B.C. Manion

Fate of flight festival remains up in the air

September 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Traffic jams caused tempers to flare and poor weather kept balloons from launching during the third annual Festival of Flight at the Tampa North Flight Center.

Scores of motorists complained via the festival’s Facebook page about being stuck in traffic for hours.

Greg Lasher of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, left, and Lenny Carver of Sidney, Montana inspect the radial engine of a vintage PT-17 Stearman. (Steve Hollingshead/Photos) — Greg Lasher of Leechburg, Pennsylvania, left, and Lenny Carver of Sidney, Montana inspect the radial engine of a vintage PT-17 Stearman.
(Steve Hollingshead/Photos)

Some said they were turned away from the venue because there was no place to park. Others said they gave up and voiced irritation for being inconvenienced.

Numerous posts criticized event organizers for failing to secure enough parking, for not having law enforcement to direct traffic and for not letting people know early enough when events were cancelled.

The Friday Night Balloon Glow was held, but balloon launches scheduled on Saturday and Sunday mornings were cancelled because of the weather.

Some activities also were able to go on, but much of the event was a washout.

Jessica Warren, festival director for Festival of Flight, said “We are reconsidering all of our options.” That includes, whether to stage the event again.

“Everybody says it was disorganized,” Warren said, but months of hard work and planning went into the event.

Parking was arranged for 20 acres on Compark 75, which is next to Tampa North Flight Center. Warren and her husband mowed the field to prepare it for parking.

Fifty-six volunteers were also secured to help with parking, she said.

Tom Huntington of Warbirds America gives passenger, Adam Silva of Tampa, a post flight briefing after experiencing his first AT-6 trainer flight.

But festivalgoers began showing up four hours before the event on Friday afternoon and volunteers had not arrived to direct parking.

To make matters worse, some people disregarded directions by volunteers and parked in areas and wound up blocking off areas that were intended for additional parking, Warren said.

Some Facebook posts recommended that a remote parking arrangement be made with shuttles to ferry people to the festival for a fee.

Warren said that was done, with five shuttle buses and three golf carts giving people rides from the adjacent Compark 75 parking area to the venue.

She said the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office came to help with parking and officers were hired to help for the rest of the event.

“We knew the popularity had grown,” Warren said. But she said, organizers did not expect so many people to show up at the same time.

Despite the criticism, there were some positive Facebook posts, particularly about the beauty of the balloon glow.

Warren did not see the balloon glow.

“I was directing traffic,” she said.

Published September 16, 2015

New adult day care serves Lutz, Land O’ Lakes

September 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

There’s a new adult day care center available for caregivers who need someone to watch their loved one while they’re working, running errands or merely taking a break from their caregiving duties.

CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive in Tampa, opened in July in an updated recreational center.

CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center opened in July. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center opened in July.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The adult day care center provides care for those ages 18 and older afflicted by Alzheimer’s or dementia, or who have other special needs.

The goal is provide the help that caregivers need and to provide socialization for those coming to the day care, said Brittany Stowers, center manager.

The center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Some clients come daily and stay for the entire day. Others may come one or two mornings a week, or every other week, Stowers said. Those arrangements are made individually.

Program costs vary, based on how many hours of service a client receives and on individual financial situations, Stowers said. She said that will be discussed when arrangements are made for the care.

Regardless of the amount of time that clients spend in the center, the goal is to make it an inviting and stimulating place for them, Stowers said.

There are various activities, including daily walks, arts and crafts, meals, snacks and entertainment.

They play No Money Bingo, do brain teasers and share their talents. Some people really enjoy singing, Stowers said.

Brittany Stowers is the center manager for the CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive. The center provides care for those ages 18 and older who are afflicted by Alzheimer’s or dementia, or who have other special needs.

Clients also can look through books and magazines that have been donated to a small library at the center.

Clients can sit on recliners indoors and on picnic benches on the back porch. There’s an arts and crafts room, too.

“Since it is not a residential facility, we know they really don’t need to be here if they don’t want to,” Stowers said. “They can tell their family members, ‘I don’t like it. It’s boring.’ ”

Knowing that clients have a choice is motivating to the center’s staff to be sure to find ways to engage the clients, and to encourage them to interact with each other, she said.

“It really pushes us to find activities that they would really like to do, so they enjoy coming back every day,” she said.

“I haven’t heard one person say ‘I’m bored’ yet,” said Phyllis Bross, a CARES board member, who was at the center one recent morning.

The center gives the clients a place to meet new friends, both Stowers and Bross said.

They won’t become isolated, Bross said, noting that can easily happen if a person doesn’t get out to meet new people.

Besides letting the community know about the available service, the staff wants to invite anyone who is interested in volunteering to step forward.

“Volunteers are so helpful,” Stowers said. She’s looking for people who have special talents or hobbies, to help make the activities more engaging.

She’s also looking for people who don’t mind taking on some chores.

She could use people who want to help in the kitchen, or do clerical work, or merely provide companionship for clients by talking or listening to them.

The center has the capacity for 100 clients. So far, it has 16. Stowers expects the number to increase, as people become aware of the service.

The center is one of six in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. The two locations in Pasco County are in New Port Richey and Dade City.

CARES receives support from Hillsborough and Pasco counties, the Area Agency on Aging, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the United Way of Pasco County, and Senior Connection Center Inc.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer or needs more information, should call Stowers at (813) 570-7901.

“Living Well into the Future”
What: Jeremy Ewbank will perform as Elvis, Diane Hunter will give a presentation on a healthy body and mind, and Phyllis Bross will present on the accessibility and importance of Alzheimer Support Groups.
Where: CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive in Tampa.
Who: All are welcome

World Alzheimer’s Day event
What: The staff will decorate the center in purple, and people will wear purple to bring awareness to World Alzheimer’s Day. Phyllis Bross will present on the importance of Alzheimer Support Groups and forever learning. Diane Hunter will present on a healthy body and mind.
When: Sept. 21, beginning at 10 a.m.
Where: CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive in Tampa
Who: All are welcome

Published September 16, 2015

Author unearths details of Wesley Chapel’s past

September 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Today’s community of Wesley Chapel is a bustling place with The Shops at Wiregrass, Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, to name just a few community landmarks.

Motorists stream down State Road 54 and State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and there are new subdivisions, restaurants and businesses popping up.

A group of Wesley Chapel natives gathered in what was once considered to be downtown Wesley Chapel on Aug. 10, to discuss local history with Madonna Wise. Shown here are Roy Burnside, former mayor of Zephyrhills, Madonna Wise, Bill Smith, Sue Boyette and Frank A. Scott, Sr. of the First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Madonna Wise) — A group of Wesley Chapel natives gathered in what was once considered to be downtown Wesley Chapel on Aug. 10, to discuss local history with Madonna Wise. Shown here are Roy Burnside, former mayor of Zephyrhills, Madonna Wise, Bill Smith, Sue Boyette and Frank A. Scott, Sr. of the First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel.
(Courtesy of Madonna Wise)

But not much is generally known about the history of this place which had settlements dating back to the 1840s.

A book being written by local historian, Madonna Wise, will shed light on that early history.

Wise has been meeting with descendants of families that have deep roots in the Wesley Chapel community and she’ll be sharing photographs and anecdotes in an upcoming book to be published by Arcadia Publishing, out of South Carolina.

Wise has written similar books about Zephyrhills and Dade City for the publishing company.

She expects the Wesley Chapel book will be released in early 2016. It will likely be about 220 pages and will contain at least 180 photographs, she said.

It will have chapters about the area’s pioneers, its ranches, economy and community institutions.

Tracing the history of Wesley Chapel has been challenging because the community, unlike Zephyrhills and Dade City, has no city government or nucleus of old town buildings to help reveal its past, Wise said.

But she has found a wealth of information through families who still live in the area and who have vivid recollections of the community long before Interstate 75 sliced through it and developments, such as the Saddlebrook Resort, began to be built.

Malinda Jane Gillett Stanley, born in 1892, was a midwife in Wesley Chapel. She’s from one of the families featured in a book about Wesley Chapel currently being researched by Madonna Wise, a local historian. Photo by Weimer Studio, Courtesy of Marco Stanley, Marlo Hilton and Charles Estepp (Photo by Weimer Studio, Courtesy of Marco Stanley, Marlo Hilton and Charles Estepp) — Malinda Jane Gillett Stanley, born in 1892, was a midwife in Wesley Chapel. She’s from one of the families featured in a book about Wesley Chapel currently being researched by Madonna Wise, a local historian.
(Photo by Weimer Studio, Courtesy of Marco Stanley, Marlo Hilton and Charles Estepp)

Wise said she relied on her background in genealogy to help her track down families to interview.

By using those resources, she found Marco Edward Stanley, of Gainesville, who arranged for Wise to interview his mother, Lillie Sapp Stanley, a 95-year-old, who still lives here.

“She (Lillie) lived in the area on a ranch. She knew everyone,” said Wise, who met with her and other members of the Stanley family.

As she conducted her research, Wise said she discovered that many families with deep roots in the community still live there.

“Everybody is related to everybody,” Wise said, mentioning the Coopers, the Stanleys, the Hills, the Smiths, the Barnes, the Boyettes and others.

“There is this close nucleus of families. They really deeply care for each other. They know all about the cousins. Who moved here. Who moved there,” Wise said.

David Brown, a descendant of the Barnes family, told Wise: “We cared about each other. If you didn’t show up for church one Sunday, somebody would come check on you.”

Much like in Dade City, Wise said, one interview led to another.

Marco Stanley encouraged Wise to talk to his cousin, Bill Smith.

“So they set up a meeting for me to talk to Bill,” she said. “Bill’s sister is 92. Her name is Ruth Smith Adams. She’s still sharp as a tack.”

“Bill says to me on the phone, bring butcher block paper,” Wise said.

To his knowledge, nobody had ever drawn a map of the settlements, she added.

Wise’s book will have that map.

“We’re talking 1900. It’s not right at the beginning because the settlements started in the 1840s,” she said.

John Boyette, born in 1875, is shown with his wife, Blanche, and children, Johnnie, William, Ruby and Vera. (Courtesy of Cletia Pierce) — John Boyette, born in 1875, is shown with his wife, Blanche, and children, Johnnie, William, Ruby and Vera.
(Courtesy of Cletia Pierce)

“They told me where to draw,” said Wise, noting they worked on the map for about four hours and have revised it since.

“It shows where early families lived, including Ped Tucker and Thomas Boyette and Jacob Godwin, she said.

“And then they would tell me things like, ‘This is where we held the rodeo. And this is where the old log school was before the Wesley Chapel school. And this is where we went swimming.’,” the author said.

Wise conducted 15 interviews, each lasting four to five hours, or more.

During those chats, she also found out about some of the area’s clandestine activities, including moonshiners and gator hunters.

Tracking down the area’s history has been fun and interesting, Wise said.

Published September 16, 2015

Suicide prevention can begin with small gestures

September 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Betsey Westuba delivered a powerful message about suicide prevention last week at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

To help illustrate the impact of suicide, she brought along a banner covered with 2,892 yellow ribbons.

Each ribbon represented an individual who died by suicide in Florida during 2013.

The yellow ribbons on this banner, next to Betsey Westuba, represents lives lost to suicide. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — The yellow ribbons on this banner, next to Betsey Westuba, represents lives lost to suicide.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The ribbons reflect only the people who died — not the scores of people left behind to cope with the aftermath.

Westuba’s talk touched on the warning signs of suicide and the difficulty people often have in grappling with a loss caused by the suicide of a loved one. She provided information about where to turn for help.

Westuba knows firsthand how it feels to have a loved one die by suicide because that’s how her brother died.

It is common for survivors to experience guilt and to question why the death occurred, she said.

Survivors may find it helpful to seek professional counseling or join a survivors’ support group, she added.

There are actions that people can take to help prevent suicide, said Westuba, who is region six director for the Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition.

People may feel helpless, but small gestures often can help someone who is considering suicide to choose a different path, she said.

Westuba addressed steps people can take to help prevent suicide and help that is available for people who are considering suicide during her talk, timed to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Week, which ran from Sept. 7 to Sept. 13.

More than 70 people gathered for the talk.

“Each suicide is unique,” Westuba said.

People who take their own lives may be dealing with a variety of pressures, she said. Those can include family problems, unrealistic expectations, the loss of a job, and the loss of a home, or other issues.

“Usually it’s not going to be one particular thing,” Westuba said. Rather, it can be an accumulation of stresses, she said.

When people start to feel overwhelmed, they need to know that help is available, Westuba said.

When a person stops keeping in touch with others, that’s a huge sign they may be going through some kind of depression, she said.

If you sense that, Westuba said, it might help to reach out and ask: “What’s happening in your life?”

Sometimes, people just need someone to listen and to check in on them to see how they are doing, she said. That can help people get through a crisis and provide time for them to get additional help.

Developing a safety plan can help, too.

That plan can include a list of people the person can talk to if they need help. It also lists things the person enjoys doing.

Tapping into simple joys in life, such as taking a walk or playing with a dog, can help lift someone out of a funk, Westuba said.

Sharing their feelings with supportive friends and family and getting involved in the community can help those who are feeling overwhelmed, as well, she said.

She urged people in the crowd to pay attention to others and to notice if their behaviors are changing.

Eating disorders and self-harm, such as cutting or picking at skin, can be a sign that someone needs help, she said.

Westuba suggested using a direct approach: “Talk about it. Ask: ‘Are you having thoughts of harming yourself? Are you having thoughts of harming someone else?’ ”

When someone is suicidal and has a firearm, a knife or a stockpile of medications, the best thing to do is call 911, Westuba said, adding that others should not put themselves at risk of being harmed.

Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is suicidal, call 911 or The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255

Visit 211.org and enter your ZIP code to find help for all sorts of issues.

These are signs that someone is thinking about ending his or her life:
If a person talks about:

Killing himself or herself
Having no reason to live
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Experiencing unbearable pain

If a person:

Increases use of drugs or alcohol
Researches ways to kill himself or herself
Behaves recklessly
Withdraws from activities
Isolates from family and friends
Sleeps too much or too little
Visits or calls others to say goodbye
Acts aggressively
Displays one or more of the following moods: depression, loss of interest, rage, irritability, humiliation and/or anxiety.

Local support group
WHAT: Healing After a Loved One’s Suicide
WHO: Adults, 18 and older
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the first and third Wednesday of each month
WHERE: 17030 Lakeshore Road, Building G, Lutz
COST: Free
INFO: Call Suncoast Kids Place to register or for information, (813) 990-0216

Published September 16, 2015

She was a master at making connections

September 9, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Cindy Freeman worked in a job that required excellent networking skills.

Fortunately for her and the people she met, she had them.

The 57-year-old woman, from Land O’ Lakes, succumbed to her battle with esophageal cancer on Aug. 29. Her funeral services were on Sept. 2, at Loyless Funeral Home in Land O’ Lakes.

Freeman worked as the membership coordinator for The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce, helping new members become familiar with the community and helping established members make new connections.

She sincerely cared about helping others succeed, friends of Freeman said, during recent interviews.

So, when the 57-year-old woman from Land O’ Lakes became ill, her absence from Wesley Chapel functions was noticeable, said Ghada Jadallah, the chef for Dash of Salt ‘n Pepper, a catering business with a coffee shop at Pasco-Hernando State College.

Jadallah described Freeman as “the kindest person” who would “do anything to help you.”

“She helped me in every possible way somebody could help me,” Jadallah said, noting Freeman often helped Jadallah make connections with people who needed catering services.

Freeman’s help made a difference, Jadallah added.

“I was like, ‘Oh, my God, this woman is such a beautiful creature.’ She really cared. That’s why I loved her so much,” Jadallah added.

When Jadallah learned that Freeman was ill, she wanted to deliver meals to her. But, she found out that Freeman couldn’t eat.

Freeman’s death was a tremendous loss for Hope Allen, the chamber’s executive director.

“Her heart was good — she was an amazing asset to our organization,” Allen said.

“Every member, every day. That was our slogan,” Allen said. “Some days it was just one member, but she went above and beyond to help anyone she could.”

“She was so giving. So giving of her time. Of anything, she was just giving,” Allen said.

“It was a big loss for a lot of people. She definitely was well thought of, and loved.”

Valerie Rudmin, owner of Everlasting Beauty, met Freeman through the chamber.

“She was so caring and so nice to everybody. She made everybody feel at home, when you met her,” Rudmin said.

“She was always there for the ribbon cuts. She was a real genuine person. She wasn’t a phony. Everybody just adored this woman.

“She really felt like it was her job to connect people together and to introduce people,” said Rudmin, who is an ambassador for the chamber.

Freeman’s death was a jolt, she said.

“This is just totally shocking. I can’t believe she’s actually gone,” Rudmin said.

While Freeman was struggling with cancer, a GoFundMe account was set up to help with expenses.

Now, her friends are stepping forward to help cover funeral costs and other expenses.

Jadallah, who provided the food after Freeman’s funeral, said there was talk before Freeman died to host a fundraiser to benefit her and her family.

She hopes that still will happen.

“I hope all of Wesley Chapel comes together and does something (to help),” Jadallah said.

Freeman is survived by her husband, Kenneth Freeman; her son, Aaron Freijomel; her daughter, Morgan Beeler; her brothers, Nelo Jr. and Tony; her sisters, Gale and Kim; and, a grandchild, Brady.

Those wishing to help can do so at Cindy Freeman’s GoFundMe account, at GoFundMe.com/b7z26v5c.
Or, they can drop off donations at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd.

Published September 9, 2015

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North expands heart care services

September 9, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When heart attacks happen, minutes matter.

And now, residents of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and other nearby communities, including Keystone, Odessa, Northdale, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, have a new option for treatment of a STEMI — which stands for ST elevated myocardial infarction.

That condition is one of the most deadly types of heart attacks and, as of Aug. 25, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North can treat patients suffering from a STEMI.

A STEMI occurs when there is prolonged blockage of blood supply to the heart. The optimal treatment method is PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) to open the artery within 90 minutes of first receiving care by emergency medical personnel.

When someone arrives at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North with a STEMI (ST elevated myocardial infarction), this team of specialists springs into action to provide treatment. (Courtesy of St. Joseph's Hospital-North) — When someone arrives at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North with a STEMI (ST elevated myocardial infarction), this team of specialists springs into action to provide treatment.
(Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Since time translates into muscle loss, patients suffering a STEMI are taken to the closest hospital that can treat patients suffering from this type of heart attack, said Kathy Myers, director of operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

In the past, patients who brought themselves to St. Joseph’s North had to be taken by helicopter to St. Joseph’s main campus in Tampa for the treatment, Myers said.

Ambulance drivers who responded to emergencies would bypass St. Joseph’s North to take patients to the closest facility licensed to treat STEMI patients, Myers added.

Now, St. Joseph’s North has a team on hand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to treat these patients.

Adding the service is a true milestone in the hospital’s five-year history, Myers said.

Treating STEMI patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North means faster care for patients in a situation where minutes matter, Myers said.

“When you have a STEMI, that lack of blood flow to the heart causes muscle loss,” Myers said. “Time is heart muscle. So, getting to the closest facility, and getting that intervention as quick as possible, saves heart muscle.”

Kathy Myers, director of operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, said adding a service to treat STEMI (ST elevated myocardial infarction) is a milestone in the hospital’s five-year history. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Kathy Myers, director of operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, said adding a service to treat STEMI (ST elevated myocardial infarction) is a milestone in the hospital’s five-year history.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The St. Joseph’s Hospital-North STEMI team has been specially trained. There are 11 team members in the Cath lab and numerous other departments that interact with them.

All team members who work in the Cath lab need at least 500 hours of experience in a facility that does open-heart surgery, and many received training at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, she said.

Another advantage of adding the service is that patients will be able to stay in their community hospital, rather than being transferred or taken elsewhere, Myers said.

Nationally, about 250,000 Americans suffer a STEMI each year, according to the American Heart Association.

On average, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North estimates it will treat about two STEMI cases a week as the program ramps up.

The hospital has analyzed the area’s health trends, Myers said.

It is seeing more women with cardiac problems.

“Women present with different symptoms. They sometimes don’t have that crushing pain in their chest. They have back pain. They have shoulder pain. Different kinds of symptoms,” said.

It is also seeing younger people with cardiac issues.

“We have a lot of 40-, 50-year-olds who are in very stressful jobs. And, people are getting younger that are coming in with cardiac history,” she said.

Contributing factors can include people’s diet and other medical conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, she said.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is one of six BayCare facilities that can treat STEMI patients.

Heart attack warning signs in men:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Heart attack warning signs in women:

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

Source: The American Heart Association

Published September 9, 2015

Charter school on Sunlake scrapped

September 9, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When a proposed charter school at the southwest corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and Sunlake Boulevard was announced, opponents rallied against the proposal.

They said the proposed school was too big for the location.

They predicted it would ruin the quiet enjoyment of their residential properties.

They complained about the traffic the school would generate and the ensuing hazards, and they also objected to the noise and fumes the school would bring.

Potential flooding was another big issue.

Joe and Pat Serio, would-be next-door neighbors to a proposed charter school in Lutz, are delighted that plans for building the school have been dropped. (File Photo) — Joe and Pat Serio, would-be next-door neighbors to a proposed charter school in Lutz, are delighted that plans for building the school have been dropped.
(File Photo)

But county planners gave the proposal a recommendation for approval, provided the school complied with a lengthy list of conditions.

A county hearing officer agreed with county staff and gave the project his stamp of approval.

Opponents felt dejected.

But now, the charter school plans at that location are being scrapped.

The applicant for the special use permit was Charter Schools Inc., of Boca Raton, and the school operator would have been Charter Schools Association of Coral Gables.

The school would have been for students in kindergarten through eighth grade and would have been built in two phases.

But, those plans have been dropped.

It turns out that the applicants decided to drop the plan for a number of reasons, including the fact that it costs too much to meet the requirements, their representative, Michael Horner, said in a letter to the Lutz Citizens Coalition.

The coalition joined area residents to fight the proposed school.

The coalition doesn’t oppose schools — but it objects to attempts to squeeze schools onto sites that are two small, or that would pose traffic hazards or other concerns, said Mike White, who is the founder and president of the citizens’ group.

White learned that the school would be scrapped through Horner’s letter.

White shared Horner’s letter in an email to coalition members and other interested parties.

In part, Horner wrote: “Mike (White), I was informed by a county staff member this morning that there are still discussions and meetings ongoing regarding this prior approved charter school and I thought I should respond.

“Our clients have decided to drop this charter school for a number of reasons, not the least of which is land cost and significant costs for the required roadway improvements which were extremely high.

“This parcel will now most likely be pursued for residential use and the current owners are exploring those opportunities given the unreasonable low-density classification on site compared to surrounding parcels.

“While a charter school may be pursued in this general area on another parcel, it will not be on this corner.”

In passing along Horner’s letter, White also noted, “I think I would call this a victory for the Sunlake community.”

White believes the work the community did to push for conditions to address the school’s impacts resulted in the applicants pulling out.

“We knew that it was going to be very costly,” White said.

Pat Serio and her husband, Joe, who live next to the proposed school site, agreed with that assessment.

They are grateful to the people who collected petitions, attended public meetings and voiced their concerns about the project.

“We’re ecstatic,” Joe Serio said.

“Needless to say, we’re very pleased that it’s not happening,” Pat Serio added.

“There are a lot of other things that would be more suitable (on that property),” she said.

Published September 9, 2015

Industry of the year winners announced

September 4, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The Laker/Lutz News is among those honored

More than 600 people gathered at Wesley Chapel’s Saddlebrook Resort at the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 29th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards.

The Sept. 3 event attracted a who’s who in Pasco County, including movers and shakers in government and industry, as well as leaders of community organizations.

Awards were presented to eight companies making their mark in Pasco County, and the winners were:

The Laker/Lutz News: Service/Distribution, category 1 (1-25 employees)
Applicant Insight: Service/Distribution, category 2 (26+ employees)
SAHM Co.: New Business Award
Big Storm Brewing Co.: Manufacturer of the Year, category 1 (1-25 employees)
Preferred Materials: Manufacturer of the Year, category 2 (26+ employees)
Easy Business Software: Technology Award
Veterans Alternative Therapy: Special Recognition Award
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills: Special Contribution Award

The companies honored during the banquet were nominated in late spring and then interviewed by members of a Pasco EDC awards committee.

The committee considered a total of 23 nominees. Winners are selected based on exemplary growth in job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation and community service.

The awards committee used a specific grading scale to select the winners.

The Laker/Lutz News was honored during the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 29th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards. Shown here, from left, are John Hagen, CEO and president of Pasco EDC; Diane Kortus, publisher and owner of The Laker/Lutz News; Suzanne Beauchaine, account manager; Mary Eberhard, accounting; B.C. Manion, editor; Terri Williamson, senior account manager; and Lex Smith, outgoing chairman of the board for Pasco EDC. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council) — The Laker/Lutz News was honored during the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 29th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards. Shown here, from left, are John Hagen, CEO and president of Pasco EDC; Diane Kortus, publisher and owner of The Laker/Lutz News; Suzanne Beauchaine, account manager; Mary Eberhard, accounting; B.C. Manion, editor; Terri Williamson, senior account manager; and Lex Smith, outgoing chairman of the board for Pasco EDC.
(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

“It is tremendously gratifying to be recognized by Pasco’s business leaders for our commitment to give readers a top-notch newspaper every week,” said Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News. “This past year, my team embraced the vision to take our papers to its larger format, and their talent, determination and hard work is reflected in this honor.”

Other finalists this year were: Aviation Instrument Technologies Inc.; Can Can Concealment LLC; Covanta Pasco; Electro Tape Specialties; Fifth Third Bank/New Port Richey Branch; Freedom Scooter & Supply LLC; Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco; Manufacturers Distributor Inc.; Morton Plant North Bay Hospital; Oasis Pregnancy Center; and Retail Process Engineering LLC.

Pasco EDC is a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development in Pasco County.

Besides those receiving Industry of the Year awards, John Hagen, the outgoing CEO and president of Pasco EDC, also was honored for his years of service. He expects to retire within the next few months.

The banquet program also featured an update on Pasco County’s economy from Lex Smith, the outgoing chairman of the Pasco EDC.

Smith noted that the council completed 14 new job creation projects since October 2014.

Those job creators include the attraction of three Fortune 500 companies: Leggett & Platt, Ortho Technologies (which is part of Henry Schein Inc.), and Tru Simulation and Training (part of Textron). Those 14 projects are expected to yield more than 900 jobs and $118 million of investment.

Festival shares joys of flight

September 2, 2015 By B.C. Manion

People who are drawn to hot air balloons and aircraft enthusiasts will have plenty to see and do at Festival of Flight 2015.

The event, which will take place from Sept. 11 through Sept. 13 at Tampa North Flight Center, features hot air balloon rides, tethered balloon rides, two balloon glows, two balloon launches, helicopters, planes, live music, a specialty car show and more.

Admission is free and parking is $5.

Inflated hot air balloons create a colorful spectacle during the balloon glow at last year’s Festival of Flight. (File Photos) — Inflated hot air balloons create a colorful spectacle during the balloon glow at last year’s Festival of Flight.
(File Photos)

The festival expects to have 30 balloons coming from Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, said Jessica Warren, the festival director. There may be even a balloon coming in from Colorado, she said.

Warren also expects about 30 other aircraft: biplanes, war birds, a glider, Cessna and others.

“We have a lot of planes coming in from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, New Smyrna Beach,” Warren said. The festival is advertised through airports, to let pilots know what is happening.

“A lot of the Facebook advertising that we do targets aviation enthusiasts. There are different clubs on there that we’ve shared the information with, to let them know that it’s happening,” she said.

The festival also will have kites, radio-controlled aircraft, food vendors and entertainment.

There are some new features at the festival, too.

“We have bounce houses this year, which we didn’t have in years past. We have the balls that walk on water. You get inside of them and you walk,” Warren said. And, she added, “We’re trying to get a gyrosphere.”

A hefty dose of rain last year put a damper on attendance at the second annual Festival of Flight, but Jessica Warren, the festival director, is hoping that won’t be the case this year.

This year’s food vendors include Happy Hangar Café, Salsa Slow Smoked BBQ, Collins Concessions, Heavenly Snow – New Orleans, The Bacon Boss Food Truck, Jimmy’s Slider Food Truck, Kona Ice of Wesley Chapel and Churroland.

There’s also going to be a car show, featuring BMWs and exotic cars.

Helicopter rides start at $25 and tethered balloon rides are $10. The hot air balloon rides are sold out, but a waiting list is being kept. The hot air balloon rides are $189.

There also will be a Quilt of Valor presentation on Friday night, to honor veterans who served in a war zone.

It’s a special presentation, Warren said. “You have to be nominated, and you only receive one in a lifetime.”

All together there are 56 vendors, 11 bands, 30 balloon pilots and at least 30 airplane pilots.

“We have about 20 volunteers coming from Grow Life Church. We have about 30 volunteers from the Civil Air Patrol,” Warren said.

Parking will be at the Compark 75 property, which is next door to the airport and shuttle service will be provided.

When the event started three years ago, Warren knew it would grow.

And, it is attracting widespread interest.

“We have people flying in just for the festival all of the way from Puerto Rico, Maryland, New York. I have people who have called me from all over the United States. These are people who are just coming to see the balloons,” Warren said.

“We still want to kind of keep it in the small-town feel that Wesley Chapel, is. But just like Wesley Chapel is growing, we are growing, too,” Warren said.

Festival of Flight 2015
What: American Balloons and Tampa North Flight Center host the Festival of Flight 2015
When: Sept. 11 to Sept. 13
Where: At the Tampa North Flight Center, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., in Lutz. The particulars: There will be hot air balloons, planes, kites, helicopters, live music, tethered balloon rides, a specialty car show, vendors and more. On Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, there will be an evening balloon glow. On Sept. 12 at and Sept. 13, there will be a hot air balloon launch. Admission is free. Parking is $5. For information and full schedule of events, visit FestivalOfFlightWesleyChapel.com.

Published September 2, 2015

Town hall touches on wide range of issues

September 2, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Residents turned out in droves to a town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, State Sen. Wilton Simpson and State Rep. Danny Burgess.

People filled every seat of the Pasco County Commission’s chambers at the Historic Courthouse in Dade City.

The chambers at the Historic Courthouse in Dade City were packed, as people turned out to share their concerns with U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, State Sen. Wilton Simpson and State Rep. Danny Burgess. (Richard Riley/Photos) — The chambers at the Historic Courthouse in Dade City were packed, as people turned out to share their concerns with U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, State Sen. Wilton Simpson and State Rep. Danny Burgess.
(Richard Riley/Photos)

They sat on extra chairs set up along the aisles. Some stood in the back. And, there were even people sitting in chairs on the dais that are normally reserved for county officials and Pasco County Commission members.

The speakers at the Aug. 25 session had plenty to say at the meeting, which lasted more than three hours.

In the education arena, lawmakers heard complaints about unfunded state mandates, excessive testing in schools and onerous requirements for operators of voluntary pre-kindergarten programs.

One speaker urged elected leaders to find a way to reopen Moore Mickens Educational Center, a school closed by Pasco County Schools.

Simpson said he is willing to work with the community, once it comes forward with a plan regarding the school.

Other speakers complained about the lack of services for veterans.

Bilirakis told the crowd that improving services for veterans is one of his top priorities.

He touched on the idea of creating a Veterans Village, similar to the Veterans Village of San Diego.

It would be have to be some sort of public-private partnership, Bilirakis said, and it would deliver a wide range of services to veterans.

The Veterans Village of San Diego provides services including housing, counseling, employment training and other services.

State Sen. Wilton Simpson, State Rep. Danny Burgess and U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis interact before a town hall session begins in Dade City. The meeting lasted more than three hours, and those turning out talked out myriad issues.

The issue of cyber security was on another speaker’s mind.

He urged Congress to address the gaping holes that put the nation at great risk.

Bilirakis said he has sat in on briefings and understands the gravity of the situation.

“This is a very, very serious issue,” Bilirakis said.

One speaker asked Bilirakis to respond to the nation’s soaring debt.

“An $18 trillion debt is inexcusable,” Bilirakis said. “We need to set priorities. We need a balanced budget amendment.”

Simpson noted that when he was elected three years ago, Florida had a debt of $3 billion. Now, the state has $3 billion in reserves, and that’s after cutting a billion dollars in taxes, he said.

Florida also is poised to grow at a faster rate than other places around the country, Simpson said, noting that it has invested in infrastructure.

The state’s ports, for instance, are preparing to help Florida become a major import-export hub, he said.

In the arena of education, Simpson said he favors spending more money on educating prekindergarten through fifth-grade students. He also wants to strengthen vocational training.

On some issues, Burgess, Simpson and Bilirakis invited speakers to get in touch with their office so they can delve more deeply into particular concerns.

Burgess told the crowd that his background as a city council member and mayor in Zephyrhills makes him fully aware of the issues facing local governments. In his new role, he attempted to secure funding for a storm water project in Dade City. The budget included the project, but Gov. Rick Scott vetoed it.

Burgess told the crowd that he, Simpson and Bilirakis want to be accessible and are willing to make inquiries with government agencies regarding issues of concern.

Along those lines, Bilirakis told those gathered that efforts are under way to obtain federal help for people whose properties have been damaged by recent flooding.

The governor has requested that President Barack Obama issue a federal disaster declaration for multiple counties in Florida, including Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough, Bilirakis said.

If approved, this measure will enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide financial assistance to the individuals whose homes have sustained serious flood damage, Bilirakis said.

Published September 2, 2015