Kathy Steele

Veggie Van to deliver fresh produce in East Pasco

July 22, 2015 By Kathy Steele

For many low-income families, putting fresh fruits and vegetables on a grocery shopping list is a luxury out of reach.

They live in what are known as food deserts, where the only choice for buying groceries is a corner store or a convenience shop.

The Veggie Van is a point of pride for Tom Looby, left, president of the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA; Kelley Parris, executive director of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County; Ann Shafer, loan officer at Bank of America; Lakeisha Hood of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and Michelle Maingot, chairwoman of the YMCA’s board of directors. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — The Veggie Van is a point of pride for Tom Looby, left, president of the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA; Kelley Parris, executive director of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County; Ann Shafer, loan officer at Bank of America; Lakeisha Hood of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and Michelle Maingot, chairwoman of the YMCA’s board of directors.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

Fresh produce is either nonexistent or so costly families can’t afford it. Catching a public bus to a grocery store isn’t always a satisfactory answer.

“You can only carry so much on a bus,” said Mike McCollum, executive director of the Bob Gilbertson Central City Family YMCA in Tampa.

So, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA came up with a solution – the Veggie Van.

The program operates on a two-week rotation, delivering seasonal produce to families in need. The refrigerated truck, loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, will be parked at the Lacoochee Community Center in Stanley Park on Aug. 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Other participating communities are Sulphur Springs, Wimauma Village and Tampa Heights, in Hillsborough County. The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, the Bank of America and the Joy McCann Foundation are among the sponsoring partners.

On July 10, McCollum and other dignitaries, including Tom Looby, president of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, officially rolled out the yellow and orange van.

The vehicle sparked interest from passersby while parked for a week in the lot across from the Central City YMCA on Palm Avenue in Tampa.

“It just looks cool,” said Looby. “We will go to (families) in this visually, appealingly colorful van. But instead of the ice cream truck, it’s the Veggie Van.”

A summer youth camp for children ages 5 and 6 hiked over from the Bob Gilbertson Central City YMCA in Tampa to get bags of vegetables to take home.

As many as 50 food deserts have been identified including the Lacoochee community, said Elizabeth Roman, the mobile food market director for the Tampa area YMCA.

In the future, more communities in Hillsborough and Pasco counties could become stops for the Veggie Van.

“There are many families not able to access fresh fruits and vegetables,” Roman said. “We’re trying to eliminate the gap, if we can.”

Children and families who qualify for free or reduced meals at schools automatically qualify and only need to sign up for the program. Families in Lacoochee can sign up at local Boys & Girls Clubs or on the day the van comes to the community center.

A nutritionist, with the local extension agency, will work with families on food preparation, tips for shopping, food safety, nutrition plans and the need for physical activity.

“We strongly believe the Veggie Van will change the face of hunger in the Tampa community,” said Jacqueline Hunter who will work with the Veggie Van program in Hillsborough. She works for Hillsborough County Extension.

In Lacoochee, an extension program, Family Nutrition Program of Pasco County, will partner with the Veggie Van. The county program has been providing nutritional and educational services at Lacoochee Elementary School for about eight years.

The first three years of the Veggie Van will cost about $200,000 from a combination of funds from the YMCA and grants from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and Joy McCann Foundation. In addition, Bartow Ford donated the van and CGM Services provided the van’s cooling system.

Representatives of Florida’s Department of Agriculture are serving as advisors for the mobile market.

The idea for Veggie Van had been percolating for more than a year. The agencies found common concern about giving families more access to healthy, nutritional food.

And, Looby said the Joy McCann Foundation already was supporting a food program in Lacoochee. The YMCA itself has ongoing programs in Pasco. “It made sense for everyone to make the connections,” he said.

Interested families can contact Elizabeth Roman at (813) 229-9622, ext. 1729, or email to ">.

Published July 22, 2015

Pasco gushes with ideas for spending BP oil money

July 22, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County is set to receive $7.4 million as its share of an $18.7 billion federal and multi-state settlement with BP Oil for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The payout could be a partial answer to the budget woes facing Pasco County commissioners. They have a $1.3 billion proposed budget for 2016, but not enough money to fund all of the county’s needs.

There were plenty of ideas on how to spend the windfall during the commission’s July 14 meeting in Dade City.

Commissioners met in a closed-door session before approving the proposed settlement.

A portion of the settlement, which should arrive within three months, would go for attorneys’ fees.

Commissioners wasted no time in tossing out ideas on how to spend the money.

“Let me give you my ideas,” said Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Her suggestions include providing about $3 million to the sheriff’s department and $1 million to parks and recreation. She also wants to spend money on water and sewer projects.

Those ideas came after commissioners spent a long day reviewing next year’s budget, which is set for final approval in September.

During their budget discussion, they heard pleas from Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco for a $6.5 million budget increase primarily to cover pay hikes to his deputies. As it stands now, the budget calls for covering only $2.7 million of Nocco’s request.

Nocco has repeatedly said the funds are critical in making Pasco competitive in salary and benefits with other counties.

Commissioner Mike Wells suggested the BP money could be used to give all county employees a pay raise.

“If it’s 5 percent, that’s great,” he said.

BP recently agreed to what is the largest environmental payout in U.S. history for penalties and natural resource damages. Nearly five years ago, an explosion on the offshore oilrig – Deepwater Horizon – killed 11 people and spewed millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf for months.

Florida will receive more than $3.2 billion as one of five Gulf States that sued BP. Louisiana received the largest amount at $6.8 billion. Other states were Mississippi, Alabama and Texas.

Florida still has pending lawsuits against Haliburton and Transocean.

Pasco is one of about 400 local governments that are included in the settlement agreement.

The city of Tampa agreed to accept $27.4 million in damages. Hillsborough County will receive about $28.5 million, and Pinellas about $9.5 million.

Chairman Ted Schrader suggested the money go into the county’s reserves, at least for a while.

“It’s one-time money,” he said. “I don’t think we should be spending it hastily.”

As commissioners ran down their wish lists, Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker drew a laugh when she said, “We don’t have it yet.”

Published July 22, 2015

Charter committee faces crucial vote

July 22, 2015 By Kathy Steele

A panel that was appointed to examine whether Pasco County needs a new structure could be headed toward a conclusion, if panel members decide to reject a charter-style government.

On the other hand, a favorable decision would mean the panel has more work to do to craft the details of how that charter government would operate.

A vote is tentatively set for Aug. 10, on the same day the county’s legislative delegation is expected to weigh in on the topic.

Ted Schrader said he doesn’t think Pasco County needs to adopt term limits for commissioners. ‘We have term limits. It’s called elections.’ (File Photo) — Ted Schrader said he doesn’t think Pasco County needs to adopt term limits for commissioners. ‘We have term limits. It’s called elections.’
(File Photo)

The charter process began two months ago in response to a request in January from State Rep. Richard Corcoran, who supports adoption of a charter.

“It’s a pretty important topic you all are jumping into,” Pasco County Chairman Ted Schrader said, at the panel’s July 13 meeting in New Port Richey.

Schrader, and Pasco County commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Michael Moore, were invited to the charter panel’s meeting to discuss issues related to the Pasco County Commission’s duties and functions.

But panel members largely zoned in on term limits, single-member districts, and whether to have an elected administrator or mayor.

Pasco County currently is governed under home rule with five districts, each with a representative elected by countywide vote.

Moore and Starkey supported term limits ranging from 12 years to 16 years.

Starkey said commissioners need that much time to develop institutional knowledge and a thorough understanding of how government functions.

But she said, “I don’t think anyone should be in office for 50 years.”

Schrader took a different view.

“We have term limits. It’s called elections,” he said.

Commissioners generally agreed that despite Pasco’s growth spurt, there aren’t enough residents to justify a shift from countywide voting to single-member districts.

That might change in five to 10 years, but for now Starkey said,

“I feel more powerful as a voter, voting for all five.”

Weighing the pros and cons, Schrader said the advantage would be in creating the potential for a minority candidate to be elected.

“But other than that, I don’t see any real benefit from single-member districts,” he said.

Moore said the idea is worth a look.

“I don’t have a problem with single-member districts,” he said. “I think a minority district is worth investigating,” he added.

However, increasing from five to seven commissioners wouldn’t make sense now based on Pasco’s population. “We’re not there yet,” he said.

On electing an administrator, Starkey is no fan.

“It shouldn’t be a political job,” she said.

Schrader also is adamantly opposed to what he described as a “hot button issue.”

He said making it elective would invite outside financing from people “who never set foot in Pasco.”

Moore was less committal. “There’s many ways to look at this,” he said.

Commissioners appointed the 15-member charter panel in May. Members can choose to adopt a charter or not.

In contrast, state law requires that a charter commission, once formed, must produce a charter. Pasco County commissioners would not be able to amend the charter document, and voters have the final say on adoption.

Corcoran favored the commission rather than the nonbinding panel. An activist group, the Pasco County Citizens Charter Coalition, is partnering with the lawmaker in a petition campaign to secure a required 45,000 signatures needed to establish such a commission.

“I think they’ve put a great weight on you, and it’s going to take some courage,” said Dan Callaghan of the charter coalition group. He spoke to the panel during public comment.

Pasco County commissioners initially said they created a panel to have more control over the outcome. But, they also have said that they will accept whatever choice the panel makes. If a charter were chosen, then the matter would be on the ballot in November 2016.

“We’re not making any changes. We all agreed to it,” Moore said. “Whatever comes to us, we’ll abide by it.”

Published July 22, 2015

Pasco’s budget approaches $1.3 billion

July 22, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County’s budget for fiscal year 2016 will be about $1.3 billion. But that outsized number won’t stretch far enough to meet all the county’s needs, including a pay hike requested by Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.

Pasco County commissioners were scheduled to set a tentative millage rate, on July 21 — after our deadline for going to press.

However, the budget is still open for discussion and won’t be approved until September.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco might not get the money he requested for pay hikes. (File Photo)

As it stands now, Nocco will get about $2.7 million of the $6.5 million increase he requested. His overall request of $104 million was about 6.7 percent higher than the budget approved by Pasco County commissioners last year.

The additional funds were meant to cover pay raises and benefits, as well as ongoing expenses for body cameras and helicopter maintenance.

According to Nocco, County Administrator Michele Baker’s proposed budget only provides enough money to give his employees a 1 percent pay boost.

But Baker said the budget proposal provides a 3 percent pay raise for all county employees, without raising the millage rate.

Nocco’s supporters are clearly not satisfied with the county administrator’s proposed budget.

On July 14, employees from the sheriff’s office and fire rescue packed the Dade City Courthouse meeting room as the commissioners received their first public briefing on the budget.

“We’re out here fighting for the sheriff’s budget,” said Sgt. Justin Ross, the department’s union representative.

According to data collected by the sheriff’s department, the starting pay for a Pasco County deputy is just under $40,000. With five years’ experience, pay rises to more than $42,000.

However, the average starting pay in surrounding counties is nearly $43,000. At the Tampa Police Department, a deputy would start at about $47,000. With five years’ experience, pay increases by nearly $10,000.

“You have a bunch of deputies out there unhappy,” said Ross. “They are looking to go elsewhere. Really, we need to start now. It’s imperative.”

Nocco told the commission members he expects to lose up to 60 deputies by the end of the year. That’s an increase over the 44 deputies who left last year.

To meet all of Nocco’s needs, the millage rate would have to be increased about a quarter percent over its current rate of 8.9, according to Assistant County Administrator Heather Grimes.

That equates to a tax bill increase of about $28.50 a year for a homeowner with a $150,000 house.

The total $1.3 billion budget is about $90 million more than the current budget. But, the operating budget of about $450 million is a decrease of just under 1 percent.

The county has had modest growth of about 4.5 percent. Property valuations rose by about $1 billion, translating to an additional $7.7 million in county coffers. But much of that is from new construction.

Existing homes are protected by the state’s Save Our Homes provision that pegs increases to the Consumer Price Index, which is less than 1 percent. The index periodically measures the prices for goods and services paid by households.

“Revenue is not going to recover at the same rate as property valuations,” said Baker.

The county could run out of its general fund reserves – currently about $8.5 million – within three years based on increasing expenses year to year. And, operating reserves of about $24 million would only cover about six weeks of expenses during a natural disaster such as a hurricane.

Baker said the county’s budget is focused on more efficiencies and eliminating waste.

“Money may not be there for a lot of things that we want to do,” she said.

Among highlights in the budget are $1.4 million for a one-time purchase of security cameras at the jail, and maintenance for the helicopter unit. Funds also are allocated for two pilot programs for an inmate work program and a unit that goes after unlicensed contractors.

An annual storm water fee to upgrade failing drainage systems will increase from $47 to $57.

The county will cover the costs of eliminating a $10 recreation fee for each child who plays in noncompetitive sports leagues.

Unless a tax hike is approved, vehicles for three fire stations and construction of a station on Overpass Road in the Watergrass subdivision in Wesley Chapel will remain unfunded. Money is available for those one-time expenditures, Baker said, but there are no funds for recurring personnel costs.

That didn’t sit well with Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “I’m a little unhappy,” she said. “Who made the decision?”

Baker took responsibility. “We just couldn’t get it done without making cuts somewhere else,” she said. “It was too big a nut to be funded.”

Published July 22, 2015

Business Digest 07-22-15

July 22, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Network luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a networking luncheon on July 23 at 11:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 408 E. Bearss Ave., in Tampa. The luncheon topic will be “Relationship Building with Business Neighbors.”

Guests will order from IHOP’s menu. The senior lunch menu will be available to all attendees. Prices begin at $6.39 per person depending on items selected, but that does not include tax and tip. Items available include pancakes, crepes and omelets as well as sandwiches, soups and salads. Minimum payment of $5 is required if you don’t order food, plus you must pay for your drinks.

For information, contact Jenn Beaumont at , or call AIG at (813) 334-8998. For directions, call (813) 960-2679.

Grand opening
Dollar General will open its doors for a grand celebration in Dade City on July 25 at 8 a.m. There will be prizes and special deals including a $10 Dollar General gift card to the first 50 adult shoppers at the store. The first 200 shoppers will receive a Dollar General tote bag, among other giveaways.

The store is located at 34464 Cortez Blvd., in Dade City. Dollar General stores generally employ between six and 10 people. Anyone interested in joining the company’s team may visit the Career section at DollarGeneral.com.

The discount store chain is based in Tennessee and has a reputation for delivering low prices on basic merchandise in food, housewares, cleaning supplies, clothes and health and beauty products.

Literacy also is a goal promoted by Dollar General. At the cash registers at Dollar General, customers can pick up brochures with information on resources to learn to read, speak English or earn a General Education Diploma. For information, visit DGLiteracy.com.

Meet and greet
Grow Financial Credit Union will host its monthly Morning Meet and Greet Mixer on July 23 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., at Grow Financial Credit Union, 2579 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Lutz.

For information, contact Charane Groeller at .

Networking breakfast
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet July 28 at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

The guest speaker will be Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano.

For information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email him at .

Finance fair
Saint Leo University will host a free Finance Fair on July 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the university’s campus, 33701 State Road 52. The university, the Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center are the event’s organizers.

Participants will learn about topics such as small business loans, lines of credit, cash management services, bill pay, wealth management, gift cards and loyalty programs.

For information and to register, email .

Breakfast network
East and Central Pasco Marketing Mania will take place July 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Commons at Pretty Pond, at 38130 Pretty Pond Road in Zephyrhills. Please RSVP. A continental breakfast is provided. The event takes place every last Thursday of the month. Locations may change periodically.

For information, call (813) 779-4501.

Three ribbon cuttings
Come to a social mixer and three ribbon cuttings on July 30 at Copperstone Executive Suites, at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, Fl. The mixer begins at 6 p.m.; the ribbon cutting is at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and a meet-and-greet at Copperstone’s Salute to Small Business Networking Mixer and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony featuring Karen Bonanno DeHaas, a gem and jewelry appraiser; James Willis of The Willis Agency; and Gary Beauchaine of G-Man Lawn Care.

For information, call Copperstone at (813) 298-7363.

Happy hour mixer
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host a “happy hour” social mixer on Final Friday, July 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Stage Left, 24400 State Road 54 in Lutz. Bring your business card and get to know your fellow chamber members at this free event.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Breakfast meeting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly Breakfast Meeting on Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., in the conference room at Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The guest speaker will be Stacey Nance, general manager of Tampa Premium Outlets.

The cost to chamber members is $15 in advance, with registration online by 3 p.m. on July 31. The cost to non-members, and members, at the door is $20.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Natural Market keeps it fresh and in the family

July 15, 2015 By Kathy Steele

A thriving business in Carrollwood prompted the Kim family to open Natural Market II in Land O’ Lakes.

Now nearing its first anniversary, the store is settling into its new community and giving customers another choice for locally grown fruits and vegetables.

The store also stocks an eclectic mix of Asian, Latin and American grocery staples.

Jeff Kim, right, and his son, Yong Son, sell organic and fresh fruits and vegetables at Natural Market II. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Jeff Kim, right, and his son, Yong Son, sell organic and fresh fruits and vegetables at Natural Market II.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

A recurring plea from Carrollwood customers who had moved to Pasco County prompted Jeff Kim to search for a second location for Natural Market.

That, and the chance for a new beginning in a high-growth area like Pasco.

“They’ve been asking us to open,” said Kim. “Finally, it’s time.”

On a drive down Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, Kim spotted a vacant gas station at 4204 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., at the Bell Lake Road intersection.

It was not in the best of shape, he recalled. “Everything had to be cleaned out.”

From the start, the grocery business has been a family affair.

Kim and his family came to Tampa from Korea nearly 30 years ago when he was a teenager.

The family opened its Carrollwood market, at 4441 Gunn Highway, about 18 years ago.

Natural Market’s green roof helps draw attention to the shop, which sells fresh food, produce and flowers. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Natural Market’s green roof helps draw attention to the shop, which sells fresh food, produce and flowers.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Kim divides his time between Carrollwood and Land O’ Lakes. His son, Yong Son, is manager of the Land O’ Lakes store.

Customers say they appreciate the family friendly atmosphere.

“We love that it’s local and a lot of the veggies come from local farmers,” said Diane Polson, who stopped by recently to pick up fresh tomatoes. “That’s my No. 1 biggie.”

She also likes the purified water system that Kim has recently installed. “It’s another bonus,” she said.

The bins at Natural Market are filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some are familiar such as cantaloupe, tomatoes and apples. But it is a place to find the unfamiliar as well, including dragon fruit, sapota fruit, rambutan and longan.

Freshness and uniqueness is what Natural Market strives for. Raw honey, bee pollen, herbs, fresh-squeezed juices and farm-fresh eggs are a small part of the foods stocked on shelves and in refrigerators.

Kim also points with pride at the freshly cut flowers and flower arrangements.

Shopping for the market is always a pleasure, he said.

“It’s from experience. You go to the market every day. You see all the unique produce. It is something that connects with me,” he said.

Published July 15, 2015

Centennial Bank will acquire Bay Cities Bank

July 15, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Home BancShares Inc., the parent company of Centennial Bank, and Florida Business BancGroup Inc., parent company of Bay Cities Bank, are merging.

Home BancShares will acquire FBBI for $101.6 million, an amount that is the second largest paid for a Florida bank since 2007. The bank in the past three years has also bought Heritage Bank of Florida in Lutz, and Florida Traditions Bank in Dade City.

A closing date on the purchase will be in October.

It is not yet clear whether any Bay Cities Bank locations will close as a result a merger between Home BancShares Inc., the parent company of Centennial Bank, and Florida Business BancGroup Inc, the parent company of Bay Cities Bank. This Bay Cities Bank is located in Lutz. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — It is not yet clear whether any Bay Cities Bank locations will close as a result a merger between Home BancShares Inc., the parent company of Centennial Bank, and Florida Business BancGroup Inc, the parent company of Bay Cities Bank. This Bay Cities Bank is located in Lutz.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“I think it is a good thing for our shareholders,” said Gregory Bryant, Bay Cities’ president and chief executive officer.

Customers also should benefit from more services and products that can be offered by the resulting larger company.

After the acquisition, Home BancShares will have about $8.5 billion in total assets. Headquartered in Arkansas, the banking corporation has locations there and in Florida, Alabama and New York City.

“We look forward to adding Bay Cities’ experienced bankers to our team and to serving the customers of Bay Cities by providing the same friendly, local service they have grown accustomed to, while also providing increased resources through the combined franchise,” Centennial Chief Executive Officer Tracy French, said in a news release.

The Tampa-based Bay Cities brings more than $540 million in total assets, $391 million in loans and $461 million in deposits into the deal, the release states.

“We built a franchise in a good market,” Bryant said. “I think the price reflects that.”

The bank currently has six branch locations in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and in Sarasota. There also is a loan company in Clearwater.

Details on the transition are being worked out, and it is not clear yet if any locations will close, Bryant said.

The merger is part of a trend that has emerged since the financial crisis of more than five years ago, he said.

One reason is that low interest rates are affecting banks’ operating margins. But another issue is the increase in banking regulations in response to the crisis. Smaller banks, in particular, are burdened with absorbing regulatory costs, Bryant said.

“I think there is some pressure on the banking sector that would suggest consolidation is going to continue,” he said.

Published July 15, 2015

Tampa homebuilder plans luxury homes on Lake Padgett

July 15, 2015 By Kathy Steele

It’s a grassy tract with trees now, but luxury homes are slated for construction on more than 9 acres on Carson Drive, east of U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

Tampa homebuilder Timothy Mobley of Mobley Homes wants to build the Manors on Lake Padgett, a gated enclave of eight homes on waterfront lots.

A vacant parcel off Carson Drive is the proposed site for eight luxury houses that will be sold and built by Tampa-based Mobley Homes. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — A vacant parcel off Carson Drive is the proposed site for eight luxury houses that will be sold and built by Tampa-based Mobley Homes.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The project is in early stages, with plans to file for approvals with Pasco County, likely by the end of summer, said Renee Riordan, sales agent with Mobley Homes.

“They are beautiful lake frontage,” said Riordan. “You can’t always find sites like this.”

The lots are priced at about $200,000 each. The website for Mobley Homes, MobleyHousing.com, pegs home prices as starting in the upper $500,000 range. Mobley Homes would have several design plans available for houses of about 3,000 square feet, according to the website.

Riordan said Mobley Homes is fielding inquiries from prospective homebuyers.

The site is located across from the Countryside Montessori Academy on Carson Drive. The road is north of the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41, also known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. It dead-ends behind the Village Lakes Shopping Center.

Carson Drive is a two-lane roadway and a frequent cut-through for motorists who want to avoid the busy intersection at State Road 54 and U.S. 41.

Pasco County records list the taxable value of the property as about $852,000. Mobley is a partner in BCL Florida LLC, which owns the property.

Published July 15, 2015

Zephyrhills is crowing about clean neighborhoods

July 15, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Rocky Rooster isn’t out to ruffle anyone’s feathers. He just wants to crow about strutting through clean neighborhoods in Zephyrhills.

On July 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rocky Rooster will be the mascot and booster of neighborhood pride at the first city-sponsored neighborhood cleanup day.

“We’re really trying to get the word out,” said Gail Hamilton, director of the city’s Community Redevelopment Area.

Rocky Rooster wants to know if you’ve ‘Got Trash?’ (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills) — Rocky Rooster wants to know if you’ve ‘Got Trash?’
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The focus area for the cleanup is between Seventh Street and 11th Street, and 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, near downtown.

Fliers are being mailed to property owners. Code enforcement officers are personally delivering fliers to residents living within the cleanup’s focus area.

The campaign slogan is “Make our city something to crow about.”

The program emerged after City Manager Steve Spina asked city department heads to discuss how to improve code enforcement.

Organizers want to convey the message that the city and residents can work together to clean up the neighborhoods.

“We just thought some people are overwhelmed and don’t have vehicles to haul junk to the landfill,” said Hamilton. “It’s like a carrot instead of a stick. We’re really trying to rid the focus area of detrimental items that have accumulated over the year.”

Still, there could be consequences for residents who opt out of the cleanup.

“If they don’t use our services, code enforcement will come behind and start issuing citations,” Hamilton said.

On cleanup day, dumpsters will be placed at Eighth Street and Eighth Avenue. City crews will clean up rights-of-way and alleys. Residents will be asked to haul trash and junk to the curb for pickup. Volunteers from the city will pitch in when needed.

Hamilton noted that the area has some elderly residents who may not be physically able to do the clean up work.

No hazardous waste, such as paint and chemicals, will be accepted.

City officials hope residents will join the cleanup and have fun at the same time.

They’ve taken a light-hearted approach with Rocky Rooster — a nod to the chickens and roosters seen frequently roaming the neighborhood.

“You like the chickens, or you hate them,” Hamilton said. “We decided to take a negative and make it fun.”

Residents who participate in the cleanup can enjoy a community block party afterward, with hot dogs and drinks. They also can chat with the city’s department heads, including Hamilton and Spina.

Because this is the first time the city has done this, officials don’t know how many residents will participate or how much the program will cost the city.

Once that is determined, plans are to develop a budget and schedule a second cleanup in another neighborhood.

Eventually the city hopes to cover all neighborhoods within the 500 acres of the redevelopment area.

“We’ll keep working at it until we get it done,” Hamilton said.

Published July 15, 2015

Vintage wine is a gift that won’t be refused

July 15, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Richard Abbattista knows about rare wines. And he knows when to make the kind of wine offer no one would want to refuse, least of all movie director and wine magnate Francis Ford Coppola.

Abbattista is retired from a 40-year career in the New Jersey wine industry. He worked for hundreds of wineries around the world including Coppola’s winery in Napa Valley, California.

Richard Abbattista, and his wife Phyllis Bross, gave movie director and wine magnate Francis Ford Coppola a vintage bottle of wine. (Courtesy of Richard Abbattista and Phyllis Bross) — Richard Abbattista, and his wife Phyllis Bross, gave movie director and wine magnate Francis Ford Coppola a vintage bottle of wine.
(Courtesy of Richard Abbattista and Phyllis Bross)

Along the way, Abbattista won a bottle of 1973 Inglenook Estate Charbono in a sales incentive program in the 1980s. It is still unopened.

So when he read in “Wine Spectator” that Francis and Eleanor Coppola bought the historical Inglenook wine estate in 1975, Abbattista knew he wanted to send his prized wine to the director.

The California winery dates back to the late 1870s.

The bottle of wine was a thank you, Abbattista said, for Coppola’s great movies, such as “The Godfather” trilogy, but also for making great wines. As an industry insider, he felt pretty sure Coppola didn’t have this particular estate bottled wine.

He left a voice message and exchanged emails with Lorraine Gaudet, office manager for The Family Coppola: Wine, Food, Resorts and Adventure. Gaudet responded that Coppola would indeed be happy to accept Abbattista’s “very generous offer.”

She sent a wine-shipping box with a prepaid label and, on July 7, Abbattista sent his gift on its way to Coppola in California.

Published July 15, 2015