The Laker-East Pasco-May 20, 2020

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City awards contract for Hardy Trail

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

Dade City has pushed another step forward to make the Roy Hardy Trail more tourist-friendly.

City commissioners have agreed to enter negotiations with Borregard Construction Inc., for the design-build of a visitor’s information welcome center, to be located on the south side of Church Avenue near the Hardy Trail multi-use trailhead.

Preliminary plans call for a building of 1,100 square feet to 1,500 square feet, with

two family bathrooms that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The center will feature an open floor plan — allowing for vendor operations, area attractions, museums and art exhibits to host mobile displays.

The building is part of a larger exterior space concept that will feature a bike-share hub with stations for parking, minor repairs and public resting areas for cyclists and exercising pedestrians.

Commissioners voted 4-1, with Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon voting against the bid award, during a May 12 virtu-

al conference call meeting.

The city received three bids for the project.

Borregard, a Dade City-based construction firm, garnered the highest average qualification score by city staffers for its proposal, scope of services and cost projections.

If the city is unable to come to terms with Borregard, it will turn to the secondranked bid,WJCreate LLC. Construction shall begin no later than See HARDY, page 9A

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Signs of support and appreciation Expressions of appreciation for first responders and health care workers, and words of encouragement for the community are showing up in all sorts of ways during this coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). John Bush, left, shift manager; Shelly Mathis, morning manager; and Mason Bragg, stand next to a red ribbon, symbolizing support for first responders. They work at the McDonald’s in Dade City.

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By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

(COVID-19) pandemic.

“The primary focus of our business is to provide a place where people can gather to play sports, meet friends, benefit from our wellness offers, and spend time over food and drinks,” Collard wrote in the memo.

Alcohol sales could be a “make or break” contract opportunity with any prospective new restaurant partner, Collard noted in the memo.

Council members concurred with Collard’s request, to help him cast a wide net to attract another partner as the state-ofthe-art facility readies for a summer opening. Also, they feel confident that the consumption of beer and wine will be done judiciously.

Councilman Lance Smith put it like this: “The tennis folks aren’t going to get all ripped up after they have a tennis match.”

Collard later told The Laker/Lutz News he’s signed on Mike and Sue Prenderville as restaurant partners.

The Prendervilles own Song Printing & Design in downtown Zephyrhills, and Mike once operated one of the largest pubs in London, England, Collard said.

The facility’s restaurant/café would operate for lunch and dinner, with a brunch option on weekends, per the memo. Daily operating hours typically will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., then opening at 10 a.m. on weekends.

The restaurant is expected to provide a full menu of hot and cold food, with the

Small businesses are struggling to reopen amid the uncertainties wrought by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Chambers of commerce are right there with them on the front line.

They are dealing with staff layoffs in some cases. They’ve been working from home.They have fewer resources.

And, even as chambers begin reopening their offices, the priority is the economic recovery of member businesses.

Ribbon cuttings, for a while, are on hold.

“We had to pivot,” said Hope Kennedy, president of The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.

From Day One of the shutdown, there was an urgency to how chambers should respond.They had to rethink what it means to network and provide services that would help businesses stay solvent and resilient.

To be sure, there were phone calls. Lots of them.

But, the new virtual world meant rethinking social media and technology. Zoom meetings and virtual town halls blossomed.

Websites became clearinghouses for grants and forgivable loans, and the latest information businesses needed to survive, and now to reopen, safely.

“We’ve done a lot of individual communicating with our members,” Kennedy said.

Initially, the focus was on helping business owners apply for financial aid, either locally or from the federal Payroll Protection Program.

Chambers partnered with Pasco County and the Pasco Economic Development Council to coordinate efforts to deliver financial aid to distressed businesses and residents.

Kennedy heard from business owners who told her,“if we had not had all this information on our website, they wouldn’t have gotten them.”

As businesses reopen, she added,“We’ve turned into a repository for businesses that need to rehire.”

See TENNIS, page 9A

See CHAMBERS, page 9A

COURTESY OF DAVID ALVAREZ

Beer and wine sales will be allowed at the new Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellbeing Center in Zephyrhills

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Zephyrhills OKs alcohol sales at tennis center

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

At the forthcoming Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellbeing Center, after a sweaty session of volleys and serves, players will be able to slake their thirst with an adult beverage or two.

The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved the sale of beer and wine — but no liquor — at the city-owned facility’s indoor restaurant/café.The action came during a virtual council meeting on May 11.

The original request for alcohol sales came from Pascal Collard, who’s private management company is operating the $4.9 million tennis center, set to open in July, at 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills.

Situated on more than 8 acres of land, the complex will feature 11 outdoor tennis courts built to United States Tennis Association (USTA) standards, plus eight pickleball courts, four padel courts and an event pavilion.

The facility also features an adjoining 7,400-square-foot indoor space that will house the restaurant/café, as well as a fitness and rehabilitation studio, salt/sauna room, cryotherapy, pro shop, kid’s area and more.

Collard expressed the need for a beer and wine license, in a memo to council members. He explained the sale of beer and wine is needed to help lure a new restaurant business partner.Wesley Chapel-based Buttermilk Provisions planned to run the restaurant/café, but backed out following the rise of the coronavirus disease-2019

Pasco schools brace for tough budget

By B.C. Manion

“I can tell you that I’ve talked to a couple of directors of state agencies in the past week, who have quietly been told to look at Pasco County Schools is gearing up for a what a 20% cut would do. And, I looked tough budget year. today at the sales tax figures for Florida for “We have been working on budget,” month of March and they were down $770 Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt million, and April is expected to be even Browning told school board members at a worse.

May 5 virtual school board meet“We don’t need to start jumping. ing out of ships yet, but I think “It’s not a so-rosy picture of a that it would be prudent for us to budget. We’re working with debe cognizant of the situation that partment budgets and the the state and other local governdistrict budget as a whole. We ments may be in and consider know that it’s going to be tight, that, as we make decisions going and we’re very cautious going forward,” he said. into this next budget and school He also told board members year, not knowing what the he had met with the Value Legislature is going to do, or posAdjustment Board and the counsibly do, as it relates to any ty’s tax roll will be certified at special session. about $27.4 billion for 2019. That Allen Altman “I just wanted the board to compares to slightly more than know that we’re having some $25 billion for 2018. very, very, very serious discussions about the But, he said,“there is some fear going forbudget,” Browning said. ward that commercial real estate, especially Board member Allen Altman told his col- in retail and boxes, could see upwards of a leagues that they need to be 20% decline.” forward-thinking about the possibility of Board member Cynthia Armstrong said budget cuts. she listened to a webinar hosted by the He said having to make cuts during the Florida School Boards Association that feaGreat Recession was “the worst experience tured three chief financial officers talking of my elected career.” about what to expect, and what school

bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

boards should be doing.

Revenue figures for April will be released on May 25, which should give the district an idea of what it will be looking at, she said.

During the webinar, the CFO said “to expect that it’s very possible that the Legislature might go into special session, say in November, and adjust the budget, and we definitely could have some drawbacks,” Armstrong said.

“So, when we do our budget, we’re going to have to think about that, that it’s very likely that the budget could be cut, partway through the year, and we need to make sure that we’re planning for that,” she said.

“It’s going to be a very tough budgeting year for us,” she said.

She also noted that supporting the pay raise that’s in state legislation may require the district to reduce its staffing allocations.

Armstrong also urged the board to return to a face-to-face board meetings, to the degree possible, as soon as possible.

She said that fosters better communications at a time when important conversations must be had.

School board member Alison Crumbley agreed that discussions are more effective when they are done in person, to the degree possible.

“Hopefully, we’re going to get to that point really, really soon,” she said.

SCHOOL WILL FEEL DIFFERENT, GOING FORWARD Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), commented on distance learning and what to expect in the future.

“Some students have found that they are better suited to this manner of learning. Still others long to be back in the traditional classroom, interacting with teachers and classmates,” Peace said.

“Maybe there’s case to be made that a hybrid of sorts could be utilized for future learning, capturing the best of both worlds,” Peace added.

“Whatever the case, I think we better have some options available next fall.

“However next year plays out, whether we start on time, or after Labor Day, it will definitely not be the same scenario that we left before Spring Break.

“Families may decide it not best for their student to return to a brick-and-mortar building for either real, or imagined, fears.

“Some of our teachers may elect not to return for their own reasons.

“I think that next year is going to be really trying for all of us, in matters other than just financial.

“I am asking the district to keep USEP in the communication loop, regarding any future plans, as we certainly are all in this together,” Peace said.

More small businesses to get county grants The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

COURTESY OF THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM

A symbol of these trying times The giant manta ray statue outside The Florida Aquarium now can be seen sporting a face mask. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor joined Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger German in unveiling the face covering. The aquarium reopened to the public on May 15 (with limited capacity), and the manta ray serves as a reminder that all aquarium employees will be wearing face masks and guests are strongly encouraged to do the same, in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus disease-2019. Online reservations are now required for those who want to plan a visit.

The Pasco County Commission on May 4 provided $5 million more in funding for small business grants — bringing the total to $7 million — to help small businesses that have been struggling because of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19 pandemic.

The money is coming from Penny for Pasco funds, which are generated through a voter-approved additional 1 cent in sales tax revenues to help cover identified Pasco County needs.A portion of that funding was earmarked for economic development.

Commissioners have been working with the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., a nonprofit agency that focuses on attracting new businesses to Pasco, and helping existing businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an economic crisis, as businesses were forced to close to reduce the potential spread of

the deadly virus.

As a result, business revenues have plummeted and scores of the businesses that have been shuttered might be closed for good.

Commissioners have been working with the Pasco EDC, which has administered the grant program.

Commissioners approved $2 million initially, with grants of up to $5,000 for qualifying businesses.

But, that $2 million fell far short of the need, with more than 1,400 companies applying for the grants within the first 24 hours.

Out of the first 450 applications received, 405 qualified for a total of $1,965,000 in grants, according to the Pasco EDC. The additional funding is expected to provide funding for the remaining qualifying companies, among those who have already submitted applications.

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Share your thoughts to help improve The Laker/Lutz News

By Diane Kortus Publisher

One of the few positive things about the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) crisis is that most of us have more time on our hands at home and on the job.

Having this additional time provides an opportunity to reflect on what is most important to us, and then make changes that will improve our lives personally and professionally.

It has allowed me to step back and reflect on what we do well at The Laker/Lutz News, what we could be doing better, and what new things we could offer our readers and advertisers.

To help us improve our community newspaper, we need your help, and are asking you to complete an online readership survey at www.research.net/r/150911.This survey is just 17 questions, and will take less than 10 minutes to complete. It asks you questions about what kinds of stories are most important to you, has a few demographic questions, and also asks what types of products and services you will be looking for as our economy continues to reopen.

To thank you for taking the time to complete the survey, we are giving away a $100 gift card to Publix, with the winner being randomly chosen in early June. We truly want your suggestions on how we can make our newspaper even more relevant to your life.

Fortunately for our company, Gov. Ron DeSantis deemed newspapers an essential business, and we’ve continued to write sto-

ries, deliver the newspaper to your home and help businesses reach our readers through advertisements.

Unlike many publications, we have not cut back on our circulation.We continue to print and deliver 47,395 papers every week in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City. In these communities, we are often the only weekly publication that gives readers pertinent information on how COVID-19 is impacting their lives in north Hillsborough and central and east Pasco counties.

Because there has been so much local news about COVID-19, we have expanded our Facebook presence with timely news that cannot wait until our next issue, and have taken great pleasure in sharing heartwarming stories and videos about neighbors helping neighbors, and letting you know how you can help, too.

It’s been said that newspapers are the original social medium — the glue that holds a community together. We provide credible reporting that you can trust on topics from government to prep sports. Plus, nothing replaces the photos you can cut out and tape to your refrigerator, or slip in an envelope and mail to someone you love.

While it’s true that regional, national and international news is easily found on the Internet, that’s not true when it comes to local news in your neighborhood.While The Laker/Lutz News has a robust website and active Facebook presence, our coverage of your community begins with our printed paper that is delivered every Wednesday to your home.

Please complete our survey so we can do an even better job of serving you.

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COURTESY OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Work on a diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 56 is expected to be completed by 2022.

Diverging diamond work moves forward

By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

Work is approaching the halfway mark on the diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 56.

The project is expected to be completed in summer 2022, according to Florida Department of Transportation officials.

“We’ve got quite a way to go,” said John McShaffrey, FDOT communications outreach manager in District 7.“Until we get to the point we can convert to the diverging diamond, we really won’t see any benefit to the traffic or to pedestrians.”

Construction to retrofit the interchange began in 2019 on the project, which has an estimated cost of $33.2 million.

Diverging diamond interchanges rely on multiple lanes of traffic in a crisscross pattern, with a limited number of traffic signals.

Periodic lane closures and traffic shifts will be required, though most of the work is within the ramp areas.Activities are concentrated at the interchange between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Cypress Ridge Boulevard.

Once the new design is road ready, the interchange is expected to ease traffic gridlock at one of the county’s busiest

intersections, where I-75, State Road 56, State Road 54 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard converge.

Tampa Premium Outlets, the Cypress Creek Town Center, AdventHealth Center Ice and Brightwater Crossings apartment complex are driving growth in retail and residential development.

They also are drawing long lines of motorists moving onto and off the busy roadways.

The project originally slated to begin in 2024 got moved ahead of schedule by about two years.

Just two weeks ago, the DOT announced that the project’s completion date was accelerated by two weeks under a directive

by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.The governor is taking advantage of reduced traffic volumes at this time to get road work completed more quickly.

This project is the first diverging diamond in District 7 of the FDOT. Other similar designs are planned in Hillsborough County for State Road 54 and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, at I-75; and at Gibsonton Drive, at I-75.

Florida’s first diverging diamond opened at University Parkway at I-75, in Sarasota, in 2017.

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Correction: The board of directors for the Zephyrhills Volunteer Fire Rescue Squad Inc., a private organization, has not yet had any contact with Pasco County regarding joining the county’s Pasco County Fire Rescue volunteer efforts. A story published in The Laker/Lutz News on May 12 stated otherwise.

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

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May 20, 2020

3A

What’s Happening

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

PHOTO CONTEST

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) is hosting a Wildflower Photo Contest.

Whether in pastures, private backyards or sand dunes, wildflowers help to create habitats, help to conserve water and help to reduce erosion.To enter, share your wildflower photo and tag the organization on Facebook @keeptampabaybeautiful or Instagram @keeptbb. Submissions from across Tampa Bay will be accepted through May 31.The winner will be announced on June 1 and will receive KTBB swag.

USF offers family activities

The University of South Florida (USF) Alumni Association is offering a couple of fun family activities, online.

Visit bit.ly/35UwVxw to make your own and hang out with Flat ‘Rocky,’ the UFS Bulls mascot.

And, download an eight-page Craft-A-Bull booklet at bit.ly/3fN0wgQ, that includes coloring pages with school logos, Rocky the Bull, and even an origami project.

NETFLIX ADDS PROGRAMS

Educational shows on Netflix can help preschoolers learn through targeted play, activities and other resources.

The online streaming service offers preschool unit studies, science activities, leaning games, printables and more.

Netflix now has added more Leap Frog learning to its preschool programming, including Leap Frog Letter Factory, Phonics and Numberland.These programs join Adventures in Shapeville Park, Math Adventure to the Moon and the Amazing Alphabet Amusement Park. Other series that are offered include Veggie Tales,The Magic School Bus, Octonauts, and The Hive.

SILENT FILM PRESENTATION

The Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., will livestream a presentation of Buster Keaton’s 1926 classic comedy,“The General,” with live musical accompaniment on the Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ, through the Tampa Theatre Facebook page.

Nationally renowned organist Dr. Steven Ball will play to the empty auditorium at 7 p.m., as the film is streamed on May 22.The movie is a silent comedy based on the true story of a Civil War raid in which a train ran roughshod behind enemy lines.Viewers also can pick up theater popcorn available under the marquee on May 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Online ordering is at TampaTheatre.org/popcorn-pickup.The popcorn is $8 for a family size bag.

TRAIN SHOW & SALE

The Regal Railways Toy Train Toy Show & Sale will take place May 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., in Brooksville.Vendors will be on hand selling various model trains, toys, die cast cars, and more.There also will be a running train layout.Admission is $5

for adults; kids age 12 and younger are free.

Credit cards will be accepted. Prepay is available at RegalRailways.com. Guests are asked to social distance using the 6-feet guideline, and wear a mask.

LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Outschool.com offers free schooling resources for educators, families, and those who want to learn.

Social, fun, safe learning experiences are taught over live video chats.There are more than 15,000 classes. Class subjects include the arts, English, life skills, music, social studies, coding and tech, health and wellness, math, science and nature, and world language.There also are favorites like Harry Potter, Dungeons and Dragons, Fortnite, Lego, Pokemon, Minecraft, cats, dogs, unicorns, and adventure. Joining is free. Classes start as low as $5 each.

GLAZER MUSEUM AT HOME

The Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa is still closed due to COVID-19, but it has launched an online resource, GCM at Home.

This section contains videos, printable activity pages, recipes and other fun ideas to try.Visit GlazerMusem.org/GCMatHome.

Topics are: Eat, experiment, explore, make, move and solve.Activities include how to make fresh pasta; a DIY airplane launcher, water xylophone, or lava lamp; Cheetah and Stellaluna activity sheets; bird watching; compost bin construction; sensory spaghetti, and much more.The museum also offers resources for the family at GlazerMuseum.org/CommunityResources.

HISTORY CENTER TO REOPEN

The Tampa Bay History Center is set to reopen to the public on June 1 at 10 a.m., in accordance with the guidelines set forth

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• There will be limited capacity in galleries and theater presentations. Some hands-on gallery interactives have been temporarily disabled.

• Staff will wear protective equipment, and the center will be cleaned and disinfected on a regular schedule.

• Guests are encouraged to wear a mask and utilize the sanitation stations provided.

• Timed-entry tickets for the gallery should be purchased in advance at TampaBayHistoryCenter.org, starting May 22.

• Adult admission levels will be reduced by $2.All other tickets will be $12.95 for seniors age 60 and older, military, first responders and students; $10.95 for ages 7 to 17; and free for children age 6 and younger.

Visitors should call ahead or check the center’s website for up-to-date information and announcements.

ZOO PREPARES TO REOPEN

ZooTampa at Lowry Park will move forward with a detailed modified operations plan for a target reopening date on or about June 1.These are a few of the new guidelines and protocols to help ensure public safety: • Limit the number of guests to 50% of comfortable capacity • Social distancing of 6 feet or more will be required and enforced • Restrict the zoo’s indoor venues to 25% capacity, emphasizing outdoor seating, with staff supervision • Add safety and thermal monitoring

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stations at point of entry, hire on-premise EMTs • Provide PPE (personal protection equipment) to employees and offer masks to guests For a complete list of protocols and information, visit ZooTampa.org.

While closed, ZooTampa will continued to clean and sanitize zoo grounds and provide care for the 1,100 animals who live at the zoo.

WATERMELON FESTIVAL

The Lutz Watermelon Festival has been rescheduled to June 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at County Line Produce, 206 Newberger Road in Lutz.The event will expected to include a Lil’ Miss Watermelon pageant; watermelon seed-spitting contest for youth and adults; watermelon-eating contest; watermelon catapult contest; watermelon wine; watermelon sales; and, watermelon everything! The festival will be hosted by the Intensity Academy Gourmet & Hot Sauce Company.Admission is free.

For information and updates, visit Lutz’s Watermelon Festival on Facebook.

ZEPHYRHILLS SUMMERFEST

The sixth annual Zephyrhills SummerFest now is scheduled for June 27 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. Before the festival, there will be a morning market featuring 50 local artisans and vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Then, the event will kick off with a dance competition for kids, followed by watermelon-eating contests for youth and adults, and will end with a 30-minute fireworks show over the lake. Families also can visit local food vendors, bounce houses, face painters, balloon twisters and more. For updates and information, visit SummerFest Zephyrhills on Facebook.

MONSTER TRUCK RALLY

A Monster Truck & Food Truck Rally Festival is scheduled to take place on July 11 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at The Grove, on Wesley Grove Boulevard in Wesley Chapel.

There will be a Street Legal Truck Competition and Food Truck Competition; as well as more than 20 food trucks, 100 artisan craft vendors, inflatables, games, family activities, corn hole, a batting cage and live entertainment.There also will be more than $2,500 in prize money. For details and updates, visit WesleyChapelEvents.com.

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5A

Pasco Clerk’s Office upgrades website, online features

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

The last time Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles spoke with the East Pasco Networking Group (EPNG), she vowed to make various technological and customer service upgrades to the agency’s website and operations.

Less than a year later, some of those goals have been achieved.

A recent addition to the clerk’s website is e-Notify, a new statewide alert system to stay informed about upcoming hearings, trials and other criminal court events.

Users who sign up for the service receive email or text alerts on upcoming events, with options to get reminders 14 days, seven days or a day ahead of time.

The program works similar to the way individuals receive electronic reminders for upcoming doctor’s appointments “except it relates to cases,” said Alvarez-Sowles, who led a virtual video presentation with the networking group last month.

The e-Notify system is not just for parties and attorneys, but the public and media, as well.“It is open to the world,” she quipped.

In addition to providing information on an appearance date, time and location, it also alerts when a defendant or witness doesn’t show for a particular event, said AlvarezSowles, who became the eighth Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller last August, filling out the balance of term for the retiring Paula S. O’ Neil.

There is no limit to the number of cases users can sign up to get notifications, and users can manage their alert subscriptions and make changes to the number of followed cases and frequency of alert.

In addition to e-Notify, the clerk’s office also has installed bolded tabs at the bottom of its website for “highly sought after information,” such as marriage licenses, property

Office of the Pasco Clerk & Comptroller By the numbers — for 2019 • 220,000 official documents recorded • 88,000 cases filed • 31,000 jurors summoned • 6,500 passports issued • 2,500 marriage licenses issues

auctions, juror information, e-Filing and legal resource center services, to ease in searches.

Alvarez-Sowles also talked about the agency’s online property fraud alert system.

That alert system helps protect a person’s property from fraud by monitoring documents, such as liens, deeds and mortgages that are recorded in Pasco County.

It provides peace of mind because property owners know that their property is being monitored against the filing of fraudulent documents in their name.

Alvarez-Sowles put it like this:“If someone records a document in the official record with my name on it, I am going to get an email or phone call telling me that a document was recorded with my name on it, and give me the information so that I can go and look.”

The clerk explained there’s “a lot of fraud going on in our official record” — detailing how many fraudsters file quitclaim deeds on someone’s property then sell it to another party “so you no longer own your property on public record.”

To drive the point home, the speaker shared a heart-wrenching story about a Miami area woman who was homeless for seven months after swindlers used forged quitclaim deeds to sell her home to an investment firm, leading to her eviction.

FILE

Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles

“Our home or business we own is probably the largest asset that we will own, and we need to protect it,” she said.

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The website also offers online searches for court records.

The public can do anonymous criminal background checks on Pasco County-based businesses and residents.There’s also specific lookups for animal abuse cases, high-profile cases, mental health cases and others.

For example, you can search a person or business name and see lawsuits and criminal and civil charges, among other court records.

Alvarez-Sowles explained the database provides a way for citizens to vet doctors, lawyers, building construction, housecleaning, landscaping and other service providers.

It also can be used to research a new neighbor moving in, to see if they have a prior record in the county, she said.

To underscore the feature’s significance, Alvarez-Sowles shared a news story of two

AdventHealth cites problems with lab; issues apology The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

AdventHealth had been providing free testing for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) at locations in its West Florida Division but discontinued it because of issues with a third-party lab, according to a news release from AdventHealth.

“To meet the unprecedented demand for COVID-19 testing, we rely on nationally accredited third-party labs to assist us.

Unfortunately, one of these labs processing a significant number of our public tests has been unable to fulfill its obligation,” the health care provider said, in the release.

“AdventHealth has terminated its contract with this lab, and we share in the disappointment and frustration this situation has created.We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and uncertainty it has caused.

“This issue impacts more than 8,000 people throughout AdventHealth West Florida Division.This situation has created unacceptable delays, and we do not have confidence in the reliability of the tests.We are working diligently to notify and appropriately accommodate those who are impacted. They will be receiving a letter from us and may also receive a phone call.

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The individuals fall into two categories: • Those whose samples were processed, and whose results provided by the lab are not deemed reliable.

• Those whose samples are at the lab in question and are part of the backlog will not be tested; therefore, no result will be available.

AdventHealth has directed the lab to destroy those samples, in accordance with the law, the release says.

In the case of unreliable results, there were individuals with unreliable positive results, that will require retesting, AdventHealth says.

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maids who’d been charged with stealing electronics and a firearm from a Cape Coral area home they were hired to clean.

A simple court records search in Lee County likely would have revealed each of the individuals criminal history, she said.

“Just think of any services people are providing, you can go and protect yourselves by going and looking at our records online,” she told the networking group.

On a related note, Alvarez-Sowles said she’s collaborating with other county clerks to get permission from the Florida Supreme Court to consolidate court records statewide for public consumption. That would allow for individuals to search a person or business name and see all court records cases from all Florida counties simultaneously and not require individual searches of each county.

Such a system currently is only accessible by the courts, law enforcement, state attorneys and public defenders.

Alvarez-Sowles said one her next big initiatives will be to expand online payments through the clerk’s website. Currently, citizens can pay traffic tickets and child support online, but she’s working to make it possible to pay court fines, fees and infractions online.

“I want it so that you can pay anything that you owe online, without having to come in (the office),” she said.

She’s also looking to contract with Amscot to accept payments on behalf of the clerk’s office, to assist individuals who don’t have bank accounts.

“To be honest, in Pasco County there’s a lot of people that don’t have bank accounts and they just live on cash, so having a place like Amscot for them to go is also very helpful, so that is a work in progress,” the clerk said.

For additional information about the clerk’s services, visit PascoClerk.com.

Also, individuals with unreliable negative results who are symptomatic need to seek care and may require retesting.

Also, individuals with unreliable negative results who are asymptomatic but request to be retested will be offered testing pending availability, the health care provider adds.

Mike Schulz, president and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida, addressed the issue in a statement: “It has been a privilege to serve our community during these unprecedented times, and we remain committed to our promise to keep you safe and provide the best care possible.

“We are taking ownership of these issues and are reaching out to the thousands of those who were impacted to help make it easy for them to understand the next step in their care,” he said.

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What’s Cookin’

Meal planning: Making the most of your groceries

By Shari Bresin Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Grocery shopping — such a routine errand once before — now is an entirely new endeavor.

Today it requires packing the gloves and mask, wondering what items will be in short supply, and remembering to follow the one-way aisle rules. It’s not what it used to be.

On top of that, you must remember to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on social distancing — which means staying at least 6 feet apart from others.

All of that makes you want to shop less often at the grocery store.

Of course, you can order groceries online, but that involves a service delivery and a tip, which, of course, eats into your grocery budget.

But, planning ahead can help you reduce the number of trips you make to the grocery store, or the number of online orders you make.

Don’t just meal plan — plan to prepare foods you can stretch into additional meals.

I’ve been an advocate for meal planning for years, pandemic or not.

And, once I started meal planning, I saw my grocery budget go down significantly and my food waste was reduced to zero or close to it.

Meal planning takes the stress out of dinnertime; you won’t dread the question “What’s for dinner?� from the kids anymore, because you’ll already know what you’ll be serving and on which days.

Some people may like to shop for up to two weeks’ worth of meals, if they have the fridge space.

I shop on a weekly basis, as I had pre-pandemic, but I now plan more for meals that can stretch, so I can freeze leftovers.

This gives me peace of mind. I know that if my shopping trip the following week isn’t successful, I have some meals to cover a few days, if needed.

On the other hand, if my grocery trip the following week is successful, I can keep the leftovers in the freezer as a backup supply for future meals.

Here are some ways to help you be a savvy grocery shopper, and to help you stretch your meals.

Remember, liquid-based foods are the easiest to bulk up, and to make sure there’s plenty of fiber.

Fiber makes you feel full, leaving more food for leftovers.

So, what are high-fiber foods?

Think vegetables, beans and whole grains.

Be sure to make extra brown rice and whole wheat pasta; this makes the meal go further than adding extra meat, and is less expensive.

Soups, stews, casseroles, stir-fries and chilis will yield a lot of food and keep your stomach satisfied. They also ensure there are leftovers for another meal.

It is also important to know how long food will keep.

Great resources to help you here are the app Food Keeper and its corresponding website FoodSafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app.

Both provide information about how long to store food until it needs to be cooked before it goes bad.

For example, meat should be cooked within three to four days of its purchase, to keep it from going bad. So, plan to have meat

Vegetable & bean soup Ingredients • 20 ounces of assorted dried beans and other legumes, (Soak in water for at least eight hours). • One onion, chopped • 3 cloves of garlic, chopped • 4 celery stalks, chopped • 6 carrots, chopped • 1 can of diced tomatoes • 2 bay leaves • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary • 1 teaspoon dried basil • 2 teaspoons salt • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste • 8 cups to 12 cups vegetable broth, or until all ingredients are covered • 5 cups to 6 cups of water Simmer on stove for 1.5 hours or cook on low in slow cooker for 8 hours to 10 hours.

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dishes earlier in the week and go meatless later in the week.

Or, consider canned meats.

And, don’t forget to try canned or frozen fruits and vegetables if you don’t think you’ll consume the fresh produce in time.

Remember, you’re not just trying to stretch your meals, but also your budget.

Most leftovers should be eaten within four days. If you don’t think you’ll eat them by then, freeze them.

Third, plan your meals.

If you’re new to meal planning, start with shopping for just one week’s worth of meals.

Keep in mind, you’re trying to plan for meals that stretch.

If you’re making chili one night, list out the ingredients.

See what you already have at home (onion, spices, etc.) so that you only buy what you need. A chili recipe typically yields two meals. You can enjoy it one night and then finish it a few nights later, or freeze the second meal for a future dinner.

Soup is another example of a meal that stretches.

Add water to the broth to get more volume.

List out what meat, beans and vegetables are needed, see what you already have in the house, and then buy what you don’t.

Again, a soup recipe typically can yield at least two meals.

It’s tempting to stock up on comfort foods during this pandemic, but try to resist that temptation.

They comfort foods don’t help your immune system, and lead to consuming too many calories.

Remember, self-care is more important than ever now.

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

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May 20, 2020

7A

WELCOME HOME

Health & Wellness Send health news to news@lakerlutznews.com

PREGNANCY CENTERS OPEN

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The Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers are still open, with some creative and temporary changes.

The staff works everyday continuing pregnancy education with clients.

Each week, for a few hours, each center location opens to provide curbside delivery of diapers, wipes, formula and other baby items for those in need.

The centers still offer decision coaching, pregnancy tests, emergency ultrasounds, and more.

In Land O’ Lakes, call (813) 406-4965. In Wesley Chapel, call (813) 618-5037.

For more information, visit OasisPregnancyCenter.org.

CRISIS CENTER FUNDING

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is committed to ensuring that the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) community in Hillsborough County has access to crisis intervention, resource information and referrals, suicide prevention, and rape crisis services.

United Way Suncoast is providing the nonprofit Crisis Center with $25,000 in emergency funding.The funds are part of a more than $1.2 million in COVID-19 emergency assistance from the United Way Suncoast’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, which is being distributed to human services across the Suncoast, to support housing/shelter, food, child care, financial stability and mental health services.

In addition to intervention, resources and referrals, suicide prevention and rape crisis services, the Crisis Center’s Gateway Services 2-1-1 provides 24/7 on-call support for callers who need help with basis needs, such as housing and food access.

For information, visit CrisisCenter.com.

PHARMACY HOURS BACK

As of May 16, Publix stores reopened daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and its pharmacies returned to regular operating hours.

Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For hours on

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VIRTUAL CHAT

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Hillsborough and NAMI Pasco will host a lunchtime chat on May 21, May 26 and May 28, at noon, on Facebook or YouTube.

Those that tune in can hear from local business officials, peers and family members on a variety of mental health issues.

For example, the May 14 episode was provided by nationally certified intervention professional Stephen Sundquist on not only addiction but the importance of recovery, too.

YMCA BLOOD DRIVES

The YMCAs of the Tampa Bay area will continue to host blood drives, in partnership with OneBlood.

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and the YMCA of the Suncoast will host blood drives at 11 YMCA locations across Hillsborough, Pinellas and East Pasco counties on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The East Pasco Family YMCA, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, at 37301 Chapel Hill Loop in Zephyrhills, will be one of the donation sites.

All donors will receive a OneBlood Tshirt, and a free wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.

For information and other locations, call (888) 936-6283.

VIRTUAL CLASSES

The Gulfside North AHEC (Area Health Education Center) will host free virtual Tools to Quit classes, covering all forms of tobacco.

The classes will provide information about the effects of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting, and will provide assistance to develop a personal quit plan.

A workbook and materials will be provided, along with nicotine replacement patches, gum or lozenges, if necessary.

The upcoming classes are on May 26 from 10 a.m. to noon; May 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and, May 29 from noon to 2 p.m.

Preregistration is required by calling (813) 929-1000.

Once registration is received, a ZOOM link will be provided to join the conference via video or audio.

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

“Without people p e like you, small busine esses like me me wo ould ha ave ave to close do own.”

We have allocated more than $10 m million in

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HARDY, from page 1A July 15 and completed before June 2021, per the city’s request for proposals (RFP).

The exact budget for the visitor’s center will be determined by the design of the structure and any necessary site improvements, officials say.

The city has received a $250,000 appropriation for the project from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

The visitor’s center will require additional public input and commission approval along the way, officials say.

The new amenity adds to Hardy Trail, which is currently being extended northbound to Lock Street. Commissioners have also expressed a desire to phase in more water stations, pet stations and even outdoor fitness stations.

In addition to the visitor’s center and bike hub, an adjacent downtown park is being planned, with features that could include a splash park, amphitheater, playground and more.

LEADERS ANTICIPATE BUDGET HIT

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter told commissioners April statewide tax collection information will be made available May 25, giving city leaders a “first inkling on some of the impact” from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic.

While total figures are not yet known, decreases in sales tax, shared revenues and Penny for Pasco monies to the city are to be expected, she said.

Meanwhile, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said there’s general worry among Florida cities of all sizes about the negative fiscal impact related to COVID-19.

She based that assessment on a recent conference call she had with the Florida League of Cities.

“The budget may be painful, and it’s very concerning,” Hernandez said.“It doesn’t matter if you’re a small city or a very large city, we are all going to feel this in some shape or way or form.”

Adding to the hardship of what will likely be a tight budget cycle for the city is the fact there’ll be at least two new faces on the five-member commission following the June 30 municipal election.

Commissioners Newlon and Eunice Penix aren’t seeking re-election for their seats.

Commissioner Jim Shive is running

TENNIS, from page 1A ability to offer a juice and protein shake bar and other non-alcoholic beverages.

The ambiance of the facility’s restaurant/café will consist of “easy listening music,” the memo says. No televisions or dance floor are planned.

Noise will be limited because no loud music will be played, Collard wrote.

The city has previously granted alcohol sales at city-owned, but privately-managed facilities.

Years ago, the council approved such sales at the city-owned municipal golf course, which is leased to a private operator, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said.

City ordinance allows for the sale of alcoholic beverages within 300 feet of a school, provided seating capacity is not less than 25 and at least 51% of combined gross sales comes from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages.

The tennis center’s café will be audited annually to ensure they meet that standard, Poe said.

Meantime, the council also approved a request to use $100,000 from the city’s tree mitigation funds to plant more trees throughout the tennis center property.

The additional funding brings the total landscape budget for the project to $200,000.

The contract for the $4.9 million guaranteed maximum price of construction project had called only for $100,000 for landscaping and irrigation.

As a result of the council’s action, the city’s tree mitigation fund has been reduced to $41,000.

Though the measure passed unanimously, council members advised city staffers to have better cost estimates on large projects

against candidate Matthew Wilson for the Group 3 seat.

“It’s going to be kind of a real quick learning curve,” the mayor said.

RESIDENT SHARES FRUSTRATION WITH CITY UPKEEP

Speaking during the public comment portion of the virtual meeting, Dade City resident Bernice Thomas expressed her displeasure with city public works crews for not following proper 6-foot social distancing protocols and not wearing masks on the job.

The resident described one alleged incident on 14th Street near the Dade Oaks area, where city workers were “just sitting under the tree, talking without masks, and sitting right next to each other,” she said.

Thomas also criticized public workers for just “riding in air-conditioned trucks doing absolutely nothing.”

“It is absolutely disgraceful to me that our city has employees getting paid, but are not doing anything,“said Thomas.“COVID-19 has been an excuse to take time off, get paid, and still do nothing.We are taxpaying citizens who deserve better than we are getting.”

Thomas went on to mention the Dade City Merchant’s Association two months ago requested painted crosswalks, new signage and sidewalks cleaned, watered flowers and so on.“I haven’t seen anything being started yet,” she said.

She then blamed city department heads for not keeping tabs on city employees nor ensuring proper upkeep of the downtown district.

Said Thomas,“If the supervisors cannot manage their employees, maybe we need to seek out another employee who can be promoted to fulfill these duties. If the city manager cannot care for this city as if she lives here, maybe we need to find a new one.”

Responding to Thomas’ claims, Porter pointed out the city just received quotes on painting crosswalks, while city workers have now begun “an intense downtown cleanup,” including mulching, weeding, pressure washing sidewalks and more.

As for city employees possibly not observing proper health and safety measures, the city manager said:“Certainly, if we have new employees who are not observing the social distancing and following the protocols we will be addressing that, because that has to be one of our priorities, the safety of our citizens, as well as our employees.”

in the future.

“We need to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again,” said Smith, noting the original $100,000 allocation for landscaping seemed “a paltry sum” on a nearly $5 million recreation project.

Councilman Jodi Wilkeson pointed out the tree mitigation fund “is only good when development is good.”“When we have a lull in development, it takes a long time to get that (up), so for us to spend it all in (one) fell swoop, makes me a little nervous,” she said.

Council president Ken Burgess said he’s not opposed to using tree mitigation funds for the tennis center, but added,“I just think we maybe need to take a closer look at something like this on the front end so that we don’t end up with something like this on the back end.”

Council members expressed concern about all-but bottoming out the mitigation fund so quickly.The tree mitigation fund is made up of fees property owners and developers pay when they are unable to mitigate trees removed from their property.

In other action, the council: • Approved a final plat for an additional 20 single-family residential lots in the Zephyr Lakes subdivision, a 63-acre development north of Pretty Pond Road and west of Wire Road.

• Approved purchase of a new public works front-load sanitation truck totaling $269,116.50, using sanitation reserves funds ($174,116.50) and insurance provider funds ($95,000).The purchase replaces a 14-yearold sanitation truck damaged beyond repair in February after a fire formed in the truck’s hopper.

• Passed a first reading ordinance consenting to the inclusion of the city’s boundaries into the Pasco County Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) for fire rescue services.

CHAMBERS, from page 1A Chambers are taking one step at a time, as lights turn back on at businesses.

“Cautiously optimistic is what we are,” said Melanie Monson, executive director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

She believes people are following the protocols to make sure the situation does not get worse.

As the shutdown approached, Monson said her staff checked in with business owners to prepare them.

About 100 business owners needed to create plans to get through the crisis and to guide them once reopened.

“Most are prepared and ready to jump back in,” Monson said.“Are there going to be some who don’t open doors? Absolutely.”

But, she added, “I feel like there is enough help that businesses will recover. It will take a while.We’re optimistic that we’ll make it through the process. It’s not a light switch. It’s going to take a little bit of a process. Businesses in it for the long haul will make it.”

Like the businesses they serve, chambers also are reopening — slowly and with safety protocols.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce started with one person each day at the office, behind a locked door.

Visitors needed to wear masks, as did employees. Social distancing was required.

Within the next weeks, the chamber anticipates “ramping up a little,” said John Moors, chamber executive director.

During the shutdown, work continued from home to keep business owners up to date on available aid and resources.

Renewal rates on memberships were discounted, and e-blasts and advertising were provided free, Moors said.

“It’s important that we bring connectivity and continue to offer support for our businesses,” he said.“We are resilient, very creative.We’ll figure this thing out.”

Pasco County and cities, such as Dade City, did their part.

Dade City officials, for instance, sent out

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fliers to 6,000 households about products and services available from area businesses.

The city also relaxed requirements for outdoor seating to allow restaurants to serve more customers.

Dade City, and its chamber, thrive on annual events including a seminar at Saint Leo University and a golf tournament.

The fate of the chamber’s biggest event of the year – the Kumquat Festival – is unclear, even though it typically is held in February.

“We’re not sure it’s going on the same as it has been,” Moors said.

The festival is the chamber’s most reliable fundraising event, bringing thousands into downtown Dade City.

North Tampa Bay chamber scheduled a movie night for May 16, featuring “Jumanji – Next Level” at The Groves at Wesley Chapel.

Sponsorships made the showing possible.

Every chamber is facing budget losses.

And, even as chambers helped its members file for financial aid, nothing similar was available for chambers.

If more aid is approved by Congress, Kennedy hopes to see the chambers included this time.

“We’ve been advocates for that from Day One,” she said. She has spoken with Sens.

Marco Rubio and Scott, and U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.“There’s been a little bit of traction the last couple of days,” she said.

Kelly Marsh, member care specialist for The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, agrees that chambers need help, too.

“Fingers crossed on that,” she said.

Last week, the chamber hosted a Zoom meeting for a Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange. Owners could virtually promote their services and find out what other owners are doing.

“It hasn’t been as easy to reach people,” said Marsh. Social media and technology are taking on larger roles in networking, she said.

There is a concern especially for the ‘mom and pop’ shops and restaurants, and the toll the long shutdown took on their incomes.

It appears that most people are just “trying to get through it (the pandemic),” she said.

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May 20, 2020

9A

Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Special Olympics keeps athletes engaged — virtually

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

L

ike it has done with seemingly everything else — coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) threw a wrench into Special OlympicsPasco’s event schedule for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The pandemic led to the cancellation of local and state-level competitions and practices for more than 1,500 local Special Olympics athletes. It also forced the cancellation of the organization’s two largest annual fundraisers — a 5K race set for April and a golf scramble set for May. It’s all meant less than ideal circumstances for Special Olympics-Pasco director Val Lundin, who’s set to retire this summer after 36 years with the nonprofit organization.

“It kind of stings to end this way,” Lundin said.“But, it is what it is.”

The longtime director has spent her final weeks offering support to local Special Olympics athletes, letting them know they’ll see a ballfield or gymnasium before too long.

“This has been very hard for our athletes,” Lundin said.“They don’t really quite understand, and this is their life, so we’ve made some of those phone calls ensuring them things will get back to normal, and to just hang in there.”

While traditional Special Olympics-Pasco activities have been temporarily shuttered, its statewide counterpart, Special Olympics Florida, has organized a slew of virtual daily activities and events hosted on Zoom and social media platforms.

They include live workouts, Zumba, crafts, dance classes, beginner-level martial arts, as well as segments on nutrition, fashion, and stress management.

The statewide organization also has introduced a daily fitness challenge series on Facebook called,“Fit 5 Like a Pro,” which encourages Special Olympics athletes to exercise five times per week, eat five fruits and vegetables daily, and drink five glasses of water a day.The challenge features minutelong videos from various professional, world-class athletes giving tips on building strength, flexibility, endurance and so on.

Notable athletes who’ve submitted minute-long videos include Tampa Bay Rays All-Star outfielder Austin Meadows, Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate and Orlando Magic point guard D.J. Augustin, among many others.

Meanwhile, the statewide organization last week put together a “Spirit Week,” where athletes were encouraged in an online setting to show off their medals, personality and team pride.

Special Olympics-Pasco, like other county programs throughout the state, has worked to spread word on the virtual programs and to involve as many athletes as possible.

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THIS OUT

LOCALS COMMITMENTS AND SIGNINGS

• Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High senior outside hitter Gabby Koenig signed with Johnson & Wales University, an NAIA volleyball program in Miami • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High senior middle blocker Kayla David at State College of Florida, a junior college volleyball program in Bradenton • Steinbrenner High senior running back Jonathan Mallen committed to BaldwinWallace University, an NCAA Division III program in Berea, Ohio • Sunlake High senior defensive lineman signed Hunter Feiden signed with CulverStockton College, an NAIA football program in Canton, Missouri • Sunlake High senior linebacker Damian Riewold signed with Warner University, an NAIA football program in Lake Wales • Wiregrass Ranch High senior receiver/safety Dorien Green committed to New Mexico Military Institute, a junior college football program in Roswell, New Mexico • Pasco-Hernando State College men’s baseball landed a commitment from Josh Pigozzo, a senior outfielder/first baseman from East Lake High •Former Carrollwood Day School basketball standout Malcolm Whitlow committed to Tallahassee Community College. He played last season at Division II Eckerd College, in St. Petersburg

LOCAL SCHOOLS RANK AMONG TOP PROGRAMS

May 20, 2020

FILE

Annual Special Olympics-Pasco events, such as area and state games, have been canceled the past two months, thanks to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Shown here is a Special Olympics event last year at Weightman Middle School in Wesley Chapel.

Lundin said myriad online programs has helped her athletes stay busy and “keep their spirits up” in lieu of the canceled 2020 State Summer Games — the pinnacle of the season.

That had been scheduled to take place this month at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

“There’s something every day for them to just keep them engaged, as some of them may be feeling the pinch of (not having) state games,” Lundin said.

MANY SPECIAL MEMORIES

Lundin started with Special OlympicsPasco in 1984, also working as an adaptive physical education teacher at Cotee River Elementary in New Port Richey.

For her, the gig melded a perfect fit — combining her love of children, sports and education.

“I’ve just truly, truly been blessed to fall into the career,” Lundin said.“I’ve always said it probably gave me more than I’ve given it.”

When she began her career more than three decades ago, the county’s Special Olympics program had approximately 125 athletes. Bowling and track and field were the only sport offerings.

Today, the local program has more than 1,500 athletes competing in 19 different sports.

Lundin credits the Pasco County school district for being onboard with so many Special Olympics events and programs over the years, such as “Unified Sports,” which joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams across elementary, middle and high schools. It’s helped

cultivate more inclusion, understanding and friendships among Special Olympics athletes and non-disabled students, she said.

“We’ve just been so blessed that the school district has supported us, as it does any athletic program within the school district,” Lundin said.“They allowed us to build a program, and as Special Olympics Florida added sports, the athletes just loved it and the program kept growing…”

As her lengthy tenure winds down, the longtime Special Olympics advocate has spent ample time rummaging through old photo albums, as she begins to clean out her office.

It’s all evoked “so many special memories, it’s overwhelming to even think about it,” Lundin said.

She observed: “It’s just been incredible.

Being able to work with these athletes, they’re just so inspiring, they’ve kept me going, and it’s times when it gets busy and overwhelmed, you just think about what it means to them.”

One of the biggest highlights of her career was seeing the Land O’ Lakes Special Olympics unified soccer team represent Team U.S.A., at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

The team earned a bronze medal after defeating China, 2-1.

“It was an exciting time for us — those athletes and partners worked so hard,” she said.

In general, being able to send athletes to other states and countries to compete is rewarding, she added.

“We’ve sent athletes to Ireland, Greece, Minnesota, North Carolina — those are

Special Olympics-Pasco director Val Lundin, right, is alongside athlete Matt Paoletti.

Special Olympics-Pasco director Val Lundin, left, shown with athlete Chip Smith.

some proud moments because that’s a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for some of those athletes,” Lundin said.

Though soon officially retired, Lundin isn’t heading into the sunset anytime in the near future.

She plans to continue to volunteer at Special Olympics-Pasco.

“You just don’t just spend 35 years in building a program and let it go, so I will still be involved.”

As for when Special Olympics in-person activities may resume locally, Lundin said the decision will be made by the state organization’s CEO, Sherry Wheelock, in accordance with guidelines put forth by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Our fingers are crossed for the beginning of June, but that could change tomorrow,” Lundin said.

For information, visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org/pasco.

second overall among all schools in their respective classifications, while Carrollwood Day School finished 15th in Class 3A and Land O’ Lakes tied for 26th in Class 5A. The academic program recognizes teams in each of the FHSAA’s sanctioned and recognized sports. For the 2019-2020 school year, the state’s 699 member senior high schools were divided into seven classifications for administrative purposes based on the enrollments submitted to the FHSAA.All team members listed on its varsity roster (or those who participate in at least one district game in football) are considered in compiling its cumulative team grade point average.

GOLF FOR FOOD DONATION

Ace Golf is offering a next-day free greens fee card to golfers who bring in at least two non-refrigerated packages or cans of food or make a $5 donation to Metropolitan Ministries throughout the month of May at its four golf courses and driving range.All donations will help to feed families in need through Metropolitan Ministries.

The offer is valid at Pebble Creek Golf Club in New Tampa, Plantation Palms Golf Club in Land O’ Lakes,Wentworth Golf Club in Tarpon Springs, Crescent Oaks Golf Club in Tarpon Springs, and Ace Golf Range in Riverview; donors at the golf range will receive a free round of miniature golf.

Free greens fee cards are for next-day use and require purchase of a cart fee.The cards are valid for use through Oct 31.

Each Ace Golf locations will also accept any cans or monetary donations from nongolfers in the pro shops. Greatest food needs at this time are cereal, canned meats, canned fruit, canned vegetables, beans and peanut butter. For information, email acegolffl@gmail.com.

BASKETBALL LEAGUE CANCELED

Several area programs topped the list of the FHSAA’s (Florida High School Athletic Association) 2019-2020 Academic Team Champions standings — for having among the highest cumulative team GPAs across all sports for their respective classifications, for the entire school year.

Academy at the Lakes (Class 2A) and Steinbrenner High (Class 7A) both finished

10A

COURTESY OF VAL LUNDIN

Special Olympics-Pasco director Val Lundin, right, stands with athlete Bobby Robinson.

Lundin is retiring this summer after 36 years with the nonprofit organization, which provides sports programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The Catholic Youth Sports Summer Basketball League has canceled its upcoming 2020 season, due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic.

The coed league was expected to run from June through July at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz. The league will process full refunds, which will take two weeks to four weeks. For more information, contact sportsdirector@ladyrosary.org.

www.LakerLutzNews.com

COURTESY OF SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Ashley Salvett

Lacrosse standout named All-American Senior defender Ashley Salvett recently made history — becoming the first Saint Leo University women’s lacrosse player to garner an All-American nod.

Earlier this month, Salvett was named to the 2020 Inside Lacrosse Women’s Maverik Division II Media All-America Team, as a defensive honorable mention.

Salvett wrapped up this year’s shortened seven-game season with 43 draw controls, eight caused turnovers and 27 ground balls. In 24 career games, she caused 38 turnovers, picked up 74 ground balls and won 93 draw controls.

The All-American title rounds off a personal stack of accolades for the native of Syracuse, New York, who transferred to Saint Leo for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

In addition to being part of the Lions to back-to-back nationally ranked season finishes, Salvett has been named an AllSunshine State Conference (SSC) First

Team selection and Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-South Region Second Team selection. She’s also been named to the SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll, where a student-athlete must post a minimum grade-point average of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00.

“I am so happy that Ashley’s efforts this year have earned her national recognition,” Lions head coach Caitlin Hansen said, in a release. “She has been a game changer for us since she arrived on campus and her contributions to the program in just two seasons has been tremendous.

One of her greatest assets is her ability to always play at 110% in both practices and games, which, not only made herself better but her teammates better every day.

Ashley is an exciting player to watch and I’m grateful I had an opportunity to coach and work with her!”

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

B

M AY 2 0 , 2 0 2 0

Mighty Wurlitzer plays on, during pandemic

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

W

hen the iconic Tampa Theatre opened in downtown Tampa in 1926, it was hailed by The Tampa Daily Times as perhaps the finest achievement of its kind, south of the Mason-Dixon line.

John Eberson, who designed the movie palace, was known throughout America, for his atmospheric theaters.

Besides laying claim to being Tampa’s first air-conditioned building, the theater, at 711 N. Franklin St., boasted a Mighty Wurlitzer, which, at that time, had 1,400 pipes.

Flash forward to the present — when patrons arriving to the theater often are treated to a pre-show provided by one of the volunteer organists.

“People love it.They absolutely love it,” said Jill Witecki, the theater’s director of marketing and community relations.

“There is something about seeing that organ rise up out of the floor — and to know that 93 years ago, when we opened, that’s what you were hearing,” she said.“It’s magical.”

Like all movie venues across Florida, Tampa Theatre was forced to go dark because of concerns about the potential spread of the deadly coronavirus disease2019 (COVID-19).

So, while its doors are closed, theater staff have turned to virtual offerings to continue providing ways to connect with patrons.

One such event is set for May 22 at 7 at p.m., when the nationally acclaimed organist Steven Ball will accompany the 1926 silent comedy film,“The General,” starring Buster Keaton.

Ball will play his original score to an empty theater auditorium, while the event is livestreamed on the Tampa Theatre Facebook Page.

Ball isn’t the only highly recognized organist to grace the stage at the historic theater.

Rosa Rio, one of the few female organists to play during the silent film era, also has accompanied films there.

Trained in classical music at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, Rio accompanied screenings at venues such as Loew’s Burnside Theatre in New York and Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, according to a story by Sherri Ackerman, published on Aug. 26, 1998 in The Tampa Tribune.

Rio survived the emergence of “talkies,” played live backup to national television soap operas and went on to teach some of the finest musicians in the country, according to Ackerman’s account.

Witecki recalled Rio’s performances at Tampa Theatre.

“Rosa didn’t come to us until much, much later in her life,”Witecki said, noting Rio had retired to Sun City Center and came to the theater to attend a friend’s concert.

“When she saw this place and saw this organ, and saw they were willing to bring in — you know — volunteer organists, she was on board,”Witecki said.

“She played for us for, I think, seven or eight years. She played up until a few months before she died — and, she died at 107,”Witecki said.

THE ORGAN FEELS RIGHT AT HOME HERE

The Tampa Theatre is the perfect place for an instrument like the Mighty Wurlitzer, Witecki said.

“The architects never conceived of amplified sound coming out of speakers when they built this building. It was built for unamplified music. It was built for a 21-piece orchestra or a pipe organ. That’s why the music in here sounds so incredible,” she said.

When the movie palace opened, it featured silent films.

“It was live musicians sitting up there,” Witecki said.

“It wouldn’t be uncommon that the full orchestra would play the weekend shows, the big Friday night shows. But, on a week-

CHRISTINE HOLTZMAN

The Tampa Theatre offers theater-goers a chance to enjoy a movie in one of the country’s finest movie palaces. Sometimes, when one of the theater’s volunteer organists is in the house, patrons get an extra treat: a pre-show of organ music.

CHRISTINE HOLTZMAN COURTESY OF TAMPA THEATRE

Rosa Rio, one of the few female organists during the silent film era, accompanied silent films at Tampa Theatre for several years before she died at the age of 107. Here, she is playing at the Brooklyn Theatre.

Worth the Trip You can’t visit the Tampa Theatre now, because like other movie theaters it is closed due to concerns over the potential spread of coronavirus disease-2019. When it reopens, though, it’s worth a visit — and be sure to get there early, in case there’s a volunteer organist offering a pre-show.

For updates about the theater, check TampaTheatre.org.

Virtual ‘silent’ movie

WHAT: Acclaimed organist Steven Ball will accompany the classic silent film,“The General,” a 1926 comedy starring Buster Keaton.

WHERE: The organist will play his original score to an empty auditorium, while the movie is live-streamed on the Tampa Theatre Facebook Page.

WHEN: May 22 at 7 p.m.

COST: There’s no charge the watch the movie, but donations are welcome.

day, if you didn’t want to pay 21 musicians to be here, you could bring in one organist instead,” she said.

“With an organ, it’s not just the organ that’s important. You’re also playing the building,” said Dave Cucuzza, a volunteer organist for the theater.

“The building picks up the sound and amplifies it,” he said.

Besides playing traditional rich organ tones,Tampa Theatre’s organ can produce all sorts of special effects, including a train whistle, a horn, a siren and others.

It can produce bright sounds, low sounds, soft sounds and loud sounds, Cucuzza said.

It can set a mood, create an atmosphere.

Cucuzza gets a thrill out of sharing his love for organ music.

DETAILS: If you want to buy popcorn, that can be arranged in advance. Visit TampaTheatre.org/popcorn-pickup.

“I want people to be able to hear that sound because what they’re hearing is the same exact thing that people heard in 1926, during the silent movie era,” the organist said.

And, while the sounds of the organ can transport people back in time, there was a time when the organ at Tampa Theatre fell silent.

After the talkies came along, the organ fell into disuse and was sold to Bayshore Baptist Church, where it remained for decades.

It was returned to Tampa Theatre in the

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www.lakerlutznews.com TheLaker / LutzNews

The Tampa Theatre has a significant place in Tampa’s history. When it was opened, in 1926, the event was covered in a live radio broadcast.

Want to play the Mighty Wurlitzer?

Tampa Theatre is looking to add to its cadre of volunteer organists. If you are interested, contact Jill Witecki at (813) 857-9089 or jill@tampatheatre.org

1980s, with the help of the Central Florida Theatre Organ Society. Members of that society help to maintain the organ and some of them volunteer to play for film screenings and events.

Witecki said the theater welcomes additional volunteer organists, but noted a vetting process is required.

The more volunteers the theater has, the more it can share a form of music not commonly heard today, she said.

The theater tries to offer organ music as often as it can before screenings.

However, Witecki noted:“We are at the mercy of our organists’ schedules, whether or not they are able to make it.”

During the holidays, for instance, there often are sing-alongs before the classic movies begin. Most of the shows during a recent season had coverage.

However, Witecki noted:“We did have a few shows that didn’t have an organist — and man, did we hear about it.”

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Dixie Mae can solve a strategy board and can stand on and walk on just her hind legs. Colton loves to give warm hugs to everyone – a feat since he weighs more than 97 pounds. He also can toss a tennis ball as far as a toddler. The duo shares the title of residential squirrel patrol at the home of their owners, Kimberlie and Stephen Glogowski, of Land O’ Lakes.

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

The king of butterflies A monarch butterfly use its eyes to locate flowers, its antennas to smell the nectar and the receptors in its feet to taste sweet substances. Adult monarchs feed on nectar and water by sipping on it using a sucking tube, called a proboscis, that lies coiled under its head when not in use. Fred Perkins, of Zephyrhills, snapped this photo on his daughter’s property.

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.

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PET PAWS NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY

National Rescue Dog Day is annually observed on May 20. It was found by Tails That Teach Inc., to “bring awareness to the countless number of amazing dogs in shelters waiting to be adopted, to promote humane education for young children, and to encourage spay/neuter.”

Rescue dogs can provide a variety of therapeutic benefits, such as friendship and emotional support.

Here are a few ways to share ‘puppy’ love: • Adopt. If there is room in your life for a dog, consider adoption and giving one a furever home.

• Foster. Many dogs abandoned to shelters benefit from socialization, or would thrive better away from the shelter environment. Others may be in need of medical care or rehabilitation in a home setting before adoption.

• Donate. Shelters need financial donations, as well as items like blankets, toys, treats and leashes.

• Volunteer. Help out at a local shelter

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to take dogs for walks, groom dogs, or just give the animals affection to improve socialization.

• Spay/neuter. Be responsible for your pets. Overpopulation is the number one reason shelters exist.

For information, visit NationalRescueDogDay.com.

AVOID PUPPY SCAMS

Due to the stay-at-home orders, many people are using the Internet to look for a pet, thinking now they have the time to help the pet adjust to its new surroundings.

But the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of West Florida, is warning that many people searching for pets have come across scammers who advertise on websites for animals that don’t exist.

New data from the BBB Scam Tracker shows that these scams have spiked since COVID-19 took hold in the United States.

The BBB offers these tips to avoid Continued on page 3B

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PET PAWS Continued from page 2B puppy scams: • Don’t buy a pet without seeing it in person. If that isn’t possible, conduct an Internet search of the picture of the pet you are considering. If the same picture appears on multiple websites, it is likely a fraud.Also, search for text from ads or testimonials, to see if the seller copied it from another website.

• Don’t send money by Western Union, MoneyGram, a cash app like Zelle, or a gift card.These payments methods offer no recourse and no way to get your money back if you are the victim of a fraud.

Fraudsters could claim to accept credit cards, but could steal your credit card information to use it in other scams, or inform you that payment didn’t go through and request the payment via wire service or gift cards.

• Research prices for the breed you are interested in adopting. If a purebred dog is advertised for free or at a deeply discounted price, and then other payment is required for services like vaccination or shipping, it could be a fraudulent offer.

• Consider reaching out to a local animal shelter. Especially during this time of quarantine, many shelters are looking for

The LA Aw w offices of

fosters to help relieve the animal’s stress and reduce overcrowding at the facilities.

The Humane Society of the United States can refer consumers to local shelters.

• If you think you have been scammed, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker and the Federal Trade Commission.You also can report it to PetScams.com, which catalogues puppy scammers, tracks complaints and aims to help have fraudulent pet sales websites taken down.

SHARE YOUR PET NEWS

If you have pet news about adoptions, walks or other events for pet owners and their pets, you can let us know by sending us an email.We just need the basics: who, what, when, where and why.

The information should be submitted two weeks prior to the desired publication date. We also need a contact name and number, in case we have questions.

There is no guarantee of publication, but we consider each item we receive.

If you’d like to make a submission, send it to news@lakerlutznews.com.

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

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May 20, 2020

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GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

HOMES FOR SALE

In Loving Memory of Helen Bires NOW HIRING:

Marketing/Sales Assistant Our ideal candidate has strong communication skills, a background in marketing/ sales, and is a local to the Pasco/Hillsborough area. We'll work with you to build opportunities that align with your strengths! • Full-Time (30-40 hours – flexible with schedule) • Starting pay: $13/hr (plus benefits; sick pay, vacation pay, 401k, health insurance)

RESPONSIBILITIES: • • • •

Lead Generation/Management Customer Service & Follow Up Representing the Paper at Networking Events Assisting with Content Creation for Social Media

Interested? Email Terri Williamson (twilliamson@lakerlutznews.com) with your resume and why you would like to work for The Laker/Lutz News.

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BIRES, Helen, age 92, of Zephyrhills, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. She was a native of Pittsburgh, PA. Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Joseph T. Bires.

She is survived by her children: Patricia A. Koehler (Volker) of Zephyrhills, Joseph P. Bires of Zephyrhills, and Thomas G. Bires (Judy) of Dade City; and grandchildren: Laura Seita (Domenic) of Exeter, RI, and Stephanie Bires of Richmond, VA. A private funeral mass was held at 10am on May 15, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dade City. Burial took place at Chapel Hill Gardens in Dade City, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen's memory to Metropolitan Ministries or a food bank of your choice. Arrangements are being handled by Hodges Family Funeral Home.

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At Conviv va, we don’t jusst treat p we bu uild our patients, relatio onships with th hem.

We think the most important parrt off aging well is staying well.

That That’s why we put put so much emphasis on prevention and on building strong relationships with our patients.

THESE DA AY YS, THAT AT T PERSONAL CONNECTION WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN HAS NEVER MA AT TTERED MORE. • Our Care Centers remain open to offffer Primary Care to current and new patients.

• We offffer telemedicine visits, so you can call and speak to your doctorr from the safety off your home.

• We continue to offffer Early Detection and Prevention Screenings to help detect and treat underlying conditions that may put seniors at greater risk.

As always, our Conviva physicians and entire Care T Te eam are here for you to help you live your best life, today, tomorrow and in the future.

Primary Care for Seniors Committed to Aging Well.

For more information, visit ConvivaCareC Centers.com or call (844) 906–0278.

We W e accept most Medicare Advantage pla ans.

Follow us on Facebook @ConvivaCareCenters

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May 20, 2020

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