Kathy Steele

Van delivers services to veterans

August 10, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The Pasco Mobile Vet Center rolled into the parking lot at the neighborhood shopping center in Zephyrhills, ready for a day of outreach to military veterans.

By 10 a.m., five veterans had stopped by to check out the mobile van and learn about resources they could tap into as they transition to civilian life, seek help with employment or find a place to live.

Julie Hayes, veterans’ representative with CareerSource Pasco Hernando, and Frank Jones, van driver and veterans’ outreach program specialist at the Pasco County Vet Center, brought services to veterans aboard the Pasco Mobile Vet Center. (Staff Photo) — Julie Hayes, veterans’ representative with CareerSource Pasco Hernando, and Frank Jones, van driver and veterans’ outreach program specialist at the Pasco County Vet Center, brought services to veterans aboard the Pasco Mobile Vet Center.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

It was a typical day of outreach for Frank Jones and Julie Hayes. Jones is a mobile van driver and veterans’ outreach program specialist with the Pasco County Vet Center in New Port Richey. Hayes is a veterans’ representative with CareerSource Pasco Hernando.

The van travels to various locations throughout the state. On average, it makes 10 to 12 stops a month.

“The idea is to take services to veterans in rural areas who don’t have access to services,” Jones said.

Services are offered to combat veterans and their families, but no veteran is turned away, Jones said.

The mobile vet center also provides help for first responders who are combat veterans.

Services include screening for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), referrals for sexual trauma counseling, marital/family counseling, bereavement counseling, information and referrals to community resources, and referrals for benefits assistance.

All information provided by veterans is confidential.

Whether they are still on active duty or are in transition, Jones said, “They don’t have to worry about their commander finding out.”

Often, there are no serious problems, Jones said. Sometimes, he noted, “They just want to talk about their issues.”

Jones has an easy rapport with veterans. He has been there.

He served as a U.S. Army medic in Cairo, and was diagnosed later with noncombat PTSD.

In 1999, he was a homeless veteran, and had a drinking problem.

Today, Jones is a 12-year recovering alcoholic who is married and buying his own home.

“I kind of know where they are coming from,” he said.

Hayes is based at the Dade City CareerSource site, and works with veterans in Pasco and Hernando counties.

“I help them get job-ready,” said the woman who served more than four years in the U.S. Navy in a noncombat role during the Gulf War.

She assesses what veterans need to re-enter the job market, helps with interviewing skills, job training and referrals to Pasco-Hernando State College.

“A lot of it is skills they are missing,” she said. “They do have a unique set of skills they bring to employers, but a lot of times employers don’t recognize that. They aren’t seeing the whole picture of the veterans.”

Many are degree-ready or they may have military-based skills in communications and technology, but Hayes said, “They don’t have up-to-date certification as a civilian. They don’t have that piece of paper.”

Though Jones is based in New Port Richey, the mobile van covers much of central and south Florida. Another mobile van, based in Jacksonville, travels through northern Florida and into southern Georgia.

Nationwide, the veterans’ affairs department operates about 300 community-based vet centers, according to the department’s website.

About 80 vans also provide services to demobilization active military bases, as well as National Guard armories and Reserve Centers, and do local outreach at shopping centers and other community locations.

Each van is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including laptops, telephones, remote data view, satellite televisions and video conferencing.

Jones said the van can handle one-on-one interviews or groups of up to about 10 people.

The vet centers and mobile vans are part of the care provided through the veterans’ affairs office, and are separate from the veteran’s hospitals and health care system.

The vet centers were launched in 1979 as outreach to Vietnam veterans.

“It’s evolved now to all combat veterans, not just Vietnam veterans,” Jones said.

Veterans’ Affairs rolled out the mobile vans about four years ago.

They sometimes are mobilized for national tragedies, including the aftereffects of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

Recently, three mobile centers traveled to Orlando after the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Staff members helped with bereavement, notifications to families and counseling for anyone struggling with loss.

On the agenda is a “Stand Down” event on Sept. 29, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson. These multiday efforts provide a range of services including clothes, hot meals, showers, counseling, dental cleanings, Alcoholic Anonymous meetings, and court services to homeless veterans.

Jones expects to roll his van into the park.

“We travel where they need us,” he said.

For information, visit VetCenter.va.gov, call Pasco County Vet Center at (727) 372-1854 or the Combat Call Center at (877) 927-8387.

For information on CareerSource, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.

Published August 10, 2016

Experts offer advice to entrepreneurs

August 10, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A back-to-the-farm movement is spurring a new kind of small business entrepreneur.

From small u-pick blueberry farms to backyard chicken roosts to garden vegetable patches, more and more people are finding their calling in the cottage food industry.

Soo Ahn, assistant professor in food sciences at the University of Florida, is seen in silhouette as she delivers the keynote address at the Tampa Bay Cottage Food Industry Expo at Wiregrass Ranch High School on July 30. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — Soo Ahn, assistant professor in food sciences at the University of Florida, is seen in silhouette as she delivers the keynote address at the Tampa Bay Cottage Food Industry Expo at Wiregrass Ranch High School on July 30.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

They often set up shop in farmers’ markets, food truck rallies and local festivals.

For many, it is a new direction in their lives.

“This is a dream for some people,” said Whitney Elmore, Pasco County extension director. “It can be the start of something bigger. We can help them do that.”

About 75 people attended the inaugural Tampa Bay Cottage Industry Expo on July 30 at Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel.

The daylong workshop gave participants a chance to learn from experts from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Sciences, and cottage industry entrepreneurs.

The expo laid the groundwork for what organizers hope will become an annual event.

“I think over the years we will see these exhibits and spaces grow,” said Elmore.

With chicken feeding devices in tow, Joey Holloway, of Holloway Farm Supply in Land O’ Lakes, headed home after leading a seminar on animal production.

Participants could choose from sessions on topics such as Fruit and Vegetable Marketing; Social Media: Getting Back to the Basics; Hydroponics Production; and, Cottage Food: Do I Need to Think About Food Safety?

Derek and Annie Muscato, who is an associate director at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, own Impossible Dreams, an equestrian facility near Gainesville.

But, they want to explore how they could expand their enterprise.

“We’re trying to look at something else,” said Derek Muscato. “I want to possibly learn how to grow crops for myself.”

For anyone new to a cottage food industry or expanding an existing small business, the bureaucratic maze of regulations, that vary widely from state to state, can be difficult. Even at the local level, rules might be tweaked county to county.

“You really have to check on what kind of rules you have,” said Soo Ahn, keynote speaker and assistant professor with the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida.

Ahn said the explosion in cottage food industries took off in the early 2000s as people sought healthier, organic foods. Now, 48 states and the District of Columbia have cottage food laws.

The holdouts – Hawaii and New Jersey – have pending laws.

Under Florida law, adopted for the first time in 2011, there are no requirements for permits or food inspections.

However, packaging and labeling on products is required. Complaints can lead to investigations by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Only certain foods are covered under Florida law, and gross annual sales are capped at $15,000.

Participants at the Tampa Bay Cottage Food Industry Expo could learn how to buy their own farm.

“You can really only operate as a hobby,” Ahn said. But with Florida’s limited regulations, she said, “It’s understandable that we have a lower sales cap.”

Two bills are expected to be introduced to the Florida Legislature in 2017 that could either increase the sales cap or eliminate it.

When states adopt $50,000 and above, or no caps at all, “then, it becomes more like a business,” she said. “It opens more doors.”

Ahn did a study of cottage food industries that found broad inconsistencies in how well people followed regulations or maintained food safety.

Sometimes that was due to lack of education or knowing where to find information, but sometimes, Ahn said, people chose to ignore rules.

And, that can be costly in the event of complaints and inspections.

Sometimes people think because they are selling baked goods from “granny’s recipe” that nothing could go wrong.

But Ahn said, “One little incident can totally close your business down.”

Derek Muscato and his 5-month-old daughter, Ellie Jo, took a break from a seminar on ‘Fruit and Vegetable Crops for West Central Florida.’ He and his wife, Annie Muscato, are thinking of growing crops on their 30-acre farm.

For example, she found that in operations she observed, about 72 percent didn’t provide bathrooms or wash basins. And, only 14 percent used gloves or tools to handle food.

“This (gloves) is like food safety 101,” Ahn said. “But, this is really not observed in most of the market.”
To be economically successful, Ahn said people need to be sure they are in compliance with regulations and maintain food safety.

Measures to do that include keeping a clean kitchen, banning pets from food preparation areas, pre-cutting and pre-packing tasting samples at home before going to the market, and taking food safety and training classes.

A one-day workshop, sponsored by the University of Florida Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, will be held on Aug. 16 in Orlando on “Best Practices of Farmers’ Markets.” For information and to register, visit EventBrite.com.

If you would like to learn more, visit FSHN.ifas.ufl.edu.

Published August 10, 2016

The White Pear is dressing up Wesley Chapel

August 10, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A traffic light, six mannequins, a well-situated picture window – and a love of fashion – are what Nanette Del Valle mixed together to launch her dream job.

Nearly six years ago, she left the paralegal world behind to open The White Pear, a women’s formalwear consignment boutique in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.

On Aug. 2, she opened her second White Pear boutique in Wesley Chapel, at 1045 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., near County Line Road.

Nanette Del Valle opened The White Pear in Wesley Chapel. The women’s formalwear consignment boutique sells once-worn gowns and cocktail dresses for special occasions. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Nanette Del Valle opened The White Pear in Wesley Chapel. The women’s formalwear consignment boutique sells once-worn gowns and cocktail dresses for special occasions.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

The original boutique, which started in her home, eventually settled into a brick-and-mortar shop, with five employees and 4,000 dresses.

In its infancy, Del Valle would adorn mannequins in glamorous gowns and cocktail dresses. Motorists pausing at a red light by her house would get an eyeful through her picture window.

“That was my billboard,” she said “I would change the windows weekly.”

A Facebook page, with postings three times a day, also tapped into the social media market. “That’s how it blossomed,” Del Valle said.

She started with about 80 dresses. Most came from the closets of friends and family.

Many of the dresses at the Wesley Chapel shop came from her Pottsville flagship store. But, already Del Valle said she is receiving consignment gowns locally.

Del Valle is sharing retail space with Jennifer Smith, owner of Fancy Frock.

A display table at The White Pear shows off the shoes and accessories that complement the formal gowns sold at the consignment boutique.

Smith opened her bridal shop nearly six years ago, selling wedding gowns as well as women’s formalwear for all occasions. But, she is focusing now on her first love – brides and wedding gowns.

“That’s my true passion,” said Smith, a former Pasco County teacher.

Del Valle is filling out the shop with formal gowns and dresses for proms, homecomings, informal weddings and special occasions. All of the once-worn dresses are sold on consignment with a 50/50 split on sales.

She also sells new jewelry and shoes.

A seamstress is in-house to help with alterations.

“It’s a one-stop shop,” Del Valle said.

Del Valle and her husband moved to Wesley Chapel about a year ago, getting ready for retirement in sunny Florida.

But, The White Pear remains her baby, and the future looks bright as Pasco booms with new development.

Jewelry and other accessories can be found at The White Pear, a women’s formalwear consignment boutique in Wesley Chapel.

In Pennsylvania, two formal seasons, in winter and spring, are the biggest selling times.

But Del Valle said, “It’s a different market down here. There are more galas and events where women need a beautiful dress.”

There also is an abundance of high schools with young girls eager to find special gowns for proms.

“There is a need for the service I have,” Del Valle said. “Proms are probably my biggest events.”

She carries high-end designers, such as Jovani, Sherri Hill and Rachel Allan. Prices are 50 to 60 percent off retail, and some dresses cost as little as $25.

Del Valle said she enjoys giving personalized service for customers looking for just the right dress for special occasions. “My husband calls me a memory maker,” she said.

Published August 10, 2016

Business Digest 08/10/2016

August 10, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Promotion
Laura Holland is now a fully licensed funeral director with Loyless Funeral Home, at 5310 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Holland completed a one-year internship and passed her state board examination. She also is a certified celebrant, trained to help bereaving families.

Laura Holland is a new funeral director at Loyless Funeral Home in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Lauren Holland) — Laura Holland is a new funeral director at Loyless Funeral Home in Land O’ Lakes.
(Courtesy of Lauren Holland)

Holland grew up in the Tampa Bay area but moved to Dallas where she pursued theater arts in high school. She later attended the University of South Florida and went on to work in radio, as well as hospitality and event planning.

She began an internship with Loyless in 2013, while attending St. Petersburg College where she graduated in 2015.

She married her husband DJ in 2008. She is known as a sports mom and cheerleader for their son as well as her friends and co-workers.

International committee
The Pasco Economic Development Council created an International Committee, which had its first meeting on July 15. Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey will chair the committee. Other members include the Pasco EDC staff and business leaders from the technology, manufacturing, banking, retail, tourism, real estate development, workforce development, and legal sectors from Pasco. Participating state and regional organizations include Enterprise Florida, Port Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol, the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida, and the Franco-American Chamber of Commerce.

The International Committee will focus on assisting Pasco County businesses with export sales and global supply chain development, as well as attracting new foreign investment.

Members will meet bi-monthly at various locations in the county.

For information, visit the Pasco EDC website at PascoEDC.com., or contact Devon Barnett, Pasco EDC economic development manager, at (813) 926-0827, ext. 227.

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

Guest speaker will be Neil Solondz, Tampa Bay Rays’ baseball broadcaster. Solondz will talk about Social Media and the Rays Radio Broadcast components. There will be a question and answer period, time permitting.

The cost is $25 at the door, whether you eat or not.

For information, visit NorthTampaChamber.com, or email .

Business challenge
Pasco Hernando SCORE will have a Business Challenge Workshop on Aug. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Rasmussen College, 8661 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

The free half-day workshop is for existing small businesses to help them develop new strategies to overcome challenges.

Guest speakers are experts in sales, finance, marketing and human resources. Mike Lewis will discuss Growing Your Sales; Jack Grise will discuss Marketing Your Business; Jim Hammond will discuss Financial Management; and, Barbara Pailley will discuss Managing Your Resources.

For information, call (727) 842-4638, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Brookdale Senior Living will have a ribbon cutting on Aug. 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 414 Chapman Road in Lutz.

Brookdale is an independent and assisted living facility, formerly known as Horizon Bay.

RSVP to Kelly Foley at (813) 909-9679 or .

Hispanic business luncheon
The Hispanic Business Leaders luncheon will be Aug. 16 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 or non-members if if prepaid by Aug. 11.

For information, email .

Business forum
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Aug. 18 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.

Guest speaker will be Todd Di Leo, chiropractor and owner of Intrinsic Wellness Clinic. He will discuss genetic cancer testing.

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

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

Breakfast networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on Aug. 23 at 7:30 a.m., at the Fresh Market Café, at 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or , or visit the group’s website at Meetup.com/EastPascoNetworkingGroup/.

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic development briefing on Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The guest speaker will be Hector Mencia of Costco Wholesale.

The $15 cost includes a buffet lunch.

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

Dade City moves to ban fracking

August 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Dade City could soon join other local governments around Florida that are approving laws to ban the practice of extracting oil or natural gas through fracking.

Currently, eight counties and four cities in the state have banned fracking, including Seminole and Alachua counties, and the cities of St. Petersburg and Cape Coral.

Dade City’s City Commission held a first public hearing on its proposed ordinance on July 26. A second public hearing and a vote on the ordinance is scheduled for Aug. 9.

Fracking is 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.

“It’s very dangerous,” said Sally Redden, a member of the Dade City Garden Club. “No one really knows all of the chemicals because they are trade secrets.”

To date, the industry has blocked efforts to require public notification of what chemicals are used.

Opponents say fracking leads to water contamination, and increases the potential for sinkholes and earthquakes.

Supporters say fracking is safer than coal mining and produces a cleaner energy source.

But, the issue is stirring controversy nationwide.

Most recently it bubbled up during anti-fracking demonstrations at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Last year, Dade City’s elected officials approved a resolution opposing a bill that would give the state sole authority to regulate fracking and leave local governments with no way to opt out.

The bill passed in the Florida House, but fell short by one vote in the Senate.

Anticipating the 2017 legislative session, fracking opponents are pushing now for stronger measures than the approximately 75 resolutions approved statewide last year.

The Dade City Garden Club again is spearheading efforts locally after winning approvals on resolutions from Dade City and the Pasco County commissioners.

A few months ago, they reached out and got support from Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez for the ordinance.

“We’re trying to be proactive and join other Florida cities that are looking out for the health, welfare and safety of citizens,” said Hernandez, in a phone interview.

Garden club members provided research on fracking to city commissioners as they did prior to last year’s resolution, the mayor said.

“This is really the next step,” she added. “It’s a great example of teamwork.”

Redden anticipates similar efforts with Pasco’s commissioners.

Dade City Attorney Karla Owens drafted the anti-fracking ordinance, which also bans storage, as well as disposal of waste from fracking operations.

Owens said that would help block companies from fracking in other counties and then hauling toxic waste produced during the process to sites in Dade City. In some cases, the waste is injected into underground disposal wells or treated off-site before being discharged into surface waters.

There are competing legislative bills on both sides of the issue.

“It’s hard to know what the legislature is going to do,” Owens said.

So, as a hedge against legal challenges, the ordinance invokes the city’s zoning and land use authority, declaring that fracking isn’t a permitted use within city limits.

Dade City’s ordinance mirrors one from a town in New York that successfully defended against a challenge to its fracking ban by citing local zoning law.

Zoning regulations typically are the kind of local control granted to municipalities and not revocable by the state, Owens said.

Published August 3, 2016

Bus riders will get new routes, shorter waits at bus stops

August 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Shorter wait times at bus stops on State Road 54 and a new Land O’ Lakes connector bus route are ready for a roll-out.

Effective Aug. 15, riders on Bus Route 54, known as the Cross County Connector, will have new Saturday service, a new route pattern with a bus stop on U.S. 19, and buses that run every hour, not every two hours.

The route will stretch from U.S. 19 to City Hall in Zephyrhills, with stops in between at The Shops at Wiregrass and Tampa Premium Outlets.

Pasco County will give bus riders an upgrade with two new buses that have plush seats, reading lights and luggage racks. (Courtesy of Pasco County) — Pasco County will give bus riders an upgrade with two new buses that have plush seats, reading lights and luggage racks.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

To ensure the shorter waits, some bus stops with low ridership along Duck Slough Boulevard and within the Trinity area served by Bus Route 23-Little Road will be discontinued.

“It’s going to make our routes more efficient,” said Philip Pumphrey, Pasco County’s public transportation director.

Riders also will get an upgrade with two new 40-foot buses with plush seats, reading lights and luggage racks.

The goal is to give riders more commuting options and a better ride, Pumphrey said.

The Pasco County Commission approved the new service route on State Road 54 at its July 26 meeting in New Port Richey.

The Land O’ Lakes bus service is scheduled for March 18, pending approval of Pasco County’s proposed 2017 budget.

The route will move north on U.S. 41 with bus stops that include the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, post office, Land O’ Lakes High School and the detention center.

A loop eastward along State Road 54 will have stops at Collier Commons and the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

The new bus routes and shorter time waits were among recommendations in a report from Tindale Oliver & Associates. The consulting firm completed a study of the county’s transportation needs into 2040.

By extending Bus Route 54 to U.S. 19, county officials anticipate riders can transfer directly to Bus Route 14-Madison Street; Bus Route 18-Tarpon Springs/Grand Boulevard; Bus Route 25-Rowan Road, and Bus Route 23-Little Road.

There will be fewer transfers overall for riders trying to connect with the cross-county connector and destinations to the east or to board Bus Route 19 for destinations south, and from there to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority system (PSTA).

Future improvements recommended by Tindale Oliver’s consultants include bus service until 11 :30 p.m., cutting wait times to 30 minutes on all routes and adding Sunday service. The consultants also recommended adding 30-minute local and express bus routes in future, and providing a 15-minute rapid bus service.

Published August 3, 2016

Surveys reveal varied results

August 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

It’s a tale of two surveys.

One of the surveys was mailed to a select number of residents.

The other was an online version, available to all Pasco County residents.

Some of the results were at odds.

The mailed survey showed a 4 percent increase in the number of people who like the overall quality of life in Pasco in 2016 as compared to 2015, and the same percentage of improvement relating to the quality of Pasco services.

“The economy has a lot to do with that,” said Mark Bellas, the county’s organizational performance management administrator.

Online survey results reveal a less rosy picture. That showed an 8 percent decline in approval of the overall quality of life between 2015 and 2016, and nearly a 7 percent decline in the quality of county services, during the same period.

Bellas presented the results of the two surveys to the Pasco County Commission at its July 12 meeting in Dade City. The survey is a guide for local governments in setting planning agendas and making budget decisions.

More than 300 communities across the country participated in the National Citizen Survey.

In Pasco County, the National Research Center Inc., mailed 1,500 copies of the survey to randomly selected addresses. Of those, 284 surveys were completed. The margin of error was plus or minus 5 percent.

Online, more than 4,600 residents – 250 percent more than last year – completed a survey with the same questions posed in the national survey.

Though the surveys are linked, county officials noted only the results from the mailed surveys are scientifically valid. People online typically are focused on addressing specific areas of concern, they said.

Pasco has done the online survey every year since 2009. The first national survey also was done in 2009, and then each year from 2012 through 2016.

Safety is a top priority among survey respondents, along with mobility and the economy. But, people are feeling less safe than they did in 2015, the survey showed.

The survey found a slight increase in people who believe they get good return for their tax dollars. And in 2016, more people thought Pasco’s leaders were honest and treated residents fairly.

However, fewer people liked the overall direction of Pasco County and more people had less confidence in its government.

Road maintenance and code enforcement topped the list of “most important services” provided by government other than law enforcement, fire rescue and emergency medical services. But most survey responders, online and by mail, ranked the quality of those services last.

“We’ve got some work to do, and we know that,” said Bellas.

On the good side, ratings for overall economic health are trending up.

Some survey questions sought to define how Pasco can become a “premier” county.

Again, mailed surveys painted a better picture of Pasco’s qualities than the online survey.

For instance, nearly 80 percent from the national survey said Pasco has outstanding government services, compared to only 70 percent online. While 60 percent from the national survey said the county adequately maintains infrastructure, about 52 percent agreed with that online.

Overall, Bellas said the message from the survey results show residents want the county to focus on the “big picture” for Pasco.

Despite an economic recovery, Bellas said funding remains an issue for many of the problems Pasco faces.

But he said, “I think we could get to premier now if the funding was available.”

Published August 3, 2016

Code enforcement crack down in Pasco

August 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A code enforcement sweep along U.S. 41 produced a slew of warnings, citations and three building condemnations.

Code enforcement officers with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, county code enforcement inspectors, county building inspectors, and employees of animal control joined for a two-day sweep of the Land O’ Lakes corridor from State Road 54 to State Road 52.

The sweep — conducted on July 5 and July 6 — resulted in 70 warnings and seven citations. Three buildings were condemned, and one residence failed to meet minimum housing standards.

County officials said many of the warnings and citations were for junk and debris, illegal signs and banners, and inoperable vehicles.

The sweep prompted a half-dozen phone calls to Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader, with callers complaining of unfair treatment. They told Schrader citations were handed out, without prior warnings.

Last year, commissioners adopted an ordinance to enforce minimum standards for the upkeep of commercial buildings on corridors such as U.S. 41, U.S. 301 and U.S. 19.

Some Land O’ Lakes business owners lobbied against the ordinance, citing excessive government regulations.

Property owners who might need to repair their buildings were given until May 1 to bring them up to code.

“I thought they were going to be giving out warnings,” Schrader said during a recent Pasco County Commission meeting.

But, county officials said the recent sweep on U.S. 41 was a general sweep and not solely focused on commercial buildings.

“They are sweeping for everything,” said Don Rosenthal, assistant county administrator for development services.

Tharpe said residences and businesses were included in the sweep. To date in 2016 more than 45 sweeps have been completed including ones on Moon Lake Road and U.S. 19.

During the U.S. 41 sweep, the sheriff’s office participated for one day only and issued citations.

More than a year ago, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco created a code enforcement unit.

“It’s a new mission that the sheriff wanted to do to improve the quality of life,” said sheriff’s spokesman Kevin Doll.

Law enforcement officers can issue citations for code violations on the spot, said Doll.

That is a tool that county code enforcement inspectors don’t have, said Micah Tharpe, the county’s code compliance manager. “We are not law enforcement officers,” he said.

Instead, county inspectors first issue warnings and give people up to 30 days to correct problems prior to a reinspection.

“We expect full compliance,” Tharpe said.

On this sweep, county inspectors only handed out warnings, Tharpe said.

The next step would be to issue citations.

Published August 3, 2016

Business Digest 08/03/2016

August 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

New hire
Jacqueline “Jackie” Quinones is the new assistant center director for Oasis Pregnancy Care Center, at 5854 Argerian Drive, Suite 103, in Wesley Chapel.

Jackie Quinones rgb Oasis currently is celebrating its seventh anniversary and expanding services at its Wesley Chapel office. A second office is in Land O’ Lakes, at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 108, in Land O’ Lakes.

Quinones has nine years of experience in social services in various positions including administration, outreach coordinator, case manager, supervisor and trainer.

She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Quinones graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

She has worked with diverse populations, including homeless people and immigrants. Her prior work includes service with AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Lutheran Services Florida.

She is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and has ties to many nonprofits in Pasco County.

For information, call Oasis in Wesley Chapel at (813) 618-5037, in Land O’ Lakes at (813) 406-4965, or visit OasisPregnancyCenter.org.

Bexley builders
Six home builders are partnering with Newland Communities to construct new homes in the master-planned community of Bexley, located off State Road 54, east of the Suncoast Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The builders are CalAtlantic, Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes, Homes by WestBay, ICI Homes and Lennar. Each will build single-family homes. Lennar also will build courtyard homes, villas and two styles of townhomes.

Bexley is the fourth master-planned community for Newland in the Tampa Bay area.

At completion, Bexley will have more than 1,900 homes on more than 1,800 acres. The community will feature about 1,200 acres of open space for parks, and a 10-mile multi-purpose trail network for walking, hiking and jogging. Bicycle pump tracks will be designed by Avid Trail.

Additional amenities will include The Bexley Club, a lakefront clubhouse with a café, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, information center, two swimming pools, a fitness center, open-air game room, and a bicycle shop for repairs and rentals. The shop will be open to residents and visitors.

Home sales will begin in September, with a grand opening set for October.

For information, visit BexleyFlorida.com.

New business
D. Craig Ostrander, owner and president of Bayside Commercial Funding, recently opened an office at 3914 Meadowlark Court in Land O’ Lakes.

As a commercial loan advisor, Ostrander works with more than 55 lenders to finance small and medium businesses nationwide on a range of needs including accounts receivable, lines of credit, commercial real estate and equipment leasing.

Bayside provides alternative sources when banks aren’t able to provide the help that’s needed, according to Ostrander’s press release.

For information, contact Ostrander at (813) 404-0461 or .

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on Aug. 4 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Golden Corral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The guest speaker will be Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.

Sponsors are Faithful Friends, Martin Electric and The Laker/Lutz News.

The cost is $8 for chamber members and $10 for non-members.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or .

Women-n-Charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Aug. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network.

Guest speaker will be attorney Clementine “CC” Conde. She will discuss “Domestic & Substance Abuse – Another Perspective.”

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests. To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com.

For information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Business challenge
Pasco Hernando SCORE will have a Business Challenge Workshop on Aug. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Rasmussen College, 8661 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

The free half-day workshop is for existing small businesses to learn and develop new strategies to overcome challenges.

For information, call (727) 842-4638, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Brookdale Senior Living will have a ribbon cutting on Aug. 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 414 Chapman Road in Lutz.

Brookdale is an independent and assisting living facility, formerly known as Horizon Bay.

RSVP to Kelly Foley at (813) 909-9679 or .

Pasco grapples with marijuana dilemma

July 27, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County commissioners want to extend an existing moratorium on the growth, sales and distribution of cannabis until the end of the year.

The delay would give the county’s legal staff time to craft an ordinance to ban those activities in the future. As a backup, the county would approve regulations to restrict those activities to industrially zoned locations, with conditions.

The ordinance also would update police powers in making arrests for illegal possession of marijuana — which is derived from cannabis.

A one-year ban on cannabis production activities is set to expire on Sept. 2.

But, a Nov. 8 referendum on medical marijuana, if approved, could quickly change the regulatory landscape both statewide and at the local level.

Title State law currently permits, in some instances, a non-euphoric form of marijuana, known as Charlotte’s web, for medical use by patients with epilepsy, seizure disorders or who are terminally ill. Only one organization is approved to dispense the product so far, with the first delivery of medical marijuana going to a resident of Hudson.

The state referendum proposes to broaden when medical marijuana is allowed and open the door for new dispensaries.

No dispensing sites have been approved in Pasco, but county officials said they have received inquiries about future retail sites within the county.

At a July 19 workshop in New Port Richey, the county’s attorneys sought guidance from commissioners on how to tackle the evolving marijuana issue.

They offered several options, including a total ban on dispensaries, which some counties are choosing to do.

The ban also would establish regulations as a backup to legal challenges.

“I call it a dry county kind of option,” said Kristi Sims, senior assistant county attorney, in outlining Pasco’s choices. “You can expect probably some litigation. It does carry with it the obligation to defend it, if it is challenged.”

Another option would allow dispensaries in commercial areas and calls for regulating them like pain management clinics.

Public hearings would be held before commissioners vote on the ordinance.

In recent years, 25 states have opted to approve medical marijuana, decriminalize its use or allow recreational use.

Supporters say legalizing marijuana benefits people with illnesses that haven’t responded to traditional medicines. They also say it fills state coffers with tax revenues, and reduces incarceration costs related to arrests for sale or possession of marijuana.

Opponents say medical marijuana will only open the door to recreational uses, addictive behaviors and increases in crime.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s office provided commissioners with data on crime and marijuana use in states, such as Colorado and California, where marijuana is legal in some form.

Colorado has fully legalized marijuana use. About 7,000 reported crimes occurred within 1,000 feet of some dispensaries in the first six months of 2012 and 2013, according to a report from the Colorado Police Chiefs Association.

Based on federal banking regulations, dispensaries offer cash-only sales for medical marijuana. That’s affecting crime rates, the association’s reporting shows.

“The problem with this is they (dispensaries) obviously are very easy sitting targets,” said Chase Daniels, spokesman for the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

California is a medical marijuana state, also operating dispensaries with cash only. Police reported about 200 percent increase in robberies and 130 percent increase in automobile burglaries largely, Daniels said, “because so much cash is on hand.”

“It’s really caused quite a bit of problems,” said Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano. “Statistics on crime are horrible.”

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said she’d read about families relocating to Colorado specifically to obtain legal marijuana for their ailing children.

But, Starkey also noted that the crime data is of serious concern and should be considered in deciding how Pasco should proceed.

Commissioner Mike Wells said he wanted more information on how medical marijuana helps people, especially children. “I’d still like to hear how others see this as a help. What’s the economic impact? We still need to be open to it. We have some time.”

County attorneys, in crafting the new ordinance, have an array of conditions that can be applied to dispensary permits.

Those conditions can include advertising limitations, no vending machines, no co-location with other medical facilities, a ban on sales of marijuana-related paraphernalia, regulations on sale of edible products, and an annual registry.

Legal staff urged commissioners to approve the ordinance prior to the Nov. 8 referendum to establish some “grandfathered” rights for the county, in the event the ordinance is at odds with what the state finally approves.

“It may get a little more respect if it’s in place prior to,” said Sims.

Published July 27, 2016