Wednesday, January 2, 2013
We rounded up some of our favorite Lutz stories since our August launch. What did you enjoy reading most this year?
As the countdown to 2013 began, we looked back on some of the stories we featured since Lutz Patch launched in August. Care to reminisce with us? Here are the headline highlights from our "Best Of" series. Best of 2012: Success of Lutz Business Rides on Comfort Best of 2012: Olympic Gold Medalist From Lutz Wows Shriners Hospital Crowd Best of 2012: Retired 'Carnie' Breathes Life Into Broken Radios Best of 2012: Drinking Band With a Worship Problem Keeps Christianity 'Real' Best of 2012: Lutz Man Turns Rusty Metal, Used Car Parts into Works of Art Let Patch save you time. Get local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The most unusual item Andy Hamilton has used in a piece? “Old potato ricers for bird’s heads,” he says.
As 2012 comes to a close, Lutz Patch is taking a look back at some of the stories we've covered since the site launched in August, as we look forward to a new year in the Lutz community. Longtime Lutz resident Andy Hamilton's wife says he is " a little off." That assessment helped when it came to naming the business the 65-year-old recently launched, Twisted Mind Rusty Metal. Hamilton spent 40 years as a mason and 18 years as the owner of his own construction company. Then art took hold. As the owner of Twisted Mind, founded about a year ago, Hamilton turns used materials such as car parts and everyday tools into eclectic garden art. The first items he created were plant holders, Hamilton said. And it grew from there. If you want to read …
Monday, December 31, 2012
The Lutz-based group brings in people who might not otherwise have ever stepped into a church, band members say.
As 2012 comes to a close, Lutz Patch is taking a look back at some of the stories we've covered since the site launched in August, as we look forward to a new year in the Lutz community. In September, we brought you the story of a local band that's out to change the face of Christianity: They have attitude, and they have grace. They’re Christian musicians “hell-bent” on changing the world, one song—one person—at a time. The Lutz-based Drinking Band with a Worship Problem came together somewhat serendipitously. Elizabeth Olson Bergeron, 35, was invited to sing at a funeral at Tim’s Memorial Presbyterian Church in early 2011. It was there the lifelong vocalist—with seven Grand Ole Oprey performances under her belt—reconnected with childhood …
Sunday, December 30, 2012
John Vick, a former carnival electrician, fixes and sells antique radios from his Lutz home.
As 2012 comes to a close, Lutz Patch is taking a look back at some of the stories we've covered since the site launched in August, as we look forward to a new year in the Lutz community. Ever wondered about the "radios for sale" sign on Nebraska Avenue? We did. Patch editor John Majeski stopped by to see just what was for sale. And stepped back in time: John Vick, 64 opens the lock on one of the trailers in his yard to reveal hundreds of antique radios. “It’s mostly AM and shortwave,” says Vick. “Back then they didn’t have FM.” Vick fixes up and sells the radios, advertising with a simple sign in the front yard of his home at 16370 N. Nebraska Ave. The 64-year-old Lutz man said his father, Ance Vick, nurtured his interest in electronics, …
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Olympic women’s relay race winner Tianna Madison of Lutz stops by Shriners Hospital for Children to visit youngsters and their parents.
As 2012 comes to a close, Lutz Patch is taking a look back at some of the stories we've covered since the site launched in August, as we look forward to a new year in the Lutz community. One of our favorites this year was the story of Olympic Gold Medalist Tianna Madison's visit to Shriners Hospital for Children Tampa. Madison, 26, of Lutz, led the United States women’s relay team to victory in London’s 2012 Olympics. It was the first time since 1992 the American women’s 4-x-100 meter relay team finished first in the event. They also set a new world record. Patients such as Rebecca McCormack, 12, couldn’t take her eyes off the woman seated beside her with a gold medal dangling from her neck. If you want to read the full story, you can find…
Friday, December 28, 2012
Tampa Bay Recreation owner Steve Toll's patented bike seats buck tradition—and elite athletes worldwide have hopped on board.
As 2012 comes to a close, Lutz Patch is taking a look back at some of the stories we've covered since the site launched in August, as we look forward to a new year in the Lutz community. One of the first stories we published was that of Steve Toll. His company, Tampa Bay Recreation, grew from humble beginnings in the living room and garage of his Lutz home to a 3,000-square-foot warehouse off State Road 54. We caught up with him shortly after his business struck gold. Nicola Spirig claimed Switzerland’s first gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, winning the women’s triathlon in a photo finish. And she did it riding one of Tampa Bay Recreation's ISM (Ideal Saddle Modification) seats. Toll and his wife, Laura, were there. “It was pretty …
