Kathy Steele

Costco likely to open in 2016

December 30, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Costco Wholesale received tentative approval recently for beer and wine package sales at a proposed membership warehouse club slated to open near Tampa Premium Outlets.

The Pasco County Planning Commission on Dec. 2 recommended approval of the alcoholic beverage license for the approximately 153,000 square feet of store space, plus about 2,100 square feet more for a separate liquor store.

The Pasco County Commission is expected to vote on the license in January. Additional site plan approvals and building permits are still to come. An opening date for the national chain likely won’t happen until late 2016.

“There is a ways to go in the process,” said Grace Yang, an attorney who represents the applicants, JG Cypress Creek LLC and Costco Wholesale.

Representatives for the companies were not available for comment.

Costco is an anticipated addition to the retail beginning to sprout along the State Road 54 and State Road 56 corridor, at the Interstate 75 interchange.

Tampa Premium Outlets, which opened in October, has 100-plus outlet stores including Michael Kors, Nike, Coach and PacSun. A sports complex and ice rink, known as Florida Hospital Center Ice, recently received building permits, with an opening planned for spring 2016.

Construction is under way on Culver’s restaurant on an out parcel fronting State Road 56. Permits also are approved for Cheddar’s Casual Café in the same vicinity.

Chick-Fil-A, Kohl’s, Panda Express and BJ’s Restaurant and Brew House also are planned as part of the master-planned Cypress Creek Town Center, located on separately owned parcels on the north and south sides of State Road 56.

According to the company website, Costco’s history traces to the Price Club which opened in San Diego in 1976. The Costco brand opened its first store in Seattle in 1983, and then 10 years later merged with the Price Club.

Costco is one of the largest retailers in the world, generating more than $113 billion in sales in fiscal year 2015, which ended in August.

Published December 30, 2015

Is Hercules Park back in play?

December 23, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The city of Zephyrhills could get another chance to own Hercules Park.

A deal between the Pasco County School District and Gh&G Florida LLC remains under negotiation, but it isn’t clear a final deal can be struck.

To put the city of Zephyrhills in the posture of being able to purchase the park, the Zephyrhills City Council, on Dec. 14, voted 3 to 2 to renew the city’s offer to buy the park for $1.7 million.

City council members Charles Proctor and Lance Smith voted against the proposal.

City officials sent a letter of intent on the offer to the school board.

A fence prevents vehicles from entering the shuttered Hercules Park, but the city of Zephyrhills remains hopeful that it will be able to buy the park from the school district. (File Photo) — A fence prevents vehicles from entering the shuttered Hercules Park, but the city of Zephyrhills remains hopeful that it will be able to buy the park from the school district.
(File Photo)

“Our contract is kind of a backup contract,” said Steve Spina, Zephyrhills’ city manager. “We’re in a different ball game. If they can’t (close the deal), we’ll step up to the plate.”

Spina said he believes the developers are having a hard time making their financial plan work.

Representatives with the development company approached city officials in October about a possible private/public partnership.

Spina said the offer was declined.

The city lost out in June when its bid came in lower than the $2.3 million offered by Gh&G Florida LLC. The school board voted to begin negotiations with the development company with expectations that 10 acres to 11 acres of parkland would be donated to Zephyrhills. The park site has a fitness trail, children’s playground and an aquatic center.

At one time, the parkland was part of about 80 acres owned by Hercules Powder Co., formerly the largest employer in Zephyrhills. The company converted pine stumps into rosin and turpentine. The property later became sites for the park, Zephyrhills High School and Woodland Elementary School.

The county shut down the park nearly five years ago citing budget issues. A prior agreement between the county and the school district required that the land be used for a park or be returned to the school district.

Gh&G Florida is about three months into a six-month contract to purchase the site.

“Until they withdraw their contract, I have to deal with them,” said Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools.

But, he added, “We would not sell the property unconditionally to Zephyrhills for $1.7 million.”

Sticking points could be the potential sale of a portion of the site for commercial use.

Spina said the city remains interested in reviving the 15.5-acre park, but also would like to sell about two acres along U.S. 301, just south of a corner lot.

City officials have said the intent would be for those two acres to be developed for a purpose compatible with the park.

But, Gadd said that would have to be negotiated if the original contract with Gh&G Florida doesn’t work out.

Published December 23, 2015

Have a ‘Joyous Kwanzaa’

December 23, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The holiday season at the end of the year is a time of celebration for many religions around the world.

Christians rejoice in the birth of Christ. Jews reflect on the miracle of Hannukah when a single-day of sacred oil for burning candles at a rededicated temple lasted eight days.

For many African-Americans the season brings one more celebration, known as Kwanzaa.

The holiday’s name is from a Swahili phrase for the “first fruits of harvest.”

Though not specifically religious, Kwanzaa celebrates the roots and culture of the African-American and Pan-American experience.

A typical greeting at this time of year is “have a joyous Kwanzaa.”

“We’re celebrating the best of African culture,” said Imani Asukile, president of the African American Heritage Society of East Pasco County.

From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, participating families will gather each day in their homes to honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa, known as Nguzo Saba: unity (umoja); self-determination (kujichagulia); collective work and responsibility (ujima); cooperative economics (ujamaa); purpose (nia); creativity (kuumba); and faith (imani).

Schools, libraries and churches also host Kwanzaa events.

Though the celebration is annual, the meaning of Kwanzaa is year-round.

“It’s not something we do,” said Asukile. “It’s a way of life.”

Each day of the week during Kwanzaa, a candle is lit – most often by a child – and one principle is discussed each day. The black candle in the center of the kanara, or candleholder, is the first to be lit in a ceremony reminiscent of the Jewish ritual of lighting eight candles during Hannukah.

“Hopefully, they develop a sense of appreciation of ancestors who laid a foundation on which we stand today,” said Asukile. “And, they can restore what we consider the best pride in our community.”

To start the holiday, the heritage society will host the Brenda Wormack Annual Unity Walk on Dec. 26 at 9 a.m., at the New Bethel African Episcopal Methodist (AME) Church in Lacoochee.

Wormack was vice president of the organization at the time of her death in 2009 from breast cancer. She also was a member of New Bethel AME.

“She was an ardent supporter of youth in the community,” said Asukile.

The heritage society also will host a Kwanzaa event, featuring storyteller Windell Campbell, on Dec. 29 at 2 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City.

Storytelling is an affirmation of the African-American experience, Asukile said, and it creates an understanding of the past and future.

“You have to constantly tell the story,” Asukile said.

Kwanzaa began in the mid-1960s as the first uniquely African-American holiday. Its creator is Maulana Karenga, a professor and chairman of black studies at California State College in Long Beach, California.

According to the Kwanzaa website, the theme for Kwanzaa in 2015 is “Embracing Kwanzaa’s Principles and Practices: Creating and Celebrating the Good.”

For the African-American Heritage Society of East Pasco County, the Kwanzaa celebration is a tradition dating at least to the 1990s.

“I think it was through Kwanzaa that our organization was given birth,” Asukile said. “We have kind of used Kwanzaa to help make our community a better place.”

The organization hosts an annual memorial service to honor more than 20 veterans buried at Indian Pond Cemetery in Dade City. During segregation, the cemetery was the only one where African-Americans could bury their loved ones.

Events also are held during the year to recognize black history and women’s history, particularly individuals from the east Pasco area.

“We are extremely proud of what we have been able to contribute, especially proud of how the community has received the organization,” Asukile said.

For information, contact Imani Asukile at (352) 567-0441.

What: The Brenda Wormack Annual Unity Walk
When: Dec. 26 at 9 a.m.
Where: New Bethel AME Church, 20653 Floyd Road in Lacoochee

What: African American Heritage Society of East Pasco – Kwanzaa celebration, featuring storyteller Windell Campbell
When: Dec. 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

All events are free and open to the public.

Published December 23, 2015

Pasco County water customers get relief

December 23, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Listen to the customer — that’s the lesson learned by Pasco County after unhappy residents repeatedly complained during the past year about exorbitant and sometimes unexplainable water bills.

“It is moving in the right direction,” said Marc Bellas, director of performance development for Pasco County, referring to the county’s efforts to create a more customer-friendly water department.

Bellas appeared before the Pasco County Commission on Dec. 15 to deliver an update on steps being taken to correct deficiencies in the water department billing procedures.

After numerous complaints about water bills by customers, Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller Paula O’Neil ordered an audit by the solicitor general.

One of those complaints came from Louise Gritmon who was floored by a bill she received in July 2014 for more than $3,300.

The county billed Gritmon for 614,000 gallons of water during an 18-day period at a time when Gritmon said her house was vacant.

An analysis of 361 accounts, including the bill to Gritmon, resulted in 60 billing adjustments ranging from just under $2 to more than $3,000 less in Gritmon’s case.

Her bill was lowered to $40, which Gritmon had argued for months was the amount of a normal bill at her house.

Commissioners in November rewrote an ordinance to include language permitting the billing adjustments as a one-time event. Previously, county officials said they had no authority to make adjustments.

Many of the high bills were explainable as leaks or from irrigation of lawns, Bellas said. But, he added: “There were some key errors on our part, and a lot of things going wrong. You’ve got to start with a culture shift.”

That shift, according to Bellas, is meant to move the water department from an office focused on compliance to one focused on customer service and education.

Significant progress has been made, and more is coming, Bellas told commissioners.

The audit found deficiencies in the county’s meter reading and billing process, software glitches, inaccessible meters, inconsistent readings and alerts to potential leaks that weren’t passed on to customers.

To address problems, the county changed a confusing billing format that listed an account number, a customer number and a bill number. How the customer paid a bill could determine which number was used, Bellas said.

A third-party billing system should save the county about $80,000 a year, he said.

Pasco also budgeted for additional staff to boost to 11 the number of full-time customer service representatives. Bellas said that is barely more than a minimum of nine employees needed as “best practice.”

Employees also received more training, with a focus on quicker response times. Progress has been made, Bellas said.

The number of abandoned phone calls dropped from 50 percent in August to 13 percent in November. And, a wait time of 20 minutes decreased to about four minutes.

Bellas also said the customers whose bills were reviewed were asked to rate their service. About 81 percent were satisfied, he said.

That says a lot for how employees are responding to the complaints, Bellas said.

But, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said he would like to see more improvements.

“I don’t think there would be any private company that would be happy with those numbers,” he said.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said he did his own checking on customer service by calling the water department with questions on how to pay his last three water bills. He didn’t identify himself as a commissioner.

“The person that helped me was great,” he said, at least on the first call. “The second person, not so much.”

The first employee who was outgoing and friendly, he said, “Those are the people you want to possibly train the others.”

But, Bellas said he hadn’t heard any “really bad stories” from people. “You want most of your customers to be thrilled with what you’ve done, but you can’t always please everybody that’s coming through.”

Part of the solution is on making it easier for customers to understand their bills, and Bellas said the new bill is easier to read. But, efforts to educate the public also matter, he added.

Some high bills resulted from lawn irrigation, he said, adding that residents are often unaware of how much water their lawns soak up.

Published December 23, 2015

Business Digest 12/23/2015

December 23, 2015 By Kathy Steele

New leader
Pasco Economic Development Council’s board of directors tapped William “Bill” Cronin as their new president and chief executive officer. He will start on Jan. 19.

Cronin will replace John Hagen who retired in October.

For the past year, Cronin has served as economic director for Charlotte, North Carolina. His 25-year career also spans Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, where he has gained experience in business and economic development, international trade, logistics and operations, in both public and private sectors.

He served nine years with Enterprise Florida, specializing in international trade and business development.

The PEDC’s board of directors began a nationwide search in April. The search committee worked with Jorgenson Consulting, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit and economic development organizations.

The PEDC is a private, nonprofit organization that guides Pasco County in creation of a sustainable and diversified economy. For information about the PEDC, visit PascoEDC.com.

Lutz gets Planet Smoothies
Planet Smoothies is open at Sunlake Plaza, at 18845 State Road 54, in Lutz. The smoothie shop blends drinks such as Berry Bada-Bing, Lean Green Extreme and Rasmanian Devil. The franchise started in 1995 with one store in Atlanta.

Business challenge
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host its second annual SMARTstart Challenge business pitch competition on Feb. 25 in partnership with Saint Leo University’s student business plan competition. Local entrepreneurs will compete for a combined $10,000 in prize money.

The first-place winner will receive a six-month, on-site membership in a SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator. There are two, one in Dade City and one in New Port Richey.

More than 20 start-up businesses competed in the inaugural event in 2015.

Applications will be evaluated on measures relating to important elements about the economics of the business and the ability of the applicant to be successful. Other considerations include market potential and research, the uniqueness of the business idea, evaluation of potential partners, financial plan and attractiveness of the business idea.

The application deadline is Jan. 8. Oral presentations of five minutes, with a question and answer period from a panel of judges, will be on Feb. 10. Five or six finalists will be selected for the final competition on Feb. 25.

The finals will be open to the public, with the first-place winner and runners-up announced at a reception following the presentations.

Applications are available online at SmartStartPasco.com.

For information about the challenge, call the SMARTstart Pasco Business incubators at (352) 437-4861, or email .

Doggie daycare opening
The Barkery Boarding & Daycare will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening on Dec. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 5109 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz. The event is free and open to the public.

For information, call (813) 920-9800, or visit BarkeryBoarding.com.

Primerica ribbon cutting
Primerica will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Jan. 5 at 6 p.m., at its new location in Wisteria Plaza, at 6739 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Owners Lillian and Dave Cucuzza are regional vice presidents of the company that recently moved from Copperstone Executive Suites.

The free event will include refreshments, music and door prizes.

For information, call (813) 929-7722.

Grand opening for spa
The Spa Moritz will host its grand opening on Jan. 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 17401 Commerce Park Blvd., in New Tampa.

For information on this free event, call (813) 971-4772, or visit SpaMoritz.com.

Business classes
Pasco Economic Development Council will launch its next Co.Starters program on Jan. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The 10-week nationally known business development program helps business entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships and tools to turn business ideas into action. The classes, on Tuesday nights, are offered through the SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator program.

A facilitator will lead the collaborative process with a small and supportive group of like-minded peers. The goal is to provide an understanding of how to create a sustainable business.

The cost is $295 for the 10-week program.

Preregistration is required.

For information contact Krista Covey, program director, at (727) 478-0670 or (352) 437-4861, or visit PascoEDC.com/incubator/events/co-starters.

Business loan workshop
Pasco-Hernando SCORE Chapter 439 will offer a workshop on “How to Apply for a Business Loan” on Jan. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

The free workshop will discuss a range of topics on loans from $5,000 to $5 million, including how to select a bank, what do lenders want, buying real estate for your business, and the importance of credit reports and scores.

The SCORE chapter, or Service Corps of Retired Executives, is composed of more than 20 volunteers with business experience.

For information, contact Ken Nadler at (727) 842-4638, or email .

No easy fix for local traffic jams

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

An elevated toll road flying over U.S. 41 could split the community and shut down some longstanding Land O’ Lakes businesses, according to area business owners who spoke at a public hearing about redesigning the intersection at State Road 54 and U.S. 41.

Residents studied maps, and asked questions of state highway representatives, at a public hearing on ways to ease traffic congestion at State Road 54 and U.S. 41. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Residents studied maps, and asked questions of state highway representatives, at a public hearing on ways to ease traffic congestion at State Road 54 and U.S. 41.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

They told representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation that a “no build” option is the best choice, at least for now. Several suggested that a by-pass to direct traffic around the intersection would work better than an elevated State Road 54.

More than 100 people took part in the public hearing on Dec. 10 at the Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, off State Road 54.

Those attending could see exhibits of proposed road construction, could watch a video and could offer public comment.

“We are not against development, but development should not be done for one group at the expense of so many others,” said Elayne Bassinger, president of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

Bassinger renewed an earlier request for the state transportation department to schedule workshops to permit a more in-depth discussion of the issues for residents and business owners.

While some favor a no-build option, others want solutions for an intersection that often is described as being “a nightmare.”

About 99,000 vehicles per day cruise through the intersection, according to state data. By 2040, state highway officials predict that to more than double — with an estimated daily count of 208,000 vehicles.

John Spear moved into a subdivision off State Road 54 in 2010.

He said he and his wife often sit in traffic for five minutes or more.

When they first arrived in Land O’ Lakes, he said, “Traffic used to be light. Now the lanes are full. I’m appreciative of something like this being done. It looks like a lot of thought has gone into this.”

Kirk Bogen, with the Florida Department of Transportation, addressed more than 100 people at a public hearing, at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church.

Stephen Riddell, a Canadian snowbird, recently returned from Ontario. “In the last six months traffic has increased tremendously,” he said. “I think improvements are needed. I don’t know which alternative yet.”

But, some think an elevated roadway would essentially be a wall, separating Land O’ Lakes and Lutz.

They said the purpose of the new interchange seemed to offer more benefits to motorists from other counties, including Pinellas.

“The Land O’ Lakes community deserves to be more than a high-speed avenue carrying cars east and west through our community,” said Ann Childers. “No build, that’s the only thing I could vote for as a resident in good conscience.”

The state department of transportation is conducting a study to evaluate the project before settling on the design and type of improvements for the intersection. The completion date for the study is spring 2016.

About $3.4 million is available for design work. However, no money is budgeted to purchase rights of way, or for construction.

Improvements to the intersection are among Pasco County’s 2015 list of top 10 traffic priorities.

Two construction alternatives would elevate State Road 54 over U.S. 41, and both would have toll lanes. A no-build option is possible, too.

One proposal for the State Road 54 flyover would cost about $160 million. That would require about 70 acres in rights of way. About 24 businesses could be relocated based on loss of property, according to state transportation data.

The new intersection would have four through lanes on U.S. 41 in each direction, two through lanes at-grade and two elevated lanes on State Road 54.

The more expensive alternative would cost about $180 million, and would require about 30 acres in rights of way. No additional lanes would be added to U.S. 41, and turn lanes would not change. There would be two through lanes at-grade and two elevated through lanes, again on State Road 54.

Under this option, six businesses could potentially be relocated including Russell Adams Realty, MCOR Automotive, Pinch a Penny, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, McDonald’s, 7-Eleven and CVS Pharmacy.

Keystone Community Church also could be in the pathway of construction.

The hearing was intended to gather input from the public, and that will be considered before a decision is made, said Kirk Bogen, environmental management engineer for FDOT in District Seven.

“They are both viable alternatives,” he said. “We’re coordinating with county planners.”

Bogen said the no-build alternative also remains an option.

Meanwhile, property owners say they are in limbo.

“It’s the waiting game until they decide,” said Russell Adams, owner of Russell Adams Realty on U.S. 41. “You can’t build more, and it’s hard to sell.”

Adams said he can see that something has to be done, but said poor planning has been the problem.

Thousands of homes in new subdivisions have been approved over the years, and he said, “They know when you plan homes, you’ll have 2.5 cars (per home).”

Trinna Van Nostrand’s family has owned a bar on U.S. 41 since the mid-1970s. It was known as Sam’s Place when her father operated it, and mostly recently as Rock Harley Saloon.

Like many business owners, Van Nostrand said the previous widening of U.S. 41 chopped off part of her property. The bar now sits a few feet off the road.

The new road project could chop off even more land.

“If they are going to take my building, I don’t want to spend a lot of money on it,” she said. “I’m fortunate to have enough in the back to move back, but being in limbo, I can’t do anything.”

Published December 16, 2015

Pasco County is set to go super high-tech

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County could soon be zooming through the 21st century’s technology revolution at lightning speeds as the nation’s first smart gigabit community.

More than 7,800 acres in central and eastern Pasco County are slated to become a state-approved special development district, overseen locally and focusing on a land use plan that will embed state-of-the-art technology into future residential and commercial developments.

Pasco County will become a connected-city corridor, providing the nation’s fastest Internet access within a special development district. A 7-acre, man-made swimming pool, known as a crystal lagoon, will be featured in the Epperson Ranch Town Center, which is within the district. (Courtesy of Crystal Lagoon Corp.) — Pasco County will become a connected-city corridor, providing the nation’s fastest Internet access within a special development district. A 7-acre, man-made swimming pool, known as a crystal lagoon, will be featured in the Epperson Ranch Town Center, which is within the district.
(Courtesy of Crystal Lagoon Corp.)

The district is known as a connected-city corridor. Interstate 75, State Road 52, Curley Road and Overpass Road border the district.

The unifying link would be UltraFi, a Bright House fiber-optic cable network with Internet speeds that can download 100 photos lickety-split in 3 seconds, not the more typical snail-pace of 4 minutes plus.

“We think it is more than a place. It is an engine for ideas…and for community engagement,” said Karik Goyani, vice president of operations for Metro Development Group.

And, its applications go beyond entertainment into areas such as health care, education, public safety, remote surgical training, software lending libraries and job creation.

For example, surgical training can be done remotely with 3-D imaging. Biology students can examine live specimens under a microscope that is set up thousands of miles away. Pollen counts specific to a single neighborhood can be available to asthma patients who need to plan their day.

Residents got a peak at the special district at a presentation in September.

Pasco County commissioners got an overview of the district and its potential as an economic driver for the county at a Dec. 8 workshop. A second workshop on Jan. 19 will focus on financial plans for the district.

Metro Development Group and Heidt Design are partnering with the county on this one-of-a-kind visioning plan. State legislators approved the special district as a 10-year-pilot program, but the plan in total will evolve over 50 years.

The pilot portion of development will bypass the usual state reviews, with approvals made locally by county commissioners.

“The buck stops with you,” said Pat Gassaway, president of Heidt Design.

UltraFi currently can be found in three residential neighborhoods built by Metro Development Group including Union Park in Wesley Chapel. Two others – Park Creek and Waterleaf – are in Hillsborough County.

But, Pasco will be the first community in the nation with technology central to site plans from the start, not simply an add-on amenity.

The company currently is developing Park Place, a master-planned community in Wesley Chapel on the former Epperson Ranch property. A 7-acre man-made swimming pool, known as a crystal lagoon, will be the centerpiece.

Metro Development Group plans a mixed-used development with a business incubator, offices and residential.

Mirada is another of the company’s projects on the former Cannon Ranch.

Pasco is uniquely positioned to foster the connected-city corridor concept, according to William Wallace, executive director of US Ignite, a nonprofit under the umbrella of the National Science Foundation and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

He announced at the workshop that Pasco’s application to join the national Tech Hire Initiative had been approved, and would open up opportunities for the county to apply for $100 million in federal grants.

Pasco is one of about 40 national participants, and the only county in the group.

The Tech Hire program encourages non-traditional opportunities, such as technology boot camps, that offer faster training and new, higher paying jobs for people in the technology industry.

“It takes a leap of faith,” Wallace said. “It seems like you have taken that leap of faith.”

Gassaway went so far as to suggest that Pasco’s reputation as a bedroom community that supplies workers to other counties could change over time.

“Pasco might be the destination for people to come to work,” he said. “That’s amazing.”

Published December 16, 2015

Land O’ Lakes library opens makerspace

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library officially opens its new “makerspace,” known as the Foundry, at a ribbon cutting on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m., at 2818 Collier Pkwy.

It will be the first dedicated makerspace for a Pasco County library, but likely not the last. The technology and equipment at the Foundry is the future for libraries that are adapting to the 21st century needs of their tech-savvy patrons.

Parents and children with the Lego robotics team talk about their upcoming projects. But yarn and thread, shown in the background, are part of the crafting supplies provided by the new makerspace at the Land O’ Lakes library. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Parents and children with the Lego robotics team talk about their upcoming projects. But yarn and thread, shown in the background, are part of the crafting supplies provided by the new makerspace at the Land O’ Lakes library.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

The Foundry will have two 3-D printers, state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design (CAD) equipment, an Oculus Rift virtual reality system, and an audio recording studio.

However, traditional hand and power tools as well as crafting tools and supplies, including yarn and thread, also will be available.

At the ribbon cutting, there will be tours of the Foundry and demonstrations of the 3-D printer, the virtual reality system, and the recording studio.

Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Land O’ Lakes Library.

The Foundry will be open 15 hours a week, with a librarian available to answer questions and show how the technology works.

A survey was done to find out how people would want to use the makerspace, said Kathleen Rothstein, the library’s branch manager.

The room already is the meeting place for the Edgar Allan Ohms robotics team from Land O’ Lakes High School. The team is unique in being sponsored by the library.

However, Rothstein said the room also would host other activities.

Phoebe Mitchell, 16, shows off a washer made on the 3-D printer for use with a robot made by the Edgar Allan Ohms Robotics team from Land O’ Lakes High School.

“A lot of people want to learn textiles,” she said. “They want sewing basics classes, and to learn how to do small home repairs and woodworking.”

So far, people have used the 3-D printers to do small items, such as figurines, Rothstein said.

The printers can make items as large as 8 inches by 8 inches, she added.

The robotics team already is finding the CAD system and 3-D printers useful in building its robots. In one instance, the team produced a plastic washer.

It took about 10 minutes including prepping and cooling off times, said 16-year-old Phoebe Mitchell, the robotics team’s safety captain.

“It was a lot easier than going to a store to get it,” she said. “It’s cheaper than buying them. And, they seem to hold up really well.”

For information about makerspace, call the library at (813) 929-1214.

Published December 16, 2015

Pearl in the Grove wins ‘Golden Spoon’

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The farm-to-fork menu at the Pearl in the Grove is a winning combination of creativity and freshness that earned the Dade City restaurant a 2015 Golden Spoon award.

Florida Trend magazine highlighted its annual Golden Spoon winners in a 13-page special section of its December edition.

Curtis Beebe, chef and owner of the Pearl in the Grove, said he works with local producers and growers to select the best food to put onto the plate.

“It’s (farm-to-fork) the core of our philosophy,” Beebe said.

Pearl in the Grove won a 2015 Golden Spoon from Florida Trend magazine for its fresh, original take on the farm-to-fork movement. This is one of the restaurant’s meals. (Courtesy of Pasco Count) — Pearl in the Grove won a 2015 Golden Spoon from Florida Trend magazine for its fresh, original take on the farm-to-fork movement. This is one of the restaurant’s meals.
(Courtesy of Pasco Count)

He also noted that the farm-to-fork concept isn’t just a trend.

“It’s a component of dining in Florida now,” Beebe said.

Pearl in the Grove opened in Dade City in 2010 in a small 1950s house at 31936 St. Joe Road. Beebe and his wife, Rebecca, also operate LOCAL Public House in San Antonio, and Rebecca’s at City Market, in downtown Dade City.

In singling out Pearl in the Grove, Florida Trend noted, “Small menu, small place, but a bold idea. Florida farm-to-table in a crossroads far away amid real farming: The kumquat capital of the world. Catfish meuniere and fried okra, Florida chicken and pork are paired with smart wines.”

Florida Trend’s restaurant editor, Chris Sherman, is a well-respected food critic, Beebe said.

Sherman favorably reviewed Pearl in the Grove when it first opened, and Beebe said the critic generally looks to see if a restaurant can maintain standards over four or five years before awarding a Golden Spoon.

“We were very, very happy to hear about the award,” Beebe said.

Another Pasco County restaurant located in New Port Richey – Dulcet – also received a Golden Spoon as best new restaurant.

Dulcet is a high-end restaurant and night club in downtown New Port Richey, praised by Florida Trend for its eclectic menu and fresh ingredients.

Published December 16, 2015

Senior cats retire to the Cats Cradle

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The secluded backyard in a quiet Lutz neighborhood is a make-believe world that once transported the Jenkins’ children into the Wild West.

But Frontierland, with its school house, storefronts and covered wagon, does more these days than entertain giddy children at fantasy-filled birthday parties.

Bruce Jenkins founded Cats Cradle as a nonprofit shelter for senior cats in crisis and in need of homes. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Bruce Jenkins founded Cats Cradle as a nonprofit shelter for senior cats in crisis and in need of homes.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

A menagerie of geese, roosters, chickens, a miniature horse and a goat live in the yard.

But, it is Garfield, Moxie, Bumper, Forrest and a dozen or so of their feline friends that rule this frontier town.

Frontierland is home to the Cats Cradle, a nonprofit sanctuary founded by Bruce Jenkins.

He is a savior of sorts — taking in older cats at his nonprofit that no other shelters will accept.

These are cats in crisis that have run out of options.

“We’re not taking cats that are inconvenient for somebody,” Jenkins said. “They have to be in advanced difficult circumstances, and we’ll consider taking them.”

More than a dozen cats roam the half-acre of the Cats Cradle, lounging or strolling on bridges that crisscross the yard from train depot to a lookout station at the chicken coop to a tall wooden tower.

On a recent morning, Garfield napped mid-way between the tower and a small schoolhouse that contains supplies and a video monitoring system.

Prowler, left, and Garfield hang out in the transition room. Prowler is the newest cat at Cats Cradle

Inside the schoolhouse, the colony’s newest tenant – Prowler – stayed by himself in a “transition” room, also known as the sunroom.

Prowler, a 12-year-old marble Bengal, would hang out there for awhile, Jenkins said, before moving outdoors and claiming his place in the social hierarchy.

“Prowler is getting adjusted,” Jenkins said. “The main thing is to get him used to the sights and smells. There’s a lot to do and see here.”

While Prowler was hanging out in the transition room, Garfield suddenly popped in to share feeding time with him.

Babette, a seal point Himalayan, groomed herself atop the tower. Forrest stretched out on the ground next to half a dozen feeding dishes.

Moxie padded over to Jenkins, side-by-side with the mini-horse and an inquisitive goat.

Jenkins explained the eclectic mix of animals.

“We just like a variety in a farm setting,” said Jenkins, whose property is zoned agricultural.

A row of frontier storefronts houses a senior center with cat beds and train tracks circle a water pond in the Garden Room.

Jenkins hopes in the future to raise about $2,000 to refurbish two more buildings, and open up room for more cats.

Forrest lounges next to feeding bowls at Cats Cradle, a sanctuary for senior cats in Lutz.

He recently began restoring an old train engine that once made appearances at the Lutz Fourth of July parade.

The sanctuary began with Forrest and Bumble (now placed in a forever home), and a plaintive request from Jenkins’ wife. Once the children, Casey and Nikki, grew up, the back yard sort of went to seed – and weed.

“Either tear it down or re-purpose it,” his wife told him.

A neighbor’s two cats and a dog in crisis made up Jenkins’ mind. The dog found a new home but Jenkins’ took in Forrest and temporarily, Bumble.

“It kind of grew from there,” Jenkins said.

Cats range in age from 8 to 18 years. No feral cats are accepted.

Babette’s owner moved from an assisted living facility to a nursing home. Similar stories of life changes, such as financial loss, death and illness, brought Prowler, Bonnie, Daisy, Tucker and Clyde to the sanctuary as well.

The cats have to be in good health and open to joining a cat colony. A local veterinarian provides discounted rates for medical care, and another veterinarian serves on the nonprofit’s board of directors.

“I don’t like to turn people away, but we have to have a balance to keep the community happy,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins does what he can to place his cats. A few have settled in as companion cats at nursing homes. “Sometimes residents are really, really lonely, but they want to care for a pet,” Jenkins said. “They are happy to have a cat to sit on their lap. It’s great for the cat. They get more attention than they’d get here.”

Or Cats Cradle residents have found a new home with individuals willing to take in an older, more settled cat.

“This is a niche we’ve kind of fallen into,” Jenkins said. “It’s a national problem. Everybody wants a cute kitten.”

Jenkins would like to put a spotlight on the problem of older, homeless cats – and dogs – and see more sanctuaries pop up around the country. He also believes pet owners need to think about setting up pet trusts as part of their wills.

“It’s unfortunate they are over age eight and often unadoptable,” he said. “Many (pets) are put down, and they have a lot of love in them.”

For information, call Jenkins at (813) 501-8868, or visit Cats-Cradle.org.

Published December 16, 2015