The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

Wharton player commits to Southeastern

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Wharton High’s Justin Visconti
(Courtesy of Wharton High)

Justin Visconti, a senior defensive tackle at Wharton High, has committed to Southeastern University, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) school in Lakeland. The 5-foot-11, 285-pound lineman tallied 39 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks in 2016. As a junior in 2015, Visconti racked up 22 tackles and five sacks. Visconti is also a member of the Wharton lacrosse team.

Nice Haul!

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(Courtesy of John Medvid)

Land O’ Lakes residents Greg Victor, left, and Matthew Kyle teamed up to win the South Pasco Bassmasters (SPBM) March 18 tournament at the Harris Chain of Lakes, in Lake County. The duo caught five bass, with a total weight of 16.39 pounds; the largest bass weighed 4.95 pounds. The next SPBM tournament is April 15, at Lake Istokpoga, in Highlands County. For information on the club, visit SouthPascoBassmasters.com.

Hoops star receives All-South District honors

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Saint Leo’s Marcus Dewberry
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Following a stat-stuffing senior season, Saint Leo guard Marcus Dewberry has been named to the second-team Division II All-South District, selected by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

During the 2016-2017 season, the 6-foot, 180-pound standout led the Lions in scoring (20.7 points per game) and assists (4.8 per game), and was third in rebounding (5.1 per game). An elite shooter, Dewberry shot 48 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3-point range and 92 percent from the free throw line.

Over his four-year career, Dewberry left his mark in the Saint Leo program record books, ranking in the top 10 in five major categories all-time: fourth in assists (406) and three-point field goals made (193); seventh in scoring (1,524); eighth in steals (133) and ninth in free throws made (277).

Zephyrhills adding new technician

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To help the city of Zephyrhills address annexations, rezoning and land-use changes, a new technician is being added to the municipal payroll.

A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technician is being added to help manage the city’s geographical database.

The technician will provide ongoing mapping analysis for the city.

The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved the new position on March 13, and the job was advertised on March 14.

For the current budget year, the technician will be regular part-time with no benefits, Steve Spina, the city manager said.

The city of Zephyrhills plans to hire a full-time Geographic Information Systems technician to assist with future mapping and planning analysis for the municipality.
(File)

The job, however, may become full-time “with a salary not to exceed $39, 239.69.”

The position, meanwhile, will be paid out of the city’s General Fund, Utility Fund and Sanitation Fund, due to the variety of work involved.

During the past decade, various city employees have contributed to the creation and management of the city’s GIS database, incorporating GIS shape data files, information and maps.

For instance, the assistant city planner’s job description allocates 10 percent of job duties toward GIS.

The city also has a planning intern, Kevie Defranc, assisting the utilities department with GIS mapping.

Defranc, a student in University of South Florida’s Masters of Urban Planning program, recently discovered several properties annexed into Zephyrhills that were not on the city’s tax roll.

Defranc’s findings reportedly brought in several thousand dollars to the city, including one parcel that uncovered $50,000 in unpaid taxes.

But, as workloads pile up, Spina said the city now requires a single point of contact “educationally trained to handle the duties and responsibilities” of GIS.

Addressing the council, Spina said it took city staff about a year and a half to upgrade all of the city’s maps, and reform rezoning and land use changes, from prior years.

Moreover, he noted, all of the city’s GIS data and maps will need continual updates, as the city grows and develops.

In addition to planning, the technician will assist other departments on special projects, such as categorizing dumpster locations, utility line locations and sidewalks throughout the city.

“The position’s a real asset to the planning department,” Spina said. “There’s just a wealth of things that can be done, in addition to the planning.”

Public works director Shane Leblanc also addressed the council to offer his support for the newly created position.

Leblanc said GIS responsibilities could prove even more critical once the city transitions to an automated garbage collection, where optimized routes for drivers can be identified and developed.

“As technology evolves, GIS is just going to continue to be a more important asset, especially for public works,” Leblanc said.

Published March 22, 2017

Former police station to become temporary city hall

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As construction on the new City Hall complex ramps up, Zephyrhills city staff will shuffle operations to a familiar building.

Beginning this summer, most city departments will relocate temporarily into the former Zephyrhills police station, at 5344 Ninth St.

Construction on a new $6.2 million City Hall complex is slated to begin this summer. The plan calls for a two-story building of 19,615 square feet, situated between the city’s public library and fire department on Eighth Street.
(File)

City council members approved a 12-month lease agreement between the city and Dannie Jordan, of RTD Construction. It calls for the city to pay $4,000 per month for use of the 5,200-square-foot building, from June 1 to May 1.

The city also has an exclusive option to extend the contract month-to-month for up to six months.

Council members took the action on March 13, during a regularly scheduled meeting.

Once the staff has moved, the existing City Hall, at 5335 Eighth St, will be demolished to make way for construction of a new $6.2 million complex.

The plan, which was approved in January, calls for a two-story building of 19,615 square feet, situated between the city’s public library and fire department on Eighth Street.

With a modern stone and brick exterior, the new City Hall follows an architectural template similar to the Zephyrhills Public Library.

Compared to the current City Hall, the complex’s interior will be equipped with more open workspaces and multifunctional meeting rooms.

Meanwhile, the former police station will accommodate most city departments, as construction is ongoing.

However, two departments — Planning and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) — will set up shop in the Jeffries House, at 38537 Fifth Ave.

As construction begins on a new City Hall complex, government employees will relocate temporarily into the former Zephyrhills police station, at 5344 Ninth St. The city signed a 12-month lease to use the 5,200-square-foot building between June 17 and May 1.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

City Manager Steve Spina said the old police station is move-in ready, and has lines already pre-wired for city-owned computers and phones.

“The building will be a perfect fit for us in terms of a relocation site during the construction of the new city hall,” Spina said.

Only a few minor changes are needed, such as widening a window for customers to access the City Clerk’s office, Spina said.

Besides ample workspace, the old police quarters should result in some cost savings for the city, which originally budgeted $120,000 for a relocation site.

In other related action, the city council approved the purchase of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter building, at 5325 Eighth St.

The agreement calls for the city to pay the chapter $55,000 net, plus minimal closing costs.

The .16-acre property, appraised at $71,200, sits on two lots measuring 50 feet-by-140 feet.

In November, the council authorized obtaining an appraisal to determine the value of the property after DAV Chapter 65 announced it was shutting operations.

The now-vacant property — adjacent to the current City Hall along Sixth Avenue — includes a 924-square-foot main building, a 450-square-foot aluminum storage building and a 335-square-foot concrete block building.

The main DAV building was slated to provide temporary office space for the city’s Building Department, but an inspection unveiled various facility issues, including roof leakages.
The building instead will be torn down to make way for additional parking and sidewalks along Sixth Avenue.

The property, moreover, encompasses the city’s vision of a courtyard plaza and walkway, linking the new City Hall and the city’s public library, and fire department on Eighth Street.

“We’re buying it for the big picture,” Spina said last month. “Part of the appeal of the area is it would be a government complex.”

Published March 22, 2017

Fitness expert offers tips to get healthy, stay healthy

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Are you really healthy?

That was the main question posed by fitness professional Casio Jones, during a recent Community Awareness Series event, presented by Pasco-Hernando State College.

Jones is the wellness director for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CREATION Health and Wellness Center, at 38233 Daughtery Road.

Speaking to dozens of students, faculty and community members at Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus in Dade City, Casio Jones offered nutritional and fitness tips. He warned that poor diet choices and lack of exercise can lead to major issues later in life.
(Kevin Weiss)

Jones held an educational and interactive discussion on March 14 at PHSC’s East campus in Dade City.

There, he spoke to a classroom filled with students, faculty and members of the community.

Upbeat and energetic, Jones offered up a “Cliff Notes” version for maintaining health, and presented several pillars for living life to its fullest.

Jones, who holds a master’s in health administration challenged the members of the audience to match their health efforts with their financial efforts.

He probed: “All that money in your bank account — how does that benefit you when you’re in a hospital bed, or just are not feeling good?”

Good or poor health, he said, all comes down to lifestyle choices.

“It’s simple. The choices that we make can affect our ability to exist with, or without, a chronic disease,” Jones explained.

The health and fitness professional cited a statistic by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), claiming 90 percent of the 10 leading causes of death are due to poor lifestyle choices.

He added his own blunt assessment: “I think that’s our biggest threat to our nation.”

Moreover, 1.4 million Americans die each year from a combination of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke, according to the CDC.

For Jones, the staggering figures strike close to his heart.
Several relatives, including his mother and brother, suffer from Type 2 diabetes.

“I refuse to have diabetes,” Jones said. “I make different choices in my life, because I know there’s a (family) flaw.”

He warned poor choices — unhealthy food and drinks, lack of exercise, smoking — can contribute to “bad consequences” over time.

“We have to have a new mindset,” Jones said, “that what I’m doing today can affect tomorrow.”

He advised the crowd to refrain from refined sugar, alcohol and processed foods.

Those products, Jones said, “destroy your body.”

“Moderation can be deceiving,” he explained. “A little bit adds up.”

Jones, too, suggested keeping meat intake under 10 percent of all food consumption, surprising many in the audience.

He said animal products, especially those high in saturated fat, should instead be substituted with plant-based foods.
“Your body needs clean, whole nutrients,” he explained. “If you don’t have the energy to exercise, it has a lot to do with how you eat. Your body needs fuel — the right fuel.”

Besides offering several dietary parameters, Jones’ presentation also centered on exercise — and ways to get more of it.

Setting achievable goals is a good way to start, he said.

His suggestions include using the stairs more often, parking far away from various shopping destinations and taking daily evening strolls with a friend.

Small changes can equal big results.

Finding an enjoyable activity or sport is yet another simple way to be more physically active, Jones said.
“Find excuses to move,” he said. “Discover something you enjoy doing.”

Jones’ talk also included the need to maintain emotional and mental well-being.

Adequate rest, getting outdoors each day and an overall optimistic attitude goes a long way toward relieving tension and stress, he said.

“Focus on the good things,” he said, “and don’t pay attention to the small, negative things.”

Since 2011, Jones was instrumental in overseeing the development of the new Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CREATION Health Wellness Center, which opened last February.

The 13,000-square-foot, 24-hour fitness facility offers various group classes, healthy living seminars and a wellness spa.

Since the grand opening more than a year ago, the facility’s membership has grown from 465 members to over 2,050 members, Jones said.

“We are enjoying the impact we are making in our community,” he said. “It’s just a safe environment for people to come and learn.”

For information, visit FHZWellness.com.

Published March 22, 2017

Going out on top

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Pennye Garcia, the longest-standing cheerleading coach in Pasco County is retiring — and she’s going out on top.

Sunlake cheer coach Pennye Garcia, left, is retiring at the end of the school year. For the second consecutive year, Garcia was named SAC East Cheer Coach of the Year. Also pictured: Sunlake principal Michael Cloyd and senior Mallory Mock, who won SAC East Cheerleader of the Year.
(Courtesy of Pennye Garcia)

Garcia, who’s coached at Sunlake High in multiple stints (2007-2008, 2013-2017), was recently crowned Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) East Cheer Coach of the Year, for the second consecutive year.

It, too, marks the second straight year one of Garcia’s cheerleaders — senior Mallory Mock — was awarded SAC East Cheerleader of the Year. (In 2016, then-senior Amanda Slozer won the honor.)

Moreover, eight of Garcia’s cheerleaders from this season were selected to the SAC East All-Conference teams, the most of any east Pasco school.

One of the premier cheerleading coaches in the area, Garcia maintained a successful track record at Sunlake — four consecutive state appearances — by instilling discipline, consistency and purpose. She also maintained the quality of cheerleaders she would select for her varsity squad.

She, too, is regarded for her diligent preparation.

“I like to do things way ahead of time,” Garcia said, “so that there’s no surprises.”

Other coaching stops during her 15-year career included Academy at the Lakes, Hudson, Mitchell, Land O’ Lakes and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

Yet, some of her most impressive accomplishments occurred during her tenure at Sunlake.

In the 2013-2014 season, she led the Seahawks to a state title in the Class 1A Medium Division.

Sunlake’s inaugural 2007-2008 season was memorable, too.

Under her tutelage, a group consisting of six freshman and no seniors advanced to states, finishing seventh out of 24 teams.

Under Garcia, Sunlake has been one of the top cheerleading programs in Pasco County. She is the longest-standing cheerleading coach in Pasco County, at 15 years. Garcia previously coached for Academy at the Lakes, Hudson, Mitchell, Land O’ Lakes and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

“I had a really young team,” Garcia said, of the inaugural team. “When they announced the teams to go to finals…I was totally shocked.”

Besides the competitive cheer success, Garcia will miss Friday night high school football games, along with the countless relationships she cultivates each year.

Over the past few weeks, it’s been a teary-eyed farewell tour, of sorts.

“It’s just very emotional,” Garcia said, “because…I love what I did and I have special (feelings) for my kids.”

Garcia, too, wants to be remembered as a coach who cared for her athletes, wanting to see them improve, both on and off the floor.

“She’s just an amazing coach,” Mock said. “She’s made me the person that I am today. She’s taught me strength, determination, and how to set examples.”

Over the years, Garcia has remained “real close” with many of her former cheerleaders.

Some of them, likewise, have made significant coaching strides.

For instance, Hudson High coach Chelsea Hatcher, the 2016-2017 SAC West Cheer Coach of the Year, is one of Garcia’s former cheerleaders.
So, too, is Sophia Fluellen, the head cheer coach at Pasco-Hernando State College, a program that has won five College Co-Ed Level 6 division titles in the past seven years.

While there’s no indication yet who will replace Garcia, one thing’s for sure: the new coach is taking over a program with a solid foundation.

“I’ve got everything all set,” she said. “We’ve got uniforms; they don’t have to really fundraise too much.”

And although she’s retiring from coaching high school, Garcia’s not completely saying goodbye to the sport.
Garcia will still organize private instructions, and teach lessons at Mary Jo’s Performing Arts, in Tampa.

She also plans to judge at various Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) competitive cheer competitions.

She said she might even publish a book on cheerleading coaching, providing tips on tryouts and formations, especially for new coaches.

“I’ll miss the thought process of putting (cheerleaders) into groups and doing the brain work, because I do that constantly,” Garcia said.

Mock, too, plans to stay involved with the sport, after she graduates in May. One possibility is auditioning to be a Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) staff member. Another is joining University of South Florida’s Coed Cheer Team.

Published March 22, 2017

Rincon named Saint Leo head women’s soccer coach

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Mario Rincon, a longtime Division I assistant, has been named Saint Leo University’s new head women’s soccer.
Saint Leo athletic director Francis X. Reidy announced the hiring on March 15.
“We are excited to welcome Mario Rincon to our staff,” Reidy said, in a release. “His winning experience at various institutions around the country were a deciding factor as we look to continue our success in women’s soccer.”

Rincon spent the past five seasons at the University of Arkansas, working on the Razorbacks’ touchline with head coach Colby Hale. He was a part of three NCAA tournament teams at Arkansas, including this past season when the Razorbacks set a program record 18 wins and ranked as high as No. 11 in the nation. Rincon also had coaching stints at Army, Florida Gulf Coast University, Wright State University, Baylor University, Duke University and the University of Miami.
Former Saint Leo women’s soccer head coach Ged O’Connor resigned in February to accept a head coaching position at Troy University in Alabama.

O’ Conner posted a 123-66-12 overall record in his decade-plus of coaching, leading the Lions to seven NCAA tournament appearances during that period.

Softball ace tosses another no-hitter

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Callie Turner, a sophomore ace at Land O’ Lakes High School, tossed her fourth no-hitter this season, striking out 21 batters in a 1-0 win over River Ridge High on March 16.

The University of Tennessee commit has been on a tear this season, netting a 0.33 ERA and 140 strikeouts through 64 innings. She’s also thrown nine complete games and hasn’t surrendered an earned run in her last seven appearances, dating back to Feb. 28.

Last year, Turner won five games, compiling a 0.46 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 46 innings.

Sunlake High softball standout notches 100th hit

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Shelby Lansing, a senior catcher/first baseman at Sunlake High, notched her 100th career hit in a 5-4 win over Mitchell High on March 14. The Southeastern University signee is batting .250 with a home run and three RBIs, through 10 games. A four-year varsity player, Lansing has a .372 career batting average, with 13 doubles, 51 runs and 44 RBIs.