B.C. Manion

First Fridays aim to raise funds, build fellowship

August 21, 2013 By B.C. Manion

The Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club is known for the community’s Fourth of July parade. The Lutz Civic Association is known for its annual Lutz Guv’na campaign.

And now the Lutz Citizens Coalition wants to kick off its own signature event.

Beginning Sept. 6, the coalition will sponsor Lutz First Fridays, a food truck rally on the first Friday of each month, aimed at helping to raise money for the community organization and to give residents a place to eat and mingle.

This is one of more than two dozen food trucks that will selling food at the Lutz First Fridays events, to get people together and raise money for the Lutz Citizens Coalition. (Photo courtesy of Generation Food Truck)

The rally, which will be professionally managed by Generation Food Truck, will have at least 26 trucks, said Jeremy Gomez, who owns the company along with his wife Candy.

The food trucks will offer diverse selections, including everything from kangaroo to gourmet popsicles, Gomez said. He thinks it’s safe to estimate that the monthly event will draw a couple thousand people out for dinner.

Food truck rallies are popular because people like to try new foods, he said.

“People like the variety. They know the trucks aren’t storing stuff in a freezer,” Gomez said. “I don’t even know a food truck that owns a microwave. Most of the foods are locally sourced.”

He also thinks the rally is a natural fit for the community.

“Lutz has always been good for outdoor events,” Gomez said.

Sam Calco, vice president of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, said the monthly gathering will help the coalition raise not only money, but the organization’s profile in the community as well.

“We’ve been an organization for about a year. We derive most of our money from family memberships, $25 a year,” Calco said.

The organization also receives donations from businesses.

The best way to raise money is to get the community involved, Calco said, like the coalition did with its Lutz Biggest Yard Sale in May.

“We learned a lot of things of what to do and what not to do,” Calco said.

With the food truck rally, the coalition will receive a fee from each participating truck and it will handle the drink concessions, Calco said.

He thinks the food truck rally will be a popular community event. It gives people a chance to mingle, to take a break from cooking dinner and to enjoy themselves at a family-friendly event.

Final details are still being worked out, including what time the event will begin, but would likely start around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., Gomez said. It will end around 10 p.m., unless people come over after a local football game and it needs to stay open longer, Calco said.

The location for the event is still being pinned down, too, but both men expect that to be determined soon.

The Lutz Citizens Coalition was formed about a year ago. Its mission is to preserve Lutz and protect it from unwanted growth, Calco said.

Economic boom? County commits $50,000 to Saddlebrook golf

August 21, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County and Saddlebrook Resort Tampa are joining forces to host the 2014 Golfweek Senior Amateur Championship and the Golfweek Junior Tour Championship early next year.

The Pasco County Commission voted unanimously to approve a $50,000 sponsorship in a joint venture with Saddlebrook and Golfweek Magazine.

Pasco County’s tourism council is using golf courses like the one at Saddlebrook Resort to help highlight the sporting opportunities available to tourists. (File photo)

“I think this is a phenomenal opportunity,” Commissioner Jack Mariano said.

If the county can get people to look at Pasco, especially at the right time of year, it could open new possibilities, not only for Saddlebrook, but for other quality area golf courses, Mariano said.

“The promotional value to Pasco County, highlighting some strong assets that we have, is tremendous,” he said.

“Maybe this will be the beginning of a lot of opportunities,” said Commission Chairman Ted Schrader, noting the county’s success with the national lacrosse tournament that takes place annually in Wesley Chapel.

This partnership is the tourism office’s first foray into promoting Pasco’s golf amenities, said Eric Keaton of the Office of Tourism Development. Revenues from bed taxes pale in comparison to the promotional value of the venture.

Besides Saddlebrook, the county has 20-plus courses, Keaton said.

“Golfweek and Saddlebrook are going to work together to not only promote their destination, but also a number of other golf destinations in the county,” Keaton said.

Keaton told commissioners the tourism office has the money to cover the expense because its revenues exceeded expectations, and costs were kept below budget. The value of the partnership “exceeds the purchase price two-fold,” agenda documents supporting the proposal noted, adding that Golfweek is the “Cadillac of golfing advertising platforms.”

The senior tournament is scheduled for Jan. 15-17 and is expected to involve 80 players on one golf course. The event should generate 400-plus room nights, as golfers arrive the day before the three-day tournament, and depart the day after the event ends.

Spouses are expected to accompany the senior golfers, potentially bringing in more revenue to the county.

The junior tournament, which will be in January or February, is expected to draw 40 to 60 golfers on a single course and will involve two days of golf, the agenda materials read.

The event is projected to create 240-plus room nights with golfers accompanied by their families.

Business Digest

August 21, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Local tourism on the rise
Tampa Bay tourism is showing improvement, according to new data for Hillsborough County.
Occupancy rate, room rate and revenue per available room rate grew between October 2012 and June 2013, according to Smith Travel Research.
Occupancy rate was 66.2 percent, up 1.5 percent over the same period last year. The room rate was $91.85, up 0.4 percent, while the revenue per available room was $61.34, up 1.9 percent.
Tourist development tax paid by visitors to Hillsborough County is also up by 6 percent over the previous nine months, bringing in revenue of $16.8 million.

Britten appointed to Board of Dentistry
Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Leonard L. Britten to the state Board of Dentistry. Britten is a general dentist with Britten Dental Associates. He succeeds Carl Melzer and is appointed for a term that began in July and ends on Oct. 31, 2015.

Jewelry store opens in Dade City
Sparking Stacy’s Jewelry & Accessories will host a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 31, with a ribbon cutting at noon.
The shop is at 14123 Seventh St. in Dade City.

Do-it-yourselfers get thank you
Home Depot will show its appreciation to professional builders and do-it-yourself customers with a two-day event at stores across the region.
It will feature special deals on top products, free delivery on products purchased during the event, the launch of a new loyalty program, discounts with new credit card accounts, free food and giveaways.
The event is on Aug. 27 and Aug. 28 from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m.
For more information, visit www.homedepot.com/pro.

Daniel Jeanneret named to life insurance council
Daniel Jeanneret has been selected to serve on the 2013 Executive Council of New York Life Insurance Company.
Jeanneret, of New York Life’s general office in Tampa, has been with the company since 2009. He lives in the Oakstead community in Land O’ Lakes.

Music school grand opening in Lutz
Claudia’s School of Music will host its grand opening on Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. in Lutz.
The school is at the Ballantrae Professional School at 17915 Hunting Bow Circle. It offers private music lessons in piano, violin, guitar, drums, and voice for all ages and of all ability levels.
The school also offers music history and music theory group classes for home-schooled students and music camps and recitals. Claudia’s School of Music is an authorized dealer of Casio keyboards and digital pianos.

Free women’s financial seminar
Women of Pasco County are invited to attend a free women’s financial seminar hosted by Gulfside Regional Hospice.
The workshop, led by Christine Cooper of Cooper Financial Services, will provide information and practical tools and techniques for organizing and taking control of a family’s personal and financial paperwork.
The workshop will be on Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. at Gulfside’s Lutz Thrift Shoppe, 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd in Lutz.
Seats are limited. RSVP to Jen Chianella at (727) 992-8984.

Dr. Santosh Potdar joins Oak Hill’s hospital staff
Dr. Santosh Potdar, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons), has joined the staff of Oak Hill Hospital. He is board certified in surgery and his general surgery practice is located at 8367 S. Suncoast Blvd. in Homosassa.

CABA award winners
The Carrollwood Area Business Association announced its 2012-13 award winners. They are:
Rookie of the Year: Diane Stoddart, Significant Insurance Solutions
Member of the Year: Larry Manning, Innovative Mortgage Solutions
Business of the Year: Ocean Blue Sushi Bar
Jay Mauk Memorial President’s Award: Anthony Brooks, Capital Finance Advisors
The group’s new board of directors:
President: Wendell Hock, Primerica
President-elect: Kristin Votta, Fitness-Tek
Immediate past president: Lea Orchard, Great Clips
Treasurer: Tim Castle, Bay Cities Insurance
Secretary: Erin Hesbeens, PNC Bank
The group’s directors are:
Diane Stoddart, Significant Insurance Solutions
Jean Fuller, Premier Bookkeeping Services
Nick Spurlock, do You IT
Dr. Tommy Lane, Lane Family Chiropractic
Lynda Damiata, Kabay Graphics
Jeff Ryder, Carrollwood Copy Center & Printing

PHCC offers career services
Pasco-Hernando Community College recently partnered with the College Central Network® to provide students and alumni access to an online career and job search resource. The new services can be accessed at www.collegecentral.com/pascohernando. Registration is required, however there is no cost to students, alumni or employers.
“The job search feature houses jobs, internships and employers approved by the Career and Testing Services department at PHCC. Students and alumni can be confident the local job opportunities listed are legitimate and relevant,” Rick Casey, Director of Career and Testing Services, said in a release.
Job seekers may create resumes and career portfolios to apply to open jobs or post to a database searchable by employers. Job seekers also gain access to career announcements, podcasts, videos, and articles to assist with job searching. In addition to the College Central Network, PHCC offers other career development resources including interest and personality assessments, resume reviews, interviewing and job search strategies, along with career advising.
For more information, call (727) 816-3381, or visit tinyurl.com/n32gs5r or www.collegecentral.com/pascohernando.

Keeping the Balance moves to Lutz
Cindy MacRitchie of Keeping the Balance LLC has moved her office to a new location to live closer to work. Her new home is 1519 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 202.
MacRitchie is a certified QuickBooks Pro Adviser. She specializes in teaching small businesses how to use QuickBooks to track their finances. She also offers bookkeeping services such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, data entry and payroll.
She shares space with two other businesses. They are licensed clinical social worker Crystal MacRitchie as well as Liane Caruso of Limelight Marketing Consultants.

First days as tax collector will be listen and learn for Fasano

August 14, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Mike Fasano spent his first day as Pasco County’s tax collector visiting the four offices that are now under his supervision.

“I was so impressed by the abilities of the staff and their work ethic,” said Fasano, who said he plans to listen and learn as much as he can while transitioning into his new role.

Mike Fasano

Fasano was selected by Gov. Rick Scott to assume the post left empty by the death of Mike Olson, the tax collector since 1981, who died suddenly in June.

Scott appointed Fasano at an Aug. 7 ceremony at New Port Richey City Hall.

Fasano, a Republican from New Port Richey, said he was honored that the governor made the appointment in person, with colleagues from the Legislature there to share the event.

Olson, who held the office longer than any other tax collector in Florida, had a reputation for efficiency and customer service.

Fasano said he plans to build on that foundation.

Shortly before his death, Olson was seeking new locations in the central and eastern parts of the county to improve services for customers. At the time, Olson said the tax collector’s office at 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. was too small and that its parking lot was unsafe for people who were there to take tests for their driver’s license.

Olson advocated finding a new location, which would include a driving course where applicants for driver’s licenses could take their tests.

Olson predicted that driver’s license offices equipped with driver courses would become the prototype of the future.

Olson was also pushing for a regional office to serve the Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel areas. He said that office should have a driving course, too.

Fasano said there’s no doubt that the tax collector needs an office in the Wesley Chapel area.

“There’s a customer service need, especially when it comes to driver’s licenses and registrations,” he said.

He thinks it is likely that a future office in the area will be located somewhere around SR 56 or old SR 54.

Fasano also thinks he needs to take a look at the Land O’ Lakes facilities.

He said he wants to be sure that he understands the office needs. While Olson was interested on pushing ahead on those offices, Fasano said he is not pursuing those new facilities immediately.

Rather, the county should use the money to help avoid major tax cuts and to limit the need for a tax increase, Fasano said. He is interested in pursuing the possibility of shared facilities with the county and the school district.

“We’re all from Pasco, and we all have to work together,” said Fasano, who was a state lawmaker for 19 years, serving in both the state house and state senate.

His appointment drew praise from legislative colleagues.

“Rep. Fasano has worked tirelessly over the past 19 years in office fighting for the consumer and the little guy and gal,” State Sen. John Legg, R-Lutz, said in a news release. “He brings not only the expertise and know-how to run the office of tax collector, but he possesses the passion for excellent service that will benefit Pasco residents for years to come.”

Pasco County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Lynn Lindeman also applauded Fasano’s appointment.

“That’s what he wanted, and for his service, he deserves it,” Lindeman said, noting that residents have lost a Republican legislator from Pasco who put residents’ well being ahead of ideology and dictates.

Fasano, 55, will hold the office through Nov. 11, 2014, when an election will be held to fill the post until 2016. The post pays more than $136,000 a year.

Even before his appointment, Fasano said he had been considering a run for the tax collector’s post, but said he didn’t plan to do that until Olson retired.

While Fasano adjusts to his new role, a primary election has been set to fill the District 36 he vacated in the state house.

Gov. Scott has scheduled a special primary election for that seat on Sept. 17, and a special general election on Oct. 14. The seat encompasses about 94,000 Pasco County voters within 35 precincts.

Watch out Band-Aid: Wesley Chapel woman develops liquid bandage

August 14, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Kerriann Greenhalgh was studying at the University of South Florida when an idea struck her for a product that could plug a gap in the market.

That idea has since gone from concept to creation with the launch of Greenhalgh’s own company, KeriCure Inc.

The company uses a water-based polymer technology that was developed by University of South Florida scientists in 2003.

Kerriann Greenhalgh shows how easy it is to carry around her liquid bandage, which might give Band-Aids a run for their money.

Greenhalgh’s product provides a sting-free, preservative-free, waterproof liquid bandage that blocks bacteria and fungi from invading minor cuts, scrapes and burns.

The woman-owned company has developed KeriCure Skin Protectant, KeriCure Natural Seal Skin Protectant and is in the process of developing KeriCure Advanced – Rx for Medical Use.

The skin protectant is a spray designed for people who are on the go. It is being sold at more than 200 Kroger grocery stores and is scheduled in September to hit the shelves at 616 Publix stores in Florida, and 239 more in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and Alabama.

“Seeing it in Publix is going to be so fun,” said Greenhalgh, who grew up in New Tampa and graduated from Wharton High School before obtaining her bachelor’s degree and doctorate from USF.

Long before her wound care spray hit the shelves, Greenhalgh, who is chair and chief executive officer of her company, was busy raising funds, networking and learning what she needed to manufacture her product and get it to market.

It took research to find six companies that could manufacture the packaging and the product.

“I personally financed the whole operation for a year and a half,” said Greenhalgh, who taught chemistry at USF.

She came up with the idea for her product when she was a student.

“I was working with this technology and I noticed that the polymer that we were working with formed a film,” Greenhalgh said. “It’s really elastic and it stretched and moved and would go back to the normal shape. I looked at this, and I said, ‘You know, this would make a really cool second skin, like a liquid bandage.’”

Greenhalgh began using the product herself all the way through graduate school. “I always had it at my house for my pets, for myself, for my husband. I just always kept using it,” she said.

Greenhalgh didn’t pursue her idea right away, but she knew there was a need for it and she knew it worked, she said.

“I didn’t realize how well it worked until people started using it,” she said. Since it has been available, people have told her that they’ve used it as an after-care product for tattoos. Some have used it for psoriasis and others for acne, she said.

And since it’s waterproof, it’s good for those who want to be in the water, or who might be working up a sweat, Greenhalgh said.

She’s interested in seeking out other markets in the United States, including Winn-Dixie, CVS and Walgreens, as well as branching out to Central and South America.

Although initial marketing efforts are going well and the company now has four full-time and one part-time employee, Greenhalgh isn’t trying to build a huge company.

“We don’t want to be a powerhouse,” said the scientist, who lives with her husband, Daniel Opp and nine-month-old son, Nolan Opp, near Quail Hollow. “I don’t want to be running a nationwide company and selling product. It’s hard, dealing with the retail side of things. There are nuances to it. There are loopholes and pitfalls.”

Instead, she would like to get a lab facility and do what she does best: research and development.

“We have a lot of medical product ideas that are in the pipeline,” Greenhalgh said.

Being successful with this product is the first step, though, she said.

“We’ve got this up and running. We’ve got to get it going,” she said. “That way we can find people that are interested in licensing the products from us.

Showering others with kindness

August 14, 2013 By B.C. Manion

Every year, like clockwork, members of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club throw a luncheon and shower to benefit women and children living in two area domestic violence shelters.

Club members come to the event bearing clothing and other gifts to give to the shelter residents. They tend to be practical items, such as diapers, children’s toys, children’s clothing and personal hygiene supplies.

The woman’s group also has a boutique and a flea market, where club members and the general public can shop to raise money for the shelters.

Rosie Heim, president of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, works with member Jeannie to sort donations. (Photo courtesy of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club)

The event also features a $6-a-plate lunch of lasagna, salad, bread, a drink and dessert, which is open to the public.

“Last year, we fed 75 people,” said Joan Collins, chairwoman of the luncheon for the woman’s club.

The items provided through the woman’s club luncheon lifts the spirits of the women and children who live at Sunrise of Pasco Inc.’s domestic violence shelter, said Trish Kley, the center’s development director.

They appreciate that people who don’t even know them are willing to help them, and they marvel at the items that are donated, she said.

Shelter residents get excited as “they are unloading and unloading and unloading” the vehicles that deliver the items that were donated at the shower, Kley said.

“What they do is fantastic. So many of these things, we’d never be able to supply,” Kley added.

The shelter is grateful for any donations and particularly need practical items, such as toilet paper, toiletries and bigger-ticket items such as highchairs, car seats and strollers.

Sunrise is seeing a growing demand, and is addressing that by adding 15 new beds, Kley said.

The woman’s club event offers a chance to do a bit of shopping and to mingle at lunch, Collins said. Before lunch, there’s a boutique and mini-flea market, where club members and the general public can purchase goods.

The money raised is donated to Sunrise and to the Pasco County Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter in Pasco County.

Collins said once the boutique is over, the club will also donate those gently used items — if the shelters want them.

The woman’s club gets satisfaction from the annual event because they know that the shelters need the help, Collins said.

“They’re very appreciative of everything we give them,” Collins said.

Abuse shelter benefit luncheon and boutique

Aug. 22: 10 a.m. shopping at the boutique, followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m.
Lunch is $6 a plate for lasagna, salad, bread, dessert and a drink
Where: Lutz Community Center, 98 First Ave. N.W.
Questions? Call Joan Collins at (813) 855-7254.

Steinbrenner High student wins modeling competition

August 14, 2013 By B.C. Manion

When Courtney Reed hits the runway, she has a singular goal: To put whatever piece of apparel she’s wearing in its best light.

Recently, the 17-year-old Steinbrenner High School student proved that she knows how to work a runway by capturing first place in Old Navy’s “Next Top Model” competition at a mall in Sarasota.

Courtney Reed,17, recently won Old Navy’s ‘Next Top Model’ competition at a shopping mall in Sarasota. She will go on to compete at the Florida level of the Miss Teen U.S.A. competition. (Photo courtesy of the Reed family)

She modeled black jeans, a black tank top and a white jacket, along with accessories — and came out on top among a field of about 60 competitors.

As a result of winning that competition, she now advances to the Florida competition for Miss Teen U.S.A.

The young woman from Lutz said she was first introduced to modeling when she was 13.

Reed was at a Jonas Brothers concert at the amphitheater at the Florida State Fairgrounds when someone approached her and asked if she’d ever considered modeling.

She said she was interested, so she went to an audition and ultimately began working with a management company called N8 Talent, based in Sarasota.

N8 Talent is a management company for actors, models, vocalists, comics and bands in Florida and Los Angeles. The company’s clients have been involved in numerous widely known films and television programs including “Spider-Man,” “Dolphin Tale,” “ER” and “Hannah Montana.” N8 has also done commercial work for clients like T.J. Maxx, MTV, Publix Super Markets and McDonalds.

Reed said she attended the International Presentation of Performers, or iPop, in Las Vegas, and received callbacks from several agents in Los Angeles. But she was unable to pursue those opportunities.

At the time, her dad, Steve, was laid off from his job as an information technology manager after 23 years with the company.

“It was really tough,” said her mom, Debbie. The agents were interested, but the family couldn’t swing it financially. Things just got put on hold for a little bit.”

Steve said he’s pleased by his daughter’s commitment and her ability to maintain a level head.

“I’m proud of how she’s stuck with it throughout the years,” he said. “She has a good outlook. She works hard at it.”

Despite the family’s economic setbacks, the young woman has taken it all in stride.

Reed said she enjoys modeling and would love to pursue a career in modeling and acting. At the same time, she’s also interested in studying psychology and becoming a licensed cosmetologist.

She can easily picture herself doing hair and makeup for other models.

Courtney knows that psychology and cosmetology may seem like an odd combo to some, but that doesn’t bother her a bit.

She also has a variety of other interests. Courtney carries a 3.76 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, as she enters her senior year at Steinbrenner.

She also plays piano and violin.

She was an altar server at St. Timothy Catholic Church for four years, and hopes to attend college in New York while pursuing modeling opportunities there.

But rejection is part of the business when it comes to modeling and acting, and Steve Roberts from N8 has worked with Courtney to make sure she doesn’t take it personally.

“If I don’t get a call back, I’m not what they wanted at that moment,” Reed said.

Honoring the 50th anniversary of The March on Washington

August 14, 2013 By B.C. Manion

If you were there when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream Speech,” Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries would love to hear from you.

The library staff is looking for people like Bill McCloud, a resident of Odessa, who was there at the pivotal event on the mall in Washington, D.C.

“I was a private in the Army,” recalled McCloud, now 68. “I think there was all this concern that there was going to be a riot,” he said.

Instead, the Aug. 28, 1963 event was a nonviolent demonstration, which attracted about 250,000 people to demonstrate their support for economic and racial equality.

“It was overwhelming for me to see such a number of people,” McCloud said.

“It was just a great event that really helped change some of the dynamics of America,” said McCloud, who noted that he had no idea at the time how significant it would be.

The library system is creating a video history of local residents, like McCloud, who participated in the historic 1963 March on Washington.

From now through Aug. 16, library personnel will be available to digitally record the memories of local residents who attended the event that drew 250,000 people to Washington, D.C. The system decided to collect the stories and to have a special event to share them because, as staff member Stacey Jurewicz put it, “we didn’t want to lose this opportunity.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his stirring ‘I Have a Dream’ speech during the 1963 March on Washington. (Photo courtesy of WEDU PBS)

The video histories will be featured along with an afternoon of freedom songs at the West Tampa Branch Library, 2312 Union St. in Tampa, on Aug. 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Those wishing to share their story are asked to call Jurewicz, so she can arrange a time and place for the recording. She can be reached at (813) 273-3652.

The library system isn’t the only local organization honoring the half-century anniversary of that historic day. West Central Florida’s primary PBS station, WEDU, is holding a film screening to honor the event.

The station is hosting a special preview event on Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St. in Tampa. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Visitors will be able to view a gallery of photos from the 1963 march, meet local residents who took part and see a free preview screening of “The March.”

Seating is limited and reservations are requested. Reservations can be made online at www.wedu.org/themarch.

The program will also air on WEDU-TV on Aug. 27 at 9 p.m., with a block of related programming.

Clerk’s office warns residents of scam involving jury summons

August 14, 2013 By B.C. Manion

If the phone rings and someone on the other end of the call says it’s time for jury duty, beware.

The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s office is reminding residents that notices of jury service and failure-to-appear notifications are still mailed, and not made over the telephone. The warning comes after the clerk’s office received word from their state association that these kinds of calls are going out, said Darcy Foster, director of strategic enterprise for the clerk’s office.

Some of these calls also seek sensitive personal information, which should never be provided to an unsolicited phone caller, the clerk’s office advises.

The fraudulent telephone calls generally follow the same lines, the clerk’s office notes, claiming it’s coming from the office of the court. The caller threatens to have a warrant issued for an arrest if that person does not report for jury duty.

When the person receiving the calls says they never received a notice or summons, they’re then prompted to give information like birthdate, Social Security number or even credit or bank account information, according to the clerk’s office.

When that happens, the person receiving the call should hang up the telephone and report the call to a local law enforcement agency, Foster said.

They can even take the additional step of reporting the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov, or call (877) 382-4357.

Anyone with questions about jury duty notices or summons can call O’Neill’s office at (800) 368-2411, ext. 2200.

Land O’ Lakes woman gives personal touch to greetings

August 7, 2013 By B.C. Manion

In this age of Tweets and texts, Gloria Dale sticks with an old-fashioned method of sending holiday cheer to veterans and troops.

She writes each of her greeting cards by hand.

The 78-year-old spends much of the year preparing about 1,575 cards to hand out at local nursing homes and to mail to active military personnel overseas.

Gloria Dale works through the year, writing holiday greeting cards for area veterans and military troops overseas. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

She’s a fixture at the Dunkin’ Donuts on SR 54 in Land O’ Lakes — where she plants herself at her favorite corner table on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

She sips coffee as she jots out cards. Sometimes she’ll indulge in a bagel or some oatmeal.

When she’s not at the shop, she can be frequently found penning the cards at Winter Quarters Pasco RV Resort’s clubhouse, while watching NASCAR or her beloved Tampa Bay Rays.

Dale does the holiday card project every year, on behalf of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

She got involved about eight years ago, while helping other club members complete the task.

“Well, some of them write so small you can’t read it,” Dale said. So, she thought to herself: “I’ll just take that little chore on myself.”

She asked the group: “Can I take these cards home?”

They told her that’d be fine.

“So, I took those cards home on a Thursday, and the next Thursday I took them back, all done,” Dale said.

Since then, the project has become Dale’s little baby.

As soon as one holiday season is over, she’s out buying cards for the next one.

“After Christmas, I go to the store. They’ll come down — 75 percent and 80 percent off,” said Dale, who pays for the cards herself.

The woman’s club pays for the postage to send the cards overseas, said Rosie Heim, club president.

Heim said the club is lucky to have someone with Dale’s commitment.

“I’m loving that she does it. She gives a personal touch from the club, which we like,” Heim said. “We want people to know that we care. She has beautiful writing.”

Signing the cards is simple, Dale said.

“I could get a stamp that says ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays,’” Dale said, but she added, “That would look horrible.”

Instead, she carefully signs each card, places it in an envelope and then adorns the envelope with holiday stickers.

“This is what it looks like when it’s finished,” Dale said, holding a card that she’s finished. “It doesn’t look commercial.”

Dale says she enjoys the project. It’s a way she can honor people who have put their lives on the line for the nation.

“My dad was in the service,” she said. “I had an uncle who was in the service who got killed. I had brothers-in-law and my husband. They all served.

“My (late) husband (Harry), about the last thing he said to me was, if there’s anything to do to help a veteran, help them. So, I try my best.”

Not everyone who gets a card always knows they get it, especially in nursing homes where patients may not always be aware of what’s going on around them.

“But the family will know that they have a card, that we’re thinking of them,” Dale said.

The greetings may also bring a bit of cheer to troops overseas at the holidays, she said.

“I enjoy doing the cards. I can sit and write all day long,” Dale said. “It gives me something to do. It keeps my fingers limber.”

Anyone with new holiday cards they would like to contribute or who would like to help cover postage costs can reach Dale at (813) 215-1045.