The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest draws record crowd

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About 8,000 people attended the fifth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest, breaking another record for the event founded in 2010 by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Besides attracting thousands to enjoy the barbecue and bands, the event on Jan. 17 at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, also lured 51 teams to compete to see who makes the best barbecue. Thirty-nine teams competed at the professional level, and there were 12 backyard barbecue teams, according to a news release issued by the chamber.

With limited room for dancing, Cindy Crismon of Zephyrhills, center, managed to strut her stuff in the crowd while jamming to the music of The Lauren Mitchell Band. This was her first Pigz In Z'Hills BBQ & Blues Fest. She is a winter resident from Lake Orion, Michigan. (Fred Bellet/Photo)
With limited room for dancing, Cindy Crismon of Zephyrhills, center, managed to strut her stuff in the crowd while jamming to the music of The Lauren Mitchell Band. This was her first Pigz In Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest. She is a winter resident from Lake Orion, Michigan.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)

Figures have not been tallied, but organizers estimate the event exceeded last year’s proceeds of $30,000.

The money raised benefits local youth and education programs and community services of the Chamber of Commerce.

A crew of more than 100 volunteers pitched in to make the event a success. Many worked the entire week, some arriving at dawn and staying past sunset, to get things ready for the festival and to take it down and clean up the grounds.

“Beyond even our own optimistic projections, Pigz in Z’Hills belongs to Zephyrhills,” Vonnie Mikkelsen, executive director of the chamber, said in an email.

“I’m thrilled by the positive outcome and so very happy for the volunteers, the participants and the community who came together to make it happen,” she said.

There were thousands who arrived by car, and at least 26 private aircraft took advantage of the airport’s “Fly-in” option.

Besides enjoying barbecued foods of many styles, spectators had the chance to listen to music performed by TC Carr & Bolts of Blue, The Lauren Mitchell Band, Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones and Cold Iron.

The event venue was larger this year, too, to make room for increased demand for kids’ activities, vendors, a classic car show, and aviation and military history displays.

The Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ competition is sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association and is a qualifier for three prestigious championship contests: the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg – considered the Superbowl of BBQ contests; American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City – the world’s largest and oldest contest; and the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational – the FBA’s newest contest.

Wink’s Barbecue led by Wink Yelverton of Fort Walton Beach, FL won Grand Champion Professional Division qualifying his team for all three prestigious contests. Peter Golob of Extra Mile BBQ from Loveland, Ohio took Reserve Champion. In the Backyard Division, Bettern Store Bot, Dave Grantham of Bushnell won Grand Champion while Bamboo Warrior, head cook Curley McKenzie of Thonotosassa took Reserve Champion.

Pigz In Z’Hills BBQ & Blues benefits local youth and education programs and community services of the Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org, call (813) 782-1913, or visit the chamber’s Facebook Page.

Published January 28, 2015

New twist to holy wafer

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Our Lady of the Rosary offers low-gluten hosts

A pivotal moment during the celebration of the Catholic Mass occurs during communion, when believers come forward to receive the Body of Christ.

But some members of Our Lady of the Rosary were choosing to stay in their pews, because they have Celiac disease, which means they cannot ingest gluten, a protein found in wheat.

The Rev. Ron Aubin displays a silver ciborium and a gold ciborium. The silver one is used to hold the gluten-free communion hosts, and the gold one holds the traditional hosts. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
The Rev. Ron Aubin displays a silver ciborium and a gold ciborium. The silver one is used to hold the gluten-free communion hosts, and the gold one holds the traditional hosts.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“There are different levels of intolerance to gluten and wheat products,” said the Rev. Ron Aubin, pastor at Our Lady of the Rosary Church at 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. “Apparently, some people react severely and can be quite sick. So, they bypass the host — receiving the Body of Christ.”

When one woman asked if there anything the church could do about it, the church decided to look into the issue.

Church doctrine requires there be at least a trace of gluten, in order to be considered valid matter for the Eucharist, according to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“So, we did a little research and we discovered there are low-gluten hosts,” Aubin said.

The church is now using low-gluten wafers made by the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, in Clyde, Missouri. The sisters have been baking communion hosts for generations and spent 10 years working to develop a low-gluten host.

The host the sisters produce contains .01 percent gluten.

Our Lady of the Rosary began serving the hosts about a month ago.

“What we did, was, we have reserved one small part of the church — a small section. We’re calling that our low-gluten section,” Aubin said.

It uses slides on a giant screen to inform those attending its weekend services where to sit if they would like to receive a low-gluten host.

Anyone is welcome to sit in the section, Aubin said, but those sitting there will receive the low-gluten host during communion.

Aubin described what it’s like: “It’s a little smaller and thinner. It basically has no taste.”

“If you object to that,” the pastor said, “Go to the other line.”

The church also is taking care to avoid any cross-contamination when people drink from the chalice during communion.

“To help us not get them confused, we use a silver chalice (for the wine) and a silver ciborium for the low-gluten (hosts),” he said. In other sections, the church uses a gold chalice and gold ciborium.

Some people are now asking if they can have a smaller piece of the low-gluten host, Aubin said.

“The low-gluten hosts don’t break easy. I told the Sacristan to go buy a scissors and designate it for only cutting the low-gluten hosts,” he said.

The church wants to encourage participation in the Eucharist. It also wants to be as accommodating as possible.

“We’re responding,” he said.

Members of the congregation appreciate the effort, he added.

“Several people have come out of their way just to thank me. (They told me) ‘Thank you for considering us.’”

Published January 28, 2015

Despite objections, multifamily zoning gets OK

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Residents urged the Pasco County Commission to reject a request to allow multifamily zoning on a parcel on Clinton Avenue, but commissioners went along with the planning staff’s recommendation for approval.

The new zoning designation, requested under the name of Six Feet Under, LLC, will allow a maximum of 157 units, according to Carol Clarke, the county’s zoning administrator.

The 21.6-acre property is on the north side of Clinton Avenue, about 1,700 feet west of U.S. 301.

Opponents raised concerns about additional traffic that the project will create. They also said a multifamily project will change the character of the area.

“Please keep Dade City a small town,” said Abelardo Cruz, of 37451 Orange Blossom Lane. “We don’t have a problem with single-family.”

Dorothy Moore, president of The Ridge Homeowners Association, said her association is “very much against higher density.”

Donald Dempsey of 37510 Orange Blossom Lane, told commissioners: “We have enough problems with traffic.”

Another speaker told commissioners that he’s in the process of building a new home in the area, and he’s worried about his investment in the area and also concerned that others will be less likely to build a home there, if the multifamily project gained approval.

Allen Altman, one of the owners of the land up for rezoning, said he was approached by some people at his church about the possibility of creating some senior housing at the site.

“We don’t know exactly what’s going to be there,” he said, but he does know there’s a need for that kind of housing.

Altman also noted that he’d seen a petition submitted against the rezoning. The list contained several names of friends he has known for years.

They didn’t know who owned the land, Altman said. They were reacting to a rumor they heard that the multifamily housing was for low-income people.

Altman said his friends dropped their objections once they knew he was involved.

County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted that senior housing tends to be a wonderful addition to a community.

Commissioners approved the rezoning on a 5-0 vote, without debate.

Published January 21, 2015

 

Teaching the art of business through small transactions

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The children on the covered play court behind Chester Taylor Elementary School were having a blast.

They were learning the ins and outs of business without even realizing it.

As the kids made their way from station to station, they could earn money by asking questions.

Crystal Enger enjoyed showing off a sports car from Wesley Chapel Nissan to children at Chester Taylor Elementary in Zephyrhills. Enger said the kids seemed to enjoy asking her questions about the car, and she enjoyed seeing them have a chance to think about things they might not have considered before. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Crystal Enger enjoyed showing off a sports car from Wesley Chapel Nissan to children at Chester Taylor Elementary in Zephyrhills. Enger said the kids seemed to enjoy asking her questions about the car, and she enjoyed seeing them have a chance to think about things they might not have considered before.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

They could then spend their earnings on games of chance to win prizes.

Of course, the money was paper money, and the prizes were things like candy, tiny balls and pencils — but the experience gave kids a chance to interact with area businesses, learn a bit about their operations and have some fun at the same time.

The event’s main goal was to pave the way for elementary school children to develop a greater interest in business, said Rene Martinez, a teacher at Weightman Middle School in Wesley Chapel.

Martinez, Gregg Clapp and Ryan Prieto, all serve as advisors to the Future Business Leaders of America chapter, which meets as a club at Weightman Middle.

Chester Taylor Elementary, in Zephyrhills, was just one of the elementary schools included in the American Enterprise Project organized by the Weightman Middle School chapter.

Other schools they included were Wesley Chapel Elementary, Seven Oaks Elementary, Double Branch Elementary and New River Elementary.

By the time they’d finished their rounds, thousands of children in nearly 75 classes had the opportunity to learn about local businesses and have some fun.

“Every year, each FBLA chapter has to do something called the American Business Enterprise. And the kids have to come up with a theme and an idea and put it together and organize it,” Martinez said.

“Right now, Weightman Middle School is the only middle school in Pasco County that has an FBLA chapter. It’s our first year. We’re really small,” Martinez said.

Chapter members were wondering how they could expand, and they came up with the idea of reaching out to elementary schools, Martinez said.

Prieto, a student at Pasco-Hernando State College, was involved in FBLA at Wesley Chapel High and he saw the need to get more students involved at the middle school level, Martinez said.

The club came up with the idea of using the game Monopoly as a model, and filling each of the spaces with a local business.

The kids would make their way around the board, spending money at the various stops.

Their aims were a bit ambitious, Martinez said.

“There’s 22 squares on a Monopoly board. Do you what it’s like to get 22 businesses?” Martinez said.

But he admires their optimism.

“That’s the beauty of children. They reach for the moon. They really do.”

They didn’t get 22 business, but they did get Sagat Computer Inc., Parks Fiat of Wesley Chapel, Hyundai of Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel Nissan, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Busch Gardens, Pilote Bank and Bright House.

The FBLA members also experienced something that businesses encounter all of the time, Martinez said. If one plan doesn’t work, you come up with another one.

“This is real-world stuff,” said Martinez, who teaches sixth-grade World History.

Crystal Enger was there from Wesley Chapel Nissan, showing off a black 370Z Nissan.

The kids lined up for a turn to sit inside the car.

As they waited for their turn, they asked questions. “Does that have a lot of torque?” one student wanted to know. “How much horsepower does it have?” asked another.

Enger was clearly enjoying herself.

“I think it’s nice,” she said. It gives students a chance “to think about things they’ve never thought about before,” she said.

Seth Raigoza, a member of Weightman’s FBLA chapter, said he was having a good time.

“The kids get to play games and to hear about business.”

Published January 21, 2015

Charter government could bring massive changes to Pasco

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Rep. Richard Corcoran thinks voters should get to decide whether to reshape Pasco County’s government. (File Photo)
Rep. Richard Corcoran thinks voters should get to decide whether to reshape Pasco County’s government.
(File Photo)

A discussion is underway that could lead to massive changes in Pasco County government.

State Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, is advocating that Pasco voters be allowed the option to vote on whether the county should shift to a government governed by a charter.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano thinks that’s a horrible idea.

And, a majority of Pasco County commissioners said they want to know more about it before making any kind of commitment on the issue. After hearing from Corcoran and Fasano at their Jan. 13 meeting, they decided to hold off on taking any action until getting more information about the implications of a charter government.

Corcoran told commissioners that letting voters decide the way the county should be governed gives them greater control.

When voters have more control, the future speaker of the Florida House of Representatives said, “you wind up with a government that’s more transparent, more accountable and more efficient.

“This is just an opportunity for us to go down a path and see if there isn’t ways that we can create a government that’s even better than the existing government,” Corcoran said.

Under state law, either a majority of county commissioners or a petition signed by 15 percent of the county’s registered voters can create a charter commission. In Pasco, that would require more than 46,000 signatures.

Once a panel is formed, it has 18 months to complete a charter that Pasco voters would adopt or reject.

Fasano opposes the creation of a charter government.

“I’m not a fan of charter government,” Fasano said.

“There’s no question, when you have charter government, taxes will go up. No question, when you have a charter government, you will have another layer of government that people will have to get through,” Fasano said.

“Think about charter governments in other counties. All you have to do is look at Miami-Dade, what a mess. It’s layer of government after layer of government after layer of government. It is more taxes put upon the people of a community that is struggling already.”

Pasco County attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said there are 20 charter counties operating across the state’s 67 counties.

“If you look historically, across the state, most of the charters that got adopted were because of issues between the county commission and the constitutional officers or the county commission and the cities,” Steinsnyder said.

Charter government is not a panacea, but it can be a good vehicle for a government to form its own way, he said.

The charter dictates the shape that the government will take, he said.

“Government can be a much stronger form of government, if the charter so provides. It can be a much weaker form of government, if the charter so provides,” Steinsnyder said.

On one hand, it may solve some problems. On the other, it may create more problems than it solves, the county attorney said.

He also noted: “Once you turn that over to a charter review commission, you’re bound to put it on the ballot, and whatever the voters say, up or down, that’s it.”

A charter can include such things as single-member districts for county commissioners, terms limits, an elected county administrator or an elected county mayor and other changes to the composition of local government.

Corcoran said that Pasco’s legislative delegation wants local voters to decide how they are governed.

“How we govern right now, is dictated to us from Tallahassee. I’m saying that’s not good enough,” Corcoran said. “I think the system that we’re governed under should be dictated by Pasco residents and controlled by Pasco County voters. You do that, you’re going to have a more accountable system of government.”

He said he’s committed to raise money and collect signatures to create a charter commission.

But the delegation is open to a proposal by Commission Chairman Ted Schrader to form the charter commission — with commissioners choosing 10 of the members and delegation members choosing the other five.

Schrader said, “If it’s going to be done, it needs to be done in Pasco County.” But he added: “In no means am I strong proponent of establishing charter government. I don’t want anybody to get that idea.”

Instead, he said, he’d like more information on the issue.

“This is all new dialogue to me,” Schrader said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also wants to know more.

“Let’s just do a little homework before we start the next phase. I personally have always wondered, would we better off as a charter or worse off as a charter?” Starkey said.

She’d like to talk to some other counties and to have a workshop to discuss the issue.

Commissioners put the issue off until they can obtain more information and discuss how they’d like to proceed.

There was one point that opponents seemed to agree on, however.

Any charter issue on the ballot — needs to go on a presidential election ballot to ensure the highest degree possible for voter participation.

Published January 21, 2015

Welcome to Dade City, where kumquat is king

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Every year, as marauders take over Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa’s Gasparilla Parade, there’s another invasion of sorts— as thousands stream into downtown Dade City for the city’s annual Kumquat Festival.

“It’s a wonderful alternative (to Gasparilla),” said John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, said the 18th annual Kumquat Festival promises to be a fun and affordable event. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, said the 18th annual Kumquat Festival promises to be a fun and affordable event.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The Dade City event — which draws its name from a diminutive, tangy orange fruit — gives visitors a chance to experience a taste of old Florida in a family friendly atmosphere, Moors said.

With its free parking, free admission, free entertainment and assorted free activities, people can enjoy the day without having to spend a fortune, Moors said.

Of course, Moors said, the chamber would like to see festival-goers do a bit of spending on items sold by vendors, at area restaurants and in merchant’s stores.

The event, now in its 18th year, is expected to attract 30,000 to 40,000.

Event-goers come from as far north as The Villages, as far south as Sarasota, as far west as the beaches, and as far east as Orlando.

For some, it’s an annual tradition. For others, a reunion. And for still others, it’s an introduction to the East Pasco city with the historic courthouse and quaint shops.

The annual festival started simply.

It began when Phyllis Smith, Roxanne Barthle and Carlene Ellberg were looking for a way to help inject new life into downtown Dade City.

They decided to have a festival to honor the kumquat, and the first event was held on the lawn of the historic Pasco County Courthouse.

This year there will be 450 vendors, a car show, children’s activities, an enlarged health and wellness section, entertainment and, for the first time, several food trucks.

The food trucks are an additional component to the area’s restaurants and food vendors at the festival, Moors said.

Local restaurants are always swarmed on festival day, the chamber executive said, adding some restaurant owners have told him they do a week’s worth of business on that single day.

Of course, the kumquat is king at this event, and vendors offer it up in myriad forms. There’s kumquat pie, kumquat salsas, kumquat jam, kumquat jelly, kumquat preserves, and even kumquat lotions and soaps.

Over the years, the event has helped put Dade City on the map and has helped raise the community’s profile. It was heralded by the Pasco County Tourism Board as the Pasco County Event of the Year in 2012 and has enjoyed the distinction of being named a “Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society, which selects premier events in 13 Southeastern states.

Offering the event without charging an admission means that organizers rely on the generosity of sponsors, income from vendor fees and support achieved through other fundraising efforts.

This year, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills is the event’s headlining sponsor, Moors said.

Besides providing financial support, the hospital is a partner with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so the team will be sending its bus as well as cheerleaders and a player or two, Moors said.

The importance of the sponsors cannot be overstated, Moors said.

They make it possible for event organizers to stage the festival without admission or parking charges, Moors said.

“There’s a lot of expense in putting something like this on. Somebody has to pay for the buses and the Port-o-lets and the insurance and the volunteer expenses,” the chamber executive said.

To get the full enjoyment out of the event, Moors recommends that people arrive early.

“Get in and get settled and enjoy the day.”

The festival is held, rain or shine.

Moors is optimistic that the weather will cooperate.

“Bring an umbrella,” he said. “You can always leave it in the car.”

18th annual Kumquat Festival
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 31
Where: Downtown Dade City
How much: Admission is free, parking is free, entertainment is free, and many activities are free.
For more information, call (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCityChamber.org or KumquatFestival.org.

Kumquat Festival Entertainment Schedule, Historic Courthouse Square
9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Saint Leo University SASS (Women’s a capella)
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: First Baptist Church of Dade City (Christian blended music)
10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Strawberry Express Cloggers
11 a.m. to noon: Cypress Creek Dixieland Band (Seven-piece New Orleans-style jazz band)
Noon to 1 p.m.: Noah Gamer (Alabama male vocalist award in traditional country, in 17 to 20 age group)
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Dean Johnson’s Music & Friends (Various styles)
2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Bailey Coats (Rhythm and blues and jazz)
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Danielle Pacifico (Country)
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: This Train (’50s and ’60s pop and gospel)

O’Reilly Auto Parts Annual Kumquat Festival Car Show
Registration, 8 a.m.
Car show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dash plaque and specialty trophies will be awarded.
For more information contact Ronnie Setser, (813) 879-1616 or RonnieSetsers.com.

Would you like a slice of kumquat pie?
Ingredients:
1 9-inch baked pie crust
1 can condensed milk
1 8-ounce container of whipped topping
2/3 cup of Kumquat puree
1/2 cup of lemon juice

Directions:
Beat condensed milk with whipped topping. Add lemon juice and beat until thickened. Add Kumquat puree. Pour in pie crust and chill for several hours. Garnish with Kumquats and mint leaves.

What is a kumquat?
Kumquats have been called the little gold gems of the citrus family. They are believed to be native to China and have a very distinctive taste. Kumquats are the only citrus fruit that can be eaten whole. The peel is the sweetest part and can be eaten separately. The pulp contains seeds and juice, which is sour. Together, the taste is sweet and sour. The seeds contain pectin, which can be removed by boiling for use in jams and jellies.
— Kumquat Growers Inc.

How do you eat a kumquat?
—Kumquats taste best when they are gently rolled between the fingers before being eaten. The gentle rolling action releases the essential oils in the rind. Eat kumquats the same way you eat a grape — peel on.

—Kumquats can be candied or on a kabob with fruits, vegetables and meat, such as poultry, duck, pork or lamb.

—Kumquats are also a favorite for jelly, jam, marmalade, salsa or chutney.

Published January 21, 2015

Expert expects housing market to continue its recovery

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Most of the time when you hear what Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors has to say — it’s during a congressional hearing or on the national news.

But last week, Yun made an appearance before real estate professionals gathered for a meeting of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors.

Lawrence Yun is the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors. He’s predicting a continued recovery for two to three years, and then possibly an expansion. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Lawrence Yun is the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors. He’s predicting a continued recovery for two to three years, and then possibly an expansion.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

He offered plenty of food for thought about the housing market’s condition.

“The bottom line is that we have encountered some degree of recovery. I think we will continue the recovery over the next two to three years, and then subsequently, the recovery may well change into expansion,” said Yun, who frequently speaks at conferences for real estate professionals around the country.

“Now, you are just trying to get back to the prior principal in terms of prices. It may take an additional two to three years to get to where it had been in 2005-2006,” Yun said.

When it comes to home prices, he said, Florida has a key advantage: Its warm winter weather.

Through the years, people have moved to Florida from colder climates in northern states.

“It sort of came to a halt during the housing market crash. People up North just could not sell their home, or they were somewhat underwater,” Yun said.

The market recovery has put them in a better position to move, which is good news for Florida, he said.

“So, you will regain that flow of new residents coming into Florida. Florida has been No 1, consistently, during normal years in attracting new residents,” Yun said.

The housing market had generally experienced a two-year recovery in 2012 and 2013, but then stalled in 2014, Yun said. So people are wondering what will happen next.

“A two-year-and-out situation would be highly unusual, if one looks at the past,” Yun said. He considers it an anomaly and predicts that there will be a continued recovery that may well lead to growth and higher prices in the market.

“One of the key reasons is pent-up demand, Yun said.

“We have 37 million additional people living in the country and yet we are essentially getting the same home sales,” he said.

“We have lower mortgage rates today,” Yun said, adding that he expects those to increase. But they’ll be at historically low levels.

He also expects the pool of buyers to increase because the tight credit market is easing.

There are also more buyers coming into the market, he noted.

“Many people who went through short sales, many people who went through foreclosures — they went into the penalty box. Now, they’re beginning to come out of the penalty box,” Yun said.

An improved job market is another part of the equation.

“There’s more people working in the Tampa region, so there’s more potential homebuyers,” Yun said.

But housing inventory is tight, which restricts the market, he explained.

The builders report that they don’t have trouble selling the houses they build, but not as many homes are being built, Yun said.

“When the housing market bust came, many went to Texas and North Dakota — oil drilling,” he said.

Another problem is the tight credit market for mom-and-pop builders, Yun said.

“New financial regulations have really made it difficult for the local community banks to make those construction loans,” he said.

“It was mom and pop who actually built more homes than the national builders, in total,” Yun said.

“Homebuilders who used to get loans to build 20 homes are now able to get loans to build one home. They build it, they sell it, and then they repay the bank the money and they can get a loan for one more. So, it’s one at a time, rather than getting 20 all at once.”

The lack of new housing has an impact on home sales, he said.

“We asked consumers, how many homes do you want to see before signing the contract? They will say they want to see 10 to 15 homes,” Yun said.

Besides creating forecasts for the National Association of Realtors, he also participates in many economic forecast panels, including The Blue Chip Council and the Harvard University Industrial Economists Council. In 2008, USA Today listed Yun as among the top 10 economic forecasters in the country.

Published January 21, 2015

Bishop to dedicate Saint Anthony’s new building

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Students, parents and staff from Saint Anthony Catholic School are looking forward to a Feb. 9 celebration, where the Rev. Robert N. Lynch, bishop of the St. Petersburg Diocese will bless the school’s new building.

A celebration of the Mass is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., and it will be followed by the blessing and dedication of the new building.

This photo was taken on the day ground was broken for the new school. The new facility can accommodate 270 students. (Courtesy of Saint Anthony School)
This photo was taken on the day ground was broken for the new school. The new facility can accommodate 270 students.
(Courtesy of Saint Anthony School)

Festivities also will include an open house and light refreshments.

The event marks the latest milestone in a history that dates back to 1883.

San Antonio was founded in 1882 as a Catholic colony. The following year, a widowed woman named Cecilia Morse moved into the community with her six children.

When she inquired about the school, she was told it could wait until there were more settlers. She reportedly responded that the “minds of the children now here, can’t wait.”

With that, the widow began teaching 14 children, including six of her own, in her kitchen.

Saint Anthony School officially was established in 1884.

It is the oldest parochial school in the diocese, as well as one of the oldest Catholic schools in Florida.

Generations of families have been educated in a three-story brick structure that was built in 1922.

That building will continue to be used for some functions.

The new 17,905-square-foot building is the fourth in the school’s history. The 1922 current building replaced a two-story structure built in 1899. The original building was a 12-by-24-foot structure constructed in November 1884.

Students and teachers are now situated in their new classrooms in the new school building.

There was a time, not so many years ago when the future was anything but certain for the school.

Attendance had dwindled to 153, and there was talk of closing Saint Anthony School.

But parents and other supporters rallied.

They used their ingenuity, coming up with various ways to spread the news about their school, including a 15-second spot shown at the Cobb Grove 16 in Wesley Chapel.

The school’s enrollment improved. It now has more than 200 kindergarten through eighth-graders coming from San Antonio, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Brooksville, Land O’ Lakes, New Tampa and other communities.

In a previous interview, School Principal Sister Alice Ottapurackal attributed the school’s increased enrollment to “God’s special blessing.”

“Truly, I believe, it’s the power of prayer,” she said at the time.

Much has changed on the campus, but the school’s core mission remains the same.

It continues to emphasize academic excellence while teaching the Catholic faith.

Published January 21, 2015

Business Digest 01-21-15

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East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group now meets at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Bob Hatfield from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office is scheduled to speak on Jan. 27.

For information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email him at .

Business development week luncheon
If you’re interested in finding out more about the economy’s outlook and how the markets are likely to perform in 2015, you may want to attend the Business Development Week Luncheon Jan. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, 11500 Old Tampa Bay Drive in San Antonio.

Kumquat Festival selling sponsorship packages
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is now accepting reservation packages for the 2015 Kumquat Festival, set to take place Jan. 31.

Packages start at $500, and include logos and links on the KumquatFestival.org website, as well as booth space at the festival. Premier packages, which run from $1,000 to $5,000, include additional features.

The event is expected to draw 45,000 people from Florida, who live here seasonally, and who are visiting.

For information, call John Moors at (352) 567-3769, or email .

Women-N-Charge to meet
A business women’s group called Women-n-Charge will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., on Feb. 6 at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

The meeting includes lunch, a feature speaker and time to network. The cost is $15 for members, paid by the Tuesday before the meeting, and $18 for members paying later, and for guests, too.

February’s speaker will be Shanita D. Jones, who will be speaking on “Business and Personal Tax Tips for Filing your Taxes.”

Register at Women-n-Charge.com.

For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

NetFest sponsors needed
The Pasco Economic Development Council is hosting its 13th annual NetFest, which is short for Networking Festival, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 5 at Starkey Ranch on State Road 54 in Odessa.

The council is seeking sponsorships ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The event is a casual night of food, drink and music — and a great chance to network.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Central Pasco Chamber introduces new expo
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is launching a new event this year called the 2015 Community Fun Day and Business Expo.

The event, open to everyone, will shine a spotlight businesses and service providers in the northern area of Hillsborough and the central area of Pasco counties.

There will be fun and games for kids, live entertainment, door prizes and a food truck rally at the event, which has the theme of “Keeping It Local — Moving our Businesses Forward.”

The two-day event, free to the public, will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on March 6 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 7. It will be at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Sponsorships and booth spaces are available.

Visit CentralPascoChamber.com for an application. For more information, call (813) 909-2722, or email .

State program could generate 25,000 new jobs
An independent analysis by Florida TaxWatch has determined that expanding GrowFl could result in 25,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.

GrowFl is a state program designed to grow and develop the biggest job-creating companies in Florida.

Florida TaxWatch is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research institute.

In addition to boosting job growth, investing in GrowFl would help diversify the state economy and provide positive return on Florida’s investments, Florida TaxWatch said, in a news release.

PEDC board names new chairman
The Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc. has named Lex Smith as the new chairman of its board.

Smith is city president-Nature Coast of SunTrust Bank.

Smith has been involved with the Pasco EDC board since 2010 and has served in various roles.

Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida, where he played both quarterback and linebacker for the UF Gators football team from 1989 to 1992.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

Dade City chamber needs volunteers
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is looking for some volunteers to help with the chamber event season.

With winter residents returning to the area, there are a number of activities the chamber needs help to staff. The chamber is looking for people who are friendly and outgoing, who have knowledge of the local area and activities, and are team-oriented.

For information, email .

Catholic Business Networking seeks members
The Catholic Business Networking group is looking for Catholic business owners, employees and supporters interested in joining it for regular meetings every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes.

The group has annual dues of $60, and there is a minimum attendance requirement of two meetings per month.

For information, call (813) 833-4737, or visit CBNTampa.com.

Volunteer tax preparers needed
United Way of Pasco County is looking for help this coming tax season with volunteer tax preparers.

Last year, more than 8,000 county residents used United Way’s tax preparation service, and received more than $8 million in total refunds.

Interest in being a tax preparer does not require experience, and comes with comprehensive training.

For more information, visit UnitedWayPasco.org.

 

Opponents to charter school gearing up to do battle

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About 90 concerned residents turned out to a strategy meeting on Jan. 8, as opponents gear up to battle a proposed charter school for up to 1,050 kindergarten through eighth-grade students in Lutz.

Charter Schools Inc., of Boca Raton is seeking permission from Hillsborough County to allow a school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade at the southwest corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and Sunlake Boulevard.

Sam Calco, a member of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, said the rules for public hearings on zoning and land-use issues can be confusing. He said it’s important to know the rules, so residents can protect their interests. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Sam Calco, a member of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, said the rules for public hearings on zoning and land-use issues can be confusing. He said it’s important to know the rules, so residents can protect their interests.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The operator of the school would be Charter Schools Association of Coral Gables, according to the application filed with Hillsborough County.

The proposed Sunlake Academy would operate on 7.46 acres. A 1-acre outparcel at the site represents a potential child care center in the future that is already permitted by existing zoning.

A public hearing on the request is set for Feb. 16. The meeting begins at 6 p.m., but the precise time this request will be heard won’t be known until that evening because there generally are a number of items on the agenda.

The hearing has already been delayed twice and there’s a chance it could be delayed again, Mike White, president and founder of the Lutz Citizens Coalition told area residents and interested parties who gathered at J.F. Swartsel Masonic Lodge, 3109 Lutz Lake Fern Road.

The application for the project shows two phases.

The first phase includes a two-story building with 33 classrooms, and the second phase calls for a two-story building with 20 classrooms.

The plans also show a storm water pond, a playground, and areas for parking for both vehicles and bicycles. Plans also call for basketball courts.

Since submitting the original plans, the applicant has revised the plans to include a number of changes, including a larger buffer area and setback from residential lots to the west of the proposed school, double tree plantings and fencing.

The plans also include revised plans regarding how vehicles will be able to get in and out of the proposed school.

Area residents and organizations have submitted letters objecting to the proposed school — citing concerns about traffic congestion, potential flooding and negative impacts on their quality of life and property values.

Todd Caroline, who lives in Lake Fern Villa, notes that the project would back up to his property line, according to a letter objection he submitted to Hillsborough County.

“It is already a struggle to get out of our community morning, afternoon and evening due to a poorly built intersection at Lutz Lake Fern Road and Sunlake (Boulevard). Ever since Steinbrenner (High School), Martinez (Middle School) and McKitrick (Elementary School) have opened, it has only gotten worse,” Caroline wrote in a Dec. 23 email to Hillsborough County staff.

Other residents are on record objecting to the size, scope and density of the project.

They note that Sunlake and Lutz Lake Fern are two-lane roads and are not equipped to handle the additional traffic this project would generate.

The hearing officer must consider “substantially competent evidence” in determining whether to grant the special use permit, White said.

So, while it may feel good to complain about the potential negative impacts, it is crucial to provide the hearing officer factual data, White said.

“You don’t have to be a traffic engineer. You don’t have to be an attorney,” White said, but residents must meet certain benchmarks for their testimony to be considered by the hearing officer.

He recommended “fighting fire with fighting” and “fighting data with data” by hiring an attorney and a traffic engineer to protect opponents’ interests.

A legal defense fund has been set up to collect contributions to cover costs for an attorney and traffic engineer.

Residents also plan to fan out in their neighborhoods to collect signatures opposing the proposed charter school.