The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kathy Steele

CORRECTED: Pasco County looks for ways to boost recycling

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A corrected version of this story appears below. Pasco County’s waste-to-energy facility at Shady Hills burns trash to produce renewable energy. Recyclables are not burned, but processed and sold to market. This information was incorrect in the original cutline of a photo and in the story. A correction also will appear in the Dec. 7 publication of  The Laker/Lutz News.

Pasco County faces a double dilemma.

First, how does the county get more residents to recycle?

The county plans to post a survey online early next year seeking public input on what it would take to boost residents’ 27 percent participation rate in curbside recycling.

Answers to that survey could help to shape the solution to the other half of the dilemma.

A pile of what is called ‘clean recyclables’ stack up on the transfer floor at the Shady Hill Waste-to-energy facility, where recyclables are burned to produce renewable energy. (Courtesy of Pasco County)
A pile of what is called ‘clean recyclables’ stack up on the transfer floor at the Shady Hill Waste-to-energy facility.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

How can Pasco find $190 million to expand its waste-to-energy plant at Shady Hills that burns trash and produces renewable energy?

The county doesn’t have that money. It’s not even close.

About $48 million sits in the county’s solid waste’s reserve budget, but that covers any potential expenditure for solid waste.

More recycling could reduce landfill disposal costs and mean a delay in expanding Shady Hill’s facility beyond 2030.

Members of the county’s solid waste department presented options at a public workshop on Nov. 15. Those options include a $2 to the annual assessment.

Developers also could possibly see an increase in solid waste impact fees that would be offset with an equivalent decrease in water impact fees.

The long-range goal is to build up funds for the expansion costs.

“The further we put it out, the more it’s going to cost,” said Flip Mellinger, assistant county administer for utilities. “Either way, it’s not going away.”

A decision on the fees, as well as other options, won’t likely come until more discussion in 2017.

The workshop was presented to a commission that is n a state of transition.

Only three current commissioners attended – Mike Moore, Mike Wells Jr., and Jack Mariano. Pasco Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey had a scheduling conflict and Commissioner-elect Ron Oakley, attended, but had not yet been sworn in.

Ted Schrader decided not to seek re-election, but instead made an unsuccessful run for property appraiser. His last meeting was Nov. 9.

Commissioners agreed to pursue a community survey on residents’ recycling preferences. But, a proposed list of questions will be reviewed, with more discussion with staff members on a final document.

Residents probably will see the survey in early 2017 when it is posted online to the county’s website, PascoCounty.gov, and the county’s mobile application, MyPasco.

The survey is expected to attempt to determine how often people use curbside recycling, trash pickups, the county’s drop-off recycling centers and what kinds of materials are recycled.

It also asks if residents would give up one day of trash pickup a week in order to have recycling once a week at no additional charge. Or, would residents be willing to pay more to have two days of trash pickup and one day a week of recycling.

Currently, about 27 percent of residents participate in curbside recycling. That is a somewhat higher number since June when the county added cardboard and paper to a list of approved items for recycling pickup. In each month since then, recycling grew by about 100 tons a month or more.

“It was a significant jump, but not where we need to be,” Mellinger said.

The goal is to boost recycling by 10 percent a year by 2030, or 48,000 tons with no changes to the current program. However, an expanded recycling program would aim for a goal of 35 percent more recycling per year by 2030, or 168,000 tons per year.

The current amount recycled annually is about 4,200 tons a year, or about 1.4 percent of all solid waste collections.

An educational program could be done in-house or by hiring an outside communications firm.

Giving carts to residents also is seen as a way to significantly boost recycling.

But, solid waste officials also said one-day-a-week trash pickup encourages people to make use of one-day-a-week recycling programs that provide carts.

Short of that, a two-day-a-week trash pickup, with one day for recycling would work, if residents pay more, but should be seen as an interim way to reach the “one/one” option.

Moore said he would expect pushback from residents on going to one day each for trash and recycling. “I don’t think that’s a great idea,” he said. “I think we’d take a lot of hits from citizens.”

An increase in fees also is doubtful, he said.

Wells noted a program in Clearwater for one day each of trash and recycling pickups, and carts. It got off to a slow start, with some resistance from residents. But, he said the program eventually boosted recycling by about 20 percent.

“It really comes down to education,” Wells said. “There’s no doubt we need to do a better job with education.”

Published November 3o, 2016

Adding a new chapter, in a family legacy

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Joanne Kassebaum made a decision nearly four decades ago that has become a Kassebaum legacy.

The Book Shack opened next to the Dade City post office about 37 years ago, selling mostly used paperbacks. It shifted later to a shop on Martin Luther King Boulevard. And now, it is relocated again to 14145 Seventh Ave., across from the historic Pasco County Historic Courthouse. It is situated between Lunch on Limoges and Kiefer’s Village Jewelers.

Joanne Kassebaum, left, is handing off The Book Shack’s legacy to Kristy Kassebaum, her granddaughter-in-law. The bookstore opened 37 years ago in Dade City. (Courtesy of The Book Shack)
Joanne Kassebaum, left, is handing off The Book Shack’s legacy to Kristy Kassebaum, her granddaughter-in-law. The bookstore opened 37 years ago in Dade City.
(Courtesy of The Book Shack)

Kristy Kassebaum – married to Joanne’s grandson, Kyle – is the new proprietor. Like her grandmother-in-law, she is passionate about books and reading.

When she knew Joanne Kassebaum was ready to retire in October, the timing seemed perfect.

“I’ve always wanted to own my own business,” she said. “To keep it in the family name is a fun bonus.”

And, Joanne Kassebaum isn’t going anywhere – just yet.

On weekdays, she operates the shop until mid-afternoon when Kristy Kassebaum finishes her job as a learning design coach with the Pasco County School District.

There is symmetry at work.

Joanne Kassebaum started her bookstore career when her sons were young; now Kristy Kassebaum is doing the same, with her children, Natalie, 4, and Nolan, 2.

Kristy Kassebaum said her husband, Kyle, has fond memories as a youngster hanging out among the shelves and shelves of books at his grandmother’s store.

“It’s cool to think my kids might have those memories, too,” she said.

But, first, years ago, there were 91 cartons packed with books that arrived in Dade City, shipped by Joanne Kassebaum’s sister-in-law from her Milwaukee bookstore.

She said it would work out great to open a bookstore, and start off with some of the extra books the Milwaukee store didn’t need.

“My boys were at the age I didn’t feel I could work full-time,” said Joanne Kassebaum. “But, this way I was the boss. If I had to leave, I could leave. It worked out beautifully. I never believed I’d stay 37 years. Never guessed it.”

Books made sense as an avocation.

As a youngster in Milwaukee, Joanne Kassebaum said, “I grew up reading. For a nickel, you could ride the bus uptown. We had a big library up there. I could get my books and take them home.”

Beginning at the age of 9, she made that journey weekly.

“I will read anything that has a good story line,” she said.

Her bookstore is a haven for readers who want to hold a book and feel it in their hands. She specialized in paperbacks and stocked the store with every genre, including paranormal romance, thrillers, Westerns, mysteries, military fiction and nonfiction.

Prices range from $1 to $10, depending on the original price list for the book. And, customers can get paid a few dollars for books they sell to the shop.

The reading range surprised Kristy Kassebaum.

“We have so many genres I didn’t know existed. Paranormal romance. You need a whole shelf for that. Yes, you do,” she said. “I had no idea people loved Westerns so much. There is something here for everybody.”

The new shop is a bit smaller than the space on Martin Luther King Boulevard, but it is in a prime spot for foot traffic.

Kristy Kassebaum is making a few changes, but she checked first with Joanne Kassebaum for approval.

Despite less room, there now is a special corner for children’s books. Gift items, including candles and children’s toys, have been added.

An inventory of the shop’s books is being uploaded into a computer to help customers search for specific books.

For Joanne Kassebaum, stepping away has been hard.

She knows the children, grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren of her customers, who are like friends to her.

“I loved that. That was wonderful,” she said. “I get emotional about it.”

The Book Shack is a “little piece of (Joanne’s) heart and soul,” Kristy Kassebaum said.

Published November 30, 2016

Lutz library display honors 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor

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One day after the Japanese bombed the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed a joint session of Congress and announced a declaration of war against the Empire of Japan.

Lutz resident Davis Gandees put together a showcase of history commemorating Pearl Harbor Day at the Lutz Branch Library. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Lutz resident Davis Gandees put together a showcase of history commemorating Pearl Harbor Day at the Lutz Branch Library.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

The surprise attack on Dec. 7, 1941, was a “date which will live in infamy,” said Roosevelt in one of the most remembered speeches in the nation’s history.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the attack, which cost the lives of more than 2,400 people, including 68 civilians. Half of those killed were crewmembers of the battleship USS Arizona.

“It’s kind of like a 9/11,” said Lutz resident Davis Gandees.

It is an anniversary that is important to remember and honor for the sacrifices of the military and civilians, said Gandees. “Americans need to be respectful of what they went through.”

Lutz resident Davis Gandees placed items in a showcase at the Lutz Branch Library. He spent hours constructing replicas of Japanese and American planes used during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
Lutz resident Davis Gandees placed items in a showcase at the Lutz Branch Library. He spent hours constructing replicas of Japanese and American planes used during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Through Dec. 10, visitors to the Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, can step back into history through a display put together by Gandees.

He is an avid historian and a long-time builder of model airplanes flown during World War II.

In a glass showcase, there are three replicas each of Japanese and American fighter planes, and bombers, flown on Dec. 7, 1941.

Gandees also provides brief histories of the pilots who flew those planes, and photos, maps and a brief history of Pearl Harbor.

The library also added a display of suggested books to read, such as “Voices of Pearl Harbor” and “The Road to Victory.”

A photo in a display at Lutz Public Library honors the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and recalls the heroic action of American pilot George Welch.
A photo in a display at Lutz Public Library honors the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and recalls the heroic action of American pilot George Welch.

Gandees’ fascination with planes dates to his childhood in South Florida when he lived near a naval base.

“They tell me my first word was ‘airplane’,” Gandees said.

The retiree is a third generation Floridian who worked as a teacher, solar panel contractor and a Florida higher education manager. He also is a master modeler, a member of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Board, and published author of magazine articles on modeling and aviation.

Gandees is a detail man. He spent as many as 50 hours on each plane model.

To get the facts about the planes and their construction just right, he researches archives, maps and history books.

He said he can complete about one plane per month.

Davis Gandees is a history buff on World War II and builds model replicas of fighter planes used at Pearl Harbor. A display by Gandees at the Lutz Branch Library honors the 75th anniversary of the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor.
Davis Gandees is a history buff on World War II and builds model replicas of fighter planes used at Pearl Harbor. A display by Gandees at the Lutz Branch Library honors the 75th anniversary of the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor.

“I did a lot of modifications, especially the color of the planes. The Japanese history of camouflage was very interesting,” he said.

The research gives him as much, if not more, satisfaction than building the models.

Individual stories of the men and women who heroically fought back against the Japanese attack are highlighted in the display.

Lt. Phillip Rasmussen of the 46th Pursuit Squadron was among the first pilots to engage the invaders in one of the few P-36A Mohawks not disabled by Japanese bombs.

Still in his pajamas, Rasmussen strapped a pistol to his waist.

“I’m not sure what he had in mind with that,” Gandees said.

But, Rasmussen shot down a Japanese fighter plane before his plane was damaged, and he flew under attack back to the airbase.

Gandees said one Japanese fighter plane got shot out of the sky, but on its descent hit a palm tree and killed eight American servicemen on the ground.

A photo of 2nd Lt. Phil Rasmussen shows the airplane pilot in his pajamas with a pistol strapped around his waist. Rasmussen shot down a Japanese Zero during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
A photo of 2nd Lt. Phil Rasmussen shows the airplane pilot in his pajamas with a pistol strapped around his waist. Rasmussen shot down a Japanese Zero during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Nearly 30 Japanese planes were shot down, and about 60 of their crewmembers were killed.

On a memorable trip to Hawaii in 2006, Gandees visited the USS Arizona Memorial, which rests above the sunken battleship, and the final resting place of 1,102 sailors and Marines who died there on Dec. 7, 1941.

Japanese and Americans who fought there often attend Pearl Harbor anniversaries and form friendships despite the history of conflict, he said.

“It was quite an interesting experience,” Gandees added.

Though Gandees has done other World War II and Pearl Harbor displays, this is his first at the Lutz library.

“I didn’t want it to be forgotten,” he said.

For more information on the exhibit’s hours, call the library at (813) 273-3652.

Published November 30, 2016

Business Digest 11/30/2016

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Business breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce had its November business breakfast at Rosecastle of Zephyrhills, an assisted living facility and memory care center on Eiland Boulevard in Zephyrhills.

John Moors (left), executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce; Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez; Pam Flanders, memory care director at Rosecastle of Zephyrhills; and, Stephanie Mullis, marketing manager at Rosecastle of Zephyrhills, attended the chamber’s monthly breakfast meeting. (Courtesy of Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce)
John Moors (left), executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce; Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez; Pam Flanders, memory care director at Rosecastle of Zephyrhills; and, Stephanie Mullis, marketing manager at Rosecastle of Zephyrhills, attended the chamber’s monthly breakfast meeting.
(Courtesy of Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce)

Rosecastle offers a resort-style way of living, with private rooms and a pet-friendly community.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez gave on overview of the city’s priorities for 2017. Krista Covey, director of the Pasco County Incubator and Business Accelerator programs, outlined accomplishments and upcoming plans.

The chamber is a 450-member trade association representing businesses and organizations in the area. Business breakfasts are on the third Tuesday each month.

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

 

 

Business awards
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce honored business leaders at the 2016 Excellence in Business Award banquet.

Jay Rosario
Jay Rosario

The annual event, hosted by Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, was on Nov. 10 at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club in Tampa. The Shops at Wiregrass and the Tampa Bay Times were sponsors.

Winners were Jennifer Cofini of Parks Motor Group, volunteer of the year; Cam Caudle of Shred 360, new business of the year; Brandon Legal Group, small business of the year; Tampa Premium Outlets, large business of the year; and, Jay Rosario of Wesley Chapel Nissan, business leader of the year.

The Porter family of Wiregrass Ranch won the Legacy Award.

 

Holiday ribbon cutting
Esthetics813 will have a Holiday Spa Party, Shopping Event and Ribbon Cutting on Nov. 30 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 2748 Windguard Circle, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

The event is free. Toys and gifts will be collected for donation to the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Come enjoy food, wine, fun with friends, and special deals on beauty and wellness services.

Beginning at 4 p.m., door prizes will be given away on the hour.

Four grand-prize package winners will be selected at 7:30 p.m.

For information, call (813) 484-9641.

Ribbon cutting
Happy Feet Plus will have a ribbon cutting on Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1051 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Enjoy beverages, light refreshment and drawings.

For information, email WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Dec. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:14 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa.

The luncheon will be the Annual Christmas Party and Holiday Gift Exchange. Come network and play the White Elephant Game, with gifts $10 and under.

Share talents, business relationships and resources with other women in business.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests.

For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Grand opening postponed
TRU Simulation + Training’s grand opening for its 30,000 square-foot expansion of the East Coast Training Center will be rescheduled for 2017. Previously, the company had planned a celebration for Dec. 2.

The $30 million expansion of the center, at 1827 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz, is expected to generate about 100 jobs over the next four years.

The project expands the company’s ProFlight Pilot Training Program, adding classrooms, flight training devices and four new full flight simulators.

The company, with headquarters in Goose Creek, South Carolina, provides flight-training solutions, technical support, and customer service for commercial and military markets.

Business breakfast
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on Dec. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Bright House Networks Enterprise Solutions is the sponsor.

The cost is $15 for members who register by Dec. 2, and $20 thereafter. Non-members pay $20.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet Dec. 7 at 7:30 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-BQ, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to

present a 30-second pitch. The $7 cost for members and $10 for non-members includes breakfast.

For information, contact the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722, or email .

General meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on Dec. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 W. Humphrey St., in Tampa.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at  by 5 p.m., on Dec. 6, at the discounted rate of $20 (whether you eat or not). After that date, the cost is $25 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Land O’ Lakes gets a new brewery

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In the Loop Brewing is ready for beer lovers to belly up to the bar.

The craft brewery, in a renovated two-story house, and an outdoor beer garden, along the shores of Lake Padgett, is the setting for the newest addition to the craft beer scene in Pasco County.

In the Loop Brewing co-owner Joe Traina pours a beer at the Land O’ Lakes brewery. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
In the Loop Brewing co-owner Joe Traina pours a beer at the Land O’ Lakes brewery.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

It is the dream-come-true for three friends who spent weekends in a garage on Cherbourg Loop, brewing beer that got kudos from friends.

Now, Mark Pizzurro, Peter Abreut and Joe Traina are inviting the neighborhood to share in the hoppy pleasures of craft brew at In the Loop, at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

“It’s been a good, solid opening,” said Traina. “We’re meeting neighbors and making new friends.”

On a recent afternoon, Traina poured brews for first arrivals to In the Loop.

“It’s amazing and exciting to have a local place that harkens back to the old-fashioned bar,” said Steve Flom, who was visiting family in Land O’ Lakes. “Everybody wants a place like Cheers, where everybody knows your name. Joe knows our names.”

Beer-brewing friends Mark Pizzurro, left, Peter Abreut and Joe Traina have opened In the Loop Brewing at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
Beer-brewing friends Mark Pizzurro, left, Peter Abreut and Joe Traina have opened In the Loop Brewing at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The journey from renovations to opening day took nearly two years of entanglements in bureaucratic red tape. Licenses and approvals to brew their own craft beer brands just arrived.

Within a month of so, five In the Loop brews will be on tap, with more to come. First arrivals will be an IPA, a vanilla espresso porter, a Vienna lager and a pale ale.

Pizzurro is the brewmeister. He served an internship at Big Storm Brewing in Odessa.

Abreut is a former firefighter who owns Crossfit En Fuego, located next door to In the Loop. He focuses on the brewery’s marketing.

Traina deals with sales, and they all handle bar duties.

For now, beers on tap include local and Florida-based brews such as Funky Buddha and Sunshine City IPA.

A wooden deck at In the Loop Brewing overlooks the shores of Lake Padgett in Land O’ Lakes.
A wooden deck at In the Loop Brewing overlooks the shores of Lake Padgett in Land O’ Lakes.

Looking for something different? Try a Swedish cider in a tall, cool glass.

But, the In the Loop brews aren’t the final touch for what the partners see as a slow, deliberate introduction to the neighborhood.

More is to come.

A staircase from the tasting room to the second floor eventually will open into a special events room.

Before that can happen, though, a second exit must be installed to meet county building and safety codes.

In the moment, however, guests can enjoy the bar, and a tasting room with dark concrete floors and a brick chimney. Old-style suitcases, cut in half, jut from a wall and serve as drink rests. Outside, the patio and a wooden deck roll out toward Lake Padgett, with peaceful views of the lapping waters.

Games of Jenga and corn hole are at the ready for friendly competitions.

“We want it to be a good time to kick back and relax,” said Traina.

Published November 23, 2016

Zephyrhills bans fracking

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The City of Zephyrhills has banned fracking, a controversial practice of extracting oil or natural gas.

The Zephyrhills City Council voted unanimously to prohibit the use of land for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, within the city’s limits.

In taking the action, the city is following the lead of other Florida municipalities.

The City of Zephyrhills banned fracking on Nov. 14. (File Photo)
The City of Zephyrhills banned fracking on Nov. 14.
(File Photo)

The council’s vote received an ovation from representatives of several environmental groups who were present at the Nov. 14 meeting.

Several Pasco County residents spoke in opposition to fracking, a process of pumping chemically treated high pressure water into a drilled pipeline to break through rock formations to tap into oil or natural gas reserves.

Janice Howie, conservation chairman for the Nature Coast Native Plant Society, called the Zephyrhills fracking ban “a really bold initiative.”

“I don’t think any good comes from fracking,” said Howie, “especially not here in Florida with our aquifer.”

“People in Florida don’t want fracking,” said Pat Carter, a Dade City resident and member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs.

“A big problem with fracking is what to do with that polluted water. There’s just no safe way to dispose if it,” Carter said.

The Zephyrhills ordinance says that fracking wastewater, or “flowback,” contains several known contaminants, including naturally occurring radioactivity, heavy metals, hydrocarbon and brine.

Fracking typically uses anywhere from 30,000 gallons to up to 13 million gallons for each drilling operation, the ordinance reads. It also notes that much of Florida’s water supply comes from aquifers in highly permeable limestone formations, which are “vulnerable” to hydraulic fracturing activities.

“I find the idea of fracking in any place in Florida to be alarming,” said Nancy Hazelwood, another Dade City resident. “We should not be doing anything that would possibly avenge our water resources that are so fragile as it is now, especially here in Zephyrhills. Why take the chance on anything that would endanger our water resources?”

Carl Waldron, of Dade City, added that fracking’s perceived economic benefits “isn’t worth the risk.”

Waldron added: “We have many basic needs, and one is clean, accessible water.”

The Dade City Commission unanimously passed an antifracking ordinance in August.

In other business, the council unanimously approved a first reading ordinance to impose a temporary moratorium on the opening of any new cannabis dispensing facilities. If passed on the second reading, the moratorium would expire Nov. 13, 2017.

Florida voters recently approved Amendment 2, which inserts language into the Florida Constitution allowing those with cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy and a host of other conditions to use marijuana, if it is recommended by their doctor.

Zephyrhills’ city attorney Matthew Maggard said he advocated for the moratorium because marijuana laws are “changing so rapidly.” He added the city also needs time “to research the various land use and zoning requirements” related to the amendment.

“We can put an outright ban on it because it’s still federally illegal. I think it’s a good idea to just put a hold on this,” said Maggard.

City manager Steve Spina, agreed, saying: “We thought it was in the best interest to look into it, and then plan on how we think the dispensaries would fit into Zephyrhills.”

Published November 23, 2016

Coca-Cola on tap at Florida Hospital Center Ice

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Coca-Cola Beverages Florida and Florida Hospital Center Ice are joining forces to bring Coca-Cola products to the soon-to-open ice hockey and sports complex in Wesley Chapel, according to a news release from Florida Hospital Center Ice.

Florida Hospital Center Ice will open in January 2017 with four ice rinks and a mini-rink. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Center Ice)
Florida Hospital Center Ice will open in January 2017 with four ice rinks and a mini-rink.
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Center Ice)

The iconic cola company and Florida Hospital reached an agreement for Coca-Cola to exclusively provide non-alcoholic beverages at the new facility, which is under construction at the Interstate 75 and State Road 56 interchange.

Construction is expected to conclude in December, followed by an official opening in January 2017.

Coca-Cola products include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Sprite, Fanta, Powerade, Core Power and Dasani bottled water.

The exclusive rights for Coca-Cola prohibits competitive beverages, soft drinks, sports or energy drinks, water, tea and juices from the facility’s concession stand and the full-service restaurant – Top Shelf Sports Lounge – on the mezzanine level.

“Coca-Cola is such an iconic brand and so synonymous with sports, that we thought it was a natural partner for our new facility,” said Gordie Zimmermann, in a written statement.

Zimmerman is the complex’s managing partner, with Florida Hospital Center Ice.

Construction on the Florida Hospital Center Ice sports complex is expected to finish in December. (File Photo)
Construction on the Florida Hospital Center Ice sports complex is expected to finish in December.
(File Photo)

Florida Hospital Center Ice is billed as the largest sports facility in the southeastern United States. It is more than 150,000 square feet and offers four ice rinks plus a mini-rink.

Zimmermann’s company, Z Mitch LLC, invested $28 million in the facility. Florida Hospital is the facility’s major sponsor and naming partner.

The Tampa Bay Lightning is a program rink partner.

Advertising sponsors include Bright House Networks, Buffalo Wild Wings, DEX Imaging, RIPA Associates, Snyder Financial, Team Bohannon/kw, and The Toni Everett Co.

Center Ice will host national and international hockey tournaments and figure skating competitions, and is seeking sponsors for its special events.

For information, visit FloridaHospitalCenterIce.com.

Published November 23, 2016

Digital billboards illuminate controversy

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Stand-alone, static billboards litter the highways and roadways across Pasco County despite a 17-year-ban on permitting new billboards.

Dismantling and removing many of these outdoor signs is a longstanding goal of county officials who want to reduce what they view as visual blight on county roads.

But, in a high technology world, the wave of the future is illuminated digital billboards that flip through multiple advertisements in seconds, and at night, illuminate the skyline while motorists zip by.

(CreativeOutlet.com)
(CreativeOutlet.com)

Owners of outdoor advertising companies are hoping to strike a deal with Pasco County commissioners to swap out some static billboards in return for installing a smaller number of digital billboards.

But, working out a formula for the trade-off is proving to be difficult.

On a 3-2 vote on Nov. 9, the Pasco County Commission decided to postpone a decision on the proposed ordinance for 30 days to allow additional negotiations.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey took a tough stance on the matter — while commissioners Mike Moore, Jack Mariano and Mike Wells Jr., favored the delay.

“I think you guys are being played by a savvy industry,” Starkey said. “Why do we have to give them everything they want?”

The ordinance, if approved, would amend an existing one that bans new billboards. It also would add rules for companies seeking to convert static signs to digital ones.

The proposed formula is based on total square footage, not billboard structures or sign faces. It would result in removing about 10 billboards for every digital billboard that is installed.

Industry representatives lobbied for a five-to-one ratio, which they say would make the swap-out profitable for their companies, including Clear Channel, OUTFRONT Media and The Champion Family of Companies.

County staff members previously backed off an initial proposal for a 14-to-1 ratio.

There’s also disagreement over the rotation cycle for advertisements. The county set a limit of 30 seconds, while industry representatives favor 8 seconds.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said industry input would be key to making the ordinance work.

“I would like to see some of your static billboards come down,” he said. “But, I don’t want to pass something and you’re not going to participate.”

County data shows there are 133 static billboards on U.S. 19.

The next highest count is on State Road 54, with 66 billboards, followed by U.S. 41, with 53; State Road 52, with 46; and Interstate 75 with 33. In total, the billboard structures account for about 172,000 square feet of advertising.

But, the 10-to-1 ratio just isn’t doable and could mean no static billboards will come down, said Tom O’Neill, local vice president for real estate and public affairs for Clear Channel Outdoors.

“I’m not saying you’re trying to be egregious, but you’ve got to get it closer to what we need,” he said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader pointed out that it was industry representatives who pushed for the ordinance, not residents or chambers of commerce. He offered an 8-to-1 ratio compromise, but got no takers.

“I don’t know how this helps our local businesses,” he said.  “To me it’s sort of the tail wagging the dog.”

Schrader suggested voting on the ordinance with the 10-to-1 ratio and giving it a chance to work.

He criticized industry representatives for missing a meeting with county staff to discuss the ordinance prior to the hearing. They did meet individually with some commissioners, he said.

“They chose not to lobby me, because they knew I couldn’t be persuaded,” Schrader said.

Wells Jr., who supported the delay, had a warning for industry representatives.  “If you don’t meet with them (staff), I’m done, too,” he said.

The Nov. 9 commission meeting in New Port Richey was Schrader’s last meeting, after 16 years on the board.

His seat will be filled by Ron Oakley, who won the District 1 race on Nov. 8.

Published November 23, 2016

Business Digest 11/23/2016

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New hire at Saint Leo
Greg Temnick is the new vice president of integrated marketing for Saint Leo University.

Greg Temnick is the new vice president of integrated marketing for Saint Leo University. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)
Greg Temnick is the new vice president of integrated marketing for Saint Leo University.
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Temnick will be responsible for the marketing and branding efforts for Saint Leo. The university educates students – both traditional age and adult learners – at its campus in east Pasco County, and through more than 40 education centers and offices located in seven states, including the Center for Online Learning.

Temnick previously served as senior director of Brand Strategies for ACT Inc., a national college admissions testing company. He also served as vice president of advertising and marketing for the Center for Excellence in Higher Education; vice president of marketing and creative services for the Career Education Corp.; and, vice president of marketing and advertising for the Educational Management Corp.

In those roles, he led creative services for such institutions as the Art Institutes, Argosy University, Sanford Brown, Colorado Technical University, International Academy of Design and Technology, and Stevens-Henager College.

Temnick earned two bachelor of arts degrees from Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan. He is a member of the American Marketing Association.

New Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless opened a new store at 27616 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The store is designed to give customers a simplified, user-friendly experience while shopping for Cricket’s products and monthly plans.

Cricket, which is a subsidiary of AT&T, offers a no-annual contract, with plans starting at $30 a month including taxes and fees. Customers can bring their own phones or check out Cricket’s deals on smartphones from Samsung, HTC, Motorola, ZTE and more.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

For information, visit CricketWireless.com.

Volunteers needed
The Wesley Chapel Land O’ Lakes Satellite Rotary is seeking businesses and organizations to participate in the Heritage Holiday Card Walk, which will be on display from Dec. 3 to Jan. 7, at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The event will have 30 full-size cards on display.

Card designs can be made of plywood or purchased from a local sign company. Cards must be approximately 6 feet by 4 feet to 8 feet by 4 feet in size and framed to stand securely with ground posts.

There will be electrical outlets if you choose to light your card.

Cards can be placed on Dec. 3 between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

For information, call (813) 996-3011.

One-year anniversary
Totally Polished will have a ribbon cutting, one-year anniversary customer appreciation day on Nov. 26 from noon to 4 p.m., at 1532 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The free event will feature catering and cocktails by Livy O’s, drawings for LuLaRoe clothes, body wraps and other services. Special discounts will be offered. There also will be free services including mini-facials and consultations, scalp and chair massages, and lip or chin wax.

Vendors also will participate.

For information, visit GoGetPolished.com, or call (813) 330-2901.

Chamber mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a “Cup of Joe” and a “No Agenda” mixer on Nov. 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the law firm of Lucas/Magazine, at 2533 Windguard Circle, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.

This mixer takes place the last Wednesday of each month.

For information, call Elayne Bassinger at (813) 495-2336, or visit LucasMagazine.com.

Holiday ribbon cutting
Esthetics813 will have a Holiday Spa Party, Shopping Event and Ribbon Cutting on Nov. 30 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 2748 Windguard Circle, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

The event is free. Toys and gifts will be collected for donation to the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Come enjoy food, wine, fun with friends, and special deals on beauty and wellness services.

Beginning at 4 p.m., door prizes will be given away on the hour.

Four grand-prize package winners will be selected at 7:30 p.m.

For information, call (813) 484-9641.

Ribbon cutting
Happy Feet Plus will have a ribbon cutting on Dec. 1, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1051 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Enjoy beverages, light refreshment and drawings.

For information, email WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Dec. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:14 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive, in Tampa.

The luncheon will be the Annual Christmas Party and Holiday Gift Exchange. Come network and play the White Elephant Game, with gifts $10 and under.

Share talents, business relationships and resources with other women in business.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests.

Register at Women-n-charge.com.

For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Business breakfast
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on Dec. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Bright House Networks Enterprise Solutions is the sponsor.

The cost is $15 for members who register by Dec. 2, and $20 thereafter. Non-members pay $20.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Plantation Palms Golf Club is in the swing of things

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Golf is teeing off again at Plantation Palms Golf Club.

After two years of uncertainty over the fate of the golf course and adjoining restaurant, owners of Ace Golf are ready to reopen the four-star Golf Digest golf course to club members on Nov. 30, and to the public on Dec. 5.

An 18-hole miniature golf course is open to the public at Plantation Palms Golf Club, off Collier Parkway. (Photos courtesy of Ace Golf)
An 18-hole miniature golf course is open to the public at Plantation Palms Golf Club, off Collier Parkway.
(Photos courtesy of Ace Golf)

The on-site restaurant, Mulligans Irish Pub, opened to the public in October, according to a news release from Ace Golf.

It is similar to two other pubs operated by Ace Golf at golf courses in New Tampa and Tarpon Springs.

The interior is Irish-themed with beamed ceilings and murals. The menu includes salads, burgers, sandwiches and dinner entrees, as well as pub fare such as fish n’ chips and Shepherd’s pie.

Plantation Palms Golf Club is located at 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., off Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

Golf operators also are adding a couple of firsts with an 18-hole miniature golf course and a lighted driving range.

The miniature golf course – designed by Miniature Golf Solutions – is next to the clubhouse and features tropical landscaping, waterfalls, fountains, trick shots and special lighting for night play, according to a press release from Ace Golf.

Friends get together at Irish Mulligans Pub at Plantation Palms Golf Club. From left: Mike Henning, Nanette Henning, Deborah Scotch, Ron Scotch, Bill Lane, Rose Parnell and Joe Parnell.
Friends get together at Irish Mulligans Pub at Plantation Palms Golf Club. From left: Mike Henning, Nanette Henning, Deborah Scotch, Ron Scotch, Bill Lane, Rose Parnell and Joe Parnell.

It opened to the public the second week in November. The lighted driving range will open on Nov. 30.

The miniature golf course is family friendly, but owners also hope it will boost play on the renovated Plantation Palms golf course.

“Some golf operators complain that fewer people are playing golf,” Ace Golf co-owner Bill Place said, in a written statement. “But, this does something about it. Lots of kids and families will come out to play miniature golf, see the big golf course and maybe work their way up to it.”

Renovations at the course began in May. Work included new greens, restored fairways, a repainted clubhouse and renovations to create Mulligans Irish Pub.

A new banquet room will open in 2017 to host weddings and events.

While the golf course is playable, it will take time for the course to be at peak condition, according to General Manager Kevin Dietsch.

But, in a written statement he said, “The layout remains one of the more challenging and well-loved with rolling hills, ponds, and sculpted terrain.”

Ace Golf owners Bill Place and Su Lee renovated Plantation Palms Golf course and opened Irish Mulligans Pub to the public. The golf course also will open to the public on Dec. 5
Ace Golf owners Bill Place and Su Lee renovated Plantation Palms Golf course and opened Irish Mulligans Pub to the public. The golf course also will open to the public on Dec. 5

Plantation Palms closed in 2014 as MJS Golf Group – the previous owner – struggled to survive recurring financial losses and debts. The company bought the course in 2011.

In the past two years, a “Bring Back Our Course” campaign, led by Homeowners Association President Jim Hammond, sought to save the course, but struggled to find a potential buyer with a viable financial plan.

Place, and his wife Su Lee, bought the course in May 2016 in a short sale approved by the federal government.

They opened Ace Golf Ranges more than 20 years ago in Brandon and Riverview. The couple also own Pebble Creek Golf Club, Wentworth Golf Club and Crescent Oaks Country Club.

Hours for the pub and miniature golf course are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For information, call (813) 996-4653.

Published November 16, 2016