The Laker-East Pasco-December 22, 2021

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DECEMBER 22, 2021

Omicron variant is spreading rapidly

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly and nearly every state had been touched by it as of Dec. 20 when The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

It has not yet been determined how dangerous Omicron is, and despite its rapid spread, the Delta virus remained the main variant circulating in the United States as of

early this week, according to experts from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.

Omicron was first detected in specimens collected on Nov. 11 in Botswana and on Nov. 14 in South Africa, according to the CDC’s website.The first confirmed Omicron case in the United States was detected on Dec. 1.

An interpretive posting on the CDC’s website said:“We don’t yet know how easily

it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, or how well available vaccines and medications work against it.”

Meanwhile, the rapid spread and uncertainty of Omicron’s impacts have hit at the height of the holiday travel season.

In a Dec. 14 posting, AAA predicted that more than 109 million people would travel 50 miles or more between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 See OMICRON, page 7A

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Dade City awards general engineering services

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

The City of Dade City has chosen a host of firms to serve as general planning and engineering consultants, for the next five years.

Elected officials selected firms that include Lakeland-based Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions Inc.; Lutz-based Johnson Engineering Inc.; Tampa-based Halff Associates Inc.; and Tampa-based CPH Inc. Tampa-based Tierra Inc., also was selected to provide geotechnical services to the city.

The Dade City Commission made the selections on a 5-0 vote on Dec. 14, giving city staff the authorization to prepare a general consulting agreement for each firm to be considered at the next available city commission meeting.

Dade City Public Works Director Bryan Holmes detailed the city’s selection process.

A request for qualifications (RFQ) was solicited in September, for interested firms to submit their qualifications for providing planning and engineering services and geotechnical services to the city on a continuing consulting agreement.

Fourteen firms responded to the city’s solicitation.

The submitted RFQs included: • Firm qualifications: That includes the number of years the firm has been in business; references and past performances; willingness to meet time and budget requirements; recent, current and projected workloads; volume of work previously awarded to each firm by agency • Experience and qualification of assigned staff: That includes the staff’s experiences, qualifications and technical abilities • Approach and delivery of services: That includes an understanding of the scope of work, ability to comply with the full scope of work, technical soundness of the proposal A panel of city staffers reviewed the RFQs.The panel was made up staff that is knowledgeable about the planning and engineering projects the city will be doing in the next few years.

To further narrow down the list of See ENGINEERING, page 7A

NEW SPOT FOR CYCLISTS

INSIDE, PAGE 5A

FRED BELLET

‘Tis the season for a bit of good cheer Regardless of your faith tradition, chances are you’ve seen some of the holiday displays across the region. We’re sharing some of those sights in these images captured around The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Best wishes to you for a happy holiday season, and good health and good fortune, in 2022. Above, 4-year-old R.J. Hans, of Winter Haven, has an up-close and personal chat with Santa Claus, also known as Ross Wilder, of Tampa. R.J., along with his dad, Robert, and his grandfather, Bob, spent the day at the Florida Pioneer Museum and Village. On the way back to Winter Haven they spotted Santa and had to stop for a visit. Mrs. Claus, also known as Janet Wilder, had her and Santa’s chair on the front lawn of the Lowman Law Firm during the Dade City Christmas Stroll. For more photos, see page 1B.

Guitarist Craig Baldwin, of Palm Harbor, plays a selection of Christmas songs on center stage at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Church Avenue in Dade City is known as a showcase for holiday décor, during the annual ‘Church Street Christmas’ display. This home is at the corner of Church Avenue and 13th Street.

Pasco takes step toward No such thing as a banning retail sale of rabbits typical day for this award-winning leader

By B.C. Manion

bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco County Commission has directed county staff to come back to the board with a recommendation regarding banning the retail sale of rabbits.

Pasco County outlawed the sale of kittens, puppies, cats and dogs from pet stores last year, and now animal advocates want a similar ban on the sale of pet rabbits.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said the board should consider a ban, and he and his colleagues voted to have county staff bring something back to the board on the issue.

The action followed emails received by commissioners and requests during the public comment portion of a meeting in September and also in December.

During the Dec. 7 meeting, Dr. Betsy Coville, a veterinarian from Lutz, told commissioners that rabbits are the third most-surrendered pet.

“They require higher maintenance than dogs or cats and can live 10 to 12 years.

“Frequently dumped outside, when the rescues are full, they starve, become prey for coyotes, or are hit by a car.

Bunny mills are consistently the source for these bunnies that become unwanted.

They’re “no different from the puppy mills that we recognize as inhumane,” she said.

“There are currently three locations in

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Florida that have placed bans on retail sales of rabbits: Orange County, Desoto County and Key West.

“They have all placed rabbits, along with dogs and cats, in their retail sale ban.

Melissa Musselwhite, the director of student support programs and services, often begins her day around 6 a.m., and wraps it up around 7 p.m.

But those are on days when there’s not some sort of crisis going on, because in her role in Pasco County Schools, she’s on the front-end of dealing with crises.

During the midst of COVID-19, for instance, she’s been immersed in Pasco County Schools’ efforts to deal with the disruptive virus.

Beyond that, she leads a department that has roughly 400 employees.

Her performance recently led to her recognition as Pasco County Schools’ District Administrator of the Year.

She received word of the honor last month during a visit by the district’s “Surprise Patrol” made up of Superintendent Kurt Browning, Pasco School Board members and Stacey Capogrosso, the executive director of the Pasco Education Foundation.

The nomination submitted on Musselwhite’s behalf, reads in part:“Melissa has been the face of the COVID response

See RABBITS, page 7A

See LEADER, page 7A

COURTESY OF MEAGAN RATHMAN-URENA

This bunny lived in a loving home and was well taken care of from the age of 6 months; unfortunately, rabbits often are ‘impulse buys’ and are abandoned on the streets shortly after their purchase, say some animal advocates who want to ban the retail sale of rabbits at pet shops.

Road dispute stalls zoning request until January

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco County Commission has delayed until Jan. 25 a request for a 108 single-family subdivision in Land O’ Lakes — to give the developer a chance to work out a solution for addressing area traffic concerns.

The rezoning is being requested by Darrell A. and Karen J. Renner.

It calls for changing the zoning on 50.5 acres of agricultural land to allow a masterplanned unit development (MPUD), on the south side of Bexley Road, about a mile west of the intersection of U.S. 41 and Wisteria Loop.

Both the Pasco County Planning Commission and county planners recommended approval of the rezoning, providing a number of conditions are met — including the construction of a new road.

But the applicant has balked at constructing a new road, because of the cost.

Attorney Shelley Johnson, whose clients are seeking the rezoning, said they are willing to improve Wisteria Loop, to bring it up to county standards — a condition that county planners required in their original recommendation for approval.

The applicant also has offered to improve a nearby intersection into a safer configuration, Johnson said.

Area residents, however, continue to push for the new road to be built.

Speakers including Ray Gadd, Chris Nocco and Jeremy Couch urged the county board to take action to prevent existing neighborhoods from being flooded by traffic, not only from the future 108-home development, but others that are being, or will be built in the area.

Gadd, who is deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, and Nocco, who is the county’s sheriff, both made it clear that they were speaking as private residents, not in their official capacity.

At the initial planning board meeting, Johnson said her client would be willing to build the new road or improve the existing one and county planners subsequently changed the conditions to require the new road.

But when the issue came back to the planning board for further discussion, Johnson said constructing the road would be too costly. Instead, she said, her client was willing to bring the existing road up to standard.

Her client also later agreed to improve an existing intersection which is nearby, to improve safety conditions in the area.

Johnson noted that upgrading Wisteria Loop and improving a nearby intersection would cost about $1.5 million — significantly less than building a new road.

After discussing the issue on Sept. 30, Nov. 4 and Nov. 18, the planning board ultimately decided to make the new road a condition of approval.

The applicant will be able to receive mo-

bility fee credits that could be sold to recoup a portion of the costs.

At the county board’s Dec. 7 meeting, Commissioner Mike Moore said the county can’t continue to allow development to occur without the infrastructure being built to handle the impacts.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said the development almost always occurs before the improvements because mobility fees — paid by new construction — are used to help pay for the improvements.

One notable exception, she said, was the construction of the extension of State Road 56, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard to U.S. 301.

That extension was built through an infrastructure loan from the state, and agreements with private developers.

Gadd told board members that the attorney representing the applicants paints a picture of the developer as being “like some poor, little homeless puppy looking for a home.”

The truth is, the developer is a solid company and has other opportunities, Gadd said.

Gadd also cited numerous projects along U.S. 41 that have parkway entrances into their properties, unlike this one.

Darrell Renner, who owns the land that would be developed, told commissioners that he can no longer use the land the way he envisioned when he purchased it.

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick sug-

gested another road solution to the developer, which would reduce costs by avoiding the wetlands.

Starkey agreed that is a possible solution.

Attorney Johnson said moving the alignment would cost about $2.1 million; while bringing the existing alignment up to standard and improving the intersection would cost about $1.3 million.

“That difference is creditable, though,” said David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney. So, it could be absorbed within the applicant’s development.

Starkey said there’s also an option that the county could buy back the credits, if for some reason they’re not used within five years.

Johnson said her understanding is that her clients can’t get around the wetlands system. If that cannot be done, she previously testified, it would take about two years to clear environmental permitting, if that’s even possible.

Commissioner Moore said the issue would not be resolved during the meeting.

He told the applicants that he could either make a motion to deny or make a motion to continue.

Starkey said she preferred a continuance.

Moore made a motion to continue, which the board approved, to give the applicants time to try to resolve the road issue.

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Land O’ Lakes woman helps haul in big fishing trophy Her love of fishing began on Deer Lake, in Lutz

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Tanya Michelle Arendes, who goes by Tanya Michelle, can barely remember a time when she didn’t have a fishing pole in her hand.

The Land O’ Lakes woman, who grew up on Deer Lake in Lutz, said her parents and grandparents nurtured her love for the sport.

“I started fishing when I was probably 3 or 4 years old,” said the angler, who is a thirdgeneration Floridian. “My kids are fourth generation.We love this area.”

During her growing-up years, she said,“we would fish all of the time. My dad was big into boating, so we always had the boat out in the lake, every weekend.

“Our house was the house — everybody came over to hang out on the lake.

“Every summer, my family would go to Ramble River Springs campground, in Dunnellon. We camped the whole trip. I didn’t leave the dock,” she said.

She is passing that love along to her children, 19-year-old Kelsey Albritton and 8-year-old Kason Meehan, who recently were out fishing with her at their neighbor Kurt Conover’s dock at Twin Lakes.

Over the years,Tanya Michelle’s fishing expertise has grown.

During this past summer, she and her teammate Terrie Huffmaster earned some impressive bragging rights by becoming the first females to win the ICAST fishing tournament.

They were joined on their team by Jackson Williams, a boat captain.

Team Lucky Go Fishing/Fish Bites broke the tournament’s record with a bag that weighed 25 pounds, 10 ounces, according to the tournament’s web page.

The acronym ICAST stands for International Convention of Allied Sportsfishing Trades. It was the first time in the tournament’s history that women were on the winning team.

Tanya Michelle explained how the international fishing tournament works.

B.C. MANION

Tanya Michelle Arendes has a passion for fishing and she wants to encourage other women — with or without children, to give it a try.

COURTESY OF TANYA MICHELLE ARENDES COURTESY OF TANYA MICHELLE ARENDES

Terrie Huffmaster, left, and Tanya Michelle Arendes hoist the 2021 ICAST Cup trophy. The tournament took place at Big Toho Marina Kissimmee, on July 20.

“You have a five-fish limit. You can only keep five fish to weigh. In four hours, we caught about 40 fish,” she said.

The team knew it was in good shape before the weigh-in.

“We did our research.We knew that morning going into it that the biggest bag ever weighed for ICAST was only like 22 pounds.

Tanya Michelle credits the boat captain for taking them to a great fishing spot.

While winning the tournament was a thrill, the female angler said that for her, the joy of fishing lies in the pursuit.

“I don’t care if I come in last, I just love being out there and being involved in the sport, the camaraderie. I just love it. I love talking to people about all of their fish stories.

Tanya Michelle Arendes, of Land O’ Lakes, can barely remember a time when she wasn’t holding a fishing rod.

“Of course, some of them aren’t true. But that’s part of it,”Tanya Michelle said.

While fishing can be a soothing pastime, that’s not the case in competitive fishing.

“Tournament fishing is pretty intense. A lot of people will have 10 or 15 rods already rigged,” she said.

Whether competing for a trophy or out fishing on her own, Tanya Michelle simply adores being on or near water.

She has her own business that has flexible hours, so she can go fishing three or four times a week.

“If it’s not bass fishing, then I’m in the salt and I’m catching snook, redfish, trout. I actually have a hashtag online. My hashtag is TheCrazySnookLady.You click on that, you

see nothing but me and fish.

“For salt (saltwater fishing), we go to St. Pete, Clearwater, (and the) Tierra Verde area. I hit all of the bridges,” she said.

Her biggest freshwater catch came in 2009, when she landed a 10-pound, 1-ounce freshwater bass, in Odessa.

“That’s still my biggest fish.

“My biggest saltwater catch — that’s a different story. It was an 8-foot nurse shark. It was like a 2 ½-hour fight,” she said.

Over the years, she’s become knowledgeable about rods, reels, bait and tackle, and how to maintain her gear. She’s also picked up the ins and outs of when and where to fish.

“Dawn or dusk are usually the best, first light or last light, because that’s when they’re hungry,” she said. The weather, the sun, the moon and tides all are important, she added.

“If I’m saltwater fishing, if it’s high tide, there will be more fish up in there,” she explained.

Besides being a great sport for women, fishing also is a great activity for families, she said.

“We’ll do dinner and go fishing.

“After work, I’ll come over to Kurt’s dock to fish. Or, I’ll run over to Bexley. Or, even up to Ballantrae. I have friends over there.

They’ll come meet me at the lake with their golf cart and their kids,” she said.

Mostly, she fishes for sport.

“I’m strictly catch and release, when it comes to freshwater. I don’t eat freshwater fish. I throw them all back.And, most saltwater (fish), I throw back,” she said.

As a single mom, she said she finds fishing to be therapeutic.

“While I’m fishing, I don’t think about what bills are due, what problems are going on. I’m thinking about my line and what fish is going to hit it.

“It’s just freeing for me,” she said.

While relaxing on one hand, it also produces an adrenaline rush — when there’s a fish on the line.

“It’s like a drug-free drug. It can be addicting. People get addicted to it. All they want to do is fish,” she said.“I love it. I really do.”

When it comes to fishing,Tanya Michelle acknowledged, she’s hooked.

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GINGERBREAD WORLD

Junior gardeners

Dade City’s fifth annual “Gingerbread World” contest and exhibit will be on display during the Church Street Christmas on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the First Baptist Church, 37511 Church Ave. Individual/household gingerbread entries will complete for cash prizes.All monies raised from these business/organization partnerships and donations will benefit the Oasis Pregnancy Care Center. For information and an entry form, visit DCgingerbread.com.

The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension will host the Junior Master Gardener Youth Education Series starting Jan. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon, for ages 8 to 12.

The series is a virtual session one Saturday a month from January to May, with a final in-person session, and an induction ceremony scheduled for June.

The topics will include: Florida-Friendly gardening practices; gardening fundamentals; new plant growing techniques; insects; and more.

The program is $60 per child, and includes all activity materials, instruction and books. Registration is required online at bit.ly/3wF85iA.

OFFICE CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY The five Pasco County Tax Collector Offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday, and will reopen on Dec. 27 at 8:30 a.m., for regular business.The offices also will be closed on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, in observance of the New Year holiday, and will reopen on Jan. 3 at 8:30 a.m. For information, visit PascoTaxes.com.

READING CHALLENGE The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host a Winter Reading Mini Challenge from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2, for all ages. Participants can log their reading, claim digital badges, and win books.To be eligible to claim book prizes, participants must provide an address at registration. Register online HCPLC.Beanstack.org.

demonstrations; model trains; and more.

All museum buildings will be open.

Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for students; free for ages younger than 5.

Parking is free. For vendor information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

PLAY EXPLORES ADOLESCENCE The New Tampa Players will present “Black Butterfly, Jaguar Girl, Pinata Woman and Other Superhero Girls, Like Me” by Luis Alfaro from Jan. 15 to Jan. 23, at the Uptown Stage in University Mall, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.The performance follows the lives of five girls living and growing up in east Los Angeles.All audience members are asked to wear a mask.Tickets are $20. For show times, information and tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

FLORIDA BIRD WEBINAR The Friends of Weedon Island will host a webinar entitled,“Learning Florida Upland and Backyard Birds,” on Jan. 15 at 10 a.m., for adults and families (kids ages 7 and older).

The guest speaker will be wildlife biologist Jeanne Murphy. Participants can learn what birds are typically found in Florida’s upland and backyard habitats, how they adapted to live here, and if that gives them a unique survival advantage. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/yc7wdr5v.

DADE CITY GARDEN CLUB The Dade City Garden Club will have a general membership meeting (open to the public) on Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.There will be a presentation by Steve Melton, on the impact of the watermelon industry on Pasco County. Light refreshments will be served. Door prizes will be awarded. For information, email Jackie German at jcgerm@tampabay.rr.com, or visit DadeCityGardenClub.com.

COMPOST DEMO The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host an IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) representative on Dec. 28 at 3:30 p.m., in the library’s Discovery Gardens, on the topic of how to compost food scraps in a bin.To register, visit PascoLibraries.org. For information, call the library at 813-788-6375.

CASINO NIGHT BENEFIT The Wesley Chapel Rotary will host a Casino Night on Jan. 21 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2640 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel, to benefit Bridging Freedom and Rotary projects within the community. Bridging Freedom’s mission is to combat sex-trafficking of minors by bringing restoration to those rescued and to prevent victimization.The benefit will help to build a home for minor female human trafficking survivors.The event includes free heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a DJ, a silent auction, raffles and prizes.Tickets are $25 per person, and can be purchased at tinyurl.com/ynxzcv32.

VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host a Virtual Book Club on Dec. 28 at 5 p.m., via Zoom, to discuss the book, “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” by Wally Lamb. Print copies are available at the New River Library’s circulation desk, or on Hoopla as an e-book and e-audiobook.To register, visit PascoLibraries.org. For information, call the library at 813-788-6375.

KIDS’ NEW YEAR The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host a New Year’s Countdown for Kids on Dec. 28 at 6:30 p.m., for ages 5 to 7 and their caregivers.

There will be trivia, giveaways, and a special reading. Register and attend for a chance to win free books and other prizes. Registration is online at HCPLC.org.

SEEKING ARTISTS

ONLINE SURVEY The 2021 Pasco County Online Citizen Survey is now available until Jan. 6.

Feedback is needed on these topics: Utilities; parks and libraries; safety/emergency services; transportation; growth; and, importance/quality of services. Find the survey at My Pasco.net (click on survey link); on the MyPasco App (click on Citizen Survey button); on Pasco County’s Facebook,Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor.com pages; or visit bit.ly/2021PascoSurvey.

RAISING CANE FESTIVAL The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host the Raising Cane and Moonshine Festival on Jan. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.The event will include sugar cane syrup-making in the Cane Mill; the Southern Syrup-Makers Association Syrup-

Tasting Contest; a U.S. Sugar presentation; vendors and food trucks; live music with the Barking Dogs, Geared Up Band and JT Curtis; a tour of the Moonshine Exhibition, along with local moonshine stories and moonshine samples from the Tarpon Springs Distillery; axe throwing with Molly’s Hatchet; blacksmith

The Charity Festival of Arts scheduled for April 23 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, in Land O’ Lakes, is seeking artists of all ages to be part of the festival’s art exhibit. Prizes will be awarded for “Most Popular” entry in each age category: kindergarten through fifth grade; sixth grade through eighth grade; ninth grade through 12th grade; adult amateur; and adult professional.

Mediums can include painting, sculpture, drawing, collage, photography and more.

The fee is $5 per entry. Groups and individuals can submit an application to be part of the talent showcase, too.

Performances (up to 15 minutes) can include vocal, dance, instrumental, comedy, band and more. For information, contact Leesa Fryer at 727-845-5707.

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A Dec. 15 ribbon-cutting ceremony officially christened the new bike hub/visitor’s information center in downtown Dade City. From left: Dade City Commissioners Normita Woodard, Knute Nathe and Scott Black; Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore; Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez; Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley; and, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast president/tourism director Adam Thomas.

Bicyclists have a new spot to relax, in Pasco

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

East Pasco’s rolling hills and curving countryside attract avid bicyclists from far and wide.

And now, these cyclists will have a spot where they can rest, relax and refuel.

The Spoke — designed to offer respite for cyclists and other exercise enthusiasts — also features a visitor’s center.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 15 celebrated the new amenity, at 37800 Church Ave., across from the Roy T. Hardy trailhead.

The Spoke features covered porches, restrooms, and places to refill water bottles and tune up bicycles.

Inside the 1,100-square-foot welcome center, guests can check out information about the county’s other tourism amenities through mobile exhibit space, which includes printed information and videos.

The space also is eventually expected to host a local retail shop and satellite food vendor on weekends and during the evening.

“We have some very special things that we’re working on,” Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said, during the ribbon-cutting.

From the initial idea to its final build out, the project has been some six years in the making.

Hernandez quipped:“I didn’t think that it was going to take that long to birth a baby, because I feel that this is like a baby to me.”

She went on: “This has been a project that I have cradled and that I have hugged, and that I have worked so closely with the TDC (Pasco County Tourist Development Council) and the BOCC (Pasco County Board of County Commissioners).”

The facility’s moniker represents a combination of the city’s rich railway history and its modern trail movement.

Melanie Romagnoli, Dade City’s community and economic development director, is credited with dreaming up the facility’s name.

The Spoke was funded with a $250,000 grant from the Pasco TDC and its official

destination marketing organization, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, which promotes the county’s varied outdoor and recreational offerings.

The amber-colored visitor center reflects the architectural style of the surrounding Church Avenue neighborhood, which commonly features homes with wood siding, columns and brick embellishments.

“The Spoke is going to be something that brings tourism to Pasco County,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who also chairs the county’s TDC. “You know, (Dade City) is a bike hub, it really is.

There’s people from all over the world that come to Dade City to ride here, and we want to continue to do what we can do to promote it. …We look forward to more great things to come from this beautiful city.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district represents East Pasco, underscored the importance of having designated outdoor exercise-friendly recreational features — amid the booming population growth, and increasing traffic.

“More people will need this kind of (amenity) where they can walk and ride their bikes, and make it safe,” Oakley said.

The Spoke represents the first phase of a larger 2.23-acre city park site that’s anticipated to include a splash pad, all-inclusive playground, nature trail, and possibly an amphitheater.

Its completion will otherwise complement the city’s nearby downtown restaurants and shops, while offering another recreational outlet for youth, residents and visitors alike.

“This whole vision, this beautiful piece of land, it’s just a huge asset to Dade City,” Hernandez said.

The city originally purchased the property for the park site in December 2019 from the family of local businessman Otto Weitzenkorn.

Officials have said the park fits with the city’s vision of fostering a healthy and agefriendly community.

The Spoke also represents Pasco County’s first official tourism welcome center.

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December 22, 2021

5A

Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com

AQUAPONICS PROJECT UNVEILED

The students at Wendell Krinn Technical High School on Dec. 10 hosted a grand opening of its KTech Aquaponics Project, according to a news release.

Aquaponics is a way for students to gain hands-on, practical experience by applying what they are learning in their technical education programs.

The project incorporates the combined skills of the school’s many technical programs, including engineering, robotics, welding, electricity and cybersecurity.

The result is a structure that produces green, leafy vegetables and herbs, as well as raises tilapia fish, using the classic application of the principles of aquaponics, a sustainable system that combines hydroponics (growing plants without soil) and aquaculture (farming fish), the release says.

In this project, the fish provide nutrients that benefit the plants, and the plants filter and clean the water for the fish.

“This has really been a team effort,” said KTech Principal Chris Dunning, in the release.

Students studying welding and electricity built the structures.The robotics team built a robotic arm that will feed the fish.The cybersecurity students installed cameras to monitor the fish, and the culinary arts program prepares the fish and the vegetables.

NEW BELL TIMES FOR STUDENTS

Pasco County Schools wants to remind students and parents of some of the changes that are being put in place for when students return after Winter Break.

New bell times begin on Jan. 4 and are available online at tinyurl.com/53xekftj.

Bus passes are now available in myStudent.The district sent an email notifying parents of the updated bus information.

If not received, call the bus garage in your area.

The bus garage phone numbers are as follows: West Compound: 727-774-0400 Northwest Compound: 727-774-0540 Central Compound: 813-794-0520 East Compound: 352-524-0560 Southeast Compound: 813-794-0500

COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO

Woman’s club member Pat Wagner, right, delivers gifts to a Connerton Elementary staff member.

Club members Lori Zublena, left, and Sabrina Scott, stand in front of Lutz Elementary School, ready to drop off gifts.

Bringing the holiday spirit to families in need Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club donated Christmas gift items to several families in need, so that they, too, can have a happy holiday with presents under their tree.The ladies worked with three local schools — Connerton Elementary, Land O’ Lakes; Lutz Elementary; and Miles Elementary,Tampa — and delivered requested items from each family member’s wish list.

Temporary delays can be expected.These delays will be reduced, as everyone adjusts to the new schedule.

Pasco County Schools will have safety precautions in place, just as it did during the first week of school.

FEE ADJUSTMENT MEETING

The Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Jan. 18 board meeting.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosure.

FINANCIAL AID TIP

Students should learn an important phrase in the language of student aid — satisfactory academic progress (SAP) — according to a Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) news release.

All colleges that award federal student aid must have SAP standards, which are based

on three key areas: GPA, pace and a maximum time frame.

The GPA that students are required to have may vary by school, major, and whether a student is pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Pace means that students have to pass a stated percentage of the classes they take, in a given period of time.This also may vary by college.

The maximum time frame SAP standard means that a student may have to finish his or her degree within a given number of attempted credit hours.

KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency that provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents.

Visit KHEAA.com for more information.

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

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LEADER, from page 1A

OMICRON, from page 1A

for our district. She has been professional, thorough and endlessly patient. Melissa leads a large department that has continued to move forward in spite of the her being tasked with all things COVID …

“Melissa has been unwavering in her dedication to this school district,” the nomination adds.

It also notes her exceptional efforts in coordinating testing sites and vaccine clinics, while leading her department.

The nomination also lists other attributes, including “leadership, positivity, dedication, kindness, decision-making skills, optimism and (a) constant effort to support every single person around her.”

Not only has the administrator carried the district through challenging times, the nomination said,“she has modeled for us all what it means to be the calm in the storm and the thoughtful leader everyone needs during such intense times.”

Musselwhite is gratified by the honor, but is quick to point out that any accolades she receives are a reflection of the dedicated work of the employees in the department she leads.

“I couldn’t do this job without them,” she said.“I feel like I’m kind of the conductor of keeping the work moving.”

Her responsibilities are extensive.

She describes her department as a fourlegged stool that includes special programs; school services (including school nurse, school psychologists and school counseling); state and federal programs; and, compliance and discipline.

— a 34% increase from 2020.

AAA attributed the uptick in travel to the fact that so many Americans had to cancel getaways and get-togethers last year because of the pandemic and are making up for lost time this holiday season.

“That dramatic bounce-back — 27.7 million more people traveling — will bring this year’s numbers to 92% of 2019 levels.

Airlines will see a 184% increase from last year,” according to AAA’s projections.

It is not yet known whether news of Omicron’s rapid spread will put a damper on holiday travel plans.

For those flying during the holidays, the Tampa International Airport reminds passengers that face masks are required in the airport.

The airport’s website also advises passengers to arrive two hours early.

Travelers should use carry-on luggage and mobile boarding passes to limit touchpoints, the TIA website advises.

While the pandemic’s impact on holiday plans has not yet played out, COVID-19 infections already have had an impact in the worlds of entertainment and professional sports.

The Radio City Rockettes canceled the remainder of its Christmas Spectacular “due to increasing challenges from the pandem-

BEING VALUED AND VALUING OTHERS

Besides the support she receives from her staff, Musselwhite also credits the assistant superintendents and the superintendent for giving her the freedom to do her job.

“They have such respect for me and really value my decision-making and my input, that I feel blessed to have that, as a part of my work,” she said.

“They give me autonomy because they trust that we’re going to do what’s right.

“They allowed us to work collaboratively with the community, like the department of health, different agencies.

“They also allow that flexibility and for us to have a voice.

“I think that’s what makes me energetic.

I feel like the department is valued in our system and that we continue to have the ability to make a difference for kids in so many aspects in our district,” she said.

“I’m allowed to disagree. We can have a healthy debate,” she said, adding she hasn’t always been in a position where it felt safe to do that.

She wants her staff to feel equally empowered.

“I don’t want them (staff) to agree with me because I don’t know everything. So, I want to pushback. I want you to tell me you think this should look differently,” she said.

As a leader, she said, she tries to make sure “that people feel that they’re a part of, and valued in, what we’re doing.”

She said she leads a staff that plays an invaluable role in the district.

“The work we do every day to support children — whether it’s with their health needs, whether it’s because they’re English language learners, whether it’s because parents have concerns about the services; or, it’s discipline — everybody works collectively for the same purpose of making sure that students receive a great education here in Pasco,” Musselwhite said Her profile, she acknowledged, has been raised through her role during COVID. “I have been the lead communicator of that. I am probably more forward-facing than I had been in previous years. I’ve been communicating the good and the bad, for families, for staff, for the community,” she said.

No doubt, COVID’s impacts have been widespread.

“It’s been tough,” the district administrator said.“You can definitely see the stressors on the families. People lost jobs. Some of them lost a family member or multiple fami-

B.C. MANION

Melissa Musselwhite is Pasco County Schools’ District Administrator of the Year. She oversees a department of about 400 staffers and has been the point person in the system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ly members, or a combination of those.”

A CAREER PATH WITH VARIED ROLES

Musselwhite began her career in Pasco County Schools in 1996 as a teacher of specific learning disabilities. She next taught children with autism, then became a behavioral specialist at the school level before becoming a district-based behavioral specialist.

Next, she became the supervisor for programs for children with autism.

After that, she was director of human resources for one year before becoming the director of exceptional student education in 2012.That department was combined with student services, she said.

“From there, it kind of morphed.We also absorbed state and federal programs; and that includes Title 1, Charter Schools, private schools, home education, grants and we had school choice for a little bit, but that has now gone to leading and learning.”

She said one of her favorite parts of her job involves attending a Special Olympics competition and watching the interaction between athletes, and seeing the joy on the faces of athletes, families and coaches.

The worst part of her job, she said, is “when we expel a kid for a year or a year and a half. It’s really hard.”

Her days are unpredictable.

“There’s no set schedule. It truly can be a 24-hour job, unfortunately. But I know that and I’m committed to that,” she said.

The state has implemented a plan called Fortify Florida, which means calls come in whenever there’s a viable threat.

She’s one of the receivers of those calls, which also go to law enforcement and the school.

“If it’s something we need to respond to, we get up and respond to it,” she said.

“Sadly, if there’s a student that passes away or an employee, and we get notified in the night, we will work on setting up the crisis team for the morning.

“Regularly, I’m either up at 5 a.m. working on things, or I’m up at midnight because there’s a missing student.

“There’s not a day I don’t take a call before I leave the house — I’m on the phone in the car,” she said.

Despite that busy schedule, though, Musselwhite said she prioritizes time with her two sons, 15-year-old Landon and 13year-old Nolan, who attend district schools.

She also prizes the close relationships she shares with her sister Astrid Willard, with her twin brother Scott Eaton, and with a group of close-knit friends.

Musselwhite understands the impact that educators can have on others.

She still recalls the kindness of her music teacher, Miss Jewel, at Town ‘N Country Elementary School, and the support she received from her drama teacher, Miss Gaudian, at Leto High School.

“The two of them, forever, made me know what a difference teachers could make,” Musselwhite said.

Stay safe

RABBITS, from page 1A “Petco and PetSmart stopped selling rabbits in 2007, and only work with rescues.

They are the No. 1 and (No.) 2 retail pet supplies in the U.S., so obviously, a ban will not hurt these businesses financially. This ban will take the pressure off rescues and humane societies — removing the guilt of turning them away and negating the need for owners to dump them.

“Pasco County has been a leader in the state in protecting animals, with anti-tethering laws and pet sales bans.

“Now, as we are working to educate and change laws in neighboring counties, we hope you will be the trailblazer for the Tampa Bay region,” the veterinarian said.

Animal advocate Renee Rivard, who had appeared at both the Sept. 28 and Dec. 7 meeting, reiterated her concerns.

At the Dec. 7 meeting, she told commissioners: “The Tampa Humane Society has taken in 246 unwanted pet rabbits so far this year.That’s 100 more than last year.

“Hillsborough County commissioners are taking action, because the Tampa Humane Society is their partner in helping the county with unwanted pets,” she said.

She asked the Pasco board to do the

ENGINEERING, from page 1A would-be consultants, staff focused on evaluating the specialty services and focus areas offered by the firms that submitted.

Some of these specialties and focus areas tracked upcoming planning and engineering projects anticipated and programmed in the city’s five-year capital improvement plan. These specialties include the development and

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends these steps to reduce the chance of a COVID-19 infection:

• Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. If you’re eligible for a booster shot, get one now.

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when in indoor public places.

• Whenever possible, stay 6 feet apart from people who don’t live with you.

• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

• Consider self-testing before indoor gatherings. If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t go.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water; use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

ic,” according to a Dec. 17 posting on its website.

There was no live audience at Saturday Night Live, and the NBA, NFL and NHL have postponed games.

Overall, the United States recently surpassed 50 million COVID-19 cases and 800,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the CDC. Florida reported 35,720 cases in the seven-day period ending Dec. 18, according to figures reported by the CDC.

same:“There is no facility in Pasco County that takes in unwanted rabbits. Suncoast House Rabbit Rescue is your partner with unwanted pet rabbits here in Pasco County.

Suncoast House Rabbit Rescue has told you that they are overwhelmed. In September alone, they had to turn away 66 unwanted pet rabbits.

“It is extremely difficult to find fosters and homes for rabbits. Rabbits are a highmaintenance pet,” Rivard said. “They need specialized veterinarian care, which is expensive,” she added.

She also explained that the majority of rabbit sales are impulse buys at retail stores.

That especially occurs around Easter, when children tell their parents they want a bunny rabbit.

Rivard told commissioners: “You have roughly 45 pet stores in Pasco County; 36 of them survive, without selling rabbits.”

The argument that Petco and PetSmart haven’t sold rabbits in years seemed to resonate with Mariano.

He mentioned that and noted that in addition to hearing from speakers, he’s received emails on the issue.

He made a motion to have county staff look into the issue and to report back to the board, which received unanimous support from his colleagues.

implementation of traffic calming programs, neighborhood planning, round-about design and engineering, stormwater management engineering and design, local government planning services, and GIS and mapping training services.

Wood generated the best score in the engineering evaluation criteria matrix with a 93 average, followed by Johnson Engineering (92.3), Halff Associates (91), and CPH (87.3).Tierra generated a score of 98 in the geotech evaluation.

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December 22, 2021

7A

Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Imagine School boys soccer celebrates banner campaign

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

P

eter Arroyo dreamed of being able to hoist a Tampa Charter Athletic League (TCAL) soccer championship before he graduated from Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes.

The eighth-grader’s wish was actualized when the school’s boys middle school program won its first-ever title earlier this fall.

“I’ve been waiting to get this since the fifth grade,” said Arroyo, a captain and one of the Dragons leading scorers and distributers.

Imagine School finished the year with an impressive 10-1-1 mark, plus the showy gold hardware.

They entered the TCAL playoffs as the No. 2 seed, behind Terrace Community Middle School — the lone team they lost to 2-1 in a regular season contest.

After defeating Lutz Learning Gate Community School in the TCAL semifinals 2-1, the Dragons had the chance to exact revenge on Terrace Community in the championship.

The Dragons initially fell behind 1-0, but soon rattled off four consecutive goals — two scores apiece from Arroyo and fellow eighth-grade striker Preston Russo.

Motivational words from Dragons head coach Henry Cheung helped spark the offensive attack, after the team trailed early on.

Cheung recalled the watershed moment, “I told the team, ‘Hey, we can beat them,’ and I told them, ‘Hey, we’ve got to focus.

This is it, this is the last game for some of these (eighth grade) players, we have to go all out…’”

Fifth grade left-wing striker Julian Cash also recollected the title game’s swing in momentum. “(Terrace Community) thought they would beat us because they beat us in the regular season and we were like,‘That’s not going to happen,’ so they were like,‘This is going to be easy game,’ and when they were up 1-0, they thought they were going to win, and then we come back, because they were (playing) lazy, right, thinking they were going to win.

“We come back, put the pressure on them, and win 4-1,” he said.

Altogether, securing the first title in team history “was kind of like really shocking and overwhelming,” Arroyo said, noting the weighty competition season long.“I’m still like shocked that we won,” he said.

Russo — who led the Dragons with 17 goals scored— likewise characterized the achievement as “hard to process.”

The banner campaign yielded more significance, given the program didn’t have a traditional season in 2020 amid the COVID19 pandemic.

Last year, they scheduled an informal tournament with a couple other local schools.

Aside from successes, simply returning to an organized soccer season offered a breath of fresh air.“It just feels good, with

Imagine School Land O’ Lakes boys middle school soccer 10 wins, one loss, one draw 63 goals scored 12 goals allowed Three shutouts

COURTESY OF IMAGINE SCHOOL OF LAND O’ LAKES

The Imagine School of Land O’ Lakes boys soccer program won its first-ever Tampa Charter Athletic League Championship earlier this fall.

the pandemic and all that, we just need something back to normalcy,” said Cheung.

PROGRESSION, FROM START TO FINISH

Despite the overall record and final outcome, the Dragons banner season was consistently a work in progress, from start to finish.

Cheung acknowledged the 16-member team’s talented group of fifth-, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

But getting them to work together as a cohesive, selfless group was an early task.

“They have their experience, and individually, they’re really good, but it’s that working together that I have to build them up throughout the season,” explained Cheung.

“I’m glad it worked out, because in the beginning, we struggled a little bit, because everybody, they have their own,‘I want to take the ball, I want to take the chance,’ but we have to learn how to pass the ball, work as a team to move forward.

“I think that’s the most important part as a team, that we have learned this season — we work united, as a team,” he said.

Cash observed the team’s evolution in a similar lens, “In the beginning, we all just wanted to score goals and we wouldn’t pass the ball, but when we started passing the ball we played much better.”

The team’s talent and soccer instincts were other guiding factors, added Arroyo.

“We have a lot of athletes, a lot of speed,” said Arroyo.“Everyone that contributed to most of the goals has an attacking mindset.

Like, they all know how to create plays, they all know what to do, and especially on defense, too. They know what to do on defense, they know when to do it, so, it’s like very well-rounded team overall.”

Robust game planning was another component.

Cheung reviews film of all the team’s matches. He studies other opponents’ ten-

Game-by-game results

dencies and varies formations from there, be it a defensive set or counter-attack.“We play two formations throughout the season,” the coach said.

BITTERSWEET MEMORIES

While Arroyo relishes helping make program history, it’s a somewhat bittersweet ending as he’ll soon embark on a new journey as a freshman at nearby Sunlake High School.

The team leader is going to most miss providing mentorship to the squad’s fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders.

“Playing with the younger kids, teaching them the ropes and how to do it, I’m going to miss that a lot,” he said.“Like getting all of the eighth-graders together that play soccer, and teaching the fifth-graders how to play, it was just like a guiding lesson.”

He added, “As soon as we get to high school, everyone’s going to be older than us…and it’s not going to be as fun.”

Russo acknowledged that advancing to the prep ranks will offer a different dynamic for him, Arroyo and the team’s three other eighth-graders.

“It’ll be kind of like a restarting from the bottom, from the ones being taught what to do and how to play,” he said.

Cash takes a more upbeat, yet philosophical view on the exodus of eighth-graders.

“One day, they’re going to be seniors and I’ll be a freshman, and it’s going to be an all-over repeating cycle — they’re going to tell me what to do in high school,” he said.

Though the Dragons will be without its leading scorer and team captain, they do return several other impact players, including its primary goaltender.

Cheung also is looking forward to seeing the advancement of each grade level, as well as some fresh faces that’ll enter the program.

The aim, of course, is to win another title.

“We’re going to go for No. 2, for sure,” the coach said.“I know we’re going to lose some of our good players, but I’m excited for the

REGULAR SEASON vs. Lutz Prep (3-1 win) vs. Sunlake Academy (10-0 win) vs. Henderson Hammock (7-1 win) vs. Innovation Prep (8-0 win) vs. Hillsborough Academy (2-2 tie) vs. Trinity School (5-2 win) vs. Terrace Community (2-1 loss) vs. Union Park (6-1 win) vs. Learning Gate (3-2 win) PLAYOFFS vs. Learning Gate (2-1 win) vs. Terrace Community (4-1 win)

Roster Peter Arroyo Mathew Broderick Jay Capelo Julian Cash Alessio Cullinan Luca Greco Trent Hamuay Tyler Hamuay Reece Lawrence Nathan Merriman Adrian Morales Ethan Palazzi Preston Russo Elijah Tigue Aidan Soto Sebastian Suppa Head coach: Henry Cheung

fourth-graders coming into fifth-graders.

“We’re a strong team, still. I think we should be good.”

Meanwhile, Cheung otherwise gets a kick out of seeing his players’ passion and enthusiasm for the game, harking back memories of his childhood growing up in Hong Kong, China.

“When I played at their age, seeing them play on the field, reminds me of myself when I played as a kid,” he said. “I enjoyed the moment, and so I want them to enjoy the moment, as well, so that’s why I became a coach.”

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Michigan High School Cross Country State Championships and then competed four years of track and cross-country at Central Michigan University.

NEW MEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY Rietsma still runs locally and throughout PROGRAM AT PHSC The Pasco-Hernando State College the country in 5K through marathon-length (PHSC) athletics department has distances, including a runner-up announced the addition of finish in the Walt Disney World men’s cross-country to its interSpace Mountain Marathon with collegiate sports roster, a time of 2:44:46. beginning in fall 2022.

“We are excited to start a Lee Rietsma will serve as the long-awaited men’s cross-counupstart program’s head coach. try program at PHSC and even The team is expected to roshappier to name Lee Rietsma as ter 10 to 12 runners. head coach,” PHSC athletic diThe first signees include rector Steve Winterling said, in a Pasco High School’s Seth release.“Lee brings a wealth of Stringer and Palm Harbor knowledge and experience as a University High School’s Max coach and runner,” the athletic Moore. director added, which he noted Lee Rietsma Rietsma most recently has will help Rietsma advance the worked as the PHSC women’s program quickly. cross-country assistant coach, under head With men’s cross-country, PHSC now has coach Jacki Wachtel. seven sports programs.The others are men’s Rietsma, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, baseball, men’s basketball, women’s crossgrew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. country, women’s soccer, women’s softball He competed all four years in the and women’s volleyball, respectively.

KWEISS@LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM

SAINT LEO BASEBALL CAMP

COURTESY OF CASON BYRD

LUTZ FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Registration is ongoing for the Tampa-Lutz Under Armour Under the Lights coed winter flag football league, which begins Jan. 7 and runs through February.The league is open to boys and girls from kindergarten to eighth grade.

Games will be played at Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, 766 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in Lutz.The league is operated by former Steinbrenner High School standout quarterback Cason Byrd. For information, email lutz@uaflag.com.

The Saint Leo University men’s baseball program will host an instructional and showcase camp on Jan. 16 at Thomas B. Southard Stadium on the university campus, 33901 State Road 52, St. Leo. The camp will begin at 9 a.m., and wrap up at 6 p.m.

The camp is open to ages 14 to 18. It will feature instruction on proper fundamentals of all facets of the game, as well as a showcase game for those in attendance.

There’s also the opportunity to receive a Rapsodo matrix, as well as a coach evaluation.

Campers are encouraged to bring their own lunch.A limited concession stand also will be open.

Registration is available online at SaintLeoCamps.com, then scroll to “Baseball” and click on the “View Camps” link.

For more information, email assistant coach Josiah Hissong at Josiah.hissong@saintleo.edu.

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

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DECEMBER 22, 2021

FRED BELLET

Ivy Lakes Estates neighbors banded together and built illuminating arches over the sidewalks. Reindeer await Santa, in this gated community in Odessa.

Colorful lights and traditions help to celebrate the season The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

C

rowds gathered to watch the Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, and motorists spied outdoor decorations at the Old Lutz School on U.S. 41, in Lutz.

Folks also headed to celebrations such as Christmas parades, visits with Santa, or to Dade City’s annual Christmas

Stroll and its traditional “Church Street Christmas.”

Still others have simply loaded up the kids — and kids of all ages — to drive around neighborhoods to check out homes dressed up in holiday style.

Whatever way you are observing your holidays, The Laker/Lutz News extends warm wishes to you for an enjoyable season, and the best of life throughout the New Year.

The bell tower atop of the Old Lutz Schoolhouse is framed by the decorative Christmas lights adorning the Lutz landmark.

The parking lot fence at the Old Lutz Schoolhouse has a message for all. The fence is visible from U.S. 41, if there are no vehicles parked on the lot.

The Shops at Wiregrass’ nightly Symphony in Lights offers both young and old a chance to enjoy the seasonal lights and music show.

The face of 4-year old Anya Pierce becomes a work of art as artist Gigi Allison, left, puts a holiday face on the Zephyrhills girl in front of Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread Shop during the Dade City Christmas Stroll.

IT DOESN’T MAAT ATTER

A Friesian horse pulls a wagon of folks on Meridian Avenue, from Seventh Avenue, for a 15minute ride around the downtown area, during the Dade City Christmas Stroll. Other events included a Christmas tree lighting, a community choir and a larger wagon ride pulled by Belgian Draft Horses.

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Tony is a big goofball

Melody is a spunky girl

Melody is looking for someone to match her energy. She is sweet, affectionate and loving, but also has a playful side. She can be a bit of a rough player and needs to work on not being mouthy. An active home where she can get lots of exercise would be ideal. Melody would likely be a quick learner, as she already sits and shakes on command, takes treats gently and does pretty well on a leash. She may do best in a home without other dogs or where they can be separated around food or other high-value items. This 4-year-old weighs about 45 pounds.

Tony is looking for the right match; he is friendly and affectionate, and gives lots of kisses. Because of his size and strength, he may be best suited to a home with adults or older children. This 4-year-old, 60-pound guy is good with other dogs. Tony has participated in play groups at the shelter, but he would do best in a home without cats or other small animals. Tony could use some work on a few of his manners. He is energetic and needs an active home where he can get lots of exercise, both through walks/runs and playing in the yard. He gets lonely when left by himself.

Tony sits and shakes on command, and takes treats gently. He also rides well in the car.

If you would like to adopt Melody or Tony, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. For more information, email adoptionpartners@pascocountyfl.net.

Patches and Willow are cute sisters

Patches and Willow were adopted five years ago. They are very active and love to look out the window at the pond, where they can see an abundance of birds, geckos and other wildlife. The sisters have lots of toys to play with and enjoy tossing them into the air. They are very lovable and have truly made their house a ‘home.’ Patches and Willow live with their owner Ginnie Traudt in Wesley Chapel.

LOCAL WILDLIFE ON A MISSION FOR A MEAL

This little blue heron was standing by a pond in Country Walk, in Wesley Chapel, when it approached Sharon Thompson, to take a look at her. The little blue heron is about 2 feet tall, and eats fish, crustaceans, amphibians, insects and reptiles. It stands in shallow water and waits for its prey to go by, and then it grabs its prey with its pointed bill.

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

In memoriam

PET PAWS RESCUING ENTANGLED BIRDS The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Audubon Florida have identified gear entanglement as the main cause of death and injury for brown pelicans in Florida, according to a Tampa Audubon news release.

The Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Manatee County Audubon Societies have worked with videographer Dee Fairbanks Simpson to produce a short documentary describing the danger of fishing gear to birds, especially pelicans, and how fishermen can safely release entangled birds.

The documentary uses puppets, actors, interviews, and live-filmed releases to demonstrate the problem, and shows how to avoid catching a bird in fishing gear, how to carefully reel it in, and how to cut a barb off a hook or the line wrapped around the bird’s wing or foot.

Part of fishing is taking responsibility for managing the fishing line and releasing non-target animals caught by accident, the release says.

To view the 21-minute long form video, visit youtu.be/dkcMdpBaZ3s.

To view a 5-minute short form of the video, visit youtu.be/PQU9V1lS8fg.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) recently announced the passing on Dec. 10 of K9 Strong, due to a medical issue.

K9 Strong was an energetic and dedicated member of the PSO’s Highway Interdiction Team, where she served as a narcotics detection K9 since December 2016, according to the Sheriff’s Office’s news release.

The service dog was one of the few female K9s at PSO and loved working, as well as spending time with her family at home, which she loved unconditionally, the release says.

Her partner, Deputy Ricky Frisco, describes her as a sweetheart who loved her job. K9 Strong would have celebrated her seventh birthday on Jan. 14.

COURTESY OF PASCO SHERIFF’S OFFICE

K9 Strong was a member of the Highway Interdiction Team at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

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Teddie Kostialik, Santa’s wife in real life, adjusts Santa’s regal robe before he joins the parade.

Santa swings through Lexington Oaks

FAN F AN O OF FT THE HE W WEEK! EEK!

Lexington Oaks, in Wesley Chapel, hosted a parade, and Santa (also known as John Kostialik) and Frosty (Dustin Kostialik) joined in. Festivities included visits from a Pasco County fire truck, an ambulance and a marching band, too.

Save water, while prepping for the holidays

By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

Water plays a role in everything from food preparation to cleaning up after cooking and meals.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) offers six easy ways to prepare for upcoming holiday meals and parties without running up your water bill.

Here are the SFWMD’s suggestions on how to incorporate water conservation into holiday preparations: • Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave, instead of running hot water over them.

• Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan filled with water, instead of under run-

ning water.This water can then be reused to water houseplants. Up to 4 gallons per minute can be used while running a faucet.

• When washing dishes by hand, fill the rinsing sink or basin with soapy water and fill the rinsing sink one-third to one-half full.

Avoid letting the water continuously run.

• Select the proper size pans for cooking.

Large pans require more water than may be necessary.

• Put food scraps into a garbage can or a composting bin rather than rinsing them into the sink’s garbage disposal. Garbage disposals use up to 4.5 gallons of water per minute.

• Run the dishwasher only when it has a full load. Dishwashers use between 7 gallons and 23 gallons of water per load.

For more water conservation tips, visit WaterMatters.org/Conservation.

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The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco Pinellas (AAAPP), a nonprofit focused on coordinating services to keep seniors healthy and independent, announced a community program in collaboration with Ring, to support senior safety in Pasco and Pinellas counties, according to a news release.

Ring, whose mission is to make neighborhoods safer, is donating 1,000 Ring video doorbells, including free installation and a Ring Protect subscription, to local residents age 60 and older throughout Pasco and Pinellas, as defined by AAAPP requirements.

“Now that so many of the seniors we serve live independentlly, it’s increasingly important to ensure that they’re safe at home,” said Ann Marie Winer,AAAPP executive director, in the release.

Congressman Gus Bilirakis stated, in the release,“We have an obligation to support vulnerable members of our community and help protect them.This exciting collaboration harnesses the technology available in the private sector and the existing infrastructure of an effective senior advocacy organization to help seniors and support AAAPP’s comprehensive initiatives.

“Seniors using this product can feel more comfortable at home or when someone comes to their door, which inherently contributes to safety.”

Those interested in receiving a donated Ring device can apply online, at CommunityPrograms.ring.com/pascopinellas.

DOCTOR JOINS UNITY VIP

Unity VIP Health Care has welcomed Dr. Evelyn E. Castillo Delgado, to its practice at 1180 Mariner Blvd., in Spring Hill.

Dr. Delgado comes to Unity VIP with more than 30 years of experience as a family physician in evaluating and managing patients.

She received her medical degree from Universidad Central del Este in San Pedro, Dominican Republic.

She completed her residency at Hospital Universitario Ramon Ruiz Arnau Hospital in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and an internship at Hospital de Areia de Aqmacao.

For information, call 352-652-4080.

DEMENTIA EDUCATION

Beach House and Life Church will host Teepa Snow, a leading advocate and educator for anyone living with dementia or other forms of brain change, on Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care, 30070 State Foad 56 in Wesley Chapel.

Snow is an occupational therapist with more than 40 years of varied clinical and academic experience, medical research, and first-handing caregiving experiences.

Her company, Positive Approach to Care (PAC), was founded in 2006 and now collaborates to improve dementia care in more than 30 countries.

For information on this day of education and training on dementia, call 813-508-6677.

For more about Snow, visit TeepaSnow.com.

SAVE THE DATE, FOR HOSPICE

The 10th annual Hittin’ the Road for Hospice, a motorcycle poker run to raise money for Gulfside Hospice, is scheduled for Feb. 19.

Registration is open now for groups and single riders.

Several motocycle clubs are gearing up to raise funds and compete for the Wings & Wheels Award, given to the top fundraising team at the event.

The run will start at the Harley-Davidson New Port Richey and end at the Moose Lodge in Zephyrhills.

All event proceeds will benefit Gulfside Hospice, and provide hospice care and resources for patients and families in Pasco County.

For information and to register, visit HittinTheRoadForHospice.org.

12 Days of Chrristmas December 13 3th -24th

BOGO GET 1

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Excludes: Rado, Certified Lab Grown Diamonds, Special Orders, Customs and Repa airs

Tampa a Premium Outlets 2300 G Grand Cypress Dr Suite # #150, Lutz COURTESY OF AMBERLEE SANCHEZ

This ‘sweet’ entrepreneur loves to bake

San Antonio Elementary School student Vin Sanchez is 7 years old, and he has always loved baking and sweets, according to his mom, Amberlee. Recently, Vin decided to make some (hot) cocoa ‘bombs’ for his family and neighbors, and sold them to make money to spend at his school’s book fair. Since a neighbor shared the young boy’s creations on Facebook, he has made more than $500. Vin continues to bake and makes all the sweets himself — from start to finish — while his parents supervise and help to make up the packages. He already is looking forward to creating more treats for Valentine’s Day, and would someday like to own his own bakery shop. The cocoa treats are priced at $3 apiece. Visit Vin’s Chocolate Shop on Facebook for more information.

813-9 949-9800

NOW OPEN: NEW PHASE WITH BRAND NEW HOMES!

Little Free Libraries coming soon The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Hugh Embry Library has been awarded two Little Free Libraries (LFLs) through the Little Free Library’s Impact Program for November 2021, according to a Pasco County news release.

The program provides free Little Free Library book exchange stands to communities with members who face economic and social barriers, and find it difficult to reach the library.

Hugh Embry Library is closed for renovations, so the stands will provide books for people who are not able to travel to other libraries.

The stands will be set up in Lacoochee and Tommytown.

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“The Little Free Libraries have been a special project of the Friends of Hugh Embry Library for years, already funding five LFLs,” Librarian Angelo Liranzo, said in the release.“Library team members are working with the Friends to reach our community partners in both winning communities as we await the soon-to-arrive LFLs.” Friends of the Hugh Embry Library and library staff dedicated themselves to researching and applying for the grant opportunity to obtain the LFLs. For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, E-content, programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit PascoLibraries.org.

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5B

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Newspaper Carriers/Independent Contractors Wanted!

Earn extra cash delivering The Laker once a week. Home delivery routes available now in Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel area.

LEGAL NOTICES Fictitious Name Notice Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the name

Newspaper delivery experience is a plus.

“Uncle Bill’s Down-Home Bar-Be-Que,” intends to register the name with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Pasco County, Florida.

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KIN-FORMED ENTERPRISES, LLC - 100% OWNER 17424 Terrazzo Way, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

Contact Ken at ken@floridacirc.com or 813-421-2472

AUCTIONS

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that StoreRight Self-storage at 111 Crystal Grove Blvd will sell the contents of the storage units listed below at a public auction to satisfy a lien placed on the contents (pursuant to Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes).

The sale will take place at the website www.StorageTreasures.com on 01/12/2022 at 10:00am. The sale will be conducted under the direction of Christopher Rosa (AU4167) and www.StorageTreasures.com on behalf of the facility’s management. Units will be available for viewing prior to the sale on www.StorageTreasures.com. Contents will be sold for cash only to the highest bidder.

A 10-15% buyer’s premium will be charged and possibly a cleaning deposit per unit. All sales are final. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale or to refuse any bids. The property to be sold is described as “general household items” unless otherwise noted. Roger Rigau, (4082)(5006). Luke Wiley, (4022).

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Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN). Rider kinds: B438, B439 (GA: B439B).

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www.LakerLutzNews.com

December 22, 2021

7B

ESCAPE E IN AN RV THE SAFESST WA AY Y TO TRA AV VEL

The most fun and easiest way to social distance.

813-779-1010 • 813-629-3334 8 • 813-629-2000 2020 30ft

30ft

2021 42ft

Thor Trav ve eler A

Big Horn 5th Wheel

1-slsllide lide, auto leveling, lingg, 20k 2 miles, miles, kingg bed, bed, TTVVss, sleeps p -6 -6, bed over cab, cab side and rear cameras cameras. LOADED!!!

ADED!!! M MSRP RP $149,983

66-slides, slides front ont living room, room reside residential r al fridge, fridge hydraul hydraulic leveling ling.

LOADED!!!

A ! MSR M MSRP $119,995

Now w $89,,912

Now $75,8 5 15

20 015 30ft

2018 35ft

202 21 34ft

Georgie Boy Cla ass A ass-

Freela ander Class-C Class C

Durango Gold 5th Wheel

Alpha W Wo olff Trav ve el Trailer

Chevy V-8, 88, AC & Heat Heat, queen bed, bed ed, sofa, sofa dinette, te runs and drives e great!!!! !! Waass $2 $24, $ ,9995

277k miles, generator, sleeps-7 27k sleeeps-7, ducted AC & Heat/, full bath bath, h kitchen.. Clean!!!!! n! Was $64, s $64 995 9

3-slides, rear entertain ainment, nment, L-sofa, washer & dryerr hookups, hydraulic hyd draulic leveliling. ing LLO OADED!!! Waass $59,9 ,995 9

Widde bunkss, electric aw Wide awning, wning, AM/FM Bluetoot Bluetooo h stereo,, sleepsp 10, queen bedroom bedroom, outside de kitch kitc enn. MS MSRP RP $56, $56 $ 983

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Grey Wolf Toy Hauler

Ve V engeance Rogue 5th Wheel

2022 45ft

2015 40ft

AC,, ducted AC, 2-wayy refrigerator, queen bed,el bed,elec ectric awning awning.

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ED MSRP $119,9995

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CLEAN!!!! Was $58,995

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Now $44,716

20 021 27 7fft

Big 5tth Wheel

SALES • SERVICE • PARTS

FFAN AN OF OF THE THE WEEK WEEK WEDNESDAY WEDNESDDA AY

YOU the re r ader e s!

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PROMO ITEMS AND A $15 GIFT CA ARD

8B

December 22, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com