About Us

“Ben moved to Lutz in 1952. He was involved in Boy Scout Troops 212, 12 and became an Eagle Scout in 1965. He was part of the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department from 1967-1986. Ben was involved with Old Mac Donald’s Farm and Citizens for the Bicentennial. Ben was active with the Spook House before it was moved to the Old Lutz School. He became more involved with the Old Lutz School after leaving the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department. Ben and his wife Beth share their extensive train collection with the Lutz community each year at Christmas.”

Phyllis Hoedt has lived in Lutz since 1969.  She has been active at the Old Lutz School since helping to save it from demolition in 1975. Phyllis has been all over Lutz as she has volunteered with the GFWC Lutz/Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, the Old Lutz School, he Arts and Crafts Show at Lake Park,and the Lutz Independence Day Parade. Phyllis is currently an honorary board member.

“I moved to Lutz with my two girls in 1960. As a working gal, I didn’t get involved with the Old Lutz School until sometime during the Haunted House days (nights). I would go over after supper and help take the entry money.  After retiring and getting involved with the Woman’s Club, I also became part of the OLS “gang”.  I really enjoy the people and feel that my small part helps. “

“I am a Florida native who was born and raised in Tampa until the age of fourteen (1974) when we movedto Lutz where I have lived since.  I began working at Heidt & Associates, Inc. in June of 1986. As happened with so many companies duringwith down turn in 2009 H&A had to close its doors.  Fortunately several of the principals at H&A formed Heidt Design, LLC which gave a small group of employees, including myself, the opportunity to begin working at the new company immediately after the original company closed.In 1988 I married Ben Nevel and because of his connection to the Old Lutz School began volunteering there.  Though I did not actually go to the Old Lutz School my mother, aunts, uncles, brother and sister all attended school there. My parents taught me the importance of love of family and the hard work.  My husband taught me the importance of community service.  I am very proud of the work we’ve done and continue to do at The Old Lutz School!!”

I am a Florida native born in Tampa.  I moved to Alaska then California at 5 years old. I moved back to Florida (Lake Wales) and then to Lutz in 1968. I attended Lutz Elementary School for 2nd to 5th grade. My 4th grade year was in the Old School building in 1970. I was a member of Cub Scout pack 212, Boy Scout Troop 212, and earned Eagle Scout in 1977. I volunteered at Lutz Volunteer Fire Dept. as a Jr fireman from1971- 1977 and as a firefighter from 1977-1982. I worked for the City of  Tampa Fire Department for 30 years from 1980-2010.  I helped with Old Mac Donald’s farm and Citizens for the Bicentennial.I started with the Lutz haunted house in 1975 at the Lutz Community Center before it moved to the Old Lutz School in 1979. I was the Mad Doctor and floor plan designer-builder for the annual event. I have volunteered with the Old Lutz School from the time the school was turned over to Citizens for the Old Lutz School in 1979.

I married Deborah in 1983. We enjoy sharing our trains and Christmas displays each year with the Lutz community.