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Nothing screams “festive” like hundreds of multi-colored Christmas lights twinkling like stars in the night sky.

AdventHealth welcomed the holiday season with their 35th installment of their annual Christmas tree lighting extravaganza.

The excitement began at 5:30 p.m., as hundreds flooded the AdventHealth lawn, helping themselves to tasty treats from food trucks or taking the beautiful decorations on

Volume VIII • Issue 45 Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com December 12, 2019

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INSIDE:4A - Alleged Fight Over Woman Leads To Death5A - Pearl Harbor Survivors Honored6A - Zephyrhills Rotary Pays Debt10A - It’s Looking A Lot Like Christmas1B - Lady Bulldogs Fall Hard2B - Thousands Raised For Thomas Promise3B - East Pasco Senior News

Cullen E. Smith Jr., “Buddy”, 82, passed away Dec. 9, 2019. He was born Sept. 29, 1937, in Zephyrhills, to Cullen Sr. and Matilda (Reutimann) Smith.

Mr. Smith was a farmer, rancher and of the Baptist faith. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and lifelong resident of Zephyrhills. He loved NASCAR, raced Mini Cup cars, enjoyed golfing, fishing and scuba diving and was a pilot.

His son, Lance Smith (Tammy) of Zephyrhills, survives along with two daughters, Myra Amler (Roy) of Charlotte, N.C., and Shannon Lewis of Zephyrhills; grandchildren, Heather, Chelsea, Amanda, Carlie and Jacob; great-granddaughter, Aleia; and three sisters, Patty Bazzel of Zephyrhills, Judy Hilton of Zephyrhills and Susan Smith of South Carolina.

A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Whitfield Funeral Home. A reception will follow from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Silverado Clubhouse in Silver Oaks.

Cullen Smith Passes At Age 82

Bright • Continued on Page 4A

In a meeting that was dominated by discussions regarding lot sizes, residential density preservation areas and more development issues, it was the swearing in of three new police officers that packed the City Council chambers Monday night.

Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer introduced the three officers to members of city council and brought them front and center before their families.

With their right hands raised, officers Kyle Windsor, Jerry Carter and Jonathan Rose took the oath from Brewer in a special ceremony at the beginning of the council meeting.

The Force Is With New ZPD Crew

Story and photos by Emily Kochanski

AdventHealth Delivers Annual Gift To Community

Thousands View Parade

Santa Claus came to town Saturday night and was greeted by a crowd of thousands packed along Fifth Avenue for the annual Festival of Lights Parade.

Perched atop the Zephyrhills Fire Rescue ladder truck, Santa Claus concluded one of the biggest and most well attended parades in Zephyrhills history.

With the jolly one bringing up the rear, it was Pasco County Assistant Principal of the Year Josh Borders of Stewart Middle School up front as the parade Grand Marshall.

Christmas-loving people of all ages enjoyed 64-entry parade that has become

Zephyrhills Senior FFA Chapter won the Best of the Parade with its float depicting Christmas from Around the World. Parade • Continued on Page 7A

This stiff ‘wooden’ soldier loosened up pretty fast as she broke into a rousing tap dance.

Three Police Officers Sworn InStory and photos by Dave Walters

ZPD • Continued on Page 3A

More Than 60 Entries Provide Many Memories

Story and photos by Dave Walters

2A • December 12, 2019 Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com Zephyrhills Free Press

Michael Wayne Nelson, 31, transient, was arrested by Zeph-yrhills police on Nov. 27 on charges of attempted sexual battery, aggravat-ed child abuse, and ani-mal cruelty. Nelson al-legedly pinned the 11-year-old victim (diag-

nosed with Asperger’s) to his bed by hold-ing the victim’s arms above his head. He then allegedly proceeded to kiss the vic-tim’s forehead, rub his torso, and attempt-ed to insert his hand into the victim’s pants. As the victim struggled to get free, Nelson allegedly stopped the behavior and tried to engage the victim in conversation, telling him that he would not have inter-course with his 15-year-old sister because she was “ugly.” Nelson then allegedly at-tempted the sexual actions again, striking the victim and biting him twice on the stomach when he struggled and tried to protest. When Nelson was fleeing the scene, he allegedly tormented the victim’s dog by picking it up and dropping it sev-eral times and striking it repeatedly. Nel-son was later apprehended and taken to the Pasco County jail.

Jason Ryan Borkowski, 36, of 6502 Paden Wheel St., was ar-rested by Zephyrhills po-lice on Nov. 21 on a charge of simple domes-tic battery. Police re-sponded to Borkowski’s residence in reference to a domestic disturbance.

Upon arrival they encountered Borkowski who stated that he’d been involved in a physical altercation with his stepson.

Borkowski allegedly pushed the victim who, in turn, pushed him back and the two continued to struggle on the floor un-til they were separated by a witness. Offi-cers observed bruises to both the victim and Borkowski consistent with a struggle. Borkowski was taken to the Pasco County jail.

Angela Denice Huffman, 46, and Jeff

Huffman

Root, 44, of Crystal Springs, were arrested by Zephyrhills police on Dec. 1. Huffman was ar-rested on a charge of possession of a con-trolled substance with-out a prescription, and Root on charges of

Root

possession of marijuana, possession of metham-phetamine, and posses-sion of drug parapherna-lia. Police encountered Huffman and Root dur-ing a traffic stop at Au-tumn Palm Drive and Vinson Avenue in refer-

ence to a window tint violation. After a K-9 unit responded to the scene and con-ducted an exterior sniff of the vehicle, a hand search of the vehicle yielded nine oxycodone pills scattered inside the center console. A search of Root’s person re-vealed a glass pipe containing metham-phetamine residue, a pill bottle containing methamphetamine, and a plastic Baggie containing marijuana. Post-Miranda, Huffman admitted that the pills were hers, but that she had a prescription for them at home. The two were and taken to the Pasco County jail.

Bryan Edward Geiger, 33, 4824 19th St., was arrested by Zephyrhills police on Nov. 27 on charges of possession of metham-phetamine with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. Po-lice encountered Geiger

during a traffic stop at 20th Street and A Avenue in reference to a broken head-light. After the odor of marijuana was de-tected, the co-defendant (the driver) con-sented to a search of the vehicle. A back-pack containing Geiger’s credit cards and ID, methamphetamine, plastic Baggies, a digital scale, and a glass pipe was found during the search. Post-Miranda, Geiger stated that the bag was already in the car when he got in. He was taken to the Pasco County jail.

Daevon Carlos Johnson, 27, of 15115 Davis Loop, Dade City, was arrested by Zeph-yrhills police on Nov. 30 on a charge of burglary of a conveyance while armed. While at a Pop-eye’s, 7441 Gall Blvd., Johnson was captured

on video surveillance taking the victim’s vehicle keys from the manager’s office. He was then observed entering the vic-tim’s vehicle and removing the victim’s firearm from the center console and con-cealing it on his person. Post-Miranda, Johnson admitted to stealing the weapon, stating that it was a bad decision he’d made in the moment and that he regret-ted it. He was taken to the Pasco County jail.

James Joseph Converse, 54, of 4702 Wisteria Drive, was ar-rested by Zephyrhills po-lice on Dec. 12 on a charge of disorderly con-duct. Police responded to Converse’s residence in reference to a distur-bance and observed him

in the roadway, yelling at an unidentified vehicle and kicking it before he fled the scene. Upon arriving at his residence, the suspect could allegedly be heard shouting from 200 feet away. When the officer knocked on his door, Converse was alleg-edly heard yelling “do not answer the door.” Police looked into the residence through the window and observed Con-verse blocking a female victim’s access to the front door. The officer gained en-trance into the home and placed Converse under arrest. He was later taken to the Pasco County jail.

Elijah Nathaniel McGhie, 21, of 39216 Heights Ave., was arrested by Zephyrhills police on Nov. 26 on a charge of posses-sion of marijuana. Police encountered McGhie during a traffic stop in the 5000 block of Gall Boulevard in reference to stopping his vehicle in a cross walk. Upon stopping his vehicle, McGhie allegedly threw a plastic Baggie containing mari-juana out of his window. Post-Miranda, he admitted to throwing out the sub-stance. He was taken to the Pasco County jail.

The information provided in the Zeph-yrhills Police report is taken from public re-cord and news sources. All parties are con-sidered innocent until proven guilty.

Zephyrhills Arrests

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The public swearing in has become a tradition for Brewer under the direction of City Manager of Billy Poe with the last four officers taking the oath during the meeting of city council.

Windsor, Carter and Rose are all law enforcement veterans. Windsor served with ZPD in the past and returned after serving with other law enforcement agencies. Carter, a Dade City native, served as a felony probation officer with the department of corrections. Rose comes to ZPD as an Army veteran who served in Croatia and Bosnia. He served as a deputy with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and was a police officer in Mississippi, including the Mississippi Capitol Police Department.

“It was a good feeling, but it’s for them as well,” said Brewer. “It’s the start of their career with our agency. It allows me to look back on my 18-year career. When I was sworn in, City Clerk Linda Boan did it.

“This was nice little change and I think it’s a nice way to start their career off here in Zephyrhills.”

Upon taking the oath, the room erupted with applause

and standing ovations from friends, families, fellow officers and councilmembers.

“It was wonderful to see these folks, clearly with experience, come in and provide safety and community service for our residents,” said Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson. “Having the families here made this a wonderful night.”

The additions to ZPD were presented during Mayor Gene Whitfield’s portion of the agenda. It was a task he was more than willing to take on.

“It is a great opportunity to introduce different things and present them to the city,” Whitfield said. “For the most part, the mayor has the easy and fun job. It’s great to introduce the good things happening in our community.”

Whitfield bestowed another honor when recognized life-long Zephyrhills resident Anna Poe for her contributions to her community as she has captured many of the city events through the lens of her camera.

In addition, City Clerk Lori Hillman was presented her Master Municipal Clerk certification from Dade City Clerk Angie Guy.

In other business, council approved the second reading of the zoning changes for a 91-lot, 30-acre development called Trotter’s Crossing just north of Phelps Road.

ZPD • Continued from Page 1A

New ZPD officers Jonathan Rose, Kyle Windsor and Jerry Carter take the oath from Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer during a special ceremony at the beginning of Monday’s City Council meeting.

City Clerk Lori Hillman was presented with her Master Municipal Clerk certification from Dade City Clerk Angie Guy.

Mayor Gene Whitfield presents Anna Poe with the inaugural Mayor’s Community Service Award.


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NEWS & ADVERTISING DEADLINE: Monday at 12:00 noon • CIRCULATION ISSUES: Please call the offi ce at (813) 783-1300LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Letters to the editor should be limited to 200 words. Pasco News Publications reserves the right to edit published letters. Letters to the editor are the writer’s opinion and do not refl ect the opinion of Pasco News Publications. Please include your name and phone number.ADVERTISING ERRORS: Pasco News Publications is not responsible for the validity of claims made by advertisers or for advertisers errors. Pasco News Publications is responsible only for the cost of space for the fi rst insertion.PASCO NEWS PUBLICATIONS IS A MEMBER OF: The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.COPYRIGHT: Contents copyright of Pasco News Publications, all rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole prohibited without prior, written permission of the publisher.

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East Pasco Events

For more events visit www.pasconewspubs.com

Dec. 13 – All-Star Football Game – The fifth annual event will feature the best players from every school and every position competing in the last game of their High School careers. Sunlake Stadium, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., will host the game once again at 7 p.m. Contact Bob Durham, Area Director, at (813) 784-4410, or [email protected] for more information.

Dec. 13 – Geminid Meteor Shower Night Walk – Join us for a night walk on the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park trails from 6-8 p.m., followed by star/meteorite gazing afterwards sky conditions permitting. Please bring insect repellant, flashlight, and chair or blanket for star gazing.

Dec. 13 – No Senior Eats Alone – Humana, one of Florida’s leading health and wellbeing companies, is celebrating this holiday season by inviting local seniors to share a free healthy and nutritious meal and good company from 9-11 a.m. at Humana’s neighborhood center at 7920 Gall Blvd. This free event will feature a buffet of healthy, delicious foods. Call (813) 780-7300 for information.

Dec. 13-15 – Santa’s Winter Festival – Come experience holiday magic at The Grove, located at Wesley Grove Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. Enjoy an all-inclusive event featuring Pictures with Santa, a Holiday Train, Bounce Houses, Stilt Walking Elves, Frozen Princesses, Light up Displays, Florida Snowball fights, DIY Christmas Crafts, and more! The fun will take place from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, 3-9 p.m. on Saturday, and from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday.

Dec. 14 – Opening Day at the Zephyrhills Depot Museum – Come and enjoy the action, scenery and interactive model train activity from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Three layouts will be up and running. After two years of changes at the Depot Museum, the model trainmen are now ready to host visitors. While other parts of the facility are still under renovation, the train modelers expect their area to be open to the public each second Saturday in upcoming months.

Dec. 14 – Wreaths Across America – From 8 a.m.-12 p.m., pay tribute to those who served our country. Come to Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, grab a wreath and place it on one of the many grave sites.

Dec. 14 – Avalon Aglow – Avalon Park West, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive in Wesley Chapel, will be aglow from 5-8 p.m. The event will feature a bounce park, food trucks, vendors, community performances and pictures with Santa. Call (813) 783-1515 for information.

Dec. 17 – Resource Application Assistance – Premier Community Health Care will be at the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth Street, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free, on-site application assistance for Medicaid, KidCare, food assistance, Affordable Care Act, and community resources.

Dec. 18-19 – Live Reindeer and Santa in Downtown Brooksville – Mark your calendars and spread the word. Make plans for one magical evening in historic downtown Brooksville. Visit the Hernando Park Bandshell, 205 E Fort Dade Ave. in

Brooksville, from 6-8 p.m. and get up close and personal with a pair of pinto colored reindeer.

Dec. 19 – Brooksville’s Christmas on the Hill – An evening of shopping and fun. Travel from shop to shop and enjoy a beautiful evening of specials, snacks and prizes from 5-8 p.m. The Shops on the Hill will be open and full of Christmas Spirit. Westover’s Flowers & Gifts, Mallie Kyla’s, The Pearl Porch, Florida Cracker Trading Company, Transformed Treasures, The Tilted Tea Cup, and The Wired Bird will all be participating.

Dec. 21 – Florida Cracker Christmas featuring The Bellamy Brothers – With a full lineup of country music and headliners The Bellamy Brothers, this inaugural event is sure to be a great night supporting a great cause. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Operation Heart F.E.L.T. (Feeding Empty Little Tummies). The concert will take place from 6-11 p.m. at the Florida Cracker Kitchen, 966 East Jefferson St. in Brooksville. Visit www.eventbrite.com and search “Florida Cracker Christmas” for tickets.

Dec. 28 – Anniversary Commemo-ration and Wreath Laying Cere-mony – Join park staff, volunteers, period reenactors and guests from 1-2 p.m. as they commemorate the 184 Anniversary of Dade’s Battle of 1835. Speakers will recall the his-tory and sacrifices made on all sides in the Second Seminole War, which began with the Dec. 28, 1835 clash that occurred at what is now Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, a Na-tional Historic Landmark. The cer-emony will culminate with a wreath laying at the breastworks in front of the park’s Visitor Center.

Jan. 4 – Art Contest – Out of Our Hands Gallery in Downtown Dade City wants to see your creative in-terpretations of Florida. Depict our history, weather, landscape, tour-ism, theme parks, space center, wildlife, or whatever. The deadline to enter is Jan. 4. The show opens Feb. 1 and will run for the month. Awards and prize money will be given to the judges choices. For de-tails and guidelines visit www.OutO-fOurHandsGallery.com and click on the menu button “Call to Art” or call 352-437-3204.

Jan. 4 – Dade City Cruise-In – This free monthly event will feature a number of classic cars on display and music provided by DJ Starvin’ Darvin from 12-5 p.m. Cars will be displayed at the American Legion Hall, TJ’s Market & Deli, and in the open field across from the American Legion on Church Avenue. Entrance is at Meridian Avenue (SR 52) and Ninth Street at TJ’s. Contact (813) 601-1650 for more information.

Feb. 1 – Snowbird Palooza – The sixth annual event will feature a vendor chili cook-off as well as live music, free coffee and donuts, raffles, and more. The excitement will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave.

To submit an event, email your information to [email protected] or call (813) 783-1300 – one week BEFORE the Thursday publication date. Maximum 50 words. Subject to available room and editing.

more than 50 trees waiting to be lit.As guests got comfy, master

of ceremonies Mark Warren, AdventHealth Chaplain, introduced the evening’s entertainment one by one.

“We had some brand new entertainment this year that we’ve never had before. We have four different groups of students from the Patel Conservatory in Tampa here to perform some amazing acts,” said Jane Freeman, Community Relations Manager for AdventHealth. “We also brought in an extremely popular group called Late Night Brass who will do a medley of Christmas songs.”

Following the invocation by AdventHealth Dade City Chaplain, Andres E. Sequera, PHS graduate and talented songstress performed the National Anthem, AdventHealth CEO Amanda Maggard offered a special Christmas greeting to guests, and the talented Patel Conservatory singers performed a mash-up of holiday hits, followed by a group of talented dancers whose moves rivaled the Radio City Rockettes. This year also marked the biggest stage featured at the event to accommodate all the new performers.

“I’m just so humbled by the generosity of our tree decorators this year as well,” Freeman said. “A few of the groups who participate have been doing this almost since the event’s inception.”

After Late Night Brass finished their

rousing jazz renditions of Christmas favorites at 7 p.m. on the dot, the trees and the sky lit up. Fireworks ignited the sky above AdventHealth as the dazzling 50 plus trees illuminated the grounds below. Just like each of its previous installments, this year’s tree lighting was a breathtaking piece of holiday magic.

“This is AdventHealth’s gift to the community. What we love the most about this event is how much people enjoy coming,” Freeman said. “I love the fact that people just really look forward to this event and come to celebrate the holidays with us.”

These Patel Conservatory dancers could give the Radio City Rockettes a run for their money.

Local singing sensation Bailey Boyd got things started with the national anthem.

Alleged Fight Over Woman Leads To Death

A 38-year-old man died after being shot the evening of Dec. 5 following a confrontation regarding a woman. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office said the man’s identity was not released because of Marsy’s Law.

The shooting that occurred in the 38000

block of Ruth Avenue in Zephyrhills was reported at about 9:30 p.m.

Preliminary indications were that one man cut another man with a knife and the injured man shot the knife-wielder, killing him the Sheriff’s Office said.

The case remains under investigation.

Bright • Continued from Page 1A


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Pearl Harbor Survivors Honored

About 300 people of varying ages attended the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day held Saturday at the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History.

Prior to the start of the 11 a.m. service, a steady queue of people took turns shaking the hands of Pearl Harbor survivors Charles McClelland and Edward J. Focha and thanking them for their service.

Two skydivers could be seen descending against the backdrop of the picture postcard clear blue sky as they delivered American flags to the museum, which is adjacent to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

Cadets from the Zephyrhills Branch of the Civil Air Patrol unfolded one of the flags and raised it as Pearl Harbor survivors looked on with some World War II and Korean War veterans who were seated behind them.

After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, Cliff Moffett of the museum made some brief remarks about the service records of the two Pearl Harbor survivors.

He recounted how McClelland, then 18, was severely injured on Dec. 7, 1941. He was a sailor who was assigned to raise the Union Jack on the bow of the U.S.S. Helena. He was knocked off his perch and his leg was broken in two places when a Japanese torpedo slammed into the side of the light cruiser on which he was serving.

McClelland recovered from his injuries and was again assigned to the Helena. It was sunk on July 6, 1943, during the Battle of Kula Gulf. McClelland, who is now 96 and lives at American House in Zephyrhills, was able to get off the ship. He and the other sailors with him eventually made it to an island where the natives gave

them an inhospitable greeting. They were all eventually rescued by other Navy boats and returned to the United States.

Focha was a yeoman second class serving on the battleship U.S.S. Maryland. He could see the first wave of torpedo bombers coming as he was preparing to go to church in Honolulu. His first thought was they were American planes making practice runs above the row of ships moored by Ford Island.

That was quickly proven wrong, a brief biography of Focha said, as a young ensign came running from the boat deck and ordered that General Quarters be sounded because those were Japanese planes.

He could see the red sun of the Empire of Japan on the wings of one of the planes as it roared overhead.

Focha returned to the Maryland and headed for battle stations on the Flag Bridge.

“It was truly a day of infamy, one that will forever live in my memory,” said Focha, who recently celebrated his 98th birthday. He eventually rose to the rank of commander before being discharged from

his service. McClelland and Socha were each served

a meal of pulled pork or chicken along with macaroni and cheese and coffee, water or donuts.

Numerous people then greeted each of them, got their autographs, and thanked them for their service.

Kristin Jenkins of American House spent several minutes talking to McClelland.

“He is very active for a 96-year-old man. I’m honored to know him. He’s awesome and the stories he tells about the war are incredible,” Jenkins said.

A WWII veteran, Thomas A. Cummings, ate breakfast Saturday with Focha, whom he had just met.

Cummings said he enjoyed the time he was able to spend with Focha. “He’s a good man,” Cummings said.

Jennifer Pfaff said before the observance began that she was disappointed that more young people hadn’t attended the event.

“I think anymore that so much of the history that is taught is so condensed. They have taken a lot out to not offend people,” Pfaff said.

Young, Old Remember Day Of Infamy

Young women dressed in World War II nurse’s uniforms posed behind Edward Focha, left, and Charles McClelland during the event held Saturday.

Story and photo by Joe Potter


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Zephyrhills Rotary Pays Debt

Manny Funes and Jack Thies of the Zephyrhills Rotary Club humbly donated some 12-packs of Zephyrhills Spring Water to the Rotary Club of Dade City on Monday.

This was in observation of a longstanding tradition: The club in the city whose football team loses the 9-Mile War between Pasco and Zephyrhills high schools presents a prize to the winning team’s club.

Pasco defeated Zephyrhills 27-9 in a game played on Nov. 1.

“I hoped I would be receiving some kumquat pie,” Funes said during the Dade City meeting. He

explained he felt better in the early 2000s when Zephyrhills won five consecutive games.

Coach Jason Stokes said he was proud of his team’s performance during the game and was looking forward to next year’s matchup between the two schools.

In other matters, Sarah Parker and Andrew Ahearn made a presentation on Special Olympics in Pasco County. More than 1,500 athletes of all ages and with varying degrees of disability participate in numerous sports activities. They are matched up with competitors who have similar skills so one athlete isn’t overmatched with other competitors, Parker said.

Parker was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a high level of autism, when she was four years old. Parker attended special needs classes early on but eventually transitioned to regular school classes. She recently graduated from high school and plans to pursue a master’s degree in communication so she can be an advocate for Special Olympics.

Ahearn has participated in Special Olympics at the local, state and national levels. He enjoys running. He was diagnosed with autism when he was 13 years old and said he is thankful for the teachers who have worked with him over the past few years. He credited his late father with getting him involved in Special Olympics and having an attitude of never giving up.

Also. Steven A. Brown presented Jeanie Germain with an angel in memory of his mother, Jeanette Brown, who died Nov. 6 at Gulfside Hospice. She was 85.

Funes won the 50/50 drawing.

Teens Talk About Special Olympics During Monday Meeting

Chelsea Waller, president of the Rotary Club of Dade City, accepts some Zephyrhills Bottled Water from Manny Funes, president of the Zephyrhills Rotary Club, following Pasco High School’s recent victory over Zephyrhills High School in the 9 Mile War.

Story and photo by Joe Potter


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Residents of Westbrooke Manor have the holiday spirit as their award-winning (Most Original) float makes its way down Fifth Avenue for the Festival of Lights Parade.

the jewel of east Pasco County. Tom and Rita Baker of Michigan are

snowbirds who stay at Happy Days RV Park and look forward to one event every

year when they venture south and that’s the Festival of Lights event.

“We love the music, the vendors and, of course, the parade,” said Tom. “We rub it in to our kids up north. This is beautiful.”

Julie Baker (no relation to the Bakers of Michigan) brought her three children Curtis, Savannah and Brian to the parade and were front and center. For young Brian, this will be his first Christmas and was his first Festival of Lights.

“This is our tiny little hometown and it’s great to be here,” said Julie Baker. “This is great for the kids. People are so friendly in this town and it’s great to have everybody here for the parade.”

Main Street Coordinator Anna Stutzriem loves a good parade and fortunately for her and her volunteers, they put on an excellent show.

“Things like this brings our community

together,” Stutzriem said. “To me that is the most important thing we can do as an organization. That’s what makes so proud to be part of this. I love watching everybody and seeing the kids’ eyes light up. This is what Zephyrhills is all about.

“It seems like every time there is something that makes it a little bit better.”

The parade seemed endless and awards were presented at the conclusion. The parade winners are Cross Roads, Best

Religious Organization; Scout Pack 177, Best Club Entry; Our Savior Lutheran, Best Car/Truck; The Academy of Spectrum Diversity, Best Marching/Walking Unit; Cub Scout Pack 72, Best Youth Organization; Zephyrhills Sanitation, Best Business Entry; Goods Kids on the Block, Best Lights; Westbrooke Manor, Most Original; Wee Care Clinic, Best Costumes; Renewed Life Church, Best of Theme. Zephyrhills Sr. FFA, Best of the Parade.

The Good Kids on the Block won for Best Light with their entry for the annual Festival of Lights Parade.

Parade • Continued from Page 1A

Santa Claus ushered in the Christmas Season on the back of the Zephyrhills Fire Recue Aerial Truck.


Pasco County Genealogical Society The group will meet on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Meetings are hosted in the Latter-day Saints Meeting Room at 9016 Fort King Road, halfway between Zephyrhills and Dade City. Guests are welcome if interested in genealogy. Come prepared to share Christmas customs for your family, and we will have our annual business meeting. Please call (813) 788-8894 with any questions.

Sunshine Bridge Club ACBL sanctioned, open duplicate bridge played weekly on Mondays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Located at First Baptist Church, 38231 Fifth Ave. (corner of Sixth Street and State Road 54), second floor of the Education building. Parking at rear. For information contact Margery Edwards at (813) 986-6865 or [email protected]. All bridge players are welcome, if you don’t have a partner, come anyway, as a playing partner is always available.

Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #705 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is calling all combat wounded veterans to join us promoting patriotism, history, fraternalism and assistance. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at AMVETS Post #550, 4645 Airport Road, Zephyrhills. Life membership is available for all combat wounded veterans, their dependents and survivors. Call Earl McMillan at (813) 782-3425 or email [email protected], or contact Guy Patterson at (864) 561-6644 for information.

Zephyrhills Lions Club On the first Thursday of each month from 9-11:30 a.m. applications are accepted from Pasco County residents for basic eye care through our Sight Program. To qualify please see a list of required documents by visiting www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/zephyrhills or by contacting our clubhouse at (813) 788-1441. Clubhouse hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The clubhouse is located at 5827 Dean Dairy Road.

Elks Lodge #2731 The Zephyrhills Elks Lodge is located at 6851 Wire Road. All events are open to Elks and their invited guests. Karaoke with Dudley is every Tuesday beginning at 5:30 p.m. Call (813) 782-4604 for information about meetings and events.

VFW #8154 Located at 3954 Paul S. Buchman Highway (State Road 39). Post and Auxiliary meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy and participate in Karaoke on Saturdays from 5-8 p.m. Call (813) 782-7194 for information.

AMVETS Post #550 Music starts Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10 p.m. On Sundays enjoy music from 5-8 p.m. AMVETS is located at 4645 Airport Road in Zephyrhills. Find us on Facebook or call (813) 780-8180 for information.

Zephyrhills Eagles #3752 A calendar of events can be found on the Zephyrhills Eagles #3752 Facebook page. The club is located at 4149 New River Road. Call (813) 780-1558 for information.

Eagles Ladies Auxiliary The Eagles Ladies Auxiliary is a great way to volunteer your time to make a difference in someone’s life. We are a community-based organization that is not for profit located at 4149 New River Road in Zephyrhills.

American Legion Post #118 Promenades for the honor society of American veterans, the 40/8, are the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 am. at American Legion Post #118. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month at 5340 Eighth St., Zephyrhills, at 7 p.m. Auxiliary meets at 1 p.m. the third Wednesday. The club is open for Legion members, veterans and guests at 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Canadian veterans are welcome. Membership is open to all eligible veterans. Call (813) 782-0481 for information.

Zephyrhills Civil Air Patrol The Zephyr Airport Cadet Squadron meets Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. at the Zephyrhills Wesleyan Church, 38924 C Ave. Membership is open for youth between 13-17 for the Cadet Program and adults over 18 for the Senior Program. Contact John Birch at (321) 662-5554 with any questions.

Marine Corps League The Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin Detachment #1124 of the Marine Corps League (MCL) are looking for a few good Marines and Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Navy Corpsmen to join their ranks. The MCL meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #8154 located at the southeast corner of State Road 39 and Tucker Road at 3954 Paul S. Buchman Highway in Zephyrhills. Call (813) 788-5676 for information.

Marine Corps League Auxiliary The Marine Corps League Auxiliary meets the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. at the Zephyrhills V.F.W. Post #8154 located at 3954 State Road 39. Call Vanice Holland at (772) 480-0658 for information.

Zephyrhills Historical Association The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the conference room of the Zephyrhills Public Library. Business meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. with program at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Humana Clubs and Events The Zephyrhills Humana neighborhood location is open to the public and offers a variety of fun and educational health/wellness, nutrition, technology, games and social events all month long at no charge. Come play Canasta on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Bridge on Thursdays from 12-3 p.m. and more. Give us a call at (813) 780-7300 for information or stop by and see us for a full calendar.

Alzheimer’s Support Group American House presents an Alzheimer’s support group for caregivers on the first Thursday of every month from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most difficult jobs. American House Zephyrhills is offering a support group led by Anna Davis, LPN. No RSVP is necessary. Come and get support from other caregivers. American House is located at 38130 Pretty Pond Road. Call (813) 400-2263 for information.

Alcoholics Anonymous If you have, or even think you may have, a problem with alcohol, call (813) 933-9123 (24 hours) for a local meeting or just someone to talk with.

Community & Club NewsAny club advertising a paid event (e.g. dinner, game night, fundraisers) will be charged for normal ad space. Contact Krista Black at [email protected] to purchase ad space.

Email Club News [email protected]

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Church NewsKids Quest – This event will be held on the gazebo stage at Zephyr Park on Dec. 18 from 3-5 p.m. The children will be told stories and free snow cones and prizes will be presented. This is sponsored by the Zephyrhills First Assembly of God. See you there.

Joy Fellowship – Ladies of all walks of life will meet today at 6 p.m. at First Assembly of God on State Road 54, to join together for thank our Heavenly Father. We will praise Him and share testimonies on how He has worked in all of our lives. If you don’t know the Lord, please come and learn what He can do for you. Bring a friend. We can fellowship, get to know one another and share love, joy and peace during the 2019 holiday season.

First Baptist Church – Located at 38231 Fifth Ave., FBC is the downtown church. Pastor Rob McKinney invites everyone to visit a going church with a coming Savior. Come and enjoy our Christmas Village on Dec. 14 from 4-6 p.m. Then enjoy a special presentation of Christmas music by our choir. There will be food, games, crafts and caroling for the children. Don’t forget to get your hot apple cider or hot chocolate. Then stop by our fundraising booth to purchase handmade treats and desserts. Our teen ministry (TRUTH Ministries) is held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. with Director Jason Hicks and Youth Leaders Barbara Hicks, Carla Berger and Paul Warner. Bus transportation is available. Our children ministry (TeamKid!) is held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. with Director Lorraine McKinney and teachers Carol Arnold and Sarah Lutz. The Sunrise Prayer Warriors meet Monday and Friday mornings from 8-9 a.m. in the church conference room. Everyone is welcome. The Sunday services are: Sunday school for all ages, 9:30 a.m. Worship service, 10:45 a.m. Evening service, 6 p.m. and Wednesday mid-week service, 6 p.m, and choir practice at 6 p.m. Call the church at (813) 782-5574 for information.

Community of Christ – Pastor Dawn McDowell welcomes all, including our LGBTQ community, to attend services at Community of Christ at the following times: prayer and testimony is the first Sunday of each

month from 9:45-10:30 a.m. Sunday School is on the following Sundays of the month and is held from 9:45-10:30 a.m. Worship services are held Sunday at 11 a.m. A Bible Study is held from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday. Bring your Bibles, we are studying the Book of Luke. Sew & So, our social group for men and women, meets from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday. Join us for Christmas Caroling on Dec. 12. Meet at the church at 2:30 p.m. and we will go to Zephyr Haven at 3 p.m. Be sure to see our big inside sale ad on Dec. 20-21 in this newspaper. One of our outreach projects is to collect travel size toiletries for care packages for our troops. Items needed include shampoo, tooth paste, tooth brushes, tube socks, small packages of beef jerky, razors, combs and regular coffee. These items may be left at the church, 7334 16th St., at the above listed times. Call (813) 469-1265 for more information.

Vine Church – Worship services are held Sunday at 10 a.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 4743 Allen Road. Come as you are; everyone is welcome. Meals are provided for the community on Wednesdays and Fridays at 4:30 p.m. by the park pavilion next to the Water Park at Zephyr Park. A mobile medical unit provides healthcare services for those with no medical insurance at Vine Church on the fourth Thursday of each month. A mobile shower unit provides hot showers at Vine Church from 7-9 a.m. Mondays and Fridays. Call (813) 446-3821 or (813) 298-3232 for information.

Cornerstone Baptist Church – Located at 5434 Seventh St., the church’s Sunday service schedule consists of 9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. Coffee and Donuts Fellowship, 11 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship, and a 6 p.m. Sunday Evening Worship. We also offer a Prayer and Praise service at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Services are led by Pastor Stephen R. Lamb. Contact the church at (813) 783-2727 for information.

Heart of Worship – Heart of Worship is a family friendly non-denominational church located at 10628 U.S. 301 (at the Market Hill Shopping Center) between Zephyrhills and Dade City. Pastor Tony Disano is committed to his faith in God and preaching the Bible.

Sunday service is at 11 a.m. You are welcome to come early for a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Bible study class is at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. We have a praise team and great music. Family fun night is the last Sunday of the month with activities for children and adults. There are graded school rooms for the children and teens as well as a nursery. All are welcome to attend. Visit www.thehowchurch.org for information.

First United Methodist Church of Zephyrhills – Pastor Jim Thomas invites everyone to visit our growing church. Sunday worship includes traditional worship service at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., and contemporary service at 9:30 a.m. Coffee and fellowship is held in Cooper Hall behind the Sanctuary from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Adult Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Children’s church is held at 9:45 a.m. and Children’s Sunday School is at 11 a.m. Youth Bible Study is at 11 a.m. Children and Youth meet on Wednesday evening, 6-7:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. For Adults, on Wednesday evenings, Bible Study is at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Chapel. The church is located at 38635 Fifth Ave. Visit www.fumczhills.org, or call the church office at (813) 782-5645 for more information about our programs.

Zephyr Christian Church – Sunday Morning Services begin at 9 a.m. with Bible Study (all ages), and Church Services (all ages) at 10 a.m. Wednesday evening Bible study begins at 6 p.m. (all ages); dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. for children 3 yrs. and older. The church is located at 5940 Dogwood St. (at the corner of North Ave. and 23rd St.) Call (813) 782-8893 or visit www.zephyrchristianchurch.org for information.

Just Church – Join us at Sandalwood Mobile Home Park, 5325 Dianthus St, Community Clubhouse 1 in Zephyrhills. Pastor Ken Ringeisen invites you to Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m., under the anointing of the Holy Spirit by David Griffin, followed by the Word of God preached. ‘JC Gang’ is our children’s church ministry run by husband and wife Jeremy and Jessica Hinz. Pastor Ringeisen welcomes you to the little church with the power of a big God.

Email Church News [email protected]

First Baptist Church Zephyrhills Christmas Village

First Baptist Church Zephyrhills Christmas Village

FREE EVENTFrozen Themed Bounce House

A Special Visit From Santa

Come enjoy our Christmas Village

Saturday, December 14 from 4-6 p.m.

� en enjoy a special presentation of Christmas music by our choir.

There will be food, games, crafts and caroling for the children. Don’t forget to get your

hot apple cider or hot chocolate. Then stop by our fundraising booth to purchase

handmade treats and desserts!

First Baptist Church Zephyrhills38231 Fifth Avenue • Zephyrhills, FL 33542

(813) 782-5574

Christmas Mass Schedule

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 244 PM Church And Parish Center, 6 PM Church

10 PM Midnight Mass ChurchChristmas Day, Wednesday, December 25

7 AM Church, 9 AM Church, 11 AM Church

Pastor Reverend Allan TupaParochial Vicar Reverend Mathew Abraham, ALCP

5316 11th Street Zephyrhills

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31 – 4 PM ChurchNew Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1 – 8 AM & 7 PM Church


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It’s Looking A Lot Like ChristmasThe star atop the massive Christmas

tree at the Jeffries House on Fifth Avenue glistened like a beacon welcoming the season in Zephyrhills.

The star atop the Main Street Zephyrhills tree was the star of Thursday’s second annual Main Street Tree Lighting ceremony.

Sponsored by Zephyrhills attorney Drew Ben Hudgins, the star was welcomed by roughly 125 people who turned out for the ceremony.

“It’s fabulous,” said Hudgins as he looked at the top of the tree. “This is the community that I’ve had my law practice in for 35 years. I love being in a small town and something like this is very special.

“The Main Street people are awesome getting people together for this extra special night.”

The event featured City Manager Billy Poe being joined by contest drawing winner Dominic Wilson in flipping the switch to light up the gleaming tree.

For Poe, a lifetime resident of Zephyrhills, he is enjoying his first Zephyrhills holiday

season as city manager. He served as the city manager in Dade City for a decade and can see the distinct differences.

“Zephyrhills is twice the size of Dade City, but it has that small, hometown feel on an intimate level,” Poe said. “It’s so cool to see little kids get involved like Dominic being able to turn on the lights. I love this.

“We have so many community events that help bring the community together and it’s still a true community where everybody knows everybody.”

Main Street Coordinator Anna Stutzriem couldn’t help but smile as she watched the Zephyrhills High School Choral singers perform in front of a big crowd who turned out for the seasonal event.

A year ago for the first tree lighting, there may have been 20 people in the crowd. This year it was a different story.

“Each year, this is going to get better and better,” Stutzriem said. “We got people downtown to kick off the holidays and that was the goal.”

Additional entertainment was provided by the Miracle Temple Community Church singers.

Drew Ben Hudgins, center, is joined at the 17-foot Christmas Tree by Main Street Zephyrhills Board Members Gail Hamilton, Tammy Ennis, Charla Vandeberg, Anna Stutriem and Cathy Mowrey during the Main Street Zephyrhills tree lighting ceremony Thursday.

Story and photos by Dave Walters

Members of the Zephyrhills High School Choral Department performed Christmas carols during the Main Street Zephyrhills tree lighting ceremony Thursday night.

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