B.C. Manion

School boundary committee meetings underway

September 21, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Schools will be opening a new high school and middle school on the same campus next year, and will open a new elementary school, too.

As a result, existing school boundaries will need to be redrawn to assign students to the new schools.

It’s a process that tends to be controversial.

The boundary committee for High School GGG had its first meeting on Sept. 16.

Although initially planned as a high school only, High School GGG being built at 8701 Old Pasco Road will operate for sixth- through 11th-graders the first year. After that, it will serve sixth- through 12th-graders until the school district has the funds to build a middle school. (Photos courtesy of Pasco County Schools) — Although initially planned as a high school only, High School GGG being built at 8701 Old Pasco Road will operate for sixth- through 11th-graders the first year. After that, it will serve sixth- through 12th-graders until the school district has the funds to build a middle school.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Its first goal was to develop a draft boundary for the combination high school and middle school campus, said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

During the committee meeting, two additional meetings were added to its schedule.

One gives the committee more time to work on its recommendations before they are presented at a community meeting for parents. The other meeting gives the committee an opportunity to recommend any potential changes after the parents’ meeting, but before the Pasco County School Board considers the boundary recommendations.

The role of a school boundary committee is to develop and recommend school attendance boundaries that best meet established guidelines, to provide advice and direction to the technical assistance subcommittee, to review and critique the work of the technical assistance subcommittee, and to represent students, parents, communities, schools and the district.

Boundary committee meetings are open to the public, but members of the public may attend only as observers.

High School GGG, being built at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, will open as a sixth- through 12th-grade school next August, but will only have grades six through 11 its initial year.

The district needs to relieve crowding at Wiregrass Ranch High and John Long Middle School, and cannot afford to build a middle school at this time.

Elementary School B, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., is under construction in Bexley Ranch. It will help reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools when it opens in the 2017-2018 school year.

Another school boundary committee, for Elementary School B, being built at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., will begin meeting on Sept. 26. The new elementary school, set to open next fall, will reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary school.

Both school boundary committees are expected to complete their work by Feb. 1, and the Pasco County School Board will make the final decisions relating to boundaries for the new school.

In addition to drawing new boundaries, the Pasco County School Board will be naming the new schools. They are soliciting suggestions from the public. Anyone who wishes to submit a name can send a suggestion and a brief explanation for each school name by Oct. 1. Type Elementary B or High School GGG in the subject line, and email to .

Also, to keep abreast of information being considered by school boundary committees, visit PascoSchools.org and click on the Rezoning link on the right-hand side.

Boundary meeting schedule, High School GGG

Committee meeting, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Committee meeting, Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Parent meeting, Nov. 29, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Committee meeting, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

All meetings will be at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel

Boundary meeting schedule, Elementary B

Committee meeting, Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m.
Committee meeting, Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m.
Parent meeting, Nov. 1, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All meetings are at Oakstead Elementary, 19925 Lake Patience Road in Land O’ Lakes. The committee meetings will be in the media center, and the parent meeting will be in the cafeteria.

Published September 21, 2016

Local civil air patrol soars to success

September 21, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Motorists zip down Interstate 75, at the edge of Tampa North Aero Park — oblivious to what goes on at the airport on a typical Wednesday evening.

That’s when members of the Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron gather to expand their aerospace knowledge; receive search and rescue training; and take part in cadet programs that emphasize drills, discipline and character building.

The Florida State flag catches a breeze and waves over the Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol’s color guard. (File Photo) — The Florida State flag catches a breeze and waves over the Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol’s color guard.
(File Photo)

The Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron, known as Wesley Chapel CAP for short, includes 43 cadets ranging from ages 12 to 21, and the 15 senior members who are 18 and older.

Most squadron members live in Wesley Chapel, but some live in other communities, including Land O’ Lakes, Spring Hill and Brooksville.

The squadron has earned some bragging rights.

Squadron Commander Daia Jung received the Squadron Commander of the Year Award for 2015. And, the squadron itself was named Squadron of the Year for the Florida Wing for 2015, and went on to be named Squadron of the Year for the Southeast Region. Those awards are in addition to scores of others the chapter has earned over the past several years.

Jung is the squadron’s third commander. She follows Steve Lampasona, who established the squadron, and his wife, Joyce, who became the chapter’s second commander.

“We’re a cadet program. Pretty much everything here is run and taught by cadets, with senior members being their guides,” Daia said.

Cadet Capt. Austen King is the squadron’s cadet commander.

There are essentially three components in the CAP, said Daia, who was introduced to the program by her husband, who oversees the emergency services program. He is a veteran of the first Gulf War and is 21-year veteran of the Tampa Fire Department.

The CAP’s focus is on leadership development, aerospace education and emergency services, including search and rescue missions, she said.

Many squadron members have an interest in aviation and aerospace, and some get their first taste of flying, too.

“We have two types of orientation flights. One is in powered aircraft and one is in glider,” Daia said.

Some members want to do more than ride in a plane. They want to take the controls.

Seventeen-year-old Cadet Commander King is one of those. He made his first solo flight on Aug. 28.

“It was exciting,” King said, and, it was always part of the plan. “That was a goal of mine, to learn how to fly. That was one of the reasons I joined,” he said.

King thinks there are some common misconceptions about CAP.

For one thing, he said, “Not everyone who goes in CAP has to go into the military.”

Some members are interested in cybersecurity or careers related to mathematics, science, robotics and other fields, he said.

For example, Daia’s child Nick, another squadron member, wants to become a herpetologist and to study reptiles.

At the same time, the 15-year-old is in the midst of pursuing a pilot’s license.

The Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron has garnered numerous awards during the past few years. Squadron Commander Daia Jung received the Squadron Commander of the Year Award for 2015. The squadron was named Squadron of the Year for the Florida Wing for 2015 and Squadron of the Year for the Southeast Region. (Courtesy of Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron) — The Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron has garnered numerous awards during the past few years. Squadron Commander Daia Jung received the Squadron Commander of the Year Award for 2015. The squadron was named Squadron of the Year for the Florida Wing for 2015 and Squadron of the Year for the Southeast Region.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron)

“For the past two summers, I’ve attended national glider academy. I’m just about to get my pilot’s license. I have my learner’s license now. I’m really close to receiving my glider pilot’s license. I wouldn’t have ever been able to do that, if I had not joined this program,” the Wiregrass Ranch High School student said.

Belonging to CAP has provided a chance to meet people from all over the world and to develop leadership skills that have come in handy in Wiregrass Ranch’s marching band, Nick said.

Fourteen-year-old Christopher Cuozzo, a student at Land O’ Lakes High School, said he enjoys running through drills and developing the ability to move from one place to another, in an orderly fashion. The orientation flights are cool, too, he said.

Cadet Master Sgt. Cassie Ramer and her brother, Matthew, a tech sergeant, both enjoy being part of the squadron.

Cassie said she is shy by nature, but belonging to the group has helped her to break out of her shell.

“I like the way our squadron functions. The military bearing, the military standards, thing like that. I admire that,” she said. “I like being a part of color guard.”

She said she also enjoys serving in the color guard not so much for the personal attention it brings to her, but because it gives her a chance to bring honor to the squadron.

Her brother said he hopes to become an aerospace engineer and to design new aircraft.

The squadron commander said she welcomes new members.

“My door is open to anybody that wants to come in,” Daia said.

But, anyone who wants to join should take the commitment seriously, she said.

A potential member must attend three meetings and appear before a membership review board before being accepted as a squadron member. There’s also a meeting with their parents.

“We’re all volunteers here, so we want to make sure that it’s worth everybody’s time,” the squadron commander said.

Once in the program, members can pursue all sorts of opportunities.

Squadron members are involved in community events and take part in training programs available through CAP. Cadets also can compete for a slot in special CAP training activities that include powered flight academies, glider academies, hawk mountain ranger school and the National Blue Beret, an air show in Wisconsin.

The programming is geared for a wide range of ages.

“The 18-year-olds are not learning what the 12-year-olds are learning,” Daia said, and, in many cases, the older members are teaching the younger cadets.

“We try to make it fresh and interesting every week,” she said.

Membership is $45 for cadets and $67 for senior members, but it also has other costs, including those associated with uniforms and various activities.

No one is turned away because of financial need, Daia said. To help cover some expenses, the squadron holds an annual gift-wrapping fundraiser every year on Christmas Eve at The Shops at Wiregrass.

For more information
Want to learn more about the Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron? Email Squadron Commander Daia Jung at .
To learn more about CAP’s aerospace education programs, products, and other resources available to our members, go to CapMembers.com/ae. For information about joining as an aerospace education member (AEM) and to join online, go to CapMembers.com/joinaem.

Published September 21, 2016

Fly-in features model Golden Era airplanes

September 21, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Members of the Bay City Flyers and their spectators enjoyed sunny and warm weather during the club’s annual Golden Era fly-in on Sept. 10, at the flying field in Land O’ Lakes.

Edward Pasick, of Windermere, gets his PT-19 ready for takeoff. It took Pasick about 120 hours to build his airplane, which he did completely by hand. (Joseph Spena/Photos) — Edward Pasick, of Windermere, gets his PT-19 ready for takeoff. It took Pasick about 120 hours to build his airplane, which he did completely by hand.
(Joseph Spena/Photos)

Members of the club took to the sky with their radio control scale models of full-size aircraft that was active from 1919 to 1939.

Club members are obviously passionate about their pastime, based on the meticulous attention to detail they pay to the radio control model airplanes they operate.

Bay City Flyers is a club that is sanctioned by the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

The flying cub operates a flying field it affectionately calls Area 52. The field is about 8 miles north of Land O’ Lakes.

Bay City Flyers is one of the largest radio control flying clubs in Florida. It caters to all types of flying models, including scale and aerobatic airplanes, helicopters and multi-rotor aircraft.

A one-third scale model Sopwith sits at the ready, within clear view of the American flag.

The club does not allow turbine-powered jets, but does permit electric ducted fan jets, according to the club’s website.

The Area 52 field features grass runways, each about 800 feet long and 80 feet wide, running nearly perpendicular to each other in the north-south and east-west directions, respectively, so that cross-winds are rarely a problem for the pilots.

Two 100-foot-long shelters parallel the runways, and protect pilots and equipment from the sun, as well as passing summer rains.

A covered pavilion offers a place for meetings and relaxed lunches, while observing models flying nearby.

In most cases, a uniquely crafted model pilot mans the model airplane’s controls, adding to an even greater sense of realism to the already meticulously detailed airplanes.

The club welcomes people who are interested in model building, flying, related competitions and general advancements of the hobby, the website says.

Its members, ranging from teenagers to over 80-year olds, share a mutual enthusiasm about manmade things that fly.

For additional details about the club, visit BayCityFlyers.org.

Or, call Jim Slaughter at (813) 966-7529, or email him at .

Published September 21, 2016

Roger Niolet, of Sarasota, stands behind his one-fourth scale Piper Cub L4 plane. The Piper Cub L4 performed in the roles of aircraft observation, liaison and aerial reconnaissance during World War II.

Two brothers from Hudson, Jett and James Strahan who are ages 3 and 6, appear to be enjoying the air show. The event was open to all, and people of all ages appeared to be having fun watching the planes.

Local ombudsman receives district honor

September 21, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Ron Thiltgen spent nearly half of his life working in the nursing home industry, so when he retired and was looking for something to do — he naturally gravitated to an avenue where he thought he could do some good.

He decided to volunteer for the Florida Ombudsman Program.

Ron Thiltgen, of Lutz, spent 30 years working in the nursing home industry before becoming a volunteer for the Florida Ombudsman Program, which advocates for quality long-term care. (Courtesy of Florida Ombudsman Program) — Ron Thiltgen, of Lutz, spent 30 years working in the nursing home industry before becoming a volunteer for the Florida Ombudsman Program, which advocates for quality long-term care.
(Courtesy of Florida Ombudsman Program)

Thiltgen, who lives in Lutz, has devoted the past three years as a volunteer advocating for quality long-term care for people living in assisted living facilities and nursing homes throughout Hillsborough County.

Recently, he was declared winner of the West Central Council Ombudsman of the Year.

In making the selection, the council noted the 66-year-old’s patience and care for residents, and his ability to get results, according to a news release. He was also lauded for being an excellent mentor for fellow volunteers.

Thiltgen was delighted by the honor.

“It’s nice to be recognized. It feels good when someone appreciates you,” Thiltgen said. He also likes the work. “It’s enjoyable,” he said.

He worked in maintenance for decades, taking care of assorted chores and repairing sinks, toilets and other things.

“I had a lot of contact with people. They had problems. They didn’t know how to get solutions to them,” Thiltgen said.

He likes being able to help people who live in assisted care facilities or nursing homes who feel isolated and need help. He generally spends a couple of hours a week volunteering, but sometimes more, depending on the problem he’s trying to get resolved.

Many people living in assisted living and nursing facilities don’t have family nearby, he observed. “They don’t have anybody to turn to,” he said.

“Ombudsmen, we’re able to make contact with them and try to guide them to wherever they can find resolutions,” Thiltgen said.

In one instance, he helped a resident when her wheelchair broke and she was unable to get around.

“We were able to resolve that,” he said.

Many problems can be solved by better communication, he said. But, some problems are more serious, in which case, the resident is referred to other organizations or agencies that can help, he said.

While a resident’s problem may seem small to an outsider, it can become a source of frustration, he said.

“The seniors, they get stressed out,” the former maintenance worker said.

There are about 20 volunteers providing ombudsman services in Hillsborough County, he said, including those from all walks of life. There are retirees, like himself, but also people who still hold paying jobs.

It’s a satisfying feeling to help those living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, he said.

“Everybody ends up happy. It feels great,” he said.

Published September 21, 2016

Local students in running for national scholarships

September 21, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Normally, a summons by the principal doesn’t involve cake and flowers — but that’s exactly what Lauren Payne and her parents encountered at Wiregrass Ranch High School on Sept. 14.

From left, Janet Payne, Lauren Payne and Greg Payne, stand in a conference room at Wiregrass Ranch High School, after Lauren found out she had been named a semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — From left, Janet Payne, Lauren Payne and Greg Payne, stand in a conference room at Wiregrass Ranch High School, after Lauren found out she had been named a semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Principal Robyn White and Assistant Principal Cindy M. Jack wanted to share good news with the student and her parents because the high school senior is on the list of semifinalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.

She’s one of 16,000 scholars across the country that are semifinalists in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Semifinalists have an opportunity to compete for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships which are worth about $33 million.

Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain a finalist standing, and about half of the finalists are expected to win a National Merit Scholarship.

Payne’s parents, Janet and Greg, were pleased by the school’s gesture.

“It’s a very nice surprise. It’s very exciting. It’s really nice that they put this together,” Janet Payne said.

“It’s exciting,” Lauren agreed.

Her dad is proud of her accomplishments. “It is a lot of hard work that she’s putting into it and hopefully, it will turn out well for her.”

Here’s a list of other local National Merit semifinalists:

Land O’ Lakes

Anmol Warman, Academy at the Lakes
Nathaniel W. Edgar, homeschool
Carter J. Bright, Land O’ Lakes High
Michael Gendreau, Land O’ Lakes High
Navya Jampani, Land O’ Lakes High
Nicholas R. Riley, Land O’ Lakes High
Maxwell Keenan, Land O’ Lakes High
Karina N. Armas, Sunlake High

Lutz

Elle D. Hazlett, homeschool
Joaquin Borggio, Steinbrenner High
Bailey M. Zinckgraf, Steinbrenner High

Tampa

Riley L. Troyer, Carrollwood Day School
Kaley A. Raabe, Gaither High School
Jordyn E. Bizzell, Sickles High
Henry M. Noell, Sickles High
Samuel L. Unger, Sickles High
April E. Olson, Wharton High

Published September 21, 2016

The Laker/Lutz News brings home five awards

September 21, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Work published in The Laker and in the Lutz News brought home five awards from the Florida Press Association 2015 Better Weekly Newspaper Contest.

Eight-year-old Will Pena prepares his scissors to begin cutting paper hearts in his classroom at Academy at the Lakes. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — Eight-year-old Will Pena prepares his scissors to begin cutting paper hearts in his classroom at Academy at the Lakes.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

The honors were presented on Sept. 16 during an awards luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota.

The contest drew a total of 1,670 entries from 65 weekly newspapers across Florida. The work was judged by experienced editors and publishers from Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York.

Photographs taken by Fred Bellet for The Laker received accolades in two categories.

Bellet was recognized for a photograph he captured for The Laker, of a young boy working on a Valentine at Academy at the Lakes in Land O’ Lakes. That image captured third place in the photo feature category for newspapers with circulations exceeding 15,000.

Bellet’s work also was acknowledged for photographs he captured of the Watoto Children’s Choir performing at Van Dyke Church in Lutz. He won third place for a photo series in one issue, competing against newspapers with circulations exceeding 15,000.

The beat of the drums brings out dancers during a segment of the Watoto Children’s Choir performance at the Van Dyke Church.

Staff writer Kathy Steele won second place in the community history writing category, for her story about Lutz Cemetery — an account that weaved together stories of people who are buried there, along with efforts to maintain the final resting place. Her award was for work published in the Lutz News, which competed with newspapers with circulations under 7,000.

B.C. Manion, editor of The Laker/Lutz News, received second place honors for a story about Rotarian Nick Hall’s mission to battle polio — chronicling his cross-country bicycle trek across America to heighten awareness about polio and raise money in the battle to eradicate it. Her entry was in the health, medical and science reporting category for newspapers with circulations under 7,000.

Manion also won third place in the faith and family reporting category for a story she did about Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Land O’ Lakes, which is accommodating its gluten-sensitive parishioners by giving them an option for gluten-free communion hosts.

That entry was in the faith and family category for newspapers with circulations exceeding 15,000.

Published September 21, 2016

Lawyer provides practical pointers on legal issues

September 21, 2016 By B.C. Manion

State Rep. Danny Burgess is a familiar face around Pasco County.

He is widely known in East Pasco as the former mayor of Zephyrhills and for his work on the Zephyrhills City Council.

A lot of people know Danny Burgess as a representative of the Florida Legislature and the former mayor of the City of Zephyrhills. But, he’s also a lawyer and offered some practical pointers to business owners at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce meeting. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — A lot of people know Danny Burgess as a representative of the Florida Legislature and the former mayor of the City of Zephyrhills. But, he’s also a lawyer and offered some practical pointers to business owners at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce meeting.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

He’s also known about other parts of the county for his work as a representative in the Florida Legislature.

But in addition to that work, Burgess is also a lawyer with the Law Offices of Lucas Magazine, which is based in New Port Richey and has a satellite office in Wesley Chapel.

Burgess appeared recently at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting in Lutz, to offer some practical legal pointers to the club’s members.

Here are a few of the tips that Burgess doled out:

No. 1: Document everything. Keep a paper trail. He prefers using emails to keep a record. You want to have a written record.
Read everything. If you’re signing a contract, be sure to read it. It’s important to read every line, to know everything you’re signing.
In your contracts, have a venue clause — something that says where the lawsuit can be filed, if you’re in in a disagreement and you’re going to go to court. That aims to prevent a lawsuit from being filed in a location that’s out-of-state.
Be sure that a contract includes an attorney’s fees clause. That ensures that the prevailing party receives attorneys’ fees, in the event of a legal dispute.
Think about the long-term aspects of a legal dispute. If a customer or client wrongs you and fail to pay, is it likely they will pay if you prevail in the lawsuit? You may be throwing good money after bad.

Burgess also noted that some issues can be resolved through a demand letter, which he said is sometimes affectionately referred to as a ‘nasty-gram’ in the legal community.

The letter sets out what must be done to address the issue, in order to avoid a more serious legal action.

Often, that gets the job done, Burgess said.

Published September 21, 2016

Local 9/11 service honors and celebrates first responders

September 14, 2016 By B.C. Manion

As the nation paused to remember the lives lost in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks 15 years ago this year, Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel had a special service to celebrate and honor the community’s first responders.

Pastor Scott Lindner presents Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Sarah Walker and Sgt. Sam Pepenella to the congregation at the end of the service. They are assigned to District 2, which includes Wesley Chapel, Lutz and Land O'Lakes. (Richard K. Riley/Photos) — Pastor Scott Lindner presents Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Sarah Walker and Sgt. Sam Pepenella to the congregation at the end of the service. They are assigned to District 2, which includes Wesley Chapel, Lutz and Land O’Lakes.
(Richard K. Riley/Photos)

The church, at 29617 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, held a 10 a.m. service to celebrate and honor the community’s local police officers, fire and rescue first responders.

The church also provided a meal for all guests, and took its hospitality a step further by delivering meals to first responders on duty at area fire stations and sheriff’s department stations serving Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Land O’ Lakes and Lutz.

The church also remembered four-legged first responders by providing special treats for them.

On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

The attacks resulted in more than 3,000 deaths, including more than 400 police officers and firefighters.

The special service at Atonement Lutheran Church was an expression of gratitude for the work that first responders do every day to serve the community, according to a release announcing the event.

Published September 14, 2016

This sign in the church lobby, created by young Sunday School students at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, expresses gratitude for first responders. It was posted to welcome members of the local fire and police stations to a special 9/11 service at the church.

These Boy Scouts, listening here, served as an honor guard — posting the American Flag — before and after the service.

Effects of Hurricane Hermine lash Tampa Bay area

September 7, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Recovering from the storm and bracing for the next one
Blasts of rain, high winds and flood waters hit the region last week as the effects of Hurricane Hermine swept in, causing Tampa Bay residents in many communities to retrieve what they could, and discard what was lost.

Trees crashed into roofs. Cars flooded. Water seeped into homes.

In some parts of the region, residents had to be rescued by boat.

Coastal areas often feel the greatest brunt from a hurricane, as walls of water crash into nearby structures and high winds carry debris — which in turn causes damage when it lands. (Courtesy of PublicDomainPictures.net) — Coastal areas often feel the greatest brunt from a hurricane, as walls of water crash into nearby structures and high winds carry debris — which in turn causes damage when it lands.
(Courtesy of PublicDomainPictures.net)

Patients at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson were evacuated on the evening of Aug. 31, after the hospital in Hudson experienced what it believes was a lightning strike on a main power feed on the hospital’s roof, disabling the hospital’s ability to run a safe switch for generator backup.

A brief fire broke out on the roofline, but no one was hurt.

The hospital evacuated all of its 209 patients to other hospitals in the region, through a cooperative effort that included its sister HCA West Florida Hospitals, 70 EMS ambulances, 10 engines companies, three ambulance buses, two task forces, 10 sheriff’s units and the Pasco Emergency Command, according to a statement issued by the hospital.

Hermine was still a tropical storm as it made its way toward Tampa Bay, but it was upgraded to Hurricane Hermine on the afternoon of Sept. 1 and made landfall at St. Marks on Sept. 2, becoming the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida in 11 years.

While it is obviously too late to prepare for the wrath of Hermine, this may be a good time to take stock of your preparations and fill any gaps before the next big storm hits.

Here are some pointers, gleaned from a plethora of sources, intended to help you to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property.

First things, first: Prepare
• Be sure to have an evacuation plan for your family. Everyone in your family should know the plan, and it’s a good idea to occasionally do practice drills, to avoid confusion if a time comes when you need to use it.

• Know your evacuation zone. Do you need to leave or can you shelter in place?

• Is there someone living nearby that you know will need assistance? Maybe you can help, or suggest another source of assistance.

• If you have a pet, have a plan for it. If you will need to evacuate, know where you can take your pet with you. Be sure to prepare a hurricane kit for your pet, including food, any medicines, toys, a bed and so on.

Stock up on water so you’ll be ready, if a big storm hits. (File Photos) — Stock up on water so you’ll be ready, if a big storm hits.
(File Photo)

• Prepare a hurricane kit for your family. It should include one gallon of water per person per day for several days; nonperishable food items including juices, crackers, breakfast and protein bars, canned and dried fruit, peanut butter and bread; utensils for eating, including paper cups and plates, plastic utensils. Plan to be able to eat and drink for several days without the use of electricity, in case power gets knocked out and roads are impassable.

• Stock up on hurricane supplies. These should include flashlights, batteries, self-powered portable lights, waterproof sheeting, a nonelectric food storage cooler, a portable generator and reusable ice.

• Have personal items readily available. These should include blankets and pillows; hygiene supplies, moisture wipes and toilet paper; waterproof and seasonal clothing; reliable shoes; a first-aid kit and special medications; tools; and, cameras.

• Protect your documents in a watertight plastic bag or waterproof container.

• Fill your gas tank and have plenty of cash on hand, in case the storm knocks out power from gas pumps and ATMs.

• Move your car as far inland as possible and on higher ground, to protect it from possible flooding, but do not park it next to a tree.

• Stay away from windows during the storm.

Protect your property
• Well before any major storm hits, be sure to review your insurance. Be sure you have the proper amount of coverage to protect your home, business and belongings.

• Use permanent storm shutters or plywood to protect your windows. Be sure the protection is securely fastened.

• Remove items around your home that could act as projectiles in high winds. Such objects include potted plants, barbecue grills, garden gnomes, chairs and garbage cans.

• Safeguard your boat: Strap down your boat, when ashore, with proper straps rated for the proper weight. If your boat is in the water, remove your boat from water and store it on high ground. If using a dry dock facility, be sure it was built after Hurricane Andrew.

If going anywhere after the storm, be safe
• Be sure to have an evacuation plan for your family.

• Learn the quickest evacuation route and shelters. Learn the quickest evacuation routes and shelters. Bring an emergency kit. Have mobile phones or radios to maintain communications.

Before a hurricane hits, it’s good to know if you live in an evacuation zone; and if so, what evacuation route you will take. (Courtesy of PublicDomainPictures.net) — Before a hurricane hits, it’s good to know if you live in an evacuation zone; and if so, what evacuation route you will take.
(Courtesy of PublicDomainPictures.net)

• Use caution when driving. Don’t drive through moving or standing water. Water that is 2 feet deep can disable most vehicles, and vehicles can be carried away.

• Observe detours and barricades. They are there for your protection.

• Be careful around downed power lines. Always assume they are live.

• When traffic lights aren’t working, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

• If walking, avoid standing water. Floodwaters may contain fecal matter, bacteria and viruses.

• Be aware that metal fences, mailboxes, poles and even nonmetal objects, such as wood and standing water, become conduits for electrical lines, so use care when assessing damage to your home and car.

Recovering from the storm
• Contact your insurance agent to report any covered damage to your home, apartment or vehicle.

• Take photographs because conditions sometimes change. Be sure to have detailed photographs, so you can submit them with your claims.

• Save receipts for all dining, hotel, medical, hygiene and even entertainment. Some of these items may be eligible for reimbursement. Save the receipts from the time you leave your home until you return to live in it.

• Remember that even spoiled food items, up to a limit, may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

• Be sure to use plastic sheeting to cover roof damage and/or broken windows, to keep water from entering your home or business.

• Before trimming trees, check to be sure there are no power lines nearby. If there are, hire a professional.

Don’t be scammed
• Watch out for scams and unlicensed contractors. Verify the contractor’s business license and insurance. Do not accept verbal quotes. Make them put it in writing.

• Hiring an unlicensed contractor can pose many dangers. An unlicensed contractor may be uninsured, may lack the proper qualifications, could do poor quality work or could leave before the work is finished.

• Hiring an unlicensed contractor can also put the homeowner on the hook for personal injury to others. Most homeowner insurance policies also require work to be performed by a licensed contractor and provide no coverage for work that is not.

• Consumers can verify professional licenses that fall under the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s jurisdiction by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com, calling (850) 487-1395, or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.

• Information on services requiring a state-issued professional license from DBPR and how to report suspected unlicensed activity is available online at tinyurl.com/zre9zky.

Sources: Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, Boatsetter, and Tree Care Industry Association.

Published September 7, 2016

Ideas sought for Pasco school names

September 7, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County School Board is seeking suggestions from the public for names for two schools the district plans to open in the fall of 2017.

One school, now known as Elementary B, is being built in Bexley Ranch, north of State Road 54 and east of the Suncoast Parkway.

Construction activity is well underway on a new high school on Old Pasco Road, which will open initially as a high school and a middle school. (Image courtesy of Pasco County Schools) — Construction activity is well underway on a new high school on Old Pasco Road, which will open initially as a high school and a middle school.
(Image courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The new elementary school is expected to help reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools.

The other school needing a name is now known as High School GGG. It is currently under construction on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

The new high school is expected to affect the boundaries for Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel and potentially Sunlake high schools.

The new middle school is expected to affect the boundaries for Weightman, John Long and potentially Rushe middle schools.

Before any decisions are reached on the boundaries for the new schools, boundary committees will meet, parent meetings will be held and the school board will make the final vote.

Meanwhile, the school board has begun the naming process for the schools.

In its school naming policy, the board welcomes suggestions from the public, students and educators.

The board prefers to name schools after the general location, features of the area, or historical information about the school’s location. The suggested name must be brief and descriptive.

The board will consider naming schools after individuals, but those individuals should be of a person of prominence recognized for his or her outstanding civic or educational contribution. The board also will consider naming a school after an elected official or a school district employee, but only after that person has been deceased for two or more years, or has left public office or employment with the district two or more years ago.

Once the name is adopted, it is considered permanent, unless the facility or its use changes.

Those wishing to submit a suggestion should do so by Oct. 1. Suggestions can be emailed, along with a brief explanation supporting the proposed name. Submissions can be emailed to .

Please type “Elementary B” or “High School GGG” in the subject line. Submissions also can be faxed to (813) 794-2716.

Suggestions also can be mailed to: Deborah Hebert, Pasco County Schools Communications & Government Relations Department, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, Florida, 34638.

Published September 7, 2016