ee r F
The LAKER EAST PASCO EDITION
LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM
AUGUST 16, 2017
Singing hopefuls flock to Tampa Bay Idol By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
Less waiting where it matters most – our emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional* in 30 minutes – or less.
The 30-Minutes-or-Less E.R. Service Pledge – only at Bayfront Health Dade City.
When 15-year-old Julia Toussaint learned American Idol auditions were coming to Wesley Chapel, she couldn’t pass up the chance at stardom. “I told my voice teacher,‘We have to do it,’” said Toussaint, a sophomore at Tarpon Springs High School. Toussaint, who began singing as a 5-yearold, was one of 400 preregistered contestants selected for “Tampa Bay Idol” auditions, held Aug.12 at Florida Hospital Center Ice. Like others, Toussaint was looking to strike fame via the hit television show that has launched the singing careers of Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and countless others. “I’m hoping to pursue (singing),” See IDOL, page 11A
FRED BELLET
Signage brightens the Aug. 12 Tampa Bay Idol auditions held at Florida Hospital Center Ice, in Wesley Chapel. Some 400 hopefuls tried to capture the judges' attention during a 45-second audition.
13100 Fort King Road, Dade City, FL 33525
BayfrontHealth.com *Medical professionals may include physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
Auto Accident? Slip and Fall? FREE CONSULTATION
No Fees Or Costs Unless You Win HOLLIDAY KARATINOS LAW FIRM, PLLC HelpingInjuredPeople.com Call Attorney
JIM HOLLIDAY “I Will Aggressively Fight To Protect Your Legal Rights”
813-868-1887 OR
352-597-0009
Get all your favorite local news stories online.
B.C. MANION
Cypress Creek Middle High School students make their way to their second class on the first day of school on the new campus in Wesley Chapel.
Ringing in a new school year in Pasco County Schools Pasco County public school students began a new school year on Aug. 14, and some of those students headed to schools that were opening for the first time. Things were running smoothly at Cypress Creek Middle High in Wesley Chapel. Students streamed across campus for
their second-period class. Most appeared to know where they were heading, but for those who were lost, there was plenty of help. “I can help. If you need help, I can help,” Tico Hernandez, the school’s Graduation Enhancement teacher called out, as students changed classes.
Lutz resident Trey Seaholm and his fiancée, Cary Sanchez stand behind the display case of their edible cookie dough kiosk, The Happy Dough, at Tampa Premium Outlets. The kiosk is located across from Skechers and PacSun.
lakerlutznews.com
B INSIDE, PAGE 1B
Trey Seaholm and Cary Sanchez weren’t looking for a life-changing leap into adventure. He’s an electrician. She’s a clinical technician. And, they’re the new owners of The Happy Dough. The couple sells edible cookie dough by the ice cream scoop at a kiosk at Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 56. Eat it raw.Take it home to bake. Or, mix it with other desserts. Cookie dough, that forbidden fruit of childhood, is the newest trend in sweet treats. Recipe changes – using pasteurized eggs/heat treated flour – make the difference. There’s no more need to sneak sticky-finger globs from a mixing bowl.
Transportation summit takes big picture view By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
“We thought it was a wonderful, unique idea,” Sanchez said. “It’s now safe to lick the bowl.” Do, a shop near Greenwich Village in New York City, gets credit for pioneering edible cookie dough. Its customers line up out the door. Its reputation is spurring others to catch cookie dough’s rising star. Seaholm, Sanchez and Seaholm’s mother, Debra Fuxan, hopped a flight to the Big Apple for a visit to Do.They came away persuaded that Tampa Bay needed cookie dough. “I have entrepreneurial spirit,” said Seaholm.“I see all kinds of ideas and think I can do it all.” Seaholm began researching the idea. “He was talking about it. He was so excited,” Sanchez said.“He was the engine.” Everyone pitched in to try out recipes that See DOUGH, page 11A
See SUMMIT, page 11A
This kiosk offers a dough-licious new treat ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
We know that you took them, so why don’t you share them? If you would like your photo to be considered for publication in The Laker/Lutz News, please email us a digital copy. Include the name or names of the student, the grade of the student or students, and what school they attend. Also include contact information, in case we need to get back to you. Please submit the photos by Aug. 18 to bc.manion@lakerlutznews.com.
The daily grind of transportation snarls, and the glacial flow of vehicles at rush hours never seems to have any quick fixes. But, a transportation summit at PascoHernando State College will give residents a chance to get a big picture view of projects – current and future – that could ease the traffic burdens. The summit will bring federal, state and local officials together to discuss what’s already happening, what’s in the pipeline, and what’s on someone’s drawing board. U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, and The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host the event. “There’s a lot of information out there from what is happening to what will happen in the future,” said Moore. But, instead of people “pulling bits and pieces” from different sources, Moore said the summit will provide a single platform to tie everything together. Much of the focus will be on transportation issues in East Pasco and Central Pasco. However, Moore added,“We’re bringing as much information as we can in one night, that will answer a lot of questions and explain how things are going.” Dwight Gwynn, the secretary for District 7 of the Florida Department of Transportation, will be on hand to address
KATHY STEELE
By Kathy Steele
Send us your First Day photos