B.C. Manion

COVID-19 vaccinations in high demand

January 12, 2021 By B.C. Manion

As the number of positive COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise, frustration is mounting among people eager to get vaccinated to protect themselves from the deadly virus.

So far, demand for vaccines is outpacing supply in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties — and when tickets are available to receive a vaccine, they are quickly snapped up.

Land O’ Lakes resident Jeff Cordover said he was finally able to get through, and he and his wife, Judy, were able to get their first dose of the vaccine.

Once there, the process went smoothly, Cordover said.

“The wait wasn’t bad. We had a 3 o’clock appointment, and we maybe waited 20 minutes or so,” Cordover said.

But his wife, Judy, said improvements are needed to make it less confusing to register for a vaccine.

“Getting the vaccine wasn’t the problem. The problem was getting into the computer to get the registration to get the vaccine,” she said.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County is offering vaccinations by appointment only to those age 65 and older.

Registering for the vaccine must be done through the department’s website.

Those wishing to obtain a vaccine are encouraged to check the website frequently for updates of when new registrations are being accepted. The sign-ups are based on vaccine supplies.

No new registrations were being accepted on the morning of Jan. 11.

Pasco County residence is not required, but snowbirds must remain in Pasco County for their second round — which is 28 days after the first appointment, the website says.

The health department’s current drive-thru vaccination clinic is at Sears in the Gulfview Square Mall, at 9409 U.S. 19 in Port Richey. However, efforts are underway to add a site in East Pasco, according to the health department.

To find out specifics for registering for a vaccine, check the website’s section on frequently asked questions.

Also, keep checking the website to find out if more vaccines have become available and more registrations are being accepted. The website is Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov.

Registration for vaccinations is free.

Pasco health department officials have issued a warning to make sure that people sign up on Eventbrite, using the link from the health department’s website. Someone has set up a fake account, in an attempt to scam people, the website says.

Hillsborough County, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, will begin a second round of COVID-19 vaccinations this week for residents age 65 and older. Hillsborough has allocated 9,000 doses of the vaccine to be administered at three distribution sites from Jan. 13 through Jan. 15.

Appointments will be scheduled online by CDR HealthPro™ portal and by phone on Jan. 12. Residents age 65 and older can only make their appointments during the designated time frame specific to their age group.

Residents can visit HCFLGov.net/vaccine for additional information and updates.

Hillsborough has been using four distribution sites.

The two closest to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are at: Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive in Tampa, and at the University Mall parking lot, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.

While vaccination efforts continue, concerns are rising over the increased spread of COVID-19, and the rising number of deaths.

The Washington Post reported last week that the United States had marked another milestone in the pandemic, recording more than 4,000 deaths in a single day. It also reported that research suggested that people who have no symptoms transmit more than half of cases of COVID-19.

CNN, reporting data from Johns Hopkins University, said it took about 90 days for the United States to reach its first 2 million cases of coronavirus in 2020; this year, it took just 10 days to hit 2.2 million cases.

While Americans were warned about avoiding indoor gatherings, officials said they did just the opposite during the holidays — gathering with friends or extended family, which has resulted in packed hospitals across the country, according to CNN’s report.

COVID statistics, available as of Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m.

United States: Positive cases – 22,102,069; deaths – 371,084
Florida: Total cases: 1,477,010; including positive residents, 1,450,620; Florida resident deaths, 22,912; non-resident deaths, 349
Pasco County: 24,712 positive residents; 230 positive non-residents; 406 deaths
Hillsborough County: 85,784 positive residents; 725 positive non-residents; 1,121 deaths
Pasco County Schools: 1,067 student cases (13,251 students impacted); 506 staff cases (1,153 employees impacted)
Hillsborough County Schools: 3,341 positive cases, including 1,265 employees and 2,076 students.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Florida Department of Health; Pasco County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools.

Published January 13, 2021

Business Digest 01/13/2021

January 12, 2021 By B.C. Manion

HART welcomes new CEO
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) Board welcomed new CEO Adelee Le Grand to the agency at its Jan. 4 meeting, according to a news release.

“I’m super excited to be starting the new year in this capacity,” Adelee Le Grand, HART CEO, said in the release. “I just want to take a moment to say how gracious the residents of Hillsborough County have been. I’ve received so many kind notes from people I’ve never met, including people in City government. Through this exchange, I’ve learned that I am the first Black permanent CEO for HART. I’m excited and honored not only to serve as the CEO but to serve in this historic role. I look forward to moving forward with the team.”

Le Grand was selected for the CEO position at the Nov. 2 board meeting, following a national search that attracted more than 160 applicants.

“The HART Board is confident Ms. Le Grand is the right person to lead the agency and create a long legacy of providing the highest level of service equitably and to openly drive Hillsborough County forward,” Commissioner Mariella Smith, board chairwoman said in the release.

Realtor earns national designation
Linda Nowicke with Inside Tampa Homes has earned the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation from the SRES® Council of the National Association of REALTORS, according to a news release.

Nowicke joins more than 15,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned this designation. Those receiving the designation completed a comprehensive course to understand the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers, ages 55 and older.

“Working with seniors to meet their housing needs requires an expert understanding of their lifestyle and financial needs, and the SRES® designation means that a REALTOR® has that understanding,” Nowicke said in the release. “Whether they are buying, selling, relocating, or refinancing, seniors can be confident that a REALTOR® with their SRES® designation will be able to help them every step of the way.”

SRES® Council, founded in 2007, is the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. There are more than 15,000 active members of the organization worldwide.

For more information, visit SRES.realtor.

Help for women entrepreneurs
The Small Business Administration has announced that it is launching Ascent, a free digital e-learning platform geared to help women entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses.

To learn more about SBA’s programs and services for women entrepreneurs, visit online at SBA.gov/women, and to find other WBC locations and SBA resources, visit SBA.gov/tools-local-assistance.

Florida ranks No. 3 in growth
Florida is the No. 3 growth state in America, according to U-Haul® data analyzing migration patterns from 2020.

Tennessee edges Texas, the leading growth state from 2016-2018, and Florida, the No. 1 growth state for 2019, for top honors on the new U-Haul chart, according to a news release.

Florida has been among the top four growth states each of the past six years, the release says.

People coming to Florida in one-way U-Haul trucks increased 2% during the past year, while departures rose about 4% from 2019. Despite the larger rise in departures, arrivals still accounted for nearly 50.2% of all one-way U-Haul traffic in Florida during 2020 to make it the No. 3 state for netting do-it-yourself movers, sliding two spots from its previous ranking.

Growth states are calculated by the net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks entering a state versus leaving that state during a calendar year. Migration trends data is compiled from more than 2 million one-way U-Haul truck-sharing transactions that occur annually, according to the release.

F45 Training receives GBAC accreditation
F45 Training at the Grove in Wesley Chapel has received GBAC (Global Biorisk Accreditation Council) accreditation, according to a news release.

To earn the accreditation, the training center had to implement numerous policies and procedures. Those include:

UV ray lights installed in the ventilation system
Temperature checks at the door
A mandatory personal towel and water policy
Availability of disposable wipes
Sanitizer at the door
Wipes and sanitizer at every station
A social distancing workout layout
Masks worn by coaches
Spraying of entire studio after every class

Pasco schools survey results help gauge ‘engagement’

January 5, 2021 By B.C. Manion

On the whole, this year’s Gallup Survey results in Pasco County Schools are slightly better than they were last year.

But, when Dr. Peggy Jones — the school district’s director of the office of accountability, research and measurement — discussed the results, she focused on specific data points within the report.

She detailed survey results at the Pasco County School Board meeting on Dec. 1.

In discussing the survey, she explained why it’s important for the district to collect the information to help improve both student and employee engagement.

“Why does Pasco County put money, time and effort into this process?

“We care about this,” Jones said. When employees are engaged, “productivity increases. Customer services increases,” she explained.

“Things that decrease. Absenteeism. Attrition. Theft,” Jones said.

The district’s mission is to provide a world-class education, and that requires engagement by students and teachers, she continued.

“At the center of engaged students are engaged teachers, so it’s important for us to also know how our teachers feel,” Jones said.

The district has a vested interest in doing what it can to keep teachers engaged because 62% of teachers who are engaged are less likely to leave the district, Jones noted.

“We are so in need of teachers and we want our good teachers to be able to stay, and we want to have those great teachers in front of kids every day in the classroom. These are reasons why this is so important to us, and why we care about this information,” Jones said.

“We want to invest in our employees. We want them to stay, and we need to invest in them, so they will stay. And, that includes their engagement, as well as professional development,” the research expert said.

The survey results also can help guide the district into greater exploration of specific issues, Jones said.

“You can’t just go off the number, and look at the number,” she said. “The next steps after you have your data is to have some conversations with groups of people, including kids.”

For instance, the survey has an item that says: “I have the materials I need to do my work right.”

Thirty-seven percent of employees that responded to the survey strongly agreed with that statement.

In this case, the district may benefit by seeking more information on the topic, she said, noting that having specifics can help the district to better understand why employees feel that way.

Jones also provided context for some responses.

For instance, one item on the employee survey says: “At work, my opinion seems to count.”

Thirty-nine percent of Pasco employees strongly agreed.

Jones said it is not unusual for teachers to respond that way.

“K-12 teachers nationwide are going to be the least likely of any organization in the Gallup database to mark that high.

“That can be for whatever reason. It could be that the federal government is telling people what to do. The state. The district. The school administration. Whatever it may be, that feeling of maybe being less empowered, is going to make you feel like your opinions don’t count as much,” Jones said.

She also shared some student results.

Student surveys explored student engagement, student hope, student belonging and social-emotional learning.

“Belonging and social-emotional learning are new,” Jones said. “We’re really excited about the two new domains because they are really at the heart of (the) work that we are doing. And, of course, we’re glad that student engagement and student hope have been there all along.”

The survey showed that 65% of the student respondents are confident they will graduate from high school; 51% said they believe they have a great future ahead.

But, Jones said, 14% of students strongly disagreed with the statement: “My classmates care about me.

“So, they feel like that their classmates don’t care about them,” Jones said, adding that response provides useful information for the district.

She also cited some results relating to social-emotional learning.

One item said: “When I’m angry or upset, I’m very good at explaining what is bothering me to other people.”

The district’s result showed that 29% of its students strongly disagreed with that, meaning they’re not good at that, Jones said.

“So, on the one hand, you might be concerned. But, on the other hand, what a great self-awareness that students can say that ‘I’m not good at that.’” she said.

On the plus side, students are confident about their listening skills.

Fifty-seven percent of students strongly agreed with the statement: “I’m really good at listening to my friends when they are upset about something.”

Superintendent Kurt Browning said the survey results are encouraging, especially during a pandemic.

But, he noted, “it still gives a lot of opportunity for areas to address,” particularly in social-emotional learning, and in working with students and teachers.

Published January 06, 2021

Through the lens, a look back at 2020

January 5, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Sometimes, a picture really is worth a thousand words.

Here’s an array of images that help tell the story of the year 2020 in The Laker/Lutz News region. The photos were captured by Fred Bellet, Kelli Carmack, Christine Holtzman, B.C. Manion, Randy Underhill, and local organizations and readers, too.

Five-year-old Clint Chessher, of Zephyrhills, reacts with excitement as he sits on the spinning wheel of the ‘Hillbilly Village’ funhouse at the Pasco County Fair, in February. The little boy was at the fair with his dad, Dwayne, and some family friends. (File)

Volunteer Deanna Okun, left, administers a medical exam inside the Medical Detainment room to McKitrick Elementary second-grader Jyles Morales, during a series of activities that were done to simulate what immigrants encountered when they arrived at Ellis Island in the early 1900s. Students were asked such questions as, ‘Have you been sick lately?’ And, ‘Do you have any allergies?’ The simulations are intended to help children gain a better understanding of the immigrant experience.

Signs like these have become part of the landscape, as hospitals and the community, support frontline workers during COVID-19.

The Allen family, of Lutz, including, from left, Joshua, Hayley, Cannan and Taylor, enjoyed watching a movie together at pop-up drive-in at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. The COVID-19 pandemic forced movie theater screens to go dark earlier this year, and it’s hard to say if they will rebound. Meanwhile the pandemic also triggered a resurgence in the popularity of outdoor movie theaters, whether permanent, or pop-ups.

It takes more than a pandemic to crush the enthusiasm of bug lovers — VW Bugs, that is. This beautiful 1962 Volkswagen Bug — complete with matching luggage — belongs to Jose m.Reyes Nieve. It was among the assortment of pristine, interesting and unusual VWs on display at the 32nd annual Florida Bug Jam, held in November at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City.

Adjusting to current conditions has been the mantra for hospital workers throughout The Laker/Lutz News region. Caring for COVID-19 patients is just one of the adjustments they’ve made. Other issues have included obtaining sufficient personal protective equipment; on-again, off-again elective surgeries; and providing emotional support for patients isolated from their families.

The Zephyrhills High School Marching Band was one of the first marching bands taking part in the Zephyrhills 110th Founder’s Day Parade & Heritage Festival, during March. This year’s theme was ‘The Roaring ’20s: Glitz, Glam and Tin Cans’ – which celebrated the decade of the Charleston, flappers and gangsters.

Tomas Alzamora embraced the spirit of the day at the Taco Festival, held at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, in September.

There were lots of big issues on the ballot for the November 2020 general election, and Valerie Cooper wanted to make sure her vote counted. She voted early at the New River Branch Library, in Wesley Chapel. A record number of Americans voted in the election, with the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris ticket surpassing 80 million votes, the most in the nation’s history. Inaugural Day is set for Jan. 20.

Matthew Misener, shows off his impressive double axe throwing skills at Molly’s Hatchet axe throwing experience, at the Wesley Chapel Art & Blues Festival in November, at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. The Zephyrhills native is the operations manager and event coordinator for Molly’s Hatchet, a competitive axe-throwing venue in downtown Zephyrhills.

North Tampa Bay Chamber reflects on 2020, future goals

December 29, 2020 By B.C. Manion

Like every business and organization, the North Tampa Bay Chamber has faced challenges and unpredictability — in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

A public health crisis, government shutdowns and a flattened economy caused the chamber to pivot, and change the way it delivers services during 2020, so it could continue operations, while remaining safe.

It caused the chamber to shift to virtual operations, to begin offering meetings and webinars, and to provide assistance remotely — aimed at helping its members navigate through the pandemic.

Chamber leaders discussed the chamber’s response to the pandemic, during the organization’s annual business meeting held via Zoom on Dec. 1.

Kevin O’Farrell, the outgoing chairman of the board, said “we’ve really had to reimagine all of our events and our programming, our activities, to continue to push the organization forward.”

The pandemic, he said, has served as a reminder of “how important it is for individuals and organizations, in times of crisis, to truly double down on their values. I think, as a chamber, that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

He then detailed how the chamber focused on its four core values of integrity, innovation, inclusivity and collaboration.

“We had to be inclusive, bringing in new members and new individuals, to give us new voices, to make sure that we’re addressing all of the needs of all of our members — not leaving anyone behind, or on the sidelines, and working together in a collaborative fashion, so that together, we are the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.”

Hope Kennedy, president and CEO of the chamber, told members: “So, things changed. Everybody changed. But, what didn’t change was our focus. The main change that we had as an organization was our mode, in which we delivered the information to you, and the mode in which we were able to connect.

“We were still able to mark things off from our strategic plan this year. The committees were still able to come together, albeit virtually, and really nail down some of (the) things we had on our strategic plan for this year.

“We did continue some of our programming. We’ve been able to stay a trusted resource for our members throughout this year, using our digital component.

“Fortunately, for us, we were ahead of the curve.

“We had switched over to voice-over IP phones several years ago. Our database has always been in the cloud. Our website has always been in the cloud. So we were able to take the organization mobile, within three hours of the governor’s list of nonessential workers.

“We could have fought that and stayed open, but for the safety of our staff, we took the organization home,” Kennedy said.

Starting to go live again, in 2021
The chamber plans to begin bringing back some hybrid events in 2021, Kennedy said. That will start with a Final Friday event in January.

“We will be hosting those all at outdoor locations,” she said.

There also will be some hybrid, in-person events, beginning in February, including a Zoom option, Kennedy added.

“Obviously, our No. 1 priority as a chamber is your safety, and the safety of your employees and your businesses. So, we want to be sure that we are keeping you safe, as we all do business,” she continued.

Michael Berthelette, the new chairman of the board, talked about some goals for 2021.

The chamber will seek to provide visionary leadership — which involves developing human capital and partnership skills to solve business challenges, he said.

It also expects to roll out a mentorship program, most likely during the second quarter of 2021.

Plus, it plans to create a committee or subcommittee focused on diversity, inclusion, equality, social justice and human rights, he said.

And, the chamber will pursue accreditation from the U.S. Chamber, a goal it intended to pursue in 2020, but was sidetracked by pandemic disruptions.

“At the chamber, we come to work every day because we believe in the power of business as a problem-solver, and as a trusted partner, as a change agent and as a community builder,” Berthelette said.

He also raised the issue of systemic discrimination.

“COVID has shone a light on the systematic racism and inequalities across America, and across the world. COVID didn’t create those, (but) certainly exacerbated them.

“Staff of color should not carry all of the political risk of speaking up and carrying the flag of change,” Berthelette said.

He urged chamber members to act in support of others.

“Identify others whose voices might be marginalized, might not be having a privileged experience,” Berthelette said, and identify ways to support them.

“Let’s all engage,” he said. Expanding opportunities ultimately makes both companies and individuals, stronger, he added.

Kennedy reported that the chamber faced its own cutbacks, in order to remain in the black.

It experienced a decline in membership, too, she said, primarily caused by business closures.

“Those are things that we can’t control, and we’re going to do our best to help businesses that are struggling throughout this,” she said. “We’ll continue to find new and innovative ways that are going to bring you programming that’s going to help you grow your business throughout the year.

“Even if we’re not meeting in person, we’re still working for you. We are working in Tallahassee and we are working in Washington D.C., as well, to continue our pro-business legislation.

“While the mode did change, the mission did not,” Kennedy said. “We are still laser-focused on growing this business community.”

North Tampa Bay Chamber board

Chairman of the Board
Michael Berthelette: Platinum Salon

Returning board members:
Dr. Kevin O’Farrell: Pasco-Hernando State College – Porter Campus (outgoing board chairman)
Javan Grant: SLATER | GRANT
Aaron Banks: Furr, Wegman & Banks Architects P. A.
Connie Bladon: AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
Karen Tillman-Gosselin: Karen Tillman-Gosselin – Berkshire Hathaway Property Services
Stacey Capogrosso: Pasco Education Foundation Inc.
James Carner: Carner Credit Card Consulting LLC
Kartik Goyani: Metro Development Group LLC
Roberto Hiller: Signs of Tampa Bay doing business as Signarama New Tampa & YESCO Tampa
Justin Keeney: Regions Bank – Commercial Banking
Craig Alan Miller: Full Throttle Intermedia
Sally Seymour: Medical Center of Trinity
Troy Stevenson: Acme on the Go
Roberto Saez: Design and Construction Innovations LLC
Cheryl Visalli: Time For Wine
Stacey Nance: Sparkman Wharf

New board members:
Angelique Lenox: Vistra Communications
Tom Garthwaite: Morton Plant North Bay Hospital

Board secretary (non-voting)
Hope Kennedy: North Tampa Bay Chamber, president and CEO

Published December 30, 2020

Celebrating some of life’s big moments

December 29, 2020 By B.C. Manion

If ever there was a time when joy was needed, 2020 was the year.

Here’s a look, in condensed form, at some of the stories revealing big moments and happy times in The Laker/Lutz News region, during the year that was.

Soaring into the wild blue yonder
Olivia Jenkins flew her first solo flight from Tampa North Flight Center in Lutz, aboard a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, on Sept. 23. In doing so, she achieved a personal goal to fly solo before even getting a license to drive a car. She intends to get her private pilot’s license when she turns 17, on Feb. 10. She has big plans after that, too. She will seek a congressional nomination to a military service academy, and one day hopes to fly for the U.S. Air Force or perhaps to fly helicopters for the Army.

Superheroes give boy an epic parade
David Castle — an 8-year who loves superheroes, WWE, Fortnight, motorcycles, fast cars and

fishing — had a very special Halloween when hundreds of people joined in to put on an epic parade for him. Superheroes dropped by and bikers threw up smoke, giving David a day to get his mind off cancer and just enjoy being a kid. He’s had a hard battle — but on this particular day, he was surrounded by people who wanted to make him happy, and they did.

Making birthdays happy, despite COVID-19
When Kynlee Kuberski wasn’t able to celebrate her 11th birthday at Universal Studios, her mom, Jessi, took to social media inviting people to drive by to wish her a happy, socially distanced birthday. People responded, making the day a treat for Kynlee, who lives in Connerton. Kynlee, center, reacts as a Pasco County Fire Rescue truck drives by — adding to the fun. Her mother, Jessi, stands to her left, and her older sister, Kalyn, is on her right.

When original plans for Evelyn “Ev” Furman’s 99th birthday were canceled, her daughter came up with Plan B.
The plans were all set. Furman’s family planned to travel to Land O’ Lakes and to take her to the Rusty Pelican to celebrate her 99th birthday.
A birthday lunch with friends was planned, too.
Neither happened, thanks to COVID-19.
Instead, her daughter, Debbie Storts organized a party — inviting people to drive, walk or bicycle by the house to help Ev celebrate.
Storts used a 6-foot tray to hand out cupcakes. Those bringing gifts left them at the edge of the driveway, where they were collected and sanitized, before being delivered to the Birthday Girl.
Although the original plans fell through, Ev didn’t mind.
“It was the best party I ever had,” she said.

The Rev. Harold Thomas, and his wife, Bermice, enjoy lunch, during the “Birthday King’s” surprise birthday party.
Members of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, in Dade City, wanted to do something special for the Rev. Harold Thomas, who was turning 85.
So, they threw him a surprise celebration, complete with a drive-by parade with police sirens, and a luncheon with social distancing.
The finishing touches were a red robe and crown, for the “Birthday King.”
The pastor has led the church for 37 years.

Faithful woman has a national role
Michele Bowman, who lives in Zephyrhills, has achieved something attained by only three other Floridians in 117 years. She’s been elected as one of nine national directors for the Catholic Daughters of America.
The organization promotes spiritual growth, charitable giving, community service and sisterhood.
She wants to expand the membership and to attract younger members.
“It’s a problem when your membership starts to age out” she said, in a Laker/Lutz News interview. “We may have to change the way we approach things, and I’d like to have a voice in this because I believe it’s a big issue. We should be proactive.”

Gesture honors a Marine’s service
Otis Felder, a retired U.S. Marine, was already having a pretty good Veterans Day — even before he made his daily trek to the dog park at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, off Collier Parkway. But when he arrived, it got even better. That’s when he was surprised by a new bench at the park, which his friends had dedicated to him. ‘Holy mackerel,’ the 84-year-old said, when he saw the bench. ‘I never expected anything like that.’

Military veteran Francis Xavier O’Connell salutes the flag during a ceremony in his honor.

Venue changes, but dignity preserved
A date had been set to honor Francis Xavier O’Connell — a decorated military veteran and a former prisoner of war — during the legislative session in Tallahassee, but that couldn’t occur because of COVID-19.
So, new plans were made to provide a socially distanced ceremony at Angels Senior Living at the Lodges of Idlewild, in Lutz, where O’Connell lives.
Because of the COVID-19 lockdown, he had to watch the ceremony through glass doors, as it was performed outside.
O’Connell’s niece, Carolyn Matthews, who was involved in arranging the tribute, said members of two veterans groups stepped forward to help create a meaningful and dignified event.

First Day, learning in-person
Beyond requirements for masks, social distancing and frequent hand-washing, the first day of school in the 2020-2021 school year will stand out for Principal Tim Light for another reason, too. It was his first ‘First Day’ leading Cypress Creek Middle School in its newly opened home on Old Pasco Road. He’d been planning for the day for months, and he was ready. ‘I’m very excited,’ Light said. ‘Honestly, I never thought this day was going to get here.’

First Day, learning remotely
Five-year-old Brooklyn Holtzman, of Land O’ Lakes, had her first day of kindergarten at home — learning remotely through Pasco County Schools’ MySchool Online. She’s enrolled at Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School. She even had a special hat for the day.

Celebrating the Lightning’s Stanley Cup
The Tampa Bay Lightning injected joy and excitement in the midst of a global pandemic by defeating the Dallas Stars, to bring home the Stanley Cup.
Amelie Arena was open for a limited number of spectators and outdoor watch parties were socially distanced. Spectators wore masks. (They’re not masked up in the photo, but once the picture was taken they put their masks back on.)
When the Lightning won the cup, euphoria erupted.
Mary, David and Kimberly Eberhard are loyal Lightning fans.
When she’s not cheering on the Lightning, Mary’s financial acumen helps keep The Laker/Lutz News running smoothly.

Apartments proposed on Bruce B. Downs, at Eagleston

December 29, 2020 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a conditional use permit to allow an apartment development on the west side of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, south of Eagleston Boulevard.

The request, submitted by Adventist Health System Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation, would allow a maximum of 248 apartments on the 16.24-acre site. Adventist intends to sell the land to enable the development.

The Pasco County Commission is scheduled to hear the request on Jan. 12 at 1:30 p.m., in the board’s chambers at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

Pete Pensa, director of planning for AVID Group of Tampa, outlined details of the request for planning commissioners.

The property is located at 5101 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., which is about one-fourth mile south of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, Pensa said. It has direct frontage on Bruce B. Downs and Eagleston boulevards.

There’s a mixture of development in the area, including retail, medical office uses, car dealerships and an assisted living facility, Pensa said.

It’s south of BayCare’s planned hospital, which recently was announced, Pensa said.

Baycare hospital officials recently had a ceremonial groundbreaking for the facility, which is under construction.

Other nearby uses include fast-food and sit-down restaurants, and a bank, Pensa added.

“To the south of us are townhomes and single-family subdivisions,” he said, adding, “there is no existing multifamily within this mixed-use quadrant.”

He also mentioned that multifamily is an appropriate transitional use between commercial to the north and single-family residential to the south.

The site has been zoned for commercial use since 1984, but there hasn’t been a market for that use, Pensa said. “They’ve not been able to find a buyer and developer.”

“There are a variety of commercial uses in the area that support the project, both from opportunities for shopping and eating, as well as working, including the BayCare facility,” he said.

The hospital is expected to have 275 jobs, and the nearby assisted living facility.

Plans call for preserving a significant portion of the apartment project property, Pensa added.

Amenities will include walking trails around a pond, a park, a dog park, picnic areas, a clubhouse and a pool.

Pensa also noted that there would be fewer trips generated by this development than from a commercial use. And, he said there is water, sewer and reclaimed water available to service the site.

He submitted two letters of support for the project.

However, there were objections.

Todd Yontec emailed his objections, noting that he’s a longtime resident of the Seven Oaks community and objects to adding apartments in an area that already has plenty of residential development.

“This would truly be poor planning by the commission, if it keeps adding apartment complexes without encouraging the building of the infrastructure to support the increasing population density in this area,” Yontec wrote.

“The only deviation from this original plan that I would support would be to return the parcel to wetlands, or create a park,” he added.

Planning commissioner Roberto Saez, who lives in Seven Oaks, also objected to the request.

He said the area is oversaturated with apartment complexes.

“I go to Publix. Every time, it’s getting busier,” he said, making it harder to find parking.

“As an owner, I believe it is increasing the value of my property. As a user, it can be a real nightmare. I don’t see any type of expansion of Bruce B. Downs. I don’t see any plan to cover the schools,” Saez said.

“I have a hard time with the project, to be honest with you,” the planning commissioner added.

Saez said he’s also concerned about overloading Seven Oaks Elementary School.

Chris Williams, who represents Pasco County Schools on the planning board, said the proposed development would generate 30 elementary school students.

Saez voiced skepticism about that projection.

But, Williams said the biggest impact on schools comes from single-family developments.

As the school district’s director of planning, Williams is in charge of the planning done to address future school needs.

He said he has no concerns about the impact on schools from the proposed development.

“We don’t object to this particular development,” Williams said.

Revised on Jan. 3, 2021

Inspiring words worth repeating

December 29, 2020 By B.C. Manion

During the year, our newspaper published some sage advice from Peggy Oakes, who was celebrating her 100th birthday, in Lutz, and we published an inspirational poem by Steve Melton, a cowboy poet.

We share them again, here, to help ring in a New Year.

Advice for daily life

Practice gratitude: When you don’t have gratitude for what you have, there is
no foundation to build on. You will continuously be filling a hole that can never befilled. But, when you are thankful for what you have, as you accomplish and gain, itwill overwhelm you with happiness.

Be happy NOW: Dreaming of a beautiful future has its place, but it will forever be
a dream unless we learn how to be happy in our present.

Be rich in self-worth: We are all worthy of a good sense of self-esteem. Learn to
know that you are more than a moment in your life. Learn that you have skills that others do not. Learn that you hold power in your life. Learn that others depend on you.Learn that you are loved. Learn that you deserve to love yourself, and then love yourself. Then you will be well on your way to true wealth.

Build your awareness of wants vs. needs: We’ve all done it — bought something
expensive, and then ended up with buyer’s regret. Understanding what actually fits into your life and knowing that purchase is going to return its value to you is an importantskill to develop.

Don’t cling to money worries: Worrying about money is an addiction that keeps you from focusing on what else is going on in your life. When you are truly struggling with money, it is understandable that it would cause worry. But, what so many of us do is we go through a period in our life where money is scarce, then we hold onto the fear of that moment long after it has passed. Even those who accumulate financial wealth often continue to worry about making sure their money is enough — and they end up missing out on the joy in their life! Learn to allow fear into your life when it is helpful, then recognize when it is no longer serving you and let it go.

Author Peggy Oakes celebrated her 100th birthday on on Sept. 17, 2020.

The Porch of Peace
by Steve Melton

Come now, pull up a chair, on the porch of peace.

Stay and rock awhile, let your worries cease.

We’ll tell a few stories, maybe a joke or two.

It’s good to be together when the day is through.

Feel the gentle breeze as it blows

from east to the west.

It carries away the heat and your cares,

It makes you feel at rest.

We’ll watch the sun go down,

see the sky turning red

Stop thinking about your troubles, before we go to bed.

Stop. Listen to the quiet.

We don’t hear that much anymore.

We need to hear it more often,

It gives our hearts and minds time to restore.

Next time you are in the area, please stop and stay awhile

The porch of peace will leave you

with a smile.

Published December 30, 2020

Christmas celebrations vary, during COVID-19

December 22, 2020 By B.C. Manion

Some churches are issuing tickets for admission.

Many are limiting seating.

At least one is offering drive-in services, and many places of worship plan to conduct candlelight services.

And, based on internet searches, it appears the vast majority have some sort of safety protocols in place, in light of COVID-19.

Some churches have already had their Christmas services, opting to celebrate the weekend before Christmas.

And, at least one — First United Methodist Church of Dade City — has decided to drop its traditional Christmas Eve service and its Sunday service Dec. 27 because of uncertainty of crowd size, according to a posting on the church’s Facebook page.

Still, those who are seeking to attend a religious service to celebrate Christmas will have plenty of options across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Beyond traditional scriptural readings, some churches will offer special music and will feature festive decorations.

Some will have services indoors and out. Many will offer remote streaming options.

Chances are, you’ve already made your plans to celebrate — after all Christmas Eve is this coming Thursday and Christmas Day, on Friday.

But, if you’re still considering your options, be sure to visit your preferred church’s website to be certain you have current information. Also, you’ll need to check ahead to guarantee you can still get tickets if you need them, and can become familiar with any precautions you’ll need to take, to comply with the church’s COVID-19 protocols.

There are literally hundreds of churches across the newspaper’s coverage area. So, here’s a sampling of some churches in our coverage area, and their Christmas plans — based on Facebook and website postings — for this year.

LUTZ

Christmas at Idlewild, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.: Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., face coverings recommended; Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., masks optional; Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., masks optional. Tickets are available through the church’s website.
First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road: Dec. 24 at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., following guidelines for sanitizing and social distancing. The website notes: “We respectfully request everyone wear a mask while at church.”
First Baptist Church of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41: Online and in-person candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. According to the website: Balcony is mask only; auditorium is mask optional.
Bay Hope Lakeshore Campus, 17030 Lakeshore Road: Dec. 23, at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Streaming on Bay Hope TV on Dec. 23 at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road: Dec. 24 at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The service will be held in the main church sanctuary, with livestreaming to the parish hall and an outside courtyard. Eucharistic ministers will distribute communion in livestream areas.
Crosspointe Family Church, 919 DeBuel Road: Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24, at 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
All Saints Lutheran Church, 5315 Van Dyke Road: Family candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., candlelight worship on Dec. 24 at 9 p.m.
Unity North Tampa, 19530 Holly Lane: Burning Bowl Service, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. A ceremony to release what is unwanted in your life and affirm new blessings for the New Year.

LAND O’ LAKES

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway: The church is following guidelines for sanitizing, social distancing and masks. There’s an outdoor mass on Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., no signup is required. Other Christmas Eve masses are: 6 p.m., signup and livestream; 10 p.m., signup; midnight, signup and Life Team. On Christmas Day, the mass times are 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., which are both signup; and 11:30 a.m., which is signup and livestream.
Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway: Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., candlelight worship service with communion.

WESLEY CHAPEL

Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54: Christmas Eve in-car service on Dec. 24 at noon, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Dec. 25 at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. RSVP, first come, first served. Those signing up on the church’s website are asked to indicate if they are driving a car, an SUV, a truck or a van. They also are asked to indicate how many people will be receiving communion. RSVP by calling 813-973-2211.
Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road: Service on Dec. 23 at 5 p.m., and on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Faith Lutheran Church, 27221 Foamflower Blvd., Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
Cypress Creek Church (meets at North Tampa Christian Academy, 5585 County Line Road): Christmas with the Family Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. The church’s website notes: “We have the restaurant rule. You are required to wear a mask as you step on and off the church campus, but once you are at your seat you may take off your mask.” Church staff and its Dream Team will wear masks as they serve. Also, temperatures will be taken, before each person enters the building.
First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel, 29716 State Road 54: Christmas service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
Grace Community Church, 7107 Boyette Road: Candlelight service on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Previously known as Wesley Chapel Episcopal), 38356 Flatiron Loop, Suite 101: Dec. 24 at 10:30 p.m., with a musical prelude at 10 p.m. Masks and reservations required. Incense will be used during the service.

ZEPHYRHILLS

St. Joseph Catholic Church, 38710 Fifth Ave.: Dec. 24 services at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Dec. 25 services at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Its website notes that masks are required for every person at every service and social distancing is required, too.
ZFA Church, 36322 State Road 52: Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., Christmas Eve candlelight service.

DADE CITY

First Presbyterian Church of Dade City, 37412 Church Ave.: Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Services also available via Facebook and YouTube.

SAN ANTONIO

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 32885 Rhode Island Ave.: Services on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. On Dec. 25, the service will be at 10 a.m., and it will be livestreamed on Facebook.

Published December 23, 2020

Not-so-random acts of kindness

December 22, 2020 By B.C. Manion

Even when life is ‘normal’ — it’s not always easy to find the time, energy or resources to help others who are struggling to get by, or whose spirits need a lift.

During a pandemic when people are feeling pressures on all sides and many of life’s big moments must be delayed or canceled — the challenge is even greater.

But, ingenuity and generosity prevailed in The Laker/Lutz News region, providing a counterpoint to the sadness and loss, and injecting a bit of joy.

Here’s a condensed look at some of those not-so-random acts of kindness that occurred during 2020.

Ed DelValle, of Miriam’s Bakery, left, poses with his family: daughter Erika; wife Miriam; and daughter Victoria. All four work at the bakery. (File)

Let them eat cake
When the Sunlake High band program decided it had to cancel its annual banquet, Miriam’s Cakes, in Land O’ Lakes, sprang into action. The bakery provided an individual cake — featuring the school’s mascot — for each of the 29 seniors in the band program.

Ed DelValle and his wife, Miriam Ruiz, who own the bakery have been a band family for years.

They wanted to do something special for members of the Class of 2020, including their daughter, Erika.

“I know the banquet is the biggest event for the band program every year. All of the kids look forward to it because it’s kind of like a mini-red carpet,” DelValle said.

Celebrating seniors
Marie Joles couldn’t stand the thought of high school seniors missing out on all of the special moments that make up part of senior year.

So, the dental hygienist, who wasn’t able to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic, came up with a social media way to create Senior Spotlights, showcasing individual graduates.

She solicited submissions, then tweaked them before created postings that provided a glimpse of their accomplishments, their ambitions, their interests and personalities.

It took work, but it was worthwhile, Joles said.

“I wanted to let them know we appreciate them,” she said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and State Rep. Ardian Zika were at Medical Center of Trinity, when meals were delivered for hospital workers. (File)

A double dose of help
When Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey saw a news report about the Frontline Appreciation Group, she knew she wanted Pasco to get in on the idea.

The initiative purchases meals from restaurants — struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and provides the food to frontline health care workers engaged in the battle to help people who have been infected by the deadly virus.

The initiative was launched in New Jersey, but Starkey spearheaded a local chapter, called FLAG2020Pasco.

The effort has resulted in meals prepared by area restaurants, delivered to local hospitals.

Other local political leaders and government agencies also have stepped up to the plate, so to speak — in a number of other efforts to collect and distribute food. The county itself has created and managed new programs using federal funding to feed the hungry, and support local restaurants.

Spreading joy through bubbles
Blaise Ryndes, of Land O’ Lakes, a nationally known bubble magician, decided to take to the streets in his neighborhood to spread some joy amidst the pandemic. He put on a one-car bubble parade – making the way through the subdivision spreading what he calls, “little orbs of happiness and cleanliness.”

Gerry Ackley and Yvonne Wassman stand on one side of the truck loaded with food, while Steve Graves and Sandy Graves stand on the other.

Grad bash funds go to feed the hungry
When Pasco 2020 Grad Bash was canceled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunlake High seniors decided to make a big donation from the money they’d raised to pay for event buses. They decided to help Keystone Community Church’s Second Serving program, which provides food for the homeless, operates a food pantry and helps people who are struggling, with other essentials.

Coty Darmoth is busy working at Nabruzzi Trattoria, a restaurant that decided to give back to frontline workers.

Giving back to a giving community
The executive chef and founder of Nabruzzi Trattoria credits his restaurant’s success to the support it has received from the Lutz community.

So, when the pandemic hit, it stepped up to deliver free hot meals to firefighters and medical workers, and others, who serve the community.

“Every Wednesday we’re going to pick somebody in the area that has put themselves at risk, that are out there every day,” said Massimo Sabetti, the chef/owner of Nabruzzi Trattoria at 6062 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

And, they delivered — to emergency department workers, firefighters and others.

Now, that’s what you call a chef’s special.

Kevin Taggerty, a retired master sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, and his daughter, Ryah, a first grade teacher at Lacoochee Elementary created this work of art.

Keeping art alive
Lots of opportunities to do art and see art have been curtailed by COVID-19, but the Dade City Center for the Arts found a way to give artists a chance to express their talents, and art lovers a chance to view it through an outdoor public art exhibit.

The artists painted hay bales that were stationed in various places around Dade City.

This giant spider is just one of the creepy creatures that goes on display on Oct. 31, at Sid Siamandl’s annual ‘Halloween House.’

Lifting spirits, at Halloween
Sid Simandl has been decking out his “Halloween House” every year for 18 years, and this year was no exception. But, because of COVID-19, he changed things up.

Instead of an enclosed Haunted House inside his garage, he created a haunted trail, instead.

Simandl, who lives in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes, gets a big kick out of treating visitors to a haunted spectacle. Indeed, it’s his favorite holiday. He nicknames himself Mr. Halloween for the occasion, and dons a pumpkin sports.

Keystone Place at Terra Bella, a senior living community in Land O’ Lakes, hired The Boomer Band, featuring keyboard/vocalist Kevin de Champlain and drummer/vocalist Vance Fontanella to inject some joy, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Easing isolation blues
The Boomer Band was towed around on a trailer through the community of Keystone Place at Terra Bella, in Land O’ Lakes, so its senior residents could be entertained — from a safe distance, on their apartment balconies.

It was the senior living community’s way of easing the isolation blues.

The ‘green shirt’ ladies forge on
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has been maintaining its commitment to helping a broad range of community groups and organizations. The club’s tradition of community service goes back for decades, and it has not allowed COVID-19 to stop it. There are many other clubs throughout The Laker/Lutz News region that also have been doing their part to help others who are struggling, especially during this difficult time.

Published December 23, 2020