The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Brian Fernandes

Lutz students strive to protect wildlife

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Diminishing waste in local oceans is an important mission for third-grader Lilly Kate Paban.

In fact, she has been motivated to start an afterschool program at her Learning Gate Community School, in Lutz, to both educate fellow students and to get them to go outdoors to take action.

She was first inspired when her then-science teacher, Christopher Bell, explained to the class the plight animals face when they mistakenly consume plastic littered in the sea.

Lilly Kate Paban, 9, displays one of the seven laptops donated by the Tribridge tech company for a new club at Learning Gate Community School. The club, conceptualized by Paban and her three schoolmates, will educate other kids on keeping oceans clean for animals, plus going outdoors to take action. (Courtesy of Joelle Paban)

Lilly Kate has always loved animals, especially dolphins. In fact, her dream came true when she got the opportunity to swim alongside one.

Her care for wildlife compelled her to help in some way, and she asked three of her friends at school for support.

“I gathered my friends and was like, ‘we should start a club to help the environment.’

“Our goal is to clean up most of the plastic in the oceans so that none of the animals get extinct,” the 9-year-old explained.

Once the girls devised a plan for an environmental club, they approached their principal with the idea, which was met with approval.

In building support, Lilly Kate recruited her mother, Joelle, as a club volunteer.

Joelle admitted she was shocked at first, unaware of her daughter’s good cause, but willing to help.

“How can I say no to my kid?” Joelle responded with a smile. “I’m going to support any endeavor my child wants to do.”

While the club is in the early stages, plans are already being established.

The girls have decided their target audience to join is second grade to seventh grade students.

They would also like to collect membership fees in order to fund group trips and  further their cause in protecting wildlife.

Lilly Kate attributes her independence and go-getter mindset to her mother, who takes her and her younger sister, Stellie, to school.

Joelle has her own executive assistant business. On their commute, the girls often hear their mother on the phone discussing her company.

That business savvy helped Lilly Kate and her friends form the blueprint for the afterschool program.

“I couldn’t be any more proud,” Joelle stated. “This is something that they want to give back to nature, and do their tiny part in this world.”

However, the girls’ efforts were just beginning. They sent a handwritten letter to the Tampa tech company Tribridge – asking for whatever support it could offer.

The letter reached the company by Friday, May 10 and that following Monday, the girls got quite a surprise while in school.

Pete Loach, IT manager at Tribridge, personally donated seven laptops to help move the club forward.

“Just what a tiny letter can do, can make a big change,” Lilly Kate mentioned.

Joelle and her husband, Mario, also extend gratitude to Bell for helping spark their daughter’s interest in environmental awareness through his class.

Both parents attested to the teacher’s dedication toward his students.

“This guy’s life [is] these children,” Joelle said. “He brought passion.”

Now with new laptops, the group can conduct proper research and track the oceans’ red tide, Lilly Kate said.

She added that there are plans to do summer beach cleanups before the program officially starts next semester.

With the initiative of several third-graders, many kids can learn to carry the mantle for a cleaner and safer tomorrow.

Published May 29, 2019

Bay Area writers display their literary works

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library had an even larger volume of books stacked up as it held its annual Authors’ Fair on May 18.

The event featured 20 writers from the Tampa Bay area showcasing their works across many genres.

Author Keith G. Laufenberg, of Hernando Beach, speaks to a small group of people about his previous occupation as a middleweight boxer. The U.S. Marine veteran is the author of 23 books and screenplays. (Christine Holtzman)

It was an opportunity for Pasco County residents to discover local literature, speak with the authors and purchase signed books.

Deborah Cameron had her booth set up just outside the kids’ play area in the library.

It was a suitable location to display her children’s novel, “The Mel Monsta” which she co-authored.

The story features Mel the Monsta whose encounter with a friendly girl, helps Mel become more soft and gentle.

The idea initially came from Cameron’s journey in becoming a better person to herself, and others.

“We thought, ‘what can we do to help children with this?’” she and her co-author thought. “It’s to encourage children and adults to look beyond race, gender [and] who you love in life.”

With the books neatly laid out on the table, Cameron also had a stuffed animal of Mel the Monsta for kids to marvel at.

In the past, she has donated the books to sick youth at Shriners Hospitals for Kids as a way to encourage them.

Cameron said she plans to write literature geared toward helping kids with autism.

Booths like hers is what intrigued Beth Smith to come out to the fair.

Author Gladys Vanesa, of Wesley Chapel, left, holds a copy of her book ‘Historia del Sofrito Puertorriqueño,’ as Deborah Cameron, an author from Land O’ Lakes, hugs a plush version of the title character from her own book, ‘The Mel Monsta.’

She enjoys combing through children’s books she can read to the youngsters in her family.

“I have nieces and nephews, so I deal with them,” Smith said.

Other authors’ works caught her eye as well, especially a book on cats.

“I’m an animal lover,” she explained with a smile. “I picked up a dog off the side road and still have him living with me today.”

She had her hands full as she exited the library with five purchased books.

Some authors present had work that was religiously inspired, such as Mary Perrone Davis.

Among some of her books displayed were “Mary Loves to Sing” and “Mary’s Butterfly Garden.”

“It’s a series of books about a little girl’s growth and her relationship with the Lord,” Perrone Davis explained.

The picture books are geared towards children between ages 2 to 6.

However, the school nurse had no intention of writing until 2002 when she had a unique encounter with a butterfly.

Her relation with nature, coupled with prayer, inspired her series, she said.

“I think that people tend to underestimate a child’s ability to understand the spiritual,” Perrone Davis reasoned.

She added that she wants to use the books to further inspire her seven grandchildren.

“I love to look at local authors’ work,” said attendee Lynn Landseadel. “I think we should buy small and support the community.”

An avid book reader, the Spring Hill resident was present at last year’s fair as well.

This year, she said she was impressed by what writers had to offer.

Author D.A. Plotkin, of New Port Richey, smiles, as she candidly speaks about her journey through years of infertility, detailed in her memoir, ‘Wishbone.’

As a fan of mystery and psychological thrillers, she was attracted to J.C. Gatlin’s booth.

Gatlin is known for his murder-mystery novels and was eager to showcase his most recent project: “Hangman (spelled H_NGM_N): Murder is the Word.”

He attributes other authors of similar genres in sparking his interest.

However, some writers draw from their own trauma to put words to paper.

Loren and Lisa Murfield were present to promote their collaborated efforts as co-authors.

“The R.O.I of Compassion” was published in 2010 and was inspired after the couple’s son, Caleb, took his own life in 2007.

“He was the life of the party,” explained dad Loren. “He had a Robin Williams, razor-sharp wit.”

What added inspiration for the writing was when Caleb’s sister said at his funeral that the family “can’t let his life be for nothing,” Loren recalled.

The book not only opens up about the grief Loren and Lisa were going through, but how they were able to pick up the pieces of their lives to move forward.

While the book is a means of helping those suffering trauma, it is also a guide in helping employers better sympathize with their grieving employees.

This aspect of the book was in response to Lisa being laid off from her job shortly after Caleb’s passing.

She described her subordinates as being insensitive in their approach, given what she had just experienced.

“I started to think ‘how do employees handle it in that type of a situation?’” Lisa contemplated.

In the book, she and Loren address steps that employers should consider in reaching out to their workers, and being more invested in their mental well-being.

“There is a better way,” Loren stated. “We argue that compassion is the best business model.”

The couple added that the book’s title “R.O.I” – Return on Investment- is what employers will see when having a deeper connection with their workers. When an employee feels wanted and respected, it will show through their work ethic.

Their most recent book, “Leading with the Power of Compassion,” also delves deep into appreciating people on a whole and learning to care for an individual on a human level.

The event’s range of genres and personally-inspired writings showed the relevancy of literature for all age groups and backgrounds.

Published May 29, 2019

Wesley Chapel sewage repair still in progress

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Pasco County is repairing the sewage pipeline that runs along Northwood Palms Boulevard in Wesley Chapel.

The construction, which began in early April, came in response to a routine inspection, which determined that the pipeline was fractured.

The Pasco County Utilities Operations and Maintenance Department discovered that the corrosion allowed for road debris to build up within the sewage system.

“Through some little depressions in the road, there may have been some infiltration going into the pipes,” explained Jason Mickel, director of Pasco County’s Operations and Maintenance.

Current construction is along the stretch of Northwood Palms Boulevard that intersects with Breakers Drive.

Breakers Drive goes around in a loop, connecting with Northwood Palms Boulevard at two intersections.

This loop is the best detour to avoid the sewage repair before turning back onto Northwood Palms Boulevard, the director stated.

The construction zone is not in a residential area, so there is no interference for motorists entering or exiting homes off the road.

The work schedule is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with signs posted to direct motorists.

Drivers are encouraged to use Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, if possible, as opposed to Northwood Palms Boulevard, as an alternate route when traveling either from East County Line Road or State Road 56.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has had a presence near the construction site off Breakers Drive for the past month.

Mickel cautions motorists to abide by the speed limit on Breakers Drive, as tickets have been issued frequently since construction began.

Pipe realignment is still in the early stages. The project, estimated at $3 million, is expected to be completed in September.

Published May 29, 2019

Hazel Wells’ mission: To help the less fortunate

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Hazel Wells views herself as a “second mother” to disadvantaged residents living in East Pasco County.

And, her years of community outreach throughout Dade City, Trilby and Lacoochee are evidence of her commitment.

Hazel Wells stands alongside her brother, Robert S. Perkins, in the church sanctuary, which he pastors: Faith Fellowship in Jesus Christ. Through the Trilby church, Wells has been able to form meaningful relationships with the less fortunate and provide them access to their basic needs. (Brian Fernandes)

She attributes her charitable drive, partially, to a wish that she’d been more engaged with her own children, as they were growing up.

“I realized that I wasn’t the greatest mother in the world,” Wells said. “I wanted to make up for all that I didn’t do.”

The Trilby resident said she witnesses the poverty that many in her region live with on a daily basis.

And, she has formed a bond with many of the young people in the community — particularly those attending her brother’s church, in Trilby.

There, she came across a young man who is paraplegic and has trouble getting to church.

Seeing that situation spurred Wells to make an appearance before the Pasco County Commission to request additional sidewalks around the building.

She has also noticed that some children attending her brother’s church lack proper clothing.

She doesn’t have the financial ability to expand their wardrobe, but she does pass along clothing donated by friends.

Both parents and children have been grateful for the help, Wells said.

Kids also drop by her home to visit, and for advice.

She said they know they are welcome there.

Wells offers a simple formula for developing a strong relationship with youths.

All it requires, she said, is “just loving them and listening to them.”

It’s typical to find Hazel Wells preparing a hearty meal for attendees of the Faith Fellowship in Jesus Christ church, in Trilby. Wells has been a longtime advocate for helping the disadvantaged people of East Pasco County.

As she passes along precepts she’s learned in life, she’s also had a chance to learn from the youths.

She’s had a chance to observe many youth during her time as a Pasco County school cafeteria worker and on her job at a juvenile detention center.

Seeing troubled youths in the system made her realize that they lack much-needed love, Wells said.

To provide more opportunities for kids, Wells is on a quest to gain support for improvements to the Trilby Community Center.

Wells would like to use space in the center, which is currently closed, to engage youths in arts and crafts, sewing, crocheting, cooking and other activities.

She’s already made one appearance before the Pasco County Commission, and is encouraged by the support she’s received from other local women.

Another one of her initiatives was to persuade a barber to provide free haircuts for some of the area’s disadvantaged kids.

She said she’d also like to collaborate with Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ziegler, who is known in the county as “Officer Friendly.”

Wells said Ziegler has been a strong advocate for youths in community outreach efforts.

Wells doesn’t limit her help to area youths.

She’s also involved in helping disadvantaged adults.

Wells and friends have helped distribute food, blankets and hygiene items to homeless people living within Dade City, Trilby and Lacoochee.

Her church has provided boxes of food, and a local Dade City restaurant has provided soup she can give to people on the streets.

Wells also has brought attention to people in the community who dedicate themselves for others.

For instance, she held a ceremony to honor the African-American instructors who taught her at the Moore-Mickens Education Center in Dade City.

She also presented certificates to Pasco County Firefighters, to honor them for their sacrifices.

One of her longtime friends was Capt. Charles “Bo” Harrison, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, who was slain in 2003.

Wells was involved in the renaming of 11th Street in Dade City, to honor Harrison.

Besides providing recognition for her friend, the renaming reduced confusion for first responders.

The city previously had two 11th Streets and the renaming created clarity, she explained.

“I think Bo is still saving people’s lives,” she added, with a chuckle.

More recently in 2018, Wells worked with city officials to have June 1 proclaimed as Capt. Charles “Bo” Harrison Day.

Her future plans include rebuilding her nonprofit organization, Dade City Widow’s Mite.

Established in 2004, the organization relies upon community funding to provide financial help in times of emergency, help with home maintenance and educational resources.

And, as Wells continues her quest to improve community life, she wants to make the best use of her time.

“I want to do what I can before I leave this world,” the Trilby woman said. “I want to leave a legacy of honoring people and giving children a voice in this community.”

Published May 22, 2019

Florida agency offers safety tips for holiday travelers

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As Memorial Day weekend approaches, there is expected to be an influx of events, as well as travelers heading out on the road.

To better prepare drivers for a safe and fun weekend, the Florida Highway Patrol is offering several tips for the road.

With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, Florida is expected to have an influx of motorists on the road. The Florida Highway Patrol has several safety tips to help keep travelers out of harm’s way. (File)

With a 20-cent decline in Florida’s average gas price compared to last year, this is seen as an incentive for more motorists on the road, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The agency anticipates an uptick in the holiday’s traffic from last year – an estimated two million drivers statewide.

“Pasco [County] is a rapidly growing community,” said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol Tampa branch.

He noted that with the current traffic that already consumes Interstate 75 and U.S. 301, there will most likely be additional motorists coming into the county for the holiday.

Whether for an occasion or not, the No. 1 priority should always be wearing seatbelts before taking off, the sergeant mentioned.

“They’re the device that’s going to keep you safe, keep you inside the vehicle,” he added. “You have a lot of injuries that could be avoided if you put the seatbelts on.”

Multitasking while behind the wheel can be habitual for some drivers.

However, putting aside any distractions, especially those requiring the use of hands – such as a phone or food – is the best course of action, Gaskins recommended.

He also stated that while others in the vehicle may be preoccupied, the driver’s task should be solely focused on the road.

And, provided that there are other occupants with valid driver’s licenses in the vehicle, it is wise to assign rotating drivers when taking lengthy road trips.

This helps to lessen the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel, Gaskin reasoned.

In addition, those who are the single designated driver on a long trip should consider taking frequent pit-stops to rest and replenish themselves.

The sergeant also noted that designated drivers should also be assigned to those who maybe intoxicated. If that individual cannot be accompanied by someone sober to drive, taking a driving service such as Uber or Lyft should be planned ahead of time.

Gaskin also emphasized that “a designated driver is the one who drinks nothing – not the least.”

With road rage as a reoccurring issue, the sergeant encourages motorists to exercise patience and prepare for a busier than usual wait time.

“If you see someone driving aggressively, back off – give them space,” he advised, also discouraging shouting or using obscene hand gestures.

One prevention method is for motorists to pre-plan their schedule, giving themselves extra leeway to reach their destination on time.

This lessens the need to race on the road and lowers anxiety, Gaskin said.

The sergeant assures that State Troopers will be working around the clock for the holiday as a DUI squad, but hopes that citations and arrests will not be an issue.

To report accidents or erratic behavior on the road, motorists are encouraged to dial *347 (FHP).

For additional tips or updates, those on Twitter can follow the Florida Highway Patrol at: @FLHSMV, or visit its website at FLHSMV.gov.

Published May 22, 2019

Work by local artists leaves a lasting impression

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It was morning, but the heat was beating down on Caren Stevens, as she stood on a scaffold creating a mural.

It’s the kind of work she’s been doing for years.

Caren Stevens is seen illuminating the side wall of E & W Carpets Inc., in Land O’ Lakes on May 7. She and her sister, Dannie Jean, make up the art company, Art Inherited, which does work locally and abroad. (Brian Fernandes)

As Caren painted, her sister and fellow artist Dannie Jean looked up, to examine their latest art project: A mural at E & W Carpets Inc. –  a Land O’ Lakes landmark.

The colorful scene depicts a dock leading to a deep, blue ocean.

The work, which began just a week before, was approaching completion.

“The real creativity is taking our hands and putting what’s in the client’s mind on their wall,” Caren explained.

For nearly 30 years, the sisters have been part of a family owned business called Art Inherited.

Dannie Jean, left, and Caren Stevens are the sisters who own Art Inherited. For decades, they’ve been creating interior and exterior mural paintings, nationally and internationally. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

The company was initially made up of Caren and Dannie Jean; their two other sisters, Carol and Melody; and their mother, Billie.

The concept for the name came from the ladies adopting their mother’s gift as an artist, as they grew up watching her create oil paintings and pottery.

Before they teamed up, Dannie Jean said, “all of us sisters were doing something in art, but we were all doing different things.”

Collaborating together, the family designed murals, as well as tile and graphic art, among other works.

The business gained recognition, but began to dwindle in size when Melody moved out of state, and both their sister, Carol, and mother, passed away.

Art Inherited’s unique style provides this bathroom with an elegant yet relaxing scenery. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

But, Dannie Jean and Caren continue to put their gifts to use, remembering what their mother used to tell them: “In order to grow, art must be shared.”

The sisters began to shift their focus more on mural paintings and were hired to design artwork in model homes — which gave potential clients a chance to get a glimpse of what the artists had to offer.

Dannie Jean sketches what clients envision for their space and Caren brings the image to life through her colorful, crafted paintings.

So, what began with artwork in Sarasota model homes soon branched out to different areas of Tampa Bay.

Some of their clients have included the Northwest Community Church in Tampa; Larry’s Deli in Land O’ Lakes; and, the children’s emergency wing at the Medical Center of Trinity.

Who says art always has to be serious? In this painting, Caren Stevens uses humor to bring a smile to sick kids at the children’s emergency wing of the Medical Center of Trinity. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

Former baseball player Mariano Rivera was a client, too.

Client requests range from nature scenes, to religious imagery, to paintings of  animals.

The women have also developed an international reputation from work they’ve completed in the Bahamas and France.

Their artistry, Dannie Jean said, begins “with a God-given talent.”

“But, then it has to be nurtured,” she said.

“It’s fun,” she added, explaining “you get into the zone. It’s like reading a book – you’re just into it.”

Of the countless projects that Caren has worked on, her favorite was the interior of the Northwest Community Church.

She worked on the four-year project with her twin sister Carol, which made it special.

“It was so invigorating, so much fun,” Caren recalled. “That was one of my best memories that I had with my sister.”

Dannie Jean and Caren are at the helm of the company now, but occasionally they hire assistants for big assignments.

For this latest project, Caren has been working to give E & W’s bare wall a three-dimensional feel.

As seen here in Tampa’s Northwest Community Church, religious imagery is also in demand by clients of Art Inherited. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

Aside from the company name and contact information, the painting includes  two dogs at the front of a boardwalk, which is surrounded by palms trees and leads to a bay where a boat is docked.

It’s precisely what Chad Walter, the company owner, had envisioned.

“I saw something online that I liked,” Walter said. “It was the water scene.”

Walter said he wanted the mural to draw the attention of motorists as they traveled by — to attract business.

The building’s side wall faces drivers who are heading north on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The new amenity also comes as E & W celebrates its 50th anniversary in business this year.

Kevin Barnes, who handles the company’s sales, said the painting has an advantage that social media ads don’t.

“What I like about it is, it’s concrete,” he said. “It’s going to be there forever.”

The sisters are no strangers to E & W. They’ve done work there before and plan to work there in the future.

While the sisters note that they’re imparting a lasting legacy through their art, they also realize they’re responding to the client’s vision and having an impact on those who view their work.

“I think it’s neat that we leave a little part of ourselves in so many places,” Dannie Jean said. “You don’t know who’s being touched by that.”

To find out more about the company, visit ArtInherited.com.

Published May 22, 2019

Local teen’s giving receives national acclaim

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Thirteen-year-old Selena Schulz’s love for animals inspired her to become an accomplished author and widely known advocate – all within the span of five years.

And, her efforts in helping sheltered animals have led to recognition by Prudential Financial. She received a bronze medallion on May 14, as a Florida finalist in the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Since she turned 8 years old, Selena Schulz has spent time helping raise awareness and generate the donation of supplies for animal shelters. The Land O’ Lakes student was recently honored with a bronze medallion for the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. (Courtesy of Umphie Photos)

Schulz attends Countryside Montessori Charter School, which is located in Land O’ Lakes.

The seventh-grader recalled the source of her inspiration.

“When I was 7, I visited the animal shelter with my mom and saw the dogs weren’t sleeping on beds, but stacks of newspaper piled up,” she said.

When she asked why, the shelter coordinator explained that the facility was low on supplies and money.

Selena, who owns several pets herself, said that was heartbreaking.

“It was a sharp contrast between my pets and those I saw,” she said. “I wanted to bring them to the level of my pets so they would be treated fairly.”

So, for her eighth birthday, she decided that instead of receiving gifts, she wanted to collect donations for the shelter she had visited.

That became her birthday tradition.

She also came up the idea of creating her own organization, A Bed A Buck A Buddy.

She said “A Bed” stands for the supplies that animals need. “A Buck” stands for the monetary donations needed to support them. And, “A Buddy” stands for volunteers and adopters.

The organization aims to provide animal shelters with funds for adequate supplies and to help find permanent homes for Selena’s furry friends.

Selena Schulz, 13, displays her book trilogy that educates other kids about pet adoption and animal shelters. The books have raised money to help shelters across the United States and Canada. (Brian Fernandes)

She began writing books to elevate awareness about the need for permanent homes for pets and to help raise money for shelters.

At 8, she wrote and self-published her first book, “Cici’s Amazing Birthday.”

She wrote two additional books: “Purr-fect Friends Forever” and “The Squeaky Surprise.”

The trilogy of books explain that helping sheltered animals expands far beyond just dogs and cats.

“They’re geared toward elementary school kids so they can see that they can make a difference, too,” Selena said.

Selena’s parents support her efforts, every step of the way.

“She’s so humble and doesn’t ever talk about herself,” said Jomary, Selena’s mom. “She just does it because she loves it.”

Jomary has had a hand in the effort, too, using her artistic skills to help illustrate the first two books.

Selena’s best friend stepped up to help, too, illustrating the third book.

Over the years, Selena has sold her books at numerous events.

Her efforts have raised more than $5,000 for animal shelters throughout Florida, West Virginia, New York and Canada.

At school, Selena is a part of the National Junior Honor Society.

The organization’s advisor did not want Selena’s hard work to go unnoticed and recommended her for the Prudential award.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has been honoring youth for their community service since 1995.

Although Selena has been awarded as a Florida finalist, she said her work is not finished.

Writing more books, especially novels, is at the top of her list, she said.

She would also like to see her organization expand and get involved in reaching shelters in additional states.

While Selena is happy to be involved with her charitable work, she believes her peers also are capable of doing the same. She hopes that more will get involved — helping one shelter, one animal, at a time.

Published May 15, 2019

Eiland Boulevard undergoing improvements

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Eiland Boulevard is undergoing repaving between its intersections with Handcart Road and Fort King Road in Zephyrhills.

The project, which began the week of May 13, is a result of studies showing the road’s need for resurfacing because of crevices.

“We evaluated the condition of the pavement,” stated Ainsley Caldwell, chief project manager of Pasco County. “We did some ratings on [a] number of roads and we selected that (Eiland Boulevard) for repaving.”

Construction consists of shaving off 3 inches of damaged asphalt, then repaving it with two coats of new liquid asphalt, Caldwell explained.

The work schedule will run Sundays to Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Message boards, flag crews and law enforcement are on site because the road closures result in opposing traffic having to share one lane.

No detours are planned on Eiland Boulevard, the project manager added.

Construction has begun on the eastbound lane. The westbound land will be resurfaced next.

The $3.4 million development is expected to be completed by mid-June.

Published May 15, 2019

Help is available for domestic abuse survivors, experts say

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There are resources available to help survivors of domestic abuse, according to a panel of speakers who talked on the theme of “Safety and Access” on May 6 at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

The panel discussion was organized by the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women, and supported by the Pasco County Commission.

Cpl. Gina Yoman-Madden, left, and Det. Danni Murphy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office talked about the law enforcement agency’s efforts to help domestic abuse survivors. (Brian Fernandes)

It was the third in a series of three seminars aimed at empowering Pasco County women.

Representatives from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office explained how that agency seeks to assist abused women.

“I work with victims of intimate-partner domestic violence,” Det. Danni Murphy said.

In investigating abusive households, she works alongside victim advocates, such as Cpl. Gina Yoman-Madden.

As a team, they assist the survivor from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom hearings, providing guidance and referring them to community resources.

The unit now has five victim advocates, who are on call 24/7, Yoman-Madden said.

The advocates serve as liaisons for the survivors and often work alongside state attorneys to seek justice.

The sheriff’s office also has direct contact with offenders, and checks on the top 100 offenders each quarter, Murphy said. “It’s a way for us to be proactive,” she added.

Perpetrators are directed to resources that can help with issues such as substance abuse or anger management.

Some assistance is voluntary. Some offenders, however, must attend court-ordered counseling sessions.

Despite the availability of these services, the law enforcement professionals said there are still obstacles.

One of the biggest obstacles is that domestic violence cases often go unreported, Murphy said.

Some survivors may fail to come forward because they must rely on their abusive partner for financial help or transportation, Yoman-Madden said.

There is a program designed to help with that.

Funded with a grant, victim advocate technicians transport survivors to important engagements, such as court hearings, doctor’s appointments or counseling sessions.

Victim advocates, working out of the sheriff’s office, also help to identify people who are trapped in a cycle of abuse.

The sheriff’s office also partners with other organizations with the goal of helping survivors improve their economic prospects.

Many survivors are referred to the Sunrise of Pasco County Inc. – Domestic & Sexual Violence Center for assistance.

Noelle Polk-Clark, the center’s attorney, was another presenter at the seminar.

She talked about what Sunrise does.

She began her talk by showing a clip from the British documentary “Behind Closed Doors,” — providing an up-close glimpse of domestic violence.

Polk-Clark explained that, like the couple portrayed in the film, the abuser in a relationship often “programs” the target of their abuse to believe that the abuser’s actions are not so bad.

“The grip of control is so profound,” Polk-Clark explained.

Sunrise, which is funded through local, state and federal sources, provides a 40-bed shelter in Dade City.

It has a 24-hour hotline, a case management team, counseling, legal advocacy, support groups and a thrift store.

Polk-Clark oversees the Injunction for Protection Project (IFP).

The project relies on the testimony of the abused in order to form a case and file a request for an injunction – seeking to keep the offender away at a safe distance.

“If an injunction is in place, studies show that the incidents of violence decrease,” Polk-Clark said.

In 2009, Sunrise and the sheriff’s office collaborated to create the Intimate Violence Enhanced Service Team (InVEST).

Working together, the agencies make referrals to each other and keep one another in the loop regarding the status of survivors — aimed at reducing the risk of homicide.

Polk-Clark noted that domestic violence incidents cross economic lines.

But, homeless women are particularly vulnerable, according to Don Anderson, CEO of the Homeless Coalition of Pasco County, another panelist at the seminar.

The Homeless Coalition works with Sunrise and the sheriff’s office to address issues facing the homeless.

Anderson shared some startling statistics.

Ninety-two percent of homeless women have experienced physical assault, Anderson said. Sixty-three percent of those were abused by their own partner, he said.

The Homeless Coalition is supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Florida Department of Children and Families.

With these funds, programs can be implemented like the homeless prevention, to help families on the verge of losing their home.

“We’re working with individuals and families that are in trouble now,” Anderson said. “We do our best to provide back-rent, utility deposits [and] any number of things that ensure they stay in their home.”

It also provides anywhere from 300 to 400 people a month with showers, toiletries, clothes and meals at the New Port Richey office.

For additional information on Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., call (352) 521-3358, or visit SunrisePasco.org.

To learn more on the Homeless Coalition of Pasco County, call (727) 842-8605, or visit PascoHomelessCoalition.org.

Published May 15, 2019

Wesley Chapel Boulevard expansion plans progress

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A construction time frame has been set for Pasco County’s plans to widen Wesley Chapel Boulevard to six lanes.

The expansion of the road — also known as County Road 54 – will be broken into two projects.

The first project begins just north of the road’s intersection with State Road 56 and extends to the north of its intersection with Magnolia Boulevard.

This is what Wesley Chapel Boulevard looks like now. Its widening to six lanes has been a long-awaited development among motorists who travel the busy road. The project is a response to Pasco County’s continual growth. The project is set to begin construction as early as the fall of 2021. (File)

The second project extends from the intersection at Progress Parkway to the intersection of Oakley Boulevard.

An initial 2003 study prompted the idea of expanding Wesley Chapel Boulevard to four lanes. However, later studies predicting an increase in density resulted in a call for more widening.

“Projections we did, before 2008, show that future growth is going to bring the volumes up to a point that we’ll need to have six lanes there,” said Panos Kontses, a Pasco County engineering manager.

The widening comes at a time when State Road 54 and State Road 56 are adding new commercial and residential buildings, in response to the area’s growing demands.

County engineers are finalizing the blueprints for the project.

“Right now, we are trying to finish the design plans,” Kontses said. “We are about 90 percent finished.”

Letters offering to purchase right of way have been sent to landowners along the route of the first project.

Most of this stretch is two lanes, without a median to divide opposing traffic.

The new construction adds a median, which will have openings so motorists can make turns.

Future plans for commercial growth and road widening on Old Pasco Road was considered in this project, the engineering manager said.

Kontses said the expansion of Old Pasco Road, which intersects with Wesley Chapel Boulevard, is expected to increase traffic.

The county’s plan to create a new interchange at Interstate 75 and Overpass Road — which feeds into Old Pasco Road — also will increase activity in the area,  Kontses added.

Motorists heading northbound on Wesley Chapel Boulevard, have to make a slight right curve when going past the intersection of Old Pasco Road.

Eastbound traffic already has three lanes from Old Pasco Road to Oakley Boulevard, but westbound traffic has just two lanes for a portion of that stretch.

To accommodate an expansion of a six-lane road, the existing median will be narrowed.

This median runs north of Magnolia Boulevard to Oakley Boulevard.

The projects’ additional amenities will include an 8-foot multi-use trail to the east side of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and 5-foot to 6-foot sidewalk on the west side. These will be installed in the area between State Road 56 to Magnolia Boulevard.

Also, traffic lights will be added at Wesley Chapel Boulevard’s intersections with Stagecoach Village Boulevard and Compark Drive.

A signal already has been installed at Grand Oaks Boulevard, but will undergo an upgrade during construction.

While it’s too early to tell what delays or closures may come, Kontses assured that contractors will use night construction in order to minimize disruption.

Both projects will be treated as one development during the construction phase. The project cost is estimated at $53 million.

“We assume construction should start sometime between the end of 2021 and [the] beginning of 2022,” Kontses stated.

Construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024.

Published May 08, 2019