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Main Event: A family fun destination
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The tempo was upbeat, as arcade lights glowed and music pulsed through a surround-sound system at last week’s grand-opening celebration for Main Event, a new entertainment venue next to Tampa Premium Outlets. Visitors had a chance to get their first peek at a place that’s obviously dedicated to being a fun destination for people of all ages. Main Event, at 2839 Creek Grass Way in Lutz, offers a wide array of activities, including bowling, arcade games, laser tag, gravity ropes and other activities, plus various food and drink options. Members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber gathered to welcome Main Event to the community and their enthusiasm was apparent. It was the chamber’s first big, in-person ribbon-cutting ceremony since concerns about potential spread of COVID-19 shut down such activities beginning in midMarch. Hope Kennedy, president and CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber, put it like this:
B.C. MANION
Alex Garza, of Main Event, was among the speakers at Main Event’s grand opening last week. He talked about the company’s aim to provide a destination for family fun, while also providing local job opportunities.
“We’re so excited to be able to have a grand opening — figure it out, logistically, with all of the CDC regulations.” She’s also enthused about what Main
Event will bring to the community. “This was the one thing that was lacking in Wesley Chapel — family entertainment, where you felt safe to come with your entire family, have a great time,” the chamber executive said.“It appeals to all age groups. It’s a needed addition to our community.” Christa Watson, the sales manager for Main Event, explained, in an interview, why the entertainment center chose the Pasco County location. “This appealed to our company because it’s an underserved market,”Watson said. “We knew this area needed something for families. “The way that Wesley Chapel and Lutz are growing — there are families here, who want to have some fun. “There isn’t anything for families to do, like this, for about 22 to 25 miles,” Watson said. “Why not Wesley Chapel? Why not Lutz.” The sales manager detailed some of the center’s offerings. “We have over 50,000 square feet of family fun entertainment center, here. “We have 22 bowling lanes that are stateSee MAIN EVENT, page 9A
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Memories are made, and honored here
The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, a mile north of Dade City, has a collection of historic structures that help tell the story of Florida’s past. During non-COVID times, it’s also a place where lots of memories are made, during special community events, private events and school field trips. Above, the driver and hitchers of team Jason Abrell, of Russell Springs, Kentucky, try to calm their two horses, Dick and Cracker, during a Farm Festival and Quilt Show at the museum and pioneer village. To learn more about the history of this East Pasco attraction, see page 1B.
Pasco sets tentative tax rate
up to
30%
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Tony (a retired firefighter), Mike (an active fire captain) and Tim (who operates the family’s landscaping business) are juggling their work and family obligations to help care for their dad, 73. Everyone lives close in the Lutz area.They are in constant communication to schedule their time and make sure they can help with chores or simply spend time with their dad. “They are devoted to their father and always have been,’’ Lonna said. “They do whatever is needed, without complaint, and I derive so much comfort from that. “It warms my heart. It just brings tears to my eyes, to see that kind of love. Each one does something different with their dad. I always know I can call them and their families also to drop what they are doing if I need them.’’ Vizzari’s left side is much weaker now. If
Pasco County’s revenues grew, but not as much as had been projected — before COVID-19 flattened the economy. Pasco County commissioners last week approved the proposed tentative millage rates recommended by County Administrator Dan Biles. “We are recommending no change in the operating millage rate of 7.6076, or the fire service MSTU (municipal services taxing unit) millage rate of 1.8036,” Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director told the board during its July 14 public meeting. “Many of the general obligation millage rates are slightly higher than they were in 2020 because in ‘’(fiscal year 2020) ’20, we were paying interest only, and in (fiscal year 2021) ’21, we’re paying interest and principal.” The board’s approval of its tentative rates means they will be reported in the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices mailed to property owners in August.The board can choose to lower the rates but cannot raise them, when it adopts the county budget. The board also set the first public hearing on the county’s budget for Sept. 8 at 5:15 p.m., in the Historic Pasco Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City. Because of the ever-evolving threat of COVID-19, it is unclear at this time whether that meeting will be open for public attendance, or will be conducted in some virtual manner. The county’s taxable assessed values did increase by 7.7% this year, compared to an
See VIZZARI, page 9A
See TAX, page 9A
ON TOP BRAN NDS COURTESY OF LONNA VIZZARI
The Vizzari sons, from left: Tim, Michael and Tony, gather around their dad, Vince, who suffered a massive stroke in 2018. The brothers have juggled other obligations, to rally around their dad.
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The LAKER WESLEY CHAPEL/NEW TAMPA EDITION
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FEBRUARY 3, 2016
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By Kathy Steele
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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
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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
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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
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By Joey Johnston Special to The Laker/Lutz News
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Caring for dad comes naturally for Vizzari sons
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Vince Vizzari, a retired City of Tampa firefighter, was always there for his three sons. He coached them in baseball. He worked with them in Boy Scouts. He was available to help with a project or share some family time. Life changed dramatically for Vizzari on Jan. 23, 2018, when he suffered a massive stroke that affected his speech and mobility. And now, the three Vizzari sons — Tony, Mike and Tim — are always there for the dad. After the initial care and rehabilitation, there was no question about the road ahead for Vizzari. A specialized facility or nursing home was available, but the sons wouldn’t hear of that.Their dad was coming home. To make that work, they have done anything needed to assist, lightening the load on Vizzari’s wife, Lonna, and drawing the family even closer.