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Santa Lends An Ear To Kids At Mall

Tribune photo by FRED BELLET

Hailey DaFoe, 2, of Port Richey has a talk with Santa Claus before venturing to his lap during a visit at Gulf View Square Mall. Hailey was there with her grandmother, Phyllis Hart of Hudson.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 25, 2008

Santa Claus probably is getting a good rest right about now after a night of fulfilling Christmas wishes. He checked his list (not once, but twice) and sat for hours at the Gulf View Square mall in Port Richey listening to the whispers - and sometimes wails and screeches - of children from Pasco County and nearby areas.

Those taking to his lap, or at least standing nearby, ranged from young Cody Presta, who met Santa last year, but had to be coaxed into posing for a photograph this year, to a crying Joshua St. Jernquist, 18 months, of Port Richey. Eight-month-old Ava DeSimone managed to pull the jolly old elf's hat off his head as her sister Layla DeSimone, 3, remained calm upon his lap.

Twins Zachery and Elizabeth Meyer, 5 months, kept an eye on the guy with the white beard.

Hailey DaFoe, 2, of Port Richey, had to have a little chat with Santa Claus before venturing close. Scotti Folino, 2, of New Port Richey, sported a big smile as he landed on Santa's lap.

All in all, it was a successful visit with St. Nick.

A staff report

Keyword: Santa Claus at Gulf View for more photos.

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