B.C. Manion

District park to get recreational center

November 21, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Back when plans were originally developed for the Wesley Chapel District Park, the intention was to build an indoor recreation center as part of the complex, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“Over time, with the downturn and people were saving money — cutting budget, it never happened,” Moore said.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore is pleased that the county is pursuing plans to build an indoor recreation center at the county’s Wesley Chapel District Park. He’s excited about the new opportunities it will create for area residents. (B.C. Manion)

Now, plans for the indoor center are again proceeding for the district park at 7727 Boyette Road, in Wesley Chapel.

“I asked it to be put in last year’s budget,” Moore said, noting he expects the county to soon select a design firm to design the building.

A county staff committee reviews the qualifications of those seeking to do the design work, Moore said.

“Once they choose the firm that meets the qualifications, they bring their choice to us,” Moore said. Generally, that’s approved by the board without debate, he said.

He expects the indoor recreation center to be similar to the building at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, on Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The center will be approximately 15,000 square feet, and the budget for the project is approximately $3 million, Moore said.

He knows the indoor center will be a welcome addition to the community.

“I’ve been very involved at Wesley Chapel District Park for a number of years,” he said, noting he’s coached baseball, soccer and flag football.

“There’s a lot of people out there on a daily basis,” Moore said.

“Right now, they’re playing basketball outside. The leagues are playing outside, plus, just the general public is playing outside.

“Well, the downfall, it’s hot in the summer — and then, rain,” Moore said. “You figure if it’s 100 degrees outside, it’s 120 (degrees) on that court.”

An indoor facility can be used year-round, he noted. And, “it doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside. It doesn’t matter how hot it is.”

Plus, he said, “it’s just a safer environment for the kids.”

The new center also will give the community a chance to offer volleyball leagues, Moore said.

“I know for a fact, a lot of the girls and guys who are playing in volleyball are going to other places, whether it be Collier Parkway or New Tampa,” Moore said.

But, sports-minded people aren’t the only ones who will benefit, he said.

It also will create a new gathering space for the community.

He envisions a wide range of people using the center, such as the Rotary Club, community associations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, aerobics classes, yoga classes, and various other classes and organizations.

“Think about those things they’re doing at Collier (Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex), we could do them here,” Moore said. “I think about some of our retirees, our seniors, during the day — people could have Bridge Club or knitting.”

Right now, there are about 500 boys and girls in the basketball league each year, ranging from age 7 to 17, and there are no volleyball leagues at the park.

“My assumption is that you would see the leagues increase.

“I think it’s a deterrent for people to join when you play outdoors, because of the heat and everything,” he said.

There will be more parking, too.

“When you expand capacity, obviously you need additional parking,” Moore said.

He hopes the center is completed in time to open in early 2020.

Published November 21, 2018

Business Digest 11/21/2018

November 21, 2018 By B.C. Manion

The Tangelo is a new model from David Weekley Homes. It is now open for daily tours in Bexley – Village Series, in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of David Weekley Homes)

David Weekley model home in Bexley
David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest privately held builder, has opened its second model home in the Land O’ Lakes community of Bexley, according to a news release.

Open daily for tours, the single-story Tangelo features four bedrooms, three full baths, two half-baths and a three-car garage within 3,000 square feet. The Tangelo is one of five floor plans from Weekley’s Village Series, which range from 2,700 to 3,300 square feet and are situated on 60-foot homesites.

Bexley is an 1,800-acre, mixed-use community, which emphasizes pedestrian-friendly opportunities for outdoor activities, including the nearby wetlands, ponds, and access to 1,200 acres of parks and open spaces, including a dog park and soccer field.

Its amenities also include The Bexley Club with fitness center, pools, and festival lawn for concerts and cookouts.

For more information about David Weekley Homes in Bexley, call (813) 422-6186.

HART schedule change
In observance of Thanksgiving, the Hillsborough Area Transit Authority will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule on Nov. 22, for customers looking to get around Hillsborough County Thanksgiving day. The TECO Line Streetcar System will have no service on that day. For more information, visit GoHart.org.

Shop small on Small Business Saturday
Shoppers across the nation are getting ready to shop small on Small Business Saturday, which will be celebrated this year on Nov. 24.

A new Small Business Economic Impact Study from American Express shows that an average of 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community, according to a news release from American Express.

American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 with the aim of getting more customers through the doors of small businesses. Since then, it has become a permanent fixture of the holiday shopping weekend.

According to the 2018 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, another study recently released by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and American Express:

91 percent of consumers believe it is more important than ever to support small businesses this holiday season
83 percent of consumers plan to do at least some portion of their holiday shopping at a small, independently owned retailer or restaurant – either in person or online
96 percent of consumers who plan to shop on Small Business Saturday said Small Business Saturday inspires them to go to small, independently-owned retailers or restaurants that they have not been to before, or would not have otherwise tried

Zephyrhills City Hall ribbon cutting
A ribbon cutting is set for the new Zephyrhills City Hall building on Nov. 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills. The city is led by Mayor Gene Whitfield and city council members Lance Smith, Jodi Wilkeson, Charlie Proctor, Ken Burgess and Alan Knight.

East Pasco Networking Group meeting
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Maria Reza, business services consultant for CareerSource, are the featured speakers for the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting set for Nov. 27 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP in Dade City, 13100 U.S. 301.

Also, the networking group is planning a Christmas Mixer on Dec. 13.

For more information on either, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or , or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149 or , or .

Grand opening
Nye Commons of Wesley Chapel, 4839 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will host a Grand Opening, with multiple ribbon cuttings, Nov. 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host the ribbon-cutting ceremonies starting at 4 p.m., for each of the businesses, which include: OTB, Board & Brush, Allure Spa & Nails, Color & Co., Keystone Title Agency, Great Florida Insurance, and Nye Commercial Advisors.

There will be appetizers, wine, giveaways and music.

North Tampa Bay Chamber breakfast meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is planning its monthly business breakfast meeting for Dec. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

Walk-in clinic adding new location
Doctor’s Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic is expanding with a new clinic in the Trinity/Odessa market. The clinic is slated to open in December at

13256 State Road 54, just west of Gunn Highway, in Odessa. The clinic is owned and operated by Dr. David Dean, who is looking forward to serving the increased need of this region, according to a news release.

Helping hurricane recovery efforts
The Florida Physical Therapy Association is donating $5,000 to help with Hurricane Michael recovery efforts. The association is the state’s only health care professional organization that represents the special interests of practicing physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

Additional money sought for new library project

November 14, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is pushing Pasco County to increase funding for a new library, which is part of a collaborative project between the county and Pasco County Schools.

The project is to be built in the Starkey Ranch development, located on the ranch formerly owned by Starkey’s family.

The project includes a kindergarten through eighth grade school expected to open in August of 2021, a public library and a community black box theater.

The idea is to share the facilities, allowing the school to use them when it needs them and the public to take advantage of them when the school doesn’t.

The new school will be built next to the new Starkey Ranch District Park, which is off the main entrance into the master-planned Starkey Ranch community, in Odessa.

The first phase of the district park was built through an agreement between the county and Wheelock Street Capital, the developers of Starkey Ranch. The 80-acre park, now open for use, includes a lighted Little League baseball/softball field; three lighted multipurpose fields for soccer, lacrosse and football; a concession stand with restrooms and an additional restroom building; four picnic pavilions surrounding an events lawn; a playground; a maintenance building and a trailhead to the community’s 20-mile trail system.

When the district park is complete, it will have five additional lighted ball fields, lighting and groomed turf for the current practice fields, two additional concession stands with restrooms, and a 1-mile trail around the park.

Commissioner Starkey is advocating for an additional $1 million for the library project to help it to become a cultural center for the community.

“You know that there is a library that is being built that is the first one of its kind, a co-located library with the school district and the county,” she said, during the commissioner comments portion of the County Commission’s Oct. 23 meeting.

“And, I have been working with our staff and the school board’s staff as we go through iterations of the project,” said Starkey, who previously served on the Pasco County School Board.

“I will tell you first, the school district has been fantastic to work with, and they have found a way to add more amenities to the project. They have pulled the library a little closer to the school, and they are putting some of their square footage back into the library, and there are funds over and above the $12 million that we have allotted for it, and it will help us to get an outdoor area that the community can use for outdoor events, which would include alcohol, too, if we wanted, near the theatre.

“But, where we are short is on the Maker Spaces,” Starkey said.

The current plan calls for having one Maker Space and switching equipment in and out for various uses, Starkey said. It makes more sense to have additional Maker Spaces, to provide options to do a variety of activities without having to constantly roll equipment in and out, she explained.

“In talking with the school district, that is in charge of building it, and getting the architect, (Pasco Schools Deputy Superintendent) Ray Gadd thought we needed one more million dollars in order to be able to build three Maker Spaces at what will be the Cultural Center and what I think will be the new model for these kinds of buildings in the county.

“I hope to get one over on the east side, and Ray (Gadd) is already looking at sites where the county and the school district can share again,” she said.

The idea of having multiple Maker Spaces makes it possible for a variety of activities to be going on at the same time, Starkey explained. For instance, in one area, people might be doing pottery, while in another, they could be making jewelry.

Starkey suggested the county earmark $1 million of the $2,881,000 that Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano returned to the county that morning.

“I would love to see you approve that (million-dollar appropriation) to help make this building a premiere building and the beginning of a model that we should replicate throughout the county,” she told her colleagues and County Administrator Dan Biles.

Biles reminded the board “right now the (returned) funds roll into the bottom line and go into the fund balance and our reserves.”

Biles also told the board he’d like to see what happens during the Nov. 6 election before considering Starkey’s proposed budget amendment.

Cathy Pearson, an assistant county administrator, also told board members that she recently took part in a visit to the Carrollwood Cultural Center, in Hillsborough County, to see how that operates.

During that trip, she said, she learned that the theater planned in the Starkey Ranch project was too small.

The theater plan calls for 203 seats, but it needs to be 250, Pearson said.

In addition to the money that Fasano returned to the county, Paula O’ Neil, the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, told commissioners she would be returning $465,381.24, but she did request the county consider providing a total of $100,000 to help four different agencies.

Published November 14, 2018

Voters choose local leaders

November 14, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Voters streamed into Precinct 595 at the Lutz Civic Center on Nov. 6 to cast their ballots in 2018 midterms.

They were just as eager to make their voice known at Precinct 6, the Alice Hall Community Center in Zephyrhills.

They came by bicycle, pick-up truck and SUV at Precinct 48 at the Meadow Pointe IV Clubhouse in Wesley Chapel.

This parking lot in Lutz, at the polling precinct at the Lutz Civic Center, shows that voters were eager to cast their ballots during the 2018 midterms. The photo was taken shortly after the polls opened on Nov. 6. Some voters also parked in a lot across from the Lutz Branch Library and strolled over to the civic center to be part of the political process. (B.C. Manion)

And, they took advantage of early voting at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library in Land O’ Lakes.

Whether they were first-time voters, or have voted for decades, these voters made it a point to exercise their right to take part in the political process.

As The Laker/Lutz News went to press this week, the winner was still unknown in the race for the U.S. Senate, which pits Republican challenger Rick Scott, Florida’s current governor, against incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson in the U.S. Senate race.

The outcome also remains unknown between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum in the bid to become Florida’s next governor.

And, there’s uncertainty, as well, regarding who will be Florida’s next Agricultural Commissioner, in a race between Matt Caldwell and Nicole ‘Nikki’ Fried.

All three of those races were so close that they required state-mandated recounts.

Still, voters decided plenty of races and issues in Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Pasco County voters selected incumbent Republican Pasco County Commissioners Mike Moore and Mike Wells for additional four-year terms. Moore defeated Democratic challenger Kelly Smith and Wells defeated Democratic challenger Brandi Geoit.

Voters also chose Megan Harding to replace Steve Luikart, who is retiring from the Pasco County School Board. In a nonpartisan race, Harding defeated Tara M. O’ Connor in a runoff.

Harding now joins Cynthia Armstrong and Allen Altman, who won their bids for re-election during the 2018 primary.

Pasco voters also approved four general obligation bond issues, with the bond issue to support a jail expansion passing by the thinnest margin. The three other approved bond issues will support expanded fire/rescue services, upgraded parks and recreation opportunities, and improved libraries.

In Hillsborough County, voters elected four county commissioners. Those winning seats are Republican Ken Hagan who defeated Democrat Angela Birdsong, in District 2; incumbent Republican Stacy White who defeated Democrat Andrew Davis, in District 4; Democrat Mariella Smith who defeated Republican Commissioner Victor Crist, in District 5; and Democrat Kimberly Overman defeated Republican Todd Marks in District 7.

Smith and Overman are newcomers to the board, which for the first time since 2004 has a Democratic majority.

Hillsborough voters also chose two new school board members, in a nonpartisan election.

Steve Cona defeated William Henry Person in District 1. Cona is replacing Susan Valdes.

Karen Perez defeated Henry “Shake” Washington in District 6. Perez is replacing April Griffin.

Incumbent Republican Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister won another term, defeating Democrat Gary Pruitt.

Hillsborough County voters also approved two new taxes, a 1-cent tax for transportation and a ½-cent tax to pay for air conditioning and other projects in Hillsborough County Schools.

At the federal level, incumbent Republican Gus Bilirakis defeated Democrat Chris Hunter to receive another term representing Florida’s 12th congressional district.

Voters also elected a number of state lawmakers representing communities within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

In the State Senate, Incumbent Republican Wilton Simpson defeated Democrat Michael Cottrell for re-election in District 10, while incumbent Republican Tom Lee defeated Democrat Kathy Lewis for re-election to District 20.

Voters also elected numerous state representatives, including incumbent Republican Amber Mariano who defeated Democrat Linda Jack in District 36; Republican Ardian Zika who defeated Democrat Tammy Garcia in District 37; incumbent Republican Danny Burgess who defeated No Party Affiliation David “TK” Hayes in District 38; Democrat Fentrice Driskell who defeated incumbent Republican Shawn Harrison in District 63; and, Republican James Grant who defeated Democrat Jessica Harrington in District 64.

Statewide, voters approved 11 of 12 amendments to Florida’s Constitution, with a proposed amendment to increase the Homestead Property Tax Exemption failing to garner more than 60 percent voter approval. The amendment received 58.07 percent of the vote.

Amendments that passed covered myriad issues, ranging from increased victims’ rights; to prohibiting offshore gas and oil drilling, to restoring voter rights to former felons; to ending dog racing.

Published November 14, 2018

Business Digest 11/14/2018

November 14, 2018 By B.C. Manion

From left: Sean Strickler, Pulte Group division president; Irene K. Rickus, president/CEO of Children’s Home Network; and, Casey Oswald Pulte Group, director of procurement, holding an enlarged copy of a check benefiting the Children’s Home Network. (Courtesy of Pulte Homes West Florida Division)

Pulte raises money for at-risk children, families
Pulte Homes’ West Florida Division’s Building to Make Lives Better Golf Tournament raised $109,195 for the Children’s Home Network. The money will help fund operations at Kids Village, Adolescents in Motherhood and other community outreach programs that serve Tampa Bay’s at-risk children and families.

A total of 130 golfers participated in the all-day tournament at Avila Golf & Country Club in Tampa. Platinum sponsors Hill Ward Henderson, Interior Logic Group and Rosen Materials each donated $10,000 to the event. Pulte Homes underwrote all tournament expenses, allowing all proceeds to go to the Children’s Home Network.

“We are grateful to be able to contribute to the well-being of children and their families who are most in need of support,” Sean Strickler, president of Pulte’s West Florida Division, who is also a Children’s Home Network board member, said in a news release. “The residential, family counseling and resource services provided benefit those who face the greatest family challenges. It is important for Pulte and our generous trade partners to give back to the community in which we all live and work, and to assist these very deserving children and families through this incredible charity.”

North Tampa Bay Chamber luncheon meeting
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey will be the guest speaker for the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s luncheon meeting Nov. 14 at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $20. Please RSVP and pre-pay, if possible. For more information, call (813) 994-8534, or email the chamber’s office at .

Pasco schools job fair
Pasco County Schools is hosting a jobs fair on Nov. 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The school district is seeking applicants for these positions: Math, science, exceptional student education, emotional and behavioral disorders specialists, elementary education, school nurse, behavioral analyst, guest teachers and others.

Eye Level Learning Center grand opening
Eye Level Learning Center, at 33905 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, had a grand opening on Nov. 6. The learning center features an individualized approach to education. For more information about the center’s services, call (813) 670-5000.

Bridging the gap between business theory and practice
Learn how to drive sales with social media and video marketing during this session at the Dade City Entrepreneur Center on Nov. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The center is at 37837 Meridian Ave., No. 309, in Dade City. The session is part of the Entrepreneur Education Series being offered through SMARTStart, a Pasco Economic Development Council program. To RSVP online go to SMARTStartPasco.com/events.

David Weekley Homes collecting food
David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest privately held builder, is hosting its fourth annual companywide Giving Thanks, Giving Back Thanksgiving Drive for Tampa-area residents.

David Weekley Homes’ team members are accepting nonperishable items through Nov. 15 at all model homes.

How to Start Your Own Business
Learn the ins and outs of starting your own business during a workshop on Nov. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. The workshop includes learning how to structure your business, develop a business plan, and how to manage cash flow. Participants can walk away with a helpful checklist.

Allstate agency owners helping domestic violence survivors
Tampa-area Allstate agency owners are collecting supplies through Nov. 16 to benefit Sunrise of Pasco County and the domestic violence survivors it serves, according to a news release.

The most-needed items include blow dryers, baby and kid’s shampoo, pacifiers, bath towels, pillows and pillowcases, bandages, paper towels and toilet paper.

Tampa-area community members can drop off items for donation at the following Allstate locations:

Sebastian Dealmenara: 8543 Gunn Highway, Odessa
Lisette Fernandez: 4935 Van Dyke Road, Lutz
Michael Lia: 11001 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa
Naomi Taylor-Kenney 4322 W. El Prado Blvd., Tampa
Ryan Toombs: 4551 Gunn Highway, Tampa

WOW-TOO networking
Women of Wesley Chapel has expanded to a second group called WOW-TOO, a networking group for women of Trinity and Odessa. The group is part of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, but guests are welcome to attend twice before joining the chamber. The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 2125 Corporate Center Drive in Trinity. The cost is $5 per meeting.

Women-n-Charge
Women-n-Charge meets at 11:30 a.m., on the first Friday of each month, at the Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. 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. To RSVP, visit Women-n-charge.com/meetings/. For information, call (813) 600-9848.

Need help launching your business?
The Pasco Enterprise Network (PEN) is a countywide partnership to help small and growing businesses find the guidance, assistance and resources they need to grow and prosper. No matter what challenges your business is facing, the network connects small business owners and entrepreneurs to professionals who can offer the help they need to grow, including consulting, education and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

To find out more, visit PascoEnterprise.com/pen-partners.

Looking for a business mentor?
Pasco-Hernando Score is a good source of information regarding possible mentors to help you as build your small business. Find out more by visiting PascoHernando.score.org.

Construction begins to link recreational trails

November 7, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County’s engineering services had an event on Oct. 30 to celebrate the construction of the new Starkey Gap Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail that will link the Starkey and Suncoast Trails in Pasco County to the Pinellas Trail.

Construction of the new multi-use 2.4 mile-trail is expected to be completed in the summer of 2019.

Some cyclists were among those gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction of the Starkey Gap Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Once the segment is finished, it will provide connectivity to a trail that’s now more than 100 miles and continues to grow.

Construction of the Starkey Gap Trail is being funded and managed by the Florida Department of Transportation. After the trail is built, Pasco County will assume management of the trail.

This section of the trail is the last link of the Coast to Coast Connector Trail to be built in Pasco County. Once the Coast to Coast Connector Trail is completed, the network will stretch approximately 250 miles — from St. Petersburg to Titusville.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who has played an instrumental role in addressing the need for recreational trails in Pasco, and across Florida, commented on the importance of this and other trail projects during an interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

“Before there ever was a Coast-to-Coast, we had this wonderful trail through Starkey Wilderness Park, which is a real jewel and it connects to the Suncoast Trail, which takes you all of the way up to Citrus County.

“The experiences on both trails are different, but they’re very special to serious cyclists.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has a keen interest in linking Florida’s recreational trails together. She spoke during a recent event to celebrate the beginning of construction for the Starkey Gap Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail that will link the Starkey and Suncoast Trails in Pasco County to the Pinellas Trail.

“And then, you have the Pinellas Trail, which is a real economic driver for communities along that trail. It’s world famous.

“And, it just made so much sense to connect the two,” Starkey said.

She noted that she served on Florida’s Greenways and Trails Council, under governors Jeb Bush, Charlie Crist and Rick Scott.

While serving on that council during Bush’s administration, she said she learned about trails all over the state, and it just made sense to link those trails.

She was involved in linking the Starkey Trail to the Suncoast Trail, which provided a 100-mile trail, she said.

After that, she got started on working on the Starkey Gap link.

The Starkey Gap project will build a new 2.4-mile long multi-use trail from the Pasco/Pinellas County line to the southern end of the Starkey Trail, north of State Road 54 in Pasco County.

The trail will follow the Duke Energy right of way to State Road 54, west along SR 54 to Starkey Boulevard and then north to Starkey Trail.

The construction cost for the project is estimated at $2,615,000, according to a Florida Department of Transportation fact sheet. The work will be done by D.A.B. Constructors Inc., the fact sheet says.

Published November 7, 2018

Business Digest 11/07/2018

November 7, 2018 By B.C. Manion

(Courtesy of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union)

Credit union adding Dade City office
The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union had a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 12 at the site where a new Dade City location is expected to open in 2019.

Those attending the ceremony for the new site included representatives from W. M. Scharber Construction, Financial Facilities Inc., The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez and City Commissioners, and the credit union’s management, board of directors and supervisory committee.

The property is on the corner of Highway 301 and Sprocket Way in The Shoppes of Dade City, where Publix is located.

Finalists named
Finalists have been named for the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s 2018 “Celebrating Excellence in Business” presented by Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

The finalists are:

Volunteer of the Year: Craig Miller, Damaris Rios, Jannah McDonald
Small Business of the Year: Buttermilk Provisions, 900 degree Woodfired Pizza, Kona Ice
New Business of the Year: Noble Crust-Wesley Chapel, Estheti813, Holiday Inn Express-Trinity
Large Business of the Year: Shriners Hospital for Children, American Consulting Engineers, Cheval Golf and Country Club
Business Leader of the Year: Dr. Mark O’ Farrell, Roberto Saez, Dr. Kevin O’Farrell

The event is set for Nov. 8 at the Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel, Sierra Conference Center. The cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p.m., and the award program at 7:30 p.m.

Job fair in Dade City
Pasco-Hernando State College, CareerSource Pasco Hernando and The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce are hosting a Job and Internship Fair on Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the state college’s East Campus at 36727 Blanton Road, in Dade City.

“We are thrilled to host another job fair for all community members seeking employment,” Ed Goolsby, D.M., provost, PHSC East Campus, said in a news release. “And, once again, our event will offer internship opportunities for students.”

Local health care, manufacturing and other employers will be on hand to those seeking employment. Attendees are encouraged to wear professional dress and bring plenty of résumés. Job seekers may preregister online at Eventbrite.com, and search for PHSC Job Fair, Dade City.

Hyatt Place grand opening
Hyatt Place had its grand opening on Oct. 25, at 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.

David Weekley Homes’ team members are accepting nonperishable items from Nov. 1 through Nov. 15 at all model homes.

Veterans Small Business Week
The U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate the accomplishments of veteran, service member and military spouse small business owners nationwide during National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov. 5 to Nov. 9.

“National Veterans Small Business Week is another opportunity for us not only to highlight the success of our nation’s 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses, but also to recognize the areas where there is still work to be done,” SBA Administrator Linda McMahon said, in a news release. “Entrepreneurship is not a solo mission. I’m proud to be a part of a network that serves the needs of our veteran and military business owners.”

Gulfside to add home health agency services
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care Inc. (“Gulfside”) and Community Aging and Retirement Services Inc. (“CARES”), have announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement for Gulfside’s acquisition of certain assets of CARES’ Home Health Agency, which will allow Gulfside to provide licensed skilled home health agency services, according to a news release. The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including obtaining approval for the transaction from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (“AHCA”).

“This business strategy has been a goal for several years, and soon the addition of skilled home health will complement the continuum of services that Gulfside currently provides, allowing people to remain in their homes with many options for care,” Linda Ward, president and chief executive officer for Gulfside, said in the release.

Small business lending momentum continues
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced lending numbers for fiscal year 2018, showing that it guaranteed over $30 billion to small businesses that otherwise would not have had access to capital, according to a new release.

“We are providing tools, resources and access to capital for America’s 30 million small businesses, and our FY18 numbers bear that out,” SBA Administrator Linda McMahon said.

In FY18, there was significant growth in the SBA’s smaller loans, including a record volume of dollars lent in the Microloan and Community Advantage Programs. Specifically, over 5,000 loans were approved for over $72 million in the Microloan program and over 1,000 loans for over $150 million in SBA’s Community Advantage program.

For more information about SBA’s loan programs, financial assistance and other services, visit SBA.gov.

The most-needed items include blow dryers, baby and kid’s shampoo, pacifiers, bath towels, pillows and pillowcases, bandages, paper towels and toilet paper.

Tampa-area community members can drop off items for donation at the following Allstate locations:

Sebastian Dealmenara: 8543 Gunn Highway, Odessa
Lisette Fernandez: 4935 Van Dyke Road, Lutz
Michael Lia: 11001 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa
Naomi Taylor-Kenney 4322 W. El Prado Blvd., Tampa
Ryan Toombs: 4551 Gunn Highway, Tampa

Early numbers reveal voters are engaged for midterms

October 31, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Early numbers reveal that Pasco County voters are enthusiastic about midterm elections, said Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley.

“Voters are definitely more engaged this time, for a midterm, than we’ve seen in some time,” he said.

“As we approach the general (election), it’s a very, very long ballot, with a lot of amendments on it, but so far, I’ve got to tell you, the turnout has been phenomenal,” Corley said in an Oct. 29 interview.

While Election Day is Nov. 6, many voters are choosing to vote early, he said.

Pasco has already surpassed the total Vote By Mail ballots cast in the 2014 general, which was slightly more than 46,000, and it is already over 52,480. “We’re not done, obviously. So, that’s going to be up substantially,” he said.

Corley also noted that early voting has been expanded in Pasco County because there was an obvious need.

“With early voting, we’re right now, as I’m talking to you, at a little more than 26,000 and the total early votes cast in the 2014 general was 32,000,” he said.

Corley also offered assurances that there are plans in place to address any security issues — cyber or physical — that could arise.

“We have worked very closely with Sheriff (Chris) Nocco and his people, along with the county’s emergency management folks,” he said.

As voters head to the polls, Corley advised: “Be voter ready. Make sure your address is up to date. Study the amendments ahead of time, so you’ll know ahead of time, yes or no.”

Whatever method voters choose — whether voting early or on Election Day, they have plenty of decisions to make.

They’ll be deciding on races and issues, ranging from who will be Florida’s representatives in Congress, to who will occupy the state’s governor’s mansion, to who will make local decisions affecting everything from job creation, to road congestion, to the quality of local schools.

Pasco and Hillsborough voters also will decide the outcome of 12 constitutional amendments or revisions.

In Pasco, voters also will decide the fate of four general obligation issues to pay for a jail expansion, additional fire protection, enhanced libraries and enhanced parks. The bonds would be repaid through increased property taxes.

In Hillsborough, voters will decide the fate of a referendum to raise the local sales tax to support transportation improvements; and, another referendum to raise the local sales tax to support air conditioning and other capital improvements in public schools.

Here’s a recap of key races on the 2018 ballot within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area; a listing of local early polling places; and a reminder of what voters should bring with them to the polls.

Key races
Federal
U.S. Senate: Rick Scott vs. Bill Nelson

U.S. Rep. District 12: Gus Bilirakis vs. Chris Hunter

State
Governor: Ron DeSantis vs. Andrew Gillum

Attorney General: Ashley Moody vs. Sean Shaw

Chief Financial Officer: Jimmy Petronis vs. Jeremy Ring

Commissioner of Agriculture: Matt Caldwell vs. Nicole ‘Nikki’ Fried

State Senate District 20: Kathy Lewis vs. Tom Lee

State Senate District 10: Michael Cottrell vs. Wilton Simpson

State Representative District 37: Tammy Garcia vs. Ardian Zika

State Representative District 38: Danny Burgess vs. David “TK” Hayes

State Representative, District 64: James Grant vs. Jessica Harrington

Local
Pasco
Pasco County Commission

District 2: Mike Moore vs. Kelly Smith

District 4: Mike Wells vs. Brandi Geoit

Pasco School Board

District 5: Megan Harding vs. Tara M. O’Connor

Hillsborough
Hillsborough County Commission

District 5: Victor Crist vs. Mariella Smith

District 7: Todd Marks vs. Kimberly Overman

Hillsborough School Board
District 1

William Henry Person vs. Steve Cona

District 6

Karen Perez vs. Henry “Shake” Washington

Sheriff: Chad Chronister vs. Gary Pruitt

Early Voting Places (located within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area)

Pasco County: Through Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

East Pasco Government Center, Lobby, 14326 Sixth St., Dade City
Alice Hall Community Center, 36116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
Florida Hospital Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
Utilities Administration Building, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

Hillsborough County: Through Nov. 4, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, Odessa
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa

What Voters Should Bring
Florida law requires voters to present both signature and photo identification. This can be achieved with one form of identification, such as a Florida driver license or U.S. Passport, or two separate forms of identification, such as a membership card with your photo and second form of identification with your signature. If you don’t bring your ID, you may vote a provisional ballot.

For more information, visit PascoVotes.com and VoteHillsborough.org.

Published October 31, 2018

Keeping a piece of Dade City history alive

October 31, 2018 By B.C. Manion

When Jo and Bob Larkin bought the R.D. Sistrunk House at the corner of 14th Street and Church Avenue, they knew they were buying a property with a rich history — that required a lot of work.

Jo Larkin enjoys talking about the transformation of the home at 14th Street and Church Avenue, known historically as The Sistrunk House. It is featured as this year’s Dade City Garden Club ornament. (B.C. Manion)

“We renovated the house completely,” said Jo Larkin, who has a title company and previously owned an antiques shop.

Her husband, Bob, who is a builder, said it was the most extensive renovation project he’s ever tackled.

“It had plaster walls inside, and so we gutted all of the walls and ceilings.

“The only thing that was left from before we started remodeling was the frame walls, the siding and the flooring.

“We took out all of the electrical and all of the plumbing, anything in there except, for the structure,” Bob said.

The couple purchased the Sistrunk House in 2004 from Earl McKinney, a man they’d known all of their lives.

This sunny reading room is an enclosed porch that used to be a gazebo.

“Earl was not well,” Jo said. “One of the reasons that we got the house, truly, is because Earl had been over to see me, when I had the bed and breakfast (The Lark Inn, next door), and he couldn’t believe what Bob and I had done.

“He said, ‘I never had the money to do to this house, what I wanted to do.”

He asked Jo: ‘Do you think you and Bob would take this on?’

When Bob gutted the Sistrunk House, he found out where a lot of the original stuff had been located, Jo said. “He put it back originally, the way it was.”

There’s original glass in a window looking onto Church Avenue, and in the beveled glass front door. Much of the lighting is original, too.

This clock, on the mantel of the TV room, is one of many antique clocks in the house, and each of them works.

There’s only been four owners since the house was built in the early 1890s. First, there was Laura Inglis, of Iowa; then Dr. Sistrunk, a beloved Dade City physician, and his family. Earl McKinney bought it in the early ’70s, and then the Larkins.

During the restoration, a library was created by enclosing a porch; a reading room was made by enclosing a gazebo; and a carport was converted into a kitchen.

Upstairs, Bob created new spaces, too.

“You have to understand, there were no bathrooms or closets when we got this. So, what Bob did, was — he bumped out the walls, and he added a closet and he added a bathroom,” Jo said.

The list of work done during the renovation goes on and on.

This is a stained glass piece Bob had made for the 14th Street door transom to match the original stained glass in the front window on Church Avenue.

After giving the home new life, the couple loaded it up with interesting items.

“This is the fun part of doing houses,” Jo said. “You can tell I had an antique store.”

The dining room table was built using the legs from a square grand piano.

There’s a piece of furniture known as a “Larkin Side by Side,’ which was available from the Larkin Soap Company. The soap company gave out stamps with soap purchases, which customers saved to buy items from a catalog.

There are conversation pieces throughout the 4,000-square-foot home, which has 13 rooms, including three bedrooms and three baths.

Jo is thrilled that her home was selected to be featured as the Dade City Garden Club’s annual ornament.

This is what the home, owned by Bob and Jo Larkin, looks like now.

She buys the ornament every year. “In fact, all of my sisters, who have moved away, I buy for them and ship it to them because they all want it. Bob’s sister, too. It’s a great gift. It just reminds you of home, so many great things.

“I think it’s such a shame that Earl died and could not see what has happened with the home. That kind of thing would have just made his day.

“If anybody was in love with his home, it was Earl. He really was obsessed with it.

“He was a real character.

“He was interesting to talk to, but you never knew what Earl was going to say, and you never knew what was embellishment and what was the truth.”

The couple has the house on the market now, as they plan the next phase of their lives.

“It’ll take the right person. It’ll take someone who wants to be part of Dade City,” she said.

Dade City Garden Club annual ornament
The Dade City Garden Club’s annual ornament this year features The R.D. Sistrunk House, which is located at the corner of 14th Street and Church Avenue.

The two-story wood-frame house, at 37441 Church Ave., was the home of one of Dade City’s prominent pioneer doctors, Dr. Robert Don Sistrunk. Originally, it was a plain two-story square box, finished by Laura Inglis, from Iowa, in the early 1890s.

Doctor Sistrunk and his bride, Frances Bedgood, moved to the Church Street home in 1906. They remodeled it extensively in 1910, enlarging it, and adding porches and arts and crafts-style columns. They lived in the house the rest of their lives.

Earl McKinney bought the house in the early 1970s. He added porches, gazebos, and replaced the arts and crafts columns.

When McKinney’s health was deteriorating, he approached Bob and Jo Larkin about buying the house and restoring it. The Larkins bought the house in 2003 and began renovations in 2005.

The ornament commemorating the Sistrunk House is available for $22, by check only, from the Greater Dade City Chamber.

Published October 31, 2018

Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church makes ‘house calls’

October 31, 2018 By B.C. Manion

When the Rev. Adrienne Hymes was considering ways to reach out into the community surrounding the new Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church, she hit upon an idea that literally involves making house calls.

The Rev. Adrienne Hymes sprinkles holy water in Pete and Sharon Soto’s Wesley Chapel home as part of a home blessing. (B.C. Manion)

She has made herself available, by appointment, to visit a house or apartment — or business or other gathering space, for that matter, to lead a ceremony to bless the space.

Recently, she visited the home of Pete and Sharon Soto, of Wesley Chapel, and read from scriptural text, as she and those gathered took part in a rite aimed at welcoming and acknowledging God’s presence, and asking for blessing and protection.

The couple, their daughter, and some friends and neighbors joined in reading passages, at certain points in the rite.

Hymes used salt and a blessing, seeking to turn ordinary tap water into holy water — used to bless every room in the home.

Salt is used for purification, she explained.

And, near the home’s front door, Hymes recited a pray, which said in part: “Almighty and everlasting God, grant to this home, the grace of your presence, that you may be known to be the inhabitant of this dwelling and a defender of this household.”

As she and the others made their way throughout the home, she sought blessings for each room.

In the bedroom, for instance, Hymes prayed: “Guide us, waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep, we may rest in peace.”

Family and friends gather to join in a sacramental ritual to bless Pete and Sharon Soto’s home in Wesley Chapel.

Others attending the ceremony were Jeri Jeffries, Maggie Thomas, Christine O’Donnell, Karen Bauer and Michelle Flemming, the Sotos’ daughter.

“As we go on our spiritual journey, and our deeper relationship with God, we started to realize that we need extra protection,” Sharon Soto said.

“We lived 30 years in the other house and we didn’t get it done, so when the opportunity came up for this house, we couldn’t pass it up,” Pete Soto said. “That was just like a God-sent message.”

The Sotos moved to Wesley Chapel a couple of years ago.

“We were ready to downsize to a smaller home, and we have a daughter, a son-in-law and two grandsons that live in Wesley Chapel.

“It’s not that we don’t feel the presence of God here, we already do. It just is kind of an affirmation, I guess,” Sharon Soto said.

Hymes said besides blessing homes, she’s available — by appointment — to bless other spaces, too.

“More and more, as people are pushed into very determined sacred and secular spaces, I think it’s important to remind people that showing up where they live, work and play, and saying, ‘You know what, all of it is sacred,’ ” she said.

“Ritual is so important for us to memorialize different milestones in our lives. One of those would be that now, we have a new home, or we have a home that we now want to make sure that is adequately blessed, particularly if you’re a religious person,” Hymes said.

“It’s one way for the church to say, ‘We’re new here,’ but we also want to be able to bless you in whatever way that we can. Interacting with people, not just on the street corner, or the place where we’re shopping — but to be able to go into their home, is a very intimate space. And, I think that connects with people on a very different level.”

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, email Hymes at .

New church begins Sunday services
What: Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church is beginning to offer a Sunday morning service
Where: 3758 Maryweather Lane, Wesley Chapel
When: Nov. 4 at 8 a.m. (This will be the new church’s first Sunday service, which it plans to offer each week at 8 a.m.)
Details: Besides offering a Sunday service, the church also offers home blessings and other activities aimed at promoting spiritual development.
Info: Visit WCEpiscopalChurch.org, or call (813) 418-1281.

Published October 31, 2018