The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Business Digest 08/28/2019

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(Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

Credit Union sponsors chamber breakfast
Chris Del Cotto, left, Suncoast Credit Union’s service center manager, gave a presentation at the monthly business breakfast of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. He is shown here with John Moors, executive director of the Dade City chamber. The breakfast, held at Kafe Kokopelli, was hosted by Suncoast Credit Union. Three other speakers talked about ‘business wins.’ They were Taylor Kelly, of Raymond James Financial Services; Kyle Verbeek, of Maronda Homes; and, Richard Hayes, Digital Lightbridge.

(Courtesy of John Smith Subs)

New sub shop opens
Jon Smith Subs had its grand opening on Aug. 15, in The Shoppes of Ballantrae Village, 17790 State Road 54, Unit 104, in Land O’ Lakes. Beyond serving subs at the restaurant, the business also offers catering options. ‘It’s an honor to have such wonderful support from the local business community, as well as the residents of the area,’ Jonathan Gilpin, franchisee of the Jon Smith Subs Lutz, said in a release.

 

 

 

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber awards gala
The 20th annual North Tampa Bay Awards Gala, set for Nov. 7, will honor local businesses, volunteer civic organizations, and company leaders for contributions they make to the regional economy and the community. The event will be at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd., in Tampa, and will include a VIP Reception and dinner. A VIP Reception ticket includes an hour of networking, two drinks, passed appetizers, and entertainment.  The $75 dinner ticket includes a three-course meal and the awards presentation. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Women-n-Charge
Women-n-Charge will meet Sept. 6 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The featured speaker will be Jim Howard, of Trinity Security Allies, on the topic of “Situational Awareness.” The meeting includes lunch, a presentation, and time to network. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests who RSVP by Monday prior to the meeting. Tuesday and after, the cost is $20 for members and $23 for guests. Please register at Women-n-Charge.com/meetings/. For more information or to RSVP, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Free business seminars

  • How to really start your business, Sept. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at SMARTstart Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City.
  • Creating a successful business plan, Sept. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.
  • How to use the Internet in your business, Sept. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

These sessions are free, but space is limited. Register at PascoHernando.score.org.

New U-Haul location
Cahills Motorsports at 8820 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, is now offering U-Haul products and services.

County purchases equipment
The Pasco County Commission has approved the purchase and installation of playground equipment for an accessible playground the county is creating at the Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road. The equipment will be purchased from Game Time Inc., utilizing an existing U.S. Communities Contract, for an amount not to exceed $324,774.49.

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has its monthly business breakfast on the first Thursday of the month at 7 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6856 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco is the scheduled speaker. The cost is $8 for members and $10 for visitors.

New Dollar General location
Dollar General opened a new location at 8965 County Road 54 in Zephyrhills, with a grand opening celebration on Aug. 24.

Pasco school year gets off to a smooth start

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Five-year-old Joshua Cortes was eager to begin his first day of kindergarten at Pine View Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes.

Five-year-old Joshua Cortes is excited to begin his first day of kindergarten at Pine View Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

The youngster was beaming as his parents took his picture near a welcome sign at the school — the perfect prop for a photo op.

A little while later, as buses rolled into the bus loop, Pine View staff greeted students as they exited the bus.

They saw many familiar faces, and  they offered kind remarks, welcoming students and commenting on such things as a new haircut or new pair of shoes.

Meanwhile, across campus, teachers were ready for another year.

Art teacher Kimber White is enthusiastic about teaching at Pine View Elementary, which has been officially authorized as Pasco County’s first International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. (B.C. Manion)

Art teacher Kimber White expressed enthusiasm about teaching at Pasco County’s first officially authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

The IB PYP highly regards the arts, encouraging creativity and innovation, across the disciplines.

Third-grade teacher Monica Woods aimed to set a positive tone for the children entering in her class. The room was cheerful, with warm touches, including this greeting: “Welcome to third grade, you’re going to love it here.”

Assistant Principal Mary Reynolds, an educator for 30 years, said she never gets over the potential the beginning of a new school year represents. She gets so excited that she can never sleep the night before a first school day.

Principal Kay Moore has a tradition. She holds an assembly and rings in the new year with an old-fashioned bell. It’s a time-honored ritual, signifying the start of something important, she said.

Mary Reynolds, assistant principal at Pine View Elementary, said she can never sleep the night before the first day of school because she’s so eager to begin a new year. (B.C. Manion)

As Pine View settled in for the day, first day scenes were taking place across the district. Parents were busy dropping their kids off, big yellow buses were picking up kids in subdivisions and school staffs were busy getting the 2019-2020 school year started.

At Cypress Creek Middle High in Wesley Chapel, students streamed on to campus, where they were greeted by staff members, who directed traffic and answered questions.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said he’d heard good reports across the district.

“It has been a good week. It has been an exceptionally good week,” he told members of The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, during a breakfast meeting.

As the sun rises on the first day of school, Cypress Creek Middle High School Assistant Principal Donna Gricoski, right, greets students exiting the buses. (Christine Holtzman)

“As I’ve traveled to schools, I’ve talked to teachers, I’ve talked to parents, I’ve talked to principals, I’ve talked to kids — and almost without exception they’ve said, ‘You know, it seems like one of the smoothest school starts we’ve had.

“There hasn’t been all of the hateful, mean Twitter, Facebook chatter out there — which people are so quick to get out on social media, and start trashing people without the facts,” Browning added.

He also noted that the school district continues to grow at a rapid pace.

The school year began with about 1,300 more students than on the same day last year, he said, noting that’s the equivalent of a large district middle school.

Published August 21, 2019

Note: First day of school student photos can be found in our e-edition!

All kids deserve same academic opportunities, Browning says

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Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning was addressing The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and he was on a roll.

“Every child needs to have those same academic opportunities as kids in affluent neighborhoods,” Browning said, during the chamber’s breakfast meeting last week.

“If we intend to educate our kids and really meet up with that whole idea of college, career and life readiness, we have got to look at every child in this district.”

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said setting high expectations is essential because students will rise to the occasion. (B.C. Manion)

It’s not an easy feat, the superintendent added.

“It takes a lot of effort, it takes a lot of resources, for the teachers in our district to really tailor education for every one of the students they touch,” he noted.

Things aren’t the way they were in the past, he continued.

“It used to be you had 25 kids in a classroom — either you got it or you didn’t get it.

“We’ve shifted from all of that. We are really looking at individual kids, cycling back in, picking those kids up, reteaching things that need to be retaught — because at the end of the day, it’s not just about completing seat time, it’s about making sure that after 180 days our kids can master those standards — that they are college, career and life ready.

“And, I mean life ready. This life will chew them up and spit them out if they’re not ready,” Browning said.

Students must be challenged — and  high expectations lead to better performance by all kids, not just smart kids, Browning added.

“Let kids do the problem solving. Let them do the critical thinking. Let them own their learning,” Browning said.

“The research shows if you put grade-level assignments in front of kids, they will struggle — but guess what — they will learn it,” Browning said.

He talked about the district’s efforts to introduce the Cambridge curriculum into more of its schools. It’s academically challenging, but can yield 100 percent Bright Future scholarships from the state, for students passing seven assessments, Browning said.

He talks about encounters he’s had with parents  when he has been out and about in the community.

“I’ll be in Publix, pushing my cart in the produce section, filling it up.

“They’ll say, ‘Are you Superintendent Browning?’

Browning: “I am.”

(Parents) ‘I want you to know we had our daughter in Cambridge. She’s not going to be in Cambridge when she comes back from Christmas break.’

Browning: “Why not? Cambridge is a great program.”

(Parents) ‘It’s just too hard.’

Browning: “I’m going, ‘Really. It’s too hard. Life’s hard.

“If everything is easy and simple, then where’s the learning? Where is the learning.

“You struggle in school. You’re supposed to struggle.

“It’s not supposed to be about proms and homecomings and football games on Friday night. “That’s part of the experience.

“What it’s about is making sure you are ready to get out in this very, very tough world and survive,” Browning said.

“If I have kids that can’t survive, then I have let you down. I’ve let this community down, and that is the message we’ve been preaching, over and over and over again.

“If anything is worth having, it’s worth working for,” the superintendent said.

Of course, Browning added, such high expectations requires teachers to think about the way that they’ve been delivering instruction in their classrooms, the superintendent added.

And, that begs the question: “Are our kids worth it, to ensure that they get the very best education?

“I’ll tell you what the answer to that question is, ‘Absolutely, yes, they are worth it,’” Browning said.

At the same time, excellence in teaching should be rewarded, Browning said.

“We’ve got some of the most talented teachers in the state and they work tirelessly. My goal is trying to find more money to pay them a higher salary, so we can keep the very best.

“I keep going to Tallahassee. I keep talking to the legislative delegation. We have got to pay teachers more, in order to keep great teachers here,” he said.

The superintendent updated the crowd regarding ongoing construction projects, plans to introduce more rigorous programs in some West Pasco Schools, efforts to expand mental health services and ongoing work regarding school security.

Published August 21, 2019

Skills training program led to White House trip

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Patrick Pinnone was wrapping up a five-year stint in the U.S. Marines when he heard about a training program offered by Home Builders Institute (HBI) — an educational arm of American Home Builders.

It was exactly what he was looking for, as he prepared to make the transition to civilian life.

But, there was a problem.

Patrick Pinnone, of Dade City, back row, left, was invited to attend an event in Washington D.C., after completing an HBI training program. Others pictured are Gustavo Ramirez-Rodriguez, back row right; and front row, from left, Cullen Clebe; Greg Ugalde, NAHB Chairman of the Board; and Champagne Smith. (Courtesy of National Association of Home Builders)

The program wasn’t being offered at Camp Lejeune, the Marine base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he was stationed.

It was available at Fort Bragg, an Army base just west of Fayetteville, North Carolina, two hours away from his chain of command.

Pinnone was not dissuaded.

“I had to jump through hoops to get my chain of command to approve it,” he recalled.

But, he was persistent and gained approval — and became the first Marine to complete the HBI training.

And, the efforts he put forth during training led to an invitation for a trip to the White House.

He went to the nation’s capital to attend a follow-up ceremony to the July 2018 Pledge to America’s Workers.

That pledge was signed by President Donald Trump and many trade organizations, including the National Association of Home Builders and its workforce development arm, HBI, to show their commitment to create new jobs through apprenticeships, training programs, continuing education and so on.

Pinnone, who lives in Dade City, enjoyed the event.

“It was surreal. I never expected I would ever get a chance to go into the White House,” he said, adding he couldn’t believe he was in the same room as numerous top-ranking government officials, including the president and Vice President Mike Pence.

The president was there for the ceremony, but left quickly after it ended. Pence stayed longer, circulating around the room to shake hands and pose for photos.

Pinnone said he also was impressed by HBI’s training program.

He said students in the program learned skills required for residential construction work, including carpentry, foundations, siding, painting, roofing and drywall.

After finishing the HBI program, he picked up three jobs — including one with Lyle Bleachers Inc., which builds bleachers for gymnasiums and athletic fields throughout Florida.

David Lyle, president of Lyle Bleachers Inc., said the HBI training served Pinnone well.

“I think it definitely prepared him for working in our field, which is a construction-type industry,” Lyle said.

He applauded HBI’s efforts and said he’d like to see an increase in such programs.

“We need hands-on skilled laborers in this country,” Lyle said.

Pinnone said the value of the experience went beyond the skills he learned through the training.

His main takeaway? “The initiative you put out, will pay off in the end,” Pinnone said.

Pinnone, a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, is now enrolled at Saint Leo University, where he is studying accounting.

Published August 21, 2019

Business Digest 08/21/2019

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Alchemy & Ashes anniversary
Alchemy & Ashes, which has been in business seven years, is celebrating its one-year anniversary at its current location, 24836 State Road 54 in Lutz. The celebration, which will include gifts for the first 50 guests, raffle prizes and a local trunk show, is set for Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New clerk will speak
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki-Alvarez-Sowles will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast on Aug. 27. The group meets from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. Alvarez-Sowles was selected to replace Paula S. O’Neil, who retired in July. For more information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149.

Entrepreneur series
This session, presented by SMARTstart, a program of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is called “Personal budgeting and Credit for Entrepreneurs.” It is being offered on Aug. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. Go to PascoEDC.com and click on the events tab, to register.

Free course for insurance agents
A five-hour law and ethics continuing education class is being offered free for insurance agents on Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at SpringHill Suites Marriott, 1615 Crosspointe Run in Land O’ Lakes. A free lunch will be provided. RSVP to .

Tampa house flippers do well
WalletHub, a personal finance website, has released findings of its 2019 Best Places to Flip Houses report, which compared more than 170 cities across the country. Tampa came in No. 6 on the list — and was the only Florida city to hit the top 10. To view the full report, go to tinyurl.com/y5aaxbyk.

Free business seminars

  • How to really start your business, Sept. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at SMARTstart Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City.
  • Creating a successful business plan, Sept. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.
  • How to use the Internet in your business, Sept. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

These sessions are free, but space is limited. Register at PascoHernando.score.org.

Women of Wesley Chapel
Women of Wesley Chapel (WOW) meets from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., on the first Friday of each month, at Beach House Assisted Living and Memory Care at Wiregrass Ranch, 30070 State Road 56, Wesley Chapel. The group is the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s women-only networking group. The cost is $5, which includes breakfast and networking. To RSVP, call (813) 994-8534, or email . Prepayment and registration is strongly encouraged.

New manufacturing website
If you’re trying to find out more about manufacturing in Hillsborough County, there’s a new website that may be helpful to you. Visit MadeInHillsborough.org to find out more.

Women-n-Charge meeting
Women-n-Charge, a networking group for women, will hear a presentation from Jim Howard, of Trinity Security Allies, on “Situational Awareness.” The meeting will be on Sept. 6 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, at 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests by Monday prior to the meeting, Tuesday and after the cost is $20 for members and $23 guests. Register at Women-n-Charge.com/meetings. For information or to RSVP, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Zephyrhills Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has its monthly breakfast meeting on the first Thursday of the month, at 7 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6877 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Admission is $8 for members and $10 for visitors.

Pasco County Commission approvals:

  • An application by ANT of Florida, LLC/Bubba’s 33 for the sale of beer, wine and liquor for on-premises consumption in conjunction with the operation of a restaurant on the south side of Silver Maple Parkway, about one-fourth mile east of Interstate 75.
  • An application by Carmel Friendship Baptist Church Inc., for a change in zoning from a master-planned unit development to a neighborhood commercial district on the 11.17-acres on the northeast corner of Boyette and Wells roads.
  • An application by Dwight and Joyce Hopkins Revocable Trust to change the zoning of agricultural and general commercial district to a general commercial district on 7,41 acres at the northwest corner of Old State Road 54 and Old Cypress Creek.
  • An application by KW Realty Fund III, LLC et al./Starkey Ranch Heart Pine Business Park for a conditional use for the sale of beer and wine only for on-premises consumption in conjunction with the operation of a retail center in a master-planned unit development district at the northeast intersection of State Road 54 and Heart Pine Avenue in Odessa.
  • An application by Berge O. Khandjian and Paul O’Grady to change zoning from low density residential to multifamily high density, on 48.8 acres on the east side of Old Pasco Road, about 600 feet north of Oakley Boulevard.

 

Baseball and softball school approved in Wesley Chapel

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A request to allow a private baseball and softball school in Wesley Chapel has gained approval from the Pasco County Commission.

In granting the request, commissioners overturned a decision made on Feb. 21 by the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Planning commissioners had denied the request , despite a recommendation for approval by county planners, who said the request was consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan, as conditioned.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite appealed the planning commission’s denial, on behalf of her clients, Ryan A. and Elizabeth J. Prior.

The approval allows the school to operate on 5 acres, on a property 320 feet south of the intersection of Hadlock Drive and Elkmont Lane.

The rules governing the appeal hearing, which was held Aug. 6, barred the introduction of new testimony, so Wilhite explained her clients’ request by outlining the conditions contained in the original request.

Among other things, those conditions included:

  • Limiting the number of students on the property on any given day, and at any given time
  • Limiting the hours of operation
  • Prohibiting outdoor speakers and public address systems
  • Keeping balls within the applicants’ property

The main issue during the planning commission hearing dealt with access to the site, Wilhite said.

One proposed condition dealt specifically with improving the road, but the attorney noted, “ultimately, the neighbors objected to anything being done with that road.”

Wilhite also pointed out that during the planning commission hearing, the county staff testified the road was accessible.

Wilhite characterized the planning commission’s action on the request as being confusing.

“It ended up being a 3-2 vote for denial. Interestingly enough, that swing vote was the person who recommended approval and moved approval,” she said.

The motion for approval “didn’t get a second,” she added, “and then that person ended up being the swing vote for denial.”

Wilhite also cited testimony by Denise Hernandez, of the county’s planning staff, who told planning commissioners that another baseball school had been approved on land with the same zoning category about 2 miles away.

“The record was very clear, and your staff was very clear that this was a compatible use,” Wilhite said.

Elizabeth Prior also spoke to commissioners.

“Obviously, myself and my husband are the applicants for this special exception.

“The neighbors that are objecting, we bought the house from them. They had full knowledge of what we wanted to do before we bought the house from them.

“My husband does private clients, it’s one on one, maximum of four at any one time.

“The staff at Pasco County approved the application, with conditions,” she said, adding that two staff experts testified that the road was sufficient.

She told county commissioners that Planning Commission Michael Cox’s motion for denial appeared to be based on “opinion” rather than the record.

Attorney Dave Smolker, of the law firm Smolker Bartlett in Tampa, represented the Dion family, who own property next-door, during the appeal.

“The Planning Commission got it right. This use is simply too intense for this particular location. Sometimes that’s the way it is. It’s a square peg in a round hole,” Smolker said.

He also attempted to introduce information that was not part of the record during the planning commission meeting, which was met by objections from Hernandez.

Smolker told commissioners there was no basis for overturning the planning commission’s decision.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley asked Hernandez to compare the conditions for the current request with the baseball school that was previously granted.

Hernandez said the conditions proposed for the Priors’ application were stricter.

Commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Mike Moore spoke in favor of overturning the planning commission’s denial.

“I’m kind of shocked that this was denied,” Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said.

Commissioner Mike Moore agreed. “I’m going to support overturning this,” he said. “I think this is ridiculous.”

Beyond overturning the planning commission’s decision, board members also called for reducing the restrictions on the baseball and softball school.

For instance, they increased the allowable hours of operation, and they removed a condition relating to road improvements.

Published August 14, 2019

Frolicking in the Florida snow?

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Children, and adults alike, will have a new recreational option when a new winter park opens for business in Northeast Pasco.

The Pasco County Commission on Aug. 6 approved the addition of a snow park, which will be situated next to Tree Hoppers Aerial Adventure Park, on the north side of St. Joe Road, about 800 feet east of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, in Dade City.

The conditional use, approved by the board, applies to a western parcel that makes up about 58.5 acres and an eastern parcel that makes up about 60 acres.

The western parcel, which consists of areas of dense vegetation and a mature tree canopy, will be used for the winter park. Under the conditions, it can operate up to 120 days a year

The eastern parcel, which is the Tree Hoppers site, consists of zipline and rope ridge obstacle courses, concession areas, and a gift and pro shop. It also is used for fall festivals and Halloween festivities, including Scream-A-Geddon. Those activities will be allowed for up to 56 days a year, according to the conditions.

Both attractions will operate between two days and seven days a week, and they will not be allowed to operate at the same time, the conditions say.

The Pasco County Planning Commission and the county’s planners recommended approval of the request. They also recommended approval for the sale of beer and wine for consumption at the sites, which the county commissioners also approved.

Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing the applicant, detailed plans for the winter park, which he said will have a snow hill, where people can go snow-tubing, an area where people can play in the snow, and other features.

The snow is made using new technology, and the snow will stay in place for long periods, provided the weather doesn’t exceed 80 degrees, according to Hobby.

“I will tell you, as a native Floridian, staying under 80 degrees doesn’t happen a lot and, even though we’re allowed 120 days to operate the snow hill here, something tells me that it’s probably going to be more like 45 days,” Hobby said.

“We think we can be good neighbors and not create what is going to be a traffic or noise issue for our neighbors,” Hobby added.

Access to the properties will be off St. Joe Road, Hobby said.

Thousands of trees will be planted, which will create an evergreen condition and provide a noise and visual buffer, for the neighbors, he added.

He cited a dozen letters in support of the project.

But, there were opponents, too.

Judy Geiger submitted a binder full of documents and expressed opposition to the request.

She also introduced Bob Hunter, a planning expert, who said he was there to speak at her request.

Hunter, former executive director of the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission and a former president of the American Planners Association, told commissioners that the request is inconsistent with the county’s comprehensive plan. He also said the use is inappropriate and should not be approved.

Stephen Gonzalez, who lives on St. Joe Road, put it like this: “It’s just in the wrong place. Why isn’t this on (U.S.) 301, up where there used to be a golf course, north of Dade City? That’d be a perfect spot for this business.”

Gonzalez also complained to commissioners about the trash left behind on his road from people attending Scream-A-Geddon.

Hobby said the location works well for his client because of the natural topography.

“We’re working with the hills; we’re not cutting them down, we’re going to augment them,” Hobby said.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley told Hobby: “You worked very hard with that neighborhood. I appreciate everything you did.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano weighed in with words of support: “The Tree Hopper thing, I think was a great addition to the county. Scream-A-Geddon was tremendous. I think this will be a nice amenity, as well.”

Commissioner Mike Moore, who is chairman of the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, agreed: “I think this is going to bring a lot of great things.”

But, Moore also asked Hobby to ask his client to keep an eye on St. Joe Road, to address any problems with trash.

Published August 14, 2019

Business Digest 08/14/2019

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John Smith Subs grand opening
Jon Smith Subs, in Lutz, will have its grand opening this week and will offer some special deals for customers. The sandwich shop is in The Shoppes at Ballantrae Village, 17790 State Road 54, Unit 104, in Lutz.

The store’s celebration will be on Aug. 15, beginning at 10:30 a.m., with a ribbon cutting with the Carrollwood Area Business Association at 11:30 a.m.

Kurt Browning to speak
Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning will be the featured speaker at The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on Aug. 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in Trinity. Fees are $20 for members and $30 for others.

To order your ticket, email .

‘Reverse trade show’
Pasco County’s purchasing department is inviting local vendors who would like to do work with the county to attend its “reverse trade show.”

The free event is on Aug. 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

“This is a great opportunity for business owners to learn how agencies throughout the county purchase goods and services, and how they can participate in future solicitations,” Pasco County Purchasing Director Stacey Ziegler, said in a news release announcing the event.

Representatives from more than a dozen county departments, the county’s Constitutional Offices, local municipalities and others are expected to be there.

To register, send an email to .

Free job search boot camp
TampaBay-Job-Links will offer a free job search boot camps on Aug. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership Center, 1408 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 140, in Tampa.

The event is intended to help people kick their job search into high gear. Topics will include conducting self-assessments, creating a professional brand, enhancing interview skills, networking, strengthening resumes, targeting companies and other skills needed to be successful when searching for a job. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Space is limited. RSVP by Aug. 18, by calling (813) 344-0220, or by emailing .

WOW-TOO
WOW-TOO will host three local nonprofit organizations to share information about what they do. The meeting will be Aug. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Holiday Inn Express-Trinity, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity. Cost is $5, cash or check only, at the door.

Economic development briefing
Scott Himelhoch, vice president of land acquisition for Taylor Morrison, will be the featured speaker at North Tampa Bay’s Economic Development Briefing on Aug. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Free business mentoring
If you need free, individual, confidential small business mentoring, chances are that Pasco Hernando SCORE can help. Visit PascoHernando.org to request a mentor.

Award finalists named
Award finalists have been announced for the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s 33rd annual Awards and Trade Show. These are Pasco County businesses that have demonstrated exceptional growth by capital investment and employees, innovation in technology, and good corporate citizenship in their communities.

The nominees were interviewed and scored by the Pasco EDC awards committee.

Here are the finalists, for the six awards that will be presented.

  • AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
    • Airprompt AC/Electric
    • American Consulting Engineers of Florida LLC
    • Architectural Signage & Printing
    • Bay Tech Industries Inc.
  • Connected Cities
  • Design & Construction Innovations
  • Gulfside Healthcare Services
  • Hudson Bowling Supply Inc.
  • Medical Center of Trinity
  • Millian-Aire Enterprises Corp.
  • The Point Distillery
  • Trxade Group Inc.
  • Welbilt
    The trade show will feature about 50 exhibitors. The event generally attracts more than 600 business and community leaders from through Pasco County. This year’s event is set for Sept. 5 at Saddlebrook Resort and Spa. To reserve your spot, go to PascoEDC.com, and click on events.

Spelling bee sponsors needed
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is seeking sponsors for the 17th annual Ambassadors “Catch the Buzz” Spelling Bee. The event will be held on Sept. 12, beginning with a team registration and cocktail hour at 5 p.m., and followed by the Spelling Bee from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will be at The Hive (The Event Center), 8718 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey. Teams are forming and sponsorships are available.

Email , or call (727) 842-7651 for more information.

The event benefits the chamber and Take Stock in Children.

AT& T opens new stores
AT&T has opened two new stores in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

One is at 14446 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, and the other is at 18455 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz.

The new stores are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

‘Engage’ kids: Improve attendance

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Students typically don’t decide to drop out of school overnight.

And, there’s typically more to the story, when a student starts missing school on a regular basis.

At least those were a couple points of discussion last week during a Pasco County School Board workshop on the topic of school attendance.

Pasco County School Board vice chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin said students may be able to make up the work or tests they missed when they are out, but they also miss out on valuable learning opportunities and interactions with their peers. (File)

“Attendance is really a symptom of something else that is happening with our students,” said Angel Hernandez, senior supervisor of student support programs and services for the district.

Pasco County has been working to define what on-track, at-risk and off-track means, in terms of attendance, behavior, academic performance and discipline. In high school, the measures include GPA and progress of meeting graduation requirements.

The reasons students miss school can vary from being ill, to being on vacation, to choosing not to be there because they are disengaged, Hernandez told school board members.

“Disengagement is preceded by other things,” he said, which can range from poor academic performance, to mental health or other issues.

Some kids don’t want to be at school, Hernandez said. They say things like, “I don’t feel welcome at my school. I’m not being treated nicely.”

Not being at school has consequences, he added.

“We know the reality is that when our students are not in school, they are not engaged in school, and when they’re disengaged, they fall short of meeting that goal and graduating, and achieving success once they leave our system,” he said.

The district can track attendance through data, which allows it to make a closer analysis.

It can break down the data by grade level, demographic group and day, week or month.

Overall, 38,500 Pasco students were on track for the year in attendance, while 24,200 were at risk and 12,400 were off-track, Hernandez said.

The data reveals that there are no demographic groups that appear to be at greater risk than others, Hernandez said. “They’re all within the 90s,” he said.

He also noted that sixth grade has the highest attendance rating.

When the district looks at its attendance rates, it’s not just looking at unexcused absences, but excused absences, too.

School Board member Cynthia Armstrong, a former teacher, voiced concerns about the growing number of children missing school for family vacations.

“Parents would never think, in the past, about taking their kids out for a cruise just because they could get the cruise cheaper during the school year. That seems to be just a growing trend,” Armstrong said.

Pasco County School Board member Cynthia Armstrong said she’s noticed of a trend in recent years of more parents taking their children out of school for family vacations.

She asked: “How are we stressing to parents that attendance is important?”

A change to the district’s code of conduct allows students to make up any and all assignments, tests or related work of any excused or unexcused absence at full credit.

But, even when students can make up the credit, they’re still losing out, said School Board vice chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin.

“Even if they can show up later and make up the test, they’re missing learning opportunities. They’re missing the chance to interact with their peers, and they’re missing the group work, the projects,” Beaudoin said.

School Board chairwoman Alison Crumbley wondered what the district does to address the kids who are there, but are just not understanding the content.

Hernandez said efforts are being made to give students quizzes to help check how they’re doing, so extra help can be offered to help them catch up before the end of the course, when it’s too late.

Hernandez also noted that some schools have dances or other celebrations to encourage good attendance.

Along those lines, School Board member Megan Harding said it’s important for schools to be consistent.

She recalled students being excited about the prospect of attending a quarterly dance party.

“They didn’t make it the first quarter, but the second quarter came and there was no dance party; the third quarter came, and there was no dance party.

“There was no consistency,” Harding said.

“Is there going to be some consistency or accountability within our schools?” Harding asked. “Those little ones they really do want that dance party.”

Hernandez said it takes a team effort to tackle the issue.

“It used to be that this work happened through the lens of social work,” he said. “We’re trying to break away from that, as we build a compassionate schools frame for our sites, we want all of our other members to engage.”

Superintendent Kurt Browning said parents need to hear from the district level — not just the school level — about the importance of attendance.

He said he expects increased efforts to reach out to parents, through newsletters and periodic phone calls to emphasize how important it is for children to be in school.

The district has an obligation to make school engaging and to set high standards, and to help students to understand there’s a connection between being in school and being successful in life, Browning said.

Attendance by grade level
Pre-kindergarten: 88.1 percent

First grade : 93.7 percent

Second grade: 94.6 percent

Third grade: 94.8 percent

Fourth grade: 94.7 percent

Fifth grade:  94.8 percent

Sixth grade: 95.4 percent

Seventh grade: 94.9 percent

Eighth grade:  94.4 percent

Ninth grade:  94.8 percent

10th grade:  93.9 percent

11th grade:  93.3 percent

12th grade:  91.2 percent

Source: Pasco County Schools

Ways to combat school absenteeism

  • Recognize good and improved attendance
  • Engage parents and students
  • Provide personalized early outreach
  • Monitor attendance data and practice
  • Develop programmatic responses to barriers

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published August 07, 2019

Creating a permanent place of honor

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If all goes according to organizers’ desires, Pasco County will join the state’s 66 other counties and will establish a permanent memorial for law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

Those behind the effort hope the memorial will be ready for use next year, during the Pasco County ceremony held annually to honor members of the law enforcement community who began their shift, like any other day, but never made it home.

This rendering depicts what the permanent memorial for fallen law enforcement officers is expected to look like. (Rendering courtesy of Ardurra, formerly known as King Engineering Associates Inc.)

Craig Laporte, a Port Richey attorney, is one of the key players working to establish the memorial.

The initiative was launched in 2014 by some members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Land O’ Lakes, Laporte said.

They created the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial & Benefit Foundation Inc., Laporte said. In addition to the goal of creating a memorial, the foundation also seeks to help families of fallen law enforcement officers, or officers severely injured on duty.

“Coincidentally, at about the same time, my wife Arndrea and I decided that we wanted to do something to thank the families of law enforcement officers for what they go through on a daily basis,” said Laporte, who was a Pasco deputy before getting his law degree.

He and his wife saw firsthand the unpredictable nature of the work, and the sacrifices made by officers and their families, Laporte said.

They decided to organize a Family Fun Day to give law enforcement personnel and their families a chance to gather together to have a good time. The day includes a meal, and fun activities for kids and adults.

Area businesses and organizations help to pay for the festivities.

The first year, the Family Fun Day drew about 250 people; this year, there were 750, representing 17 agencies, Laporte said.

Craig Laporte holds a rendering of what the sculpture will look like in the center of a new memorial planned to honor fallen law enforcement officers. (B.C. Manion)

After paying the expenses the first year, there was $5,000 left over that was donated to the memorial fund, Laporte said. This past year, $14,000 was donated, said Laporte, who also became involved with the memorial foundation’s board.

Originally, the FOP  wanted to have the memorial at their private lodge site in Land O’ Lakes, but they agreed to change the location to erect the memorial in a public setting.

The Pasco County Commission also approved a request to locate the memorial at the northwest corner of the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The historic courthouse is the same place where the annual Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial events have been held, according to accounts published in The Tampa Tribune and The Tampa Bay Times.

Those events have been solemn affairs, sometimes attended by hundreds of people, according to published reports. They’ve been marked with the pageantry of law enforcement — a riderless horse, two boots sitting backward in the stirrups, escorted across the courtyard; a bagpiper playing “Going Home;” a bugler playing “Taps;” and words of consolation, and appreciation, for lives cut short too soon.

Next year, organizers hope the event will be held at the permanent memorial.

The memorial was designed free of charge by Ardurra, formerly known as King Engineering Associates Inc., of Tampa, Laporte said.

Clark Lohmiller, Planning and Landscape Group Leader for Ardurra, has been involved in the design since Day 1. He decided to contribute his skills after being approached by Terry Edmonson, of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, who had an obvious passion for the project.

Lohmiller said Jason Marques of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office also has been involved, and that John Galbavy and Kevin Velinsky, also from Ardurra, have lent their expertise on the project.

The memorial’s design was influenced by one in Texas, which features a sculpture of an angel carrying a fallen officer up to heaven at the center of it, Lohmiller said.

Laporte said Brodin Studio in Minnesota is creating the sculpture for the Pasco memorial.

He also described what the public can expect to see.

“It’s going to be designed really spectacularly,” he said. “It’ll be a black stone base down on the ground. And, it’ll be narrower than this, but it will be a thin blue line of glass block that’s illuminated from underneath, so at night, it will be an illuminated thin blue line.

“Then, the statue also will be illuminated, with LED lighting, and the names of the fallen officers will be around the pedestal,” Laporte said.

“Hopefully, it will be well-received and something that showcases the support that Pasco County has — and the community wants to have — for the fallen officers, and just the officers in general. I’m honored to be a part of it,” Lohmiller said.

LaPorte said his law partner, Frances Werner-Watkins, has a personal interest in the memorial. She is related to Sheldon Nicks and William O’ Berry, two of the fallen officers honored each year.

Efforts continue to raise the money needed to complete the project, Laporte said.

So far, about $220,000 of the $300,000 needed has been raised. Anyone who would like to make a donation, or contribute in other ways, can reach out to Laporte at (800) 273-8303.

Killed in the line of duty

  • Pasco deputy Sheldon S. Nicks, May 8, 1909: Died after jumping in front of a bullet, shot by an escaped convict. The bullet was intended for Nicks’ father, Henry Robert Nicks, the Fivay town marshal.
  • U.S. prohibition agent John Van Waters, Oct. 4, 1922: Gunned down in an ambush by bootleggers
  • Constable Arthur Crenshaw, Oct. 4, 1922: Gunned down in an ambush by bootleggers
  • Pasco deputy William O’ Berry, Jan. 1, 1926: Shot in the neck in Hernando County while trying to arrest a suspect
  • Pasco deputy John McCabe, June 26, 1948: Died when a truck heading north on U.S. 41 struck his car head on
  • Florida Highway Patrol trooper James Crook, May 19, 1998: Shot and killed while attempting to stop a suspect who had killed a young boy and two Tampa police detectives
  • Pasco Lt. Charles Bo Harrison, June 1, 2003: Killed by a sniper while sitting in his patrol car, just weeks before his retirement. He was promoted posthumously to captain.
  • Hernando deputy John Mecklenburg, July 3, 2011: Lost control of his vehicle on U.S. 41 and crashed during a high-speed chase that led authorities through Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Sources: Published reports in The Tampa Tribune and The Tampa Bay Times

Published August 07, 2019