The Laker-Land O' Lakes/Lutz-March 23, 2016

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Thats pretty significant, said MikeShumate, the countys animal services man-ager.

The county currently contracts with thenonprofit Spay Pasco to manage the spayand education program, as well as the trap-neuter-return program to sterilize feral cats.

That contract expires in February 2017.Animal services is recommending that

the county takes over the programs, esti-mating potential savings of $18,000annually.

Over the years, the growing demands forsterilization, and for educational presenta-tions at schools and elsewhere, havestrained finances, and drained reservefunds.

Deficit spending for the program is on-going annually, and the coffers could beempty by 2019.

As an example, the trap-neuter-return

program cost about $48,000 in 2013, buttwo years later cost more than $136,000.

One solution would be to renegotiatecontracts Pasco has with area cities, and in-crease fees for the surgeries.

The current contracts are with DadeCity, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey, PortRichey, San Antonio, the town of Saint Leoand Safety Harbor.

Animal services also is recommendingthat the county adopt an ordinance to codi-fy rules for trap-neuter-return programs.

We want to make sure people partici-pating in community cat programs havesome standards, Shumate said.

The cat licenses could add about$68,000 to the departments revenues,based on an estimate of cat-owner house-holds of more than 13,600.

By Kathy [email protected]

A program to spay and neuter pets, andto educate the public on the value of thesurgeries, is facing a financial crunch.

Reserve funds to keep the programafloat could be depleted within three years unless new revenues are found, andsome expenses cut.

Pasco County commissioners got a pre-view of recommendations to add money tothe coffers of Pasco Animal Services at aMarch 15 workshop.

Those recommendations include amandatory $5 fee for a cat license, an in-crease in an unaltered dog license from $35to $40, and adoption fees of $85 for smallbreed dogs and puppies. Kittens youngerthan four months could cost $55.

Other adoption fees would be un-changed, with dogs costing $70 and cats,$40.

No fee increasesare anticipated forthe countys low-in-come program forreduced-cost steriliza-tions for qualifiedapplicants. Thoserates are $10 for catsand $20 for dogs.

No decisions weremade.

Pasco County staffmembers are expect-ed to bring the issueback to commission-ers later.

In some ways, Animal Services is suffer-ing from too much success.

Since 2012, more than 10,000 dogs andcats have been sterilized.

FILE PHOTOSPasco County Animal Services frequently seeks the communitys help to give pets at theshelter a permanent home.

Pasco AnimalServices wantshigher fees

Jack Mariano

B

INSIDE, PAGE 1B


Pasco County and the state of Floridahave teamed up on a $6 million land deal todesignate a large swath of a former cattleranch in Land O Lakes as a conservationeasement.

The county and the state each will pay$3 million for two parcels totaling nearly620 acres, located west of Old Pasco Roadabout a half-mile south of State Road 52.

The purchase is an acquisition for thecountys Environmental Lands andAcquisition Management Program, alsoknown as ELAMP. That program is partiallyfunded with revenues from the Penny forPasco program.

Theres a provision in the deal thatcould result in a portion of the northernhalf of the site being used as the right-of-way for a planned trail system that generallywill follow along the former Orange BeltRail Line.

Pasco County Chairwoman KathrynStarkey persuaded commissioners to post-pone a vote on the contract until after theirlunch break at the March 8 meeting inDade City. She wanted to add language tothe contract that would clear the way to ne-gotiate the trails easement and publicaccess through the site.

Without that provision, Starkey said thecounty could be forced to eventually nego-tiate a separate, costly deal to buy privately

owned land for the trail. This is one of our most important trails

in the county, Starkey said. We need to beable to build a trail there. This should havebeen part of the discussion before it wasbrought to us.

The initial deal struck between sellers,the state and the county didnt allow publicaccess.

Four generations of the McKendree fam-ily operated the cattle farm. Sellers of theconservation easement are Neil Mathis andChristine Phillips.

Negotiations took about two years foran agreement that is the first partnershipbetween Pasco and the state to buy conser-vation land. The state usually strikes suchdeals with federal agencies, said KeithWiley, the countys natural resources man-ager.

Members of the Florida Cabinet arescheduled to approve the deal on March29.

With time a factor, Pasco CountyCommissioner Ted Schrader didnt want tocontinue the vote to the next commissionmeeting. I dont want to jeopardize thestates participation. Im confident well se-cure this (easement). This is a win-win foreveryone, he said.

But, after a representative for the proper-ty sellers agreed to the contracts newstipulation, commissioners gave their ap-proval to a revised agreement.

The exact route of the trail isnt deter-

mined, but it generally will run diagonallyacross the county from Lacoochee throughLand O Lakes to Odessa.

The county owns portions of the rights-

County and state team up on land deal

FILE PHOTOPasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkeyheld out on a land deal to be sure that aswath of land could possibly be used as theright-of-way for a planned trail that will gen-erally follow the old Orange Belt Rail Line.


Leonard Road is drawing a lot of atten-tion, but not the kind that most residentswant.

Developers have ambitious plans forlarge tracts of wooded land along the curvytwo-lane road that winds from U.S. 41, al-most to State Road 54. More than 300single-family homes, an assisted living facili-ty, medical office and retail are on thedrawing board.

Though Leonard dead-ends just shy ofState Road 54, the road eventually will bepaved and extended, according to site planson file with Pasco County. Area residents inthis Lutz neighborhood are bracing for a fu-ture as a cut-through road from U.S. 41 toState Road 54.

KATHY STEELE/STAFF PHOTOLeonard Road residents want the county to build a sidewalk to protect pedestrians andbicyclists. On a recent afternoon, a car drove past, from left, Mike Benjamin, David Haynesand Ed Klaameyer.

Crusading for sidewalk safety

See SIDEWALK, page 11A

See LAND, page 11A

See ANIMAL, page 11A

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A junior at Steinbrenner High School isorganizing a benefit jazz concert to help outa local food pantry.

Steinbrenners James Wall is hosting theEagle Scout Jazz Benefit Concert on April 10at 4 p.m., at the Messiah Lutheran Church,14920 Hutchison Road in Tampa.

Admission is free, but attendees areasked to bring a food donation, which willbe given to the Kaye Prox Food Bank inTampa.

Wall, who has been a Boy Scout sincekindergarten, is hosting the traditional jazzconcert as part of a service project in hisquest to become an Eagle Scout.

I want to be a musician. I want to majorin music. I wanted to do an Eagle Scoutproject that would pertain to what my ca-reer would be like, said Wall, who iscurrently in the final rank of Boy Scouts be-fore advancing to an Eagle Scout.

I felt like this would be a good idea, tohelp prepare a concert. Its what I may bedoing a lot of times when I go into my ca-reer, the high school junior explained.

For the service project, Wall was able tosecure some of Tampa Bays top musicians,including longtime pianist Chuck Berlin andbassist John Lamb, a former member of theDuke Ellington Jazz Orchestra.

In booking the longtime musicians, Wallsaid he met Berlin through a mutual friend,and noted that Berlin and Lamb are also re-ally good friends.

A lot of my family is from New Orleans,and (Berlin) is from New Orleans, so thatgot us talking a lot, Wall said.

One of Walls classmates, ChristianBianchet, a senior, will be on drums duringthe concert.

As event organizer, Wall wont be stand-ing idle during the concert, either. TheSteinbrenner student, who has practicedmusic for more than 10 years, will join in onthe jazz session by playing the trombone.

The trombone is my main instrument,Wall said, adding that he also doubles on the

euphonium. I like its very mellow tone,and I like its dark sound.

This wont be the first time Wall has per-formed on stage.

Hes currently a member of theSteinbrenner Jazz Band and also plays leadtrombone in the Ruth Eckerd Hall JazzYouth Ensemble.

Wall is still mulling where he wants tostudy music after he graduates high school.

Hes currently considering the Universityof California-Berkeley, Florida State Universityand the University of South Florida.

For more information on the concert,email [email protected].

Steinbrenner studentorganizes jazz concert

Eagle Scout JazzBenefit ConcertWHAT: A traditional jazz music concert ben-efitting the Kaye Prox Food Bank in TampaWHO: James Wall, trombone; ChuckBerlin, piano; John Lamb, Bass; andChristian Bianchet, drumsWHERE: Messiah Lutheran Church, 14920Hutchison Road in TampaWHEN: April 10 at 4 p.m.COST: Admission is free, but attendees areasked to bring a food item to donation.

COURTESY OF JAMES WALLSteinbrenner High junior James Wall isorganizing a jazz benefit concert as part of aservice project in his quest to become anEagle Scout.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: The Laker/Lutz News is a free newspaper distributed to 43,750 homes and businesses in Pasco andHillsborough counties. Mail subscriptions are sold to cover postage cost: $40/3 months, $80/6 months, $160/12 months. DELIVERY PROBLEMS: If you do not receive your paper, or want to stop home delivery, call 727-530-5521. Or, to stopdelivery, go to www.lakerlutznews.com, select About tab and complete Opt Out form. ADDITIONAL COPIES: A listing of boxes and business locations is on our home page at www.lakerlutznews.com.EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: Suggestions for stories and news coverage are welcome. Please send ideas to [email protected], or callour newsroom at 813-909-2800.ADVERTISING ERRORS: Publisher is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the space cost for the first insertion, or for the validityof claims made by advertisers.MEMBER: Central Pasco Chamber, Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber, Greater Zephyrhills Chamber, Greater Dade City Chamber, Florida PressAssociation, Free Community Papers of Florida, Southeast Advertising Publishers Association, Association of Free Community Newspapers,Independent Free Newspapers of America.

Advertising and editorial content 2015 by Manatee Media Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without prior written permission fromthe publisher.

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Seeking to stop illegal dumpingBy Kathy [email protected]

The collection bins that people fill withdonations of shoes and clothes are a familiarsight around the community.

For the most part, they help local chari-ties that operate thrift stores or havegiveaway programs to benefit low-incomeindividuals and families.

In most cases, theyre clean, well markedand routinely emptied.

But, not always. And now, the PascoCounty Commission and the ZephyrhillsCity Council are ready to clamp down onthose bins that quickly become illegaldumpsites, and eyesores for the community.

Many of the bins that become dumpsites appear to be operated by organizationsseeking clothing items to sell.

Pasco County Commissioner MikeMoore came to a February commissionmeeting with photographic proof of theproblem.

What happens is a lot of organizationswill collect items and sell them on the openmarket, Moore said. Youll see people aban-don the bins at times, and at times theydont make regular collections.

Pasco County staff members are review-ing ordinances from Deerfield Beach,Jacksonville, Tampa and Manatee County asmodels for a local draft ordinance to bringto county commissioners.

The city of Zephyrhills also is consider-ing an ordinance to curb similar illegaldumping issues at bins within city limits.City Councilman Lance Smith put the topicon the councils March 14 agenda.

Within the next month a draft ordinanceshould be ready for the city councils re-view.

Smiths first encounter with the issuecame about two years ago when he spotteda rusty looking donation bin in the right of

way by Woodland Elementary School. Codeenforcement removed it.

Not every clothing bin is creating eye-sores, but Smith said, When someone leavesa mattress, the next thing its a television. Itbecomes a dumping ground.

With Pasco County poised to adopt anordinance, Smith said it makes sense forZephyrhills to do the same.

Recently, code enforcement investigateda complaint about illegal dumping at a binat the Winn-Dixie shopping center onCounty Road 54. The property owner wasnotified, said Bill Burgess, Zephyrhills build-ing code administrator.

They had it cleaned up and, I believe,thereafter removed, Burgess said.

He recalled another bin that from a dis-tance looked legitimate. On closerinspection, it was made of plywood andhand-painted. It had no contact or identify-ing information.

Draft ordinances for Pasco andZephyrhills likely would require registrationand set standards for maintenance and oper-ation.

Moore said Pascos ordinance could re-quire that the bins be clearly marked witha business name, a contact phone numberand rules on keeping areas around thebins cleared. Written permission fromproperty owners also should be required,he said.

Moore said he heard from one landown-er who told him that over the past years hehas had to remove bins and illegallydumped materials from his properties, at acost of hundreds of dollars.

The ordinance isnt meant to makemoney for the county or to hamper busi-nesses, property owners and agencies thatact responsibly, Moore said.

The last thing we want to do is hurt le-gitimate charities, Moore said. We wantthem to keep doing what theyre doing.

COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY COMMISSIONER MIKE MOOREAn unmarked donation bin in a parking lot near Sams Club on State Road 56 became adumping ground for furniture and appliances.

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KEYSTONES EASTER SERVICESKeystone Community Church, 21010 StateRoad 54 in Lutz, will host these Easterservices: March 24 at 7 p.m. A service toremember The Last Supper of Jesus andhis apostles. March 27 at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Easterservices with a family friendly breakfastand egg hunt in between. For information,call (813) 846-1051.

SUPERHERO FESTIVAL STARTS MARCH 24The Museum of Science & Industry, 4801E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa, will host amonth-long Superhero Festival startingMarch 24 with two preview showings ofBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.There also will be Science ofSuperheroes, Classic Superman, a comicbook swap on March 26, a member datenight on April 15, and a Crime FightersWeekend on April 16 and April 17. Formore information, visit MOSI.org.

CRUCIFIXION RE-ENACTMENTFirst United Methodist Church of Lutz willpresent two re-enactments of Christscrucifixion on March 25. At noon, therewill be a processional starting on thesteps of City Hall in downtown Tampa toLykes Park for the re-enactment. At 7 p.m.,the re-enactment will take place in thechurchs sanctuary, 960 W. Lutz Lake FernRoad. For information, call (813) 949-1751.

LEONARD LEWIS ART SHOWThe Pasco Fine Arts Council will have anart show exhibit presented by LeonardLewis March 25 through April 22 at theAnnex Gallery, 4145 Fairford Drive in NewPort Richey. Lewis has been a resident ofHudson since 2001, and his art and muralscan be seen at the New Port RicheyHospice for Children and the New PortRichey Historical Society. Admission isfree. For information, call (727) 845-7322,or visit PascoArts.org.

WALK OF THE CROSSFlorida Hospital Zephyrhills will host itsannual Good Friday Walk of the Cross onMarch 25 starting at 5:30 p.m., at St.Josephs Catholic Church, 5316 11th St., inZephyrhills. The walk is sponsored by theZephyrhills-Wesley Chapel Association,and takes individuals on a 1.5-milepilgrimage with stops outside sevenZephyrhills churches. Participants cantake turns carrying the cross. A briefreading will take place at every stop. Thewalk ends at 6:45 p.m., at First UnitedMethodist Church, 38635 Fifth Ave., for aGood Friday service. Admission is free. Thewalk will take place rain or shine. Forinformation, call (813) 783-6192.

HOLY TRINITY SERVICESHoly Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735Leonard Road in Lutz, will host theseEaster services: March 25 at noon and 7 p.m., GoodFriday March 27 at 7 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:30a.m., Easter SundayFor information, call (813) 949-7173.

LIBRARIES CLOSED MARCH 25All libraries in the Pasco County LibrarySystem will be closed on March 25, inobservance of Good Friday. The librarieswill resume regular hours on March 26. AllHillsborough County libraries will beclosed March 27.

NATIVE PLANT SALEThe Nature Coast Chapter of the FloridaNative Plant Society will have a nativeplant sale on March 26 from 10 a.m. to 2p.m., at the Land O Lakes CommunityCenter, 5401 Land O Lakes Blvd. There willbe a variety of nursery-grown native trees,shrubs, wildflowers, vines, grasses and

groundcovers, free literature and nurseryinformation, native plant books for sale,and a master gardener information table.For information, visit PascoNativePlants.org.

PRE-TEEN EVENTThe Land O Lakes Library, 2818 CollierParkway, will host a pre-teen event onMarch 26 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., forages 9 to 12. Every fourth Saturday of themonth, there will be crafts, yoga orsomething entirely different. Forinformation, call (813) 929-1214.

POPCORN & MOVIEThe New River Library, 34043 State Road54 in Zephyrhills, will host a freechildrens movie with popcorn on March26 at 1:15 p.m. To find out what moviewill be shown, call (813) 788-6375.

EGGSTRAORDINARY SALEAll five Gulfside Hospice thrift shops willhost an eggstraordinary sale on March26. Each customer can pick a prize-filledegg at the cash register for the chance toreceive up to 50 percent off a totalpurchase. All shops are open from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. For locations, visit GHPPC.org.

WINERYS FIRST ANNIVERSARYThe Land O Lakes Winery, 3901 Land OLakes Blvd., will have a one-yearanniversary party on March 26 from 1p.m. to 10 p.m. The outdoor event willfeature raffles, a wine release, winerytours, giveaways, food trucks and liveentertainment from The Band 4X (3 p.m.to 6 p.m.) and KOR (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.)For information, call (813) 995-9463.

RAINWATER WORKSHOPThe UF/IFAS Extension Office will presenta rainwater harvesting workshop onMarch 26 at 10 a.m., at the Old LutzSchool, 18819 U.S. 41. Participants canlearn how rain barrels are useful forcollecting rainwater for irrigation, whilereducing erosion and storm water runoff.

Each household will receive onecertificate for a free rain barrel, which canbe picked up at an Extension office. Forinformation and to preregister, call SuzinCarr at (813) 453-5256.

LOQUAT FESTIVALEcology Florida and Friendship Farms &Fare will host The Florida Loquat Festivalon March 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., atFrances Avenue Park, 6156 Louisiana Ave.,in New Port Richey. There will bepresentations on the cultivation of loquattrees, how to eat its fruit, how to can it,and cook it. Trees will be available forpurchase, as well as fresh fruit, loquatpreserves, and other loquat products. Forinformation, visit EcologyFlorida.org.

ACTING STUDIO MUSICALSThe Acting Studios high school class willperform Pippin at 122 Flagship Drive inLutz, and Chicago, the Musical at 5253Ehrlich Road in Tampa. Tickets are $12.The shows are at 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m.Friday, and at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. onSaturday, until March 26. For information,visit TheActingStudioTampa.com.

FAMILY COMMUNITY FAIRHillsborough County Childrens Serviceswill host a free Spring-in to FunCommunity Fair on March 26 from 10a.m. to 2 p.m., at Childrens Services LakeMagdalene Campus, 3191 Clay MagnumLane in Tampa. There will be games, livemusic, bounce houses, face painting andfree food. There also will be resourcesabout children, for parents, as well as freehealth and hearing screenings. Forinformation, visitHillsboroughCounty.org/ChildrenServices.

HOSPITAL SUNRISE SERVICEFlorida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 GallBlvd., will host an Easter sunrise serviceon March 27 at 7 a.m., on the front lawnof the its campus. Pastor DennisHarmeson of Zephyrhills Wesleyan

Church will deliver a message, and CraigGarrison will provide the music. Theservice is rain or shine. Guests shouldbring a lawn chair. For information, call(813) 783-6192.

SERVICES AT FIRST UNITEDFirst United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, will host severalEaster services on March 27, including aSonrise service by the lake at 7 a.m., achapel service at 8 a.m., a blended service(in the sanctuary) at 9:45 a.m., and acontemporary service (in the sanctuary) at11:30 a.m. For information, call (813) 949-1751.

FIRST CHRISTIAN EASTER WORSHIPFirst Christian Church of Zephyrhills, 6040Eighth St., will host an Easter worshipservice on March 27 at 10 a.m. Also, onApril 3 at 10 a.m., there will be a Blessingof the Snowbirds. For information, call(813) 782-1071.

EASTER AT HERITAGE CHURCHHeritage Church, 1854 Oak Grove Blvd., inLutz, will host Easter services on March 27at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and anegg hunt at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Therealso will be music and media specials withthe message The Resurrection of Hopeand Purpose, and faith-filled childrensclasses for all ages. This will be a casualatmosphere with free refreshments. Forinformation, call (813) 909-4080, or visitYesHeritage.com.

KOL AMI HOSTS WHO NU?Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Roadin Tampa, will host Who Nu? everymonth, for guests to learn about the livesof fellow congregants. This monthsspeaker will be Sasha Meek, who grew upin Russia. The talk will be on March 27from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For information,call (813) 962-6338, or [email protected].

REPUBLICAN CLUB MEETINGThe Republican Club of Central Pasco willhost a candidate forum on the Republicancandidates for District 1 on March 28 atCopperstone Executive Suites, 3632 LandO Lakes Blvd., in Land O Lakes. The clubmeets at 6:30 p.m., for refreshments,followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. Forinformation, call Steve Graves at (813) 996-3011.

CHAMBER HOSTS FORUMThe Greater Dade City Chamber ofCommerce will host a candidate forum, forthe Dade City Commission MunicipalElection, on March 28 at the Dade CityWomans Club, 37922 Palm Ave., in DadeCity. There will be a meet and greet from 6p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by the forum.For information, call John Moors at (352)567-3769.

AARP SMART DRIVER CLASSThe AARP Smart Driver Class for driversage 50 and older will be offered on March28 at the Meadow Pointe I CommunityCenter, 28245 County Line Road in WesleyChapel. The cost is $15 for AARP members,and $20 for non-members. Registration isrequired. For class time, call Dennis Smithat (8132) 994-9832.

VIETNAM WAR CEREMONYThe Department of Veteran AffairsReadjustment Counseling Service PascoCounty Vet Center will host a 50thanniversary of the Vietnam War ceremonyon March 29, to honor and recognize thecontributions of Vietnam veterans in thecommunity. The event will be at the PascoVet Center, 5139 Deer Park Drive in NewPort Richey at 10:30 a.m. Lunch andrefreshments will be provided. Attire isbusiness casual or appropriate military. Forinformation, visit www.VetCenter.va.gov.

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Egg hunt at Hugh EmbryThe Hugh Embry Library, 14215 FourthSt., in Dade City, will host an egg hunton March 26 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., for kids ages 2 to 8. Participants should bring a basketand a parent or guardian to hunt for eggs inside the library. There also will be face painting,balloon animals and crafts. Admission is free. The library will open for regular hours at 11 a.m.For information, call (352) 567-3576.

Gulfside egg huntGulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care is hosting a free community Easter egg hunt onMarch 26, at its Community Outreach Center, 6224 Lafayette St., in New Port Richey, for chil-dren age 10 and younger. Registration for the hunt, and refreshments, start at 9 a.m. The first100 children will receive a goody bag. Participants should bring a basket. There also will bepet photos with the Easter Bunny from 11 a.m. to noon, a balloon artist and face painting. Forinformation or to RSVP, call (727) 845-5707.

Bubbles & EggsCobb Grove 16 Theatres, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host Bubbles & Eggson March 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by Victorious Life Church. There will be egghunts for children with special needs. After the hunt, there will be egg decorating and fun withbubbles. Activities will include bounce houses, prizes and giveaways, and food trucks.Admission is free. For information, call (813) 973-2330.

First UMC egg huntFirst United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, will host its annual Jelly BeanJamboree and Easter Egg Hunt on March 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., for kids up through fourthgrade. There will be games, food, a bounce house, prizes, and age-specific egg hunts.Participants should bring a basket. Admission is free. For information, call Janell Lockhart at(813) 949-1751, ext. 234.


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A Seminole warparty led the attack

Various accounts, publishedon the historic websiteFivay.org, tell the story ofthe Bradley Massacre, re-portedly the last Seminole

war party attack on a settlers homesteadeast of the Mississippi River.

Capt. Robert Duke Bradley was one ofthe first white settlers to live south of theWithlacoochee River, according to those re-ports.

He wasnt feeling well on May 14, 1856,and was awaiting supper with his wife andchildren that evening.

The captain, who was bedridden on hisfarm, was a veteran who had fought againstthe Seminole Indians as far north as theSuwannee River.

He had resigned his commission, be-cause he was no longer a healthy man.

The skirmishes hed been involved inhad damaged his lungs, and for the rest ofhis life, he would require medical servicesfrom the army doctor stationed at FortBrooke.

Bradley had personally surveyed a home-stead in a remote area that would be laterknown as Darby, a community in PascoCounty.

It was frontier country with its share ofmoccasin tracks, but the good news wasthat no Indian sightings had been reportedfor many years.

But, the evening of May 14, 1856, wouldforever change the 53-year-olds life.

Bradley who had always been willingto defend his land granted under the ArmedOccupation Act suddenly heard soundsof a war whoop and gunfire of a Seminolewar party.

The attack would be recorded as the lastattack on a settlers homestead east of theMississippi River.

Bradleys 11-year-old daughter, Mary Jane,was quickly shot through the shoulder andheart. The captain saw her come into his

bedroom, where she collapsed and died.Fifteen-year-old William Brown Bradley

was shot on the porch of the log house.An Aug. 4, 1922 Dade City Banner story re-

counting the raid, reported that NancyBradley, the captains wife, rushed out onthe porch, picked up the wounded boy, andcarried him into the room and laid him onthe bed. He (William) got up, grabbed a rifle,and fired through a crack between the logs,handed the gun to one of his brothers, saying,fight till you die and fell to the floor dead.

News of the 15-year-olds injuriesreached as far north as the Macon WeeklyTelegraph, which on June 24, 1856 report-ed: His body had been pierced by twoballs.

When Bradley realized the Indians hadreached the steps of his front porch, heheard his wife yell: They are coming in!

What happened next was reported as fareast as the Palatka Democrat, which pub-lished a May 22, 1856 account:

Captain Bradley, who was prostrated onhis bed with sickness, arose and returned afire on the Indians with two or three gunswhich he had in his house, which causedthem to withdraw, according to the PalatkaDemocrat report.

The Banners 1922 article indicated thatone of the boys shot at two Indians whowere trying to hide behind a tree and after-wards more blood was found there thananywhere else.

Bradley counted at least 15 Indians at-tacking his log cabin.

The Palatka Democrat reported: CaptainBradley was of the opinion that the Indianswere about his house all night.

Because he was a known Indian fighter,there are several historical sources that de-scribe the Bradley attack as an act ofrevenge.

During the Second Seminole War (1835-1842), a major strategist and leader for theIndians was Thlocko Tustenuggee or bet-ter known as Tiger Tail to the white man.

And, it was Captain Bradley who hadtracked down and killed Nethlockemathlar,the older brother of Tiger Tail.

Reaching the Bradley homestead thenext day from Fort Brooke, Capt. Thomas C.Ellis and a group of men went into the sur-rounding woods to hunt for the Seminoles.The camp of the redskins was found in thebig cypress swamp and nearby the grave ofthe Indian killed by Captain Bradley, accord-ing to the Dade City Banner.

As the Bradley attack produced moresightings and fears of the Indians, Gen. JesseCarter at Fort Brooke received a letter froma citizens committee dated May 31, 1856. Itsaid, in part:

we therefore most respectfully askthat you will, at the earliest practicable mo-ment, send to our relief a force sufficient toprotect us from the cruel barbarities of thisinsidious foe

With the frontier on alert, Bradley andhis wife laid to rest their son and daughter

in unmarked graves. This was done to pre-vent the Indians from returning anddesecrating the burials.

The family would learn later that theIndian war party was pursued as far southas Fort Mead and the entire band eitherkilled or captured, according to one news-paper account.

Called The Bradley Massacre by a his-torical maker erected by Pasco County in1979, the killings that night 160 years agowas one of several events that ultimatelyforced Chief Billy Bowlegs and the last ofsome 100 Seminole warriors to leaveFlorida at the end of the Third Seminole Warin 1858.

Doug Sanders has a penchant for un-earthing interesting stories about localhistory. His sleuthing skills have been de-veloped through his experiences innewspaper and government work. If youhave an idea for a future history column,contact Doug at [email protected].

Bradley Massacre makes history in Pasco

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA LIBRARYBarracks and tents at Fort Brooke in Tampa Bay, around 1840. In 1824 Fort Brooke was amilitary post established at the mouth of the Hillsborough River in present-day Tampa. Ithad as many as 3,000 soldiers and would take part in all three Seminole Indian Wars. Thefort was decommissioned by the U.S. Army in 1883.

KnowingYourHistoryBy Doug SandersSpecial to The Laker

ArmedOccupation ActGranting 160 acres to any head of a fami-ly, the Florida Armed Occupation Act of1842 required a settlers house to be builtin one year, the clearing and growingcrops for five years, and defending thehomestead.

HARPERS WEEKLY, JUNE 12, 1858After meeting with U.S. President MillardFillmore at the White House, Seminole ChiefBilly Bowlegs initially agreed to surrender.The U.S. government later offered Bowlegs$10,000 to relocate to the Indian Territory inpresent-day Oklahoma. Bowlegs had led hiswarriors on sporadic attacks, which mayhave included the Bradley Massacre.

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When meeting the staff at Medi-Weightloss, the first thing many peoplenotice is their empathy and sincere sup-port. The medical doctors, who focus onweight loss, and their health care assistants

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COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO

Lutz Elementary students relive olden daysMembers of the GFWC Lutz-Land O Lakes Womans Club participated in the annual OldenDays event at Lutz Elementary School by volunteering with a variety of arts and crafts proj-ects.The Green Shirt Ladies showed up in full force to help students with this fun programas they do each year, as part of the clubs education programs.For information on thiscommunity service organization, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

COURTESY OF ZEPHYRHILLS ART CLUB

Paula Ollie wins Best of ShowPaula Ollie won Best of Show in the Zephyrhills Art Clubannual juried show and sale.Olliehas only been a member of the club for two years, and won two other ribbons as well.Landscapes are her favorite, and she especially likes scenes with birch trees.Her subjectsinclude Florida seascapes, the outdoors, and scenes from her home area in Nebraska. Theart club meets the second Tuesday of each month at Alice Hall in Zephyr Park at 7 p.m. Theclub sponsors demonstrations by noted artists, trips to museums, monthly mini-shows,painting critiques, and classes.


MEDICARE ASSISTANCEEvery Thursday, the New River Library,

34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, hostsa SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs ofElderly) representative to answer Medicarequestions.

For information, call (813) 788-6375.

LIGHTHOUSE RECEIVES GRANTTO HELP THE BLIND

The Lighthouse for the Visually Impairedand Blind received a $2,500 grant from TDCharitable Foundation. The grant will beused to assist visually impaired and blindteens living in Pasco County, by helping tofund the Lighthouses School to WorkTransition Program.

The program aims to provide specializedtraining to help visually impaired and blindteens prepare for living independently asadults, higher education, and employments.Many of these teens drop out of school andfind employment for less pay than theirpeers, with or without a disability.

The program provides year-round train-ing for youths ages 14 to 22. Eachparticipant is individually evaluated, and aplan is developed to focus on their uniqueneeds and goals. Clients participate ingroup-based activities and training one day aweek after school, one Saturday a month,and on teacher planning days. There also isan intensive five-week summer program.

For information, visit the Lighthousewebsite at LVIB.org.

MEDICARE HELPSHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs

of Elderly) will have a volunteer at the LandO Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, onMarch 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, to answerMedicare questions.

For information, call (813) 929-1214 or(352) 567-3576.

CENTER FOR VETERANSThe Pasco County Vet Center, 5139 Deer

Park Drive in New Port Richey, providescounseling for post-traumatic stress disor-der, military sexual trauma, bereavementcounseling, marriage and family counseling,and resources for benefits information andsuicide prevention referrals.

The center is open Monday toWednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.,Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., andFriday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. SomeSaturday appointments are available.

All services are confidential and provid-ed at no cost to the veteran and familymembers.

To learn more, or to schedule a tour ofthe facility, call (727) 372-1854.

Information is also available at www.vet-center.va.gov.

VENOUS DISEASE SEMINARThe Health & Wellness Center at Florida

Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way,will present Deep Venous Thrombosis andChronic Venous Disease: Know the Risk! onMarch 29 at noon.

Dr. Brian Park will discuss the two mostcommon venous diseases that affect feetand legs, and the symptoms and treatment.A free lunch will be provided. Reservationsare required. For information, call (813) 929-5432.

URINARY PROBLEMSRegional Medical Center Bayonet Point

will host a Tuesday Tutorial on CommonUrinary Problems in the Elderly on March29 at the Rao Musunuru MD ConferenceCenter, 14100 Yosemite Drive in Hudson.

Dr. Barry Sadler, board certified urologist,and Dr. Joseph Pino, geriatric medicine, willpresent the seminar.

Registration and lunch start at 11:30a.m., followed by the program at noon.

Reservations are required. For informa-tion, call (727) 869-5498.

HEART-HEALTHY NUTRITIONThe Heart Institute at Regional Medical

Center Bayonet Point will offer a heart-healthy nutrition class on March 30 from 1p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Rao Musunuru MDConference Center, 14100 Yosemite Drive inHudson.

Participants can learn how diet and eat-ing habits can help prevent and treat heartdisease.

The role of different types of fat, choles-terol, sodium and fiber will be explained.Food label reading, recipe modification, andgrocery shopping will be discussed.Handouts will be available for take-homereference.


GENERAL CANCER SUPPORTFlorida Cancer Affiliates, 3611 Little Road

in Trinity, will host a general cancer supportgroup meeting on March 30 from 6 p.m. to7:30 p.m., for anyone who has beentouched by any form of cancer.

Participants will be provided with educa-tional material on cancer and cancertreatment.

Refreshments will be served and reserva-tions are advised.


SPINE SEMINAROak Hill Hospital will host a seminar

called Conservative Spine Treatment,

Continued on next page

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RELAY FOR LIFEThe Wesley Chapel/Wiregrass Ranch

Relay for Life will take place April 1 at 6p.m., at the Wesley Chapel High Schooltrack. Survivors and their caregivers are in-vited to participate in a victory lap aroundthe track, will receive a free T-shirt, dinnerand a gift. This yearly fundraiser for theAmerican Cancer Society will include morethan 35 teams raising money. For informa-tion, email [email protected].

LUTZ SENIOR FACILITY HONOREDMagnolia Manor Assisted Living in Lutz

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SeniorAdvisor.com narrows the list ofmore than 100,000 senior care providers in-cluded on the website to those that haveearned at least a 4.5-star rating (out of 5)from reviewers. Only about 1 percent of thenations senior living facilities make the cut.

If your top priority in choosing a facilityis to keep your loved ones close, or to find ahome that offers memory care, or to stick toa specific price range, please visitSeniorAdvisor.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDSHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs

of Elderly) is in need of volunteers to assistwith the Medicare counseling program. Thenext training class will be April 19. Mealsand transportation expenses are reim-bursed.

For information, contact Sue Samson at(727) 570-9696, ext. 234, or send her anemail at [email protected].

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Dr. Kiran Musunuru, board-certified cardi-ologist, has been chosen to receive thePresidential Early Career Award for scien-tists and engineers. This is the highest honorbestowed by the United States governmenton science and engineering professionals inthe early stages of their independent ca-reers. He was also selected to receive adifferent prestigious national award for hisscientific and volunteer work from theAmerican Heart Association last summer.

Kiran is the son of well-known Dr. RaoMusunuru, who has been practicing cardiolo-gy, serving residents of Pasco and Hernando

counties since 1981, and has been instrumen-tal in establishing the Heart Institute at theRegional Medical Center in Hudson.

Kiran was raised by his parents in PascoCounty. He received his medical degreefrom Cornell University, his doctor of phi-losophy from Rockefeller University, andhis master of public health from JohnsHopkins.

He is pursuing genomic research to finda cure for heart disease, and is presentlyworking to develop a once-in-a-lifetime vac-cine for the prevention of coronary heartdisease.

Kiran Musunuru receives presidential award

OURTESY OF KURT CONOVERDr. Kiran Musunuru, left, with his father, Dr. Rao Musunuru, have received many nationalawards and recognitions over the years.

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NEW SCHOOL NAMEDThe District School Board of Pasco

County has named the new elementaryschool under construction in Wesley ChapelWiregrass Elementary School. The boardvoted unanimously for approval.

Wiregrass Elementary is scheduled toopen in August on Mansfield Boulevard,across from Dr. John Long Middle School.The school will relieve overcrowding atDouble Branch and Sand Pine elementaryschools.

Wiregrass is projected to open with 496students.

Steve Williams is the schools inauguralprincipal, and Melissa Bidgood (appointedby the board) will start as assistant princi-pal.

HEAD START APPLICATIONSBEING ACCEPTED

The Pasco County Schools EarlyChildhood Programs Department will haveopen application days across the county forHead Start and Early Head Start for 2016-2017.

Expectant mothers and parents/guardians of infants, toddlers and childrenthrough age 4 may apply. Eligibility is basedon family need and income.

Locations, dates and times are as follows: Alice Hall Community Center, Zephyr

Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, on March29, April 26 and May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 3p.m.

RCMA-The Stallings Building, 1502914th St., Dade City, on April 20 and May 17,from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lacoochee Elementary School, 38815Cummer Road in Dade City, on April 20 andMay 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

District Office Complex, Portable 23,20425 Gator Lane in Land O Lakes, on April28 and May 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

For required documents and informa-tion, visit PascoSchools.org/ecp, or callAlexis Russell at (727) 774-2730 or (813)794-2730.

HISTORY FAIRPasco-Hernando State College will host a

Wesley Chapel History Fair on March 31from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Porter Campusat Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., inWesley Chapel.

Participants will hear stories and anec-dotes relating to the areas rich and colorfulhistory with special presentations.

Madonna Jervis Wise will discuss hernewest book, Images of America: WesleyChapel.

J. Thomas Touchton, founding chairmanof the Tampa Bay History Center, will intro-duce the historical connection with WesleyChapel and his exhibit at the center.

Angelo Liranzo, librarian, will provide ahands-on demonstration of local historicalresources.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

CONSTITUTIONAL ESSAY CONTEST

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano,as part of Clerk & Comptroller Paula ONeills Constitutional Officers Essay Contest,will accept entries at his office. The contestruns through March 31.

The contest is for Pasco County middleschool students in sixth to eighth grade.Students of Pascos public/charter, private,

nonpublic and home-schools can partici-pate.

In 500 words or less, students must an-swer the question Do You Think Taxes AreToo High or Too Low? Why?

Entries will be reviewed on how wellthe student communicates his or her re-sponse, as well as overall essay structure,appearance and readability.

Students in public/charter schools areasked to submit their essays to their princi-pal, who will forward them to the taxcollectors office.

Students in private, nonpublic or home-schools may send essays directly to GregGiordano, director of customer relations,Pasco County Tax Collectors Office, 8731Citizens Drive, Room 120, New Port Richey,FL 34654.

Entries will be accepted up until 5 p.m.,March 31.

For questions, call Greg Giordano at(727) 847-8179.

SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTESTThe Holliday Karatinos Law Firm PLLC

Scholarship Program is sponsoring an essaycontest to help high school seniors and col-lege students in Florida interested inpursuing an institution of higher education.

Students can submit a one-page essay of600 words on Personal Injury: Concussionsin Sports, addressing whether they thinkthere is enough emphasis on safety insports to prevent concussions, and what thestudent thinks should be done to curb con-cussions in high school athletics.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legalpermanent U.S. resident, be accepted to aninstitution of higher learning, and a highschool senior (who is 18 years of age orolder, or has written parental consent) orcollege student (two-year tech, four-year uni-versity, colleges, undergraduates).

A combined total of $4,500 in scholar-ship grants will be awarded.

The deadline for essay submissions isApril 1. Winners will be contacted and an-nounced by April 15.

For complete details, visit HollidayKaratinos Law Firm PLLC on Facebook.

ROUND UP AT JOHN LONG Dr. John Long Middle School, 2025

Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will hostthe annual PTSA Round Up on April 8from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This is its largest community event tosupport the continued A rated educationneeds of the students. There will be games,prizes, food and a disc jockey.

For information, visit JohnLongPTSA onFacebook, or call (813) 346-6200.

HOMESCHOOL DAYCracker Country, a rural Florida living

history museum at the Florida StateFairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa, willhost Homeschool Day on April 11 from 10a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students can learn about the lives of set-tlers in rural Florida before the turn of the20th century through hands-on activities.The theme for the day is Make and TakeCrafts.

Educators in historic dress will be onhand at the 1885 Carlton House, railroaddepot, general store, church and other au-thentic structures. Participants can maketoys, dolls and helpful items for the house-hold, and can also learn to operate an early20th century printing press and make post-cards.

Admission is $8 per person, ages 4through adult. Children younger than age 3are free. Tickets can be purchased online atCrackerCountry.org.



Send school news to [email protected]

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Cat owners can get a license currently,but it is offered by local veterinarians toclients on a voluntary basis.

Weve always had the voluntary cat li-cense program, said Shumate. It just reallyhasnt taken off.

Pasco is one of only a few counties thatdoesnt have mandatory cat licenses.

Pasco County Commissioner TedSchrader wondered how the license wouldbe enforced.

Pasco County Commissioner JackMariano said raising fees too much couldhave consequences.

If you do this, are people going to getrid of the cats? he asked.

It would be a gamble, Shumate said. But,he added, Were really asking those of uswho can afford it to give the $5.

of-way for the trail along Old Pasco Roadand State Road 52, near the conservationeasement site, according to Pasco CountyAdministrator Michele Baker.

The Florida Department ofTransportation also is building a bridge aspart of its widening and realignment proj-

ect along Interstate 75 and State Road 52.State officials said there would be an under-pass below the bridge for the county tobuild a trail connector.

Starkey envisions the trail as a redevel-opment tool for the Land O Lakes area,similar to a walking and bicycle trail estab-lished through Dunedin in Pinellas County.

It has great potential to be an econom-ic draw in Land O Lakes, she said.

To local residents, the coming develop-ment is a warning flag for more traffic, andadded dangers to pedestrians and bicyclistswho already share the road with motoristswho navigate Leonard Roads curves.

Residents have lobbied for years to get asidewalk on the north side of Leonard.

Were not asking for an amenity, saidMike Benjamin. This is a safety issue. Theresgoing to be substantially more traffic, and italready is way dangerous.

On a recent afternoon, a couple walkedalong the roads shoulder toward U.S. 41. Aman trudged in the opposite direction, tot-ing a plastic bag filled with items purchasedat a local store.

And, a young boy pedaled his bicycle ascars passed by in each direction.

That is a daily trek for many residents. Benjamin knows of three residents, in

motorized wheelchairs, who hang close tothe edge of the pavement as they head toU.S. 41.

Two years ago, David Haynes landed inthe gully with banged up knees when hefell from his bicycle, as two vehicles nearlycollided along a curve in the road.

There was no place to get off the road,he said.

When traffic comes around the corner,Benjamin said, People cant see them in ad-vance.

In winter months, the woods on thesouth side of the road are bare. But, oncespring arrives, trees will bloom, andBenjamin said, It will further impede any-ones vision going around the curve.

The worst stretch of Leonard is from U.S.41 to Cot Road at the entrance into LakeComo Family Nudist Resort. Speed limitsigns warn motorists heading west to slowto 20 miles per hour as they enter the firstcurve, a short distance from Lake Como. Theposted speed falls to 15 miles per hour infront of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,which operates the Little Lambs Preschool.A second curve swings past Lake Como be-fore the road straightens on its path towardHenley Road, and Leonards dead-end beforeState Road 54.

Nearly 110 children attend the churchspreschool. Drop-offs and pick-ups add up toabout 107,000 annual vehicle trips, accord-ing to Ed Klaameyer, property director onthe churchs board of directors.

Thats a lot of potential issues, he said.Two years ago, residents gathered more

than 190 signatures on a petition asking fora sidewalk. Last year, they were hopefulwhen the county planted surveying stakes.But, nothing happened.

In October, more than 20 residents ofLeonard Road came to a town hall meeting,

held by Pasco County Chairwoman KathrynStarkey and county officials. They hoped toplead their case publicly, but landed at thebottom of the agenda list.

The meeting ran long, and sidewalksnever came up.

We were all disappointed, Benjaminsaid. Our voice was never heard.

Benjamin has sent some 50 emails andmade numerous phone calls to keep push-ing for help.

Starkey is a frequent recipient of emailsand phone calls from area residents. She issympathetic to their cause.

Im working on it, she said. Im tryingto find a solution.

Leonard Road is on the countys prioritylist of alternative transportation projects,but it sits just one position above last placeon a list of 23 priorities. It is a list updatedevery year and given to the FloridaDepartment of Transportation as a guide inwhat projects to fund in Pasco with federaldollars.

Leonard wont be funded in 2016 andlikely not in 2017, said Allen Howell, thecountys senior planner for bicycles andpedestrians.

In an email sent to Benjamin about twoyears ago, Howell cited the estimated side-walk cost at about $176,000. As of June2015, the cost was pegged at about$250,000.

Projects for new sidewalks and trailsstart with requests from citizens, countystaff and county commissioners. They areranked on a point system for criteria such assafety, connectivity to existing sidewalksand trails, accessibility to schools and transitstops, and improved mobility in low-comeand minority neighborhoods.

Roads with faster speeds, such as 45miles per hour, get more points than roadswith slower speeds of 30 mph or lower.

I really feel sorry for them out there, butthe hard reality is its one of hundreds ofareas that are unsafe because of no side-walks, Howell said. Its tough selecting thepriority to see which gets a sidewalk first.

But, Benjamin said federal money isntthe only option, since Pasco residents sup-ported renewal of the Penny for Pascoprogram.

We elected people to go and figure outhow to get these things built for us, he said.

The neighborhood has done some thingson its own for safety. Holy Trinity handedout bright orange safety vests to residentswho are frequent walkers or bicyclists onLeonard.

You really have to have your wits aboutyou to deal with traffic, said Klaameyer.

Haynes never leaves home without hiswhen he hops aboard his bicycle.

Im trying to keep from getting hit, hesaid.

SIDEWALK, from page 1A ANIMAL, from page 1A

LAND, from page 1A

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SUNLAKE SOFTBALL PLAYER OFFTO POWERFUL START

Sunlake senior Gianna Basilone leads allsoftball hitters in the Tampa area regionwith seven home runs. She also has 25 RBIsto go along with a .418 batting average. Lastseason, Basilone hit six home runs and had23 RBIs. She holds a scholarship offer fromOklahoma State University. The Seahawkscurrently stand at 11-7, with a 6-3 mark indistrict play.

LAND O LAKES PITCHER PACES GATORS

Land O Lakes senior ace Shannon Saileleads all pitchers in Pasco County with a0.79 ERA and 139 strikeouts. The right-han-der also has 10-2 W-L mark in 15appearances, and has compiled at least 10strikeouts in four of her last five games. Saileis a Florida International University (FIU)softball commit. Land O Lakes stands at 15-2-1 as of March 18.

NEW DATE SET FOR CYCLINGFOR AUTISM

The Tampa Interbay Rotary Club is host-ing the seventh annual Cycling for Autismevent on Saturday, April 2 at 8 a.m., at thePasco Rotary Pavilion, 15325 Alric Pottberg

Road in Spring Hill. Those interested can be asponsor, enter a cycling team, ride as an indi-vidual, volunteer, or support a rider. Therewill be a 3-mile, 6-mile, 12-mile, 25-mile and50-mile track. The event was originally sched-uled for March 19, but was postponed due toforecasted inclement weather. For informa-tion, contact Ken Hopkins at (336)-471-5709,or email [email protected].

FURRY FRIENDS 5K SET FOR APRIL 9

The Pasco County Animal Shelter is host-ing its second annual Furry Friends 5K onApril 9. The run starts at 8 a.m., in front ofthe Wilderness Lake Preserve Lodge, 21329Wilderness Lake Blvd., in Land O Lakes. Torun the race, participants must bring one

donation item per person. Food and sup-plies will be donated to the animal shelter.Animals will be available for adoption at theend of the race. For information, visitKathyHennessyPT.wix.com/furry-friends-5k.

PEPIN CHARITY FISHINGTOURNAMENT SET

Pepin Academies is hosting its firstCatchin for Pepin Fishing Tournament onSunday, April 3 at Catches Waterfront Grille,7811Bayview St., in Port Richey. The catch-and-release fishing tournament starts at 8a.m. It includes a raffle, live entertainmentand awards ceremony for participants.Sponsorships are available. For more infor-mation, contact Kelly Mothershead at (813)344-3325.

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CHECKTHIS OUT

Local soccer player signs with Division 1 teamBy Kevin [email protected]

Mikey Connell the son of a formerlocal soccer legend has signed a nationalletter of intent with the University of NorthFlorida in Jacksonville.

The Steinbrenner High standout is theson of former Tampa Bay Rowdies star MikeConnell.

The 6-foot-1 midfielder will be coachedat the Division I college by DerekMarinatos, whos in his sixth year as UNFshead coach.

Connell signed his national letter of in-tent with UNF on Feb. 3, two weeks afterending his high school soccer career.

While Connell had a few other collegeoffers, he decided on UNF after meetingwith the coaching staff and visiting the cam-pus.

The three-time All-County selection is re-lieved to have the recruiting process behindhim.

It was a very stressful process, Mikeysaid, because youre always thinking aboutwhere you are. If a school doesnt offer you,youre thinking, Oh no, Im running out oftime; signing day is coming up. Once I com-mitted, it was easy going into the (soccer)showcases and just focusing on playing, andnot worry about attracting coaches to mystyle of play.

He will be joining a team which has fin-ished over .500 for three straight seasons.The university became an even more attrac-tive option for Connell after one of theteams players, midfielder Alex Morrell (of

Lakeland), was drafted 22nd overall in the2016 MLS (Major League Soccer)SuperDraft.

That was a big factor in my decision,said Connell, who hopes to play profession-al soccer after he finishes college. The factthey can produce those type of players

gives me an opportunity to prove myself onthat big stage.

His father noted it was important to put(Mikey) in the hands of someone that willtake him to the next level.

Certainly, the coaching staff there un-derstands the challenge of preparing playersand delivering players to the professionalranks, which was very important, Mike said.

This past season, Connell was one of themost productive players in HillsboroughCounty, scoring 26 goals and dishing out 19assists.

While hes been a very, very good highschool player, everything resets and now(hes) going to go and have to do it again,Connells father said about playing DivisionI soccer. The fact that he has the opportuni-ty to improve himself at this next level is allyou ask for. Now, its up to him to go and un-derstand the challenge.

Throughout his illustrious high schoolcareer, Connell said hes become more con-fident in his abilities, which is highlightedby his attacking style of play, and his pen-chant for facilitating scoring opportunitiesfor teammates.

I feel like I see things that most playersdo not see, said Connell, who helped guideSteinbrenner to a district championship in2014 and a regional championship in 2013.Im left-footed, so thats a unique character-istic. I can take people on with the ball, Ican score goals, and I can assist.

Ive really tried to hone my game intoan all-around kind of player over the pastfew years.

His father, a 10-year veteran of the Tampa

Bay Rowdies, agrees with that assessment.Hes very confident receiving the ball

and holding the ball when he has it. Hedoesnt panic under pressure, Mike ex-plained. His strongest asset is his vision ofthe game, the creative side of the game.

Additionally, Mike said his son has be-come a better leader of his teammatessince he started playing for Steinbrenner.

Hes seeing the game on a bigger scale....Just maturing with the game and the ex-pectations of a bigger, stronger, morephysical game, Mike said.

Mike believes his son has the talent toplay professionally, but adds theres still alot of development to come.

Theres the right of passage to fight thefight against everyone out there that mayhave that (professional) ambition, Mikesaid. Certainly, had he grown up in the soc-cer environments of South Africa or Europe,he would be further along.

In addition to playing for Steinbrenner,Connell also plays for the Tampa Rangers, aclub soccer team directed by his father.

The opportunity to be instructed bysomeone whos played professional soccerfor over a decade has been a key toConnells development.

Hes the biggest impact on my life,coaching wise, Connell said about his fa-ther. Hes been my main coach since I was11 when I was on his club team, and hesbeen coaching me on my own whenever Istarted walking.

Hes definitely been the biggest influ-ence in my life on the game of soccer, hesaid.

By Kevin [email protected]

Sunlake High Schools competitivecheerleading season may be over, but theawards are tumbling in.

Senior cheerleader Amanda Slozer andhead coach Pennye Garcia recently receivedthe Sunshine Athletic Conferences (SAC)Cheerleader of the Year and Coach of theYear for the East Pasco division, respectively.

Slozer, 18, said she was shocked whenshe found out she was being awarded forher individual performance.

I just wasnt expecting it, she said,humbly.

However, her coach wasnt the least bitsurprised that Slozer, one of the teams cap-tains, was recognized due to thecheerleaders diverse skillset.

Stuntingshes as strong as anything; Ican always put her anywhere, Garcia said.Whenever I needed to have the moststrength in (a routine), thats where shewould go.

Slozer had the perfect combination ofskill and character needed for a team to besuccessful, added Garcia, who has been acheerleader coach for 13 years, the longest-standing in Pasco County,

When you have (a cheerleader) that hasthe quality that you want in a kid and theskill level, its great, said Garcia, who is fasci-nated by Slozers tumbling ability. Shes veryresponsible, dependable, caring; just a greatindividual.

Slozer, whos been cheering since shewas 7 years old, realizes a lot of peopledont understand the challenges and sacri-fices of being a competitive cheerleader especially when it comes to being a part ofa Garcia-coached team.

I feel like a lot of people just think westand on the track at football gamesbut

they dont understand the competition sea-son is the most serious thing that we haveto do, she explained. We practice for sever-al weeks and several hours at a time, andthe work we do while were at practice isnot just standing around.

The Sunlake competitive cheer team fin-ished the year with the highest scoringaverage in the county74.51 and ad-vanced to the FHSAA (Florida High SchoolAthletic Association) state meet in lateJanuary, placing third in the Class 1A SmallDivision.

Garcia, who helped guide Sunlake to astate title in the 2013-2014 season, was hop-ing for a first or second place finish at thisyears state championships, knowing thesquads high ceiling going into the season.

This team had a little bit more talentthan my state (title) team. They got someskills a lot quicker, said Garcia, who alsowon Pasco County Coach of the Year in2014.

This team was a lot more laid back thanmy state team. They were not, as a whole, asambitious until the last minute, where it has

to be ambitious from the get-go, Garcia said.As one of the premier cheerleading

coaches in the area, Garcia has maintained asuccessful track record at Sunlake threeconsecutive state appearances by instill-ing discipline, consistency and purpose, andmaintaining the quality of cheerleaders sheselects for her varsity squad.

I have to stick to my guns and betough, the head coach said. If I would notbe tough like I am, it would be very easy forthe kids to lay back and want everything,but not want to work for it. I cant functionlike that.

Slozer has witnessed the grind firsthand,whether its attending 6 a.m. practices orparticipating in countless post-practicereps.

She is tough, but shes the best thingthats ever happened to this program, I feellike, Slozer said about Coach Garcia. Shecares a lot about it, so that helps.

I feel like over the past three yearsweve had different rivals every year, be-cause the teams are all different every time,but weve stayed pretty consistent, she said.

To perform a seamless 2 -minute rou-tine, which consists of standing and runningtumbling, transitions and stunting, Garcia en-sures her squad is fully equipped to earnhigh scores in competitions.

I practice them until its ready, Garciasaid, pointing out that stunting is the mostimportant part of a routine. If its not ready,I will have them do whatever we need todo until I feel like its done.

While the season is over, Garcias mind isfocused on the programs next step

The Laker-Land O' Lakes/Lutz-March 23, 2016

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