Lutz News-Lutz/Odessa-September 23, 2020

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New schools coming to Pasco County

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

A groundbreaking was held Sept. 9 to begin work on a new career and technical school off Curley Road, in East Pasco County, across from a sizable development called Epperson.

Then, at the Sept. 15 Pasco County School Board meeting, a contract was approved for preconstruction work on a new 6-12 School in the emerging Angeline community in Land O’ Lakes.

Meanwhile, work continues on the construction of the new Starkey Ranch K-8 in the Starkey Ranch development, a growing Pasco County community.

During the groundbreaking ceremony and at the board meeting, Pasco School Board members and school district officials expressed enthusiasm about expanding educational opportunities for district students.

The 184,000-square-foot Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, being built at 9100 Curley Road, is expected to serve 1,000 stu-

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COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY SCHOOLS

A rendering of the exterior of the new Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

dents and is scheduled to open for the 2022-2023 school year.

The school will prepare students for high-salary, high-skill careers in high-demand areas such as digital multimedia, engineering and robotics, biomedical sciences, building construction, and cyber security, according

to district officials.

School board member Allen Altman is delighted with the new school, as he has been pushing for years to expand educational opportunities in East Pasco.

See SCHOOLS, page 9A

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After pushing for years to expand opportunities for East Pasco students, school board member Allen Altman is delighted about the construction of Kirkland Academy of Innovation, a new high school being built off Curley Road.

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INSIDE, PAGE 1B

reer and character, and to those who are champions for Florida’s youth with the 4-H Youth Development Program, according to a University of Florida social media posting.

Florida 4-H has inducted 183 members into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame, since 2002.

Others receiving the honor this year are Kim Massagee,Vicki Meriwether, Hal Porter and Donald Richard Sellers.

MacManus, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, is delighted by the recognition.“They called me out of the blue. I had no clue,” she said.

Her association with 4-H began when she was 10.

“I think that’s when you were eligible,” she recalled, during a recent interview.

“It was very formative,” she said, noting it helped her to develop the public speaking and organizational skills that would become so important in her professional life.

“You may not know this, but my mother was painfully shy. She was pretty committed to making sure that we didn’t have that problem,” MacManus said.

Her mother became very involved in 4-

If nothing else, COVID-19 has forced people to adapt — and to think of new ways of getting things done.

Hillsborough County’s Aging Services has been doing just that — through a telephonic program that is currently replacing personal visits to the department’s senior centers.

Soon, the department hopes to switch to virtual Zoom meetings to share programs with seniors, but until it does, it will continue using a call-in system.

“We’ve been closed since mid-March because of COVID-19, unfortunately,” said Frances Duran Brea, general manager with nutrition and wellness for the department of aging services’ senior centers.

The pandemic has been especially difficult for the elderly because they are in the age group considered to be at greatest risk for serious health consequences from the virus.

Because of that, those over age 60 are advised to limit their contact with others — which has the effect of being socially isolating.

“It’s definitely impacted them hard,” Duran Brea said, referring to the county’s older population.

“A lot of them live alone,” she said. And, even those who live with family members often must stay home while others come and go.

“Their families are afraid to take them out,” Duran Brea explained.

The call-in system gives the county a way to stay connected with seniors.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the program is offered in English, from 11:45 a.m. to 12: 45 p.m.

Then, it is offered again in Spanish, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants call (888) 585-9008, then punch in the Conference ID number, which is 784132094#.

“We do many of the programs we did at the centers.We have nutrition presentations with our registered dieticians,” Duran Brea

See FAME, page 9A

See SENIORS, page 9A

COURTESY OF SUSAN A. MACMANUS

Susan A. MacManus, third from left, poses in a photo with three other Florida 4-H’ers, during a trip to Washington D.C. The man in the center is James A. Haley. The veterans hospital in Tampa is named for Haley.

Florida 4-H Hall of Fame to induct local woman

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Long before she shared her knowledge about Florida politics with local, state and national audiences — Susan MacManus was involved with 4-H. In fact, she credits her experiences through 4-H with helping her to develop the skills that would become so important in her career as professor of political science, and as a political analyst for national presidential conventions.

MacManus has never forgotten how important 4-H has been in her life, and for years, she has put in a good word to people in power, when she could — to help support the organization.

She also volunteered time to be a judge — primarily for public speaking competitions.

Her contributions to the organization will be recognized on Oct. 6, when MacManus is inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame, during a virtual Zoom ceremony.

The honor goes to those who exemplify the 4-H motto ‘to make the best better’ through citizenship, leadership, ca-

Hillsborough singled out for recreational efforts The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation has been singled out for two state honors from the Florida Recreation and Park Association.

The Hillsborough department won a 2020 Agency Excellence Award in the community building category, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

That award recognizes the department’s efforts “to serve and enhance the community through its 166 parks, 118 playgrounds, 53 community centers, and nearly 50 sports complexes,” the release said. It also notes that the department manages 55 youth sports organizations, serving 26,439 youths last year.

Among its accomplishments, the release says, are: • The transformation of Lucy Dell Pond park from an overgrown water basin that attracted illegal dumping to an attractive pond featuring an LED-lit boardwalk and native landscaping.

• The creation of Carrollwood Village Park, which turned a decommissioned wastewater treatment facility into a park with an amphitheater, fitness challenge course, skate park, dog park, splash park, inclusive playground, and 24-hour gym for county deputies.

The department also offers a wide range of licensed after-school and summer camp programs, which includes the Positive Coaching Alliance curriculum.

The programming has a strong component for those with disabilities, and the programs’ fee structure is designed to make the camps accessible to all youth.

FILE

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation received state recognition for its efforts to serve and enhance the community through its facilities and programming. Nature Program Specialist Brad Lympany was named the 2020 Rising Star for his work to build relationships with the community, and to develop programs including the county’s Hiking Spree program.

The department also has partnerships with community groups, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Boys & Girls Clubs of America,Tampa Bay Lightning, community HOAs and civic groups, including the Carrollwood Conservancy, and the Northdale Older Wiser Lives Seniors (OWLS), the release says.

Plus, the department fosters strong community involvement through more than 30 signature events, including the Northdale Family Fun Fest.

Other achievements include: • Efforts to change the way the urban for-

est is managed, including development of an urban forest master plan that calls for planting 27,000 trees by 2024 • The All People’s Life Center, which hosts numerous tournaments, including those for wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and other adaptive programming • The Ed Radice Sports Complex, which includes five softball fields, eight baseball fields, nine soccer fields, and 10 horseshoe pits.

Besides winning the department award, Nature Program Specialist Brad Lympany was named the 2020 Rising Star for his work de-

veloping and implementing Parks & Recreation programs, and building relationships with the community, the release says.

Lympany was involved with several of the department’s most popular programs, including Hiking Spree, Senior’s Outdoor Active Recreation (SOAR), and Eco Adventure Camp.

Lympany works with a wide variety of community groups, including Outdoor Afro, which is dedicated to getting members of the African American community out on hiking trails, and the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, the release says.

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A show of appreciation

GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members donated sanitizing supplies, paper products and student necessities that were needed in teachers’ classrooms. The women also included treats and thank-you cards to show their appreciation. Members of the Education & Libraries Committee delivered donations to Chris Holten of Shady Hills Elementary School.

For more on the club, visit LutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

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COVID cases in Pasco schools ‘manageable’

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning gave the Pasco School Board a briefing on the district’s response to COVID-19 during the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

“I want to commend the vast majority of our students and staff who are doing the right thing,” he said. “From what I’ve seen and heard, our students and staff are wearing masks and social distancing when possible. People recognize that rules are in place to keep everyone safe and healthy, and the vast majority are being careful and respectful of those rules we put in place.

“The end result is this:Three weeks into the school year and we have certainly had some cases. We’ve been very transparent about that. Hop on our website and you can see all of the numbers, right there on our website.

“There has been an impact at several schools throughout the district. But, it has been manageable and our planning has paid off.

“Most students and staff are being conscientious and are being very disciplined about the quarantine requirements,” the superintendent said.

But, Browning added that he did not want to be dismissive of the impacts that COVID-19 has had on district schools.

Sixty-three students had tested positive and 1,475 had been told to quarantine for 14 days, as of Sept. 18. Also, 26 employees had tested positive and 153 employees had been told to quarantine.

During the school board meeting, Browning noted:“We’ve had some unusual cases where one student tested positive that resulted in dozens of students and staff being required to quarantine. In one school, one positive case resulted in 119 students and 10 staff members having to be quarantined.

“Those cases are unusual. On average for every positive case, 20 people are required to quarantine. That’s like sending a small classroom home, when a student tests positive.

“I know it’s inconvenient. I know it’s disappointing to be the students or the staff that want to be at school, or at work, but it’s also manageable,” the superintendent added.

As of Sept. 15, Browning said, 46 schools or departments had a positive case of a student or employee.

To help prevent the spread, Browning asked students and staff to continue to be conscientious, not only in school, but after school, as well.

“That would go a long way to help us rid the spread of the virus in our schools and in our community,” Browning said.

Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), also talked about COVID-19’S impacts.

“As a district, we’re holding our own in this fight against COVID in our workplaces.

Pasco County Schools COVID cases 63 student cases (1,475 students impacted)

26 employee cases (153 employees impacted)*

* As of 11:30 p.m., Sept. 18

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USEP is pleased with the many protocols we have in place in this district to ensure student and employee safety — and has been outspoken toward that end,” Peace said.

“I would caution though that no amount of negotiation or precautions put in place serve as a guarantee against this illness,” Peace said, adding,“we all need to err on the side of caution, as we navigate this school year.”

Browning also talked about the district’s COVID Command Center, where county health department staff and school district nurses are working together to respond to COVID-19 concerns.

“They’ve offered tremendous support and guidance to our principals, as they have experienced cases at their schools,” Browning said.

“They have been busy. They have been put to the test, every day,” and in the superintendent’s opinion, they have passed, with flying colors.

“We have done a good job, with the management of COVID.The fight is not over yet.

“Masks need to be worn.We need to set the example,” Browning said.

He also talked about the district’s three testing sites, which are for students and district personnel, and are intended to provide quick testing and results. The sites are at Pasco Elementary School, the district office complex and Gulf Middle School.The tests will be given by appointment only.

School board members also offered some observations about the school year so far.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong said she’s been out and about, and has had conversations with parents who have been pleased with what their schools are doing.

“Their kids are glad to be back in school.

They’re just glad that we offered the brickand-mortar opportunity because they really felt that’s what their students needed, what their kids needed,”Armstrong said.

Board chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin said in addition to the district’s good planning, the positive attitude by students and staff have played an important role in responding to challenges presented by COVID-19.

“Overall, I think things have gone more smoothly than we anticipated,” Beaudoin said.

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What’s Happening

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

GUN VIOLENCE SEMINAR

Patti Brigham, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL), will speak on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m., via Zoom and Facebook Live.The event,“Gun Violence as a Public Health Issue” also will include Molly Dempsey Domin, LWVFL’s gun safety chair.

The seminar is co-sponsored by the Gun Safety and Healthcare Action Groups of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County.The event is free. Registration is required online at HCLWV.org. For information, email healthcare@hclwv.org or gunsafety@hclwv.org, or call (813) 6494309.

DINNER FUNDRAISER

The Dade City Kiwanis Club will host a take-out barbecue chicken dinner fundraiser on Sept. 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the Badcock Furniture parking lot, 14009 Seventh St., in Dade City, to benefit Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County.The dinner includes a quarter chicken, two sides and a roll. For information, contact Melissa Parks at (352) 567-1444, ext. 1313 or mparks@habitatpasco.org.Tickets and registration can be found online at tinyurl.com/y56t9dll, from Kiwanis Club members, or at the Habitat ReStore in Zephyrhills.

OKTOBERFEST

The fourth annual Oktoberfest will take place on Oct. 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz. For information and to RSVP, visit HGIOktoberfest.eventbrite.com, or email Caitlin.sullivan@hilton.com.

Pumpkin Festival

The Wesley Chapel Pumpkin Festival is scheduled for Oct. 10 and Oct. 11, at The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd.

There will be a large selection of pumpkins and fall décor; squashes and gourds; more than 100 bales of hay; hay rides; a dog costume competition; a corn hole competition; a pumpkincarving competition; more than 50 local artisan vendors; live music; family pictures; a pumpkin-decorating tent; large hay mazes; rides, inflatables and games; and, more than 10 food trucks.

Early-bird one-day tickets are $5, and early-bird tickets for two days are $8.

Family prices are available.

For more information, please visit TLCeventsandpromotions.com/festivals.

HALLOWEEN LIGHTS

Ace Hardware of Dade City will host a Great Halloween Lights Spectacular from Oct. 3 through Oct. 31, at 36027 Serbia Spruce Way in Dade City.The display will include an animated music band, a pirate ship, and more.Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the local Children’s Miracle Network hospital and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

For information and to register, visit EventBrite.com.

FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER

The nonprofit Horsepower for Kids & Animal Sanctuary, 8005 Race Track Road in Tampa, will host its annual Fall Festival Fundraiser every Saturday and Sunday from Oct. 3 to Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be pony rides, hay rides, farm animals, a bonfire, games, a playground, live music and train rides.Admission ($12 per person), and food and pumpkin purchases will be cash only. Children age 1 and younger are free. For information, visit HorsepowerForKids.com (coupon available on the first Thursday of the month).

NONPROFIT FUNDING

Nonprofit organizers of events focused on fine arts, historic, natural/recreational, culinary, lifestyle, or creative industries have until 5 p.m., on Sept. 25 to apply for up to $100,000 in matching Special Events Partnership Grants from Hillsborough County. Eligible events must occur between Nov. 13 and Sept. 30, 2021. Full information on the grant program, guidelines and applications can be found online at HCFLGov.net/SEPG.

INTRO TO ACTING

The Regency Park Library will host a virtual “Cook-a-Book:A Cooked-up Fairy Tale,” on Sept. 26 at 2 p.m., for families with kids in elementary school.Tune into the Regency Park Library Facebook page to watch a video as the book “A Cooked-up Fairy Tale”

by Penny Parker Klostermann is read, and learn how to make apple and pumpkin treats.The program is free. No library card is needed. For information, call (727) 8613049.

hosting Pioneer Saturdays in September.

Guests can explore original buildings from Florida’s pioneer past, including the railroad depot, a one-room schoolhouse, a post office, and more. Historical interpreters can share what life was like for rural Floridians at the turn of the 20th century.The general store features nostalgic and reproduction items, historical toys and games, books, candy and more. Proceeds from the general store help to support the educational programs at Cracker Country.Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children ages 6 to 11. Children age 4 and younger are free.Advance ticket purchase is required. No tickets will be sold on-site.

Parking is $8 per car, $14 per bus or RV. For information, visit CrackerCountry.org.

CAR SEAT INSTALL

VIRTUAL GAME ZONE

COOK-A-BOOK

Pasco County Fire Rescue will host a car seat install event at Station 23, 21300 State Road 54 in Lutz, on Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.A certified car seat tech will check car seats. Social distancing and sanitation measures will be in place.The station also will have 24 Evenflo Titan 65 convertible car seats available for free, to those in need.

To be eligible for a free seat, participants must self-certify that they are 100% poverty level as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and provide either a tax return or proof of enrollment in the Department of Children and Families’ Access Florida Benefits. If you are eligible, call (813) 929-2750 to register.The free seats are on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be installed on-site.

PIONEER SATURDAYS

Cracker Country, the rural living history museum at the Florida State Fairgrounds, is

The Regency Park Library will offer a Virtual Game Zone: Loteria Edition on Sept.

30 at 4 p.m., for grades eight to 12, on Zoom. Loteria is a traditional game of chance, similar to bingo, but uses images on a deck of cards instead of numbered ping pong balls. Participants will need access to a personal device (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.). For information and how to register online, email laurae@pascolibraries.org.

HAUNTED SHIP

UNDead in the Water, a nautical haunted attraction, will take place aboard the American Victory Ship, 705 Channelside Drive in Tampa, on Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 2 to Oct. 31., with an added Thursday event on Oct. 29. Hours for all event nights are from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Participants can roam the decks of the historic World War II cargo ship to avoid

being eaten by the infected zombie stowaways. Enhanced daily cleaning procedures will be in place. Scare actors are required to wear face coverings or remain physically distant. Guests may be required to wear face coverings while inside the attraction, depending on the health guidelines at the time. Full face coverings, decorative Halloween masks, and costumes are not allowed. Group size is limited to eight at a time.All funds raised will benefit the restoration and operations of the American Victory Ship and Museum, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.The cost is $15 to $20 for adults; $13 to $18 for military, veterans and first responders. For tickets and information, visit UndeadInTheWater.com, or call (813) 2288766.Advanced tickets are required.

SCREAM-A-GEDDON

Scream-A-Geddon is going on now through Nov. 1, at 27839 Saint Joe Road in Dade City.The event features six interactive haunted venues, a midway and beer garden.

Tickets start at $21.95. For information and tickets, visit ScreamAGeddon.com.

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night will take place on select nights from Oct. 2 through Oct. 31. New additions include Siren’s Song, Dinos Out of Time, Pirate Party Pants, Clown Carousel, Camp Creepstastic, and The Realm of the Spider Queen.

Enhanced safety and health measures will be in place. Date-specific tickets and reservations with a timed entry are recommended.Tickets are $24.95 per person age 3 and older. Children age 2 and younger are free. For information, visit ZooTampa.org/creatures-of-the-night.

The Live Oak Theatre Company will offer an “Introduction to Acting” on Mondays at 4 p.m., on Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19 and Oct. 26, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville.

The program is for kids ages 7 to 13.Topics will include basic acting skills and principles of acting; theater terminology; theater etiquette; the use of humor; memorizing and delivering monologues; and more.The course is $40. For information and to register, call (352) 5930270, or email liveoakconservatory@gmail.com.

SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN

Live Oak Theatre will present “The Bard Unleashed,” the first in its “Shakespeare on the Green” series, on select days in October, starting Oct. 9, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. Seats are $25 for adults, and $10 for kids age 13 and younger when accompanied by an adult. For tickets and information, visit LiveOakTheatre.square.site/, email liveoakboxoffice@gmail.com, or call (352) 593-0027.

SCARECROW FESTIVAL

The annual Scarecrow Festival at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, is scheduled for Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guests can build their own scarecrow.

There also will be music, vendors, food and more. Entertainment and activities may vary because of COVID-19.The event is now accepting vendors.Visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org for information and updates.

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Pasco County School Board approves $1.5 billion budget

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco County School Board has adopted a budget of more than $1.5 billion for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

That’s an increase of more than $122 million over last year’s budget, Superintendent Kurt Browning said, during the board’s Sept.

15 meeting.

Browning outlined some key points about the budget.

It includes: • $704.3 million in the general operating budget • $401.4 million in the capital budget The total tax millage is 5.922 mills, a decrease of .179 mills. Under the proposed rate, a homeowner of a $175,000 house, after the deduction of the $25,000 homestead, would pay $26.85 less per year than last year.

The general operating budget increased from $666.6 million to $704.3 million.The district received additional funds totaling $24.1 million in state funding.

Out of the $24.1 million: • $10.1 million is set aside for School Choice, that is charter schools and scholarships • $4.9 million for retirement increases • $1.3 million for insurance increases • $3.4 million for 68.91 personnel allocations for schools and 5.17 personnel allocations for the district •$1.2 million for the continuation of costs related to Project Rise, general paper and dual enrollment • $500,000 for property insurance, utilities and school resource officer contract increases

The operating budget includes costs for allocations and operating costs for Cypress Creek Middle School and the midyear opening of Starkey Ranch K-8.

The budget also includes $4.7 million to implement the teacher salary increase allocation.The district will use that allocation, along with funds from fiscal year 2019-2020, of $7.3 million for the Best and Brightest program, to increase the minimum base salary for fulltime classroom teachers to approximately $45,000 per year.

The budget also includes raises of approximately 1.5% for all remaining staff.

The proposed capital budget of $401.4 million includes: • Construction of Starkey Ranch K-8 and Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation • Major renovations to Northwest Elementary and James M. Marlowe Elementary • Construction of a new bus loop at San Antonio Elementary School • Cafeteria renovations, replacement of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and infrastructure upgrades at various schools • Lease-purchase computers and school buses • Completion of the remodeling of Zephyrhills High School The budget does not reflect the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security, CARES funds, totaling more than $14.4 million, which is being used to pay for expenses related to COVID-19.

There was no public comment or board discussion about the budget, which was approved unanimously by the board.

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BUNCO FOR A CAUSE

The GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club will host “Bunco for a Cause” on Oct. 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Lexington Oaks Clubhouse, in Wesley Chapel.Ticket admission includes a Taco Bar dinner and a chance to win baskets donated by local businesses. Doors open at 5 p.m. For information, email gfwcpascojwc@gmail.com, or visit the club’s Facebook page.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR

The Forest Hills Presbyterian Church will offer September Shopping Days for furniture, crafts, plants and garden accessories in preview of its 21st annual Holiday Bazaar.The pre-bazaar sale will be in the chapel and in the “furniture house” at

the church, 709 W. Linebaugh Ave.There will be crafts (including Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations), as well as furniture restored or repurposed, and plants donated by church members and friends. Sales are open now, by appointment only, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Tuesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Reservations required; call Catherine Thomas at (813) 833-0081. Craft items will be available at the outdoor bazaar on Oct. 17 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the church.That event also will include an Antique Attic with china and collectibles, jewelry, books and more. Guests can purchase a barbecue take-out lunch.

Proceeds from the bazaar are returned to the community with grants to nonprofit organizations. For information, call (813) 932-6149.

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STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

• Kelly McDermott, of Lutz, was recognized on the President’s List at the University of Alabama,Tuscaloosa • Chase Memmer, of Odessa, was named to the Dean’s List at the University of Alabama,Tuscaloosa • Rachael Williams, of Odessa, received a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama,Tuscaloosa

CAREER WORKSHOP

University of South Florida Career Services will offer a virtual career development workshop, “How to Select Your College Major,” on Sept. 29 at 4 p.m., through Microsoft Teams for teens, grades eight to 12 only.

Registration is required.

For information, send an email to laurae@pascolibraries.org.

SCHOLARSHIP AMERICA

Scholarship America, a nonprofit scholarship and education support organization, is accepting applications through Oct. 15, for the 2021 Scholarship America Dream Award.

The program is open to any college student with financial need, who has overcome barriers and has successfully completed at least one year toward their college education.

The scholarships are inclusive of all types

of students, from diverse backgrounds, seeking a two-year or four-year degree.

The scholarships are renewable and increase in amount each year.

Scholarship America has awarded more than $2.3 million to 108 students, with scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 based on financial need.

Eligible students can apply online at LearnMore.scholarsapply.org/dreamaward/.

Upon application, students also will be notified about additional scholarship programs that they may be eligible for.

FACULTY RECITAL

Saint Leo University recorded its annual Fall Faculty Music Recital to share with the public.

The recital is about an hour long and features 12 pieces from a wide range of styles, including Western classical selections and others.

Those interested can watch the video for free on the Saint Leo University Music YouTube Channel.

REACCREDITATION ISSUED

Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has received official notice regarding the reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the southern states.

The reaccreditation committee, comprised of educators from throughout the association’s region of 11 states, visited PHSC in October 2019. The committee placed special emphasis on evaluating PHSC’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).

During the next five years, PHSC’s QEP, Bridge to Success: The College Readiness Experience, will improve student success

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by providing engaging, meaningful, and relevant learning experiences in four specific areas of college readiness: problem solving, intellectual openness, time management, and persistence.

Out of 79 standards, PHSC received no recommendations - a rare accomplishment with accreditation outcomes.The college received two recommendations on its QEP based on learning outcomes, which were addressed in the Response Report and accepted by SACSCOC. PHSC’s next reaffirmation of its accreditation will take place in 2030, unless otherwise notified.

County schools, through Oct. 23.

Donations can be dropped off to the collection boxes at Pasco County Government locations, and the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices countywide.

Last year’s record-setting drive resulted in 3,057 pairs of shoes and 13,285 pairs of socks.

Items collected will be donated to Pasco County Schools at the end of October, directly benefiting local students.

For more information, please visit PascoCountyFl.net/civicalerts.

SOCIAL JUSTICE SERIES

WREC 2021 SCHOLARSHIPS

Saint Leo University will present a “Courageous Conversations” series, examining social justice issues, through Zoom.

These free, virtual discussions will look at topics included in Bryan Stevenson’s book, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” from different perspectives across multiple disciplines.

The next session is set for Oct. 15, and will focus on social work/social justice.

Upcoming conversations include: • Nov. 19: criminal justice/ethics • Jan. 21: business/nonprofit organizations • Feb. 18: religion/spirituality • March 18: education All sessions are from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at SaintLeo.zoom.us/j/94551952591.

For information, please email Nikki Heister, special programs manager, Department of Public Safety Administration, at nikki.heister@saintleo.edu.

SHOE & SOCK DRIVE UNDERWAY

The fifth annual Two Good Soles Shoe and Sock Drive is underway, as the Pasco County government and constitutional offices work together to collect footwear for kids in Pasco

The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) every year offers scholarships to high school students. The students are selected by local guidance counselors and WREC personnel.

Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will be available after Dec. 1, and must be postmarked no later than March 26, 2021.

To apply, students must: • be a high school senior and maintain a 2.0 GPA • be a dependent of a WREC member • be a bona-fide resident within the service area of WREC for at least one year prior to Dec. 31.

• plan to attend an in-state college, university or technical school full-time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester) • keep a 2.0 GPA each semester (or higher if mandated by the institution) to maintain eligibility Applications can be found at any local WREC office, high school guidance office or online at WREC.net.

Successful candidates will receive $1,375 per semester ($11,000 maximum) for undergraduate studies.

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This learning choice offers two days in person instruction along with three days of a fully mobile experience. You may choose to send your student to school on Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday, with all other days receiving mobile.

Learning happens with live sessions delivered by our community mobile teachers. Learning continues as if they the are in the classroom with daily schedules and assignments. Lessons will be recorded to support learners with instruction on their schedule.

SAFETY GUIDELINES A T UPCA • Daily temperature checks • Weekly health screenings • Fever clinic • Mandator y masks for students, staff, and visitors • Gloves and emergency masks available as needed • Automatic hand sanitizer stations

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POLITICAL AGENDA CANDIDATE FORUMS SET FOR PASCO CANDIDATES

The Pasco County NAACP is hosting two Zoom candidate forums to help voters become more educated before the Nov. 3 general election.

The forums will be conducted via Zoom on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, and will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., each night. Registration is required.

The Sept. 29 forum will feature candidates for U.S. House District 12, Florida Senate District 20 and Florida House Districts 36, 37 and 38.The link to register is tinyurl.com/y6ro5xwa.

The Sept. 30 forum will feature candidates for Pasco County Superintendent of Schools and Pasco County Commission District 3 and District 5.The link to register is tinyurl.com/y5gc3xkg.

Candidates who have agreed to participate include: Kimberly Walker, U.S. House District 12; Kathy Lewis, Florida Senate District 20 Special Election; Dan Endonino, Florida House District 36; Tammy Garcia, Florida House District 37; Brian Staver, Florida House District 38; Kurt Browning and Cynthia Thompson, Superintendent of Schools; Jessica Stempien, County Commission District 3; Brandi Geoit, Jack Mariano and Victor Rodriguez, County Commission District 5.

The Pasco County NAACP and the Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County worked together to

send invitations to all candidates in the Pasco County General Elections.

The Pasco NAACP is taking the candidate forums forward. The Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters is unable to cohost because of a national league policy that requires at least two candidates in each election race participate in the forums.

For more information, email Clyde Carter, president of the Pasco NAACP, at clydecartere@aol.com.

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SHERIFFS ENDORSE DANNY BURGESS

Danny Burgess, a candidate for Florida Senate District 20, has been endorsed by Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, according to a release from Burgess’ campaign.

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Wilton Simpson, who is set to become president of the Florida Senate, has endorsed Randy Maggard in the race for State House District 38, according to a release from Maggard’s campaign.

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Florida State Sen.Victor “Vic� M.Torres Jr., has endorsed Kathy Lewis in the Florida State Senate District 20 race, according to a release from the Lewis campaign.

Local nonprofit group in danger of closing The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report The Alzheimer’s Family Organization (AFO), which has been serving the Tampa Bay area for more than two decades, is in danger of closing, according to a news release from the organization.

The AFO provides free services to caregivers with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias, but now it’s in need of help itself.

The nonprofit relies almost entirely on fundraising as its source of income, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, fundraising has come to a halt.

The AFO had five major fundraisers set up for 2020 spread out over the eight-county service area: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Lake, Marion, and Sumter.

It held one fundraiser just days before the state shut down due to the pandemic,

but had to cancel the other four.

To stretch the remaining funds, the brick-and-mortar office building in Spring Hill was closed to allow staff to continue to provide support to caregivers.

Based on current estimates, funding will be exhausted by Thanksgiving, the release says.

The organization hopes to raise the $200,000 it needs to sustain services until early summer of next year, with the hope that fundraising can resume.

Should the AFO close, countless numbers of caregivers will lose vital support and services to help them successfully care for their loved ones, such as support groups, wanderer’s reunification, education, coaching and other needed services as they walk their journey of this disease.

To find out more or to donate, visit AlzheimersFamily.org, or call (352) 616-0170.

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LifeLink of Florida is celebrating National DMV Appreciation Week (Sept. 21 to Sept. 25) by thanking local motor vehicle departments (DMVs) and tax collector offices for their lifesaving work through organ, eye and tissue donor registration.

The week of appreciation was originally created in 2016 by Donate Life America to highlight driver license issuing offices and the employees who play an invaluable role in increasing the number of registered donors.

This year, the theme is “Lifesavers Like You!” and will focus on honoring lifesaving partners in donation.

Almost 90% of people who register to become donors do so when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license at local DMVs and tax collector offices, according to a LifeLink news release.

Last year, DMVs and tax collector offices across the state registered more than 546,691 Floridians as organ, eye and tissue donors, and together with organ recovering organizations have helped save more than 2,000 lives.

Registering as a donor can be done online at DonateLifeFlorida.org, or when getting or renewing a driver’s license.

ZUMBA FOR HEALTH

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HOMES FOR SALE ANGUS VALLEY – WESLEY CHAPEL 3/2 SW Mobile home on 1.53 acres in growing Wesley Chapel. 3 minutes from 175 and Tampa Premium Outlets. Great investment. NO CDD or RESTRICTIONS! Owner financing available. Call Irving Hernandez at 813-843-6026 ALOHA GARDENS IN HOLIDAY Back on the market.

Updated home perfect for a starter, retirement, or seasonal home in the well-established, family friendly neighborhood of Aloha Gardens. New roof in 2018, newer appliances. Enjoy the bright and sunny open floor plan, French doors opening to the screened lanai, fenced back yard. Easy access to US 19, the Gulf of Mexico, fishing, restaurants, and Tarpon Springs Sponge Docs. No HOA. Call Laure Taylor at 813-300-4676 ZEPHRYHILLS One of the last 5 acre homes sites in the area. 3/1 1389 Sq Ft Future land use R-9. 330 Feet of Road front. Large detached Garage / Barn. Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712 SOLANO BAY TOWNHOUSE off Waters in Tampa. Lovely 3/2.5 townhouse in a convenient location. It’s close to everything, great shopping within a mile of the Veterans Expressway. PAINTED 1 YEAR AGO, ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDING WASHER AND DRYER. BRAND NEW!! Laminated floor in great room and new ceramic tile in covered and screened porch with a pond view. GRANITE COUNTER TOP, CERAMIC TILE AND LOT OF CABINETS IN KITCHEN. Good sized bedroom upstairs and laundry room. Gated community, pool and lots of parking for your guests. HOA fee includes maintenance of exterior, grounds, pool, cable TV and trash collection. Make this dream townhouse yours today! Call Irving Hernandez at 813-843-6026

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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.

Come build your dream estate or family compound. Great Location, beautiful wooded lot. Almost 3 acres. NO DEED RESTRICTIONS! City water available. Property can be subdivided into two lots. Build on one and sell the other. $299,900 Call Cody at 813-909-0712 SPRING HILL - 31.28 Acres on Bowman Rd Your dream home is waiting to be built! Bring your horses and cows!

Plenty of room for all your dreams. Close to Suncoast Parkway. Call Cody at 813-909-0712 DADE CITY LAKE LOT Over 1 acre building lot on beautiful and peaceful Lake Pasadena. Located in the rolling hills of Dade City, this level building lot could be the perfect place for your dream home. There is a covered sitting area on the dock, so bring your fishing pole and/or favorite beverage and enjoy the sunsets. Power pole and water. Call Cody at 813-909-0712

LAKE LOTS PRICE REDUCED on 3.11 acre lot on Lake Ryan in Lutz,

FL. Great location, close to the outlet mall and all the restaurants yet it feels like country living. No CDD, no HOA so bring your toys. Impact Fees have been paid. It has one well and two septic tanks which will save you money when you build your new dream home. Call Faith Garcia 813-503-6610 for details.

VACANT PROPERTY

WEEKI WACHEE Beautiful WATERFRONT property! Build here and watch the sunset over the water right from your own piece of paradise. Call Stacy Robinson at 813-842-3077

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

INVERNESS Beautiful lake front property. Community of nice homes on the lake. Large oak trees on property. Close to shopping in Inverness! Call Ava Rossler at 727-992-4974

STOP AND VISIT OUR OFFICE…AGENTS ON DUTY!

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Zumba for Women will resume at the Karl & DiMarco North Dance Studio, 19022 Geraci Road in Lutz, every Monday and Friday, starting on Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m.

No other classes will be going on at the same time, so contact with others will be limited. The dance studio is prepped and taped for social distancing.

Classes are $5 each.

For more information, please email dance911@gmail.com.

HIV/HEP C TESTING

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County has resumed free rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing on Wednesdays and Thursdays, at 10841 Little Road in New Port Richey.

Results from rapid tests will be available in 20 minutes.

For information on HIV from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), visit CDC.gov/hiv/default.html.

For more on Hepatitis C from the CDC, visit CDC.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm.

Testing is available by appointment only. Call (727) 619-0260.

LOW-COST MAMMOGRAMS

AdventHealth is offering 3D mammograms in 30 minutes for $30, during September and October.

Patients can call (844) 464-2284 or visit ScheduleYourMammogramToday.com for an appointment in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hardee, Highlands and Pinellas counties.

PINK RIBBON WALK

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation will present the 2020 Pink Ribbon Walk: Virtual 5K, sponsored by the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard and The US Oncology Network.

The Pink Ribbon Walk’s mission is to celebrate every form of physical activity and promote a healthy lifestyle while raising funds for adult cancer patients.

Through the month of October, participants can complete the walk anywhere, any day. Those registered can run, walk, dance and even swim their way to the virtual finish line.

Each participant will receive a medal and a T-shirt.

All proceeds benefit the FCS Foundation, which provides financial assistance for non-medical living expenses to qualified patients who are currently undergoing cancer treatment in Florida.

Registration is open through Sept. 30, online at FCSF.org/PWR2020.

SUNRISE OF PASCO CHARITY

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will be collecting donations during September to assist the Sunrise of Pasco County’s Domestic & Sexual Violence Center.

The mission of Sunrise is to prevent domestic and sexual violence before it ever happens. If it does, Sunrise is dedicated to assisting victims to escape those conditions, and to find safety and freedom in the community. In 2019 alone, over 13,600 individual shelter stays (overnights) were provided in Pasco County.

Sunrise is seeking donations specifically to increase the funding for its children’s programs, including school supplies, meals and recreational activities for kids in the shelter or outreach programs.

Cash donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County.

For information about Sunrise programs and services, email Vicki Wiggins, director of development, at vwiggins@sunrisepasco.org.

For more about the charitable giving programs at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 8478179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

VIRTUAL WALK/RUN

NAMI Pasco (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will host the Heroes of Hope virtual walk/run from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10, for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Participants pick the time, place and distance, and can walk on a treadmill, walk a local nature trail, hula hoop, skateboard, and more.

There is no cost to enter, but individuals are encouraged to donate or fundraise to have a chance to win prizes and help the cause.T-shirts are available for purchase.

For details, visit NamiPasco.org/walk.

HEALTHY EATING CONTEST

The UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension Community Garden and the Family Consumer Sciences Programs will host a free, four-week, online nutrition and gardening program starting Oct. 5, culminating with a cook-off.

Weekly emails will be sent on Mondays and will feature videos on how to make healthy meals from vegetables you can grow at home or in a community garden.

At the end of the program, participants will put what was learned into action by creating a meal and recipe to enter into the cook-off contest.

Winners will have a chance to win prizes, and their recipe will be featured on social media and in the community garden newsletter.

Register online at bit.ly/healthyeatingcookoff.

Participants on Oct. 29 must drop off the meal sample, complete with recipe information, at the UF/IFAS Pasco Extension One-Stop Shop, 15029 14th St., in Dade City.

For information, call (352) 521-1255, or email kchristmas@MyPasco.net.

CONCERT & AUCTION

The Florida Cancer Specialists’ (FCS) annual Tampa Bay Gala fundraiser will take place this year online.The virtual concert is scheduled for Oct. 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The event will feature the band Powerhouse Next Generation, chance drawings, and a silent and live auction.

All proceeds will benefit the FCS Foundation, which provides financial assistance for expenses to qualified cancer patients who currently are undergoing treatment in Florida.

For information, visit FCSF.org/fcsfevents/annual-tampa-bay-gala-2020/.

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September 23, 2020

www.LakerLutzNews.com

SCHOOLS, from page 1A “That just warms my heart,”Altman said, at the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

“I can’t tell you how many years that I’ve tried for that.The Recession kind of put us behind,” he said, then it was one thing after another.

The new facility, he said, is “just a tremendous thing for the entire county, but especially that community.”

In a video of the groundbreaking, posted on Twitter, Altman put it like this: “Things came together, I believe, in almost divine intervention, with the right property, at the right time, with the right people in place to make this a success.”

In the same video, Superintendent Kurt Browning said “you know, technical education is so important.We’re excited for what it means for our students and our community.”

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd, who also made an appearance in the video, said: “The school will sit right here, on top of this big hill, overlooking the ponds below and the oak trees. And then, behind us, on the back side of the property will have a K-8 STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Academy, at some point, opening probably in ’24.This school will open in ’22.

MacManus when she was a young 4-H-er.

FAME, from page 1A H, serving as a leader for more than 23 years, and the MacManus kids, and their cousins, were active in 4-H, too.

“It was a natural thing for us to be in,” MacManus said.“Everybody out here was in citrus or cattle or some kind of agriculture.

It was a real big part of all my family.

“We loved going to the fair. My sister used to show cows at the fair. I had chickens.

“We’d have exhibits at the fair and give presentations at the fair, and there would competitions. So, I got to know people from all over,” MacManus said.

During eight years of 4-H, MacManus completed 70 projects and received numerous awards, according to a report published decades ago in the former Dade City Banner.

She was twice president of her high school 4-H club. She took projects to district demonstrations on four occasions and won

COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY SCHOOLS

Dignitaries gather to fling shovels of dirt during the ceremonial groundbreaking for Kirkland Academy of Innovation, which is scheduled to open for the 2022-2023 school year.

“We’re literally going to put a technical school right in the middle of what will be a future suburbia for Pasco County,” Gadd said.

While the district proceeds on construction of Kirkland Academy of Innovation, it also is embarking on another project for a school known on as School LLL, which is planned for Central Pasco County.

At its Sept. 15 meeting, the board approved a $235,000 contract with Ajax Building Company for pre-construction

work relating to a new 6-12 school planned for the Angeline community of Land O’Lakes.

The school will be designed for 1,694 student stations, which at 90% capacity translates to about 1,530 students.

The school will be designed on an 18acre site within Angeline.

Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2021, with substantial completion expected in July 2023.

Meanwhile, the district has begun the boundary process for the new Starkey Ranch K-8.

A parent-night workshop is planned for Oct. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Odessa Elementary School, 12810 Interlaken Road in New Port Richey. New boundaries must be drawn to assign students to the school.

A public hearing for the boundaries proposal is planned for Nov. 17 at 6 p.m., with final school board action on Dec. 1.

project medals each time.

She served as historian, reporter and president. Plus, she was a district representative and state historian.

But, her activities didn’t stop there.

She was a delegate to the 42nd National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago, and a Florida representative to the National Four-H Conference in Washington D.C. She gave speeches and made appearances on radio and television programs.

She took on local and state leadership roles, which opened doors to broadening her skills, too, she said.

“I was an officer.You learn about organizational dynamics and collaborative efforts,” she said. On top of that, it was fun.

“I worked at the Florida 4-H camps,” she said, noting that was her job during summers of her college years, to help pay her college expenses.

4-H was like, and about Florida.”

The 4-H’ers also received a police escort throughout the week as they visited the National Art Gallery, the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Mount Vernon, according to a recap of the trip.

It was MacManus’ first trip to Washington D.C., but certainly not her last.

MacManus has retired from her university teaching career, but she still shares her knowledge about Florida politics.

She thinks 4-H continues to offer valuable opportunities, with diverse programming that has kept up with the times, and she highly recommends it.

“It (4-H) offers terrific leadership training,” MacManus said.

4-H OPENS DOORS TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES

MacManus traveled to the nation’s capital, in an expenses-paid trip, when she was a member of the Florida State University 4-H Club.

The four Florida delegates met Sen. Spessard Holland, Sen. George Smathers, Rep. James A. Haley and Rep. Claude Pepper, according to a report that detailed the trip.

They toured the Capitol Building and visited different offices of government, business and education. Vice President Hubert Humphrey spoke at one of the general assemblies.

They also went on a special tour of the White House and attended a reception hosted by Lady Bird Johnson, the report says.

“That’s where I met LBJ (President Lyndon B. Johnson) and (First Lady) Lady Bird (Johnson),” MacManus recently recalled. “LBJ actually asked me about what

SENIORS, from page 1A said.“I usually do the health segments, the safety segments, and we have specialized activities staff who do a variety of programming.

“We’ve tried everything.We have drawing classes. We have some community partners who help us facilitate some of the programming. Reminiscing musical programs.

“We have a variety of health and wellness programs, around the seven dimensions of wellness,” she said.

Those seven dimensions are physical, mental, emotional, social, environmental, intellectual and spiritual.

Calls include a nutrition presentation and a health segment, and the rest of the hour consists of programming that varies, Duran Brea said. In essence, the programming is part educational, part fun.

Community partners help them find out about resources that are available, or provide useful information, she added.

Using the new mode of delivering services has had its share of obstacles, Duran Brea said.

Some elderly find that it’s challenging to call in.

They complain:“It’s too many numbers,” she said, and some forget to punch in the #symbol at the end of the Conference ID number.

Some people likely don’t know the program is available, she added.

The program will be shifting to a Zoom format soon, which will mean seniors will need to adapt to that change, Duran Brea said.

“Right now, we’re recruiting a lot of volunteers to give one-on-one assistance to some of the seniors that are requesting that — to set up the Zoom,” she said.

Those volunteers will call to give the seniors step-by-step instructions, she explained.

In addition to the countywide Tuesday and Thursday programs, individual senior sites throughout the county also offer call-in programs.

So, seniors can call those centers to take part in their virtual wellness program.

The Lutz Senior Center offers its program on Wednesday and Friday.The program is offered in English, 11 a.m. to noon, and in

COURTESY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Frances Duran Brea, a general manager with Nutrition & Wellness for Hillsborough County’s senior centers, shares her knowledge with seniors calling into Hillsborough County’s virtual wellness program, which is conducted through a conference call.

Want to help?

Volunteer opportunities include, but aren’t limited to: Senior centers and dining center, adult day care centers, gardening, arts and crafts, food service, fitness, special events, music, literature, administrative.

To find out more, contact the volunteer coordinator at (813) 853-1067 or DoughtyK@HCFLGov.net.

Need help?

For general information about services, call (813) 272-5250.

Want to connect?

Countywide call-in program, Tuesdays and Thursdays: The program is offered in English, from 11:45 a.m. to 12: 45 p.m.; it is offered in Spanish, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. To participate, call (888)585-9008, Conference ID: 784132094#.

Lutz Senior Center, Wednesdays and Fridays: English, 11 a.m. to noon; Spanish, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Call (888) 585-9008, conference room 448-371-556#.

Spanish, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

To participate, call (888) 585-9008, conference room 448-371-556#.

When experience matters to you!

42 years in Land O’ Lakes

Dr. Michael Craven “The area’s most highly reviewed Chiropractic office on Google”

CRAVEN CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC 5420 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. #105 www.cravenchiropractic.com 813-996-9800

In Loving Memoory Belinda Rae McDonald Crum was borrn March 19 Logan, We West Virginia to Elmer Ray McDonald and Jo McDonald, also from Logan.

Her Heavenly homecoming was on Sundayy,, September 6th, 2020.

Belinda was known to many affffectionately f as “mom”. She was a loving, hardworking, and faith hful person who touched hearts, impacted lives with her wisd dom, and spread the good news of Jesus everywhere she went.

She spent much of her youth in nW Weest Virginia, first as a dedicated and eager student where sh he always made good grades and won awards and developed d her love of writing, then later as a stay at home mom. In 1994 sh he graduated from Huntington Junior College of Business and d became a medical assistant. After her mother’’s death a year later she relocated to a new life in Tampa, Florida with her two children. In Florida, she continued to in Ta nfluence the lives of those around her and serve the Lutz/Land O’ Lakes/W Weesley Chapel commun nities through her nine year employment at Goodwill and church service.

Belinda was an avid reader and loved to write. She loved all of th he classic Victorian authors, spooky k stories, devotionals, d l historical h l works, k and d the h Bible.

B bl Her H favorite f author h among them h all ll was Edgar Allen Poe. W Wrriting was also a passion of hers that soon became a career as well.

In October of 2015 she came to live with her children after finally leaving their abusive father after 35 years of a volatile marriage. Her children were over joyed and were happy to receive her.

This was a fresh start for Belinda. Along with this she started to attend a new church, Grace Family Church in Temple Te Te Terrace. Belinda loved it there and before long she became part of the GFC serve team, greeting everyone who came to the door with love and a smile.

In 2018 Belinda decided that she was gonna follow in her son, Johnny’’s footsteps and become certified in television production. After completing the training program in record time she did just that and along with her children, she founded Invisible Man Entertainment, a film, graphics, and events company working in T Taampa and Los Angeles. It was also during this time that she ghost wrote and published her last piece, “Miami 51”.

Invisible Man Entertainment brought a lot of opportunity for Belinda and the familyy.. By this time she had mastered script writing and was contacted by Hollywood talent to assist in the production of an upcoming movie set to release next year.

In addition to being asked to partake in the production of a Hollywood film, Belinda also got the opportunity to to submit three of her own screenplays to directors, one of which is currently under serious consideration.

In addition to writing, she had a passion for arts, crafts, and cooking. Not a single Christmas would go by without her making handmade Christmas ornaments and decorations and her holiday food was legendaryy.. The Thanksgiving turkey stuffffing filled with sage being her and everyone’’s favorite.

Out of all of Belinda’’s accomplishments, the ones that she was most proud of was leading people to Christ. She had a heart for Jesus and showed His love to others worldwide through her Facebook platforms “The Prayer Closet” and “A Flicker of Hope”. In these groups she shared the love of Jesus and the beautiful stories and poetry that she wrote for Him. It was Jesus that kept her grounded throughout the hardships in her life. She often spoke of an experience in her life as a young mother of two. Several days had passed and there were no groceries in the house.

She took her children into the bedroom, got down on her knees and prayed for food. A few minutes later a man came to the door with a large box of fresh bananas. She told him that she had no money so she could not purchase them. He told her that he was only looking to get rid of the bananas. She always drew on that experience to show how God always comes through.

The bananas were fresh, free, nutritious, and soft for young children to eat. She always told others after this “Just when you think it’s over, God sends a banana box.”

Her love of God is her greatest legacyy.. Every night her son would read the Bible to the family and there would be family prayer time. One of her last requests is that this should never stop, and it won’t, and continues every night still. Even if it’’s on the phone.

Belinda was a wonderful, loving person and will sorely be missed by her children, familyy,, all who love her, and her beloved cat, Cuddles. She sang and praised right up until the last dayy..

Her son, Johnny was singing to her a song that she used to sing to him as a child on rough days, “Y Yoou are my Sunshine”, on that last day and she was trying to sing with him. A beautiful illustration of her heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Joy McDonald, brother, Charles Meeks, and brother-in-law w,, Doug Blevins. She is survived by her natural children, Johnny Crum, Erica Crum, and adoptive children, Doron Ben-Eliezer, Roopa Bommidi, Ve Venkat Devineni, and numerous others whom she counted as her own and who loved her as a mom, her sister, Debbie Swims, and brother, William Meeks, sister-in-law w,, Doneva Meeks, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Services for Belinda will be announced as the curr rrreent situation allows on her Facebook forum, “The Prayer Closet”.

www.LakerLutzNews.com

September 23, 2020

9A

Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Zephyrhills tennis center ready for play

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

L

ace up the tennis shoes and prep those rackets and balls for play — because the much-hyped Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center is now open to the public.

What began as drawings and plans on paper nearly four years ago is finally a reality in the form a $4.9 million athletic complex situated on 8.25 acres of land at 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills.

The complex enjoyed a soft opening on Sept. 21. A grand opening celebration is set for Oct. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The center is now open every day, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The facility’s outdoor centerpiece is 11 regulation outdoor tennis courts (nine clay surface, two hard surface), eight pickleball courts and four padel courts — two of the world’s fastest-growing racquet sports.

Attached is a nearly 8,000-square-foot indoor club housing cutting-edge health and wellness amenities that promote training and COURTESY OF DAVID ALVAREZ, DCA MEDIA CONSULTING recovery.

The $4.9 million Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center sits on more than 8 acres of land off Simons Road in Zephyrhills. It features 11 There are rooms dedicated for cryothera- regulation outdoor tennis courts (nine clay surface, two hard surface), eight pickleball courts and four padel courts, and a nearly 8,000py, salt therapy, bio/neuro feedback therapy, square-foot indoor clubhouse. The northeast corner of the 8-plus-acre property is reserved for an additional 30,000-square-foot indoor mulmassage and yoga.There’s also a 1,300-square- tipurpose sports complex, enough room to accommodate four full-size tennis courts. foot fitness center featuring workout equipment, including recumbent bikes, rowers and ellipticals.

The indoor clubhouse also has a full restaurant and cafe operated by Land O’ Lakes-based caterer Mark Vesh.

Though membership-based, guest users are encouraged to make court rentals and partake in other amenities.Walk-ins are welcome and any specific questions can be answered by the facility’s front desk manager.

Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, patrons are wasting no time getting their game The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness on.

For instance, a 30-member coed pickleball Center is now open to the public, at 6585 The nearly 8,000-square-foot indoor clubhouse at the tennis facility contains a fitness cengroup from Zephyrhills reserved courts for a Simons Road in Zephyrhills. ter, restaurant/café, and rooms dedicated for cryotherapy, salt therapy, bio/neuro feedback mini event on the facility’s first open mornPennsylvania. His personal training includes therapy, massage and yoga, among other frills. ing.

The complex is named in honor of Sarah working with several widely known tennis Vande Berg, a former Zephyrhills High School pros, including Younes El Aynaoui and Martin district champion and three-time state qualifi- Verkerk, both of whom coincidentally ranked late January that’ll offer a $25,000 grand prize date another four full-size tennis courts. er who died in an automobile accident in as high as No. 14 in the ATP Tour rankings for the winner and points in world rankings. However, the addition had a setback when South Carolina at the age of 21, in October back in 2003.

The event is expected to draw 32 players rep- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a $1 million Many of the other 36 total staffers at the resenting a number of different countries and appropriation for the project from the state’s 2015.

Her father, Todd Vande Berg, is the long- Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center nationalities. budget. similarly bring aboard respectable pedigrees. time planning director for Zephyrhills.

In opening amid ongoing coronavirus A corresponding men’s tennis tournament The facility’s tennis director is Rene organized by retired professional Johan Kriek concerns, the facility is adhering to preMoller, a former touring pro director at and sanctioned by the International Tennis scribed health and safety precautions, Collard ALL-STAR CREW The tennis center venture is a public-pri- Saddlebrook Tennis Academy who’s been a Federation also is in the works, Collard said. explained. vate partnership between the City of full-time coach to John Isner, the highest- Kriek won 14 professional singles and eight Masks are required inside the clubhouse, Zephyrhills and Pascal Collard, a longtime ranked American men’s tennis player, as well doubles titles, ranking as high as seventh in but not while playing outdoor racquet sports. tennis pro and instructor serving as the facili- as Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, who’s ranked the world in the 1980s.“It’s going to be very Staffers also have installed about 30 umty’s CEO. No. 31 in the world. impressive and exciting,” Collard said of the brella tables in a roomy outdoor space for The municipality owns the state-of-the-art Another notable tennis instructor is Mika forthcoming events. patrons to eat, drink, relax and watch play, in tennis facility, but Collard is responsible for its Todo, a former professional WTA internationa socially distanced manner. day-to-day operations and programming. al tennis player from Japan who’s been A COMMUNITY HANGOUT There are also plans to install a temperaCollard has been involved with the proj- working as a tennis coach for the past 20 At a hard-hat tour back in June, Collard ex- ture screening gate before entering the ect since October 2017, when his tennis years, and successfully trained junior players plained his visioning for the complex is to building in the coming week, in partnership management firm,Tennis P.R.O. Florida LLC, who won the title in the All-Japan Junior U12 become a community hangout of sorts, with AdventHealth. was hired by the city. and U14 tournament. where users do more than simply play tennis Collard summed up the varied safety Finally seeing the complex come to life is Also, former NFL defensive lineman Mel with friends then leave and go about their measures:“We have sanitizer everywhere.We a relief for Collard, noting he invested “a lot of Williams will serve as a fitness coach and spe- day. have masks for everybody.” time and money and energy and passion” in cialist in tennis footwork and plyometrics. He “It started with tennis, but it now became As for next month’s grand opening, conjunction with Zephyrhills during the last played for the New Orleans Saints, the a destination,” said Collard.“Basically, the con- Collard promises a “big, big wow factor.” several years.

Washington Redskins, the San Francisco cept here is,‘I’m not doing one hour of sport Collard added:“We have a lot of surprises.

Said Collard,“It’s a lifetime goal and a life- 49ers and the Miami Dolphins in the early and I go home. I’m coming here to play ten- It’s going to be pretty, pretty amazing what’s time dream that’s come true to be able to run 2000s. nis, then maybe I do a cryotherapy session going to happen right there.” a place and really do something that’s and then maybe I go eat here because there’s Between now and then, visitors also may touched the community and that will touch A HOST FOR PRO TOURNAMENTS a full restaurant.’ You can bring your entire notice spruced-up landscaping on the proppeople from all over the world.”

The facility is beginning to deliver on its family…so it’s really unique.” erty.

In running the facility, he brings a diverse promise as a tourism driver for East Pasco, by In coming years, the facility could expand Collard noted that landscaping is always tennis background to the table. drawing big-ticket national and international even further.The northeast corner of the 8- put in last.

Collard previously served as tennis direc- events. plus-acre property is reserved for a For more information, call (813) 361-6660, tor at Saddlebrook in Wesley Chapel and The Collard said the complex will host a sanc- 30,000-square-foot indoor multipurpose email info@ svbtenniscenter.com, or visit Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, tioned professional women’s tournament in sports complex, enough room to accommo- SVBtenniscenter.com.

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THIS OUT

SOCCER, LACROSSE PERMITTED ON HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FIELDS

Youth and adult soccer and lacrosse leagues can now apply to Hillsborough County for permission to resume games and tournaments at county parks.

Soccer and lacrosse leagues have been allowed to use county fields for practices and conditioning for several weeks, but games and tournaments have not been permitted since late March because of COVID-19 concerns.

10A

September 23, 2020

To receive permission to resume games on county-maintained fields, each league can now submit a plan that must be approved by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation outlining what social distancing, sanitation, scheduling and other measures the leagues will use to assure the safety of players, volunteers, and fans.

Effective immediately, leagues can submit the plans for review to Parks & Recreation, or ask questions at PRKFields@ HCFLGov.net. Parks officials will review and respond to the league with changes or approval.

County leaders made the decision to allow the resumption of soccer and lacrosse games and tournaments after extensive consultation with local health officials, emergency managers, Parks & Recreation staff, and others.

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1,000 career digs Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High senior libero Adriana Lopez surpassed the 1,000 mark in career digs, during a Sept. 12 team victory against Central Clearwater COURTESY OF BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Catholic. Lopez, a four-year varsity standout, entered the 2020 season with 944 digs — 309 in 2019; 444 in 2018; and, 191 in 2017. Lopez is a Rollins College verbal commit.

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

B

SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

Aiming to create a place enticing to families With restaurants, retail, special events and entertainment, the Grove at Wesley Chapel wants to be a place where people come — and stay a while.

Numerous storefronts in The Village area of the Grove at Wesley Chapel are plastered with ‘coming soon’ signs.

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

W

hen the movie theater at the Grove at Wesley Chapel reopens soon, it won’t be anything like the former Cobb Theatre where people used to go to watch movies.

The exterior of the building already looks completely different than it did before, and the interior is getting a massive makeover, too.

In what is being billed as the movie theater of the future, the Cinema & Entertainment Complex will include such features as fully reclining seats in some theaters, a supervised kids’ playroom, a full arcade and a comedy club.

Mishorim Gold Properties and developer Mark Gold are investing millions of dollars into the renovation.

Features in the 85,000-square-foot complex will include a new color scheme, floors, décor and light fixtures.

Other details include: • Spin bikes, in a theater room, which is expected to include some form of virtual reality experiences • Assigned seating, with a socially distanced layout during the pandemic • An open theater that will serve as a performance hall for plays, concerts and productions • In-movie food service with contactless ordering within six of the 12 theaters • An upscale sit-down restaurant Parents will be able to go to the movies and drop their children off in a supervised play area, where the children can play, while the adults go off to enjoy the movie, Gold said.

The arcade within the complex will feature games for people of all ages.

The idea is to give people a different type of experience, Gold said. Instead of going to the movie and then back home again, people of all ages who come here will be able to spend a few hours enjoying an array of activities, he said.

“The Grove is about family,” he said.

Great care also is being taken to ensure that the theater is safe for patrons, the developer added.

It will be equipped with sanitation technology that includes fogging machines and automated thermal temperature scan swing gates at the entrance.

Going there will be safer than going to a grocery store, Gold said.

The reimagined movie theater complex will be just one of the new offerings at the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

Once people step outside of the entertainment complex there will be a wide range of choices for places to eat, shop or have fun on other parts of the property.

A water park and an 18-hole miniature golf course are both planned near the theater, and both are expected to open this winter.

The water park plans call for it to be built on a 1.7-acre site. Proposed features include two large water slides, a lazy river, a splash pad for kids, and a pool for adults and kids.

Grove at Wesley Chapel

B.C. MANION

Mark Gold and his wife, Viviane, stand near a sign in the former Cobb Theatre. The theater complex is going through a makeover, inside and out, and will offer a broader array of entertainment choices and food options, when it reopens.

The 18-hole mini-golf course will have a Hawaiian theme and will be handicapped accessible.

Those projects represent just a fraction of the Grove at Wesley Chapel’s redevelopment plan.

An area, which Gold calls The Village, has a collection of storefronts with personal service businesses, a brewery and a restaurant.

There are traditional big box stores, too.

Plus, the Grove will be home to Krate — billed as one of the world’s largest collections of shipping containers used to house retail shops and restaurants.

Businesses at Krate will have indoor and outdoor seating, and there will be an outdoor stage nearby — which will be a focal point for community events.

A dog park and playground are also planned.

Gold plans to use frequently scheduled events to attract people to the shopping, dining and entertainment complex. He believes the combination of offerings will make the place so popular that people will be willing to drive up to two hours to get there.

In addition to its mix of offerings, the development enjoys an excellent location, Gold said.

It’s in the middle of booming Wesley Chapel, which is characterized by its high incomes, highly rated schools and burgeoning residential growth, he said.

Plus, the property enjoys high visibility

The construction equipment and disturbed earth offer evidence of future growth at the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

from Interstate 75 and also has frontage off State Road 54, near the interstate exit.

For anyone who hasn’t been to the property recently, the changes are obvious.

There’s a new energy in The Village area, with businesses that have recently opened and “coming soon” signs plastered on many storefronts.

The common areas have been upgraded, too.Water fountains, decorative lamp posts, artistic metal flowers, banners and surround sound create a welcoming vibe.

There’s also evidence of future activity: Heavy equipment is parked on disturbed land on one edge of the property, and signs proclaiming future projects are planted into the ground in other areas.

One element that remains missing, though, is a grocery store, Gold said.

The developer said he’d like to bring one in, but doesn’t want a traditional grocery store. He’s interested in adding a specialty grocer.

To find out the latest, check Facebook.com/GroveAtWesleyChapel and Instagram: @groveatwesleychapel.

Purchased by Mishorim Gold Properties, September 2019, for approximately $64 million • Site is about 250 acres; purchase included 604,000 square feet of existing shopping and dining space; plus, 1.3million square feet to build out.

• $110 million in renovations • Average household income within 5 miles, $91,150 (among highest in the United States) • Big Box: 15 stores including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cost Plus World Market, Ross • The Village: 25 shops including coffee shop, paint-your-own pottery, axe throwing, dueling pianos, nail salon, real estate • Krate: One of the largest shopping centers in the world made up of containers.

It will open in Winter 2020 and will feature 94 containers; 54 units; an outdoor stage, a dog park and playground.

Seating will be indoors and outdoors.

• Movie theater complex: Opening this fall, will have 12 theatres, including six which offer dining. There will an arcade, a children’s playroom, a sushi bar and upscale restaurant. Some theaters will have fully reclining chairs.

• Water Park: opening this winter on 1.7 acres. Proposed features include two large water slides, a lazy river, a splash pad for kids, and a pool for adults and kids.

• Mini-golf: 18 holes. Hawaiian theme, handicap accessible. Opening winter 2020 • 50 restaurants: Offer an array of cuisines, including Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Cajun, Peruvian and others • Quarterly and holiday events • Weekend fresh market • Lights and fountain features • Sound system reaches entire development; and, alcohol sales permitted throughout property

Source: The Grove at Wesley Chapel, updated Sept. 20, 2020

A look at the updated exterior of the former Cobb Theatre, at the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

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Leia is a ‘princess’ Leia is a 2-year-old miniature Australian Shepherd.

She was the runt of the litter, born to her owner’s daughter and son-in-law's dog, but is scrappy and keeps up with her brother, Clark, in backyard frolicking. Her name came from her preference for laying on a pink pillow, thus crowning her with the name Princess Leia. Leia likes long walks and dislikes being dressed in costumes, even Star Wars costumes. She anxiously awaits squirrel sightings in the backyard, while perched on the back of the sofa. Leia is a member of the Hamilton family in San Antonio.

PET OF THE WEEK FAMILIES RECEIVE A $30 GIFT CARD TO CHUY’S TEX MEX.

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Send us a picture and information on your favorite pet!

Write a short paragraph about why your pet is special along with a photo and mail to: Pet of the Week, c/o The Laker, P.O. Box 479, Lutz, FL 33548 or email to mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, ATTN: Pet of the Week PLEASE NOTE: OWNERS NAME AND ADDRESS MUST BE INCLUDED FOR YOUR PET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION.

Sharon Thompson, of Wesley Chapel, snapped this photo of an osprey high atop a tree in Country Walk. Osprey wing beats are slow and deep; they flap more than they sail. Their call is a series of loud, clear whistles. They leave the U.S. after breeding season, but return early from wintering grounds in Central and South America.

PET PAWS SEA TURTLE MAKES IT TO NEW HOME

SHARE YOUR PET NEWS

Pistachio (shown), an endangered female Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, was brought to The Florida Aquarium in 2012, after being injured by a boat strike off the coast of Cedar Key. The turtle was rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and was transported to the aquarium’s rescue and rehabilitation program. Pistachio arrived with wounds to her skull and the front of her carpace (top shell), and as a result, she is partially blind in her left eye, has some partial rear flipper paralysis, and has experienced conformational changes to her shell.

Pistachio’s injuries also left her with eating difficulties.

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After years of care by the aquarium’s animal care and health experts, Pistachio is now swimming in her new home at the Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo. Turtles Fly Too is a national nonprofit organization that engages general aviation pilots who donate their expertise, aircraft,

fuel and labor in support of endangered species rescue efforts.

Turtle flier team member pilot Brenda Tibbs navigated the special mission of flying Pistachio from Tampa International Airport to Midway Airport in Chicago, on Sept. 9.

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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 now find Pets of the Week and Local Wildlife photos on our website at LakerLutznews.com, under the Pets/Wildlife link.

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The LAKER / Lutz NEWS CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Part of (abbr.)

4. Persons 9. Moved with a curvying trajectory 14. Bitterly regret 15. Cause to feel embarrassed 16. Type of toast 17. Bobby __, NHL champ 18. Analogies 20. Mixes 22. Beloved flowers 23. Clinton special prosecutor 24. Avoids 28. Innermost brain membrane: __ mater 29. Atomic #18 30. Remain as is 31. One who’s been canonized 33. Indian king or prince 37. The Bay State 38. Forms adjectives 39. Give off 41. Partner to flow 42. Biblical Sumerian city 43. Popular clothing material 44. Organism parts 46. Central US Native American people 49. Blood type 50. Wrath 51. Perennial tropical grass 55. Vetches 58. Buffaloes 59. Envelope type 60. Tuberculosis 64. Israeli city __ Aviv 65. Pops 66. Indo-European languages 67. Fiddler crabs 68. Large bank 69. Not fresh 70. Scientist’s device (abbr.)

DOWN 1. High schoolers’ dances 2. Style of rock music 3. Maryland athlete 4. Softened by soaking 5. Native Aussies 6. Some are on it 7. Clairvoyance 8. Broken piece 9. Wrong 10. Starts over 11. Where to hang clothes 12. One point north of due east 13. Gov’t lawyers 19. Mass of eggs in a shellfish 21. Smile 24. Wrap 25. A citizen of Iran 26. Island off the coast of Tanzania 27. Knifes 31. Beloved “Doctor” 32. Type of turtle 34. Leg (French) 35. Indicates position 36. Self-doubt 40. Of I 41. Retired but allowed to retain title 45. Algerian port 47. African country 48. “Wayward Son” rockers 52. Bring out of sleep 53. Auburn legend Newton 54. Heavy wooden shield in ancient Greece 56. Choose to represent 57. Peace 59. Work hard 60. Reciprocal of a sine 61. Express delight 62. Explosive 63. Journalist Tarbell SEE SOLUTIONS, PAGE 6B

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The world was turned on its head when “Jaws� was released in 1975.

The phenomenally successful movie made people wonder:Was it safe to go back in the water?

Concerns over safety, however, led to the millions of shark deaths.

While 1975 could arguably be called “the year of the shark,� this year might be called the year of “the insect.�

Headlines have honed in on giant Asian hornets, also known as “murder hornets,� and that has created confusion — putting innocent insects in harm’s way.

The invasive giant Asian hornet was trapped in the state of Washington in 2019, and it also was captured across the border, in Canada.

This invader is native to Asia and most likely accidentally introduced to the United States, through a shipping container on a cargo ship.

The state of Washington quickly mobilized local beekeepers and state agricultural biologists to track, trap and destroy the hornets effectively leaving Washington state, and the rest of the U.S., murder-hornet free.

Just recently — at the end of August — there were more sightings in the state of Washington, so experimental traps are being set to see if they can find out more about them.

When the insect was first discovered in Washington, a news story was published raising alarms nationwide —leading to hundreds of reported sightings.

Those sightings were not murder hornets.

But, the fear prevails.

Jun-ichi Takahasi, a specialist on the species from Japan, says that the hornet earned the “murder hornet� moniker from its aggressive behavior, its ability to deliver extremely painful stings and for the possibility that just a few stings can be fatal for humans, according to a report published this May. Understandably, the public is concerned.

Beekeepers are concerned, too, since the hornet is adept at killing adult honeybees and feeding the larvae to its young.

Florida, popular for its beaches and warm winters and hot summers, has a conducive environment for invasive plants and species.

It has vines that choke the life out of native plant populations and pythons that choke the life out of native wildlife.

COURTESY OF ALLAN SMITH-PARDO/USDA APHIS PPQ

The giant Asian hornet has a yellow head, a black thorax, and yellow and black or brown stripes along its abdomen, making its size and color quite distinctive compared to any other insect in Florida.

Florida also has plenty of wild areas where invasive pests can hide.

However, there have been no verified sightings of murder hornets in Florida, or nearly anywhere else in the U.S. Still, the fear about murder hornets could endanger the Florida's native and beneficial insects that just so happen to resemble the now-famous hornet species.

These beneficial insects could be in jeopardy, just as sharks fell victim to human overreaction and sensationalism.

Here’s a look at some of the insects that could be at risk.

The most common wasp species mistaken for the giant Asian hornet is the cicada killer, also known as ground hornets.

Large and intimidating, cicada killers are not harmful. In fact, they help control the population of damaging plant-eating cicadas.There are a few species in Florida and throughout the Caribbean. Generally, they are not aggressive, but they are capable of stinging, if provoked.

Although not considered dangerous, any of the wasp species can be harmful to those with allergies, small children and the elderly.

It’s best to not encourage them to live close by using mulch to cover bare soil and, if necessary, using labeled insecticides can rid an area of the wasps.

Cicada killer colors, depending on the species, appear red to black with large, yellow spots. While the cicada killer is large, compared to other wasp species at 1.5inches long, they pale in comparison to the See ASIAN HORNETS, page 5B

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ASIAN HORNETS, from 4B giant Asian hornet which can grow to more than 2.5-inches long.

The giant Asian hornet has a yellow head, a black thorax, and yellow and black or brown stripes along its abdomen, making its size and color quite distinctive compared to any other insect in Florida.

Another wasp — the common paper wasp — also is commonly mistaken for a ‘murder hornet.” The paper wasp typically keeps to itself, but it can sting, if provoked.

Paper wasps are beneficial.They help to pollinate plants and they make a great biological pest control, controlling damaging caterpillars.

They can sting to protect their nests, but they typically are not a problem.

If they do become a problem, careful application of a labeled aerosol spray in the evening, after the wasps have returned to their nest, can address the issue.

Yellow jackets, another common Florida wasp, also are mistaken for “murder hornets.”

Yellow jackets are more aggressive in defending their homes than other wasp species, but they, too, are beneficial.They prey upon insect pests.Yellow jackets are distinctive in their coloration, which consists of a black body with bright, yellow stripes.

Controlling wasps

Wasps play a beneficial role and should not be killed unnecessarily, but occasional control may be needed. If so, here are some things to keep in mind: • For yellow jackets (wasps nesting below ground), call in a licensed, pest control operator. These wasps are aggressive, and it’s difficult to get to the nests.

• For hornets, or wasp species with small nests, use aerosol sprays labeled for their use on wasps. These types of spray can be sprayed from several feet away from the nest, to help avoid stings.

• For large, aerial nests in trees, consult a licensed professional for removal options.

Need help?

If you believe you have spotted something unknown to our state, potentially dangerous, or simply unusual, there are resources to help with identification, and if necessary, offer control strategies.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Service can help with identification and can help you learn more about the insects.

The Florida Wildlife Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also are good sources of information.

Source: Whitney C. Elmore, is the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension director and an Urban Horticulture Agent III.

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The common paper wasp, commonly mistaken for a ‘murder hornet,’ is beneficial. It helps to pollinate plants and makes a great biological pest control, controlling damaging caterpillars.

Another ground-dwelling wasp — the bald-faced hornet — also sometimes is mistaken for the giant Asian hornet. But, the bald-faced hornet wasp has very distinctive black and white coloration, and dwells in aerial nests.

The bald-faced hornet also is not a threat.

All of these wasps are hornets. Hornet is just a term for wasps that typically have above-ground nests. Yellow jacket is a term generally reserved for those wasps with underground nests.

People are concerned about the potential spread of the giant Asian hornets.

But, they can rest assured that the United States Department of Agriculture and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are vigilant.

They are constantly monitoring for invasive pathogens, insects and viruses that have potential to do harm to the native bees and wildlife, including the vitally important European honey bees, which surprisingly, are not a native species.

As sharks have been killed needlessly over the past four decades, innocent insects are being killed more frequently because of mistaken identity.

Those actions lead to potential ecological damage, as populations of native and non-native beneficial species are affected.

Many of these insects help pollinate crops, home gardens and ornamental plants.

They also can serve as important food sources for other animals.

Florida is rich in plant and animal diversity — so mistaken identities are understandable, but caution and patience should govern our reactions.

To learn more on this topic, visit: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – FDACS.gov Florida Wildlife Commission – MyFWC.com University of Florida/IFAS Pasco Cooperative Extension Office – SFYL.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/.

Dr. Whitney C. Elmore is the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension director and an Urban Horticulture Agent III.

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andler Dennard Linville, age 70, passed away peacefully in her home September 17, 2020 surrounded by her family from metastatic breast cancer. She was born November 22, 1949 in Dalton, Georgia and the daughter of late Robert E. Sr and Helen McCamy Dennard.

Candy grew up in Dalton, Ga where she attended Dalton High. She was loved by all and was the Dalton High Sweetheart 1967. She continued her education at Gulfport All Womens College and University of Tennessee where she met her late husband Danny R Linville of Zephyrhills. Her southern bell charm led her to be the Kappa Alpha Rose of Danny’s Chapter.

Candy was a dedicated mother first and foremost to her daughters Ali and Tara. She treasured her family and embraced every moment she had with them. She especially loved her role being Nana and Nanny to her grandchildren Joshua, Laila, Tripp and Hamilton. Her favorite past times included watching her grandchildren grow up, spending time with good friends, giving back and helping others in need, dancing, hosting parties, going to the opera, dinners with family and friends, fun times at the beach, and being a ‘Best Friend� to all. She was a true southern bell with impeccable taste always dressing her best and treating everyone with respect and kindness. Her friendship to all was genuine, combined with her compassion to love others.

Candy was a life time horse lover and all around animal lover. She was a member of the Two Rivers Hunt Club and South Creek Fox Hounds where she spent many years socializing at the Hunt Balls, Fox Hunting and organizing the Steeplechase up at Little Everglades. Horses were her passion. She loved to write inspirational poetry about her adventures with her horses. They gave her that positive free spirit approach to life. Her animals Kitty Man (cat) and Lulu (dog) will miss her greatly!

Candy was also very involved with giving back. She volunteered her time to at various organization including The Women’s Club, Habitat for Humanity, and the Rotary Club. Giving back and helping others in need was a big part of her life. She was one of a kind and will be missed dearly.

Candy is survived by her daughters, Ali Kristin Linville of Zephyrhills, FL and Tara Linville Spung of Carbondale, CO; son in law, James L. Spung Jr (JR).; grandchildren, Joshua Dudeck, Laila Wheeler, James III (Tripp) and Hamilton Spung; brother Robert E. (Bob) Dennard, Jr. and Thomas Dennard both of Dalton, GA; brother and sister in laws, Terry and Joy Linville, Jay Linville, Tim and Rosie Linville all of Zephyrhills and Tony and Alexia Linville of Lutz, Fl nieces and nephews, Blake Dennard, Tracy and Lin Clement of Dalton, GA, Jeff, Nick, Amanda, Elizabeth, Jay Jr., Madison, Jared, Preston, Chelsea, Chad, Austin, Brody, Jasmine, Sabrina, Delanie, Jackson and Carson of Tampa Bay Area.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020 3pm-5:30pm at her home 7303 Dairy Road, Zephyrhills, FL 33540. Please where a hat or a bit of color to celebrate her life.

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