The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Central Pasco changes being considered

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A number of land-use and zoning changes are being considered on properties within Central Pasco County.

The proposals were considered by the Pasco County Commission and its advisory body, the Pasco County Planning Commission last week.

The County Commission:

  • Transmitted to the state Department of Economic Opportunity and reviewing agencies a request to amend the county’s land-use plan from a designation allowing one dwelling per acre to one that allows six dwelling units per acre on 39.93 acres at the southwest corner of Ehren Cutoff at Caliente Boulevard. The site is about one-quarter mile to the northwest of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. The applicant is proposing 120 single-family dwelling units, which would be regulated by an associate Master Plan Unit Development zoning.

The proposed 120-unit subdivision would result in 22 students for Pine View Elementary, 12 students for Pine View Middle and 15 students for Land O’ Lakes High School

Commissioners are expected to consider the final adoption for the land-use change on May 21.

  • Adopted a change to the county’s land-use map to allow a commercial development on 2.51 acres that previously was designated for residential use. The site is east of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, and 778 feet south of Wilderness Lakes Boulevard. The applicant is proposing 8,600 square feet of office uses and 9,800 square feet of office/retail, for a total of 18,400 nonresidential uses.

The county’s planning staff and its planning commission recommended approval of the request. The project is consistent with surrounding Wilderness Commons, Shamrock Plaza and Caliente Resort, according to planners.

The Planning Commission:

  • Approved a request by the Susan A. MacManus Living Trust to rezone a 5-acre site on the west side of Collier Parkway, about 300 feet south of Weeks Boulevard, extending west to Old Collier Road. The current zoning is agricultural. The proposed zoning would allow a professional office district. The current site is unimproved; the applicant proposes a 43,000-square-foot professional office park. The surrounding area is characterized by educational and religious institutions, mixed commercial and residential. County planners recommend approval. The Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction, is scheduled to hear the request on April 23, at 1:30 p.m. at the Government Center in New Port Richey.
  • Approved a request by Starkey Ranch Investment Company LLC to rezone 2.86 acres at the northwest corner of Starkey and Rangeland boulevards. The current zoning is agricultural; the proposed zoning is neighborhood commercial. Planners recommended approval of the request. The Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction, is scheduled to hear the request on April 23 at 1:30 p.m., at the Government Center in New Port Richey.

Published April 17, 2019

Business Digest 04/17/2019

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Work underway to merge chambers
Due diligence efforts have been completed for the merger of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, with the expected merger to become effective on July 1.

Work is underway to make the organizational changes necessary to operate as a single chamber, including the selection of a new name.

Any chamber member who wants to be involved in a task force is asked to email Les Saland, president of the Central Pasco Chamber as soon as possible. He can be reached at .

East Pasco Networking
Cliff McDuffie, retired mayor of Zephyrhills, will be the featured speaker at the April 23 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group. The meeting, which starts at 7:30 a.m., will be at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Welbilt joins board of directors
Joel Horn, executive vice president of Welbilt Inc., has joined the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s board of directors, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

Welbilt Inc., is a commercial food service equipment manufacturer.

It recently invested in the Pasco EDC, and at its level of investment it receives a seat on the EDC’s board. The company appointed Horn to fill the role.

“We are thrilled to have worked with Welbilt on numerous project announcements over the years, and to now have them represented on our Board of Directors,” said Bill Cronin, president/CEO, Pasco EDC.

Cronin described Welbilt as a huge asset in the community, and a great partner and supporter of Pasco EDC.

Jersey Mike’s Subs givesJersey Mike’s Subs just wrapped up its ninth annual “Month of Giving,” raising more than $7.3 million to help charitable causes across the country.

That’s more than $1 million more than was raised during last year’s campaign, according to a company news release.

The campaign culminated on March 27, Day of Giving, when 1,500 Jersey Mike’s restaurants donated 100 percent of sales, not just profits, to more than 200 different charities across the nation.

Throughout March, customers were invited to come in to their local Jersey Mike’s restaurant and make a donation to a local designated charity partner. Then, on Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving,” 100 percent of the day’s sales were donated to each local charity partner. The charity recipients included schools, hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.

Jersey Mike’s 37 locations in Tampa/St. Petersburg/Sarasota raised $120,560 to support High Risk Hope, an organization that provides support, encouragement, information and resources to women and families who are experiencing a high risk pregnancy resulting in hospital bed rest, potential premature birth and neonatal intensive care after delivery, according to an attachment, to the release.

Knotted Roots ribbon cutting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce plans to take part in a ribbon cutting at Knotted Roots on the Lake, on April 17, at 3310 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The event will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with the ribbon cutting set for 6 p.m. Knotted Roots is a new venue for gatherings.

Coffee Time grand opening
Coffee Time, at 22299 State Road 54, Suite 102, in Land O’ Lakes, is holding an all-day grand opening event, on April 22, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a ribbon cutting planned by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 5:30 p.m. The event will include live music, free mini-massages, chiropractic adjustments, coffee tasting, artists, latte art, and giveaways throughout the day.

Physical therapy open house
Cora Physical Therapy New Tampa, 27227 State Road 56, Wesley Chapel, is having an open house on April 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by to meet physical therapists and other staff members. The free event will be catered by Capital Tacos. The ribbon cutting will be at 5 p.m. There also will be free giveaways.

 

Survey asks for input on Wesley Chapel road connections

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is asking for the public’s input as it evaluates three potential roadway connections between Wesley Chapel and Hillsborough County.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed options, and to provide feedback through an online survey, according to a news release from Pasco County.

The three potential connections are:

  • Between Mansfield Boulevard and Kinnan Street
  • Between Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Meadow Pointe Boulevard Extension
  • Between Wyndfields Boulevard and Wyndfields Boulevard Extension

Pasco County has not made any decisions regarding these connections, the release said.

The survey is being conducted through the end of April.

To take the survey, go to PascoResidentSurvey.com.

The survey results will be presented to the MPO at its meeting on June 13, which begins at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The MPO board is expected to make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners regarding these connections.

Published April 10, 2019

Museum aims to tell Dade City’s story

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When people visit The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum they’ll not only have a chance to learn about Dade City’s history but also to get to feel — literally — objects that are part of the city’s past.

Joy Lynn, director of the museum, said the idea is to give visitors a true hands-on experience.

Items on loan to the museum will be kept behind glass, but many of the objects in the collection will be available for guests to pick up and hold.

The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum is housed within the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Depot. The depot building was built in 1912, to replace an earlier frame structure that had been about a quarter-mile north of the building. It was the first site in Pasco County to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to a plaque on the building. (B.C. Manion)

Also, instead of reading all about the items on display, museum staff will share stories about the items with visitors, Lynn said.

It’s important that items kept in the collection help reveal Dade City’s history, Lynn said.

Objects on display at the museum must be from Dade City proper, not some nearby place, the museum director said. They also need to help provide a glimpse into the city’s history.

“Most everything in the building has a story, or some significance that will develop a memory when you leave here,” the museum director said.

“If it doesn’t have a significant story — you can buy it at a yard sale, it’s just a piece,” she said.

The official ribbon cutting for the train depot museum was on Feb. 14, a date deliberately chosen to signify that history and heritage are at the heart of Dade City, Lynn said.

The train depot, where the museum is housed, also has a rich history.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

It was built in 1912 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, now known as CSX. Originally, it accommodated freight and passenger traffic.

Ask museum staff to get details regarding the history of this trunk and quilt.

“Designed in a traditional style for southern railroad depots constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century, this building is utilitarian in layout, yet possesses finely crafted structural and ornamental Folk Victorian style details,” according to documents related to its historic designation.

The building’s architectural elements include gable dormers, bay window, wraparound loading platform, and interior finishes, the document says.

“Railroad stations served as major community commercial and social centers, linking each of the small towns with the rest of the world. At the turn of the century, therefore, railroads and associated depots play a significant role in the development of central Florida communities, such as Dade City,” the document adds.

A display of some old photographs and old cameras.

“Of the four historic railroad depots that have served Dade City, the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot is the only one that remains,” the document continues.

In addition to the collection at the museum, staff will help tell Dade City’s story through downtown walking tours.

The walking tours are offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The museum also plans to present a Haunted History walking tour on the first Friday evening of the month, which it held for the first time on April 5.

To find out more about the museum and its events, visit DadeCityHeritageMuseum.org.

The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum
Where: 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass, Dade City
When: Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Wednesdays
Cost: Suggested $5 donation
Details: The museum offers visitors a chance to see artifacts from Dade City and to hear the stories behind them. In addition to visiting the museum, it also is possible to learn about Dade City’s history by taking a walking tour downtown. Those are offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Info: Call (352) 424-5778, or visit DadeCityHeritageMuseum.org.

Published April 10, 2019

Political Agenda 04/10/2019

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Democratic Environmental Caucus
The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, Pasco Chapter, will meet on April 10 at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Networking begins at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is free and all are welcome. For more information, email , or visit its Facebook page at Facebook.com/DECFPasco/.

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet on April 15  at 6:30 p.m., at Omari’s Grill at Scotland Yard Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301, Dade City. This month’s featured speaker is Sam Jenkins, from the University of Florida, who will address the crises caused by fossil fuel on climate change and earth sustainability. Dining a-la-carte is available from 5 p.m.  More information is available at EastPascoDems.com, or by calling (813) 383-8315.

Paula O’ Neil (File)

Paula O’ Neil to be honored
The Republican Club of Central Pasco will honor the service of Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neil at its April 29 meeting, which begins with a social at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m.

O’ Neil is retiring in June, after serving Pasco County since 1987. She was elected to the clerk & comptroller position in 2008 to succeed the retiring Jed Pittman and became the first woman to serve in that role. She has been re-elected to the office twice.

The club will honor O’ Neil and welcomes the public to join in the celebration. The club meets at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. For more information, call (813) 996-3011.

Survey aims to gauge unmet needs of seniors, caregivers

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The Pinellas Community Foundation and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas are working together to assess the unmet needs of seniors and their caregivers.

A survey—the Community Assessment Survey of Older Adults — will be sent to 10,000 randomly selected households across every Pinellas and Pasco zip code in which at least one resident is known to be aged 60 and over.

Anne Marie Winter

The survey will be sent the week of April 8. Residents will receive a postcard in advance, as well as instructions (in both English and Spanish) with the survey.

Data collection will continue through May 21. In addition to the mailed survey, two focus groups will be conducted in Pasco County – one in Dade City and one in New Port Richey.

“We’re really excited to be able to do this because it’s the first time ever that seniors will have a voice across both counties on what their needs are,” said Anne Marie Winter, executive director of Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas.

“As far as we know, it’s (the survey) never been done at all in Central West Florida,” she said.

“We want to hear from the seniors. We don’t want to be the ones that decide what seniors need, based on what we think,” she said.

The postcard and letter are being sent to make sure that survey recipients “know that this is official, that it is going to be used for their best interest.

“We’re not going to try and sell them anything. We’re not going to try and use this information in anyway other than to identify what their needs are,” Winter said.

The questions being asked on the survey were selected by a steering committee made up of representatives from the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas; the cities of Clearwater, Dade City, New Port Richey and St. Petersburg; Pasco County Government; Pasco County Health Department; Pinellas Community Foundation; Pinellas County Health Department; and, Pinellas County Human Services.

The survey tool was developed by the National Research Center (NRC) and has been administered in other places around the country. Data returned from the survey of local residents will be benchmarked against other communities nationwide.

The survey covers numerous issues, including questions regarding access to food, transportation and affordable housing.

“Every zip code in both counties is going to be covered,” Winter said.

“We’re seeing changes in the demographic, in the population. What we need to see is ‘Do we need to do things differently?’ Do we need to invest our resources in different areas, based on those needs?

“Caregivers are getting younger and younger,” Winter added. “Our parents are aging, and we’re taking care of them more and more. The spouse used to be, and still is, the primary caregiver for their loved one. But, more and more, seniors are living longer and their children are taking care of them.

“How do we address the needs of those caregivers? Do we need more adult daycare programs, for respite, so you can drop off mom or dad when you go to work and they have a safe place where they will continue to be intellectually stimulated and provided with a good hot meal?” Winter said.

The survey is intended to yield information that will guide future efforts, Winter said.

“We want our future planning to be data driven, and we feel that this survey will be an important component in that,” she said.

Published April 10, 2019

Business Digest 04/10/2019

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HomeGoods to open at Cypress Creek Town Center
HomeGoods is opening its new store on April 14 at 8 a.m., at 2555 Sierra Center Blvd., in the Cypress Creek Town Center, off State Road 56, west of Interstate 75.

HomeGoods is opening its 11th store in the Tampa market on April 14 at 8 a.m., at 2555 Sierra Center Blvd., in the Cypress Creek Town Center, on the north side of State Road 56. (File)

Special grand opening day hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regular store hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The 20,088-square-foot store will offer off-price home décor items, with an ever-changing selection of merchandise from top brands all over the world.

“Our amazing values, brand names and vast assortment make HomeGoods an exciting destination for shoppers,” states John Ricciuti, president of HomeGoods, in a release.

“With a large variety of special merchandise from around the world, customers will always find something thrilling in our treasure hunt environment at great values. We are happy to provide Lutz with a local HomeGoods,” Ricciuti said.

Merchandise departments include furniture, rugs, lighting, decorative accessories, kitchen and dining, bedding, bath, kids’ décor and toys, pet accessories, storage, workspace, outdoor, gourmet, wellness and more.

The store is expected to have 65 full- and part-time positions.

This is the 11th HomeGoods store in the Tampa market, according to a news release.

Art Slingers opens in Land O’ Lakes
Art Slingers, which is focused on children studying and learning about world famous artists, has opened at 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Unit 102, in Land O’ Lakes. The company offers classes for children age 2 and older. The company also offers yoga for children age 2 and older, through a partnership with Florida Power Yoga, which at the same location, but in Unit 101. Art Slingers and Florida Power Yoga also offer a free Saturday morning Yoga class for parents and children, beginning at 8:30 a.m. For additional information, visit ArtSlingers.com.

Walkabout Bakery & Eatery opens
Walkabout Bakery & Eatery has opened at 18430 Livingston Ave., in Lutz, where the former Hot Rods was located.

The restaurant offers authentic Australian and American food. The restaurant commenced after Regina Johnson moved from her homeland in Australia, and decided to bring Australian pastries and hospitality to the U.S.A. She immigrated to the U.S. with her two daughters and her husband, who is an American.

The restaurant specializes in food freshly made-to-order and friendly customer service, in a family owned business with a family environment.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, and breakfast on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It has live music on Sunday afternoons, and it has a happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Express Oil Change now open
Express Oil Change and Tire Engineers, at 11964 State Road 54 in Trinity Lakes, had a grand opening on March 6. The company offers oil changes, tire services and mechanical services. For more information, call (813) 580-8779.

Business financing workshop
A free SCORE workshop on Financing Opportunities with the Small Business Administration will be offered on April 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. The session will cover the types of loans available through the SBA. It will cover qualifications, banks participating and the types of businesses that are eligible.

Lunch & Learn with Pasco EDC
The Pasco EDC Brown Bag Lunch & Learn is an open invitation to anyone who wants to know more about what the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., does and how it may be of assistance to companies that are already here, or those interested in locating in Pasco County.

The next Lunch & Learn is set for April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. Bring your own lunch.

To RSVP, go to PascoEDC.com and find it on the events tab.

 

Pasco’s tourism boosts county’s economy

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An analysis by Downs & St. Germain Research Inc., consultants to Pasco County, reveals that 965,000 tourists visited Pasco County during 2018, with a $615 million impact on the county’s economy.

Downs & St. Germain Research conducted the county’s first-ever visitor tracking study. They completed face-to-face, phone and online surveys with Pasco County visitors. As a result, the researchers were able to profile visitors coming to Pasco, and to quantify economic impacts of tourism in Pasco.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore drops the puck during a ceremonial face-off between Tampa Bay Lightning Alumni captain Dave Andreychuk and National Standing/Amputee team captain David Levesque during the 15th annual Toyota-USA Hockey Disabled Hockey Festival, held this year at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

Nearly three-quarters of Pasco’s visitors in 2018 came from Florida, New York, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Canada, the researcher’s report says.

Of  those,  57 percent  stayed  at  hotels or motels; 23  percent stayed with relatives or friends; 14 percent stayed in a personal second home; 4 percent stayed at campgrounds/RV; and, 2 percent at vacation rental homes.

The typical travel party was made up of 2.4 people, and among those visiting, nearly a quarter reported they were accompanied by at least one person 18 or younger.

The vast majority of those visiting Pasco County drove in: Nearly 91 percent reported that’s how they arrived. Seven percent said they flew into Tampa International Airport.

Top reasons for visiting Pasco County were: Visiting friends or family, special events, attractions, relaxation, vacation and outdoor activities.

Ninety-eight percent of visitors said they will return to Pasco County.

Adam Thomas, Pasco County’s tourism director, briefed the Pasco County Commission on some of the report’s findings during a recent meeting.

“We’re a job generator,” Thomas said. “In 2018, we generated over 7,480 jobs that are supported by tourism that created wages of over $156 million on an annual basis.”

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano was impressed by the report’s findings.

“I think you’ve got some awesome information in there,” Mariano said.

“The average vacationer is 44,” Mariano said. “The median household is $75,000. Twenty-six percent travel with children.”

When visitors are asked to identify additional activities that they would like to see, they  identified more outdoor activities, more family friendly activities, a water park, a music festival, more shopping options and more restaurants, Mariano said.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said the impact from tourism is already impressive, but he said it will increase, as the county’s new tourism brand — Florida’s Sports Coast — takes hold.

“When the Wiregrass Sports Complex is finished, you can imagine how those numbers are going to increase,” he said.

Moore noted that AdventHealth Center Ice — which was used as a practice facility by the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team — already attracts big events.

This is Pasco County’s tourism brand logo.

Over the weekend, the ice arena hosted the 2019 Disabled Hockey Festival, and will host more games this coming weekend.

The ice arena is the first in Florida to host the hockey festival, Moore said, via comments shared with The Laker/Lutz News by his aide, Andy Taylor.

“I am honored to participate in an event that shows anybody can participate and be included. I thank USA Hockey for their commitment to the disabled community and coming to Wesley Chapel,” Moore added.

Thomas said the event is generating nearly 1,200 room nights.

The tourism director told commissioners the county is working on a different event that’s expected to generate close to 1,400 room nights.

Moore told his board colleagues, “The focus is the room nights because if they’re spending a night in a hotel, they’re going out to dinner, they’re buying their gas here, they’re going to the shops. They’re doing everything in Pasco County.”

Now, as the county negotiates future events, Moore said, “the stipulations are, they stay in Pasco County.”

Thomas described the county’s tourism approach this way:  “We’re going after the active family, the active couple, the active traveler that’s looking for outdoor adventure, but also looking for the youth tournaments.”

Tourism’s impact on Pasco County
Overall economic impact: $615 million
Visitors to Pasco: 965,000
Room nights generated by visitors: 1,132,926
Jobs: 7,480
Wages: $156 million
Source: 2018 Economic Impact Study of Tourism in Pasco County

Published April 03, 2019

This community servant knew how to find life’s silver lining

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Rosie Heim — a former Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes, and a former president of the board of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club — has succumbed to her battle with cancer.

She will be remembered in a celebration of life service on April 13 at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road in Lutz. A reception will follow.

Rosie Heim was widely known in Central Pasco. She belonged to several organizations and generously shared her smiles and goodwill. (File)

Rosie was widely known around Central Pasco for her willingness to serve local organizations, and as an Avon representative — who always dispensed her brand of good cheer, while delivering her customer’s orders.

Mary Rathman, editorial assistant at The Laker/Lutz News, a regular customer, developed a deep affection for Rosie.

“I’ll miss her smiles and hugs,” said Rathman, who admired Rosie’s ability to remain upbeat, despite her grim prognosis.

“She just had such an amazing attitude throughout her ordeal and she was always happy,” Rathman said.

When Rosie decided to toss her hat into the ring for a run at honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes, she did so with the intention of raising the profile of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. The club is already widely known in Lutz, but she wanted more people in Land O’ Lakes to become familiar with the club and its good works.

In a 2017 interview, she told The Laker/Lutz News she wanted the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s club to become “a household name in Land O’ Lakes.”

Pat Serio, a member of the woman’s club, considered Rosie to be a dear friend.

“We’ve worked together on more projects and issues than I could possibly count,” Serio said.

She had a “unique insight and fun personality,” Serio added, and “she loved glitz and glamour.”

“All our (club members) hearts are very heavy with our loss of this wonderful woman after her very valiant battle with cancer,” she added.

In Rosie’s quest to win the Land O’ Lakes title, she hosted eight events.

For Rosie, it was never about being a member of a particular clique — she believed in reaching out to everyone.

Gloria Dale and Rosie Heim worked a booth at Land O’ Lakes Music Festival in 2017, as Heim made an effort to drum up support for her bid to become the new Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes. Dale is the deputy honorary mayor, a title she’s been given for life.

She was involved with Women-N-Charge, a women’s networking group. She was also involved with AARP and with other groups.

She was always looking to recruit more members to the woman’s club because she saw a need to help with community services.

She also saw the need to develop reinforcements, as members of the woman’s club grow older and are unable to do as much volunteering as they did in the past.

In a previous interview, she explained: “Not all of the ladies are physically able to move tables and set up crafts. We would love younger people with better backs.”

She also was a cheerleader for the Central Pasco Chamber, too.

She looked forward to presiding at ribbon cuttings and representing the chamber in the Lutz Fourth of July Parade.

Before she retired, she was a special needs school assistant at Denham Oaks Elementary.

Elayne Bassinger, who was Rosie’s friend for 15 years, but particularly close to her during the last five years, said Rosie’s passing has left a hole in her heart.

“She had a remarkable, caring, giving, dynamic spirit — with a bit of spitfire thrown in,” Bassinger said.

“She was an inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to know her, and I was blessed to call her my friend,” Bassinger added.

Rosie possessed a can-do spirit and a great sense of humor, Bassinger said.

“Her heart was true community service,” Bassinger said.

Rosie enjoyed being involved, and was thrilled when some of that goodwill was returned during a pasta dinner fundraiser she held when she was campaigning to become honorary mayor.

She described the pasta dinner, in a 2017 interview.

Ninety-six people turned out.

“I was just so honored and overwhelmed by the love shown in that room,” she said. “They were chanting my name, ‘Rosie. Rosie.’”

It was incredible, she recalled.

“When you give, it’s always returned to you 10-fold,” she said

Rosie is survived by her husband, Charlie; her son, Daniel; her daughters, Sharon and Dawn, and her grandchildren.

Published April 03, 2019

Sharing a meal, supporting each other

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The Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes began with a simple premise: Why not start a group where women could meet to have lunch and support one another?

And, that’s exactly what happened.

The club has no membership fees or mandatory attendance.

Karla Arita, who came up with the idea for the group along with her friend Kim Smith, said the group’s goal is for members to promote themselves and support each other. (B.C. Manion)

Women come, have lunch and talk for a minute about their business, upcoming events or anything else they want to share.

The club has its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at  Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

Power Gals was the brainchild of Karla Arita, a real estate agent with People’s Choice Realty Services, and Kim Smith, a loan officer with Fairway Independent Loan Corporation.

It launched more than a year ago.

Ten women showed up to the first meeting.

Now, the club has 300 members, with chapters in Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Spring Hill, Boca Raton, Miami and in Forney, Texas, Arita said.

“We’re here, not just to promote ourselves; we’re here to support each other,” Arita said, during the club’s March 21 meeting in Land O’ Lakes. “That’s what sisterhood is all about. We are more than just a regular networking group. We are an extended family. We support each other.”

Maxine Rosen, a financial advisor, said belonging to Power Gals is like being a member of a sorority, without the hazing.

Then, women began introducing themselves.

On this particular day, there were two hair stylists, two travel agents, a financial advisor, a handmade soap maker, a banker, an etiquette expert, an insurance agent, a relocation specialist, a coffee saleswoman, a pet sitter, a life coach, an inspirational speaker, a jewelry saleswoman and a credit card processing expert — among those gathered.

As they made their way around the room, it didn’t take long for one woman to ask for the group’s support. Her husband has just been diagnosed with cancer, and she asked for the group’s prayers.

Without missing a beat, the group immediately responded by joining together to pray for him.

As the women spoke, they talked of upcoming events, job openings and other free networking opportunities.

When the luncheon wrapped up, several women lingered in the restaurant, chatting with each other about business ventures, or just catching up.

Erica Torres-Grubbs said Power Gals share information and build personal relationships.

Erica Torres-Grubbs, who owns Brightway, The Torres-Grubbs Agency, with her husband, said she enjoys belonging to Power Gals.

“The whole group has been great for me,” Torres-Grubb said, noting she’s been a member for eight months.

“We exchange information, but we also build personal relationships,” she said, also noting she’s made business connections and has grown personally.

Lori Judd, a travel agent, was attending her first Power Gals meeting. She was impressed.

“What a blessing. This is the only group that I’ve been in that didn’t say, ‘Hey, we need you to pay for this. Or, ‘Here’s a membership.’

“It’s just: We want to support each other,” Judd said.

Lyzbeth Piper said Power Gals share such a tight bond, they feel like family members.

Lyzbeth Piper, who has a cleaning company, runs the Power Gals with a Latin Twist that meets on the first Friday of each month at Bahama Breeze, at Cypress Creek Town Center. The meetings are from noon to 2 p.m.

Piper was at the inaugural meeting of Power Gals, and Arita is her real estate agent.

“Everybody is really professional and everybody helps everybody here. It feels like family here,” Piper said.

Ashley Jennings, a travel agent, said she enjoys chatting with club members who come from diverse occupations, have a wealth of experience and are helpful.

“It’s nice to have somebody to talk to, and just bounce things off of,” Jennings said.

“It’s women empowering women,” Jennings said. “Whether it’s business or personal, these ladies have your back.”

Ashley Jennings said the women in Power Gals have each other’s backs, professionally and personally.

Maxine Rosen, a financial advisor, has been with the club since Day 1, and is completely sold on its value.

“It’s truly a sisterhood. It’s like a sorority, without the hazing,” Rosen said.

She has tremendous regard for Arita.

“I’ve met a lot of wonderful people in my life — I have never met anybody like Karla, the most giving, kind, generous, empathetic, warm, loving individual.”

Rosen offers this advice to women who want to know more about Power Gals: “Please come and join us, and make new friends.”

Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes
When: Meets on the third Thursday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive, Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Buy your own lunch.
Details: This networking group is about women from diverse occupational backgrounds supporting and promoting each other.
Info: Call Karla Arita at (813) 408-2038; or, visit PowerGals.net.

Published April 3, 2019