Kathy Steele

Election Day brings out voter passions

November 16, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The line of voters stretched down the sidewalk at The Groves in Land O’ Lakes, as people waited patiently for the doors to open at 7 a.m.

Even after voting began, the line continued to swell.

Long lines also formed at Lexington Oaks, off Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

By 9 a.m., the line in Lexington Oaks was gone, replaced by a late morning trickle of people coming and going.

Wesley Chapel resident Dashawn Williams, who voted at Lexington Oaks, said lines during early voting had been much longer.

On Nov. 8, he said he was done in about 5 minutes. “It was easy,” he said.

Meanwhile, at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, off Collier Parkway, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis stopped by in his tour bus.

He began his rounds in Dade City and planned to make 19 stops.

“It’s a good opportunity to thank the volunteers,” Bilirakis said.

Here’s a synopsis of what some voters had to say on Election Day 2016.

James Beverly, Wesley Chapel
James Beverly said he lives in a neighborhood that’s apparently filled with Donald J. Trump supporters.
Beverly, however, is not one of them.
“The man is a complete idiot,” Beverly said. “He’s a joke.”
He’s worried about what happens after the election. “It scares me,” Beverly said.
The election of Hillary Rodham Clinton as the nation’s first woman president, on the other hand, would be historic.
“It will bring world peace and harmony,” Beverly said. “It would make the world stop looking at us like a joke, like at SNL (Saturday Night Live).”

Jim Beidler, Land O’ Lakes
Jim Beidler, a Navy veteran from Land O’ Lakes, supported Donald J. Trump.
“I don’t like her lies and her attitude toward Benghazi. That is wrong,” he said of Clinton.
Beidler thinks more highly of Trump’s running mate, Mike Pence, than he does of Trump.
“He’s more well-rounded,” Beidler said. “He has a filter. He’s not throwing words out.”

Lori Wright, Land O’ Lakes
Lori Wright, of Land O’ Lakes, said Hillary Rodham Clinton would be dangerous as president.
“I don’t think she has the best interests of the American people at heart,” she said. “She put us in danger with her lazy handling of information. And, she allowed men in Benghazi to die.”
But, she also said she would accept the election’s outcome.
“I believe God will put whomever He wants in office,” she said.
On the other hand, she added, “I’m here doing my part.”

Melina and Adam Mays, Land O’ Lakes
Melina and Adam Mays looked to their faith to inform their presidential decision.
They cast votes for Donald J. Trump and Mike Pence at The Groves. The couple was joined by their children, Kaelyn, 4, and Wyatt, 2.
“We’ve been praying a lot about it. I’m very pro-life and Catholic,” Melina Mays said.
The couple was troubled by the ugliness of the election.
“We’re tired of the commercials. It’s been a rough campaign,” Adam Mays said.

Sherri Maged, Land O’ Lakes
Sherri Maged said she came out to vote at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center to fulfill her civic duty.
She voted for Donald J. Trump, but wasn’t enthused about Trump or Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“This was very difficult. I don’t like either one of them,” Naged said, adding she has never felt as conflicted about an election as she did this year.

Jamie Nevitt, Land O’ Lakes
Jamie Levitt, 34, of Land O’ Lakes, said she voted for Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“I feel like they both have a lot of issues,” she said, a sentiment she believes was shared by most voters.
Still, she thought Clinton was the superior candidate.
“We all have to kind of decide who we think would do best for the country, even though the choices are not spectacular,” said Nevitt, who gave her dad a ride to the Lutz Community Center on Election Day, so he could vote.

Deb Goldman, Lutz
Deb Goldman came to the Lutz Community Center three times on Election Day.
“I teach Jazzercise. I taught a class at 5:45 this morning, and at 7, the line was out the building. So, I went home. I came back at 8:10 and there were still more cars than this in the parking lot. So, I go do my class (at 8:30). So, I came back. This time, no lines, no waiting.
“I supported Donald Trump. I thought he was the better candidate.”

Jill Weber, Zephyrhills
Jill Weber, 67, who voted at the Alice Hall Community Center in Zephyrhills, had issues with Amendment 2, the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative.
“I think they need to rewrite that,” she said. “I am for medical marijuana, but they write other things in there that makes it not good.
“I don’t want kids being able to go into these quick gas stations and buying Spice (synthetic marijuana).”
Weber added that marijuana “should be sold at a doctor’s office” and shouldn’t be legalized for recreational usage, which she thinks will increase crime.
“Somebody’s got to look at it with some common sense,” she said.
Weber said she voted for Trump based on his economic plans.

Laker/Lutz News staff writers B.C. Manion and Kevin Weiss contributed to this report.

Published November 16, 2016

Approvals recommended for Connected City pilot

November 16, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The framework for the Connected City corridor is falling into place.

Members of Pasco County’s development review committee recommended approval of new documents establishing fees that will be paid by developers, a utilities service plan and a master roadway plan.

State legislators approved the Connected City in 2015, and selected Pasco as the site for a 10-year pilot program to create communities and new jobs based on cutting edge technology, including gigabit Internet speeds.

The initiative also envisions alternative transportation, including lanes for golf carts, and trails and paths for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Pasco County commissioners will make the final decisions on implementing rules for the state-approved special development district, which covers about 7,800 acres in rural northeast Pasco.

Boundaries generally are Interstate 75, State Road 52, Overpass Road and Curley Road.

That final vote and public hearing, is tentatively scheduled for March 7.

But, the Pasco County Commission is scheduled to have a Dec. 6 workshop to discuss Connected City.

Though the state’s pilot program is for 10 years, build out in the district would take another 40 years, with completion expected around 2065.

Preliminary data from the county suggests that in the first phase, from 2016 to 2040, Connected City could generate on average about $20 million a year in property tax revenues. From 2040 to 2065, the annual haul in property tax revenues could be as much as $30 million a year.

The net affect on the county’s budget – balancing expenses and revenues – is not known yet, but county staff members are crunching data.

Within the district’s boundaries, it is up to property owners and developers if they want to participate in Connected City.

Rules provide an opt-in choice that requires an application process, and a mandated set of requirements and responsibilities.

Overall developers opting in would pay additional mobility fees and surcharges, but also receive incentive credits for such items as building alternative traffic lanes for golf carts and bicyclists.

Estimates peg infrastructure costs, including roads and new schools, at about $329 million over the 50-year time frame.

“We weren’t going to force anybody to participate in Connected City,” said Earnest Monaco, the county’s assistant planning and development director. “If they did nothing, they could continue business as usual.”

Oversight of projects would be transferred from the county’s development review committee and planning commission to a seven-member management committee. County commissioners would still make final approvals.

The goal is to speed up the process for land use changes, rezoning and permitting.

Members would include the District 1 county commissioner, three people appointed by Metro Development Group, one property owner not part of Connected City, one school district appointee, and a county staff member named by the county administrator.

Metro Development is partnering with Pasco on the initial projects in Connected City. The company plans to build a mixed-use community at Epperson Ranch, which will have a 7-acre manmade “Crystal Lagoon” as a featured centerpiece.

During public comment, concerns were raised about whether incentives given to Connected City property owners would be unfair to property owners who choose not to participate.

“I’m not sure how this is supposed to be,” said Randy Maggard, who owns property in the district. “Is this really a level playing field. That’s my concern. Is it fair and equitable for everybody at the end of the day?”

Attorney Joel Tew, who represents Metro Development Group, said data shows “there’s more than a level playing field.”

Residents along Kenton Road — which under the road plan would be expanded from two lanes to four lanes — were split in their support for Connected City.

Resident Jennifer McCarthy said she worried about losing the rural character of a two-lane road where residents enjoy open spaces.

Todd Stevenson, who also lives on Kenton, said he understands why developers are focused on this area of northeast Pasco.

“It’s largely undeveloped,” he said. “Of course, residents who live there are pretty upset. They like the peace and quiet of the unfiltered space. We have a lot of open space. We enjoy that. It (Connected City) potentially negates why we are there.”

But, Chris Joy said he welcomed Connected City even though he would lose land to the widening of Kenton Road.

His property fronts Kenton for nearly a mile, but he said, “It’s something in my opinion whose time has come. It’s not very pedestrian friendly. We’re very much in support of having this despite that our property is going to be split in two.”

Published November 16, 2016

Business Digest 11/16/2016

November 16, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Volunteers needed
The Wesley Chapel Land O’ Lakes Satellite Rotary is seeking businesses and organizations to participate in the Heritage Holiday Card Walk, 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.

A contest will take place for first, second and third place during the Traditions in the Park event on Dec. 3.

For information, call (813) 996-3011.

Pizza pie
Uncle Maddio’s Pizza opened its first Tampa area restaurant in the Northgate Square shopping plaza, at 3949 Van Dyke Road, in Lutz, according to a news release from Atlanta-based Hartman Public Relations.

The franchise owners are Lutz residents Ada and Mike Mateo.

The restaurant is more than 3,500 square feet with a 300-square-foot patio for outdoor seating. The Lutz location is the first of five Uncle Maddio’s planned for the Tampa area.

The retired couple chose a location next to Publix where many Lutz residents shop, and, according to the press release, they see opportunities for “fast-casual pizza” in the Tampa area.

The restaurant allows guests to create their own pizza, cooked in fast-baked ovens, and delivered to their table in about eight minutes.

Guests can choose among four sizes, three crusts, including a gluten-free option, and top their pie off with any of 48 toppings, six sauces, 27 vegetables and 15 meats.

Everything is fresh and made in the restaurant.

For information, visit Facebook.com/UncleMaddiosLutz or UncleMaddios.com.

Lunch n learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

The forum is hosted by HumanIT, and the topic will be “Protecting Your Business from Hacking Threats.”

The cost is $15 including lunch. Please RSVP, as seating is limited.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

Network luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a chamber network luncheon on Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Beef O’ Brady’s, 8801 Himes Ave. (at Himes Avenue and Busch Boulevard), in Tampa.

Order from the lunch menu or regular menu. Minimum payment of $5 is required if you don’t order food, and you must pay for your drinks.

For information, email , or call Keller Williams Tampa Properties at (813) 864-6370.

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.

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 fabulous deals on beauty and wellness services.

Beginning at 4 p.m., door prizes will be given away on the hour. At 7:30 p.m., four grand-prize package winners will be selected.

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.

Beach House to offer assisted living in Wesley Chapel

November 9, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Beach House Wiregrass Ranch is some distance from the seashore. But, the senior-living community in style and design will evoke the “good memories of the times families spend together,” according to Allan Brown Jr., co-owner of Prevarian Senior Living.

Brown and Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore were among about a dozen people who attended the groundbreaking for Beach House on Nov. 1.

Beach House Wiregrass Ranch is a senior living community that will have about 100 residents in assisted living apartments for memory care suites. (Courtesy of Prevarian Senior Living) — Beach House Wiregrass Ranch is a senior living community that will have about 100 residents in assisted living apartments for memory care suites.
(Courtesy of Prevarian Senior Living)

The two-story, approximately 93,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in December 2017. It will be the third Beach House to open in Florida. Others are in Jacksonville and Naples.

“As the population grows in Wesley Chapel and Pasco County, there is a huge need for this assisted living facility,” said Moore, who previously owned a home health care business. “We don’t want to have to drive to Tampa and Hillsborough County to see our loved ones.”

Indeed, Wesley Chapel’s growth is a major reason company owners opted to build on a large parcel fronting State Road 56, at Hueland Pond Boulevard at Wiregrass Ranch.

The area is “amenity rich. It’s very family oriented with a lot of services like restaurants and shops,” said Brown.

Beach House is a short distance east of The Shops at Wiregrass, and the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus.

Allan Brown Jr. (center in sunglasses), co-owner of Prevarian Senior Living, shovels dirt at the groundbreaking for Beach House Wiregrass Ranch, a senior living community that will open in 2017. Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore (next to Brown) and Hope Allen (in red), executive director of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, also shovel dirt. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Allan Brown Jr. (center in sunglasses), co-owner of Prevarian Senior Living, shovels dirt at the groundbreaking for Beach House Wiregrass Ranch, a senior living community that will open in 2017. Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore (next to Brown) and Hope Allen (in red), executive director of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, also shovel dirt.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Restaurants, the Tampa Premium Outlets and the anticipated Florida Hospital Center Ice hockey complex also are nearby.

Beach House is an up-to-date living environment that supports senior living, but shouldn’t be confused with a nursing home, Brown said.

“We support health care needs, but we’re not a health care provider,” he added.

For health care, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is a nearby resource.

The senior community will have 67 alcove-style, one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments for assisted living, and 33 suites for memory care residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Residents will have a restaurant-style dining room, as well as a private dining room for family events. There also will be an activities room, salon and spa, a theater, and outdoor living areas.

Beach House Wiregrass Ranch also will have an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license to allow long-term residency for aging residents, who can access additional health care as needed.

Published November 9, 2016

Learning Gate dishes up a garden party

November 9, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Learning Gate Community School threw a garden party and invited its friends.

More than 80 parents, local garden club members and community leaders shared a luncheon feast in a glade beneath the branches of an ancient oak tree.

A short stroll away, fifth-graders guided lunch guests on a tour of the school’s working garden.

Anna Mitchell, 10, in headband, and Emily Slean, 10, explain Ceylon spinach to Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan and Principal Michelle Mason. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Anna Mitchell, 10, in headband, and Emily Slean, 10, explain Ceylon spinach to Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan and Principal Michelle Mason.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

Kindergarteners through fifth-graders also entertained at the luncheon with songs about nature and Mother Earth.

The annual event, in its third year, brought the school family and the community together to take a peek at what Learning Gate is all about.

“It’s so nice to see people come into our world and see what we’re doing here,” said Principal Michelle Mason.

Learning Gate abides by the motto, “Nature is our best teacher,” and has received a national award for its EcoFest, held each year at Lowry Park Zoo.

“It’s kind of like a secret, a hidden jewel here,” said Michelle Northrup, marketing and parent involvement facilitator. “Our students work in the garden everyday. We do a lot of projects, based on hands-on learning.”

The charter school for kindergarten through sixth grade is tucked away in a wooded area off Hanna Road in Lutz. A school campus for seventh and eighth grades is on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

The school’s hands-on approach can help students build confidence.

Gabrielle Cruz and Alejandro Armstrong and cherries Gabrielle Cruz, 10, and Alejandro Armstrong, 10, got a cool assignment to talk about a Jamaica cherry tree on a warm day at the Learning Gate garden party. — Gabrielle Cruz and Alejandro Armstrong and cherries
Gabrielle Cruz, 10, and Alejandro Armstrong, 10, got a cool assignment to talk about a Jamaica cherry tree on a warm day at the Learning Gate garden party.

“We provide an atmosphere where they are able to explore who they really are,” said Adam Wolford, assistant principal. “This is something that really sticks with them.”

Ten-year-olds Anna Mitchell and Emily Slean said they tend small gardens at home.

They said the school garden offers a fun way to learn.

“We don’t just have to look it up in a book,” Mitchell said.

“We’re always ready to get our hands dirty,” Slean said. Besides, she added, “I love the things that are eatable.”

The classmates gave luncheon guests the rundown on Ceylon spinach, which they explained has medicinal uses and also can be used in soups and salads.

Ten-year-olds Griffin Vazquez and Ezekiel Udozorh handed out samples of freshly brewed hibiscus tea to guests touring the garden. They also took turns giving a plant lesson on the hibiscus acetosella, which can be found in the Dominican Republic and Zambia, and can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

“They see how the world works, how food is put on the table,” said Wolford.

Chayton Martin and Kiersten Stevens, also both 10, handed out mint leaves, which smell nice, but aren’t good to eat. The plant does have eatable tubers, however, they explained.

Eighth-graders Preston Fischer, left, and Caleb McAllister perform as guests dine under an oak tree at the Learning Gate garden party.

Ten-year-olds Alejandro Armstrong and Gabrielle Cruz drew a cool assignment on a warm day under a Jamaica cherry tree.

Evan Hill and Cole Vakil, both 10 years old, handed out Seminole pumpkin seeds. The pumpkin can be used in many recipes, they said.

“This is a really weird one – mac n’ cheese,” Hill said.

Ten-year-olds Kaylie Gagne and Skye Sharpe stood under the shade of a moringa tree, whose tiny leaves are filled with vitamins and make great additions to salads.

“It’s very healthy for you,” Gagne said.

D.J. Rivera and Jacob Koenig, both age 10, handled the “star fruit” tour.

Parents Jamie Meyer and Nicole Rametta sampled the sweet tasting fruit, cut into stars.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Rametta. “It gives the community members a chance to see how knowledgeable the kids are.”

Published November 9, 2016

Pasco to help homeless ‘navigate’ to better lives

November 9, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County is exploring a new program to address the needs of the homeless population. It would provide a one-stop location to provide shelter, and an array of services and resources for homeless individuals.

County officials are proposing to remodel two vacant buildings at 8239 Youth Lane in Port Richey, formerly the home of a Boys & Girls Club. Described as a “navigation center,” the site would be able to house up to 100 homeless people at a time, and be a central location for nonprofits and other agencies to provide “wraparound services.”

County officials provided Pasco County commissioners with a presentation on the program at the Oct. 24 meeting in New Port Richey. In a 4-1 vote, commissioners agreed to pursue the program, potentially as a 2018 budget item.

“It’s a chance to take a step forward. It’s a chance to give these people a hand up,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. “One of the things you don’t see is a facility like this in Pasco County. We’ve got to move forward on this.”

The commissioner serves as chairman of a citizen’s advisory board with the Coalition for Homeless in Pasco County.

Estimates put remodeling costs for the vacant buildings at about $1 million. County officials plan to pursue state funding.

Annual operating cost would be about $600,000, with funds from public and private resources.

The program is modeled after one adopted in San Francisco. County officials also are looking at other programs, including ones in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

About 4,500 people are homeless in Pasco, with about 800 chronically homeless. According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, there are more than 100 homeless camps countywide.

Individuals stake out camps often in wooded areas all over the county, including west Pasco, Zephyrhills and Dade City, sheriff’s data shows.

Chase Daniels, assistant executive director of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, said, “Having one of these low-barrier shelters would be a game changer in Pasco County.”

Bob Dillinger, public defender in Pinellas and Pasco counties, said more than 30 percent of homeless in Pasco are children. Perceptions of homeless people often are wrong, he said.

“They want a job. They want a safe place to live,” Dillinger said.

One homeless camp at a time would be relocated to the navigation center where people can live while case managers from various agencies provide counseling, job training, health care and educational resources. The end goal is creating a pathway to permanent housing.

The location for the navigation center met with some opposition.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano cast the lone vote against the proposal and lobbied in favor of the Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter in Hudson.

“I would like to see us doing a full look,” he said. “If there’s other alternatives, I want to look at those alternatives.”

The hurricane shelter already is equipped to accommodate groups of people, and has a full kitchen, he said.

Greg Phillips, chief executive officer of a nonprofit, Kids Kicking High, also asked commissioners to consider allowing his program to occupy the space at the former Boys & Girls Club. The program offers before and after school classes with a focus on martial arts, and is located off Little Road in New Port Richey.

Sandra Butler’s 8-year-old autistic son recently earned his white belt at Kids Kicking High. “That’s a big accomplishment for him,” she said. “This is a big need for our community.”

While county officials described the navigation center as being secluded, some area area residents expressed concerns during public comment that the navigation center would increase crime in their neighborhood.

County officials hope to dispel those concerns.

“The homeless are here,” said Cathy Pearson, the county’s assistant county administrator for public services. “It’s better to have a place for them than to have them loitering at your business or your lawn.”

Published November 9, 2016

Hillary Clinton makes a stop in Dade City

November 9, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Florida, it seems, is always in play as a must-win state in any presidential election. So, it wasn’t surprising during the last week of the 2016 election to see a frenzy of political activity.

Visits from Donald J. Trump, Hillary Clinton and a roster of surrogates from both campaigns took center stage all across the state, including Clinton’s Nov. 1 stop in Dade City.

Clinton drew several hundred to a get-out-the-vote rally on the lawn in front of the Charles E. Conger Library at the Pasco-Hernando State College East Campus.

Trump did not visit Pasco County during his run for the nation’s top job.

Clinton was joined in Dade City by former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, who has accused Trump of demeaning her as a woman and a Latina.

“I could not be prouder to cast my vote for Hillary Clinton,” said Machado, a former Miss Universe, who accused Trump of ridiculing her for gaining weight and calling her “Miss Piggy” and “Miss Eating Machine.”

Clinton used Machado’s story to hammer Trump as a misogynist whose anti-women comments made him unfit to be president.

But, not everyone at the event was pro-Clinton.

Several yards away about 30 protesters stood behind barricades while waving Trump/Pence signs and sometimes shouting “Lock her up.”

Chants of “Hillary, Hillary, Hillary” rose in response.

Clinton’s biggest cheer came when she pledged to make college tuition-free at state colleges for families making less than $125,000 a year.

The possibility that Clinton could make history by becoming the first female president also heartened supporters.

“It’s a part of history, no matter what color, creed or race you are,” said Dade City resident Debra Greer.

Oliver Hindahl, 14, sported a T-shirt emblazoned with “Madame President: Get used to it.”

He didn’t hear Clinton say anything new in Dade City, but he said, “It was very impressive.”

But, having a woman for president?

“I don’t think it will be all that different,” he said.

To which his mother, Virginia Thom, replied. “I think there’s a generation gap there.”

Tampa resident Chuck Bonham missed a rally Clinton held a week earlier at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa. He couldn’t pass up a second chance.

“She has plenty of experience. She understands government and represented people in the (U.S.) Senate,” said Bonham, who wore a blue ball cap with the message “I (heart) Jesus.”

San Antonio resident Kathy Leitner, 74, came to the rally with her granddaughter, 17-year-old Nicole Payne.

“Hillary Clinton represents my story,” Leitner said. “I remember when girls did not play sports in school. Girls did not take certain classes, like shop.”

Published November 9, 2016

Business Digest 11/09/2016

November 9, 2016 By Kathy Steele

New marketing director
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce announced that Suzanne Beauchaine is joining the staff as marketing and membership director effective Nov. 7.

Her responsibilities will include membership growth and chamber outreach.

Beauchaine formerly worked for The Laker/Lutz News for more than three years. She also was a Pasco County business owner and has lived in Lutz for about 28 years.

She brings a fresh outlook and lots of enthusiasm to the future of our chamber.

Contact Beauchaine at (813) 909-2722, or email .

New home at Ashton Woods
Homebuilder Ashton Woods is showcasing its newest home style – The Elm – at its master-planned community of Asturia at 14227-14293 State Road 54 in Odessa.

The Elm is a 2,395-square-foot home with flexible design options, including four to five bedrooms. The two-story model has a great room floor plan with an open family room, breakfast nook and dining room. There is a spacious island kitchen and walk-in pantry. The master suite on the second floor has a large walk-in closet and an over-sized shower with a bronze penny tile wall.

Design options allow for creation of a mudroom between the two-car garage and kitchen. Other options include adding another bedroom and bath on the ground floor and second floor, a detached garage and conversion of an upstairs bedroom into a loft for an entertainment room or gaming area.

Asturia is one of five Tampa Bay area communities where Ashton Woods is building homes, including Fishhawk Ranch and Waterset.

For information, visit Ashtonwoods.com/tampa.

New restaurant
LongHorn Steakhouse, located in front of Tampa Premium Outlets, will open its doors on Nov. 14 at 4 p.m., for dinner. Regular hours, beginning at 11 a.m., will start the following day.

Tampa native B.A. Arnot is the restaurant’s managing partner.

The restaurant will participate in the LongHorn Harvest program and will donate unused, wholesome food to a local charity or food bank in Wesley Chapel each week.

The approximately 5,700 square-foot restaurant seats more than 200 diners. It will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

As many as 80 employees will be hired. Applications currently are being accepted for all positions including server, service assistance, bartender, line cook and more.

For information, visit LongHornSteakhouse.com/careers.

Bargains galore
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will have a grand opening on Nov. 9 at 9 a. m., at 5935 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The store is next to the Dollar General in the former Bargain Warehouse.

NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne will be a special guest. An autograph session will be held at 10 a.m., with 250 tickets handed out beforehand. There will be one ticket per customer.

For information, visit Ollies.us/238-Zephyrhills/.

Business expo
Saint Leo University and the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will host the 2016 Community & Business Expo on Nov. 10 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Dan Cannon Auditorium at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

More than 60 exhibitors will participate in the free event.

Discover the buying power of Dade City by promoting your business or community group.

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

General meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on Nov. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 W. Humphrey St., in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Karen Mertes, founder of the nonprofit Fulfill Your Destiny Inc. She will talk about becoming a leader when you triumph through tragedy to live the American dream.

The cost is $25, by cash, check or credit card.

To register, visit NorthTampaChamber.com/NTCC-Calendar.

Hispanic business luncheon
The Hispanic Business Leaders Luncheon will be on Nov. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event is hosted by the Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Meetings are conducted in English.

The cost is $20 for chamber members and $25 for non-members, but $15 for members and $20 for non-members, if paid by Nov. 10.

For information, contact .

Excel workshop
Access Computer Training LLC and CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a free Excel Workshop on Nov. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at 15000 Citrus Country Drive, third floor, in Dade City.

The workshop will have fully equipped computers with Microsoft. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To register, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com/events.

Historic election comes to a close

November 2, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Yards and rights-of-way are filling up with Trump and Clinton for president signs. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Votes will be counted on Nov. 8 to determine which candidate will be the next president of the Unites States – Donald J. Trump or Hillary Clinton.

But, voters also will choose candidates running for state and local office in Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Absentee and early voting ballots already are being stockpiled in election offices. On election day, both counties will offer free bus rides to people who can show a valid voter information card.

In Pasco, early voting began on Oct. 29 at eight locations around the county. Voters can cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at any of those sites until early voting ends on Nov. 5 (Saturday) at 7 p.m.

“We’re seeing a good, strong turnout,” said Brian Corley, Pasco’s supervisor of elections. “We’re seeing a lot of energy and enthusiasm, which is what we expect in a presidential election.”

More than 336,000 people are registered voters in Pasco, with nearly 131,000 registered as Republicans, nearly 108,000 as Democrats, and nearly 98,000 as no party or minor party.

Voting is a “three-legged stool,” with options of casting a vote-by-mail ballot, early voting or day-of voting, Corley said.

More and more people at each election cycle are opting for vote-by-mail or early voting, he said.

But, that doesn’t mean significant increases in registered voters.

Instead, he said, “It spreads the vote around.”

As of Oct. 31, nearly 76,000 votes were cast by mail-in or early voting. Republicans accounted for more than 32,000 votes; Democrats, nearly 27,000, and others, more than 16,000.

Early voting in Hillsborough also is underway with 16 polling stations opening on Oct. 24. Voting is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily until Nov. 6 (Sunday) at 7 p.m.

Nearly 845,000 people are registered voters in Hillsborough, with about 334,000 registered as Democrats, 267,000 as Republicans, and 244,000 as others.

Hillsborough’s election office mailed out more than 170,000 ballots. As of Oct. 31, more than 242,000 ballots had been cast, both mail-in and early voting. About 105,000 were from Democrats; nearly 90,000 from Republicans and about 48,000 from others.

“Right now, it looks like the turnout is tracking to what it was in 2012,” said Gerri Kramer, spokeswoman for the Hillsborough elections office.

In addition to the presidential vote, the election will decide representation for local offices including county commission, the Florida legislature and property appraiser.

There also are constitutional amendments on the ballot, including two controversial ones.

Amendment 1 deals with solar power. Supporters say it will boost the solar industry while also protecting the pocketbooks of people who opt not to use solar.

Opponents say the solar industry has crafted a deceptive amendment that appears friendly to solar but, in effect, will give existing utility companies veto power over rules governing alternative energy competitors.

Amendment 2, if approved, would expand the use of an existing law permitting medical marijuana. Supporters say it will help patients with chronic and debilitating illnesses, and provide tax revenues to state and local governments.

Opponents say the amendment would open the door to misuse of marijuana, recreational uses, and increase the crime rate.

For voting information from the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections, visit Pasco.electionsfl.org, or call (800) 851-8754.

For voting information from the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, visit VoteHillsborough.org, or call (813) 272-5850.

Staff writers with The Laker/Lutz News will be out and about at polling sites on Nov. 8, finding out what’s on the minds of voters as they cast ballots in a momentous presidential election, and also make choices in state and local elections. A story on the election will be published in the Nov. 16 edition of The Laker/Lutz News.

Published November 2, 2016

Man-made wetlands replenish thirsty Central Pasco

November 2, 2016 By Kathy Steele

An approximately $13 million reclaimed water project is under construction on pastoral lands of a working cattle ranch in Land O’ Lakes.

In the next year, 15 man-made wetlands will be created on about 237 acres at 4G Ranch, owned by the Phillips family. The system is expected to be operational in 2018, and will provide the county with up to 5 million gallons of reclaimed water a day.

Pasco’s residences and golf courses are among those expected to benefit from the project. The wetlands also will be a resource in times of drought, along with the county’s 500-million gallon reclaimed water reservoir on Boyette Road.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, center, digs into the dirt at a groundbreaking for a reclaimed water project at 4G Ranch. Standing next to Starkey are William Ted Phillips Sr., ranch owner (in light blue shirt); and, his son Teddy Phillips Jr. (next to Phillips Sr.). (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, center, digs into the dirt at a groundbreaking for a reclaimed water project at 4G Ranch. Standing next to Starkey are William Ted Phillips Sr., ranch owner (in light blue shirt); and, his son Teddy Phillips Jr. (next to Phillips Sr.).
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

It is a one-of-a-kind environmental experiment to turn dry uplands into wetlands that will help restore natural habitats that were degraded from years of well pumping during drought. And, the wetlands eventually will help recharge the Floridan aquifer.

On Oct. 24, officials from Pasco County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (Swiftmud), and members of the Phillips family had a groundbreaking for the Central Pasco County Beneficial Water Reuse Project.

“It was one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been involved in,” said Randy Maggard, governing board chairman of Swiftmud. “I think this will set the standard from here on out.”

Reclaimed water for the wetlands will flow from an existing county water main near 4G into a network of pipes that will deliver the water to each of the 15 wetland “cells.”

Each cell will be of different size and capacity, and also landscaped.

“We control the water level on each cell independently,” said Jeff Harris, Pasco’s staff biologist and project manager.

In addition to the project site, Harris said about 2,000 surrounding acres will be rehydrated.

The 4G ranch, he added, is ideally situated between the Cross Bar well fields and the Cypress Creek well fields.

In June, Pasco County commissioners approved a 25-year lease agreement in a public/private partnership with the land owner, William Ted Phillips Sr.

The agreement can be extended for three 10-year periods. The county’s leasing costs for the first 25-year period will be about $2.3 million.

Swiftmud will contribute half of the project’s construction costs, up to about $7.1 million.

The project in concept dates back about seven years.

Work on the agreement with 4G Ranch, and design of the project, began more than two years ago.

The long wait was worth it, said Teddy Phillips Jr., the ranch owner’s son. He also is chief executive officer of Phillips & Jordan Inc., the construction company in charge of building the wetlands.

“We made this thing look like it is a piece of natural beauty,” Phillips Jr. said. “We think this is a great model.”

Published November 2, 2016