The Laker-Wesley Chapel/New Tampa-March 3, 2021

The LAKER

ee r F

WESLEY CHAPEL/NEW TAMPA EDITION

LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

Auto Accident?

Slip and Fall?

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Or Costs Unless You Win HOLLIDAY KARATINOS LAW FIRM, P.L.

MARCH 3, 2021

Helping people travel safely

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

As Pasco County and the municipalities within the county’s borders continue to grow, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey thinks the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization should have a greater voice in planning future roads to ensure safety, while promoting connectivity.

The issue came up repeatedly during the

Pasco MPO’s Feb. 11 meeting.

“I’m wondering if it’s the role of the MPO to give some policy direction when we work on our road network,” Starkey asked her colleagues.

She’d like the MPO board to be able to weigh in before road projects are done — to keep safety in mind for pedestrians, cyclists and golf cart users.

Otherwise, she said, the county and local jurisdictions could end up with scenarios

they don’t want and have to spend more money later to make changes.

The issue of paying more attention to connectivity came up during discussion of an item to amend the transportation improvement plan to include two wildlife culverts under State Road 52.

The culverts will connect the Connor Preserve on the southern side of State Road See TRAVEL, page 11A

HelpingInjuredPeople.com Call Attorney

JIM HOLLIDAY 813-868-1887 “I Will Aggressively Fight To Protect Your Legal Rights” 18920 N. Dale Mabry Hwy Ste 101 Lutz, FL (Corner of Sunlake & Dale Mabry)

Walk-Ins Welcome WE’RE THE TEAM YOU CAN COUNT ON

cornerstonepros.com CAC1816647 & CFC1428982 • EC0001103

TUNE-UPS FOR AC/HEATING

$19.95

CHRISTINE HOLTZMAN

Valid for new customers only.

Not valid on pre-purchased plans. Exp 3/31/21.

Adventure seekers succeed at the fair

MAINTENANCE PLANS BEGINNING AT

$9.95

FOR FIRST-TIME CUSTOMERS

The COVID-19 pandemic continues — but the 74th annual Pasco County Fair found a way to work around it — offering rides, midway games, food, fun and entertainment. There were also plenty of social distancing signs and hand sanitizer stations, and masks were required inside of the buildings. Above, 8-year-old Vashaun Smith, center, tosses rings at the ‘Ring-a-Bottle’ game, while family members cheer for him. The Dade City family was spending the day at the Pasco County Fair on Feb. 20. From left in back: Za’keyia Obanner, 16; Breshae Obanner, 15; and Anthony Lane, 13. From left in front: Ashley Washington, 8; Vashaun Smith, 8; Jeremiah Harris, 9; Rashawn Washington, 6; and Jawaun Washington, 9. For more fair coverage, see 1B.

Valid for new customers only.

Not valid on pre-purchased plans. Exp 3/31/21.

Same-Day Service Free 2nd Opinion* Free Estimates** 24/7 Emergency **Free estimates for new A/C, water heater, water treatment, whole home generators, whole home repipe and electrical panel upgrade. *Free second opinion with written diagnosis from another company.

813-990-0561 20122019

Loving Lovin Lo ovvviiinnngg Hands Haaannndddss Ministries Hand Miiinni niissstttrrriiieeess nistrie presents

299 tthh 2

ANNUAL L

Charity Ch Charit hhaaarrriiitttyy Golf Goolllff Go Gol TOURNAMENT NA T

Satu urday March h 13th, 20 021 Registration opens at 7:30am 7 Four man scramble with a shotgun start at 8:3 30am Lunch included | Awa ards Door Prizes| Silent Auction n| Raffle

Dustin or Ron | 352.52 23.1399 Join us by Sponsoring a hole, bring a team of golfers, or becoming a business sponsor to help make this years tournament a success!

Fourteen-year-old Cody Adams Jr., of Dade City, flashes the peace sign, as he rides the swing ride ‘Vertigo’ with his 10-year-old brother, Justin Young. Adams said that he likes the hand symbol, and does it all the time. Their mother, Jessica Young, waited on the ground while her sons rode the popular thrill ride, which rises nearly 90 feet in the air, and spins riders seated in swings.

Giving entrepreneurs tools SWFMD executive they need to be successful director wins geology alumni award

By B.C. Manion

bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Scotland Yard 9424 US-301 Dade City, FL 335 525 www.LovingHands.n net Marshallw@lovinghand vinghand ds net

ee Fr

ee Fr

The LAKER WESLEY CHAPEL/NEW TAMPA EDITION

LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

Auto Accident?

Slip and Fall?

FREE CONSULTATION

No Fees Or Costs Unless You Win HOLLIDAY KARATINOS

FEBRUARY 3, 2016

The LAKER

LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

Auto Accident?

Slip and Fall?

By Kathy Steele

FREE CONSULTATION

The site is located at the corner of of heading toward a construction start Magnolia Boulevard and Wesley Chapel Amici Plaza in spring with an opening likely Boulevard, which is also known as County ksteele@lakerlutznews.com by the end of 2016.

Road 54.

Pasco County records show a conceptual Pasco County is moving forward with acOwners of Amici Pizza & Deli are planthe plan with about 3,000 square feet for Road ning to build a new stand-alone restaurant, for quisition of right-of-way along County restaurant, and about 1,800 square feet 54 to prepare for the expansion of the twowith additional retail space, on Wesley retail. the lane road into a four-lane road at Chapel Boulevard.

“We’d like to have our own building and 54 junction of State Road 56 and State Road The new restaurant is a short distance a bigger kitchen,” said Andrea Mannino. from the existing Amici restaurant in Grand No decisions have been made on the adSee PIZZA, page 13A Oaks Square, at Wesley Chapel and Pet Lane. ditional retail space, he said.

Andrea and Josephine Mannino, are

LAW FIRM, P.L.

No Fees Or Costs Unless You Win HOLLIDAY KARATINOS LAW FIRM, P.L. HelpingInjuredPeople.com

HelpingInjuredPeople.com

Call Attorney

JIM HOLLIDAY

Call Attorney

JIM HOLLIDAY

813-868-1887 “I Will Aggressively Fight To Protect Your Legal Rights”

813-868-1887 “I Will Aggressively Fight To Protect Your Legal Rights”

18920 N. Dale Mabry Hwy Ste 101 Lutz, FL (Corner of Sunlake & Dale Mabry)

101 18920 N. Dale Mabry Hwy Ste Lutz, FL (Corner of Sunlake & Dale Mabry)

Walk-Ins Welcome

Walk-Ins Welcome

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

EDITION

JANUARY 27, 2016

Pasco administrator to retire in

By Kathy Steele

ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker expects to be very busy over the next year and a half.

She’ll be crossing off a to-do list, one by one, before leaving in 2017 to go on a lengthy road trip with her husband.

The couple will hit the road with their recreational vehicle and their motorcycles, on a tour of as many baseball parks and national parks as they can squeeze into a year.

“That’s been our dream,” Baker said, so letting her contract lapse in July 2017 makes sense.

But, don’t expect a lame duck administrator.

“There’s no kicking back here,” Baker said.“This isn’t me slowing down. ” Baker has told Pasco County commissioners she won’t seek renewal of her current two-year contract, which makes her

2017

last day July 9, 2017. the jail and construction of new fire stations By then, Baker will • Relocating have worked 35 years central Pasco more government offices to in public service, 24 Baker also plans to fill vacancies for a of those years with few key leadership positions that remain, Pasco County. cluding an assistant county administrator infor Her to-do list, in public safety and administration. short form, includes: Progress has been made, Baker said, but • Completing mas- government services still could be more ter plans and updates customer-friendly. for storm water, solid A culture that was decades in the waste and tourism making is being changed, she said.“You don’t • Funding and building a diverging get to dia- turn a canoe.You’re turning mond road design to ease traffic congestion a ship.”

Public service wasn’t Baker’s first at State Road 56 and Interstate 75 career choice.

• Completing the State Road 56 extenOver the years she worked sion as a waitress, • Nurturing SunWest Park, the county’s flight attendant and a theater manager. She also served in the U.S.Air Force Reserve. fledgling aqua park Her undergraduate degree was in • Replacing and repairing aging busiinfra- ness administration. structure and roads damaged by the It wasn’t until she accepted a secretarial summer flooding • Making progress on the expansion of See RETIRE, page 11A Michele Baker

Kumquats reign supreme at area festival

By Kathy Steele

ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

®

Saturday, January 30, 2016 9 AM - 5 PM Historic Downtown Dade City

FREE ADMISSION KATHY STEELE/STAFF PHOTOS

©

WESLEY CHAPEL/NEW TAMPA

Amici Pizza plans stand-alone location

Mark Pizzurro, Joe Traina and Peter Abreut

anticipate opening their craft brewery

in Land O’ Lakes in spring.

I th

The first kumquat tree in St. Joseph took root more than 100 years ago, when C.J. Nathe planted it in his backyard.

He added a few more, and soon he had small grove on an acre of fertile ground. a The kumquat king, as Nathe was later dubbed, transformed a quiet back road community into the Kumquat Capital of the World.

An open house will take place on Jan. and Jan. 29 at the Kumquat Growers 28 packi h d

Margie Neuhofer and her h

b

dJ

KATHY STEELE/STAFF PHOTO

DON’T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE!

The full version of The Laker is now available online. Visit LakerLutzNews.com and click E-Editions in the top left corner.

Thirteen-year-old Colby Stewart, left, finds hilarity while seated on the thrill ride ‘Axis’ next to a giant plush panda, and his friend, 13-year-old Salena Briggs. The teens are sixth-graders at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills.

When guests arrived at SMARTstart @ The Grove last month, they found a space that’s well-equipped to help entrepreneurs launch a new business, and to help existing businesses grow.

The business incubator is at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 202, in the Grove at Wesley Chapel — a shopping, restaurant and entertainment complex that’s in the midst of a massive refresh.

Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., spoke enthusiastically about the center’s potential.

“These doors that you walked through today, there’s going to be so many different companies — people, families, all different types of things are going to be coming through those doors in the future,” Cronin said.

The economic development expert noted that Pasco County has a pro-business environment, and welcomes not only companies that are transplanting from overseas, but also

startup companies that are getting off the ground.

“You look at those big cities all over the United States and they’ve got headquarters — a lot of those headquarters didn’t move there.A lot of them started there,” he said.

The Pasco EDC and Pasco County have programs aimed at helping businesses that are in every stage of development, Cronin added.

Dan Mitchell, the EDC’s program director for SMARTstart, shared some statistics from last year’s activities with Pasco’s incubators.

“This is our third entrepreneur center,” Mitchell said.“Last year, even though we had to deal with the pandemic, through SMARTstart, we were able to help over 645 business owners with counseling sessions to help them with financial assistance, technical assistance and guidance that they needed.

“We served over 24 businesses in our incubators, actually helping them with workspace and guidance they need to launch their businesses.

See TOOLS, page 11A

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

When Brian Armstrong received the 2020 Geology Alumni Society Award from the University of South Florida — he was both surprised, and humbled by the honor.

Armstrong, who is executive director for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD), knew that he was going to play a role at the Jan. 30 awards banquet, but didn’t know whether it would be to bestow, or receive, an award, he said.

Upon learning that he was the recipient, Armstrong said he felt humbled because he realizes the caliber of the previous winners of this award.

Plus,Armstrong noted, it felt a bit odd to receive an individual award.

“I almost feel a little bit guilty, in that, I know all of the people who have helped me See AWARD, page 11A

SSUMMER UMMER IS IS ALMOST ALMOST HHERE! ERE!

NoboDy N bEAts A s soNNy’s DEAL!

CCOME OME SSEE EE US US OORR GGIVE IVE US US A CCALL ALL FFOR OR ALL ALL YYO YOUR OUR A/C A//CC NNEEDS EEDS

APPLIANCES • BEDDING • CENTRAL AIR

APPLIANCE ES

IN-STOCK K Until 2/28/21 2/ /

READ DYY NOW FOR PICKUP OR DELIVVER RYY! TAKE IT HOME TTO TA ODA DAYY!

Give us a call c for ALL your air a -conditioning ne eeds!

352-567-6224

444999

USA MADE

$

$

3.5 CU. C FT. TOP-LO OAAD WASH HER WITH DU UAAL ACTIO ON AAGITA GITAT TAATTTO OR

Visit our Heart of V of the Home Showrooom.

499

• Porceelain Tub • 5 Tem mperature Settings •8W Waassh Cycles

USA MADE

59999

30 30” STTA AINLESS STEEL GAS RANGE

330” G GAS STA ST AINLESS S STEEL RANGE

NTW45166FW

Over 25 Kitchen Displlays!

$

99

FFGF3051TS

W WFG320M0JS

MATTRESS S

SALE!!

ivery Free Delliiv y blly & Assem

ories Eggcess too!!

IFF IT’S NOT GREEN, IT’S NOT REAL!

24” DISHWASSHERS

*See Store for Details

Starting at

299

$

Wee come to yourr W home and measure

4 FREE

9 99

Just Contact Us!!

#WET4027HW

18 cu.. ft.

TOP FREEZER REFRIGERA

52999

$ APPLIANCES • BEDDING • CENTRRAL AIR We accept Visa, MC, Discover yy,, W We Weells e FFaargo

ELECTRIC STTA ACKED LAUNDRY CENTER

Got Que Q stions?

Lets cha c t online.

Follow us on instagram

1299999

$

JUST 30 MINUUTES FROM WESLEY CHAPEL C AND LAND O’’ LAKES

10651 HWYY.. 301 SOUTH S • DADE CITY • WWW.SONNYSAPPLIANCES.NET • 352-5567-6224 M-F 9 AM – 5 PM • SAATT 9 AM – 4 PM • CLOSED SSUNDAAYYS TO BE WITH FAMIL FA LYY

Your heart is at the he center off ever e ything hi you do.

Get your heart in the right place.

Your incredible hear t deser ves incredible care. AdventHealth Wesley Chapel’s cardiovascular excellence is recognized by some of the most prestigious groups in the industr y. Our exper ts use the latest innovation and technolo chnolog ogy to keep your hear t running running st rong.

• • • •

Recipient of the Healthgrades 2021 Coronary Intervention Excellence xc Aw Award™ Named Among the To Top 10% in the Nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures in 2021 Five-Star Recipient for Coronary Interventional Procedures in 2021 Five-Star Recipient for Tr Treatment of Heart A Atttack in 2021

FloridaHeartExperts.com

2A

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH TO FIRE EARM TRAINING

CONCEALED CARR RY Y CLASSES $

59 covers everything, incluuding ammo!

• Double-certified NRA instructor and USCCA Partner • Fun, informative and professional classes • Large open space classroom and private range ennsure a safe day Also teach intermediate, advanced, youth and weappon cleaning classes!

Register Online:

www.PascoCCW W..com .

813.444.8050 info@hamblensecurity y.com

COURTESY OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

This aerial view shows the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54. During morning and afternoon rush hours, there are significant backups at the busy intersection in Land O’ Lakes.

Solution to Land O’ Lakes traffic jams still years away, if then The public will have a chance later this year, to weigh in on alternatives being considered for improving traffic flow at U.S. 41 and State Road 54.

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Complaints have persisted for years about traffic congestion at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

There also have been on-again, off-again public discussions over the best solution for reducing traffic at the place where two of Pasco’s busiest roads meet.

State Road 54 runs east-west, and had an average daily traffic count of 63,000 in 2019, according to figures supplied by the Florida Department of Transportation.

U.S. 41 runs north-south, and had average daily traffic counts of 69,000 in 2019, according to state road officials.

On top of that, there’s new growth underway and future growth coming in Land O’ Lakes.

Plus, State Road 54 is an evacuation route when hurricanes threaten.

But, complaints about traffic congestion are likely to persist for some time, because even in a best-case scenario, any option for improvements is likely to be at least 10 years away from funding.

That’s according to a Feb. 11 presentation to the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s board by Craig Fox, a project manager for FDOT. While a solution may be a long way off, the issue is expected to get public attention this year, as consideration is given to four alternatives being studied by state road officials.

Fox outlined those four options: • Alternative 1:Two lanes of State Road 54, in each direction, are elevated over U.S. 41.Two frontage lanes run parallel to State Road 54, east-west. Additional lanes allow left and right turns to U.S. 41.

• Alternative 2: An at-grade intersection without elevated lanes. Left-turns occur prior to the main intersection, using a

frontage road along the cross streets.

• Alternative 3:Two lanes of State Road 54 are elevated in each direction over U.S. 41. Left-turning traffic crosses over the opposing through traffic, several hundred feet before the major intersection.

• Alternative 4: No Build While there’s no funding for construction until 2031, work continues to study the alternatives, Fox told the MPO board.

“We are currently working on concepts for all three build alternatives,” he said.

In evaluating the alternatives, Fox said, “we’re looking at the improvements based on traffic operations, safety costs, impacts, right of way impacts, also.

“From that we’re going to select a build alternative to carry into the PD&E (Project Design & Environmental Study) phase, and eventually the design phase,” he said.

He expects a public meeting on the alternatives to occur later this year, he said.

Once the alternative is chosen, the PD&E would be conducted in 2021 to 2022.

That would be followed by design, which would occur from 2022 to 2024.

And, after that, right of way acquisition would occur from 2025 to 2026.

Construction, however, would not start until 2031, Fox said.

“It actually got pushed out to 2031-2032, and that was kind of also due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the statewide budget.”

At the Pasco MPO board meeting, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano told Fox:“I like that you’re doing all of the alternatives.The one that intrigues me the most is the flyover, going east-west, because I think that’s going to be critical. It’s as much a safety factor, with the rail line that goes north-south, and especially if the rail line is ever going to run up and down.That would be safer, as well as more efficient, for that rail line, as well.”

Fox said the FDOT is currently updating right of way costs affiliated with the three alternatives.

He said it will be up to the Pasco County MPO to determine when the Vision 54/56 Task Force will reconvene.

The public will be able to comment on the alternatives at the Alternative Public Meeting, which is expected in Summer of 2021.They also will be able to comment online and via mail, he said.

The LAKER / Lutz NEWS

LUTZ, ODESSA, LAND O’ LAKES, WESLEY CHAPEL, NEW TAMPA, ZEPHYRHILLS, DADE CITY Serving Pasco since 1981 / Serving Lutz since 1964 PUBLISHER & OWNER: DIANE KORTUS, dkortus@lakerlutznews.com EDITORIAL

SALES & MARKETING

DESIGN

B.C. MANION, Editor bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

TERRI WILLIAMSON, Sr. Acct. Mgr. twilliamson@lakerlutznews.com

MATTHEW MISTRETTA, Art Director mmistretta@lakerlutznews.com

KEVIN WEISS, Staff Writer kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

CAROLYN BENNETT, Customer Service cbennett@lakerlutznews.com

STEFANIE BURLINGAME, Graphic Designer sburlingame@lakerlutznews.com

MARY RATHMAN, Editorial Assistant mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

KELLI CARMACK, Marketing Asst. kcarmack@lakerlutznews.com

ACCOUNTING

KATIE FERNANDEZ, Sales Asst. kfernandez@lakerlutznews.com

MARY EBERHARD meberhard@lakerlutznews.com

LOCATION: 3632 Land O' Lakes Blvd. Suite 102 • Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639 MAIL: P. O. Box 479 • Lutz, FL 33548 PHONE/FAX: ph: 813.909.2800 • fax: 813.909.2802 IT SUPPORT: STEVE MISTRETTA

WEBSITE: www.lakerlutznews.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/lakerlutznews TWITTER: www.twitter.com/lakerlutznews EMAIL: news@lakerlutznews.com • sales@lakerlutznews.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mail subscriptions are sold to cover postage cost: $40/3 months, $80/6 months, $160/12 months.

DELIVERY PROBLEMS: If you do not receive your paper, or want to stop home delivery, call 813-948-5237. Or go to www.lakerlutznews.com, select Circulation request and complete “Opt Out” form.

ADDITIONAL COPIES: A listing of boxes and business locations is on our home page at www.lakerlutznews.com.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: Suggestions for stories and news coverage are welcome. Please send ideas to news@lakerlutznews.com, or call our newsroom at 813-909-2800.

ADVERTISING ERRORS: Publisher is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the space cost for the first insertion, or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

Advertising and editorial content ©2020 by Manatee Media Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without prior written permission from the publisher.

This map shows the Florida Department of Transportation’s study of the alternatives being considered for improvements to the State Road 54 and U.S. 41 intersection in Land O’ Lakes.

www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

3A

What’s Happening

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

CHURCH FISH DINNERS Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 32145 Saint Joe Road in Dade City, will offer these Lenten meals for takeout or dine-in.

• March 5: Fried fish, baked beans, hush puppies, coleslaw, cheese grits or macaroni & cheese, and a beverage • March 19: Fried fish, French fries, coleslaw and a beverage The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.Whole kumquat pies also will be available for purchase, for $20.

FISH FRY FRIDAYS Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will offer its annual Lenten Fish Fry Fridays.This year, dinners are prepaid, take-out only, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., due to COVID-19 restrictions. Each dinner includes two pieces of fish and up to three sides.The cost is $10 per meal. Preorder by the weekend before each Friday to guarantee your dinner. Upcoming dates are March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26.To preorder a meal, visit KnightsLOL.org/takeout.

APPLE PIE BOMBS The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer “Foodie Feast:Apple Pie Bombs” on March 5. Participants can learn how to make tasty, apple pie bombs.Watch the prerecorded video between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., online at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at daniellel@pascolibraries.org.

must be picked up between March 9 at 10 a.m., and March 13 at 5 p.m. For information, call 813-929-1214.

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host a virtual poetry discussion group on “Female Power!” on March 9 at 6:30 p.m., for ages 16 and older, via Zoom. Participants can share a favorite poem or take part in discussions on poems about women or written by women poets.Themed poems will be sent out to help with the session.

Registration is required. For information, email amarisp@pascolibraries.org.

Tree problems

The UF/IFAS Pasco Extension will present a discussion entitled, “Learn on the Lawn: Avoiding Common Tree Problems,” on March 12 at 6 p.m., which will include an Ask the Arborist session. Participants should bring a lawn chair or blanket and face coverings/masks, and dress appropriately for weather conditions (sunscreen, insect repellant, etc.) Social distancing will be enforced. For information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

Garden Club

GRILLED CHEESE

The Dade City Garden Club will host a general membership meeting, via Zoom, on March 15 at 9:30 a.m. The program will feature a local Florida Sweeties peach grower, Cristi Johnson. Johnson will share her experiences of cultivating this new crop and will provide advice for growing the fruit. There also will be a Q&A session. Registration for non-members is by email at dcgc0352@gmail.com, by 5 p.m., on March 14. For information, visit DadeCityGardenClub.com.

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to make green grilled cheese on March 9 at 4:30 p.m., for grades four to seven.To view the video, visit the Library Cooperative on Facebook or Instagram.

Rose society

FANDOM TRIVIA

The Tampa Rose Society will meet on March 16 at 7 p.m., at the Seminole Garden Center, 5800 Central Ave., in Tampa. Allen Whitcomb and Karen Prevatt will present a visual tour, “Rose Gardens of Germany,” that will include the rose garden in Sangerhausen, the International Test Garden, and the garden in BadeBaden. Participants should wear a mask and social distance. There also will be a raffle. For information, call 813-933-6166.

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present Fandom Trivia: High School Musical on March 10 at 4 p.m., for grades eight to 12. Participants can test their knowledge of the High School Musical movies.

Registration is required. For information, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-8613020 or amarisp@pascolibraries.org.

Plant society

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will host a native plant sale on March 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be a large selection of quality nursery-grown plants, a plant profile for each purchase, society members on hand to answer questions, and carts available for plant transportation. Guests must wear a mask and follow social-distancing rules. Hand sanitizers will be available. For information, visit PascoNativePlants.org or FNPS.org

THEATER REOPENS

The Grand Concourse Railroad, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills, will offer a Pancake Breakfast and Unlimited Train Rides event on March 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for kids. For information, visit Grand Concourse Railroad on Facebook.

TECHNOLOGY TUESDAY

REPUBLICAN CLUB

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a Technology Tuesday: Robots & Machines on March 9, through a curbside pickup activity.The kit will help kids learn more about technology, from robots to coding, through online and handson activities.The pickup is limited to 35 participants and must be reserved ahead of time.A book bundle can be included. Kits

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to grow a tomato garden. Those interested can view the video at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary, all day, on March 8. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email he@pascolibraries.org.

POETRY DISCUSSION

Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., in downtown Tampa, will reopen on March 11 with a screening of the new Anthony Hopkins drama,“The Father,” at 7:30 p.m.

Movie tickets must be purchased online, instead of at the box office.Temperature checks and masks will be required for entry.There also will be a 200-patron seating capacity per screening. Movie-goers will be required to use the Noble Concessions App to order snacks from their seats. For information and additional showtimes, visit TampaTheatre.org.

PANCAKES AND TRAINS

Tomato garden

The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet on March 11 at 6:30 p.m., at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes.The guest speaker will be political and policy strategist Amanda Makki.Attendance is free.To RSVP, call 813469-0227.

More WHAT’S, page 5A

Quality Ho H spice Care in Pascoo County for o 30 Ye Years

Call today and speak to a nurse aboout how we can help you and your loved ones. o "I'm gr "I'm grraatef atefu eful full bbeeeyo yyoond ondd w word wo orrdds ttha or hat yyoou ou pprrroovid ovid iided dedd my de my grrraand aandmother dmo mot other with wi wit ith th a go goo good ood odd qu qua qualit alit liity ty ooff lif liiffee whilile lee sh she he was he as iinn yyoour our ca car arree." ar e.""

w www.Gulf sidee.org | 800-5611-4883

WE’RE THE TEAM WE’RE AM Y YO OU C CAN COUNT T ON

co orrnerston nerstone epros.co s.com m

TUNE-UPS $ FOR AC/ HEAATTING

19

MAINTEN NANCE PLANS 95

FOR FIRSTT--TTIME CUSTOMERS

Valid for new customers onlyy.. Not valid on pre-purchase Va ed plans. Exp 3/31/21.

813-990-0 990-005 0561 561 61 4A

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

BEGINNING AT AT

Valid for new customers onlyy..

Not valid on pre-purchased pla ans.

Exp 3/31/21.

Winner 2012 - 2019 Winn

$

9

95

WHAT’S, from page 4A ECONOMIC SECURITY

The Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County will sponsor a panel discussion on “Economic Security in Pasco County During the COVID Outbreak” on March 11 at 7 p.m. Panelists will include Brian Hoben, community services director, Pasco County Public Services; Marcy Esbjerg, director of community development, Pasco County Public Services; Don Anderson, CEO, Pasco Homeless Coalition; and, Mike Bishop, director, Stakeholder Engagement, Pasco Economic Development Council. For information on how to register, email pasco@hclwv.org.

ST. PATTY’S CRAFT

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a St. Patty’s Day curbside-pickup only kids craft on March 13 at 10 a.m., until supplies run out. For information, call 813-929-1214.

EXHIBITORS NEEDED

Demene Benjamin and UrEsteem will host “UrSelf:A Dabble in Self-Care” on March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Exhibitors can be anyone who has a product or service to promote physical, mental and social health, including physical and massage therapists; counselors; churches; nail techs/hairstylists; yoga/pilates/exercise; or natural products.

For information, call 813-334-6006, or email b4uresteem@gmail.com.

‘GREASE’ EVENT

T-Mobile will sponsor “Grease is the Word” on March 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.There will be a sing-along contest pitting Pasco County Fire Rescue against the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, a free movie “under the stars,” and a classic car show with prizes.There also will be food trucks and games.Admission is free.

VIRTUAL OPENING ACT

The 10th annual Paulie Palooza music festival, a benefit for Gulfside Hospice, will take place in two parts.The Virtual Opening Act is scheduled for March 13 at 3 p.m., and the Live Headliner Event is scheduled for Oct. 16. Guests can stream the opening act by visiting Facebook.com/GulfsideHealthcareServices.

More information is online at PauliePalooza.org, or by contacting Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning specialist, at 727-845-5707 or leesa.fryer@gulfside.org.

REPUBLICAN CLUB

The East Pasco Republican Club will meet on March 16 at 6 p.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, in the Tuttle Room.The guest speaker will be Jodi Wilkeson, Zephyrhills city councilwoman.

‘ALADDIN JR.’

Live Oak Theatre is now selling tickets for its Acorn Theatre production of “Aladdin jr.”

Performances will be March 18 through March 28, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. Seats are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 13 and younger, when accompanied by an adult. For show times and tickets, visit LiveOakTheatre.square.site, email liveoakboxoffice@gmail.com, or call 352-593-0027.

MUSIC FESTIVAL

The SunWest Music Festival is scheduled for March 20 from noon to 7 p.m., at SunWest Park, 17632 Old Dixie Highway in Hudson.

There will be live music, food trucks, beach games and more. Guests can bring their own chairs and seating, and should social distance.There will be hand sanitizer stations available, but guests also should bring their own. No coolers or pets.

Admission is $10 for early bird tickets online or $15 at the door. Kids are free. For information, visit SunWest Park on Facebook.

DOGS’ DAY

The annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City is scheduled for March 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Agnes Lamb Park, across from The Edwinola on Meridian Avenue).The event will include: • Dog Wagon Parade, 10 a.m.

• Dog Costume Contest, 11 a.m.

• K-9 Challenge, noon • Canine Got Talent?, 12:30 p.m.

• Ice Cream/Yogurt-Eating Contest, 1:30 p.m.

• Vendors (Booth fee is $20, or $10 for nonprofits) All dogs must be on a leash.

For information, call 352-424-4972, or visit DogsDayInDadeCity.com.

JELLY BEAN FLING

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host the Jelly Bean Fling on March 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The event will include Sphere’s Bubble Magic Show, Jasper the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, kids’ entertainment, games, food and vendors.

More details coming soon.

DAOUBL E DE EALS T SOU THPORT SPR RINGS Fabulous Golff Cou Fa urse and Restaur ta raant Op Open T Too Public

18-Hole Golf Co ourse Special

$34 GREENS & LU LU UNCH IS ON US* *Any menu item with soda or iced tea aat Parkway Taavvern Restaurant

Must book on­line at SouthportSpriingsFL.com for special price Inside and outside dining. Located inside clubhouse. Va Valid through 4/28/2021. Coupons cannot be combinedd.

BUY 1 ME EN NU ITEM OR DA LY DAIL Y SPECIAL & GET SECOND ½ PRICE at Parkway Taavvern Restaurant Inside and outside dining. Located inside clubhouse. Valid through 4/28/2021 Coupons cannot be combinedd.

Heated Olympic Swimming Pool, 2 Hot tubs, Fitness Center, Lighted Shuffleboard and Tennis courts

55+

Resort

3509 SOUTHPORTT SPRINGS PKWY ZEPHYR RHILLS

Just 30 minutes from Wesleyy Chapel and Land O ’ Lakes

888­475­1014 • www.Sou uthportSpringsGolf.com

QUILTERS EXHIBIT

The Pasco-Hernando State College Rao Musunuru M.D.Art Gallery, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, will display “Eye of the Quilter,” presented by the West Pasco Quilters’ Guild, through March 20.Art exhibits are free and open to the public.

Social distancing and masks are required.

Attendance is limited to individuals and small groups.The school will be closed for spring break from March 1 to March 5. For information, call 727-816-3407, or visit PHSC.edu.

CUSTODIAL TRAINING

The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will offer free custodial services training on March 23 and March 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at its community center, 14013 N. 22nd St., in Tampa, for adults.The field of custodial services recently has grown due to the pandemic, and companies that never considered it before, are now hiring for these services. Registration is limited and is required by contacting Josie Rocco at 813558-5212, ext. 208, or jrocco@uacdc.org.

REMIX PERFORMANCES

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts will resume live, in-person Arts Legacy Remix performances on the Riverwalk Stage, continuing through May. • March 26:“Bridges of Rhythm” — Latin rhythms to celebrate cultures from Central and South America, Spain and Portugal • April 16:“A Journey Through Central and Eastern Europe” — A melodic journey through Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Russia and more • May 21:“Jazz, Jazz, Jazz” — Performance

by The Straz High School Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and others All concerts are from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets are free but required in advance at StrazCenter.org.There is a $3.90 processing fee.

DRIVE-THRU EGG HUNT

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel will host a free Egg Hunt Drive-Thru on March 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road.

Guests can sport their Easter best, decorate their vehicles, and bring baskets for the drive-thru “Eggstravaganza.”The first 300 cars will receive an “adult egg.”Vendors are still being accepted.A portion of the proceeds will go to the Underdog Fund, scholarships and the Wesley Chapel community. For information, email rotaryjodie@gmail.com.

ELKS LODGE BINGO

Bingo is back at the Elks Lodge, at 6851 Wire Road in Zephyrhills, on Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.There will be monetary and door prizes, and refreshments will be available. For information, call 813-782-4604.

When the inevitable is near... ...we are here in your time of need.

DOWNLOAD OUR NEW APP A OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER!

813-803-7207 • WW WW.PAR A TYLIQUORSUP PERSTORE.COM Locally to your house in 1 hour or less. No minimum order o . $5 delivery fee.

WINE

Kendall Jackson Chardonnay 750ml

Meiomi Pinot Noir 750ml

Cupcake Malbec 750ml

$10.98

$12.98

$3.99

*Must present coupon. Limit 2 bottles per customer. Exp. 3/9/21.

*Must present coupon. Limit 2 ottles per customer. Exp. 3/9/21.

*Must present coupon. Limit 2 bottles per customer. Exp. 3/9/21.

Mark West Pinot Noir 750ml

Louis Perdrier Brut 750ml

Waipapa p p Bayy Chardonnay 750ml

$6.98

$5.98

$2.98

*Must present coupon. Limit 2 bottles per customer. Exp. 3/9/21.

*Must present coupon. Limit 2 bottles per customer. Exp. 3/9/21.

*Must present coupon. Limit 2 bottles per customer. Exp. 3/9/21.

LIQUOR

1.75LTR T

$

• CEMETERY • FUNERALL HOME • MAUSOLEUM • O ON-SITE CREMATOR T Y

1.75LTR T

360 VODKA

1498

15% OFF O any cigar pur rchase

NO FURTTHER DISCOUNT ALLOWED ON ANY PRODUCT THA ATT ENDS IN 8.

COUPONS CAN NOT BE USED ON BUNDLLE PURCHASES.

CALL TO O SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTA C TATION T AN ND TOUR 12609 Memorial Drive, Trinity r y, FL 34655

TRINIT TY 813-9 920-4241 MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.Trinit r tyMemorial.com

1.75LTR T

ICEBERG VODKA

SVEDKA VODKA

1698

1598

$

$

WE MA AT TCH CURREN NT LIQUOR & WIN NE ADS!

HOU UR RS OF RS OF OPERATION: OP O PE ER RA R ATION ON N:: MON MO ON N - THURS THU UR RS 9AM RS 9AM 9A AM TO TO 10PM 10 1 0P 0 PM P M HOURS F1RI RI & SAT SA S AT 9AM 9A 9A AM M TO TO 12AM 12A 2 2AM AM A M • SUN SUN 11AM 11A AM M TO TO 10PM 10P PM M FRI

2410 410 lANd lANd o’ o’ lAKes lAKes blVd blVd •• lANd lANd o’ o’ lAKes, lAKes, fl fl 2 on the the corner corner of of sr sr 54 54 and and us us 41 41 on 4 0

WWW WW WW.P .PART TY YLIQU YL QUORS RSUPER RS ST S TORE ORE. E.COM WWW.PARTYLIQUORSUPERSTORE.COM

813-803-7207 813-803-7207

Prices good through 3/9/21. Not resPoNsibl le for misPriNts.

www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

5A

Discoover historical Zephy Ze hyrhills and its uniquue rreestaurraants, bars, shops and servicces.

&

SO muc m chh to do…

SO close c to home!

MORE

JUST 20 MIN NUTES FROM WESLEY CH HAPEL. EASY AND FFA AST VIA SR 54, OR THE NEW SR S 56 EXTENSION.

$10 0 OFF a piiercing or

$20 0 OFF a ttattoo WITH H THIS AD

@T Ta akeSolaceStudios_FL • (813 3) 395-5075 7008 Jason Dr Suite 2, Zephyrhills, FL 33541 zb bcbeer r..com

R

esser value FREE!

38530 5th A Av ve, Zephyrhills • 813-715-2683

Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center

• Membership based, Open to the public • Tennis Camps: p Spring p g Break B & Summer • High-Performance Academy • Programs for all ages

SALON NUMBER R 813 813-640-4588 640 4588 AMBER’S CELL L 217-827-1655 GERI’S CELL 813-610-1751 Open Tuesda ay - Saturday Please call or textt for appointment

• VESH Restaurant: Full-Service & Sunday Brunch

38521 5th Ave • Zep phyrhills, FL 33542

6585 Simons Rd. Zhills 33541 • 813-361-6660 • Full line line of Elite Dixie Belle Chalk Paints • New Silk All-In-One Mineral Minerral Paints • WoodUbend Wood dUbend Moldings • Cottage Cottag ge Industry Goods • Vintage Vintag ge Furniture & Repurposed Repurposed Decor • Monthly Monthly sscheduled cheduled or or Private Private PPainting ainting Classes Classes

Stop in and see us!

We are here for you!

$10 $ 10 OFF OFF FURNITURE FURNITURE WITH W ITH TTHIS HIS A AD D

38501 3 8501 5 5th th A Avenue venue • ZZephyrhills ephyrhills • ((813) 813) 3 395-5146 95-5146

5540 6TH ST, ZEPHYRHILLS, FL 33542 813-395-8758

THE WO WORLD ORLD F FAMOUS AM MOUS Skydive S k di City C Cit t Zeph Z hhyrhills! hill • Make a TTa andem Sk kydive!

• Large Turbine Aircraft • Jump from 13,500 0 feet!

• In Business i 30 Y Ye ears • Restaurant & Bar • Mini-Skydiving Museum 4241 Sky Dive Ln., Zephyrhills, FL 33542

813-783-9399

www w.skydivecity.com 6A

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

Local Jewish temple gifted Torah

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

A local Jewish temple now happily can claim a Torah of its own, thanks to a generous donation from a fellow Tampa Bay area synagogue.

Land O’ Lakes-based Congregation Beth Chavarim (“House of Friends”) last month was gifted with an authentic Torah, the Hebrew version of the first five books of the Bible, from Gulfport’s Congregation Beth Shalom, which recently closed after being in operation since 1958.

Beth Chavarim launched in 2018

by Alan Stern and his wife, Nayda, operating the place of worship from their Land O’ Lakes home.

Since then, the upstart temple had been using a Torah from the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, based in Jackson, Mississippi.

Thus, to finally have its own dedicated Torah is significant for the place of worship.

“You can’t believe how I excited I was when it was handed it to me,” said Stern, who holds the title of president of Beth Chavarim.“I can’t put it into words how excited I was that a congregation 3 years old has its own Torah.”

The Torah that the temple received is donned with a silver breastplate, and elegant red and gold mantle, weighing between 25 pounds to 30 pounds.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” Stern proudly said. “It’s going to be the

foundation for our growth, which makes it exciting for me.”

Stern explained Torahs are handwritten by a scribe on special parchment paper, then sewn together and placed on rollers — a process which takes about a year to complete.

He is unsure exactly how old the Torah is, but noted Beth Shalom officials instructed him to “take good care of it.”

The handing down of a Torah from one congregation to another brings on added significance, Stern said.

“What makes it special is it’s just continuing the Jewish tradition of learning, and I say that because this congregation (Beth Shalom) was founded in 1958,” he said.“It’s keeping the Jewish traditional life, you might say, from generation to generation.”

When word spread of Beth Shalom closing its doors late last year due to the aging out of its senior membership, Stern inquired about obtaining one of the synagogue’s four Torahs.

Beth Shalom representatives eventually obliged, after multiple discussions, consultations and visits.

In addition to the Torah, the Land O’ Lakes shul received a slew of other items from the closing Beth Shalom, including a collection of Jewish High Holiday and weekday prayer books; Chumash, which provides the interpretation of the Torah;

and an eternal light sanctuary lamp, which is supposed to burn at all times next to where the Torah is stored, symbolizing God’s eternal presence.

Beth Chavarim is an unaffiliated temple and welcomes people of all ages, including families with young children.

Stern himself grew up in a Reform Jewish household, while his wife was raised more Conservative/Orthodox.

They lived in Buffalo, New York, for more than 30 years, until moving to Florida in 2004.

Unable to find a synagogue in the Tampa area that offered what they were seeking, the Sterns decided to offer services of their own.

The temple has been holding online Zoom services twice a month, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its last in-person service and meal held prior to the virus outbreak drew about 35 people, Stern said.

Meantime, there appears to be growing interest in the family friendly temple, receiving inquiries from New Yorkers and others with plans to relocate to Tampa Bay, Stern said.

With a Torah in tow and a solid membership base, the next step for Beth Chavarim is securing a standalone building to hold services in or around Pasco County.“We will,” Stern said,“when we get a little bit bigger.”

For information or interest in joining the congregation, email familyfriendlytemple@yahoo.com.

COURTESY OF ALAN STERN

Congregation Beth Chavarim president Alan Stern holds a Torah, which represents the Hebrew version of the first five books of the Bible. The authentic Torah was donated to the Land O’ Lakes temple from Gulfport’s Congregation Beth Shalom, which recently closed down.

Discoover historical Zephy Ze hyrhills and its uniqu ue rreestaurraants, bars, shops and servicces.

&

SO muc m chh to do…

SO close c to home!

MORE

JUST 20 MIN NUTES FROM WESLEY CH HAPEL. EASY AND FFA AST VIA SR 54, OR THE NEW SR S 56 EXTENSION.

CELEBRATING G 10

S

Virtual Opening Virtual Vi Ope p ningg Act: Act:

Online Concert Benefiting

Saturday, Mar M ch 13 3 pp.m. on Live Music by David Teague & Clancee, plus a Virtual Auction Personalized service with experience that matters when it matters the most

NEW LOCATION: 5139 Gall Boulevard, Zephyrhills, FL 33542

PauliePalooza.orrg

727-845-5707 • leesaa . fryer@gulfside . org

HERE FOR YOU AS WE CELEBRA AT A TE 4 YEARS

4/one Thee Gentlemen's Quarters

8435 5th Ave 38 Zephyrhills Z

(81 13) 715-2039

FREE DEELIVERY www.Comman ndoughs.com

www.zephyrhillsbarbers shop.com

6816 Gall Boulevard • Zephyrhills

www.pinchasers.net

813-782-5511 5th Ave, Zephyrhillss (813) 602-8268

MollysHatchetFl@Gmail.coom

$5 off

1 HR AXE THROWING EXPIRES 2/28/21

BOGO GAMES with one or more paid games, you get another FREE www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

7A

TheLAKER / LutzNEWS

Works for Us! “Our Laker ad was out just one day, and we had customers coming in the very next day. In fact, this week we sold five lift chairs, all because of The Laker!”

Don Dempsey Owner, Dempsey Furniture Dade City

14147 U.S. 98 BYPASS, DADE CITY

352-567-0030 TheLAKER / LutzNEWS Community News Publications

813.909.2800 • www.lakerlutznews.com Award-winning stories and ads that bring local businesses more customers.

Call today if you want to increase your sales.

Brand New Homes Starting in the $90K’s

Take A Virtual Tour and Make It Yours!

3 Easy Ways to Explore our Quick Move-In Ready Homes

NATURE NOTES

Smell something stinky in your landscape?

By Whitney C. Elmore Special to The Laker/Lutz News

What is that smell?

If you are talking about a terrible odor in your yard, it could be the scent of stinkhorn fungi.

Late winter into early spring in Central Florida is the time during which stinkhorn fungi make an appearance.

The weird fungal growths are not harmful.

In fact, they are quite beneficial organisms that decompose dead plants and animals — recycling those nutrients back into the environment.

While related to mushrooms, such as puffballs and earthstars, stinkhorn fungi are very unusual in appearance, often keeping their identity a mystery to those finding them simply because they don’t really look like anything else you might have seen.

You may not even see them in the environment due to their odd appearance, but you’ll certainly smell them.

Stinkhorn fungi are aptly named due to the putrid aroma that emanates 20 feet or more away from the actual fungus.

Stinkhorn fungi are very commonly found growing in landscaping mulch and compost, which they are slowly decomposing and using as a food source.

These fungi prefer the cooler months and usually emerge from below ground following a rain event.

Most of the stinkhorn’s body is underground and a white, egg-like protrusion is the first indication that one is emerging.The rest of the stinkhorn’s body will emerge over a few days.

Depending on the species, they might look round; be an upright, tubular protrusion; or even have a lattice-like network of filaments.

The color ranges from yellow to orange, and maybe even red.

Stinkhorn fungi gradually decompose over a four-day to five-day period as they complete their life cycle.

Early in their development, the fungi will emit a foul odor that can persist for days. Some say the odor smells like rotting flesh, while others might say it smells like rotting eggs.

Recently, a homeowner called the Pasco Extension Office concerned about the smell of methane emanating from the yard. Upon further investigation, it was determined the cause of the smell was a stinkhorn fungus.

While we won’t appreciate the rotting

COURTESY OF DAVID CLODE

Stinkhorn fungi can take on different looks, and it smells horrible, but it plays a valuable role in improving soil health.

smell associated with these fungi, it is essential to their survival and spread to new areas.The smell attracts ants, flies and other insects that will carry the spores (microscopic seed-like structures) to new locations with more food sources.

Luckily, stinkhorn fungi are harmless to landscape plants, trees, shrubs and so on.

Stinkhorn fungi, as well as other decomposers, help to break down tiny pieces of organic matter helping to build a healthier soil profile, which then can support plants much more effectively.This benefit is really important considering Central Florida soils are very poor with little to no organic matter and low water-holding capacity.

Since stinkhorn fungi are beneficial, and not harmful, there’s no need to try to control them.

If you notice stinkhorns in one place, it’s possible you’ll continue to see them in the same area for several seasons. If they are troublesome due to the smell, simply place a plastic bag over the egg-like protrusion as soon as you notice them, collect the fungus, tie up the bag and throw it away.

Allowing them to mature will increase the chance that they will spread, as will running over them with a mower.

Looks — and smells — can be deceiving in the landscape.

Do some research on land-grant university websites, or better yet, call your local Extension Office to get help identifying unusual things in your landscape. You just might discover that they are more helpful than you could ever imagine.

Dr. Whitney C. Elmore is the UF/IFAS Pasco County extension director and an urban horticulture agent III.

0n% ciing*

MMARCH ARCH

Fina

MMADNESS ADNNEESSSS

See store for details.

3 warehouses full of new items.

TA AKE HOME TODAY Y, OR

LOWEST PRICE ROCKER RECLINER RS $

HI-LEG RECLINING CHAIR DESIGNERS CHOICE

COLLECTION SONOMAA #437

JOSHUA JOSH

129 99 99

#726

Wiress, no cord rremote control headrest, lumbar, 2 recliner p positions, II-Clean C fabric

FORTU UNE

69 99

R $1,209 Reg.

9

MEMORRYY FOAM SEVERAL FABRICS TO CHOOSE FROM!

LAANCER

499 4

$

Live Virtual Showings

MANUAL

5 599

$

$

POWER

699

$

Reg. $1,560

MORRISON M

Video Tours

POWER HEAT HEAT & MASSA AGE LIFT CHA AIR

799

$

#5155 CLOTH

“I’m Leather”

1,499 9

$

3-D Interactive Model Home Tours

PTUNEE 796

$

64 49

“ Leather ” “I’m

Call to schedule a private tour or virtual showing

(844) 276-8964

LARGEST SELECTION EVER!

LIFT CHAIRS

UP TTO O 500 LB. CAPPA ACITY FOR ALL SIZES.

SOF FA SLEEPER CLOSEOUT

6999995 5

$ $

•TWIN • FULL •QUEEN WITH INNERSPRING MA ATTTRESS

OV OC CK O ER 40 IN STTO READY FOR PICK R UP U OR DELIVERY!

STTA ARTING AT AT

598

$

INFINITE POSITIONING AS WELL AS SLANTED LEVEL TO TO REDUCE SWELLING.

GREA ATT BARGAINS!

SEVERAL TO CHOOSE FROM!

LLEA ATHER P POWER R RECLINING S SOFA

An Age-Qualified Community 4604 Lake Crystal Boulevard Zephyrhills, FL 33541

4-P Piece Counter Set

SSEVERAL FABRICS & COLLORS TTO C CHOOSE FROM!

FLEXSTEEL DEALER

Table 24” X 44”

$

29800

SHORT QUEEN MA ATTRESS $

59900

IN STOCK! TAKE HOME TODAY AY!

14147 U.S. 98 BYP PA ASS, DADE CITY

352-567 7-0030

(JUST 30 MINUTES FROM M WESLEY CHAPEL) e for details. Valid on purchases of $1,800 or more. Minimum monthly payments required. q d We reserve the h right h to disconti ddiscontinue or alter l the h terms off this h offer ff at anyy time. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.*

8A

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

What’s Cookin’ It’s strawberry (shortcake) season again

By Shari Bresin Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s that time of year when strawberries take front and center — at UPick farms, grocery stores, farmers markets and in the garden.

The fruit is easy to find here, because of where we live — we’re just a short drive away from Plant City — the winter strawberry capital of the world.

The popularity of strawberries in our area may have made you curious about how the berries got their name.

Blueberries and blackberries have obvious names.

So, where did the name strawberry come from?

There are a few theories.

One theory is based on the fact that on the surface it appears that pieces of straw were lodged into them.

Another thought is that that name came from the role that straw plays when they are stored — to keep them from bruising, or when they are covered with straw during winter.

A third explanation is that vendors would string them through the stem of straw for sale at markets.

But, naysayers shoot down those theories, insisting that the word “strawberry” was in use long before strawberries were harvested and sold at markets.

Indeed, strawberries are featured in literature and artwork dating back several centuries. Ancient Romans used them for medicinal purposes, and the fruit was a sym-

COURTESY OF UF/IFAS COMMUNICATIONS

Have you come across the white strawberry yet? University of Florida researchers are test-marketing a new variety that is expected to be available widely in 2022.

bol for Venus, the Goddess of Love — because of its heart shape and red color.

So, here’s another potential explanation: The plant’s runners lay in various directions in strawberry fields, making the strawberries look like they are “strewn” over the ground, according to Farmer’s Almanac. So, the word strawberry resulted from the mingling of the words strewn and berry.

Regardless of where it gets its name, it is a misnomer because botanically, a strawberry isn’t even technically a berry.A berry has its seeds on the inside, not on the outside.

In fact, it’s considered an aggregate fruit — but doesn’t ‘berry’ just sound better?

We will probably never know with complete certainty the origins of the name, but we do know that, like any fruit, strawberries provide health benefits.

They provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber,

antioxidants and folate.

Their popularity has grown over the years, from per capita consumption of 3 pounds in the 1970s to 6 pounds a year now, according to University of Vermont Extension.

Strawberries rank No. 5, in terms of the amount of the fruit consumed, by weight, in the United States.The top four are bananas, apples, oranges and grapes.

And, while most of us think of strawberries as a red fruit there is a new variety of the fruit that’s actually white.

The white strawberries that exist in nature are not as flavorful like the ones bred for consumption.

University of Florida researchers have helped to develop a new variety of white strawberries.

White strawberries have been popular in Japan for many years, and the seeds from Japan were used in the breeding process of the new U.S. variety.

The U.S. variety of the white strawberry is being test-marketed now, and is expected to be available in U.S. markets by 2022.

This new variety doesn’t have a name yet, but is likely to be named pineberry because it has a pineapple aroma, and is less acidic and sweeter than red ones.

Be sure to give it a try when it becomes available.

I was lucky to sample some while at a meeting at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center this time last year; I’m looking forward to when it becomes readily available next year.

In the meantime, we will still enjoy the red strawberries — and continue the debate the origins of its name.

Strawberry Shortcake Strawberry topping Wash and hull 1 quart of ripe berries.

Slice berries and add 1/3 cup sugar. Stir.

The berries will form a syrup, as you prepare the biscuits.

Biscuits Ingredients • 2 cups flour • 3 teaspoon baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt • ¼ cup sugar • ½ cup shortening • 2/3 cup milk Directions Combine dry ingredients.

Cut in shortening with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles small peas.

Add milk.

Drop biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes to 12 minutes.

Whipped cream • ½ cup heavy cream • 1 Tablespoon confectioner’s sugar • ½ teaspoon vanilla Whip ingredients to stiff peaks To assemble shortcake Split biscuits lengthwise.

Top with strawberry topping.

Add whipped cream (either made from scratch or a purchased topping).

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Save money, get back behind the wheel The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

If you have a suspended license over unpaid court fees, costs and penalties, you may want to take advantage of Operation Green Light, a program offered by the Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office.

The in-person, telephone and online program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 3 through March 5, at the East Pasco and West Pasco judicial centers.The program is online only and by telephone on March 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The website is PascoClerk.com.The telephone numbers are

Fa asstt & Fast Aff fforrd dabl able ble Affordable AC C Re epair epa air Repair

727-847-8031 or 352-521-4542 (option 2).

“This is an important moment for drivers who have seen their licenses suspended over unpaid court obligations,” Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, said in a news release.

“So much of our modern lives depends on having reliable transportation, and for most of us, that means being able to drive.

“During Operation Green Light, penalties, interest, and collections fees that have been piling up can, in many cases, be waived. For those who can’t pay their obligations in total, we offer payment plans that allow driving privileges to be restored, too,” she added.

Any time leading up to and during the

event, access is available to a special Operation Green Light web page, at PascoClerk.com/856/Operation-Green-Light.

Those with licenses suspended over failure to pay child support, DUI, failure to complete a driver’s course ordered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), traffic-related felony, or deemed by FLHSMV as a habitual traffic offender may not be eligible to participate.

Drivers wanting to get a grasp on the financial obligations pending against their license may check their status at Services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck/.

CALL L TODAY AY! (813)

710-65 561

FRE FR REEE ES REE EST STI TIIMA TIM IM MA ATE TES FO TES FOR OR RE REP EP EPL PLLA PLA ACE AC CEEME CEM EM MEENT MEN EN NTS TS FREE ESTIMATES REPLACEMENTS WWW.AIR247 .

7.COM • SERV VICING POLK • HILLSBOROUG GH • PINELLAS S • PASCO A www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

9A

Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

These local students were named to the fall Dean’s List at Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne:Alexis Clark,Trinity; Braden Contreras, Lutz; Andrew Ekblad, New Port Richey; Jacqueline Figueredo, Lutz; Max Martino, Lutz; Tyler Vermillion, Trinity; and Zachary Watson,Trinity.

Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, recognized Molly Grace Flanagan, of Lutz, and Julliet Abel Muriel, of Spring Hill, to its fall Dean’s List.

ESSAY CONTEST

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries for an essay contest, open to high school students.

Students of Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools are asked to answer the question,“When unexpected events occur, such as COVID-19 or a devastating storm, people are often negatively impacted. Some may lose their jobs, their homes or experience other setbacks in their lives. Keeping in mind that funds expended by government (local, state or federal) must come from somewhere, what do you think government should do to assist people to get through these challenges?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates his or her response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal.

For entries from private, parochial, nonpublic or home-schools, essays should be sent directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also can be dropped off at the New Port Richey office, 4720 U.S. 19, or sent by email to ggiordano@pascotaxes.com.

For information and questions, call 727847-8179.

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., March 12.

The Laker/Lutz News likes to keep our readers informed about news from our local schools, including upcoming events, photos of events, recognitions and so on. Submissions need to include who, what, where, when, contact information, identifications for individuals in a photo (unless it is a large group), and a photo credit. Please send your information two weeks prior to desired publication date, and email it to news@lakerlutznews.com. If you would like The Laker/Lutz News to consider coverage of an event, send a request to the same email.

Twins selected as scholarship finalists Twin sisters Faith Anne Quinn and Grace Helen Quinn, seniors at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, have been selected as 2021 National Merit Scholarship finalists.

The Quinns are the only finalists in a Diocese of St. Petersburg high school and two of 12 semifinalists in Pasco County.

In addition to their studies, both Faith and Grace are active members of Bishop McLaughlin’s theater department and have played varsity basketball since freshman year.

The twins join approximately 15,000 finalists across the country in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their

SAT SCHOOL DAY

The District School Board of Pasco County will provide the SAT School Day free of charge to all juniors on March 24, according to the Pasco County Schools Facebook page.

The district will register all juniors for the test; it is not necessary for students to register on the College Board website.

For more information, students should contact their respective school counselor.

ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE

“Dear Evan Hansen” is a contemporary Broadway musical that had a breakout song entitled,“You Will Be Found.”

During the past year, finding connection has been more integral to our daily lives, and has also required more creativity to maintain it.

With that theme in mind, Gotham Writers Workshop is inviting students in 11th grade and 12th grade to write a college application-style essay that describes how the student has managed to ensure those around him or her were a little less alone in recent months, or, alternatively, a moment where the student has found

FULL RACK

15.99 OF RIBS $1

skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.

comfort in connection.

Entries will be judged by a panel of writers and theater professionals.

The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from “Dear Evan Hansen” lead producer Stacy Mindich and a free sixweek Gotham Writers class.

The essay must be 650 words or less.

There is no entry fee.

The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m., on April 5.

For specifics and how to enter, visit WritingClasses.com/contests.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY BROADENS

Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board again are partnering to offer scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible students. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the program will feature expanded eligibility criteria.

The Community Action Board Scholarship Program has broadened its household income eligibility from 125% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and lowered the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.0.

Now Open in Lutz!

23020 State Road 54, Lutz, 33549 8133-406-5259

TUESDAY SPE ECIAL

COURTESY OF BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Left: Faith Anne Quinn and right: Grace Helen Quinn

11am – 9pm Everyday!

CATERI T NG AV VAILABLE. A

The changes to the program aim to help students who struggled academically because of the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on schools, as well as students from households that saw a reduction in annual income.

The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of college tuition, so students can focus on furthering their education, not paying bills.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities.

Both first-time students and students returning to school can apply. Applications for the 2021 scholarships will be accepted through March 31.

Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.

Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/fyner9md.

Students may submit completed applications online only.

For information, call Irina White at 813272-5074.

Do you have a PLAN? ESTATE PLANNING isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s for everyone.

Because it’s really for them.

ED PORK BUY 1 PULLE SANDWICH & 2 SIDES & GET ORK SANDWICH 1 PULLED PO

FREE E

Not valid with any other offers. ff Va V alid at a Lutz location only.

Expires 3/31/21.

LAKER52318

17894 N US Highway 41, Lutz (across from Lutz Preparatory)

813-397-6330

McDannoldLaw.com

Save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 o Youth General Admission Tickets on thru March 14th at

March ch h 4 - 14 14, 2021 • Plant City City, FFlorida FLstrawberryfestival.com

We Fix ix Wa Wa ater ter

#berryfest21

Lea av ve your wa water probLems p to the experts!

Save Money • Beautiful Hair and Sk kin • Cleaner Dishes • Softer, Brighter Clothes C • Clean With Less Water

Unlim mited Clean Water only $

00 per month

1

Must Meention Ad. Call for details.

Locally Owned • Commercial & Residential • Over 40 Ye Years Of Service

727-842-6866 • AquaSoftRefine edWaterr .com 10A

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

AWARD, from page 1A along the way,”Armstrong said.

In his role at the helm of SWFMD, Armstrong leads a team of 574 full-time equivalent employees, plus some student interns.

The district includes all or parts of 16 counties, including Pasco and Hillsborough counties within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Its four areas of responsibility are water supply, flood protection, natural systems and water quality.

The district manages those areas of responsibility in various ways, including its regulatory and cooperative funding programs,Armstrong said.

In the cooperative funding program, the district and its cooperators build projects together — pooling resources to create alternative water supply projects or complete restoration projects, for example, he said.

The district also collects a tremendous amount of data, Armstrong said,“so we can keep an eye on the resources, in the areas of water quality, water levels, rainfalls.”

The SWFMD executive has great respect for the work his team does to carry out the district’s mission.

“We have a brilliant group of scientists who are able to take that data, interpret it for us and help us make recommendations for the board,”Armstrong said.

The district’s greatest challenge — as it has been for the past 20 years — is water supply, he said.

“We’re trying to develop alternative supplies,” he said, such as surface water, desalination plants and reservoirs.

“Matter of fact, you know, we’ve had tremendous population growth over the past two decades, but our actual groundwater use has gone down and the actual use per person has gone down. That is something we’re really, really proud of at our district,”Armstrong said.

The use of reclaimed water also has increased, and he expects that resource to play a greater role in the future.

On a personal level, Armstrong said he gets enormous satisfaction from doing work that is so closely related to his interests.

TRAVEL, from page 1A 52 to the northern side of State Road 52, in the area of Parker Lake.

Once those culverts are added, right of way acquisition will begin this year, according to the agenda item.

Starkey asked if there’s a way to look at these planned wildlife crossings to make them large enough to allow cyclists and pedestrians to pass through them.

She suggested making the crossings 8 feet deep, to make room for people to go back and forth.

Doing that would be much cheaper than putting an overpass over State Road 52, added Starkey, an avid proponent for using trails to create connectivity within and between communities.

She noted that the extension of State Road 56, between Meadow Pointe Boulevard and U.S. 301, would have benefited from forward-thinking regarding pedestrians and cyclists.

“Now, we’re going to have a problem, of how to get people safely from the south side of Two Rivers to the north side of Two Rivers,” Starkey said.“If we had just gone up a little in elevation, it would have been a lot cheaper than whatever the solution is going to be.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed with Starkey’s observation. He told her: “You brought up a great point way back at State Road 52 and (Interstate) 75, about doing something for cyclists to be able to go under that bridge, as well, that did get accomplished. It delayed the project a little bit, but I think it was well worth it.”

Starkey said:“I think it was a $1 million redo.“That is much cheaper than a $10 million, $12 million flyover for cyclists — or whatever other solution there could have been.”

Mariano said he would like the state roads department to take another look at the wildlife crossings proposed for the State Road 52 project.

“Instead of being tight underneath, maybe it should be a big box culvert that will actually allow a couple of bicyclists width-wise to go through. I think it’s something we should explore. It’s a lot cheaper to do it now, than it would be later,” Mariano said.

Justin Hall, with the Florida Department of Transportation, said the department will

B.C. MANION

Staff and board members of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., joined officials and staff from Pasco County, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the opening of SMARTstart@The Grove, a new business incubator.

TOOLS, from page 1A

COURTESY OF BRIAN ARMSTRONG

When he’s not working, Brian Armstrong, of San Antonio, enjoys the great outdoors.

Here, he shows off a success in fishing.

“I am an avid outdoorsman. I love nature. And, when I was able to connect science to my passion, that was it for me. I found something that I could do, and also help protect the resources that I love in Florida,” he said.

Initially, his goal was to be an engineer, like his father.

But he decided to pursue geology, instead, after finding out more about it from his brother-in-law,Tony, a geologist.

Armstrong is delighted to be able to combine his love for mathematics, science and nature in his work.

He and his wife, Pam, have two sons — 12-year-old Noah, who attends Centennial Middle School, and 14-year-old Dillon, who attends Pasco High School. Pam teaches first grade at Watergrass Elementary.

The family lives in San Antonio now, but will be making a move to an area off U.S. 98, between Dade City and Zephyrhills, Armstrong said.

“Everywhere I move just starts to explode (with growth), so I just keep moving.” consider the request.“I can circle back with the project manager and we can take a look at that.”

The issue of advance planning to improve safety and mobility also came up during discussion of two work task orders, approved by the board after discussion.

In one work task, Aecom will prepare Active Transportation Plan procedures and outline a public engagement process.

The consultant will “assist with the actual plan development; the recommended schedule, preparing draft templates for how the plan should be put together and also prepare the next steps. It’s essentially the strategic approach for how to put together the Active Transportation Plan, which is something the county has not had in more recent times,” said Nectarios Pittos, acting executive director for the Pasco MPO. That work task order was approved for $49,917.25.

The second work task order is being handled by Tindale Oliver & Associates.

“This will include available data sources, data assembly, demographics, data gap, data collection, GIS mapping, crash data analysis, technical memo development, review of comprehensive plan and right of way preservation with standards,” Pittos said.

“This is essentially the technical understanding of what information we have, ahead of the plan formation,” he said. That work task order was approved for $48,666.14.

By having the two work task orders done at the same time, the MPO hopes to finish phase one of the project by the end of June, so it can begin plan development starting in August, Pittos said.

Starkey asked if this planning would be an appropriate place to consider policies that the MPO would like to be considered during future road planning.

“Certainly when they’re developing the plan, there will be recommendations and policies established in that plan. Our understanding is that this plan is going to take a lot of cue from the long-range transportation plan, so there will be a definite dove-tailing of the two documents.

“So, you’ll be able to make recommendations and essentially set policy as well, in these documents.

“The MPO can have its own policy and work with the various jurisdictions that are working with the MPO, to follow that policy,” Pittos said.

“We have over 156 events, many of them were virtual. But we had 1,960 event participants at our SMARTstart events.

“This center is going to allow us to magnify that impact, because right now our two centers are on the far reaches of the county.

We’ve got a New Port Richey Center and we’ve got our Dade City Center.

“The New Port Richey Center has a professional services feel to it. The Dade City Center supports our food businesses and food entrepreneurs.

“This center will allow us to have that impact be countywide, and have that impact the entire region as a whole,” Mitchell added.

Tracy Ingram, an entrepreneur who has been involved with Pasco’s incubators for about 10 years, offered his perspective on the opportunities they create.

“I work all of the way down to Sarasota/Manatee, all of the way up to Citrus, all of the way over to Orlando. I haven’t been able to see that level of commitment to the actual starting of companies,” he said.

Pasco has made a decision to help entrepreneurs launch companies, and provides support to help them nurture their companies so they can grow strong, Ingram said.

“Maybe you want to start a lawn service business or a bakery or something like that, maybe you’re starting an app for a dotcom company,” he said.

Pasco’s approach has been: “Can I help you where you’re at — versus trying to fit you into a mold and say,‘No, you have to be this way.’”

Pasco EDC has helped entrepreneurs connect with business mentors to help develop companies, and CEOs to connect with their peers, to learn from each other’s experiences, Ingram said.

Mentors can help entrepreneurs find out if they have a business model that can succeed.

“Maybe you have a great widget, but does anyone really want it?” he said.

Or, perhaps you have a great idea, but don’t have a clue about how to secure financing and get it to market.

Mentors can provide guidance:“How do we take your energy and your enthusiasm and help put some meat on the bones, or put some structure underneath it, to really help you be successful.”

Ingram said he has benefitted from business mentors, and is now giving back.

“Some of the best advice I ever got is that no one really cares about your company, they care about what your product is going to do for them.

“How can I help you? If my product or company can help you, then how do I do that? That becomes this magic, when you start really looking from the customer perspective.

“You start looking at, how do I build something that people want, how do I reach that customer?” he said.

“Pasco County was the county that stood behind us. So, when we started looking at where we wanted to land, Pasco County was where we decided to land because the county was behind us.You don’t get that in every other county.You don’t get the county really stepping in to make sure entrepreneurs are successful,” Ingram said.

“There is so much value here for people who are out on their own. As an entrepreneur, you feel like you have to do it alone. But you realize, the truth is, you can’t.

“The truth is you can’t be an expert in everything.

“But if you can lean on a SMARTstart, or you can lean on an agency like this, that has a mentor network, that can help you in the areas where you’re not an expert, and allow you to be the expert where you’re an expert,” he said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley assured those gathered: “The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners is very much committed to the entrepreneurship of our new businesses, and the fact that they can start their own business here in Pasco.”

• Full Service Restaurant & Pub • Lottery System for Tee Times • NEW Champion Turf Greens • NEW Bunker Renovation

10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive, San Antonio w ww.tampabgcc.com/annual-golf-pass 2021 ANNUAL GOLF PASSES • MULTI-LEVEL PASSES AVAILABLE

PLATINUM Unlimited Green Fees • 7 Days a Week Anytime Full Access to Club Tournaments

GOLD

SILVER

Unlimited Green Fees Mon – Fri • After 1 pm Sat & Sun • Anytime

Unlimited Green Fees on Par 3 Course

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL SETH VANHALL.

352-588-9265

Need information or assistance? Our local office is here to help.

Randy Maggard

State Representative, Florida House District 38 Creekside Center 35358 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33541

813-780-0667 • Randy.maggard@myflo oridahouse.gov

www.BoscosItalianFL.com

Ne ew, low rates right arround the cornerr..

Ardeshir K Khorsandian Ins Agy Adi Khorsandian, Agent 20752 Center Oak Drive Tampa, FL 33647 Bus: 813 -991 - 4111

Here’s the deal, Lutz. State Farm® has new, lower auto rates right in your neighborhood.

Save more cash with the real deal.

Call me today for a quote.

2nd Pizza ALWA WAY YS Half Price EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE A

BRING IN 5 NON-PERISHABLE FOODS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED AND GET A

FREE

CHEESY BREAD!

18” Pizza with 2T To oppings and 8 wings

$20.00

Coupons expire marCh 31, 2021

813 907 2440 813-907-2440

Proudly sseerving the Wes W sley Chapel communnity for 16 years!

Open Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm • Fri & Sat 11am-11pm | Limited area delivery charge $22.25 • Minimum delivery order $20

New Ne ew w Yo YYork oorrk k ha hand-tossed and an d--ttoosssseed d pizza p pi izzzzaa ma iz m made adee wi ad with itth h al allll fresh fr reessh h ve vegetables eg geeetttaab g abl bleess fr from room Bo oye yette etttttee FFamily aam m mi mily ilyy FFarms arm ar rms mss m Boyette

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Bloomington o , IL 20 0114 5

www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

11A

Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Land O’ Lakes Little League celebrates 50th anniversary

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

L

et the games begin!

The start of each Little League season often elicits a heightened level of nostalgia.

With spring in the air, youth of all ages and skills partake in America’s favorite pastime, testing their mettle on the mound, at the plate and in the field.

Pitches are thrown. Bats are swung. Balls are caught. Games are won or lost.

And along the way, life lessons, sportsmanship and lasting friendships are cultivated.

For Land O’ Lakes Little League, this year’s Opening Day festivities took on an added significance:The organization celebrated its 50th anniversary on Feb. 27, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, off Collier Parkway.

The organization actually formed back in 1967 at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center (now Heritage Park) off U.S. 41, but it didn’t receive its first Little League charter until 1971.

The local league has come a long way since its initial start-up — boasting upwards of 800 boys and girls, ages 4 to 16, playing baseball and softball across 10 fields.

And, the league found a way kick off its semicentenary season in memorable fashion, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bounce houses and face painting, and other kid-centric interactive activities were noticeably absent due to coronavirus precautions.

The large ballfield took center stage in the league’s season-opening event.

Teams from all age divisions were spread across the infield and outfield, signaling the league’s staying power and sustained growth.

First pitches were accurately thrown from veteran baseball players, as well softball Little League players.

Local players sang the national anthem and read the league pledge.

There was the unveiling, too, of a framed 50th anniversary “golden ticket” issued and signed Little League International Headquarters, which is based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Of course, there was plenty of action.

Ballgames were played from morning to night.

It was a special day that was long-awaited

by Little Leaguers, such as 16-year-old Damien Lampe, who caught a ceremonial first pitch from left-hander Max Folkman.

Partaking in the longstanding pregame ritual is something Lampe won’t soon forget, given that it came during the celebration of the league’s 50th season. “Throughout the years I’ve been here and I’ve seen lots of people catch (the first pitch), so it’s kind of cool,” he said.

Lampe — like countless others — weren’t able enjoy the full Little League experience last spring, as the season was cut drastically short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I was itching at home just to do something baseball-related, whether it was just watching it or like playing on video games, just something,” he said.

Lampe plays his fair share of travel ball and varsity ball at Land O’ Lakes High School, but the Land O’ Lakes Little League experience also holds its share of significance.

He was a part of league history as a member of the 2019 all-star senior team that won a state crown and reached regionals.The team’s banner is proudly displayed along the fence line of one of the park’s concession stands.

“That was a great group of kids,” Lampe recalled. “I really bonded with them and felt really close to them, and we’re all still good friends now, and it was just so much fun to travel around and play with them.”

Lampe started in the organization when he was 4, playing T-ball. This will be his final

Sixteen-year-old Jaclynn Neel improvises the use of her baseball mitt as a protective mask, as she waits to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the girls’ softball teams.

While waiting for the 50th anniversary ceremony to begin, 4-year-old Lincoln Maxim, 4, gets a little tender loving care from his mother, Jodie Maxim, of Land O’ Lakes. Lincoln plays for the Atlanta Braves T-ball team.

Seven-year-old Kelvin Kinney, of Land O' Lakes, a player for the Athletics, shows good sportsmanship and gives the thumbsup signal to 7-year-old Remy Perez-Velasco, of the Nationals.

Alissa Canter, vice president of Land O' Lakes Little League, holds the 50th anniversary charter with league president Gary Gwinn. Canter is outgoing VP.

Jackie Boyett, of Land O' Lakes, holds her excited daughter, 4-year-old Jordan Boyett, as the little girl celebrates her first year in Little League.

portunity to play and developing traits that are important both on and off the field, he said.

“We’re here to give these kids structure, to teach them sportsmanship, just how to be a responsible person,” Gwinn said.

One of his most gratifying experiences, is guiding those kids that may not be as gifted athletically “and making them realize and believe in themselves,” he said.

“I’m a true believer in Little League,” Gwinn said.

he loves and he’s out here with his dad, and it’s still a family thing,”Woods said.

The parent and volunteer still looks back on memories of her son and group of friends longing to head to the Little League for practices and games:“This was just like their mall.

They would just come here and hang out.”

League vice president Alissa Canter also remains heavily involved, despite her two sons graduating from the league.

“It’s a wonderful experience,” Canter said.

“I mean, the progression of seeing them from starting at T-ball all the way up to the big senior field here, and the all-star experiences are just amazing. It’s a lot of great memories, great experiences for the kids, and it’s like your family away from home.”

That’s the hope for new league parents like Jackie Boyett.

Boyett played in the organization’s softball league when she was growing up.

Now her 4-year-old daughter, Jordan, has joined a T-ball league.

And, like many other players, the little girl had her own personal fan club at the ballpark — with her mom, grandparents, aunt and uncle to cheer her on.

Some of Boyett’s best memories of Land O’ Lakes Little League revolve around opening day.

And, now, there’s a new generation in her family to keep that tradition alive.

“I’m happy for (Jordan) to experience it,” Boyette said.

FRED BELLET

year, before aging out of the league.

“It’s a great community,” Lampe said of Land O’ Lakes Little League.“I mean, I know, I’ve been here for so long I know almost all these kids that play. It’s fun. It’s just great to come out here and have fun.”

He also commended the countless volunteers and 20-plus board members who keep the league running smoothly:“They work so hard to keep this place clean and professional, and it’s really nice.”

IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN WINS AND LOSSES

The beauty of the organization is it’s a recreational format.

It welcomes the novice player that may never make an all-star team or play high school ball, to others who have the potential to earn college scholarships and maybe play professionally someday.

“I think every kid should play Little League,” said Land O’ Lakes Little League President Gary Gwinn, whose five children have taken part.

“The atmosphere of Little League is — the kids come here, they’re out here to have fun, they make new friends — friends for life — and, there’s stuff that’s going to have happen at this Little League that’s going to last forever.”

Gwinn joined the organization 18 years ago.

The league is about more than wins, losses or the number of runs scored, he said.

Its focus is on playing fair, having the op-

FOSTERING A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE

League secretary Monica Woods offers a similar upbeat outlook about the popular youth baseball and softball sports organization.

“Every day that you’re up here, you’re going to see somebody get their first hit,” she said.

“You’re going to see a boy or a girl that got a chance to pitch and they might struggle, and then something clicks and their coach will say the right thing, and they’ll start throwing strikes.”

Woods’ involvement in Land O’ Lakes Little League has come full circle.

Her husband and son, Hayden, are now coaching a team in the league together.

Hayden recently aged out after a long run in the league, but still wanted to stay involved as a volunteer.

“It’s sad that he’s not playing, but I still get to see him in a different light, he’s doing what

MORE SPORTS NEWS ON PAGE 8B

The decorations outside the baseball fields celebrated the Land O’ Lakes Little League 50th anniversary at the Little League fields off Collier Parkway.

NOW OPEN

R • Bakery OUTDOO N IN T SEA G E • Salads L AVAILAB • Sandwiches CATERING • Deli MENU AVAILABLE • Pizza • Fresh Pastas • Grab & Go Meals •V Va ariety of C Cheeses

F vorite Your Fa Yo l ssics Italian Cla

Freshh & Delicioous Ingredients

HO HOURS: M-SA AT T 9am-7pm • SU UN 9am - 6pm

813.973.7 7500 • WWW W..MOSCHELL LAS.COM 5648 Post Oak Blvd. (at Old Pasco Rd.) • Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 12A

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

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

B

MARCH 3, 2021

Pasco County Fair lives up to its billing

By Christine Holtzman The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

T

CHRISTINE HOLTZMAN

Evin Martinez, of St. Leo, left, holds a large plush cow over his shoulders, as he jokes with his best friend, Dominic Shaefer, of New Port Richey. The two were waiting for Martinez’s girlfriend, Hannah Haddad, of Dade City, who was placing an order of funnel cakes and cotton candy for the group. Martinez won the oversized doll for Haddad.

he theme for the 74th annual Pasco County Fair was “The Adventure Continues” — and, based on the sounds of laughter and the abundance of smiles seen across the fairgrounds, the event lived up to its name.

This year — in the time of COVID19 — special safety precautions were taken.

There were signs all over the place, asking fair-goers to observe social distancing. Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and masks were required inside fair buildings.

The fair, which ran from Feb. 15 through Feb. 21, was held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Thrill-seekers of all ages — who wanted to get their pulse racing — had lots of choices.

The Orbiter is seen in motion at the Pasco County Fair. This thrill ride lifts and spins riders, as they sit in cars, attached to the Orbiter’s arms.

Nine-year-old Levi Blake, of Dade City, rides the mechanical bull - a first for him - at the Pasco County Fair. After being bucked off the machine, he jokingly told 9-year-old Kasen Howard, his best friend, ‘I’m a cowboy, baby.’

Mike Vazquez, of Tampa, sits for his portion of the caricature drawing that he commissioned from Orlando artist Haley Likes. His son, Carmelo, and nephews Truth and Terrance O’Neal, already sat for their portraits. Vazquez said he wanted the drawing to capture the priceless time he was having with family members at the fair.

Seven-year-old Makenzie Gaarder, of Wesley Chapel, reacts with surprise, as magician Brad Matchett, of Richmond, Virginia, shows her ‘Houdini,’ the live bunny that was made to appear inside a wooden box. This was just one of many tricks the magician had up his sleeve, during his interactive agriculture-themed magic show, Agricadabra.

Five-year-old Brayden Wright, of Dade City, tries to maintain balance as he climbs a ladder at the ‘Crazy Ladder’ game at the Pasco County Fair midway. He almost reached the end before the ladder flipped, causing him to fall onto the inflatable mat below.

Incredible heart care

LOCAL WILDLIFE SPONSOR:

Facebook.com/ChuysTampa

813-948-2211

25750 Sierra Center Blvd.

Lutz, FL 33559

www.Chuys.com

Loki is loving and smart

Loki will be 2 years old in May and loves to talk all the time.

He calls his brothers, Tyler and Ryan, constantly because he loves to play peek-a-boo with them. Loki loves to wrestle with his daddy, and he likes to cuddle and mutter on mommy’s shoulder at bedtime. He’s like a little green puppy with wings.

Loki has learned over 20 words and phrases, he’s working on potty training, and he’s even learning to sing (so far he just knows the words “happy birthday”). Loki lives with the Harkness family in Wesley Chapel, and they wouldn’t know what to do without him.

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

A BEAUTY TO BEHOLD

Sharon Thompson, on a recent stroll, snapped this photo of a luna moth in Country Walk, in Wesley Chapel. The luna moth is part of group commonly known as giant silk moths. It has lime-green colored wings and a white body.

This moth's wingspan can stretch 4 1/2 inches, which is about the same length as an iPhone.

Visit Trying to locate your www.LakerLutzNews.com a list of favoriteforcommunity pick up locations!

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.

newspaper?

PET PAWS ANIMAL SERVICES RECOGNITIONS

The National Animal Care & Control Association has recognized two of Pasco County Animal Services’ (PCAS) own.

Gina Botticello has been named Animal Care Professional of the Year, and Michael Northrup is the Animal Control Officer of the Year, according to the PCAS Facebook page.

Botticello works as the pet services supervisor, and manages the animal transfer and rescue program, the foster program, the volunteer program, and customer service for PCAS. She has developed and maintained partnerships with rescues locally and statewide, contributing to the save rate of over 90% at the shelter. Her work has decreased an animal’s length of stay to an average of 3 ½ days at PCAS. Botticello also was a contributing

member of the Guiding Coalition that helped Animal Services achieve the Service Enterprise Certification from the Point of Light Foundation recognizing PCAS for excellence in volunteer programming.

Northrup has been working in the busiest and most populous zone within the county, handling the highest case load and responding to more than 1,000 animal control calls in the past year.

He also finds the time to assist citizens in need with special cases such as TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) support.

And, he has assisted a motorist on the highway to extinguish a car fire, helped a citizen who was the victim of elder abuse, and aided another citizen suffering from a mental health issue.

Northrup serves as an example that animal control officers also are first responders.

TRIGGERFISH SEASON

The recreational gray triggerfish season reopened to harvest on March 1, in Gulf state and federal waters. The season will remain open through May 31, and will close June 1 through July 31 for an annual spawning season closure.

To fish for gray triggerfish from a private recreational vessel, signup is required as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required).

To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “State Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish.”

Signup at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

FLOUNDER REGULATIONS

As of March 1, the following changes are in effect for flounder: • Extending all Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) floun-

der regulations into federal waters • Increasing the minimum size limit from 12 inches to 14 inches total length (recreational and commercial) • Reducing the recreational daily bag limit from 10 to five fish per person • Establishing an Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 recreational closed season • For commercial harvesters using allowable gear: Establishing a commercial trip and vessel limit of 150 fish from Dec. 1 to Oct. 14, and 50 fish from Oct. 15 to Nov. 30 • Modifying the incidental bycatch limit for commercial harvesters using non-allowable gear from 50 pounds/trip to 50 fish/trip • Creating a federal waters trawl bycatch limit of 150 fish/trip from Dec. 1 to Oct. 14, and 50 fish/trip from Oct. 15 to Nov. 30.

Learn more about flounder regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine.

NEW LOCATION

NEW! DROP OEFF CAR

IN WESLEY CHAPEL!

HERE’S

Low cost spay/neuter, vaccines and wellness clinic • Quality Pet Care • Satisfaction Guaranteed • Reliable and Trustworthy Caretakers

NEW Grooming Salon Now Open!

HOURS: 9:30am – 2pm • Monday – Thursday www.plannedpethoodwc.com • 813-524-6400 33931 State Road 54 • Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

a TREAT! BUY 3 WEEKS, GET 1 FREE* IN THE ALL NEW PETCETERA DIRECTORY!

CALL RIGHT MEOW!

(813) 909-2800 The LAKER / Lutz NEWS

INDOOR-OUTDOOR RUNS WITH A/C • DAYCARE • LODGING • TRAINING

1100 % O FF OFF

CCOMPLETELY OMPLETELY N NEW EW PPLAY LAY YYARDS AR D S WITH AASTRO STRO TURF! TURF! WITH

EXP. 3/31/21

WE’RE WE’RE YYOUR OUR DOG’S DOG’S FAVORITE VVACATION ACATION SSPOT! POT! FAVORITE

ANY SERVICE

813-995-2275 • 10125 L AND O’ L AKES BL LV VD.

U Dirty Dog PEt GRoomiNG

813-948-2400

FREE Nail Grind

Cats Welcome

with any groom

19025 US HWY 41 N • Lutz

SPay & nEutEr clinic: contact us for appointment: (includes pre-anesthetic exam, anesthesia, pain & antibiotic pre-medication)

NON-TOXIC FLEA AND TICK SOLUTIONS that won’t harm your Pet!

Cat Neuter: $40 • Cat Spay: $50 • Dog Neuter: $50-$95* • Dog Spay: $60-$120*

ONLY

$2598

*Based on weight PETS SHOULD BE HEALTHY & NOT PREGNANT. MUST BE CURRENT ON RABIES & DHPP/FVRCP VACCINES.

+ FREE Shipping

Economic vaccinE clinic: (813)

949-4416

21515 VILLAGE LAKES SHOPPING CENTER

LAND O’LAKES MONDAY-FRIDAY 8 AM - 6 PM SATURDAY 8 AM - 2 PM

Now hosted once a month by appointment only, visit our website for available dates and details.

• • • • • •

rabies 1 yr $15.00 Feline leukemia 2 yr $25.00 Feline distemper combo 3 yr $35.00 rabies 3 yr $30.00 canine distemper combo 3 yr $35.00 Bordetella/Kennel cough $18.00

OPEN FOR WELLNESS & MEDICAL CARE Following Strict covid-19 Protocol: • Home delivery available for medications and food • Owners stay outside in their vehicle • Reserved parking available • Live video available during your pet's exam

DUE TO HIGH CALL VOLUME, PLEASE TEXT US AT 813-803-2441 www.gentlecarepethospital.com • Facebook.com/gentlecare Pet Hospital 2B

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

Order now at PuraNaturalsPet.com/MBAE or call 1-888-988-9571 7ZLMZ 1\MU 86@@@ IVL UMV\QWV KWLM 5*)- NWZ \PQ[ [XMKQIT W‫ ٺ‬MZ ONLY $25.98 plus FREE Shipping Satisfaction completely guaranteed

A U N IQU E & P LEAS U RAB LE

DINING EXPERIENCE

Open Everyday 11am-10pm for Carryout, Delivery & Door Dash 38361 Co Rd 54, Zephyrhills • (813) 355-3627 • www.plazamexicobarandgrill.com WESLEY CHAPEL JUST 20 MINUTES AWAY

$7.99 & Up Lunch Menu • 11am-2:30pm • 30 Items to choose from

$5 OFF 1/2 OFF Buy 1, Get 1

Blake likes to go for walks Blake is one striking guy with beautiful blue eyes, white fur and big, expressive ears. He is affectionate and likes to give kisses. Blake sits on command, takes treats gently and probably would be quick to learn new skills.

He is heartworm positive, but the Animals Services staff can go over treatment options. This 3-year-old, 50-pound boy likely would do best as an only pet. Looking for a walking or jogging buddy? Blake may be your match. Schedule an appointment to meet him.

Lunch menu only • 11am-2:30pm

ANY PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE

PLAZA MEXICO Restaurant Bar & Grill

PLAZA MEXICO Restaurant Bar & Grill

With this coupon. One coupon per table, per visit. Lunches must be purchased in the same transaction.

Not valid with other offers.

Offer expires 3/31/21

With this coupon.

One coupon per table, per visit.

Not valid with other offers or with the purchase of alcohol.

Offer expires 3/31/21

ACCOUNTANT

BUSINESS / INDIVIDUAL • Tax Planning Preparation • Tax Resolution

• Start Up Counseling • Bookkeeping

Are you having problems with the IRS?

Give me a call.

Nils R. Lenz, MBA

813-782-9491

ENROLLED AGENT • QUALIFIED TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE IRS

B&N LENZ ENTERPRISES

39104 3rd Avenue, Zephyrhills, FL 33542-5264

Denver is high-energy Exercise, discipline and affection: That's the recipe for success with Denver.

He enjoys being outside, running in the yard and splashing in the pool. After a good workout, Denver can focus on training or sit next to his human and be loved on. He likes to play with other dogs, and is the rough-and-tumble kind. Denver enjoys being matched with dogs that are as big and highenergy as he is. This 3-year-old, 60-pound boy would do best in an adultsonly home. Denver does not like going to the vet or sharing his food and toys. He needs someone willing to work with him to help him reach his full potential.

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

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

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

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

Send photo and information to:

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

The LAKER / Lutz NEWS CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Volcanic crater 5. Long times 10. Swedish rock group 14. Having the means to do something 15. Rods or spindles 16. La __ Tar Pits, Hollywood 17. Missing soldiers 18. Measuring instrument 19. All of the components considered individually 20. Play “__ Irish Rose” 22. Gene 23. Barrels 24. London-based soccer team 27. Feline 30. Breed of sheep 31. Body part 32. Doctors’ group 35. One who follows the rules 37. Cigarette residue 38. Ancient Greek sophist 39. Polish yeast cakes 40. Promotional materials 41. Pancakes made from buckwheat flour 42. Completed perfectly 43. Photo 44. A peninsula in SW Asia 45. The common gibbon 46. Disfigure 47. Ribonucleic acid 48. Japanese honorific 49. Pieces of music 52. Expressed pleasure 55. Having ten 56. Type of sword 60. Humble request for help 61. Eating houses 63. Italian Seaport 64. Cain and __ 65. Measure the depth 66. U. of Miami’s mascot 67. Political outsiders 68. Greek sorceress 69. Body part

DOWN 1. Mother 2. Jewish calendar month 3. Jai __, sport 4. Establish again 5. Swiss river 6. Racetrack wager 7. __ but goodie 8. Closeness 9. Soviet Socialist Republic 10. At right angles to a ship’s length 11. Women’s undergarments 12. Mountain stream 13. Expresses pleasure 21. Painful places on the body 23. Automobile 25. Scandinavian god of battle 26. Expresses surprise 27. Secret political clique 28. Yields manila hemp 29. River in central Italy 32. Brain injury science acronym 33. Mental illness 34. A person from Asia 36. Father 37. General’s assistant (abbr.)

38. Cooked or prepared in a specified style 40. Large terrier 41. Hillsides 43. Golf score 44. Not or 46. Type of student 47. Flower cluster 49. Closes tightly 50. Saudi Arabian desert 51. Famed vaccine developer 52. Multi-function radar (abbr.)

53. Actress Jessica 54. Pay attention to 57. Beloved big screen pig 58. __ Clapton, musician 59. Take a chance 61. Cost per mille 62. Helps little firms

SEE SOLUTIONS, PAGE 11B

www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

3B

Send business news to news@lakerlutznews.com

EAST PASCO NETWORKING GROUP Upcoming speakers for the East Pasco Networking Group include Zephyrhills City Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson and Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe, who will speak at the March 9 meeting, and Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco, who will speak on March 23. The group meets at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information, call Nils Lenz at 813-782-9491 or Vicky Jones at 813-4311149.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY EXPO Network with 40 Pasco County businesses and community organizations at the first annual Pasco Business & Community Expo at The Concourse on March 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Concourse is at 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills. Admission is $5 and includes a grand raffle entry ticket. Email Liz@TheConcourse.org for more information.

WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES How resilient are women entrepreneurs feeling during COVID-19?

A study by FreshBooks reveals that women entrepreneurs are being harder hit by the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19.

Here are some of the key findings of the study: • On average, women-owned businesses are taking nearly three times longer to recover from the financial setbacks brought on by COVID-19 compared to businesses owned by men.

• Self-employed women in industries that rebounded quickly are still under-indexing and recovering much slower than their male counterparts (for example, the construction industry).

• Nearly 60% of women say it will take them longer than six months to recover their business to previous COVID levels, compared to 47% of men.

• Industries with predominantly women-owned businesses (e.g., education, social assistance, etc.), were among the hardest hit industries during social distancing regulations.

• Women are more likely to be caring for children or the elderly during the pandemic.

The Business Resiliency During COVID-19 study combines survey data from 2,200 FreshBooks U.S. customers with business data from over 10,000 small businesses in the United States. Survey responses were collected online between July and September 2020.The FreshBooks data science team examined a range of metrics (e.g., revenue, expenditures, invoice amounts) to infer the impact(s) of COVID-19 on overall business performance in aggregate, as well as by gender and industry.

FreshBooks is the No. 2 small business accounting software in America, with paying customers in 100+ countries.

GROCERY SPENDING A new data study found that while most Americans are spending more on groceries than ever before, Florida saw no change in grocery spending.

TOP Data analyzed spending at grocery stores across Florida and found that the average annual grocery bill was the same in 2020, with the average person spending $4,580.

The study also revealed that the biggest increase in spending has been on spirits, which was 33% higher in 2020 than in 2019.

Spending on meat jumped by 16%, with the meat alternatives subcategory seeing a 34% spike.The biggest subcategory increase was storage, which saw a huge 605% increase.

UBER EATS LOVE SAVING TIME? GETANDTHESLICE APPS!

KIDS EAT FREE ALL DAY MONDAY

Key Findings from TOP Data’s study: • There was a 9.4% increase in annual grocery spend in 2020.

• 33 states have increased their grocery bill during the pandemic.

• The average American spent $4,442 on groceries in 2020.

• People of Florida spent the same amount on grocery in 2020 compared to 2019.

TOP Data analyzed weekly spending data of 900,000 Americans.This spending was mapped to 55 grocery retailers, including Trader Joes,Whole Foods, Safeway, Kroger, Albertsons, Wegmans and Publix Super Markets, and others.

The data was cross-checked with publicly available information from each organization, and any correction provided was incorporated into the report.

Viewing this information in concert, TOP determined the weekly purchases at each merchant over the last 15 months by state.

16 MILLION MEALS, AND COUNTING The Florida Department of Elder Affairs distributed more than 16 million home-delivered meals last year following the onset of COVID-19.That number represents an increased distribution of over 200% for nearly five months, compared to the number of meals served during periods of non-emergency, according to a news release from the department.

As the department and the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) increased the number of home-delivered meals, the Aging Network simultaneously partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to launch Feeding Older Floridians Restaurant Meal Initiative that contributed over 3.5 million meals to Florida seniors during the same time period.

Now, the department is reinforcing the successful home-delivered meal programs.

An additional $12.7 million in federal funding has been distributed to the 11 AAAs throughout the state, to address the needs of older Floridians who remain affected by COVID-19.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our restaurants have stepped up to help fill the critical need for senior meals, and the extension of this program will continue to allow seniors to have increased access to hot, nutritious meals from the safety of their home while simultaneously helping to support Florida’s restaurants,” Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said in the release.

The additional funding will allow extension of various meal delivery projects including the Feeding Older Floridians Restaurant Meal Initiative, drive-through meals, and grab-and-go meals for older adults who remain homebound.

SEVEN PRODUCTIVITY HACKS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES The Better Business Bureau has published a list of seven tips aimed at helping small businesses succeed. In a nutshell, here are the tips: • Know when to delegate.You are just one person; you can’t do everything.

• Set goals and track progress. Make lists of tasks you need to complete and keep track of how you are doing. Having a plan for each day and each week reduces the amount of time you waste.

• Work in time blocks. After setting your goals for the day, schedule a time for each task. For instance, if you schedule an hour to answer emails, stop doing that task after an hour and move on to the next thing on your list. Don’t forget to schedule in some 10-minute breaks.

• Avoid multi-tasking. Very few people can do more than one task at a time (Research says just 2.5%). Do one task at a time, and give it your full attention.

• Have short, impactful meetings. Every meeting should have a clear agenda.

• Hire the right people. It’s easier to delegate when you have the right people on the job. When choosing new team members, take your time to make sure the candidate is a good fit.

• Automate processes.Take a good look at your company.Automate, when possible.

For more information, visit BBB.org/smallbusiness.

SAME DAY EMERGENCYY DENT TAL

Dine in only. One child per adult.

TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY

MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY

$5.99 $10.95 $8.95 SPAGHETTI OR ZITI

with one topping

21501 Village Lakes Center Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639

(813) 949-7484 PizzaVillaLOL.com

LASAGNA

GREEK STYLE CHICKEN

$10.95 with salad

ANY GREEK $2.00 OFF * ENTREE

Baked Chicken, Stuffed Pepper & Tomato, Gyro, Briam, Mousaka, Dolmades, Spanakopita, Souvlaki, Large Greek Salad w/Potato Salad *Cannot be combined with other offers. One coupon per ticket/table. Expires 3/31/21.

D i n e i n - Ta k e O u T - D r i v e T h r u - C aT e r i n g

Providing ALL DENTAL CARE A Safely Adhering to COVID V -19 Guidelines

IMPLANT SPECIAL

$899

SINGLE IMPLANT

REG. $1800

FREE 2ND OPINIONS & CONSULLTATIONS

(813) 780-1403 6153 Fort King Road Zephyrhills, FL 33542

www.ArtisticTeeth.com

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheLakerLutzNews YOU’LL FIND STORIES, THINGS TO DO, SPECIALS, COMMUNITY PHOTOS AND MORE. 4B

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

Operation Feed Pasco closes, amid success

By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

United Way of Pasco County (UWPC) in partnership with the Pasco County Commission exceeded expectations with its one-of-a-kind, exclusive program to Pasco County called Operation Feed Pasco (OFP) — which provided more than 237,000 meals for individuals and families.

The project has wrapped up its work, amid great success, according to a news release.

The purpose of OFP was simple: Assist local food pantries and soup kitchens and sup-

ply food for their clients by using local restaurants in Pasco County.

The program was inspired by the growing number of food-insecure people and the increasing number of struggling restaurants, according to a news release.

Pasco County in May 2020 awarded a $600,000 grant to UWPC to develop and implement a program to help feed people while employing Pasco-based restaurants, event centers and caterers.

What started as a one-time grant turned into a multimillion dollar operation. And, UWPC went on to receive three additional

grants. Ultimately, it grew to include 37 partners and more than 20 locations for meal distribution.

The program’s partner restaurants were made up of a variety of cuisines — Italian, South American, Soul Food and others.

Meals from partner restaurants were served at various nonprofit agencies throughout the county, including women’s shelters for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, children’s shelters, food ministries and pantries, homeless outreach centers, afterschool programs for at-risk youth, and elderly care centers.

“United Way of Pasco County’s mission is to respond to unmet needs in the community,” said Charles Anderson, president and CEO, in the news release.

“None could be greater than ensuring our citizens had food during this pandemic.

“Responding to the challenge required tremendous teamwork and I remain very grateful to my staff team, board of directors, participating agencies, local restaurants,” Anderson said, adding a special shout-out to Cathy Pearson, an assistant Pasco County administrator, and to the Pasco County Commission.

Meals on Wheels for Kids looks to expand in 2021

By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH), a tri-county leader in hunger relief, research and program development, is accepting applications for its 2021 Meals on Wheels for Kids (MOW4Kids) National Expansion Program.

Approved applicants can receive financial aid and technical assistance to develop and launch home-delivered meal programs in communities across the eastern United States.

When schools closed due to COVID-19, TBNEH launched MOW4Kids Tampa Bay to serve disadvantaged children who depend

on school meals.

Now, the Network to End Hunger is offering a unique opportunity to organizations that are interested in launching community programs that deliver nutritious meals to transportation-disadvantaged and homebound families with children.

The MOW4Kids expansion is looking to provide support to at least 15 partner organizations in 2021.

“Meals on Wheels for Kids is an essential community program. We are excited to bring MOW4Kids to other communities across the country.The national expansion

of this program is vital at this stage because the need is not going away. Kids are going hungry at home by not going to school.

These children need our help now and we will do everything we can to make sure they have the nutritious meals they need,” said Caitlyn Peacock, executive director, in a news release.

Schools and community organizations can access the MOW4Kids Request for Proposal and Partner Application at MOW4Kids.org.

For additional information, visit NetworkToEndHunger.org.

The network also is accepting donations to help support the MOW4Kids National Expansion Program on its website.

Confused with all the hearing aid offfers out there?

Call THE Hearing g Aid Expert for a FR REE Consult!

• Decades of experience in the audiology field.

DELIVERY D ELIVERY THRU THRU DOOR DASH, D OOR D ASH, GRUB-HUB UBER G RUB-HUB & U BER ••• • •• ORDER ORDER ONLINE ONLINE AT A T ABCPIZZA.COM ABCPIZZA.COM ••• • •• PICKUP WINDOW P ICKUP W INDOW WHERE AVAILABLE W HERE A VAILABLE

• Locally-owned, small business, not a chain!

Heree for H youu...

Hearr for eveery eryyone!

• Drr.. Judith L. Reese, founder of JC Audiology • JC Audiology now in our 16th yearr,, with thousands of patients throughout the region and beyond.

• Check out our many 5-Star ratings at www.jc-audiology.com.

7 $ 95 12 CHICKEN

$

OR Spaghetti and Salad

Greek Lemon

LAND O’ LAKES 813-996-1211 DADE CITY 352-567-1414 ZEPHYRHILLS 813-779-1999

JC AUDIOLOGY & HEARING AIDS

813-949-1331

IT DOESN’T MAAT ATTER

Lunch Special 99 Daily Small Pizza and Salad

Spaghetti $ 99

Tues Wed Sun

5

1 TOPPING

Gyros & Greek Salads

www.lakerlu utznews.com

how you get it, wh here you re ead it, or wh ho you read d it with.

JUST ENJO OY ITT!

!

!"!* !"!*

www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

5B

Health We W e all want to age well.

Conviva can make it ha appen.

&

Wellness Send health news to news@lakerlutznews.com

PANDEMIC LEADERSHIP

At Conviva,, we have a long his h tory of helping seniors live and age well. So, we know the importance of developing long-lasting personal relationsships with our patients – relationships that go beyond our office walls.

We offffer a variety off serv vices in our Care Centers – and a there’s most likely one in your neighborhood.

We have 4 Care Centerrss in Tampa

We de d velop a personalize ed care plan based on your specifi fic needs

We offffer T Te elemedicine appointments

We ro outinely make follow--up phone e calls, just to see ho ow you’re doing

Leadership Pasco will host its first event online on March 9 at 8 a.m., via Zoom.

The topic will be “Leading Through a Crisis,” with a discussion on navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.The guest speaker will be Mike Napier, health officer, Florida Department of Health-Pasco County. Napier also is an alumni of Leadership Pasco’s Class of 2014.

The presentation will examine various aspects of the pandemic response, from getting the first positive case to organizing mass vaccination clinics in the county.

Registration is available online at LeadershipPasco.com. The cost is $20 for alumni in good standing, $30 for the general public, and $10 for students.

Preregistration is required and limited to 300 participants.

COPING WITH ANXIETY

Pasco County Libraries will host a free, weekly virtual Story Strong Book Club, focused on family wellness.

Each month, a social worker will lead a discussion on a topic such as anxiety, housing and food insecurity, reemployment and more.

Upcoming meetings are at 10 a.m.: • March 9: A group instructional session on overcoming and managing anxiety through yoga • March 16: Discussion of the book “Feeling Good” by Dr. David Burns • March 23: A group instructional session on managing anxiety and stress through journaling Preregistration is required by emailing storystrongbookclub@gmail.com.

A link to join each virtual session will be provided after registration.

For more information, please visit bit.ly/MarchAnxiety.

COLON CANCER

AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Dade City will host a virtual health talk,“What You Need to Know about Colon Cancer,” on March 9 at noon.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Thushy Siva, board-certified general surgeon.

The discussion will take place on the AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Dade City Facebook pages.

To register, call 877-534-3108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com.

MEN’S MENTAL WELLNESS

The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will host free mental wellness sessions for men, every Thursday for six weeks, starting March 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Harvest Hope Center, at Harvest Hope Park, 13704 N. 20th St., in Tampa.

Crystal Clark, licensed cognitive behavioral therapist, will lead the sessions, which are part of the Get Moving! program.

Limited space is available.To qualify, participants must agree in advance to attend every meeting. Temperature checks and face coverings/masks will be required.

Those interested in taking part in the sessions should contact Ronnie Oliver at 813-558-5212, ext.

310, or roliver@uacdc.org.

VIRTUAL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Now more than everr, r, we believe the mostt impo ortant part of Aging i Well is Staying W We We elll.

To T o experience Conviva firsthand, schedule a private tour today. We would be pleased to show you around, ound answer your que estions and earn your confi fidence.

Call (844) 906-0278 or visit MeetConviva.com We accept a variety of We Medicare Advantage planss.

Follow us on Facebook @ConvivaCaareCenters Follow us on Instagram @ConvivaCare

6B

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension and AdventHealth Dade City will present a Virtual Weight Management & Health Lifestyles Series on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., for six weeks, starting on March 16.

Participants should plan to attend all six sessions.

There will be weekly online presentations, including information about nutrients, diet myths, healthy portion sizes, physical activity and more.The series also includes discussions and hands-on learning in your own kitchen.

Each participant/household will be eligible for a $10 bag of fruits and vegetables for attending each session ($60 in fresh food for attending all six sessions).

Preregistration on Eventbrite.com is required, as spaces are limited.

Those interested should signup based on your closest AdventHealth location.

NEW DIRECTOR NAMED

Gulfside Healthcare Services has named Eduardo Puntonet as its director of clinical services.

In the new role, Puntonet will oversee the clinical nursing teams for the hospice division of the organization in Pasco County.

Puntonet graduat- Eduardo Puntonet ed from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and then pursued graduate degrees in business administration, and nursing leadership and management.

“Having received outstanding hospice care in my own family, I know first-hand the meaningful difference that hospice care can make,” said Puntonet in a news release.

“That is why I feel an overwhelming responsibility to assure that every patient under Gulfside’s services receives the most adequate care, which meets the highest quality standards,” he said.

DEAN SPEAKS ABOUT VACCINATIONS

The University of South Florida Dean of College of Pharmacy Dr. Kevin Sneed recently spoke during the Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.’s “Now You Know” virtual community forum.

Sneed spoke and answered questions on the COVID-19 vaccinations, to try to dispel some of the myths and skepticism the community may have in taking the vaccination, according to a news release.

Related topics included school-age children and the virus; children as possible carriers; side effects; and which vaccine to take.

“While there have been children who have been affected and died from the virus, overall children’s affection rate is lower than (adults),” Sneed said in the release.

On the vaccination side effects, Sneed said that fatigue and headaches are the main ones, and that few have had nausea, chills and fever.

“By and large, it’s not serious and most are gone within 24 hours,” Sneed said.

When discussing the different vaccines, he said that people should not “get caught up in the eye candy. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. It has proven to be 100% avoidance of death.”

Sneed said even if you get the shots, people must maintain CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations for social distancing and wearing a mask when social distancing is not possible.

OVERDOSE DEATHS INCREASE

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is continuing its efforts to prevent opioid overdoses, which have increased in Pasco Cunty amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) reported a total of 1,491 overdoses in 2020, resulting in 268 deaths — an increase of 71% from 2019, according to a news release.

Pasco County in 2019 was awarded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Overdose Data to Action Grant for $638,400, to assist in decreasing the opioid epidemic in the area.

Partnering with the PCSO and Pasco County Schools, DOH-Pasco hired an opioid epidemiologist as part of the Florida Epidemic Intelligence Service (FL-EIS) Fellowship Program to combat the epidemic.

The partnership has allowed the PCSO Behavioral Health Intervention Team, which partners with BayCare Behavioral Health, to connect individuals to treatment services.

Schools also are able to offer additional prevention education to students.

The partnership also has implemented the CDC’s Rx Awareness Campaign, which will be on billboards and bus wraps throughout the county, to increase knowledge and awareness.

In addition, DOH-Pasco, the PCSO and the Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention (ASAP) are working to host a virtual information town hall on opioid misuse and provide education on medication safety measures.

FIRST RESPONDERS WEBINARS

Saint Leo University and F1RST (Forensics Institute for Research Security & Tactics) will present a free webinar series for first responders, targeting skills to improve their well-being.

The four-part series, “Strengthening the Force: Service, Support and Security Series,” will consist of eight-hour sessions (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) that can improve responders’ mental See HEALTH, page 7B

HEALTH,

from page 6B

and physical health, as well as on-the-job effectiveness.

The series will be interactive, with time for questions and answers. Attendance certificates will be issued for each training session.

• March 23: De-escalation for First Responders • April 13: Resiliency for First Responders • May 11: Suicide Prevention for Law Enforcement Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting.

For more details, contact Nikki Heister, special programs manager, Department of Public Safety Administration, at Nikki.heister@saintleo.edu or 352-588-8487.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION

The Hernando & Pasco SEN (Substance Exposed Newborn) Taskforces will present the second annual “Education & Beyond: Supporting Substance Exposed Newborn Communities” seminar as a series of virtual workshops on Fridays in April.

The event is designed for medical, health care and hospital professionals, social and behavioral health workers, nonprofits, treatment providers, law enforcement officers, legal professionals, prevention coalitions and experts, early learning coalitions, state agencies, and all others involved in caring for women of child-bearing age, addiction and substance exposed newborns.

Four national medical experts have been confirmed to speak at the seminar.

Attendees will have access to the conference’s all-new Virtual Attendee Hub. Registrants will receive access in an email prior to the event.

The taskforces also are seeking sponsors and support partnerships for the workshop series.

Registration is $35 per attendee if registered by March 1, and $45 after that date.

For information and to sign up, visit tinyurl.com/yq43owv7.

Closer Look a N

a d v e r T i S e r

P r o f i L e

It’s Always Members First AT SAN ANTONIO CITIZENS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

GRIEFSHARE MEETINGS

The weekly support group GriefShare will meet at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The group is designed to help those who have lost a loved one rebuild their life.

The group will meet through June 2.

For information, call 813-949-4565.

HIV AND HEP C TESTING

The Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) continues to offer free rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the county health department, 10841 Little Road in New Port Richey.

Results from rapid tests will be available in 20 minutes. No matter the test results, DOH-Pasco will work with clients to take steps to help them protect their health.

Testing is by appointment only.

For information, questions or to schedule an appointment, call 727-619-0260.

By Kelli Carmack Special to The Laker / Lutz News “Your Future. Our Community. Together.”

This is the motto of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union (SACFCU), the oldest chartered financial institution in Pasco County.

The credit union has served its members in the eastern half of Pasco County for over 65 years. Patricia Sarne, president and chief executive officer, attributes its longtime success to its unwavering philosophy of putting the members first.

“We offer all the same products and services as the bank around the corner, but what stands us apart is how we deliver those products to the member,” says Sarne.

The most important mission at SACFCU is to make sure its members and community are succeeding. That’s why the credit union routinely hosts prize giveaways for its members, and donates to many local nonprofits, including The Thomas Promise and Daystar Hope Center.

“We’re not mandated to give back to the community, but we do because it’s the right thing to do,” says Sarne. “When our members and community succeed, we succeed.”

Another way SACFCU gave back to the community was through approving 229 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through the COVID relief program.

The credit union loaned over $7 million to local businesses. Sarne remembers that their first PPP loan went to a local restaurant.

Within 24 hours of receiving the loan the restaurant owner called the credit union to tell us that he told his entire staff that they could come back to work because of SACFCU. “That’s the impact we strive for,” says Sarne.

SACFCU’s positive impact on the community has not gone unnoticed. They were awarded the 2020 Chamber Member of the

Patricia Sarne, president and chief executive officer

Year by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Sarne joined SACFCU in 1994 as a teller, and worked her way up to president last June.

In her new role, her main focus is to increase the credit union’s imprint in the area —and they’re doing just that.

The credit union is currently building an 11,000-square-foot Operations Center at its San Antonio location.

“We want our back office support staff under one roof,” says Sarne. “And, this facility will help us attract talented individuals to our team by providing additional job opportunities and advancement.”

SACFCU is currently offering a 4.99% APR on credit card balance transfers for the life of the balance. There is no transfer or transaction fees with this offer.

“If you have a credit card with a higher interest rate, let us help you,” says Sarne, “Just by taking advantage of this balance transfer, we are able to save you money. Our goal here is to get you in a better financial position.”

San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union has locations in San Antonio, Dade City, Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel. To bank with SACFCU as a Member/Owner you must live, work, worship or attend school in Eastern Pasco or Hernando Counties.

COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO

A pick-me-up for those in service Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club assembled 125 goodie bags filled with snacks and treats for the front-line workers serving the public at the University Mall COVID Vaccination Center. Linda Mitchell, left, delivers snacks to nurse Corrie PearsonSailer, of Land O’ Lakes.

Liffe Changing h Vision s ® Cataracts are one of the most comm mon eye conditions treated by ophthalmologists and usually occur as paart of the normal aging process.

St. Luke’s surgeons have been trailblaazers in the innovations that make cataract surgery one of the safestt and most regularly performed surgeries in the United States.

Call 813-452-5959 Jeffrey Wipfli, MD

We comply with all CDC COVID VID--19 guidelines

or visit us at StLukesEye.com

13303 N. Dale Mabry Highway | Ta Tampa, FL 33618 www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

7B

CHECK

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

THIS OUT

SEND YOUR SPORTS NEWS & EVENTS TO KWEISS@LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

LOVING HANDS MINISTRIES GOLF TOURNAMENT

Loving Hands Ministries’ 29th annual charity golf tournament is set for March 13 at 8:30 a.m., at Scotland Yards Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301, Dade City.

The event is a four-person scramble with a shotgun start. Lunch is included, as well as an awards ceremony, door prizes, silent auction and raffle.

Cost is $125 per individual golfer and $400 per foursome. Sponsorships also are available.

Proceeds from the tournament will go toward Loving Hands Ministries, a 501c3 nonprofit that offers Christ-centered residential discipleship programs designed to help men with life-controlling problems and addictions.

For information, call 352-523-1399, or visit LovingHands.net.

PIRATES CLAY SHOOT SET

The Pasco High School PTSA has set its second annual Pull for Pirates Clay Shoot Fundraiser for April 17 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’ Lakes.

Sponsorships and four-person teams are needed. Cost is $150 per person or $500 for a team of four shooters. Each individual shooter receives 50 targets, two ammo boxes, ear protection, scorecard,T-shirt, and seat on a golf cart. Breakfast and lunch also will be provided.

Proceeds will go toward scholarships, school programs and other needs of Pasco High students and staff.

For more information, contact Dawn Enright at denright@ pasco.k12.fl.us or 813-997-5154.

SPRING LAKE MEMORIAL CLASSIC RACE

The annual Spring Lake Memorial Classic 10K/5K/2 mile is set for May 29 at The Arc Nature Coast, 5283 Neff Lake Road, Brooksville.

Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m., with the 10K start at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 7:40 a.m., and 2mile fun run/walk at 7:45 a.m. An awards ceremony will immediately follow the race.

Cost is $30 for the 10K, $25 for the 5K and $20 for the 2-miler.

The race is located in scenic eastern Hernando County, taking participants along tree-draped roads and challenging hills with all sorts of wildlife.

Proceeds from the event will support in-

Pasco Schools eases attendance restrictions at sporting events The Pasco County School District recently announced a new set of rules that allows for more spectators at school sporting events.

The new rules allow 50% capacity at all outdoor athletic events, while indoor athletic events are now limited to four spectators for each athlete and coach (double the number of spectators previously allowed).

The new rules officially went into effect last month. dividuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For more information, visit TheArc-naturecoast.org or tinyurl.com/1g33yzlx.

CYPRESS CREEK HIGH COACH EARNS REGIONAL HONOR

Cypress Creek High School athletic director and varsity boys soccer coach Justin Pelliccia was named one of 100 regional winners for the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) 2021 Double-Goal Coach Award, according to an announcement by the organization.

Nominees are assessed on the extent to which they reflect the model of PCA’s Double-Goal Coach, “whose first goal is winning, and whose second, more impor- Justin Pelliccia tant goal is teaching life lessons through sports,” according to the organization.

Pelliccia and others were selected out of over 600 nominations that received over 3,000 letters of reference. He is one of 11 Florida-based coaches recognized.

In coming weeks, the organization’s selection committee will next identify 25 National Winners who will each receive $500, a certificate from PCA, and recognition on PCA’s website, newsletters and media campaigns.

From there, one special coach will win the Taube Family Prize in Recognition of Excellence in Coaching and be named PCA’s National Coach of the Year.This prize, to be awarded in April, will include $10,000 ($2,500 to the coach and $7,500 to a youth sports organization or school of their choice).

Pelliccia joined Cypress Creek when the school first opened 2017. Under his leadership, the upstart school’s athletics department earned the FHSAA’s Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award for Class 4A for the 2019-2020 season.

Rules regarding masks have not changed, meanwhile.

At outdoor events, spectators and audience members still will be required to wear masks while entering and leaving the venue, and when leaving their seats to visit the concession stand or restroom. Masks are not required while spectators are seated at the event. Spectators and audience members still will be required to maintain appropriate social distance with anyone other than direct family members.

SAINT LEO ACROBATICS COACH STEPS DOWN

Saint Leo University acrobatics and tumbling head coach Allie Williams has stepped down from the program, to spend more time with her family after welcoming her first child last year.

Williams was hired as the first head coach of the acro and tumbling program in November 2018 — then Saint Leo’s newest and 21st intercollegiate sport.

Williams spent her first year recruiting Allie Williams and building the first collegiate acrobatics program in the state of Florida, while also procuring necessary equipment, uniforms and staffing.

The program’s first season of competition in spring 2020 was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Williams herself was a four-year standout at Baylor University, helping lead the team to three national championships in 2015, 2016 and 2017. She also scored individual event national titles in 5 element Acro (2015), Pyramid Heat 1 (2015), and multiple titles in Pyramid Heat 2 (2015, 2017).

Lions assistant coach Joely Smith will serve as the interim head coach for the program. A search will be conducted at a later date when COVID-19 protocols allow for the process to occur, according to a release from the school’s athletics department.

“We will always be grateful to Coach Williams for starting the Acrobatics & Tumbling program at Saint Leo,” Saint Leo athletics director Fran Reidy said, in a release.“Allie built things from the ground up, not only in recruiting great student-athletes but also in equipment needs, logistics, and promoting a new sport. We wish Allie, and her family, all the best as they start their newest journey as proud parents.”

Acrobatics and tumbling, a discipline of USA Gymnastics, is the evolution of different

The revised rules were established after Pasco County experienced a marked decrease in local COVID-19 cases and infection rates, and following consultation with the Pasco Department of Health.

“We want parents and friends to be able to attend school events, so long as it can be done safely,” Pasco Superintendent of School Kurt Browning said, in a release.

“With all decisions we make, our first priority is the health and safety of our student, staff, and families.” forms of gymnastics, and involves tumbling, tosses, and acrobatic lifts and pyramids.

Teams participate in head-to-head competition and are scored in six events, including compulsory, acro, pyramid, toss, tumbling and team.

FIRST TEE - TAMPA BAY AWARDED $100,000 GRANT

First Tee - Tampa Bay, a Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA program, has received a $100,000 grant from the United States Automobile Association (USAA) to help advance racial equality in Tampa Bay. Because of the grant, First Tee - Tampa Bay will be able to provide free golf lessons to an estimated 600 minority students in Title I schools throughout Hillsborough County.The grant also will enable the organization to offer 80 golf tournament scholarships and five college scholarships to minority students.

“The goal is to eliminate cost as an obstacle for any children from these specific schools and get them involved in our program,” First Tee - Tampa Bay Executive Director Ian Baxter said, in a news release.

“We are extremely appreciative to USAA for their generosity, which will introduce the game of golf to more children by removing any financial barriers.”

First Tee - Tampa Bay formed in 1999. It provides more than 80,000 children each year with hands-on, interactive golf experiences and focuses on developing core values.

In addition to being a program of Tampa YMCA, First Tee - Tampa Bay also partners with community members such as the Tampa Sports Authority, the City of Tampa and various golf facilities to offer year-round programming for kids and teens.The organization also offers programming in over 175 Hillsborough County Public Schools, afterschool programs or weeklong summer camp experiences.

For more information, call First Tee Tampa Bay at 813-238-7320.

MORE SPORTS NEWS ON PAGE 12A

12-Year-Old 1 2-Year-Old R Ronnie onnie Ierna Ierna D Dreams reams O Off T The he D Daytona aytona 5 500 00 AND SOMEDAY REPRESENTIING LUTZ/LAND O’ LAKES Ronnie Ierna has been racing go-karts since he was a young boy. After many years of hard work and dedication, today Ronnie is one of the top competitors in Florida and recently was recognized for his outstanding performance at Year Shootout Race at the Florida Dirt The New Ye Motor Speedway on State Road 52.

“Ronnie has been focusing on winning this race for quite some time now w,, and we are so proud of his accomplishments,” said his motherr,, Charlene Ierna. “He sat on the pole for all three races, and led every lap of every race to earn three first-place wins!”

Ronnie’s fatherr,, Ron Ierna, along with his motherr,, Charlene, support their son’s racing ambitions with encouragement and commitment. The sport is truly a family affairr,, with practice and races taking p g place p most weekends.

When Ronnie is not racing his go-kart, the 12-year-old is busy as a top student at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, where Vi he is on the honor roll.

“Ronnie volunteers before and after school as a patrol, and also helps out with community events, such as a recent trash collection drive,” said Charlene. “Most of Ronnie’s classmates

have no idea that Ronnie is such an accomplished racerr,, because at scchool he is just a normal kid like everyone else.” t Lutz racing team, Ronnie is a member of the Team ERC (Eleanor Racing Te g Chassis).

“He is fortunate to be paart of a solid race team like Te Team ERC,” said d Ron Ierna. “They set him up for success, week after week. he s at without his Ronnie would not be wherre he’s outstanding coaches.” a the New Ye Years’ With his recent success at Shootout Race, Ronnie hass moved up a class, and is now one of the youn ngest racers in this class. The entire Te Team ERC C saw great success at this competition, with th he team winning 10 out of 10 races.

n thrreee ra races hootout out Race.

R

“W Wee really want to give a sshout out to Team ERC, its coaches, pit crew w,, and all the parents and friends that support these young racers on ne. so many levels,” said Charlen Because of his leadership aand racing success, Ronnie has been featured as a guest on oadcast geared Last Lap Live, a live radio bro toward the go-kart racing spo ort.

Ronnie and Charlene Ierna are owners of local air conditioning companies. Both are very philanthropic and sponsor many local events.

Since Ronnie was a preschoolerr,, he has accompanied his parents and volunteered countless hours at chamber events, stuffing promo bags, collecting canned goods, trash pick-up operations, and many other charity activities.

as collection drive. ng at a trash eering Sponsorred Content

8B

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

S

TRoLLING

EVERRYY SAATTURDAAYY

EXPLORRE HISTORIC

S

ATURDAYS

DOWNTOWN W DDAADE CITY ESTT. 1884 www.DownttownDadeCity.com

Y IT C E D A D N W O T N W O D IC R OR T IS H IN S SIX BLOCKS OF WALKABLE SHOP t • Seasonal Events dings il Bu ic or st H Hi • s m eu us M • s es ie ri er ll Ga Art

E… RE… PLoRRE EXXPL

Book stores, fa fashion boutiques, vinttaage furniture & home decor, d jewelry & accessories, outdoor gear & bicycles, pet boutique, wine shop, ice cream & chocolaattes, antiques, pa painting studiios

Over 20 localllyy owned, old-fashioned fa Eateries at & fine resttaaurrants.

Safe famil fa lyy outing just 30 minutes from Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes & LLutz.

LOCATED AT AT AT US HWY 301 & SR 52

JOIN

THE FUN!

Browse 6 Blo ocks of quaint shops unique to DaDe city GRAB YOU UR F FA ACE MASK AND ENJOY A FUN N DA AY Y OF SIDEW WA AL LK SHOPPING & DINING!

www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

9B

Best in Small Business 813-909-2800 • classifieds@lakerlutznews.com ALUMIN NUM

AIR CONDITIONING

CLEANING

STEVE’S ALUMINUM & SCREENING, LLC

“Fo For ALL Y Yoourr Scre reening Nee e ds.””

* 20% onffing

Owner

*new cu

813-401-1633 jbabes101@gmail.com

• Pool Enclosures • Sunrooms • Screen Rooms • Glass Rooms • Rescreening

KERZNER KLEANING Leaving houses klean and esh

Frree Esti timate tes • Lice censed ed & Insure red

727-847-6216

Licensed, bonded, and insured Guaranteed satisfied

advertising Lady L

CLEANING SERVICE

CLEANING SERVICE

WORKS

CLEANING SERVICE SERVING TAMPA BAY AREA, LUTZ, LAND O’ LAKES & WESLEY CHAPEL

FREE ESTIMATES

8 1 3 - 2 6 3 -7 9 6 6 MOVE-INS OR OUTS WEEKLY & BI-WEEKLY 30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

in Best in Small Business TheLAKER / LutzNEWS

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

10% OFF FOR NEW CLIENTS

813-909-2800 DRYWALL SPECIALIST

Julia Kerzner

a first clestomers

Bella Casa Cleaning Service

20% OFF

Commercial & Residental Cleaning

First Time Cleaning

Residential & Commercial

YOU NAME ITT,, WE'LL REMOV VE IT!

Repairing water damaged ceilings & walls.

Retexturing, Popcorn removal, Room Additions.

Cracks, holes, plaster, stucco repair & PAINTING.

Construction & Yard Debriss, Appliances & Furniture, House Clutter & Hoarder Houuses

Call today for a free estim mate!

FREE ESTIMATES • AFFORDABLE, QUALITY WORK

727-401-9535

Now Accepting Credit Cards • State Certified SCC131149699 • We Keep Appointments

727.485.5736 727.372.1072 PEST CONTROL

$25 Off

Proud to be locally owned & operated

www.facebook.com/JunkJunnkiesLLC

*Not to be combined with any other discount or coupon

$10 Off

YOUR 1ST REMOVAL *Not to be combined with any other discount or coupon

PLUMBING

ANYTIME PLUMBING

Green Pest Control

Rodent Management

Residential

Termite Prevention

Commercial

Entry Point Repair Services

Wildlife Trapping

Lawn & Shrub Care

First Green Certified Indoor Pest Control Service FREE! UP TO $150.00 VALUE*

It's Time to Go GREEN

OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC. Pasco/Hillsborough (813)

792-2264 • Pinellas (727) 822-1742 *SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY

Certified Backflow Testing, Repair & Replacement

www.nvirotect.com

24 /7/365 • No Overtime • Flat Rate Pricing • Re-Pipes Hydro-Jetting • Sewer Replacement • Slab Leak Repair Drain Cleaning & Repairs • Sewer Inspection

$ FREE ESTIMATES www.PlumbingAnytime.com Lic # CFC1425923 • Bonded/Insured

Free Estimates No Contracts Required Bonded 35 yrs experience Open 24hrs/7 Days a week Licensed & Insured

A FULL LOAD!

NOT A HANDYMAN

Call Ron 813-784-5999

• • • • •

Must present coupon.

Not to be combined with any other offers.

JUNK REM MOV VA AL

DRYWALL SPECIALIST

Cleaning done by Owner

PLUMBING

75 off $30 off

ANY WATER HEATER INSTALLATION

ANY REPAIR with this ad

One time use, can not be combined with other coupons.

Expires 3/31/21

PRESSURE WA WASHING

AS AP Pressure Pressure Cleaning Cleaning ASAP 15+

F Free Estimates & Quality Q W Wo ork

Years

experience

disc count

10% with this ad 1

PRESSURE WASHING

PRESSURE WASHING PAVER CLEANING/SEALING

& EXTERIOR HOME SANITIZING! Tampa Bay Pro

8 813 813-501-2010 501 1 2010

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

PRESSURE WASHING, LLC

www.ASAPpressure.com ROOFING

CARL MARTIN

ROOFING

FREE

ESTIMATES!

SCREENING

licensed • bonded • insured CCC 1325565

FREE

LICENSED & INSURED • RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

Estimates

$

specializing in reroofs & repairs FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1972

Guaranteed Roof Repairs

69

UP TO 1000 SQ.FT. EXPIRES 3/31/21

813-977-0066

813-892-0738

SCREENING

TREE SERVICE FREE

Screen installations done quickly & trouble free.

Same day service is available, just ask!

“Seek Perfection!”

MG PROFESSIONAL LLC Licensed & Insured • 813-453-3394

ESTIMATES

Certified Arborist • Lic & Work Comp Insured

TREE REMOVAL • TREE TRIMMING • STUMP GRINDING

813-265-3224

Support your local small businesses!

10B

DRIVEWAY & SIDEWALKS

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

Classifieds 813-909-2800 • classifieds@lakerlutznews.com

GARAGE / YARD SALES

GARAGE / YARD SALES

PARK WIDE SALE

REDEMPTION CHURCH YOUTH

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

Annual Yard Sale NOWEuroHIRING! Taste Grill

Blue Jay Mobile Home Park On 98, half a mile off 301 in Dade City

March 6 • 9am to 3pm CLOTHES, ELECTRONICS, FURNITURE, HOUSEHOLD MISC & MORE!

Looking for an Experienced Cook, Cook Helper, Server & Bus girl!

Saturday, March 6, 8am-12 Something for everyone!

17351 Hyland Ln, Dade City Off of Blanton Rd.

ADOPTIONS

FOR RENT

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

CALIFORNIA COUPLE promises baby loving home, secure future. Devoted grandparents, educational opportunity, gentle pet. Generous living expenses paid. Andrew and Angela 1(818) 305-5684 or attorney 1(310) 663-3467.

MOBILE HOME FOR RENT

Immediate HIRE!

1/1 M.H. Everything new inside.

Wesley Chapel/Zephyrhills border.

Beautiful view, quiet, private ½ acre.

Perfect for a retired senior.

FREE Water, Trash p/u. $775/mo.

Carl 813-410-1201 Call or Text.

Full time! Breakfast and Lunch!

Land O' Lakes area

813-948-0198

PART TIME & FULL TIME POSITIONS Professional House Cleaner to join our friendly cleaning company, serving Land O' Lakes, Lutz, Wesley Chapel & New Tampa.

••• Must have Prior experience, be reliable, & having own transportation is a MUST!

Call Linda at 813-263-7966 MANUFACTURED HOMES

FOR SALE

BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!

15% & 10% OFF

NATIO

R G

5

% OFF

TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS ONLY! **

OFF

WE INSTALL

YEAR-ROUND! LIFETIME WARRANTY

FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!1

2

1

RD

TE

’S

GU

T

E

N

TH

+

SENIORS & MILITARY!

UA

1

Promo Code: 285

Subject to credit approval. Call for details.

CALL US TODAY FOR

1-855-282-1397

A FREE ESTIMATE

Work for the FDVAGreat Benefits!!

Great Rates FDVA-BALDOMERO LOPEZ STATE VETERANS’ NURSING HOME 6919 PARKWAY BLVD. LAND O’ LAKES, FL 34639

813-558-5000

Has opportunities for: OPS CNA: part time, Position #5059310 Sr. CNA: full time, Position #50000136 OPS SLPN: part time, Position 50506025 OPS RN: part time, Position #50506019 OPS FOOD CONTROL SPECIALIST: part time, Position # 50509451 FOOD SUPPORT WORKER: full time, Position # 50000146

CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

New and Used homes available in Arbor Oaks, a 55+ community located in beautiful Zephyrhills.

Limited Time 50% lot rent for 1 year with new home purchase Newby Realty 941-479-2849 Equal Housing Opportunity.

Pre-employment level 2 background check and drug testing Good communication skill and computer skills a must Apply at https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com Reference position number EEO/AAE/E-VERIFY MEDICAL / DENTAL

'!-% 0!'% !.37%23

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST )RU WKRVH ZKR TXDOLI\ 2QH FRXSRQ SHU KRXVHKROG 1R REOLJDWLRQ HVWLPDWH YDOLG IRU \HDU 2΍ HU YDOLG DW WLPH RI HVWLPDWH RQO\ 2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 WA UBI# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 RegisWUDWLRQ & 5HJLVWUDWLRQ 5HJLVWUDWLRQ 3& 5HJLVWUDWLRQ Ζ5 5HJLVWUDWLRQ 9+ 5HJLVWUDWLRQ 3$ 6X΍ RON HIC License# 52229-H License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 0086990 Registration# H-19114

cmmdr.com

Fictitious name notice? Job to post? Room for rent? Garage or yard sale?

Obituary? Get the word out in The Laker/Lutz News! Call 813-909-2800

$150 RE-CERTIFICATIONS BY PHONE. NO NEED TO LEAVE HOME.

813-756-0091

National Classified Ads from the ADS Network - To Place Ads, Call 1-877-203-2327 Cars/trucks wanted!!! 2002 and newer! Any condition. Running or not. Competitive offer!

Free towing! We’re nationwide! Call now: 1888-416-2330.

Donate your car to kids! Fast free pickup running or not - 24 hour response. Maximum tax donation. Help find missing kids! 877-8311448

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

HughesNet Satellite Internet – Finally, no hard data limits! Call Today for speeds up to 25mbps as low as $59.99/mo! $75 gift card, terms apply. 1-844-863-4478

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule Free in-home assessment. 1-844- 334-8353 special financing if qualified.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Association of Community Publishers (ACP) is searching for an Executive Director. If interested, visit afcp.org or ifpa.com and click on the “Executive Director Search” link for more details.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attention: If you or a loved one worked around the pesticide Roundup (glyphosate) for at least 2 years & has been diagnosed with nonHodgkin's lymphoma, you may be entitled to compensation. 855-341-5793

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/month w/12-mo agmt. 1 TB of data/mo. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. 1-888796-8850

Cash for cars: We buy any condition vehicle, 2002 and newer. Nationwide free pick up! Call now: 1-800-864-5960.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New authors wanted! Page Publishing will help self-publish your book. Free author submission kit! Limited offer! 866-951-7214 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hearing aids! Bogo free! High-quality rechargeable Nano hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Nearly invisible! 45-day money back guarantee! 833-669-5806 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-855-270-3785

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery.

Only 2.8 lbs. Free info kit. Call 877-929- 9587

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Train online to do medical billing! Become a Medical Office Professional at CTI! Get trained & certified to work in months! 888- 572-6790.

(M-F 8-6 ET)

Directv Now. No Satellite. $40/mo 65 Channels. Stream news, live events, sports & on demand titles. No contract/commitment. 1866- 825-6523

Life Alert. One press of a button sends help fast 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. Free first aid kit (with subscription.) 877-537-8817 Free brochure.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures.

Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-888-623-3036 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 7/21/21.1833-872-2545

Thinking about installing a new shower?

American Standard makes it easy. Free design consult.1-888-674-3005 today to see how to save $1,000 on installation or visit www.newshowerdeal.com/display

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE

AUTOMOBILES A-1 DONA AT TE Y YO OUR CAR FOR BREAST CANCER! Help United Br B east Foundation education,, prevention & supportt programs.. F FA AST FREE PICKUP - 24 HR RESPONSE - T TA AX DEDUCTION 1-855-758-6966 (t) CASH FOR CARS! W We e buy all cars!

Junk,, high-end,, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same daayy cash!

NEWER MODELS too! Call 1-833-2380340 (t) DONA AT TE Y YO OUR CAR OR TRUCK TO T O HERIT TA AGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Daayy V Vaacation, T Taax Deductible, Free To T owing, All Paperwork T Taak ke en Care Of. CALL 1-855-972-5518 (m) Donate your car, r,, truck or van.. Help vetIVERW ½RH NSFW SV WXEVX E FYWMRIWW 'EPP Patriotic Hearts Foundation.. Fast,, FREE pick-up. Max tax-deduction.. Operators are standing by! Call 1-833-909-0926 (m)

FINANCIAL The COVID crisis has cost us all WSQIXLMRK 1ER] LEEZZI PSWX NSFW ERH ½RERGMEP WIGYVMX]] ,EEZZI / -R (IFX# Credit Cards.. Medical Bills.. Car Loans.

Call NA AT TIONAL DEBT RELIEF! W We e can help! Get a FREE debt relief quote:: Call 1-877-316-7129 (m) Wesley Financial Grro We oup, LLC. Timeshare 'ERGIPPEXMSR )\TIVXW 3ZIV in timeshare debt and ffe ees cancelled in 2019.. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations.. Over 450 positive reviews.. Call 844-405-1099 (m)

The Generac PWRcell,, a solaar plus batter y storage system.. SA AV VE E moneyy,, reduce your reliance on the grid, g , prepare for power outages and po p wer your home. Full installation ser vice es aavvailable.

(S[R *MRERGMRK 3TXMSR 6IUYIWX E FREE,, no obligation,, quote todaayy. Call 1-855-706-0484 (m) Generators GENERAC Standby Generato ors provide backup power during utility power outages,, so your home and famil amily staayy safe and comffo ortable. Prepare now. Free ]IEV I\XIRHIH [EVVERXX]] ZEPYI Request a free quote todaayy! C Call ffo or additional terms and conditions. ons.. 1-855708-4101 (m) 8LMROMRK EFSYX MRWXEPPMRK E RI[ WLS[IV# American Standard makes it easy. FREE HIWMKR GSRWYPXEXMSR )RNS] ]SYV WLS[IV again! Call 1-844-230-0741 toda odaayy to see LS[ ]SY GER WEEZZI SR MRWXEPPEXMSR or visit www.newshowerdeal.com/ ¾QIHME Q

HEAL LT TH & MEDICAL DENT TA AL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures.. Real dental MRWYVERGI ¯ 238 NYWX E HMWGSYRX TPER Don’t wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-833-424-6043 www.dental50plus.com/cpf #6258 (m) HEARING AIDS!! Buy one/get one FREE! High-quality rechargeable Nano hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors.. Nearly invisible! 45-daayy money back guarantee! 1-877-378-1415 (t) Liffe e Alert.. One press of a button sends help FAST, T,, 24/7! At home and on the go.

Mobile Pendant with GPS.. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 877354-1492 FREE Brochure. (m)

Donate Your Car For Kids!

Fast free pickup, running or not - 24 hour response. Maximum tax donation. Help find missing kids! Call us at:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, most advanced debris- blocking protection.

Schedule free estimate. 15% off Purchase.

10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855995-2490

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- FEATURED AD THIS WEEK -

0YRK 'ERGIV# %RH %KI # = =S SY ERH =S = SYV *EQMP] 1EE]] &I )RXMXPIH XS 7MKRM½cant Cash A Aw ward.. Call 1-855-635-9214 for Information.. No Risk.. No Money Out of Pocket. ke . (t) Portable Oxygen Concentrator Maayy Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting batter y of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-3977056 (m) :-%+6% '-%0-7 TMPPW JSV TMPPW JSV *6)) WLMTTMRK 1SRI] back guaranteed! 1-855-457-9751 (t) We haavve Clinics STA We TA AT TEWIDE.. Medical 1EVMNYERE 'PMRMGW GEPP XSHEE]] 'EPP 420-0421

MISCELLANEOUS %8 % 8 8 -RXIVRIX 7XEVXMRK EX QSRXL w/12-mo agmt.. Includes 1 TB of data per month.. Get More For Y Yo our High-Speed Internet Thing Thing. Ask us ho ow to bundle and SA AV VE! Geo & svc restrictions applyy..

Call us todaayy 1-877-568-5045.. (m) AT A T&T TV - The Best of L Live & On-Demand On All Y Yo our Faavvoritte Screens.

CHOICE Package, 64.99//mo plus taxes Channels at No ffo or 12months.. Premium C Charge for One Y Ye ear! An nytime, anywhere.

W 24-mo. agmt Some restrictions applyy.. W/ TV price higher in 2nd year. Regional 7TSVXW *II YT XS QS MW I\ \XXVE

applies.. Call IVS 1-866-46 60-1886 (m) Become a published auth hor! PublicaXMSRW WSPH EX EPP QENSV WIGYPEV WTIGMEPty Christian bookstores.. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for yourr FREE author submission kit.. 1-844-29 93-6611 (m) Become a Published Autthorr.. W We e want to Read Y Yo our Book! Dorran nce Publishing-T Trrusted by Authors Since 1920.

S Book manuscript submisssions currently being reviewed.. Comprehensive Serr-vices:: Consultation,, Production,, Promo-

1-877-831-1448

Formerly the NANI and CADNET Networks

tion and Distributio on.. Call for your Free Author`s Guide 1-8 844-218-1247 or visit LXXT HSVVERGIMRJJS S GSQ ¾SVMHE Q

speeds. WiFi built in! FREE Standard Installation ffo or lease customers! Limited Time, Call 1-855-485-4101 (m)

(-7, 2IX[SVO JSV 'LERRIPW &PE^MRK *EWX -RXIVRIX QS (where aavvailable.) Sw witch & Get a FREE :MWE +MJJXX 'EVH *6)) : :S SMGI 6IQSXI FREE HD DVR.. FRE EE Streaming on ALL Devices.. Call todaayy! 1-855-895-7245 (m)

2IIH -67 6IPMIJ / / +IX *VIWL 7XEVX SV *SVKMZIRIWW 'EPP 1-855-908-2440 Mondaayy through Fridaayy 7AM-5PM PST (t)

(-7, 8: *SV 'LERRIPW ,MKL 7TIIH -RXIVRIX *VII Installation,, Smart HD H DVR Included, Free V Vo oice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 7/21/21.. 1-855340-3064 (t) Earthlink High Spee ed Internet. As Low As QSRXL JJS SV XLI ½VWX QSRXLW Reliable High Speed d Fiber Optic T Te echnology. Stream Videos,, Music and More! Call Earthlink T To oday 1-87 77-929-1176 (m) Eliminate gutter cle eaning ffo orever! LeafFilter, r,, the most advaanced debris-blocking gutter protectio on.. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate todaayy. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senio or & Militar y Dis287-4769 (m) counts.. Call 1-866-2 +IX = =S SYV 1IHMGEP 1EVMNYERE 'EVH 7XST in for a sample of D DBD Bud.. Stop taking dangerous pain and Anxiety Pills with To T oxic side effects.. 1-833-420-0421 Guaranteed Life Inssurance! (Ages 50 to 80).. No medical exam. Affordable TVIQMYQW RIZIV MRGVIEWI &IRI½XW RIZIV decrease. Policy will only be cancelled for non-payment. ay . 1-833-946-2478 (t)

9T XS SJ +9%6%28))( Liffe e Insurance! No medical exam or health questions.. Cash to help paayy JYRIVEP ERH SXLIV ½REP I\TIRWIW 'EPP Physicians Life Insurance Company844-721-1875 or visit www.Life55plus.

MRJS ¾QE Q 4G L LT TE Home Internet Now A Avvailable!

Get GotW3 with lightning fast speeds plus tak ke e your ser vice with you when ]SY XVEEZZIP %W PS[ EW QS 1-888-708-1498 (t)

SERVICES/Miscellaneous '31498)6 -779)7# +))/7 32 7-8) provides FREE diagnosis REMOTEL LY Y 24/7 SER RV VICE DURING COVID19.

2S LSQI ZMWMX RIGIWWEV ] 3** with coupon 86407! Restrictions apply.

1-855-993-4172) (t)

To place a LOC To CA AL ad,, call the Laker Lutz News at

813-909-2800

et. W We e instantly comHigh-Speed Interne TEVI WTIIH TVMGMRK EEZZEMPEFMPMX] XS ½RH the best ser vice for your needs.. Starting EX QSRXL 5YMGOP] GSQTEVI offfe ers from top providers.. Call 1-855956-3567 (m)

Too place a ST T TA ATEWIDE ad that will reach 2.8 million rre eaders in Florida,, call the Florida Media Association at

HughesNet Satellite e Internet - 25mbps WXEVXMRK EX QS +IX 1SVI (EXE FREE Off-Peak Dataa.. F FA AST download

352-237-3409

www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

11B

Florida’s best cancer care.

Clos ser to our patiients.

Florida’s finest cancer care is s closer than ever. Introducing Moffitt’s new outp patie p ent cancer center, o opening soo on in Wesley Chapel. Beginning o February 15, you will have eve en more convenient access a to the most proven treatm ments along g with screening g exams and more. Plus a cance er team that willl fuel your courage to face the challe enge. If you’ve been n newly diagnosed, don’t compromise.

1Ė `OUUSĖ SĖ Ģ

12B

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

To schedule s an appoin ntment, visit Moffitt.org or call 1-888-MO OFFIT T.