The LAKER
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EAST PASCO EDITION
LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM
DECEMBER 10, 2014
Zephyrhills wants respect on 56 By Michael Hinman mhinman@lakerlutznews.com
We’re your orthopedic connection. If your bones are aching for relief, count on Bayfront Health Orthopedics. We’re a system of
Just about every road leading to Zephyrhills is two lanes. And for what is soon to become the largest incorporated city in Pasco County, leaders there says it’s time for that to change. Yet, whether it’s U.S. 301 from the south, State Road 54 from the west, or now the new extension of State Road 56 into the airport business park area, Zephyrhills just can’t get any respect. “The rest of (State Road) 54 has been widened in the county, but not Zephyrhills,” one resident and local businessman, Nils Lenz, shared in a recent letter. “Why is Zephyrhills being left out? The population within the city limits of Zephyrhills — with
all of the recent annexing in the room enough to build up to six last few years — (is) only about lanes. However, that won’t be 200 less in population than New built until traffic studies require Port Richey.” it and additional funding beLenz, the owner of B & N comes available. Lenz Enterprises, was reacting to Zephyrhills city manager news last week that the Florida Steve Spina expressed local frusDepartment of Transportation tration to state lawmakers, was cutting funding of the State Steve Spina including former mayor and new Road 56 extension project from House District 38 representative $60 million to $35 million.While Danny Burgess, during a legislathe 6.7-mile road will connect Wesley tive delegation last week in Land O’ Lakes. Chapel’s Wiregrass Ranch area with U.S. 301 “We believe it’s vital to southeast Pasco in Zephyrhills, it is no longer a four-lane County and Zephyrhills to the municipal airproject. port to have four lanes of funding as it’s Cone & Graham, the last contractor built initially, and not piecemeal as we go standing in the bidding process, will still forward,” Spina said. have to convince property owners along See RESPECT, page 6 the route to donate 250 feet of right of way,
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Bob Loring will do whatever it takes to get the word out for his annual local Toys For Tots campaign.
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It’s crunch time for annual holiday toy drive By Michael Murillo mmurillo@lakerlutznews.com
Bob Loring isn’t Santa Claus.Yet he has some 250 elves at his disposal, and he seems pretty jolly about his job. “I’m the head elf,” Loring said.“It’s a thrill. Personally it’s so rewarding. I get to work with and be around the neatest people in Pasco County.” The retired Marine doesn’t look like Kris
Kringle, either, but he does share a common goal with the Christmas character.With the help of elves (volunteers), he distributes toys to boys and girls during the holiday season. The difference is that Loring does it in real life. Loring heads up the local Toys For Tots chapter, part of a national program that distributes toys to needy children run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for more than 65
years. He took the helm back in 1999, and in his first year, the group distributed toys for nearly 400 children in the Dade City area. But he knew it wasn’t enough. To expand,Toys For Tots would have to increase the number of communities it serves. Most people who donate want the recipients to live in their area, Loring said.As a result, they’ve broadened their efforts to provide a happy holiday to children in Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel, as well. The donations have gone up, too. Loring expects to distribute toys to around 4,000 children this year.And the method of distributing them is almost as important as the donations themselves. See TOYS, page 6
Wanted: New bikes to spread Christmas By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
FEB. 26 - MAR. 8, 2015 PLANT CITY, FLORIDA
THE BIG NEWS IS HERE! CHECK OUT PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS.
What began as one couple’s attempt to teach their daughter about the struggles that many families are faced with has broadened into an effort to bring new bicycles to children who have little prospect of ever owning a new set of wheels. Todd and Cindy Caroline of Lutz began providing new bicycles to children from less fortunate families about six years ago.They wanted their daughter Zoye, now 9, to understand that not all families are as blessed as theirs has been, Cindy Caroline said. Over time, the effort branched out. At first, the Carolines simply asked people attending their annual Christmas party to bring a new bike to help brighten a child’s holiday, Caroline said.Then, they decided to shift the effort over to their company — Caroline Contractors LLC — so they could reach out to their suppliers, business associates and other members of the See BIKES, page 6
COURTESY OF CINDY CAROLINE
Todd Caroline gets ready to deliver new bicycles during a previous Christmas Bicycle Drive. Caroline and his wife, Cindy, began giving new bikes to children from less fortunate families six years ago.
WELCOME BACK PARK RESIDENTS! CHECK OUT YOUR PARK NEWS, PAGES 8-12