting: $1.75 million The four projects are described, in a staff memo, as elements that would foster “an overall favorable effect on our local and regional economic development efforts.”

The city document explains how the municipality’s economy has been “greatly enhanced” through redevelopment efforts during the past several years.

But it also underscores the town’s “many challenges” that are related to its aging infrastructure systems and its large percentage of nontaxable properties.

The memo also mentions “the need to attract more business, industry and residential rooftops to help improve its local economic situation.”

Dade City, incorporated in 1889, has a population of about 7,400. It is the county seat of Pasco County.

Here’s a more detailed look at the priority projects:

MORNINGSIDE DRIVE EXTENSION

The primary aim of extending Morningside Drive is to relieve Clinton and Meridian avenues by providing additional eastbound and westbound travel options for residents and visitors. But the extension also would provide direct east-west access for AdventHealth Dade City.

The proposed roadway also would accommodate new development, improve emergency response times and serve as a corridor for the extension of utility services.

City leaders, however, were surprised when they learned the project’s expected cost.

FILE

The city received $5 million in state appropriations in 2019 and is now asking for an additional $8 million. That money, if awarded, would go toward securing necessary right of way and constructing the road.

The initial $5 million is paying for a route study, design and engineering of the project.

MERIDIAN AVENUE/21ST STREET/ST. JOE ROAD-SUWANEE WAY INTERSECTION

Officials say a roundabout would greatly improve efficiency and safety at this fivepoint intersection on State Road 52.

The project is promoted as a gateway to assist the town’s central business district and surrounding neighborhoods. It also is expected to provide a better traffic pattern for city and county residential subdivisions that are approved to be built west of the intersection.

City Manager Leslie Porter told commissioners that state legislators in the district have encouraged the city to submit the project for funding.

This comes after the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) narrowed the original project’s scope and pushed it back on their priorities list, she said.

The intersection request will call for a full roundabout to best leverage safety factors, Porter said, and therefore would most likely require the acquisition of right of way, hence the $4.2 million price tag.

Mayor Camille Hernandez labeled this asking price as “much more realistic” compared to some lower estimated costs thrown

around in prior meetings and discussions surrounding the project.

WASTEWATER TRANSMISSION FORCEMAIN

In simple terms, construction of a new wastewater transmission forcemain will direct wastewater to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

The $4.7 million project is designed to foster growth in a financially disadvantaged community, too, officials say, with a secondary benefit being the reduced need for septic systems to serve commercial and residential growth.

The city manager told commissioners that staff also is pursuing a separate grant opportunity for the force main initiative.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT RELOCATION — DESIGN AND PERMITTING

Dade City currently owns and operates a 1.5 million-gallons per day (MGD) wastewater treatment facility situated in the heart of the environmental justice Mickens-Harper neighborhood.

But this current facility site is built out with no room for expansion or upgrades to accommodate a higher level of treatment, officials say.

Meanwhile, the city is experiencing an increase in development that will impact future capacity.

The project also is slated to benefit the environment and impaired water bodies — Withlacoochee River Basin, Big Gant Canal —

into the Hillsborough River Basin through implementation of a three-stage biological nutrient removal process.

Aside from seeking $1.75 million in state appropriations for design and permitting, Porter told commissioners the city is pursuing alternative means to see the entire project through.

“This is, you all know, a large project, so we’re looking at every possible funding source we can,” Porter said.

After the commissioners reached consensus on their priority projects, at the commission’s July 27 meeting, the mayor encouraged city stakeholders to attend and take part in the upcoming delegation meeting.

Hernandez — who plans to attend — urged that whoever speaks on behalf of the city keep talking points on the projects “very brief and to the point,” as more in-depth presentation materials can be sent to legislators’ aides ahead of time.

“We learned that brevity is a good thing, especially at those events,” said Hernandez.

“There’s lots going on. It’s one after another for (the legislators), so it’s a pretty busy day.”

Porter concurred “a very brief script” is the way to go when addressing the delegation.

Hernandez went on to point out there’s no indication any or all of the projects — some carryovers from prior years — will get sponsored for state funding. “They may all go by the wayside, (or) something may get picked up,” she stated.

Commissioner Scott Black offered optimism regarding the possibility of securing state funding for the designated projects.

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The extension of Morningside Drive to connect U.S. 301 to Fort King Road is undergoing a route study, design and engineering of the project, following a $5 million state appropriation in 2019.

Another $8 million is needed to complete the project, with rising construction and right of way acquisition costs. The preferred 1.19-mile route is shown in the rendering.

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COURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-NORTH

Les and Dianne Vickers at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 2021.

A day to remember, a story to tell

By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

Weddings are usually joyful celebrations.

The wedding day of Dianna and Les Vickers, however, was one of sadness, joy, concern, elation, fear and relief.

Before the ceremony was set to begin, the couple was posing for photographs on their wedding day on July 16, 2011, at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz.

Les mentioned he was feeling lightheaded due to his diabetes.

But before the wedding party could retrieve a chair for Les to sit on, he fell backward and hit his head on the floor.

EMS was called and Les was transported to the hospital, where the couple hoped for a quick treatment — to enable Les to head back to church for the wedding.

Unfortunately, Les had suffered a brain bleed and could not be released.

Because they were planning a traditional wedding, Les initially had not seen Dianna in her gown.

“The story I like to tell is that when I saw her for the first time in her wedding dress for the pictures, I was so swept off my feet that I fell straight down and banged my head,” Les said.

When asked what he wanted to do about the ceremony, Les said:“Today is supposed to be my wedding day and that’s what I want to do. We’re going to get married right here in the hospital.”

Dianna returned to the church, where she walked down the aisle and the pastor performed the preliminary parts of the wedding service.

Then, Dianna and her bridesmaids, along with 40 guests, motorcaded to the hospital where she and Les were married while he laid in his emergency room bed.

The guests waited in the emergency room area to congratulate the couple.

Les eventually spent five days in the ICU before being discharged.

Les and Dianna have celebrated their anniversary day for the past nine years by having lunch in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s Twigs Café.

Dianna has been at the hospital much more frequently during the past three years, helping out as a volunteer.

Occasionally, she said, she runs into team members that remember or have heard about her wedding day back in 2011.

It was not what one would call a traditional wedding day, but a decade later, Dianna and Les are still going strong.

From a fortune teller to a fire station roof, this agenda has it all

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Often, it’s the items that aren’t discussed at all that can yield some of the most interesting details, at Pasco County Commission meetings.

On the Aug. 10 agenda, for instance, the county board voted on issues ranging from approval of a fortune teller’s application to do that type of business in the county, to awarding a contract to replace a flat roof at a fire station in Dade City.

They didn’t utter a word about those issues because the items were on the board’s “consent agenda.”

The way it works is this: During each board meeting, the board chairman reads out a “pull list” from the consent portion of the agenda. If anyone wants an item to be pulled for discussion, that item is moved to the regular portion of the agenda.

Items remaining on consent are approved in a single action.

Here’s a look of some items approved on the Aug. 10 consent agenda: • An application by Suanne Lynn Gould to engage in the occupation of a fortune teller, and similar occupations.To qualify, an applicant must gain approval from the board, which requires the applicant to live in Florida and to be of good moral character. If the applicant wishes to conduct fortunetelling at home, she must acquire a Home Occupation special exception from the county.

• A contract for $96,950 to JD Contractors LLC, to install a flat roof at Fire Station No. 24, in Dade City. Information contained in the agenda packet says the flat roof section at the fire station is more than 20 years old and has reached the end of its life span. There have been several leaks in that section of the roof during the past several years.

• Additional purchasing authority for technology upgrades, in a not-to-exceed (NTE) total amount of $195,343.68, over a three-year period.The new cumulative total NTE will be $468,534.97 for the five-year contract term.

• Nearly $1.2 million for future purchase of marketing, advertising and funding programs to support the county’s tourism efforts.

• Spending $70,125 for the purchase of four-channel multimode phase selector traffic signal preemption devices for emergency vehicles, through a Florida Department of Transportation bid.

Emergency vehicles that are equipped with the phase selectors can change traffic signals to a green phase, as they approach the signal. That makes it possible for them to reach their destination more quickly. Like any electrical device, the phase selectors

will go bad and need periodic replacement.

In addition to the consent agenda, another part of the meeting that can be illuminating involves the reports made by individual commissioners.

During that portion of the meeting, commissioners essentially bring up whatever they want to talk about with their colleagues.

Sometimes, it involves commissioners wanting the county to deal with problems with illegal dumping, or the lack of landscaping in new developments, or the possibility of a new approach for vacation rental homes in the county.

At the Aug. 10 meeting, Commissioner Mike Moore used the platform to give his colleagues an update on how the county is faring this year on the tourism front.

Moore, who is chairman of the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, reported that the figures for May 2021 were actually up 96% from May 2020.

While indicating that’s not terribly surprising, given the impact from COVID-19 in 2020, Moore noted: “If you look at May (2021) TDT (Tourist Development Tax) collections they’re actually up from May 2019, so we’re on track to have our best year ever.”

Moore also applauded the Pasco County Public Transit department for securing three paratransit vehicles for free from the Florida Department of Transportation.

“Now, we have more paratransit vehicles out in the community for our residents and it didn’t cost our local taxpayers any additional dollars,” Moore said.

During his report, Commission Chairman Ron Oakley asked his colleagues to support the initiation of a special planning effort focusing on Lacoochee.

Decades ago, the community thrived when it was home to Cummer Sons Cypress Company, a company that employed hundreds and created a “town within a town,” according to historical accounts.

After the plant closed, about 60 years ago, the jobs disappeared and the area languished.

But efforts have been made to attract manufacturing to the area, and the interest is growing.

Oakley said the county needs to look ahead, so it can prepare to have workforce housing the area will need, as well as planning for the services, such as doctors and a grocery store, the residents will need.

His colleagues agreed to give direction to the county’s planning department to prepare a scope of services for a consultant to develop a “non-binding” concept plan for the area.

During that portion of the meeting, County Administrator Dan Biles typically announces achievements of county staff and updates the board on various issues.

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August 25, 2021

3A

What’s Happening

Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

The GFWC Dade City Woman’s Club will host a Membership Drive meeting on Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m., at 37922 Palm Drive in Dade City.Anyone interested in connecting with a diverse group of community serviceoriented women, networking opportunities and member benefits, in order to serve the local community can attend.

Complimentary beverages and snacks will be provided. For information, email Laura Summers at dcwcmember2021@gmail.com, or visit DCWC.org.

SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB

The Rotary Club of Dade City Sunrise will host a free prospective member breakfast on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Dade City, 37412 Church Ave., in Dade City, in the Fellowship Room.The guest speakers will be longtime Rotarian Bob Hatfield and former club president Jane Freeman.The topics will include the club’s service projects and volunteer opportunities. RSVP by Aug. 25 via email at janecfreeman@gmail.com. (Be sure to include your phone number in the email.)

KIDS MUSICAL

The New Tampa Players will present “Polkadots:The Cool Kids Musical” on Aug. 27 and Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m., and on Aug. 29 at 3 p.m., for all ages.The show will be performed at Uptown Stage at the University Mall.The musical is an upbeat reminder to celebrate people’s differences.

The cast and audience members will be masked for all performances.To purchase tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.thundertix.com.

CRAFTING WORKSHOP

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host a craft workshop on “Pine Needle Basket Weaving with Rocky Boyette” on Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Sept.

11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.The cost is $15, which includes admission to the museum.

Reservations are required by calling 352567-0262, or by emailing pfmfrontdesk@gmail.com.

WATERMELON FESTIVAL

The second-annual Lutz Watermelon Festival on the Farm is scheduled for Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 109 Willow Bend Parkway in Lutz, at the corner of U.S.

Sowles. Guests should arrive early to place a food order. For information, call 813-9963011.

CHOP FESTIVAL

Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Complex on Aug. 27 at 10 a.m., and a grand opening celebration of the complex on Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The grand opening will include inflatables, games, music, hockey clinics, pickleball clinics, Zumba demonstrations, a visit from the Tampa Bay Lightning Thunderbug, and more.

For information, including hours and activities, visit bit.ly/3fAWtpr.

41 and County Line Road.The event will include a Lil Miss & Sir Watermelon Pageant (youth age groups and prizes), a watermelon toss contest, a watermeloneating contest, watermelon sales, live music, food trucks, farm fun, and local vendors. For information, text 813-2993600.

TRAIN SHOW & SALE

Regal Railways will host a Toy Train Show/Sale on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Lopez Hall, 7177 58th St., N., in Pinellas Park, for all ages.Vendors will be on hand selling model trains, various hobbies, collectibles, and die cast cars.There also will be a running train layout. Girl Scouts will have lunch items to purchase.

Admission is $5 for adults. Kids ages 12 and younger are free. Credit cards will be accepted at entry.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasco County will be the featured charitable organization at all five Pasco County Tax Collector offices, for the month of August.The goal of the club is to help young people reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring members of the community.The club provides a safe environment for youth to socialize, and it assists in mentoring students who need academic assistance to succeed in school and in life. For information on how to donate, contact Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

CARD PROJECT

invited to participate by sending a card or letter of appreciation and encouragement to our first responders, to Nature Coast Volunteer Center, 2804 W. Marc Knighton Court, Key #4, Lecanto, FL 34461.All sentiments received will be delivered to the community’s first responders on or around 9/11. For questions and information, call 352-527-5959.

ART PROJECT

The New River Library staff will host a coloring art project on Sept. 1 at 10:30 a.m., at the Zephyrhills Senior Center, at the St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, 5855 16th St., in Zephyrhills. Space is limited. Register online at PascoLibraries.org.

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Culture Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Teen Advisory Board meeting on Sept. 2 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., for teens in grades eight to 12 who want to share their opinions about new titles to add to the library’s collection, as well as programs to offer. Registration is required. Masks are recommended. Register online at PascoLibraries.org.

TEEN VOLUNTEERS

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host a Teen Volunteer Orientation on Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. Current and future volunteers are required to attend to begin participating in in-person opportunities. Register online at PascoLibraries.org.

REPUBLICAN WOMEN

The Nature Coast Volunteer Center has launched a 9/11 Cards & Letters to First Responders Project.This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and has been designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.The public is

The Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club will meet on Sept. 4 at 9 a.m., at The Groves Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes.The guest speaker will be Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-

The Chapel Chop Festival is scheduled for Sept. 4 and Sept. 5, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., both days, at the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

This barbecue, beer and music festival will include a concert event area, a Brew-Down Contest, a Chop-Down Contest, a Celebrity Cooking Contest, a Vendor Village, a Pooch Smooch Booth (puppy photo booth), an arts and crafts zone, art installations, and more. Single-day, two-day,VIP and two-day VIP tickets are available. Kids age 8 and younger are free.The event is rain or shine.

No refunds will be given. For more information, visit The Chapel Chop Festival on Facebook.

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

The Land O’ Lakes Photography Club will meet on Sept. 7 at 7 p.m., via Zoom.

Photographers of all levels can join.The topic for the meeting will be long exposure photography. Email landolakesphotoclub@gmail.com, to request a Zoom link. For information, call 813-838-1473, or visit LandOLakesPhotographyClub.com.

HOMEBUYER COURSE

UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County will host a First-time Homebuyer Course on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 9 to Sept. 30, for anyone looking to purchase a home who has not owned a home for three years or more.This HUD-approved fourweek education class is designed to help participants understand the entire homebuying process, including preparing credit and finances, shopping for a home, home inspection, fair housing, and closing. Class size is limited. Registration is required by Aug. 26 online at CCHomebuyers3.eventbrite.com.A virtual link will be provided after registration.

AWANA CLUB

The Church @ Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will offer a KidTown Awana Club starting Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. Offers include “Cubbies” for ages 3 and 4;“Sparks” for kindergarten through second grade; and “T&T” for third grade through fifth grade.

Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.The club is offered throughout the school calendar year. Registration is online at MyrtleLake.org.

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Infinite HD Brings The Experience To Home Remodeling

W

hen it comes to home repairs and installations, experience is a must.

That’s why many locals go to Infinite HD, a fullservice home repair and installation company based in Odessa.

Rob Howard, owner of Infinite HD, has over 35 years of experience in the home repair and installation industry. Together with his two business partners, his son, Jarred Howard, and longtime colleague, David Rodriguez, the trio offers top-notch customer service and expertise to all their clients.

Howard focuses on giving estimates and handling customer relations, while Jarred Howard handles purchases and acquisitions, and Rodriguez oversees all installations.

Plus, Howard’s daughter, Janann, creates all the cabinet designs and drawings.

About a year ago, Infinite HD moved its office to Odessa to be more convenient to its customer base in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as well as to keep up with the company’s growth.

“We’re definitely keeping busy,” Howard says, “We’re doing a lot of repairs right now for people wanting to sell their home.”

Bathroom and kitchen updates also are a hot commodity right now for Infinite HD. A lot of Howard’s clients are gravitating towards either his luxury vinyl plank or moistureproof laminate.

“The moisture-proof laminate looks and feels like wood, but is more

durable and can handle water much better,” says Howard, “Luxury vinyl plank is much more dense, harder and almost impossible to scratch.”

Typically, it takes Howard and his team up to three weeks to finish a remodel/repair job.

A huge factor that sets Infinite HD apart from its competition is its large inventory of home improvement products.

“There’s a huge shortage in home repair/installation inventory, especially in flooring,” says Howard. “The shortage is worse now than it’s ever

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been, and we expect it to go on until next year.”

Thankfully, Howard’s son was ahead of the game and, before the shortfall, ordered 60,000 square feet of inventory between ceramic tile, wood and vinyl plank. This is roughly enough for 4 to 5 months of work for the company.

“We actually have more inventory than we can hold,” says Howard.

Home shows, such as “Fixer Upper,” often inspire people to do their own home repairs, but Rodriguez stresses the importance of

hiring a licensed professional for most home repair needs.

“We have a saying in the business — ‘Cheap labor isn’t skilled, and skilled labor isn’t cheap,’” said Rodriguez. “It truly matters who you hire.”

Infinite HD has seen its share of cases where people try to do their own home repairs, or hire unqualified people, and end up having Infinite HD finish the job.

“Those clients end up spending more money, time and stress by trying to do it on their own,” said Rodriguez.

One of Howard’s favorite parts of the job is helping his clients bring their vision to life, especially to clients who have lived in the same house for decades.

“They just want a change, and it’s nice giving them something new and different,” says Howard, “We enjoy doing remodel work for them and fixing up their homes for the next stage of their lives.”

Howard has been happily married for 35 years, and had been a Hillsborough County resident his entire life, until he and his wife moved to Pasco County two years ago, because of all the expected growth in the area.

Infinite HD currently has eight employees, but Howard is looking to add more contractors to the team. All he asks is that they are hardworking, have excellent customer service skills, and ideally have five-plus years of experience.

For more information, or to book a free estimate with Infinite HD, call 813-309-5211.

CLEARANCCE SALE! 60,000 SQUAR RE FEET OF IN-STOCK TILE. SALES SA AT T $1.50 SQ FT. ALL KINDS OF PA AT T TTERNS, COLORS AND SIZES! ENOUGH FOR ONE ROOM OR THE WHOLE HOUSE. Delivery & Installation available

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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

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illcrest RV Resort is a great place for fun and sun. This pet-friendly Zephyrhills community has so much to offer, including amiable staff, a close-knit community and plenty of amenities.

Amenities include a heated pool and whirlpool; lighted shuffleboard courts; regulation horseshoe pits; laundry facilities; Wi-Fi throughout the park; lighted, wide-paved streets; extra-large lots (35′ x 65′); and, 30- and 50-amp services.

Hillcrest joined Parrish Properties LLC, a family owned business, about 15 years ago and continually makes improvements to the park.

It offers one of the best living experiences at very affordable prices

in the Zephyrhills area.

Hillcrest welcomes residents age 55 and older from all over the U.S. and Canada who share a sense of community and develop lifelong friendships.

There are many social activities to participate in, with something for everyone at Hillcrest.

Residents enjoy live entertainment, themed dinners, relaxing poolside with friends, bingo, festive dances and so much more!

There also are nearby places to fish and golf, as well as great restaurants and places to shop.

If you’re looking for a new home away from home, Hillcrest invites you to visit or call 813-782-1947, to learn about their properties for sale and other opportunities.

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Advantage ge Real Estatee Services iis a full f ll service i reall estate t te company representi ting both b th buyers b an nd d sellers ll off residential id ti l y primarily in Pasco o, Hernando and Hiillsborough counties. and commercial property Property management divisiion is looking to add d additional propertties to its rental program.

S R A E Y RVICE 30 OF SE Congraatulations to STEPH HANIE MEID for 30 years of providiing real estate service e to the Ta Tampa Bay area. A native of T Taam mpa and resident of Laand O Lakes, Stephanie offffers her years of o experience to buyerrs and sellers looking for someon ne to guide them thro ough the complexities of the currentt real estate market.

Direc ect ct - 813-695-023 34 Email - stephanieme eid1@gmail.com m

SEE WHA AT T SOME OF STEPHANIE''S P PA AST CLIEN NTS HA AV VE TO O SA AY Y I have known Stephanie Meid for over 10 yearss. I have used Stephanie’’ss expertise in real estate in both the buying and selling s of my homes. She will ALWA LW WA AY YS be my agent of choice in all futurre deals. - Lisa and Alex Stephanie St h i h has represented t d us iin b buying i and d sell llling li multiple lti l properties ti over the last 25 years. W Wee appreciate her professsionalism, experience, and attention to detail. W Wee highly recommend Stephanie as an agent for any size real estate transaction. Her integritty and discretion is an asset whether you are in the market to buy or sell. - Dan and T Toonya We have known Stephanie for over eight years as a friend and professionallyy..

We Over the years she has helped us in many ways and d we worked closely hanie is truly a genuine together on multiple real estate transactions. Steph and caring person! Her expertise in the field and her professionalism has made d buying b i and d seelling lli reall estate t t seamlessly l ly.. She She delivers d li prime i service i and her love for herr clients are one of the many reaasons we will continue to utilize Stephanie in the real estate business. Congrratulations Stephanie on 30 years in the real estate profession! - Krryystle andd Patrick

As A a repeat client of Stephaniee’’ss, I highly recommend her ass one of the most m knowledgeable and profeessional agents in this market.. She was veery responsive throughout thee entire process and always haad my best in nterest at heart. I would neverr use anyone else when buyin ng or selling!

- Paula P l I have been using Stephanie ass my Realtor for 28 years (with my first pu urchase in 1993). Since then I have sold 4 homes and purchased five exxclusively through her. Stephanie is professional and knowledgeable in her field and, as long as she is practicing real estate, I will continue to work w with her. I am ecstatic to o be able to call her my Realtor and frriend. - T Tiim Stephanie, congratulations on 30 years in real estate. Thank you for the wonderful w d f lb buying i experience. i Y Yo ou helped h l d us negotiate ti t a d deaall th thatt alllowed us enough time to sell our house and lock in our ho ome of the fu uture. The closing process was painless and you're always available a for qu uestions. Thank you. - The Crow Family

NOW INTE ERVIEWING AGENTS S! 3948 Laake Padgett Drr.. • Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639 • 813 3-996-4747 August 25, 2021

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

The Air You Breathe Circulates Four Times An Hour Through Your Home’s AC System

F

Quality Indoor Air Requires A Clean AC system

loridians spend 90% of their time indoors, and the air we breathe in our homes circulates through our AC systems an average of four times an hour.

“That’s why it’s so important to keep your AC unit clean, and free of dust and debris, because if your unit is dirty, your air will be dirty,” explains Gary Beurmann, air conditioning manager at Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes.

A typical home contains hundreds of pollutants, from invisible particulates to pet dander, dust, and indoor air allergens. This air pollution can be filtered out to help keep your family healthy by eliminating most flu viruses, bacteria and microbial growth.

“There are three steps to achieving optimum indoor air quality – superior filtration, high output UV lights and an oxidizer,” explains Beurmann.

“While the most thorough solution is to incorporate all three steps, if you can only afford to do one, your air quality will be greatly improved. I tell customers installing one of the steps is better than none.”

Indoor air quality is especially important for people who have multiple pets, suffer from asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions, and those who are sensitive to chemicals who live in new construction homes or recently remodeled buildings that give off strong VOC. Cornerstone’s technicians are trained to assess the air quality in your home and recommend cost-effective solutions. “If you are having trouble breathing indoors, become sick when you spend time indoors, or have a weak immune system, our technicians will recommend the best air purification system for your home and budget,” said Beurmann.

In 2020 when the coronavirus first hit, Cornerstone’s inventory was depleted as homeowners installed air quality filtration systems to help keep their families safe.

Pros is proud to offer solutions to keep air pollutants out of your home’s air.”

UV LIGHT SYSTEMS

“We learned from that the demand and need for these systems are critical in these times, and have invested in inventory to make sure we can help every family and business that calls wanting a quality air quality system,” said Beurmann.

SCRUBBERS AND FILTERS

The first step for most homeowners is to install air scrubbers and filters that work with their existing AC system to eliminate odors, particulates and bacteria. An added plus is that while your home’s air quality improves, so does your AC system’s efficiency and lifespan.

Cornerstone uses Smart AirSpace Technology to trap and eliminate harmful airborne contaminants. This system installs quickly and easily into the existing filter tracks in an AC system, and its Air Ranger Cleaners use electronic polarized technology that traps 97% of most particles.

This system uses HEPA filtration and ultraviolet light to control the following:

• Dirt and dust inside your AC system, which in addition to spewing particulates in the air, also reduces your unit’s efficiency by as much as 50%.

• Eliminate allergens that cause allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks • Deactivates organisms such as germs, microbial growth, spores, bacteria and flu viruses • Eliminates noxious odors created by cooking, pets, smoke, solvents, carpets and vinyl coverings (VOC chemicals) • Stops toxins created by pressedwood products and other materials According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor pollution levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor pollution levels.

Unknown by most people, the EPA ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.

“There is so much research that proves the benefits of clean indoor air,” said Beurmann. “Cornerstone

For more than 100 years, scientists have known that certain light frequencies disrupt the DNA of microorganisms and prevents their reproductive cycle. Today, UV light disinfection is widely used in hospitals, laboratories, food service companies and other settings requiring sanitized surfaces and equipment.

To improve your indoor air quality, the Cornerstone team installs the Clean Air Defense’s UV light system.

This air purification system destroys airborne contaminants as they pass through a UV filtration system where airborne microbes are repeatedly exposed to sterilizing UV rays.

“High output UV air purification kills germs and flu and cold viruses, eliminates odors, reduces chemical vapors, and removes dust and pet dander. It also reduces indoor contaminants like dust mites, pollen and mold,” explains Beurmann.

Cornerstone Pros has a large inventory of air filtration systems and there is no wait if you want to improve your home’s indoor air quality now. Homeowners can start improving air quality for less than $2.32 day, or less than going out for your favorite cup of coffee, and you will be gaining clean air in your home.

Cornerstone also has 12-months no interest financing available WAC. Cornerstone Pros is committed to their customers’ health and safety.

Call today to schedule an appointment with one of its technicians who specialize in indoor air quality, and receive $50 off on our service call.

Cornerstone Pros phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call 813-990-0561 anytime. For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

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Plumbing Inspections Stoppages, Leaks, Drain Cleaning Water Heater Repairs & Replacement Water Treatment & Purification Plumbing Maintenance Plan Whole Home Repipe 12 Month NO Interest Financing *WAC

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ELECTRICAL Electrical Inspections Electrical Panel Upgrades Ceiling C Fan Installations LED & Can Lighting Whole W Home Generator Electrical Maintenance Plan 12 2 Month NO Interest Financing *WAC

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GENERA AT TORS Generac G Guardian G d Series S G Generator Installation Whole Home & Portable Generators Serv & Maint of Cornerston ne installed Generators Runs on natural gas or liquid propane for days to weeks Protects your home automattically when the power is out No risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning Provides 24/7 protections, whether w your home or away Turns itself offff when utility ppower returns 12 Month NO Interest Financing *WAC

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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

August 25, 2021

Shade, Stencil And Stain Set Your Closing Date With Opendoor At Bella Home Market

B

ella Home Market is approaching its second anniversary in Lutz.

So far, it has shown the community it’s a one-stop shop for making your home sweet home, even sweeter.

The locally owned specialty shop offers a unique selection of indoor décor and gifts, in a range of styles.

From farmhouse and chic, to industrial and modern, around every corner there’s a one-of-a-kind, eyecatching find.

Owner Lou Malerba also creates space in his store to feature homemade goods, like organic soaps and wall art, from local creators.

What sets Bella Home Market apart even further is that it is the

only store in the Lutz area to be considered an Elite retailer of Dixie Belle Craft Paints.

Malerba and his associates offer monthly classes to showcase the paint’s versatility, such as painting furniture, jewelry, glass and canvas.

Guests to his store not only can leave with a great new find, but the skills to create one of their own.

As of last year, Bella Home Market now lets you browse from home.

For anyone looking to enhance their DIY skills with Dixie Belle Paint or browse home accents, visit BellaHomeMarket.com, or call 813-345-8038.

The store is located at the Tropical Village Plaza, 1532 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Lutz 33549.

20% OFF F any one item m exp. 9/30/21

E LITE RETAI LE R

1532 Land O’’ Lakes Blv vd. Lu utz, 33549

M

any homeowners would love to move up to a new home in one of Pasco’s beautiful master-planned communities. Unfortunately, many are delaying building their dream because they worry that their current home will sell quickly, and they will need to move and rent until their new home is ready.

Opendoor solves this problem by letting people stay in their existing home until their new construction home is ready, with coordinated closings, explains Suzanne Dresser, the homebuilder partnership manager for Opendoor in the Greater Tampa Bay Area.

“When Opendoor purchases your home, you choose your closing date,” says Dresser. “This allows you to take advantage of high resale home prices, and apply the equity in your existing home toward the purchase of your family’s next home.”

“Putting your home-to-sell under contract with Opendoor, a cash buyer, removes the home-to-sell contingency, which makes a buyer’s offer more attractive and more likely to be accepted,” Dresser explains.

In addition to closing on your timetable, Opendoor is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to sell your home.

“Selling your home through Opendoor is hassle-free, with no showings or household repairs to worry about,” explains Dresser. “It’s fast and easy to find out what your home is worth by answering a few easy questions on our website.”

Opendoor makes a competitive offer based on what similar homes have sold for in a neighborhood, and then pays the seller cash for their home, ensuring there are no surprises at closing. For those whose circumstances change, they can cancel their Opendoor contract at any time and walk away without penalty.

Opendoor charges a flat service fee that is typically lower than industry average. This fee enables Opendoor to give sellers a stress-free sale so they can move ahead and

Suzanne Dresser is the homebuilder partnership manager for Opendoor in the Greater Tampa Bay Area.

GO TO Opendoor.com/lakerlutz for a free offer on your home buy their next home based on their needs and time frame.

“Opendoor is a new way to sell and buy homes that offers convenience, certainty and simplicity,” said Dresser. “Opendoor lets you know your home’s value early in the buying process. This makes the homebuying process less stressful and more fun.”

For more information call Suzanne Dresser at 813-666-3523 or email her at suzanne.dresser@opendoor.com.

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August 25, 2021

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

I

ICI Homes Introduces New Model In Lake Jovita

CI Homes — one of Florida’s best-known and prestigious homebuilders — has opened its newest model in Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, a beautiful master-planned community with rolling hills and large homesites, off State Road 52 in Dade City.

The Egret Model is a onestory home that features 3,137 square feet of living area with three bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. As one walks into the model, they are greeted by a large dining room on one side and a flex room on the other. The giant gathering room is the heart of this home and includes a luxurious gourThe Egret Model features 3,137 square feet of living area. met kitchen with a breakfast nook.

The master suite features plenty of privacy, as well as large to the golf course, conservation area see the new Egret model, call 855-215or email Jones at walk-in closets and a spacious bath. or lakes and ponds,” said Jones. “It is 2054, Two guest bedrooms and bath are almost unheard of today for a mas- gjones@icihomes.com. The Lake Jovita on the other side of the home, and ter-planned community to offer Sales Center is located at 12330 Lake provide plenty of space for children homes for less than $400s on such Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33526. and guests. A functional utility/laun- large lots with privacy and pristine PERSIMMON PARK & ASTURIA dry room is located nearby the views.”

ICI Homes continues to build in two-car garage, and for buyers with And, because Lake Jovita began a need for additional storage space, building over 20 years ago, today Persimmon Park, located in Wesley a three-car garage is optional. there are no CDD fees, saving buyers Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch com“I don’t think there’s a better thousands of dollars a year in addi- munity. All homes in this homesite in the area,” says Greg tional taxes. The only community community have open floor plans Jones, Tampa division manager for expense is a $900 annual fee from with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The ICI Homes. “I think what separates the Homeowners Association. us in the market with this model is In addition to Lake Jovita’s envi- community will have 150 homes, the 12-foot ceilings. They are ab- able homesites, families are drawn with prices beginning in the high solutely stunning.” to the community because of its $200s. Its amenity center includes a ICI Homes has lots in three Lake easy access to I-75, and all the shop- unique, T-shaped luxury pool with Jovita neighborhoods: Parkside, ping, dining and entertainment in cabanas and grilling area.

Asturia is situated on 500 pristine Meadows and The Bluffs. Its semi- nearby Wesley Chapel and Dade acres in Odessa on the north side of custom homes range from 2,000 to City.

4,000 square feet, with pricing start“The State Road 52 exit that leads State Road 54, just five minutes from ing in the high $300s. Homesites in to Lake Jovita is just 10 miles north the Suncoast Parkway. The commuThe Bluffs, which is located at some of Wesley Chapel,” said Jones. “It’s nity offers residents a kid-friendly, of the highest elevation in Florida, literally just a 20-minute drive into family oriented lifestyle surrounded are suitable for floor plans up to the heart of Wesley Chapel, plus by miles of multi-use trails, inter10,000 square feet, with many buy- we’re just five minutes to the east of spersed with dog parks and pocket ers building their forever home. downtown Dade City and all of its parks. Its distinctive, 5,800-squarefoot Amenity Center includes a fully “All of our neighborhoods in Lake old-fashioned charm.”

To schedule a VIP appointment to equipped fitness center, covered Jovita have homesites that back up

outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

Model homes in Asturia and Persimmon Park are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel, and the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa.

CUSTOMIZATION

ICI Homes excels in its customization services. Whether a buyer wants to move a wall, add a room, or choose a specific style of doors, ICI Homes can accommodate customers, so they can create their dream home. The company does this by showcasing all of its different models, which come in all shapes and sizes.

“It helps people understand, whether we are selling a home in the $300s or for $1.5 million, the customization we offer and the things we can do at every level,” says Jones.

“The process, service and quality are going to be the same, regardless the cost of the home.”

INVENTORY

Inventory for ICI Homes goes pretty quickly, Jones says. Due to demand, Jones says they limit the amount of homesites they release each month.

“We do this so we can provide excellent customer service to our existing customers who are building homes, and to give realistic time frames to new customers,” says Jones.

For families needing a home now, ICI Homes does sell its showcase model homes.

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7-ELEVEN, from page 1A 41. He also cited a department of transportation study that estimates that 78% of a convenience store/gas station’s traffic comes from motorists driving by.

Natalie Davis, of 17880 N. U.S. Highway 41, in Lutz, spoke forcefully in favor of the request.

“I grew up in a neighborhood right across from this project, on Sunset and 41. I now own a small business that’s located in Lutz, as well,” she said.

She offered several reasons for her support.

Lutz has typically wanted to slow down development, she said, but in the last 15 years, it has allowed “a Publix, a Dunkin’ Donuts, restaurants, McDonald’s, a self-storage unit, a Walgreens, a bank, professional office parks, and new neighborhoods.

“So, my question is, why not a gas station?

And, why not this property?” she asked.

“There’s widespread development to the north of us, on Highway (State Road) 54, and there’s development creeping from the south. And, U.S. 41 is the six-lane highway that runs in between.

“So, to think you’re going to keep Lutz small — that train has left the station.We’re not talking about a small-town road. We’re talking about a six-lane highway. We’re not talking about a nature preserve.We’re talking about a six-lane highway.”

She also thinks Lutz needs more gas stations, plus she supports the property owner’s right to develop the property, she added.

Gus Weekley, who owns the property up for rezoning, along with his brother, said the family has deep roots in Lutz.

“It initially was owned by my grandmother. She bought it decades ago, when (U.S.) 41 was the only major road into Tampa and she sold fruit that was raised on the land, to those coming to the north,” he said.

He recalled spending many summer weekends during his youth, working in the groves.

COVID-19, from page 1A Coleman adds: “Please help us provide lifesaving interventions for those who truly need them. If your 911 call is not an emergency that needs immediate medical attention — such as chest pain, shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, serious trauma or other life-threatening illnesses or injury — please consider contacting your primary care physician, or utilizing a walk-in clinic or urgent care center.This will get you the help you need in a timelier manner, while at the same time assist an overtaxed health care system,” she says.

“Let’s all do our part to save the ambulances and ER visits for those who urgently need those services,” Coleman says.

Michael Weiss, epidemiology program manager for Florida Health-Hillsborough County, gave a big-picture look at Hillsborough County’s COVID-19 situation during an Aug. 18 emergency meeting of the Hillsborough County School Board.

“Right around June into July, we started this steep increase,”Weiss said.

“We are trending upwards. We are at 1,622 cases per day in our county. Positivity is around 22%. During the pandemic, this is the highest for both of those values.”

“This recent increase has coincided with a few things. In July, we had relaxed community mitigation measures, and we also saw the introduction of the delta variant into our community.

“These two things combined really increased the case transmission and the case rate in our community,”Weiss said.

“Hospital visits and hospitalizations both related to COVID are both at the highest levels seen at any point during our pandemic — during the entire pandemic. Hospitals are recording twice the number of COVID patients they saw in 2020 winter peak,” the epidemiologist said.

“Pediatric hospitalizations are also increasing.They represent a small percentage of the overall COVID hospitalizations, but they are also increasing.We are seeing both admissions and emergency department visits for pediatric cases increasing.

“Hospitalizations generally lag behind the case increases, so we expect the hospitalizations to continue to increase in the near future,” he added.

“Across all of these age groups, the hospitalizations are overwhelmingly in the unvaccinated population. Hospitals are reporting anywhere from 80% to 90% of cases are in unvaccinated individuals,”Weiss said.

Hospitals are making adjustments as the COVID-19 caseloads increase.

AdventHealth has halted elective procedures at AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyhrhills, and at its AdventHealth Sebring facility, according to a media advisory issued Aug. 20.

“This decision allows us to further plan for the increased need for hospital beds, resources, and advocate for patients and team members. Patients will be notified if their procedure will be canceled,” the hospital chain announced.

AdventHealth “continues to see a significant increase in COVID-19 cases at its facilities across West Florida and has far surpassed its highest peak at any point in the pandemic,” the advisory adds.

The hospital system’s 10 hospitals in its West Florida Division had 600 currently ad-

“We have history of 80 years or so, in Lutz,” he said, noting that he thinks a gas station will be a good addition to the community.

“This is not a case of someone just coming in and saying, ‘Where’s the check? See you later.’’’Weekley said.

But one area resident raised concerns about locating a commercial business using a septic tank so close to nearby residences that rely on well water.

Sam Calco, president of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, also objected to the request “based solely on the law, as established by the Lutz Comprehensive Plan.”

He contends the proposed rezoning violates that plan and should be denied.

Calco also contends that the request has failed to secure a commercial locational waiver, which he said is required.

“This project is not needed or wanted in Lutz at this time,” Calco said, vowing that he would not support the business.

“I know I will never buy a lottery ticket.

Not one candy bar or Slurpee. Not one gallon of gas. Not one bag of ice — ever — at this business,” Calco said.

“I ask you, our citizens ask you, to simply follow the law,” he told the hearing officer.

Corbett said the rural planning policies prohibit public sewer. If it was allowed, however, the developer would be glad to connect.

“While we had some real passionate people here this evening, I don’t think any of them are experts in the field such as compatibility or transportation or environmental, and so you do have expert testimony in the record, in the form of staff reports from the planning commission, development services and all of our experts to support the application,” Corbett said.

Corbett also noted the application had received no objections from the reviewing agencies.

Finch has 15 days from the date of the hearing to issue her recommendation, which will go to the Hillsborough County Commission, which has final say on zoning and land use issues.

COVID-19 statistics

Aug. 13 to Aug. 19

Florida New cases: 150,118 Positivity rate 19.8% Hillsborough County New cases: 11,161 Positivity rate: 22%

MANDATES, from page 1A adopted a 30-day mandatory face mask requirement for students and staff, allowing an opt-out with a medical note.

School boards in Mami-Dade, Alachua, Palm Beach, Broward and Sarasota counties have taken similar actions.

The divisiveness of the mandatory masking issue was on full display during the Hillsborough school board’s hearing.

Board Chair Lynn Gray said the surge in the delta variant of COVID-19 created an emergency for the board — not only in terms of the number of positive cases being reported on campus, but also of the numbers of students and staff being forced to quarantine.

She said action was needed because the situation was unsustainable.

Passions ran high at the meeting.

Dozens of speakers on both sides of the issues made passionate 1-minute arguments, either for or against.

“Our K-5 children cannot get the vaccine, but at the same time, you’ve given them no option to do e-learning, no required social distancing and no required masks,” one parent said, urging the board to take action.

Another put it plainly: “I am very concerned for our vulnerable children.”

A third observed: “If you can mandate masks 100% last year, you can mandate masks this year.Your actions today can save lives.”

Other speakers presented a different point of view.

“Those that are living in fear, if they want to wear a mask, let them wear a mask. Put on a visor. Put on a second mask. But don’t force our children to wear masks if they don’t want to,” one speaker said.

Another put it this way:“Leave the mask policy as is, with parents deciding what’s best for their children.”

A third challenged the school board’s authority: “You work for us. We are not subservient to you. My children will not spend the rest of the year, or another minute, wearing a mask.”

Board members listened to hours of public testimony. Medical experts offered data and answered questions. Board members discussed the issue, too.

Ultimately, the mandatory mask decision passed on a 5-2 vote, with members Nadia Combs, Jessica Vaughn, Henry “Shake” Washington, Karen Perez, Board Chair Gray voting yes; and members Stacy Hahn and Melissa Snively voting no.

Hillsborough Schools Superintendent

Addison Davis recommended that the board follow DeSantis’ executive order, but said he would support the board, whatever the vote’s outcome.

Hahn and Snively spoke against defying DeSantis’ executive order.

It remains unclear how the mandate, which remains in effect in Hillsborough public schools through Sept. 17, will be enforced.

CONTACT TRACING CAN’T KEEP UP

Meanwhile, in Pasco County public schools, masks are optional.

Dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 and the delta variant in this new school year, has not been easy, Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning told the Pasco County School Board at its Aug. 17 meeting.

“We are drowning. We are struggling to stay afloat,” Browning said.“It’s like bailing out a sinking ship with a thimble.”

The district can’t keep pace with the contact tracing that’s required, Browning said.

That’s problematic because by the time the contact tracing can be completed, the quarantine period has expired, he said.

“You may have positive cases, asymptomatic positive cases, in the classrooms,” the superintendent explained. “At this point, there is nothing we can do about that, unless they start showing symptoms.Then, as soon as they are symptomatic, they will be sent home.”

There’s another issue that’s compounding the problem, the superintendent said.

“What we’re having, and this is not a news flash, we’re still having some parents sending their sick kids to school,” Browning said.

School board member Alison Crumbley had this message for parents: “If your kid has a symptom, they don’t need to be showing up at school. Period. Done.”

“I can’t even imagine sending a kid to school that’s sick and you know they’re sick.We cannot be doing that right now.

“We’ve got to keep these number down, we’ve got to keep these numbers down,” Crumbley emphasized.

School board member Megan Harding said the district should provide COVID sick time for all teachers, not just those who have been vaccinated.

Browning disagreed:“It is a statement of fact that the costs for unvaccinated employees are higher.”

The district has already spent $12 million in COVID-related claims, and the district’s insurance fund is running at a $4 million deficit, Browning said.

Pasco County New cases: 4,223 Positivity rate: 26.4%

Source: Florida Department of Health

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mitted COVID-19 positive patients, according to the Aug. 20 advisory.

BayCare, another health care system in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, paused all of its elective surgeries and procedures at its hospitals in Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties, regardless of whether they require an overnight stay, effective Aug. 14, according to the hospital’s website.

“This will help reserve resources for the urgent and emergent needs of severely ill patients,” the posting says.

“COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased 10-fold since the beginning of July, and today we have more than 1,000 COVID positive patients in our 14 acute care hospitals across the Tampa Bay area,” Glenn Waters, chief operating officer for BayCare, said in a website post.

“We’re making these operational adjustments to be sure we can continue providing safe, high-quality care to the recent influx of COVID patients, in addition to hundreds of other people in our hospitals with unrelated, serious medical issues,” Waters said.

In a new development, Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference last week to announce the opening of local sites to provide a new monoclonal antibody treatment for patients who are 12 years old or older.The treatment can prevent hospitalization or death in COVID-19 patients.

DeSantis presided at the opening of the site at the Fasano Hurricane Shelter, at 11611 Denton Ave., in Hudson.

Another site has opened in Hillsborough County at King Forest Park, at 8008 E. Chelsea St., in Tampa.The only access into the park is off Orient Road just north of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Both sites will be open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For additional details, call the Florida Department of Health Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Support Line at 850-344-9637.

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August 25, 2021

11A

Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Fall football preview: Pasco County

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

F

ans of the local prep football scene can finally get excited — the 2021 varsity high school season is quickly approaching.

Preseason classics took place Aug. 20, while the regular season kicks off Aug. 27

CYPRESS CREEK COYOTES (5A-9) 2020 RECORD: 3-7 Coach: Michael Johnson, fifth year Cypress Creek comes off a disappointing 3-7 season due in part to a really challenging schedule that featured local powerhouses like Mitchell,Tampa Catholic and Zephyrhills.

Working in the team’s favor in 2021 is an experienced group of upperclassmen headlined by senior quarterback Owen Walls, who completed 54% of his throws for 1,233 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions in eight games last season.

Several of Walls’ top targets return, including leading receiver Dontrell Clerkley (29 receptions, 427 yards, six touchdowns), Merrick Simmons (27 catches, 331 yards, six touchdowns) and Dernere Jones (11 catches, 166 yards), among others.

“He’s loaded with weapons on the out-

PASCO PIRATES (6A-5) 2020 RECORD: 5-6 Coach: Jason Stokes, third year The Pasco Pirates have methodically built momentum the last two seasons under the guidance of Jason Stokes, who’s trying to steer the program back to its first winning season since 2014.

Stokes has a decorated resume of doing that over his career, having led three other prep programs to playoff appearances — Bloomingdale, Gaither and Indian Rocks Christian high schools.

The Pirates look to build off a defense

WESLEY CHAPEL WILDCATS (5A-9) 2020 RECORD: 5-4 Coach: Tony Egan, sixth year Wesley Chapel head coach Tony Egan is motivated to lead his program to greater heights — following a 5-4 mark last season and back-to-back 5-5 campaigns in 2018 and 2019.

Though the Wildcats technically made the playoffs in 2020 — like every other team under new COVID-19 rules — the coach is out for a more meritorious postseason berth this time around.

“Last year, people can say it was our first year we went to the playoffs,” Egan said during North Suncoast media day earlier this month.“It really wasn’t, because everyone made the playoffs, so I don’t feel any accomplishment from that.”

“It’s time for us to turn that around and do a lot better and make it to the playoffs, and win a playoff game — that’s our main

ZEPHYRHILLS BULLDOGS (5A-9) 2020 RECORD: 8-3 Coach: Nick Carroll, sixth year The Zephyrhills Bulldogs have been a model of excellence over the past five years under head coach Nick Carroll — going a combined 42-14 record in that time, with no losing seasons either.

Following last season’s respectable 8-3 run, expectations again remain high for a Bulldogs squad that offers balance on both sides of the ball.

Senior Jaxon Rivera returns as the team’s

ZEPHYRHILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY WARRIORS (2A-2) 2020 RECORD: 8-3 Coach: Mike Smith, seventh year Zephyrhills Christian is poised to keep momentum going from last season’s 8-3 mark — and continue its streak of four straight playoff berths.

The Warriors have proved they can not only defeat smaller private schools, but larger public schools as well — handily

in the state of Florida.

Here we take a closer look at Pasco County teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

We break down how they stack up for this upcoming campaign, where some teams figure to be powerhouses, while others are in rebuilding mode.

A preview of Hillsborough programs from the coverage area published last week. side, we’ve got a really deep backfield; he’s going to have a lot of options,” Coyotes head coach Mike Johnson said of his quarterback earlier this month, at North Suncoast prep football media day.

The Coyotes implemented a new playbook, too, since last season.

The coach noted players “put a lot of time in over the summer” familiarizing themselves with the playbook’s concepts and schemes.

Altogether, Johnson said the team is showing “cohesiveness and consistency” in early season practices.

“We got better as a team,” he said.

The Coyotes move up from Class 4A to 5A, joining a district that includes Hudson, Brooksville Nature Coast, Weeki Wachee, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills high schools.

They open the season with a home game against Estero Bonita Springs High, who went 3-6 last year. which allowed 20.5 points per game, that registered two shutouts and held three other teams to eight points or fewer.

Big responsibility will be given to senior inside linebacker Ethan Ayo, senior outside linebacker/defensive end Javon Jeune, and senior defensive tackle/guard Cody Tadlock, among others.

The Pirates have one of the toughest schedules in all of Pasco County this season. There aren’t many breathers with contests against Nature Coast Tech (8-2 record in 2020), Hernando (8-2), Ocala Vanguard (8-3), Lake Gibson (12-2) and Zephyrhills (8-3). goal. Our immediate goal is to get to the playoffs and win a game this year.”

The veteran coach is bullish on this year’s Wildcats group, given a hefty senior class of skill players and offensive linemen.

With that, Wesley Chapel is installing a run-heavy offensive attack — therefore steering away from the spread looks of the last few years.

Said Egan, “I think that this year we’re going to surprise some people with what we’re doing, we’re really getting out of that whole,‘Spread it out, get cute on offense thing.’ It’s coming at you.

It won’t be a secret in a week, so I might as well say it right now, we’re going to pound the rock, man, that’s what we’re all about.”

Defensively, it doesn’t hurt the Wildcats to have one of the area’s top linebackers in senior Jorden McCaslin, a bonafide Division I FBS prospect who recently picked up a scholarship offer from Marshall University in Huntington,West Virginia.

ACADEMY AT THE LAKES WILDCATS (EIGHT-MAN) 2020 RECORD: 4-2 Coach: Shawn Brown, eighth year The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats appear to be in retooling mode following the graduations of numerous impact players, most notably veteran dual-threat quarterback Jalen Brown, who anchored the program for five seasons (starting as an eighth-grader) and won back-to-back eight-

BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN HURRICANES (3A-2) 2020 RECORD: 6-4 Coach: Ken Stills, second year Following three consecutive losing seasons, head coach Ken Stills helped turn things around for the Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes in 2020, guiding the program to a 6-4 mark and runner-up in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC). (Though two of its wins came via forfeit.)

Building upon last year’s success could prove difficult, though, as its 34-man roster includes just four seniors.

LAND O’ LAKES GATORS (INDEPENDENT) 2020 RECORD: 1-7 Coach: Trac Baughn, second year Land O’ Lakes Gators head coach Trac Baughn made the curious decision to go independent this year, rather than play a Class 7A slate.

The move is based, in part, to give a youthful roster chock-full of freshmen and sophomores more opportunities to have success and compete game-to-game, rather than get discouraged by a daunting large-school schedule.

After all, the team went just 1-7 last year and was outscored by a 268-72 margin.

At North Suncoast media day, Baughn characterized the independent route as

SUNLAKE SEAHAWKS (6A-9) 2020 RECORD: 2-6 Coach: Trey Burdick, third year The Sunlake Seahawks expect to make significant strides under third-year starting quarterback Kevin Spillane, who completed 51% of his throws for 873 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in seven games last season.

Sunlake head coach Trey Burdick heaped heavy praise on the senior signal-caller, noting his leadership and work ethic qualities, plus combination of strength, speed and understanding of the game. “One of the hardest kids I’ve ever been around,” Burdick

WIREGRASS RANCH BULLS (7A-10) 2020 RECORD: 4-5 Coach: Mark Kantor, seventh year

man state titles in 2017 and 2018.

(Brown now will be playing collegiate basketball at NCAA Division II Tiffin University in Ohio.)

At least one player to watch is junior defensive end David Scamporino-Blount, who posted 28 tackles (including 6.5 for loss) and 4.5 sacks in six games last season.

The program will miss several impact players including All-State quarterback Adrian Miller (transfer), starting tailback Dontrevius Jackson (transfer) and cornerback Malik Giles (graduated), to name a few.

Another challenge to navigate — the Hurricanes are advancing from the SSAC to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).

On the bright side, Stills may be able to coach his way through it.

After all, he played six NFL seasons from 1985-1990 and brings professional coaching experience from the United Indoor Football and XFL, as well as the nationally recognized IMG Academy in Bradenton. “the best decision for our program at this time.”

There’s still much to be learned about the complexion of this team, as Baughn noted he’s unsure of where the team’s calling card lies, be it offense or defense. “I really don’t know at this point what the strength would be,” he said.“We’re still trying to find ourselves a little bit on both sides.”

In any case, Baughn knows what he’s doing, given that he brings nearly three decades of coaching high school and college football, mostly throughout Mississippi.

Also during media day, Gators players emphasized fellow teammates have entered the year stronger, in better shape and generally positive vibes surrounding the program overall. said of Spillane during this month’s North Suncoast media day. “Anything he doesn’t have naturally, he works his tail off to earn it.”

Spillane’s veteran experience further allows the coaching staff to implement tempo, motion and numbers advantages at the point of attack, too, the coach explained.

Besides Spillane, the program shouldn’t lack for depth in the case of attrition, with some 80-plus players expected on the roster.

“We’re excited,” Burdick said. “We feel very confident that this year we’ll be competitive in every game and find ourselves in the end of a game with a chance to win.”

starting quarterback (53.5% completion rate, 724 yards, 11 touchdowns, four interceptions), along with a solid complement of weapons such as leading receiver Timothy Jackson (14 receptions, 308 yards, four touchdowns) and second-leading rusher Jaylin Thomas (89 carries for 630 yards, 11 touchdowns).

On defense, middle linebacker Theotis Smith and All-State defensive end McGuire Neal return as the team’s leading tackler and sack artist. Smith posted 85 tackles, while Neal posted 13 sacks, respectively.

All told, Zephyrhills appears to be the early frontrunner to claim Class 5A, District 9.

Wiregrass Ranch looks to rebound from a 4-5 mark and a season that ended prematurely due to a COVID-19 confirmation.

The program seems poised for a breakout, thanks to one of the Tampa Bay area’s more potent offenses — which racked up at least 41 points in four its games last season.

Senior quarterback Rocco Becht and junior wideout Bryson Rodgers are arguably the most lethal duo in Pasco County — as two of the most highly-touted Division I FBS prospects in the Tampa Bay area.

Becht — an Iowa State verbal commit — completed 53.4% of his throws for

1,550 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven picks last season.

Rodgers — who caught 47 of those passes for 710 yards and 10 touchdowns — is a consensus four-star recruit with more than a dozen college scholarship offers, including blue-chip programs such as Alabama, Penn State and Virginia Tech, among others.

Becht should have ample time to go through progressions and reads, with a more experienced offensive line buoyed by senior blindside Cristian Loaiza, who measures 6-foot-5, 320pounds.

Bulls head coach Mark Kantor otherwise commended his team for its focus and preparation during early season practices, as well as senior leadership, during North Suncoast media day.

downing Mulberry (34-2), Hudson (42-9) and Sunlake (2817) high schools last season alone.

Besides several key returnees, the Warriors added even more playmakers to the fold, headlined by dual-threat All-State quarterback Adrian Miller III and tailback/linebacker Dontrevius Jackson, who both transferred in from Bishop McLaughlin.

Miller III completed 60.3% of his

throws for 768 passing yards, seven touchdowns and three picks last season for Bishop McLaughlin, while adding another 1,003 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns with his legs.

Jackson posted 973 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns on offense, and 37 tackles and two interceptions on defense for his former team.

Jackson’s also one of the state’s fastest sprinters.

At the 2021 FHSAA Class 1A Track & Field State Championships, he finished fourth overall in the 200-meter dash (22.19 seconds) and fifth overall in the 100-meter dash (10.83 seconds).

This should further boost a team that already was averaging nearly 29 points per game last season.

Adding to the program’s winning swagger is a brand-new artificial turf football field, and weight room, among other frills.

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August 25, 2021

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The LAKER / Lutz NEWS INSIDE: Directories, Classifieds, Games & More

B

AU G U S T 2 5 , 2 0 2 1

Worth the Trip Another look at some of our favorite places to visit.

Edited by Karen Haymon Long

Phonographs, flowers, antique Fords The Edison and Ford Winter Estates have it all

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

I

f you’re looking for a family friendly place to spend a day, or want to show out-of-town guests a side of Florida away from amusement parks, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are worth a trip.

On 20 acres along the Caloosahatchee River, you’ll find Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s winter homes, botanical gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab, and the Edison Ford Museum. You can meander on your own, take self-guided audio tours or join historian-led tours.

In the botanic laboratory, you can imagine Edison, Ford, and Harvey Firestone of

If you go

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One of the cars on display in a garage at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.

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Firestone tire fame discussing the need to find a new source of rubber in case foreign rubber became scarce.The trio was so concerned, they formed the Edison Botanic Research Corporation in 1927 and head-

quartered it on the property.

Under Edison’s leadership, researchers sought a source of rubber that could be grown and produced quickly in the United States. In the long run, they found that Goldenrod was the most suitable. The banyan tree was among more than 17,000 plant samples they tested. One of those trees, planted on the property in 1927, may be one of the largest banyan trees in the continental United States.

The Edison Ford Museum chronicles the lives of Edison, Ford and their families at their winter homes; has displays on Edison’s

electric lighting and phonograph inventions, among other breakthroughs; and showcases vintage Ford cars.

For those drawn more to nature, the grounds feature orchids, bougainvillea and other flowering plants, as well as towering bamboos and palms. Moonlight Garden, designed in 1928 by renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman, features fragrant white flowers and a small pool, intended to reflect moonlight.

This is an updated and condensed version of a story that was originally published

by The Laker/Lutz News on April 29, 2015.

Explore underwater delights at Mote Marine

By Karen Haymon Long Special to The Laker/Lutz News

FILE

Gamble Mansion in Ellenton is the only remaining antebellum plantation house in South Florida. The park is open to visitors every day. Tours of the mansion are offered Thursdays through Mondays.

Take a step into Florida’s past at the Gamble Mansion

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

H

istory and architecture buffs, or just anybody looking for a free outing, might consider making the trek to Gamble Plantation Historic

State Park.

The park boasts Gamble Mansion, the oldest building in Manatee County and the only remaining plantation house in South Florida.

It’s on 17 acres once part of a thriving sugar plantation owned by Maj. Robert Gamble Jr., who arrived from Tallahassee in 1843.

He was attracted by the area’s mild climate, rich soil and easy access to the Manatee River, but especially by free land, offered by Congress to encourage frontier settlement.

In just two years, his plantation was among a dozen cultivating sugarcane and producing molasses for the New Orleans’ market.

He eventually owned 3,500 acres, including about 1,500 acres producing sugar, limes, lemons, olives, oranges, corn and beans. By 1855, he owned 155 slaves who farmed, cleared fields, cooked and cut wood for fuel at the sugar works.

Although a bachelor, Gamble lived in the 10-room, two-story brick and tabby stone mansion, with thick walls and 18 columns supporting the roof and upper verandas.

But by 1856, hurt by crop losses and declining sugar prices, he sold his estate for $190,000 (nearly $6 million today) and moved back to Tallahassee.

The mansion’s story was far from over.

After the Confederacy’s surrender at Appomattox, the Rebel’s Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, fled Union troops and headed south.According to the park’s website,“it is

If you go Gamble Plantation Historic State Park WHERE: 3708 U.S. Highway 301, Ellenton WHEN: 365 days a year; 8 a.m. to sundown COST: Free parking and admission to the grounds; mansion tours are $6 for adults, ages 13 and up; $4 for ages 6 to 12; and free for those under age 6.

COVID-19 UPDATE: The plantation mansion and visitor center have reopened.

Tours of the mansion are offered on Thursdays through Mondays, at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. (Be aware, it can get very hot in the mansion in the afternoon, so morning tours are recommended, particularly during the summer.) Masks are optional; social distancing is requested.

INFO: 941-723-4536; FloridaStateParks.org

thought that” he took refuge in the Gamble mansion until he escaped to England.

Park manager Kevin Kiser said the mansion has weathered hurricanes, once stored manure, and was in shambles when the Judah P. Benjamin Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy bought the property in 1925, revived it and deeded it to the state.Today, it is furnished with pieces typical of plantations from the 1840s to 1860s.

Besides its interesting history, the park offers a pleasant respite, with picnic areas, benches and moss-draped trees.

This is an updated and edited version of a story originally published in The Laker/Lutz News on March 19, 2014.

5-Star Rating t

in Overall Hospitall Quality Centers for Medicare & Mediccaid Services

O

f all the wonders at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, kids seem to love watching sharks the most. River otters, baby gators, manatees and sea turtles draw crowds, too.

But the Shark Zone’s 135,000-gallon habitat is the superstar here. Behind the scenes, scientists are researching why sharks and stingrays rarely get cancer, which could lead to new human cancer treatments.

That’s one of the beauties of Mote - it’s a marine laboratory and an aquarium open daily to the public. It’s a big place, divided into two areas across the street from each other, so plan plenty of time, and go on a weekday if you can.

At the Marine Mammal Center across the street from the main aquarium, trainers feed lettuce to manatees at noon daily. It’s fun to watch the cow-like creatures float around munching while we humans photograph them.

A few steps away, sea turtles wade in stone habitats.They were all injured in the wild and brought to Mote for rehabilitation.

Around the corner, river otters frolic in a glass-enclosed habitat, swimming underwater for a while, then slithering onto rocks.

In the “Teeth Beneath” exhibit, alligators, caimans (kin to gators), turtles and crocodiles stare back at guests. Upstairs, tanks hold cobalt-blue spotted jellyfish and snook, while displays detail Mote’s coral reef restoration and conservation projects.

If you go Mote Marine Laboratories & Aquarium WHERE: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota WHEN: Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily COST: Adults, $24; ages 3 to 12, $18; under 3, free. Tickets must be bought online at Tickets.mote.org. Parking is free.

INFO: 941-388-4441, ext. 416; Mote.org

Behind the scenes, not accessible to the public, are sea turtle, dolphin and whale hospitals.

In the main aquarium, visitors learn about Florida’s coastal and freshwater habitats by looking at displays of living coral, diamondback terrapin, clownfish, lobsters, moon jellyfish and seahorses.

Mote has plans for a $130-million aquarium that broke ground last November on 5 acres south of University Parkway off Interstate 75 in Sarasota.A fundraising effort is underway for the 110,000-square-foot Mote Science Education Aquarium.

The new aquarium will attract visitors to learn about marine life, while current facilities will give Mote more space for research labs.

Until then, visitors can enjoy otters, manatees, turtles and the ever-prowling sharks at Mote’s longtime aquarium.

This is an updated and edited version of a story originally published in The Laker/Lutz News on May 2, 2018.

FILE

Sharks are the stars at Mote Aquarium.

LOCAL WILDLIFE SPONSOR:

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A FAMILY OUTING

Nick Marek has lived at Eagle Island in Lake Padgett Estates East, in Land O’ Lakes, for 25 years. He loves the variety of wildlife that comes through the area.

PET PAWS VIDEO OUTLINES NEW RULES

Liezel is sweet & smart

Liezel is a beautiful 8-year-old Pomeranian. She is a registered therapy dog and has won awards for her work. Liezel lives with her proud owners, James and Judith Sota, in Land O’ Lakes.

PET OF THE WEEK FAMILIES RECEIVE A $30 GIFT CARD TO CHUY’S TEX MEX. Send us a picture and information on your favorite pet!

Write a short paragraph about why your pet is special along with a photo and mail to: Pet of the Week, c/o The Laker, P.O. Box 479, Lutz, FL 33548 or email to mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, ATTN: Pet of the Week

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has introduced a video outlining the new rules to protect Florida deer populations by reducing the risk of chronic wasting disease (CWD) from spreading into the state.

CWD is a contagious disease of the brain and central nervous system that is always fatal to members of the deer family.

The 3.5-minute video uses animation to create awareness for hunters who have harvested deer, elk, moose, caribou and other members of the deer family out of state about what they can and cannot bring back into Florida.

Items discussed include deboned meat; finished taxidermy mounts; clean hides and antlers; and, skulls, skull caps and teeth.

Wildlife Alert, a nonprofit reward program created to encourage citizens to report wildlife violations, funded the video.

To learn more about the chronic wasting disease, visit MyFWC.com/CWD. Learn more about the new rules to protect deer populations and view the video online at MyFWC.com/Deer. Click on the “New Carcass Importation Rules.”

SHARE YOUR PET NEWS

If 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 find Pets of the Week and Local Wildlife photos on our website at LakerLutzNews.com.

PLEASE NOTE: OWNERS NAME AND ADDRESS MUST BE INCLUDED FOR YOUR PET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION.

PUT YOUR PET IN THE SPOTLIGHT! We are looking for photos and information on your favorite pet.

Include in your short story your pet’s name, age, and breed.

Don’t forget to include the owner’s name and city of residence!

Send photo and information to:

The LAKER/Lutz NEWS Email to: mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, SUBJECT: Pet of the Week Mail to: Pet of the Week, c/o The Laker, P.O. Box 479, Lutz, FL 33548

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Choose An Oral Surgeon For Your Cosmetic Surgery

­ Surgical skills to perform facial cosmetic and rejuvenating procedures in the complex anatomy of the face. ­ Expertise to evaluate, diagnose and treat underlying skeletal deficiencies to enhance esthetic results of traditional facial cosmetic procedures

Revere is a bundle of energy Revere is a-1-year-old whose whole body wags when he meets new people. He sits on command, but would benefit from additional training, and lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Revere would do best in a home without other pets or small children.

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TheLAKER / LutzNEWS

Works for Us! “We’ve been advertising in The Laker since April 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!”

Simon is sure to make you laugh

Larry Botkins and Tom Spoor

Simon loves to run around in the yard, chase after a ball and splash in the pool. He'll run from pool to pool, jumping in each of them. If you pass by Simon's kennel, you'll likely see him with a toy in his mouth, ready to play.

This 2-year-old has a lot of energy and needs an active adopter who can match him. He also could use some work on his leash manners. Although he enjoys being around people, he would do best as an only pet.

If you would like to adopt Revere or Simon, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-9291212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. For more information, email adoptionpartners@pascocountyfl.net.

HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE, HEALTH, MOBILE HOMES, BOATS & MOTORCYCLES

37911 Heather Place • Dade City, FL 33525 352-437-5305 • 813-435-1954 • ww.botkinsspoor.com

TheLAKER / LutzNEWS Community News Publications

813.909.2800 • www.lakerlutznews.com

AQUEOUS HUMOR BROW CATARACTS CONJUNCTIVA CONTACTS CORNEA CORRECT DUCT

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OPTIC PUPIL RETINA SCLERA STYE TEARS VISION VITREOUS

SEE SOLUTIONS, PAGE 11B

The LAKER / Lutz NEWS WORD SEARCH & SUDOKU

To solve a SUDOKU, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

www.LakerLutzNews.com

August 25, 2021

3B

Health

&

The Laker/Lutz News likes to keep our readers informed about available classes, seminars, lectures and events regarding health and wellness issues. Hospitals, doctors, individual practitioners and anyone related to the health care industry can submit information, at least two weeks in advance, to be considered for publication. Photos of events, recognitions and so on, also are welcome. Submissions should include who, what, where, when, cost, contact information, identifications for individuals in a photo (unless it is a large group), and a photo credit. This information should be emailed to news@lakerlutznews.com.

Wellness Send health news to news@lakerlutznews.com

EYESIGHT PROGRAM

The Zephyrhills Lions Club, 5827 Dean Dairy Road, hosts its monthly Eyesight Program on the first Thursday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon, for any age.The next program is scheduled for Sept. 2.

Participants should bring a government ID, social security card, bills, proof of income, proof of government assistance and insurance information.

For details, call 813-395-5996.

MEDICARE COUNSELING

The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program will begin offering Medicare presentations/counseling at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.

The next session is Sept. 11, and is open to Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers and family members who have questions and concerns about Medicare and related health insurance topics.

SHINE volunteers can answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, long-term care planning, and more.

The new Odessa partner site will allow the program to reach more community members who may be unaware of SHINE and its benefits.

For information, call 800-963-5337, or visit FloridaShine.org.

CANCER BENEFIT

The American Cancer Society will host its 14th annual “Crack-Up Cancer Comedy Benefit” on Sept. 11, to help raise money to assist cancer patients in need across the state, to benefit the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.

Net proceeds will help support adult patients undergoing cancer treatment with essential living expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities and car payments.

Since its inception, Crack-Up Cancer has raised $300,000 for local cancer patients and their families.

This year’s featured comedians are: Johnny B, Catherine Maloney, Derek Richards, Steve Simeone and Steve Byrne.

Crack-Up Cancer will take place at Ferguson Hall, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. Macinnes Place in Tampa.

The program is considered R-rated, with a suggested age of 16 and older, or at the discretion of parental supervision in attendance.

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at CrackUpCancer.com, or directly through the Straz Center website at StrazCenter.org.

NEW PHYSICIANS

Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) has added Dr. Jeffrey T. Kannen and Dr. Spencer S. Smith to its organization.

Dr. Kannen is fellowship trained in primary care sports medicine, and cares for all musculoskeletal conditions in pediatric and adult populations.

As a primary care sports medicine and orthopedic physician, he does not perform surgical procedures. His interests are in overuse injuries of the upper and lower extremities, extreme sports injuries, diagnostic ultrasound, and regenerative medicine treatments.

Dr. Smith received his fellowship in adult reconstruction, and performs hip and knee replacements. He also takes care of failed or infected joint replacements.

Dr. Kannen will see patients at the FOI

Citrus Park, North Tampa and Palm Harbor offices.

Dr. Smith will be at the North Tampa, Riverview and Wesley Chapel locations.

For information, visit FloridaOrtho.com.

VENDOR SPOTS OPEN

The annual Paulie Palooza Music Festival, Gulfside Hospice’s signature fundraiser, is looking for vendors for the scheduled Oct. 16 event.

“We are happy to be moving back to our signature event schedule, and looking forward to seeing everyone in person this October on Main Street Zephyrhills,” said Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning specialist for Gulfside Hospice, in a news release.

Limited spots for vendors, food trucks and sponsors are available now.

The vendor fee is $50 when registered

by Sept. 15; price increases to $75 on Sept.

16.

Sponsorships also are available starting at $200, and include a vendor spot and additional benefits.

Proceeds from the event will go to Gulfside Hospice, to help provide patient care and bereavement services to more than 650 patients and families every day.

For information, visit PauliePalooza.org, or contact Fryer at 727-845-5707 or leesa.fryer@gulfside.org.

FIRST RESPONDER WORKSHOP

The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will work together to provide first responders with behavioral health and suicide awareness, as part of NAMI’s wellness initiative.

A free virtual workshop is scheduled for Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., “Saving

Those Who Save Others,” is designed for active and retired firefighters, EMS, chaplains and dispatchers.

The course is an in-depth behavioral health and suicide prevention/awareness class designed to edcuate attendees on warning signs/symptoms, communications, and emotional and physical behaviors.

There will be a group discussion, and a Q&A session.

The workshop is not intended for mental health professionals, doctors, or the news media.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/uhwwraaw.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT LINE

Tampa Bay Thrives has launched a free, confidential behavioral health support line in Hillsborough County.

The “Let’s Talk” call-in service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects callers with counselors, mental health services, and offers referrals to local providers.

Tampa Bay Thrives is an organization that brings together a coalition of Tampa Bay area hospitals, law enforcement agencies, local governments and community leaders.

The new service was crafted “to complement existing resources and build upon the great work already happening in our community,” said Carrie Zeisse, president and CEO of Tampa Bay Thrives.

“The pandemic has exacerbated the need to address mental health in the Tampa Bay region, and this project will help connect individuals who require additional support,” said Zeisse.

The service is available for Hillsborough County residents and is set to expand across the region in coming months.

To access Let’s Talk, call 1-833-342-5111, or visit LetsTalkTampaBay.org.

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HOMES FOR SALE ONE OF A KIND Here's your opportunity to move to the country, yet close to Expressway, Brooksville area. Beautiful setting on 10 acres. Get your imagination working. Drive thru shelter across the front of home. On first floor, spacious master bedroom 24 x 40 with walk in closet, double shower, dual sinks in master bath. Double doors open on to outside deck. 2nd bedroom, 26 x 31 has separate area for computer/TV or personal work out area. Large bath, walk in closet. Office area with storage closet, built in desk, shelving, bonus room for hobbies. Large eat in kitchen, overlooks Florida room. Dining area that overlooks the pool area. Natural stone fireplace in dining room. Screened porch and pool bath. Sunken Living room adds to the open flow of the warm family living space. 3 baths are on the ground floor. 2 Large laundry rooms with outside exit.

Upstairs bedrooms are both large rooms with large walk in closets. Spacious Jack and Jill bath. Double doors lead to a Great view from the open deck. This home has 4 HVAC units zoned. Work shop 40 x 60. Hay barn and storage sheds. Inviting pool 3-9 ft. deep with storage building. 4 stalls with fenced area. Chicken pen and a large fenced area for garden. Lots of room to roam. Chain link fencing on front. There's a lot more, schedule your appointment today. Call Ava Rossler at 727-992-4974 WILDLY POPULAR Promenade at Lake Park, the HIGHLY desired and Gated community located in Lutz has NO CDD! This 2600 Sq Ft home with 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, and 3 Car Garage features a gourmet-inspired kitchen and large island which overlooks the great room. The Owner’s Retreat boasts Tray Ceilings, Dual Sinks, MASSIVE Shower with Sitting Bench and Three Shower Heads, and a Gorgeous Freestanding Tub. The abundance of large windows allows for beautiful light-filled spaces throughout the home. The Laundry Room features Upper and Lower Cabinets and Built-In Sink. Third garage is separate from the two car and has is own entrance near 2nd & 3rd bedroom. Situated in the Lutz area, The Promenade at Lake Park offers homeowners more than just a luxurious home. It offers the perfect location, elegant gated entry and being surrounded by everything you need and more. The convenience of nearby schools, parks and shopping. Direct access to key thoroughfares and the Veteran’s Expressway. Plus, all the nearby shopping and restaurants of an active, upscale lifestyle.

Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712

LAND O LAKES Completely renovated 4 bed/3 bath with view of beautiful East Lake in Land O Lakes! NEW, NEW, NEW Roof, Well, AC, Hardy Board, SS appliances, and marble counter tops. This unique layout has a master suite and bathroom downstairs with a second master suite upstairs. You still have 2 bedrooms and a bath to accommodate guests who come to visit. Plenty of space on 1.54 acres. Light and airy open spaces. Huge 14x47 Screened porch. Room to park your Boat and RV and other recreational toys! Additional adjoining parcel of .29 Acres also available. Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712

WATERFRONT LOTS PICTURESQUE WATERFRONT LOT Come build your dream home in the heart of Land O' Lakes! Beautiful High and dry lot on a canal. Canal connects to Green Lake. Ready for the Boat and Friends! Make watersports your passion and life style with skiing and fishing out your back door! Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712

VACANT PROPERTY KING LAKE IN LAND O LAKES Ready for your dream home!

1/2 Acre Lot with Lake access to King Lake a 122 acre private lake. Ready for Fishing and boating!! Common lake access for property owners' use. Property is located at end cul-de-sac and surrounded by large mature trees. Easy access to Tampa via I-75 or Suncoast Expressway. Call Cody at 813-909-0712 BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME in Land O' Lakes' coveted Lake Padgett Estates. Great Location, beautiful wooded lot. Ski Lake Access and horse riding stables. NO DEED RESTRICTIONS! Call Cody at 813-909-0712 HUDSON Vacant building lot located in a community. Private boat ramp for residence. Canal goes directly to the Gulf of Mexico through Sea Pines Channel. No bridges. Near the New Sunwest Park. Call Ava Rossler at 727-992-4974.

WOODED BEAUTY BELL LAKE & ALPINE in Land O Lakes.

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HOMES SOLD FAST! 4B

August 25, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO

Gearing up for the return of the arts and crafts show Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club recently met in person for the first time since COVID-19 lockdowns, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

The women worked on handcrafted items to be sold at the club’s annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show, a fundraiser that helps to support the club’s community projects.

The show is scheduled for Dec. 4 and Dec. 5. From left: Aniko Solomonson, Lorraine Ham, Peggy Cooper and Debbie Williams. For information on the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.

Flooding complaints increasing

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore has asked county staff to take a closer look at how new developments are handling the discharge of water from their sites.

He broached the topic during the Pasco County Commission’s Aug 10 meeting.

He told county staff that he’s heard “quite a few complaints lately” relating to “some projects out there that are dumping a lot of water on their neighbors.

“I’ve heard that more and more, over the last several weeks, than I’ve heard in the past. I just want to make sure that we’re keeping a close eye on this,” Moore said.

The commissioner said he appreciates the work done by county staff and by staff from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

However, he said, there have been occa-

sions “where you can see where the runoff is coming from these projects “ In one case, a local farmer couldn’t keep his cattle in his field because the cows are being flooded out, Moore said.

“We need to be more conscious, I think, of what’s going on, when we’re going through the process. Because we say, there can’t be one drop of water that impacts a neighboring property. We need to be very, very considerate of that.”

If the water wasn’t there a week ago and it’s there, now, “it’s obvious what’s going on,” Moore said.

His concerns echo frequent complaints raised by opponents of rezoning requests, who cite concerns that additional development in their area will create potential for additional area flooding problems.

By law, a site cannot discharge more water post-development than it discharged prior to development, but residents often are skeptical that adequate measures will be taken to ensure no flooding occurs.

Welcomes Nektarios Demetr

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Connect T To oday (813) 723 -13 0 F 33544 2649 & 2734 Windguard Circle, Suitte #101, Wessley Chapel, FL hysician .com M illenniumPh www.LakerLutzNews.com

August 25, 2021

5B

Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com

Local student aims high

PERFORMING ARTS FUNDRAISER

VOCATIONAL CENTER

Hope Services will host a grand opening ribbon-cutting of a Vocational Training Center on Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Center Complex, 7727 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel.

There will be inflatables, food trucks, games, music, sports clinics, refreshments and more. The first 750 people will receive a free goodie bag.

For information, email schristmas@pascocountyfl.net.

INTRO TO ACTING

and the principles of acting; theater terminology; theater etiquette; the use of humor; and memorizing and delivering monologs.

Tuition is $40 for the four-day course.

To register, call 352-593-0270, or email liveoakconservatory@gmail.com.

The Live Oak Theatre Company will offer an Introduction to Acting program on Aug. 30, Sept. 13, Sept. 20 and Sept. 27 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville.The program is for ages 7 to 18.

Topics will include basic acting skills

In celebration of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC), the PHSC Foundation will host a fundraiser on Sept. 9, at the Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

The foundation’s goal is to raise $1 million to help students with scholarships.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, the PHSC Foundation has assisted nearly 950 students with $1.2 million in scholarship funding.

The presenting sponsor for the event is the Musunuru family. Dr. Rao Musunuru has been serving as a member of the District Board of Trustees for PHSC for the past 22 years.

For information, contact Lisa Richardson, associate vice president of alumni and college relations/executive director of the PHSC Foundation, at foundation@phsc.edu or 727-816-3410.

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ADOPT A CLASSROOM

Pepin Academies Foundation is hosting its second annual Adopt a Classroom campaign to help equip teachers and students with needed school supplies.

Individuals and businesses can participate by sponsoring or adopting a classroom, with the option to donate to one Pepin Academies campus or support all three of its Tampa Bay-area campuses.

Teachers will have the opportunity to identify their own classroom needs, which is an important step in granting schools the flexibility to adapt teaching practices to suit the individual needs of the students.

Adopt a Classroom donations can be made online at tinyurl.com/y34hzd72.

BOARD REAPPOINTMENTS

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the reappointment of Dr. Rao Musunuru and Alvaro Hernandez to the Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT).

Dr. Musunuru, current vice chair, PHSC DBOT, has been a board member since 1999.

He is a cardiologist affiliated with Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point since 1981, and over the years, has served as chief of medicine, chief of staff, and chair of the board of trustees for the center’s heart institute.

Rebecca Urbonas, Sunlake High School Class of 2018 valedictorian, graduated from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, summa cum laude, after three years, at the age of 19.

She also received recognition for achieving Max Planck Honors for her research and defense of her undergraduate thesis in the area of neuroscience.

Urbonas was one of 67 students, out of more than 6,000 applicants, to be admitted into the medical school at the Charles Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU, to continue her studies to become a medical doctor.

She was inducted on Aug. 6 into the FAU medical school at the annual White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2025, where she received her white coat as an M1, at the age of 20.

Dr. Musunuru is a past recipient of the Southern Regional Trustee Leadership Award from the National Association of Community Colleges.

Alvaro Hernandez is a market vice president for Humana.

He is a past member of the PHSC DBOT and serves on the boards of the Behavioral Health Community Council, the Starting Right Now Foundation, and Humana’s Bold Goal Community Brain Trust.

Hernandez earned his bachelor degree and master degree in international business from Nova Southeastern University.

Both Dr. Musunuru and Hernandez have been reappointed for a term through May 31, 2025.

SHOE & SOCK DRIVE

The Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive is underway through Oct. 22, with the Pasco County government and constitutional offices working together to collect footwear for kids in Pasco County schools.

Last year’s drive yielded 1,746 pairs of shoes and 5,773 pairs of socks.

Social workers will distribute the items to Pasco County Schools students at the end of October. Drop-off locations/collection boxes are at the offices of the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, the Pasco County Property Appraiser, and the Pasco County Tax Collector.

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being offered at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City, from Oct. 19 through Dec. 14, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In this program, entrepreneurs work through their business model with a trained facilitator and discover repeatable steps that can used throughout the life of a company.

• NetFest:This event, which has a Back to the Future theme, will be held on Sept.

23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Edison Suncoast. The event features food and drink, and a chance to connect with Tampa Bay area business and community leaders.

There are charges for both programs.

To sign up for either SMARTstart or NetFest, or to find out more, visit the Pasco EDC’s website at PascoEDC.com.

Send business news to news@lakerlutznews.com DEVELOPMENT SITE SOLD IN ZEPHYRHILLS

Commercial Partners Realty team members recently completed over $17.9 million dollars in transactions in the Tampa Bay Market.

Jim Engelmann handled the transaction for buyer Bob Chalfin, in the purchase of 5131 Ryals Road in Zephyrhills. The 24acre development site sold for $2.1 million.

Commercial Partners Realty is a full-service Commercial Real Estate brokerage specializing in office, industrial, retail, land, and investment sales and leasing. It represents landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers of commercial real estate in Tampa Bay, Pasco County and West Central Florida.

CHICK-FIL-A OPENS IN ZEPHYRHILLS

Chick-Fil-A Zephyrhills officially opened for business on July 29. The restaurant offers dine-in, drive-thru and carry-out options.

Instead of the tradition First 100 Grand Opening celebration, this location, at 7490 Gall Blvd., has identified 100 local heroes who are making an impact in the Zephyrhills community and surprised them with free Chick-fil-A for a year.

Chick-fil-A also has partnered with Feeding America to make a $25,000 donation to a local food bank.

The restaurant is located near the intersection of Pretty Pond Road and Gall Boulevard.

It is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Other recent grand openings in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area include: • The Lakes Social, a family owned

PASCO EDC OFFERINGS

The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., which works to expand economic development opportunities in Pasco County, has a number of upcoming events.They include: • SMARTstart: A nine-week course

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small business at 7902 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in the Connerton area of Land O’ Lakes. It's a place to enjoy gourmet meal replacement shakes, and energy teas. It had its grand opening on Aug. 8.

• Lyons Den Sports Performance, at 27217 State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel, had its grand opening on Aug. 7.

NEW REAL ESTATE AGENT JOINS EXP REALTY

Real estate agent JoAnn Hartung has joined a group brokered by eXp Realty, serving Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Hartung will focus on residential real estate sales in Tampa Bay, expanding the reach of The Mid Florida Group.

WUSF WINS NATIONAL EDWARD R. MURROW AWARD

A joint investigation between WUSF Public Media’s Health News Florida and WFSU News has received a 2021 national Edward R. Murrow Award, according to a news release.

The recognition came for an in-depth news series entitled “Committed” that focused on a Florida law known as the Baker Act, and the skyrocketing number of Florida children involuntarily committed for psychiatric evaluations.

The award, in the small radio news series category, was a collaborative project that highlighted the stories of children sent into confinement by school officials, often without notifying their parents, the release adds.

WUSF Public Media also recently received 12 honors in the Society of Professional Journalists Sunshine State Awards, including first place in two categories, according to an earlier news release.

Journalists who were singled out for

TIPS TO AVOID RIP-OFFS AFTER SEVERE WEATHER STRIKES

These pointers from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can be useful in preparing for a potential storm and responding in the aftermath, if one hits: • Have a plan that outlines what to do before, during and after a hurricane.

• Be sure your hurricane kit includes masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

• Be sure to properly research contractors, to avoid creating a bigger problem.

• If you have damage, immediately contact your insurance adjuster.

• Thoroughly document the damage to your property and possessions.Take pictures and/or a video, when possible.

• Be sure any contractor you are considering to hire is properly licensed, and has current workers compensation and liability insurance.

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The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club recently hosted a food drive to help Sunrise of Pasco County: Domestic & Sexual Violence Center. Club president Cindi Nalon presented a truckload of food to Matt Thorn, Sunrise director of development. ‘Thank you so much. I can’t tell you enough the impact the entire GFWC of Wesley Chapel’s graciousness and kindness will go to support our survivors and participants. On behalf of all of us at Sunrise our deepest gratitude,’ said Thorn. From left: Matt Thorn, Julie Cox and Cindi Nalon.

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Protecting fire rescue from active shooters The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Five fire rescue departments across Tampa Bay have acquired ballistic vests and helmets to protect personnel during an active shooter rescue, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Rescue departments in Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties, and with the City of Tampa and Plant City have acquired nearly 700 ballistic vest and helmet kits for protection, the release says.They’re to be used during active shooter/hostile event response (ASHER) threats, as prescribed by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 3000.

The equipment was provided through a federal Urban Area Security Initiative (USAI) grant, the release adds.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue took the lead in writing the grant application and drafting training and protocol measures for use of the kits.Tampa Fire Rescue, Pasco County Fire Rescue, Hernando County Fire Rescue, and Plant City Fire Rescue all participated in the grant

process, the release says.

Each department now has ballistic vests and helmet kits for each apparatus that would respond in an active shooter scenario.The kits will protect more than 2,500 fire rescue personnel in the Tampa Bay region.

Each ballistic vest kit includes an adjustable vest, two armored steel plates that fit into the vest, and a protective Kevlar helmet. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is providing training for each department on the proper use of the kits.

The ballistic vest kit protocol calls for them to be used only in an ASHER threat.

Rescue personnel would only enter an ASHER site to care for the wounded after law enforcement has secured the scene.

The kits would provide an additional level of protection in a life-threatening situation.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue applied for the grant to procure the vests and helmets, to ensure that all agencies in the region potentially responding to an ASHER threat would have access to the same protection, according to the release.

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D i n e i n - Ta k e O u T - D r i v e T h r u - C aT e r i n g COURTESY OF ANDY TAYLOR/PASCO COUNTY

From left: Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore stands near Eagle Scout Martin Levins II, the scout’s father, Martin J. Levins and the scout’s mother, Janet C. Levins. The Eagle Scout earned his rank some time ago, but the family wanted to come to the board room to receive the resolution and they were delayed in doing so because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Moore submitted the resolution on the scout’s behalf.

County honors Saddblebrook Eagle Scout The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Martin Levins II was honored by the Pasco County Commission on Aug. 10, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Levins recycled used tennis balls to provide material for low-impact tennis courts for people with disabilities, according to a resolution approved by the county board.

Through his project, more than 40,000 tennis balls were collected and sent to the recycling company called RecycleBalls.

That was enough tennis balls to provide the surface for four low-impact tennis courts, the resolution says.

The project began in July 2019, and with the help of fellow Troop members, school members, friends and family, the 169-hour project was completed in September 2019,

Library system honored for taking on a NASA Challenge

the county document adds.

Levins began his scouting days in Natick, Massachusetts. He launched Troop 200 at Saddlebrook Preparatory School, in Wesley Chapel, when he moved there in 2017.

Over the years, he earned 39 merit badges, 13 scouting awards, and the Bronze, Gold and Silver Eagle Palms, after achieving his Eagle.

He also has camped 66 nights, logged 95 miles of hiking and provided 151 hours of service, as well as assisting with his fellow Scouts’ Eagle projects.

Levins is the son of Martin J. Levins and Janet C. Levins, and attends Saddlebrook Preparatory School.

He completed his Eagle Scout requirements in 2019, but didn't appear before the county board until recently, because of COVID-19 restrictions.

collected data to help determine ways to use lunar soil to grow crops for future space missions.

After the growing period, which took place at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City, the MoonRakers submitted its findings and showcased them at a virtual symposium in April, with NASA scientists and other researchers.

As a result of the team’s efforts, its data will be used in NASA’s Artemis Program, the new initiative to return to the moon.

You can learn more about the challenge on Hugh Embry Library’s Facebook page.

By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

Pasco County Libraries is ‘over the moon’ with a win in the Best in Show for Evaluation of Results category, in NASA’s Plant the Moon Challenge.

The Institute of Competition Scientists issued the challenge — in collaboration with the University of Central Florida’s Center for Lunar and Asteroid Surface Science (CLASS) Exolith Lab, which, in turn, provided the lunar soil simulant to conduct the experiment.

Earlier this year, the library’s team of ‘scientists,’ the MoonRakers, embarked FILE on the 10-week task to ex- Science ‘sprouted’ earlier this year at the Hugh Embry amine how vegetation Library in Dade City, as Pasco County Libraries took part in grows in lunar soil.The team a NASA challenge.

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www.LakerLutzNews.com

August 25, 2021

11B

Caddy The Cat Is Back With A Second Book

By Local Author and Speech Pathologist Land O’ Lakes resident Anne Higgins is the author of the children’s book, “Princess Caddy Finds a Home.” The book tells an endearing story of a reallife cat that came to Higgins’ yard and would not leave, while teaching important concepts for young children and helping them develop vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Released in 2018, the Princess Caddy book has been such a success that Higgins has written a follow up book, “Princess Caddy Takes a Vacation,” which will be available to readers next spring.

In addition to the new book, Higgins also is introducing an adorable plush toy of Caddy the Cat, which will be sold individually and also packaged with her books.

Higgins is a speech pathologist who has helped thousands of children develop their speech and language skills. She previously supervised 35 speech pathologists in the Plano Independent School District, in Texas, where she also published an articulation kit for severe speech disorders that was in publication for 20 years.

After moving to Land O’ Lakes a few years back, Higgins continued to work with children with speech disabilities, and it was here that Princess Caddy entered her life.

“This is a true story about a little kitty that basically came to my yard and didn’t leave. I was telling my little 3- and 4year-olds about the kitty and found out they were more excited about what Caddy would do every day, than what Miss Anne would do,” said Higgins.

“They could care less what I did in the morning, but they wanted to know everything that Caddy did in the morning.”

So Higgins decided to write a book about the adventures of her cat that would both entertain young readers, and help them develop vocabulary and comprehension skills. The hardcover book is filled with colorful illustrations, and appeals to a broad audience of children.

The response to the first Princess Caddy book has been amazing.

“I found integrating Princess Caddy into my therapy to be probably one of the best methods I’ve ever come up with,” Higgins said.

The books use stories about Caddy and her interaction with other animals to help teach youngsters basic concepts and help them to develop their vocabulary. Higgins established an index for adults to explain basic concepts that are important for 3- to 5-year-olds, and also lists the vocabulary words presented in the book, which children learn through repetition. Each book contains more than 100 vocabulary words, ranging from simple to complex. Higgins also added a section of questions to help

children with their comprehension.

“After you read this to the child, you can ask them some questions, and see if they were listening and understanding,” she said.

Higgins received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas, in Austin, and her master’s degree from the University of Texas Dallas branch.

Later, she moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where she worked with 3- and 4-year-old children with hearing impairments. At the same time, Higgins worked on speech and language skills with students with autism and who were severely developmentally delayed.

The original Princess Caddy book is available through Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com.

We e will be your FIRST F CHOICE, we will be your SECOND S OPINION or your LAST RES SORT Christopher Gleis, M.D. Medical Director • Ross University School of Medicine • Board Certified Anesthesiologist • Completed a fellowship in Pain Management • Specialist in Regenerative Medicine

Erica Williams, ARNP Faamily Nurrsse Practitioner RN, LPN and CPN • 2017 NP graduate of South University, Montgomery, y, AL • 26 years of nursing experience Erika Williams is providing family medical services for people of all ages, and is specifically treating patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, hearrt disease, minor cuts and falls, colds, allergies, and medication review and assessment.

Dr. Gleis employs a multimodal approach to pain management, treating his patients’ symptoms through interventional ppain pprocedures and non-habit-forming medications if required, without the use of narcotics.

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