Kumquat FestivalÂź Jan. 25!

By Gary Nager,

Kumquat Festival 2013
Kumquat Festival 2013

The Dade City Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again present the unique, quaint and family fun of “old Florida” during the Chamber’s 17th annual Kumquat Festival¼ on Saturday, January 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in historic downtown Dade City — it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce has established a flagship event that celebrates everything that makes the Dade City area unique, while encouraging visitors to participate in the fun! Since the nearby town of St. Joseph was already known as the “Kumquat Capital of the World,” the Dade City Chamber decided that this little fruit with the funny name could be the focus of an annual festival.

Come enjoy live music, delicious food, family fun and the “little gem of the citrus industry” — the kumquat — with kumquat pies and products, arts & crafts, a great car show, a health & wellness section, children’s activities, a farmers market and much more.

For more info, call the Dade City Chamber at (352) 567-3769, visit DadeCityChamber.org

Pasco Administrator, Clerk Address Community In Respective Meetings

Wesley Chapel Rotary president Eric Johnson & Pasco County administrator Michele Baker.
Wesley Chapel Rotary president Eric Johnson & Pasco County administrator Michele Baker.

By Gary Nager and Matt Wiley

Although I had never formally met Pasco County administrator Michele Baker before my January 8 Wesley Chapel (Noon) Rotary Club meeting at Ciao! Italian Bistro in the Shops at Wiregrass mall, I actually had two opportunities to hear the former longtime assistant to former administrator John Gallagher speak in two days.Continue reading

Wesley Chapel Man Arrested In Stabbing Death

By Matt Wiley,

Cleave Gittens
Cleave Gittens

A Zephyrhills High student has died, following a stabbing in Wesley Chapel.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), following an argument around 3:30 p.m. on December 13, 16-year-old Tuvarrion Sirmons was stabbed multiple times by Cleave Shavon Gittens, 18, of New Port Richey, at the Meadow Pointe II clubhouse.

PCSO reports that Gittens stabbed Sirmons two times and then fled the scene, throwing the knife into a nearby wooded area. Gittens was apprehended at his home at 7:30 p.m. and admitted after his arrest that he had gone to the clubhouse to provoke Sirmons.

PCSO spokesman Doug Tobin says that the stabbing followed a verbal dispute that occurred at a residence about two blocks from the Meadow Pointe II clubhouse that had de-escalated.

A witness told deputies that Gittens came into the Meadow Pointe II clubhouse and challenged Sirmons to a fight, saying that he would “kill him.” The arrest report states that Gittens was throwing rocks at Sirmons. The two faced each other, during which time Gittens grabbed the unarmed Sirmons’ arms and stabbed him with a knife, the report states. Sirmons was taken to an undisclosed Tampa hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

Gittens remains in custody in lieu of a $100,000 bond. Tobin says that Gittens has been “well known” to PCSO since he moved to the area about two years ago and had several juvenile charges for drugs and criminal mischief.

Wesley Chapel Man Dies In S.R. 52 Crash

By Matt Wiley,

A Wesley Chapel man has died following a crash von S.R. 52.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Justin Mark Bittle, 29, of Wesley Chapel, was driving his Toyota Tundra westbound on S.R. 52 around 5:23 p.m., approaching a private driveway, east of U.S. 41 in Land O’Lakes.

FHP reports that Bittle changed lanes to pass another vehicle and lost control of his truck upon reentering the westbound lane. The Tundra hit the shoulder of S.R. 52, spun counter-clockwise and crossed over to the south shoulder before hitting a tree.

FHP reports that the collision separated the cab of the truck from the back section and that Bittle was ejected upon impact. He died from his injuries at the scene.