B.C. Manion

Efforts underway to help Hurricane Michael victims

October 16, 2018 By B.C. Manion

In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, some local efforts are underway to help the storm’s victims.

Hurricane Michael was monstrous, clocking winds at 155 mph and becoming the first Category 4 storm to slam into Florida’s Panhandle.

A look at some of the devastation in Gulf County, where Pasco County teams are helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. (Courtesy of Pasco County Fire Rescue)

Its fierce winds and storm surge have reduced coastal communities to rubble, and after wreaking its havoc on the Panhandle, the destructive storm made its way through Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

At least 18 deaths had been reported as of Monday, with eight in Florida, three in North Carolina, one in Georgia and six in Virginia, according to the website, Weather.com.

Authorities predict it will take some time, even years in some cases, for areas hit by Hurricane Michael’s fury to recover.

While being spared the storm’s wrath, the Tampa Bay region is responding with ways to help.

A local donation drive is being coordinated by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon, the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and Wesley Chapel Nissan.

Donations can be dropped off through Oct. 19 at Wesley Chapel Nissan, 28519 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel. The dealership’s hours are 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

These are the items that are needed:

Portable generators
Insect repellent
Bottled water
Bleach
Disinfectant wipes
Latex gloves
Large garbage bags
Brooms
Mops
Sponges
Laundry detergent
Hand sanitizer
Soap
Feminine products
Diapers
Baby wipes
First aid kits/supplies
Tarps

“We’re going to pack trucks on Saturday, and if we can get in, we’ll leave on Sunday,” said Chris Casella, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon.

“We’re going to be delivering it to St. James Episcopal Church,” he said.

A few of the items collected so far in the showroom at Wesley Chapel Nissan. (Courtesy of Chris Casella)

Thomas Dwyer, the pastor of the church, also serves as the president of the Rotary Club of Port St. Joe.

The Wesley Chapel club wanted to be sure it had a focused effort, with a local contact to make sure the supplies could be distributed there.

“Rotary District 6950 — which is Citrus County, Pinellas County, Hernando and Pasco — they sent out 1,900 emails to our members,” Casella said. “A lot of people are sending us checks, and we’re just going to go shop on Saturday.”

The effort is focused on providing practical items that people need that the Federal Emergency Management Agency doesn’t provide, such as cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items.

“Insect repellent is going to be huge. These people are going to be outside all day long,” Casella said. Plus, there’s no electric, so the windows are open.

“The focus on television has been Mexico Beach and Panama City. You don’t hear about Port St. Joe, at all,” Casella said. “A small town like Port St. Joe will get neglected.”

Two of the Rotary Club’s Interact Clubs are also doing supply collection drives, Casella said. One of those clubs is at Wesley Chapel High School and the other one is at Cypress Creek Middle High School.

“The chamber (North Tampa Bay Chamber) has been incredible with this. They’re mobilizing local businesses,” Casella said.

Other Rotary Clubs are pitching in.

And, Wesley Chapel Nissan’s ownership and management has played a vital role by allowing the dealership’s staff to help and making room for the supplies in the dealership’s showroom, Casella said.

Mady Miller, a student from Sanders Elementary School, organizes a water collection drive at her school, which results in a truck full of water collected in a single day. (Courtesy of Chris Casella)

In addition to those efforts, Pasco County government is lending its assistance to hurricane victims, as well.

Troy Stevenson, of Wesley Chapel Nissan, said “we’re convoying up Sunday. We’ve got Wesley Chapel Nissan employees, Wesley Chapel Rotary and North Tampa Bay Chamber.”

“By the end of the week, we’ll probably be sending up two truckloads.”

One team from Pasco Emergency Services (911) was deployed to Bay County. The six dispatchers on the team are relieving and supporting the 911 center there, according to Brendan Fitterer, public information officer for Pasco County.

Pasco Emergency Management also has deployed the State of Florida Region 4/6 All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) to Gulf County.

This group is made up of personnel from Pasco County Fire Rescue and Emergency Management, as well as personnel from Hernando, Sumter, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sanford counties, the University of South Florida and the Lakeland Police Department.

The all-hazards team is being deployed for both Emergency Operations Center support and field operations, as needed, Fitterer said, via email.

Published October 17, 2018

Pasco Schools plan to beef up security

October 10, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Schools is seeking state approval of a plan that calls for adding security cameras in schools and changing locks on doors at schools throughout the district.

The district wants the state to approve the plan, so it can use about $2 million in state money to pay for the security improvements.

The security upgrade aims to comply with a mandate that school districts across the state assess the safety of their schools and produce a plan to improve it. That requirement came in response to the Valentine’s Day shooting spree that left 17 dead and 17 injured at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Christopher Stowe, director of safety and security for Pasco County Schools, recently outlined the district’s proposed plan to upgrade security at schools throughout the district. (B.C. Manion)

Pasco County Schools worked with law enforcement officials from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the New Port Richey, Zephyrhills and Dade City police departments in assessing their school campuses, according to Assistant Superintendent Betsy Kuhn.

After completing those assessments, the district identified themes it could address using the state grant money, said Christopher Stowe, the school district’s director of safety and security.

It decided to use the state money to “raise the security of all schools in the county, rather than kind of pinpoint one or two.

“We want to make equitable use of the funds that we’re going to be getting with the grants, to make sure all of our schools are going to be increasing their security,” Stowe said.

Much of the work focused on determining how the district could improve security using existing work orders, Stowe added, noting improvements, such as repairing or trimming landscaping to improve sight lines on campuses, can be achieved by district staff.

The grant money would be used to ensure that all Pasco County Schools have security cameras and that door locks will be changed so that teachers will not need to go outside of their classroom to lock the door.

Equipping the schools with security cameras will cost more than $800,000.

The new locks ensure that doors are locked at all times. People can leave a room without a key, but can’t enter without a key, unless someone lets them in.

It will cost about $1.2 million to change the locks on 3,000 doors.

During a presentation on the plan before the Pasco County School Board last week, Superintendent Kurt Browning noted: “I want to make sure that it’s clear that the funds that are being discussed here are funds that have been specifically appropriated for this purpose.

“These are not funds that could be used for raises. These are not funds that can be used for other things,” Browning said.

School board member Allen Altman thanked local law enforcement officials for their help on the effort to assess the district’s schools and share their expertise.

“In talking to other school districts around the state, they do not have the level of cooperation that we have had, and they are struggling to get this done,” he said.

“The fact that this has been a true team effort, and that they have communicated and worked together has been extraordinary — when you talk to other people around the state,” Altman observed.

He also noted: “It does make parents and staff feel better to know that everybody is on the same page and working together, and we don’t have the turf battles that have gone on in other places in the state.”

School board chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong also expressed her appreciation to local law enforcement agencies for their help.

“We very much want to keep that line of communication open,” Armstrong said.

No timetable has been established for the security improvements, Kuhn said. The district must await approval of state grant money for its plan before proceeding to have the work done.

Published October 10, 2018

Political Agenda 10/10/2018

October 10, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Wesley Chapel Republicans
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m., at Lexus of Wesley Chapel, 5350 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Numerous candidates will be featured. Admission is free, all are welcome, and coffee and homemade desserts will be served. For more information, contact Peter Cracchiolo at (813) 360-9813 or at .

Candidate forums
There are three upcoming candidate forums, according to the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections’ website.

They are:

The American Association of University Women on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. The forum will feature all candidates running for U.S. Congress, the Florida Legislature and Pasco County School Board.
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 15, at the East Pasco Adventist Academy, 38434 Centennial Road in Dade City. A meet and greet begins at 6 p.m., with the forum starting at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the event and will have the opportunity to submit questions to the moderators for consideration.
The League of Women Voters-Pasco on Oct. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The forum will feature all candidates running.

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m., at Omari’s Grill at Scotland Yard Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301, in Dade City. The meeting will end at 6 p.m., and will reconvene at 6:30 p.m., at the Dade/Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum at East Pasco Adventist Academy, 38434 Centennial Road in Dade City. For more information, visit EastPascoDems.com, or call (813) 383-8315.

Business Digest 10/10/2018

October 10, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Halloween candy needed
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is collecting Halloween candy for the Pasco County Recreational Complex’s Halloween Party. Please drop donations off by Oct. 17 at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce Office, at 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 16, in Lutz. Or, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722 to arrange a pickup.

Tax implications for small businesses
There will be a seminar to discuss federal and Florida business entities, and how to create them, on Oct. 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. It also will cover other state and local licensing requirements, federal and state employment taxes, federal income taxes and other issues. To register for the free seminar, go to PascoHernando.score.org.

Downtown Avalon Park West groundbreaking
The development and management team from Avalon Park West will kickstart the beginning of the community’s downtown by answering questions regarding its first commercial building, charter school, and future commercial and mixed-use space in the downtown area. The event will be Oct. 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Avalon Park West is at 33613 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

North Tampa Bay Chamber nominations
Nominations are being accepted for the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s annual Excellence in Business awards.

Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges, according to a news release from the chamber.

Here are the categories:

Excellence in Business, small business (up to 49 employees): These businesses and the people who provide leadership for them have a profound effect on the business environment and economy of North Tampa Bay.
Excellence in Business, large business (50 employees or more): These businesses and the people who provide leadership for them have a profound effect on the business environment and economy of North Tampa Bay.
Volunteer of the year: Recognizing a community leader who donates his or her time to chamber activities and events.
Business leader of the year: Must be the founder, owner, CEO or president who best exemplifies generously giving time, money, staff and/or facilities for community benefit.
New business of the year: This award recognizes a local company that has been in business for fewer than three years, which is financially viable and potentially scalable.
Dorothy Mitchell Legacy Award: Lifetime achievement award given to a community leader who has had a lasting positive impact on our community.

Nominations are due by Oct. 12. Finalists will be announced the week of Oct. 29.

The awards ceremony will be on the evening of Nov. 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel.

For more information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

NFIB Summit
The National Federation of Independent Businesses is having a summit on Oct. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The organization advocates for small businesses regarding public policy issues at the local, state and federal levels, which affect small businesses. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., with the program starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Dade City Chamber breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will have a breakfast meeting Oct. 16 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at 13100 Fort King Road in Dade City, Education Room 108. The meeting will feature Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez who will share a “State of the City” report. Anyone wishing to attend must RSVP by calling the chamber at (352) 567-3769. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.

Pasco County considers mobility fee rate update

October 3, 2018 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission is considering changes to its mobility fee rate structure, which could lead to higher rates in a couple of categories by virtue of removing discounts they now receive.

The update also calls for lowering fees in seven land-use categories, and changing the fee charged for residential development in rural areas on lots of 5 acres or more.

Mobility fees are based on the transportation impacts caused by new development, which is typically expressed in the number of trips the development generates, as well as the length of the trips it creates, according to Bill Oliver, of W.E. Oliver P.E., LLC, the county’s consultant on the mobility fee update.

The mobility fees are charged to new construction.

Currently, the mobility fee for a new single family home is $9,800 in the rural district; $8,570 in the suburban district; and, $5,835 in the urban district.

During a Sept. 25 workshop, a majority of commissioners agreed that removing a 7 percent incentive for apartments in the county’s urban fee district would not pose any problems for the county.

Commissioner Mike Moore urged his colleagues to drop that incentive.

“It’s no secret, my frustration, on every corner and every street, we’re putting up apartments,” Moore said.

“We don’t need any more high-end apartment complexes on 54 and 56, in that corridor. So, why would we incentivize them?”

“We’re talking about taking up valuable land, frontage of (State Roads) 54/56, that could be job creators, and they’re getting filled with apartment complex after apartment complex and storage facility after storage facility, and it’s getting crazy.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, however, expressed reluctance.

“We have a shortage of workforce housing. I think we ought to be careful,” Starkey said.

Moore said he’s talking about high-end apartments that are popping up along the corridor.

Starkey said one way to address her concern might be to set a threshold to identify apartment developments that could continue to receive an incentive, and those which would not.

While commissioners cannot take any actions at workshops, their discussion can indicate which way they’re leaning. In this case, they agreed to bring back the apartment incentives issue for when they hold a public hearing on the proposed fee update.

On another category, Starkey failed to sway a majority of commissioners when she suggested eliminating, or at least reducing, the incentive for hotel development.

“I’m not sure we need to subsidize hotels anymore,” Starkey said. “They’re running at 90 percent occupancy.”

Moore said he’d want more information before going that route.

“Do we have enough product yet? How much product do we need in Pasco County before we take that away?” Moore asked.

Starkey said the incentive wouldn’t have to be stripped entirely, but the county could charge something.

“They’re paying zero,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano suggested looking at the issue again in five years, when the county plans to do its next update of the mobility fee rates.

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed: “We’re trying our best to be a premier county and we’re getting there. Don’t put the brakes on before we get there.”

On another issue, Oakley said asked if the county could reduce the gap between the fees paid in rural districts, versus the other fee districts.

Oliver explained that the rates paid in rural areas are higher because residents living there drive longer distances, thereby having a greater impact on the county’s roads. They also enjoy a higher level of service because there’s less congestion.

Oakley said the disparity in rates bothers rural residents.

“They’re concerned about having to pay so much more here, and everybody says ‘Well that’s because you’ve got a longer trip on the road and that’s got more impact.

“It seems like it’s harsh,” Oakley said, noting a lot of “have been arguing and fussing” because of high mobility fees.

David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, said the proposed fee schedule addresses that issue.

Under that schedule, a new single-family home built on 5 acres or more in the rural district would pay the same fee as the same-size home built in the suburban district, which is $8,570. Those built on smaller lots in the rural district would continue to pay $9,800.

Goldstein noted: “Our vision for the rural area really is larger lots, so we didn’t think that a large lot in the rural area should be penalized for building on a large lot in the rural area.”

The update calls for reducing fees in these categories: High-rise condominiums; age-restricted communities; congregate care facilities; college/university in suburban/rural areas; churches in suburban areas; hospitals; and hardware/paint stores (but not big box stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot).

The update also introduces five new land uses: Non-veterinary kennel; breakfast/lunch only restaurant; fast-casual restaurant; ice-skating arena; and active/passive warehouse.

Besides changing specific categories, there’s also a proposal to update the mobility fee schedule every five years, instead of approximately every three years, as has been the practice.

Lengthening the time between updates, coupled with an increasing number of permit applications, would allow the county to reduce the permit administration fee from $392 per permit to $136 per permit, Goldstein said.

The update also proposed additional incentives to spur development along U.S. 19.

Next, the proposed fee schedule goes to the Pasco County Planning Commission for its recommendation, and then it comes back to County Commission for final action.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to take up the issue at an Oct. 25 public hearing. The County Commission has two public hearings scheduled, on Nov. 27 and Dec. 11.

If adopted, county staff recommends that the new fees take effect on Jan. 1.

Mobility Fees update
Pasco County is considering an update to its mobility fee schedule.

Some quick facts:

Pasco County’s mobility fee was last updated in 2014. (Since then, infrastructure costs have increased by 6.7 percent and the county’s incentives program has expanded).
Fees have essentially held constant since 2011.
The county has rural, suburban and urban fee districts.
There are 11 fee schedules, with 81 land uses in each schedule.
The fee schedule has incentives to encourage specific types of development, in specific areas. (The county pays those subsidies, using taxes from nongrowth sources).
The update introduces five new land uses. They are: Non-veterinary kennel; breakfast/lunch only restaurant; fast-casual restaurant; ice-skating arena; and active/passive warehouse.
The update also calls for reducing fees in seven land use categories. They are: High-rise condominiums; age-restricted communities; congregate care facilities; college/university in suburban/rural areas; churches in suburban areas; hospitals; and hardware/paint stores (but not big box stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot).
The proposal also calls for updating the mobility fee schedule every five years, instead of every three; and, reducing the administrative fee for permit applications from $392 per permit to $136 per permit.

Source: Bill Oliver, of W.E. Oliver P.E., LLC, the county’s consultant on its mobility fee schedule update. This information was presented by Oliver to the Pasco County Commission during a workshop on Sept. 25.

Published October 3, 2018

Sister Helen turns 105

October 3, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Sister Helen Lange, a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida in Saint Leo, celebrated her 105th birthday on Sept. 28.

There were 75 guests at the party, including three relatives, according to Cheryl Chadick, development assistant for the Benedictine Sisters of Florida.

The relatives who came to the party were Sister Helen’s cousin, Joan Schmidt, from Brandon; and, her niece, Monica “Shotsie” Keyes, who traveled from Salem, Virginia. Keyes was accompanied by her daughter, Stefanie Martin, who is Sister Helen’s grand-niece.

Sister Mary David Hydra escorts Sister Helen Lange to her 105th birthday cake, as Sister Roberta Bailey, Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida assists. Sister Helen resides at the Heritage Park Health and Rehabilitation Center, and the other sisters live at the Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo. (Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

Kym Hoerr honored Sister Helen with three dozen roses, Chadick added.

“The party was a huge success. Sister Helen looked beautiful, as usual,” Chadick said.

The festivities were held at Heritage Park Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dade City.

Sister Helen, formerly known as Laurina Lange, was still a teenager when she traveled by train from Texas to Florida to pursue the religious life, according to an Aug. 17, 2016 Laker/Lutz News report.

The year was 1930, and she was accompanied by four of her cousins — Irma Multer, Pauline Block, and Rosaria and Rosanna Matthiesen. They, too, had decided to answer God’s call.

She recounted many of her experiences in a memoir she wrote called “Kicking the Habit.”

In the account, she describes growing up on a farm in Olfen, Texas.

Her family prayed often, enjoyed making music, and had frequent gatherings with friends and relatives, her memoir says.

One of her favorite times of the year was Easter.

“Holy Week was truly Holy Week. There were no radios, no running around, no dancing or partying,” her memoir says.

Standing before attendees as they sing ‘Happy Birthday’ at her party, Sister Helen takes the first taste of the cake celebrating her 105 years.

“On Holy Saturday, all of us kids were sent out to pick flowers to build Easter nests for the bunny to come. While we were out hunting the flowers, little did we know that mom was busy dying the eggs — which we never saw until Easter morning.

“We made small nests with the wildflowers we picked out in the fields.

“On Easter Sunday morning, we all tumbled out of bed to see what the Easter bunny had brought. There were eggs of all colors neatly laying in our nest of flowers. What a beautiful day!”

She enjoyed shopping days with her mother, her memoir reports.

Once the necessary items for the household were purchased, she and her mother would stop by the drugstore for an ice cream soda.

“They only cost 25 cents back then,” her account says.

“Another favorite treat was a chocolate bar with marshmallows and nuts. This was called a Tango. It was only five cents,” the memoir adds.

Of course, living on a farm required hard work.

There was “cotton to chop, cotton to pick, maize to head, tractors to run, cotton to haul to the gin, repairs to be done. Too many chores to mention,” the book recounts.

And, she attribute her family’s deep faith as a key influence in her decision to pursue the religious life.

Over the years, Sister Helen would be a teacher, a band director and a principal. She would oversee a hostel for visitors from other countries. And, later, she would work in elder care.

She also moved around quite a bit. Her first assignment took her back to Texas, but she also worked in New Orleans and Slidell, Louisiana, and in various parts of Florida, including San Antonio, Venice, Sarasota, North Miami, Ocala and Jacksonville Beach.

Published October 3, 2018

Rosebud Continuum is having a fall open house

October 3, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Sessions on sustainability will be offered by leaders in the field at an open house planned this month at the Rosebud Continuum in Land O’ Lakes.

Visitors to an open house at the Rosebud Continuum will have a chance to learn about sustainable gardening practices. (File)

The free event is set for Oct. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 22843 Hale Road, according to a news release from the venue.

Those attending will have a chance to stroll around the grounds, purchase native plants and fruit trees, take guided walks through a native plant trail and see demonstrations.

Interested in keeping bees in your backyard? You can learn about it at an open house on Oct. 20 at the Rosebud Continuum, at 22843 Hale Road in Land O’ Lakes.

The Biogas Band will be making its debut, with a sound system that runs entirely on biogas, and smoothies will be sold, prepared using power from solar panels. There’s also plenty of free parking, according to event organizers.

Sessions include:

Off Grid Living: A 20-minute lesson in the classroom, followed by a trip to the trailer to see it in action. The 40-minute sessions begin at 9 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Biodigester workshop: Turn food waste into fuel and fertilizer. This 35-minute session includes a 15-minute talk followed by a 20-minute live demonstration. The workshop begins at 11:15 a.m.
Aquaponics: Get an introduction to aquaponics through a 15-20 minute talk, followed by a visit to the Rosebud Aquaponics system.
Florida Native Plants: Find out more about Florida Native Plants in a 25-minute talk. Talks are offered at 10 a.m., and 1 p.m.
Backyard Bees: Meet a beekeeper and learn what it takes to create your own backyard beehive. This 40-minute session is being offered at 10:30 a.m., and 11:45 a.m.
Bats: Learn about the importance of bats in a 25-minute talk beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Native wildflower walks: Visit a wildflower meadow, with start times at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Edible Plant Workshop: Find out more about edible plants during this workshop at 11:45 a.m.

Published October 3, 2018

Business Digest 10/03/2018

October 3, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Networking Group features Mike Wells Jr.
Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting Oct. 9, starting at 7:30 p.m. The group meets at IHOP Dade City, at 13100 US 301 in Dade City. For more information, contact Nils Lenz, at (813) 782-9491 or .

Hispanic Heritage celebration
ViVa North Tampa Bay will celebrate Hispanic Heritage on Oct. 9 from noon to 2 p.m., at Pasco-Hernando Porter Campus at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel. The cost is $25. A panel discussion is planned featuring Jay Rasario, owner of Wesley Chapel Nissan; Janet Cruz, of the Florida House of Representatives; Roberto Seaz, the owner/principal, Design & Construction Innovations; and Margarita Romo, executive director, Farmworkers Self-Help Inc.

Two-part financial series
Learn simple monthly budgeting, how to reduce debt and increase saving in this two-part financial series on Oct. 19 and Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The courses will be at CREATION Health & Wellness, 38233 Daughtery Road in Zephyrhills.

Reservations are required by calling (813) 779-6476.

Succeeding in business: From theory to practice
A session is planned on Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., aimed at helping companies make smart decisions about their financial future. Representatives from BB&T will address such issues as personal banking, cash flow, borrowing solutions, insurance, employees and other issues. The seminar will be at the Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 37837 Meridian Ave., No. 309, in Dade City. This is a first in a series of eight free sessions. Other sessions will cover marketing, aligning to your company’s core, identifying customers, taking the guesswork out of leasing, human resources, legal issues and planning.

RSVP for the banking session at SmartStartPasco.com/events.

Second annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit
The second annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit is set for Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New City Hall, 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills. The program includes these topics: The City of Zephyrhills: Ready for Growth; State and local representatives: Education; Local: Zephyrhills High School Career Academies; and, Hear it first: Business BizWalk Results.

The event costs $10. RSVP by calling (813) 782-1913.

North Tampa Bay Chamber nominations
Nominations are being accepted for the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s annual Excellence in Business awards.

Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges, according to a news release from the chamber.

Here are the categories:

Excellence in Business, small business (up to 49 employees): These businesses and the people who provide leadership for them have a profound effect on the business environment and economy of North Tampa Bay.
Excellence in Business, large business (50 employees or more): These businesses and the people who provide leadership for them have a profound effect on the business environment and economy of North Tampa Bay.
Volunteer of the year: Recognizing a community leader who donates his or her time to chamber activities and events.
Business leader of the year: Must be the founder, owner, CEO or president who best exemplifies generously giving time, money, staff and/or facilities for community benefit.
New business of the year: This award recognizes a local company that has been in business for fewer than three years, which is financially viable and potentially scalable.
Dorothy Mitchell Legacy Award: Lifetime achievement award given to a community leader who has had a lasting positive impact on our community.

Nominations are due by Oct. 12. Finalists will be announced the week of Oct. 29.

The awards ceremony will be on the evening of Nov. 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel.

For more information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

Co.Starters East Pasco
Co.Starters will offer a nine-week program on Oct. 23, with sessions running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the SMARTstart Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 37837 Meridian Ave., No. 309, in Dade City. Registration is required by Oct. 17. Go to SmartStartPasco.com to register.

Larkin & Larkin Title Services open house
Larkin & Larkin Title Services will host an open house on Oct. 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at their office in The Larkin Building, 14130 Seventh St., in Dade City. Join them for Lite Bites, Libations & Conversations.

Lutz Chiefs at 40: It’s time to celebrate!

September 26, 2018 By B.C. Manion

For decades, it’s been the place to be on Saturdays — for hundreds of players, cheerleaders, coaches and spectators.

The Lutz Chiefs played in the Pasco Police Athletic League for nearly 30 years before joining the Tampa Bay Youth Football League in 2010. (Courtesy of Lutz Chiefs)

The Lutz Chiefs, celebrating the league’s 40th year this season, has offered boys and girls a chance to play and an opportunity to develop their athletic skills, whether it be as football players or as cheerleaders. The league’s cheer squads and teams are open to children ages 5 through 14.

The league also has contributed to the sense of community that Lutz enjoys, as parents on the sidelines get to know other parents, and players get to know children from different schools who compete on the same teams.

On Sept. 29, the league is hosting a reunion for Chiefs alumni, which they’re dubbing “The Greatest Show on Turf.” The event begins with games starting at 9 a.m., a varsity game at 3 p.m., and a Family Food and Fun Fest, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event take place at Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, 656 W. Lutz Lake-Fern Road in Lutz.

The Lutz Chiefs Spring Team Cheer Squad won first place at Reach The Beach, in Daytona, at the spring 2018 competition.

The league also is hosting a Great Gatsby Gala on Oct. 5, at Cheval Country Club, intended to raise money to pay for a shade cover for the bleachers — so spectators can be more comfortable while watching their children or grandchildren play, said Amy Lancaster, Lutz Chiefs director.

The league was established in 1978 and, since then, the football teams have won more than 19 different Super Bowl Titles, and the cheerleaders have won 17 different league titles, Lancaster said.

The league’s home is the Oscar Cooler complex — named for the man who attended hundreds of meetings of the Hillsborough County Commission to persuade commissioners to buy an orange grove so the community could build itself a place for youth sports.

Coach Jason Turk guides Ronan Baggs during a flag football game at Oscar Cooler Sports Complex on Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.

Over the years, the complex has evolved and improved, but the community spirit that created it so many years ago remains intact.

There are some families who have been involved with the Lutz Chiefs for generations.

“Right now, we have a coach that coached in the ’80s. He’s now helping his son coach his grandson,” Lancaster said. “So, we have three generations on the field.”

Currently, there are around 140 kids involved, between football and cheer. Plus, there are about 40 volunteer parents and coaches, she said.

But, it’s not just about football and cheerleading, Lancaster said.

Johnathan Blalock played for the Lutz Chiefs during the Pasco Police Athletic League jamboree when The Chiefs were still part of PPAL. That association lasted nearly 30 years, until organization joined the Tampa Bay Youth Football League in 2010. (File)

“We’re making young men and women. It’s not just about the sports. It’s about cultivating character and commitment to something, and (to) our community,” the director said.

There’s a sense of connection and camaraderie, Lancaster added.

“I was at Publix (on Lutz Lake Fern and North Dale Mabry Highway) the other day. It felt like half our team was there,” Lancaster said.

Stacy Turk, who grew up in Lutz, said that the league’s longevity speaks well for it.

Her family is heavily involved in the program.

Her daughters, 11-year-old Taylor and 9-year-old Tylar are cheerleaders. Her 6-year-old son, Porter, plays flag football and her husband, Jason, is the head coach for flag football.

Turk said she genuinely loves The Lutz Chiefs because of the outpouring of love that coaches display, and because of the structure the league provides for youths.

Coach Anthony Perrone huddles with his team.

“It’s awesome to see the compassion that these coaches, on the field — whether it’s cheer or football — have for their players,” Turk said. “My kids look forward to going.”

The Lutz Chiefs was associated with the Pasco Police Athletic League for nearly 30 years before joining the Tampa Bay Youth Football League in 2010.

Over the years, it has helped prepare young athletes, who have gone on to play at the high school, college and National Football League levels.

For all football-related inquiries, contact Rick Brodsky, athletic director, at
(813) 786-6754 or .

For any cheer-related inquiries, contact Maggie Brodsky, cheer director, at
(813) 786-2370 or .

The Greatest Show on Turf
When: Sept. 29, games beginning at 9 a.m.; varsity game at 3 p.m.; followed by a Family Food and Fun Fest, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Oscar Cooler Sports Complex, 656 W. Lutz Lake-Fern Road in Lutz
Details: All Chiefs alumni are encouraged to show up to celebrate the program’s 40th anniversary. There will be games to watch, reunions among old friends and a good old-fashioned sense of community.

Great Gatsby Gala
When: Oct. 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: The Cheval Country Club, 4312 Cheval Blvd., in Lutz
Details: The Lutz Chiefs will host a Great Gatsby Gala, to celebrate its 40th year as part of the community. There will be an open bar, silent auction, live music, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. There are three ways to help: be a sponsor, participate with goods or services, or attend the gala.
Cost: Tickets are $75 per person or $125 for a couple. Proceeds will go toward the purchase and installation of shade covers for bleachers.
Info: Email . Tickets: Call Stacy Turk at (813) 732-8170.

Published September 26, 2018

Four bond issues on Pasco ballot

September 26, 2018 By B.C. Manion

When Pasco County voters go to the polls in November, they will do more than choose their elected leaders.

They also will decide if they want to chip in to expand the county’s jail, improve its parks and recreation, upgrade its fire rescue services and enhance its libraries.

In other words, the county wants voters to agree to tax themselves by passing four separate general obligation bonds to fund those improvements.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles explains how the county would spend proceeds from four proposed general obligation bonds during a breakfast meeting of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. (B.C. Manion)

Each of the bonds would be repaid over 30 years, using revenues from additional charges on property tax bills.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles recently talked about proposed bonds during a breakfast meeting of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. So many people turned out for the session that some had to be turned away.

Biles began his talk by describing Pasco County’s explosive growth and its expanding needs.

“We’re one of the fastest-growing counties in the state,” the administrator said. “We’ve had about 37 percent population growth over the past decade or so.”

He predicts the county’s population will be between 560,000 and 570,000 when results from the 2020 Census come out.

Pasco is one about 15 counties — among 67 counties in Florida — growing faster than the state average, Biles said.

The administrator also described preparing Pasco’s budget for 2019 as “reasonably easy.” That’s because the county’s property values grew by 9.5 percent, he said.

There’s a referendum on November’s ballot, however, that could create an additional homestead exemption, thereby reducing county revenues.

If that’s adopted, it would affect the county’s general fund budget, which is used to pay for the sheriff, fire/rescue, parks and libraries, he said.

If voters pass the additional homestead exemption, Biles expects Pasco’s revenue to increase next year by about $2 million to $3 million next year, substantially less than the increase it enjoyed this year.

At the same time, the county’s needs continue to grow, Biles said, noting that his remarks about the proposed general obligation bond issues were intended to be informative in nature.

“I am educating, not advocating,” Biles said.

Regarding the proposed bond issue for the jail, the administrator noted the current population of the jail is around 1,700 to 1,800, while its rated capacity is around 1,400.

“There’s a court order that says at 1,900, you’ve got to start releasing people,” Biles said.

Regarding the proposed bond issue for fire rescue, the county would build four new fire districts and reconfigure five existing stations.

“Station 38 (which had a groundbreaking ceremony in Wesley Chapel last week) is the first new fire district in this county in 10 years,” Biles said. “How many people have moved to Pasco County in the past 10 years? About 80,000? And, we haven’t built one new fire district.”

The county’s fire stations are 30 to 40 years old, he added, “and the new fire engines that we need to serve these areas won’t fit in some of those fire stations.”

When the county was cutting its budgets back in 2008-2009, it cut parks and recreation.

“We cut all of that maintenance stuff.

“The parks piece of the bond is to catch up the capital maintenance,” he said.

The library system’s budget was cut, too.

The bond issue would pay to enhance and update libraries, which have not been freshened up for decades.

Biles praised the county’s library staff.

“They do an awesome job,” he said, noting, “they are always looking for new ways to leverage the facilities that they have to help the community.

“Frankly, most of the customers aren’t in there (libraries) for books anymore. They’re in there for the social aspect. They’re in there to connect with the community. They’re in there for Maker Space. They’re in their for small business. They can go in there and kind of work and build ideas.”

“The libraries multiply what we can do in the community. Those are social event centers nowadays. Parks are social event centers nowadays,” Biles said.

If all four bond issues are approved, the owner of a house with a $100,000 of property value would pay around $30 a year in additional taxes, Biles said.

General Obligation Bond Issues
Pasco County is asking voters to approve four general obligation bond issues during the Nov. 6 general election.

The bonds would be repaid over a 30-year period through additional charges on tax bills. The charge will appear on the bills as “voter approved debt service.”

Here are the four different bonds, and the estimated annual charge on a home assessed at $100,000.

Jail expansion
Bond: $132,150,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $16.75
Details: Currently, taxpayers pay $2 million to house inmates outside of Pasco County because the county’s jail has reached capacity. The bond issue would pay for a jail expansion.

Fire service
Bond: $70,200,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $8.89
Details: The county would build four new fire stations in areas that don’t have any fire stations and replace five outdated stations. It also would add 10 new emergency vehicles and would construct a new Fire Rescue Training Facility.

Parks
Bond: $20,200,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $2.55
Details: Projects would be done at all district, wilderness and neighborhood parks. Existing athletic facilities would be improved. Recreational complexes, community centers and aquatic centers would be renovated.

Libraries
Bond: $18,600,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $2.35
Details: The county’s libraries were built in or before the 1980s. The bond issue would be used to upgrade and remodel library branches.

If all four bond issues pass, the total average annual impact on taxpayers owning a home assessed at $100,000 would be $30.54.

Published September 26, 2018