Kevin Weiss

Lacrosse alum to play for Puerto Rico

January 24, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Joe Espinosa, a former Saint Leo University men’s lacrosse player, has been selected to represent Puerto Rico at the 2018 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) Men’s Lacrosse World Championship.

Saint Leo men’s lacrosse alum Joe Espinosa will represent Puerto Rico at the 2018 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) Men’s Lacrosse World Championship.
(Courtesy of Puerto Rico Lacrosse)

A 2010 graduate of Saint Leo, Espinosa was one of 30 players selected to the Puerto Rico roster, after the national team hosted a two-day tryout; the team was announced on Jan. 10.

The 2018 FIL Men’s Lacrosse World Championship will take place July 12 to July 21, in Netanya, Israel, in Netanya Stadium. The worldwide competition will showcase 50 participating countries. It is Puerto Rico’s first-ever appearance.

Espinosa was a short stick midfielder while at Saint Leo.

In a release, Saint Leo men’s lacrosse coach Brad Jorgensen said, “We are proud to see Joe representing Puerto Rico in the World Games. His passion for lacrosse and our university is contagious, and we are thankful for it.”

Volleyball coach takes new position

January 24, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Longtime Pasco-Hernando State College volleyball coach/assistant athletic director Kim Whitney has been named varsity head coach at Calvary Christian High School, a Class 4A private school in Clearwater.

Whitney has coached at PHSC since 2004, building the team into a junior college national power. She led the program to 13 regional tournament appearances, seven District P championship titles, seven NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) national tournament appearances, three Suncoast Conference championships, and an NJCAA D-II National Championship in 2010. Most recently, she was named Southeast Region Coach of the Year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) at the 2017 AVCA convention in Kansas City in December.

Pasco Sheriff’s Office expands youth Explorer program

January 17, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Explorer program, which teaches local youth different aspects of law enforcement, is expanding its reach to include middle-schoolers between the ages of 11 to 13.

The Junior Explorer Unit— referred to as Explorer Post 915—builds on the agency’s original Explorer Post 916. Chartered by the Boy Scouts of America, these original Explorers are young adults, ages 14 to 21, who are possibly interested in law enforcement careers.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco speaks about the Explorer program during a Jan. 9 interest meeting. The program teaches local youth different aspects of law enforcement. (Kevin Weiss)

The junior program, announced in September, is now accepting boys and girls who are either enrolled in a Pasco County middle school or home-schooled.

“We’re trying to expand the whole opportunities within the Sheriff’s Office, and we’re trying to build up the next generation of leaders in the county,” Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said during an Explorer interest meeting on Jan. 9.

The Explorer program exposes youth to fundamental principles of law enforcement.

Training includes everything from classroom instruction, scenario reenactments, traffic stops, state statutes, radio procedures, report-writing techniques and more.

Explorers also are exposed to forensics and crime prevention efforts, as well as introductions to some of the agency’s specialty units such as K-9, the Special Incident Response Team and underwater recovery.

The junior unit will cover many of the same topics, but at a less intense level.

It marks the first of its kind in the Tampa Bay area and just the second statewide to accommodate middle-schoolers; the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has a similar program.

Besides teaching interested youth about law enforcement, the Explorer program also strives to improve relations between the community and the Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s kind of bridging the gap between people who know a lot about law enforcement — because they’ve experienced it — and people that maybe don’t,” said Cpl. Justin Smith, a senior advisor to Explorer Post 916.

“You know a lot of people say, ‘Oh, you’re just here to arrest my dad.’ We want to show these kids…that we are so much more than that,” said Chase Daniels, assistant executive director at the Sheriff’s Office.

One of the state’s best programs
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office Explorers has about 35 active members. It has been recognized by the Florida Association of Police Explorers as one of the state’s best.

It finished fourth out of 28 posts in 2017 state competition, receiving high marks for mastery of active shooter, search and arrest, and crime scene scenarios. It also finished 3rd in 2016 and 2nd in 2015 at the state competition.

Jeremy Hixson spent five years as an Explorer and now serves as a citizen advisor to the program.

Besides learning the ins and outs of law enforcement, Hixson said he improved his communication skills, and his organizational and time management skills. He also learned about the importance of teamwork, accountability and responsibility.

The 22-year-old Wesley Chapel resident plans to enter the law enforcement ranks after he graduates from the University of South Florida; he’s already applied for a police academy sponsorship through the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

Pasco Explorers from left, Conor Ryan, Alex Acevedo, Ben Udden and John Jaufmann wear protective headgear for an exercise using simulation weapons in a mock active shooter call for service. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

“One thing that I really like about the Explorers is (the Sheriff’s Office) teaches you their guidelines — how to write a report, their general orders and everything—so that by the time you get hired you’re already well-focused on what their equipment is; it’s just great exposure to agency norms,” he said.

One of Hixson’s favorite memories as a young Explorer was participating in the ride-along program as a passenger observer. Explorers who are 15 and older can become eligible for ride-alongs.

“I’ll say it’s definitely cool going through red lights with lights and sirens,” Hixson said, with a chuckle. “It’s definitely a thrill, and I’m sure other Explorers will attest to that.”

Besides learning, Explorers volunteer in various areas of the Sheriff’s Office and help at many community and agency events.

They support parking efforts made at various races, such as the Savage Race at Little Everglades Ranch, and the Longleaf Triathlon at Starkey Park.

They also assist other festivals and special events, such as the Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, manning traps for shooters.

They’ve even been approved to help Sheriff’s Office members during natural disasters such as hurricanes — assisting deputies to work at approved hurricane shelters.

“I think it’s just a great opportunity for children that want to see what law enforcement does, and it gives them a little bit of a reality; but, it’s also about serving back in the community,” Nocco said.

Several former Explorers have developed into some of the agency’s most effective deputies, including Capt. Justin Ross, who went through the Explorer program as a teenager.

The program helped Ross land a civilian position as a forensic technician in the Sheriff’s Office after he graduated Mitchell High School in 2006.

“It definitely opened the door; it presented an opportunity for me at age 18,” Ross said.

He later made the transition to a sheriff’s deputy and earned a promotion to detective in less than two years.

Because of the Explorer program, Ross said he was a step ahead of other deputy hopefuls in the Sheriff’s Office field training program.

Ross noted he was well familiar with several aspects of the job “that a lot of people struggle with coming into law enforcement with no experience or any involvement prior.”

“You can stand out amongst all the rookies on the job, and it just really sets you up for a successful career,” Ross said of the Explorers.

Tyler Boogades hopes that’s the case for himself someday.

The 14-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident joined Explorer Post 916 about six months ago after finding out about it on Facebook

He’s interested in law enforcement, so Boogades figured “it was a good thing to try out.”

Learning about different topics — such as room-clearing tactics and state laws — has kept him intrigued at each Explorer meeting so far.

“I find the details really fascinating,” he said.

For more information about the program, visit PascoExplorers.com.

Explorer meetings will be every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Pasco Safety Town, 15362 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills.

Published January 17, 2018

Locals shine during 2017-2018 college football season

January 17, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Another exciting and memorable college football season is in the books. In addition to the University of Alabama capturing its sixth national title under head coach Nick Saban and the University of Central Florida finishing with an unblemished 13-0 record, several locals had noteworthy individual campaigns in 2017.

Here’s a look back at some of the top performers from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, including both Pasco and Hillsborough counties, that shined in the Division I FBS and FCS ranks in 2017:

Auden Tate, wide receiver, Florida State University
High School: Wharton High School; graduated in 2015
Tate offered one of the few bright spots for a Florida State team that took a step back in 2017, finishing an uncharacteristic 7-6.

A viable red-zone threat, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound junior tallied 40 receptions for 548 yards and a team-leading 10 touchdown receptions.

And, his last game was his best.

In the Seminole’s 42-12 win over Southern Mississippi in the Dec. 27 Independence Bowl, Tate tallied three touchdown passes as part of a five catch, 84-yard performance.

Tate has since announced he will forego his senior season to enter the 2018 NFL draft. Many outlets project the wide-out to be one of the top receivers selected, possibly between the first and fourth rounds.

A native of South Carolina, Tate moved to Tampa after his freshman year of high school. At Wharton, he developed into one of the nation’s most sought-after recruits, with his rare combination of size and athleticism.

Chase Litton, quarterback, Marshall University (Huntington, West Virginia)
High School: Wharton High School; graduated in 2014
Litton capped off his junior season —and third year as Marshall’s starter— in impressive fashion.

He threw for 3,115 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading the Thundering Herd to an 8-5 record that was capped by a 31-28 win over Colorado State University in the Dec. 16 New Mexico Bowl.

The 6-foot-6, 232-pount Litton became just the second quarterback in school history to complete at least 60 percent of his passes in three consecutive seasons. The other was Byron Leftwich, who spent a decade in the NFL from 2003 to 2012.

Litton, who recently declared for the NFL Draft, cemented himself as one of the Marshall’s all-time great passers. He ranks fourth in program history in career touchdown passes (72); fourth in most pass completions (772); and fifth in career passing yards (8,832).

In four years at Wharton, Litton amassed more than 7,600 passing yards and 54 touchdowns. He was also a standout basketball player with more than 1,000 career points.

Alex McGough, quarterback, Florida International University
High School: Gaither High School; graduated in 2014
The four-year starter guided Florida International to an 8-5 record — tying the best mark in the program’s 16-year history. (FIU also went 8-5 in 2011).

McGough’s senior season was also his best season numbers-wise. Completing 65 percent of his passes, the 6-foot-3, 218-pound pocket passer tallied 2,798 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. A capable runner, he added 231 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

McGough exits the FIU program with numerous passing records, including most career touchdown passes (65).

His accomplished career came to a bittersweet end in the Gasparilla Bowl on Dec. 21, when he fractured his left collarbone on the team’s first offensive drive. FIU ended up losing to Temple 28-3.

McGough was rather lightly recruited out of Gaither (FIU was his only Division I scholarship offer) despite being one of Tampa Bay’s most decorated passers — amassing more than 5,100 career passing yards and 52 touchdown passes in four varsity seasons. He also played baseball and soccer.

McGough’s younger brother, Shane, also plays for FIU and graduated from Gaither.

Shaheed Salmon, linebacker, Samford University (Homewood, Alabama)
High School: Land O’ Lakes High School; graduated in 2014
The 6-foot-2, 233-pound senior outside linebacker followed up last year’s All-Southern Conference campaign with an even better showing, posting a team-leading 109 total tackles, along with 15.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and an interception. He again received First Team All-Southern Conference honors and was named Third Team Stats FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) All-American.

Salmon had four games with 10 or more tackles, including a career-high 18 in the team’s NCAA Playoff game at Kennesaw State.

He also was named Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Month in November.

The defensive stalwart and sure tackler was also one of the key reasons Samford posted an 8-4 overall record (6-2 conference play) and reached the FCS Playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1992.

At Land O’ Lakes High, Salmon was a three-sport standout, competing in football, basketball and track. In his senior year, he led the Gators in tackles (117), tackles for loss (21.5) and sacks (8.5).

Amani Oruwariye, cornerback, Penn State University (State College, Pennsylvania)
High School: Gaither High School; graduated in 2014

Despite missing two games to injury, the 6-foot-1, 209-pound redshirt junior firmly established himself as one of the Big Ten Conference’s top cornerbacks — posting a team-high four interceptions, along with 12 passes defended and 28 total tackles — helping the Nittany Lions to an 11-2 record and Fiesta Bowl win.

The on-field performance proved good enough for second team All-Big Ten honors — Penn State’s first cornerback to do so since 2008.

Expected to return for his senior season, Oruwariye is regarded for his size, length and athleticism at the defensive back position.

Prior to college football, Oruwariye was a three-year letterman at Gaither High and earned team MVP honors his senior year. He also earned first-team all-district honors and was selected to play in the Hillsborough County All-Star Game.

Other Notables:

Janarion Grant, wide receiver, Rutgers University (Piscataway, New Jersey)
High School: Pasco High School; graduated in 2013
Battled injuries all season long, but still managed to finish with 600 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in seven games. Exits Rutgers as its all-time kickoff return yardage leader (2,857 yards) and tied for the NCAA record for combined kick return touchdowns (8).

Nate Craig-Myers, wide receiver, Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama)
High School(s): Pasco High School; Tampa Catholic High School; graduated in 2016
Dade City native displayed a solid sophomore campaign, tallying 16 receptions for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Will be expected to make a bigger impact in 2018.

Chris Faddoul, punter, Florida A&M University
High School: Wiregrass Ranch High School; graduated in 2017
Freshman averaged 39.4 yards per punt, including eight of 50 or more yards. Also, pinned 16 punts inside the 20-yard line.

Shane Bucenell, quarterback, Charleston Southern University (Charleston, South Carolina)
High School: Wiregrass Ranch High School; graduated in 2015
Sophomore passed for 737 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. Also, rushed 164 yards. Last month announced plans to transfer to another school.

Published January 17, 2018

Local football standouts selected to U.S. National Team

January 17, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Two of the top football players in Pasco County — and in all of the Tampa Bay area — have been selected to represent the United States as members of the 2018 Under-19 National Team.

Wesley Chapel’s Isaiah Bolden and Wiregrass Ranch’s Jordan Miner were among 47 players from 15 states named to the USA Football roster.

As part of the team, Bolden and Miner will compete against Football Canada’s Under-19 National Team on Jan. 19 at 9 p.m., at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas. The game will be streamed live at www.internationalBowlix.com.

The matchup is part of International Bowl IX, which also features 24 high school-and middle school-aged teams from across eight nations on three continents.

Other National Teams will compete against teams representing Canada, Japan, Mexico and the Nordic region, comprised of players and coaches from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Bolden and Miner, both senior cornerbacks, last month signed their national Letters of Intent to play Division I FBS college football — Bolden to Florida State University; Miner to Penn State University. Both were consensus four-star prospects and ranked among the state’s top players for the 2018 recruiting class.

Keystone Park slated for upgrades

January 10, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Major upgrades are on tap for the Keystone Park & Recreation Center in Odessa.

A renovated community center, expanded playground, resurfaced tennis courts and the creation of a walking trail with exercise stations are some of the higher priorities for a $2.5 million improvement project.

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation has outlined several enhancements to the Keystone Park & Recreation Center in Odessa. The park is budgeted for $2.5 million in improvements this year. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

Additional parking, along with drainage and lighting improvements, are also expected from the project, which is funded through Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation’s Capital Improvement Program.

The entire scope of the project will be finalized after public input is received and analyzed by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.

An open house is set for Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m., at the Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway in Odessa.

At the meeting, a short presentation will be given on the project, and parks and recreation officials will be available to answer questions.

Attendees can also fill out comment cards on park upgrades and desired requests.

From there, work will be prioritized based on the highest demand of requested changes, and maintenance and operational feasibility.

The design and permitting process is expected to begin sometime this year.

The entire project could be complete as soon as spring 2019, according to Kyla Booher, planning and development manager for the county’s parks and recreation department.

Keystone Park averages about 4,500 monthly visitors.

Besides a community center, the 26-acre park features a playground, baseball field, multipurpose field, four tennis courts, two basketball courts, two picnic shelters and a park restroom building.

As part of planned upgrades, the county may look to reconfigure some of those amenities, Booher said, “so that it lends more towards a friendly site that is accessible.”

That could include the transformation of its lone baseball field to an open field space for special events and more informal sports activities. An AAU baseball team, the Tampa Thunder, is no longer a tenant of the park.

Accommodating more after-school youth is another general objective.

Proposals call for a new or expanded playground and a multipurpose court.

Other feasible upgrades range from new signage and security cameras, to additional water fountains, benches, picnic tables and other miscellaneous amenities.

Public meeting on Keystone Park improvements
Where: Keystone Park Community Center, 19729 Gunn Highway, Odessa
When: Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Details: The park and community center are slated for upgrades beginning in late 2018. The scope and specific type of the improvements won’t be decided until after residents have had an opportunity to give their opinions.
Information: Hillsborough County Citizen Engagement at (813) 272-5272.

Here’s a look at some possible renovations and improvements to the Keystone Park & Recreation Center, based on the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation’s master plan.

Renovate/expand community center
Restroom renovations
Replace and/or resurface tennis courts
Install basketball court cover
Construct more paved parking lots
Re-sod multipurpose playing field
Remove & relocate basketball court
Install band shell with concession
Expand playground area and install sun shades
Explore alternatives to the baseball field location
Remove miscellaneous surplus buildings
Consolidate drain fields
Add miscellaneous amenities: new signage, water fountain, benches, picnic tables, security cameras, landscaping

Published January 10, 2018

New space sought for Zephyrhills Senior Center

January 10, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Pasco County Senior Services is seeking a new location for the Zephyrhills Senior Center, after its abrupt closure at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church.

Last month, the church informed the county it no longer could support the program, citing financial reasons.

The senior center closed on Dec. 31. It been operated at the church since 2010.

The Zephyrhills Senior Center has been located at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church since 2010, but closed on Dec. 31, after the church said it no longer could support the program, citing financial concerns. (File)

Under a public-private agreement, the church lent out its multipurpose space at no cost, while the county provided meals and other services to seniors in the community.

Dozens of residents took advantage of the Zephyrhills programs each day.

Those seniors have since been redirected to the Dade City Senior Center, until the county finds a new facility to support a program in Zephyrhills.

Officials hope to pinpoint a permanent location within the next few weeks, likely under another public-private scenario.

It’s not the first time Zephyrhills seniors have been forced to trek to Dade City to receive meals and services.

The senior space was shut down in September 2016 for kitchen renovations, after black mold was discovered.

The facility reopened nine months later, after a $33,000 makeover fully funded by the church.

Besides Dade City and Zephyrhills, the county’s senior services division operates facilities in Port Richey, New Port Richey, Land O’ Lakes and Shady Hills.

At each facility, hot, balanced meals are served five days a week, free to seniors age 60 and older.

The locales also provide seniors with entertainment and socialization.

Card games, bingo and puzzles were some of the regularly scheduled events at the Zephyrhills Senior Center.

Movies, live music and guest speakers were also presented there each month.

Those broad offerings will remain at the new location, according to Diane Cunningham, senior services manager for Pasco County.

“When we move to the new location, we will continue to offer a variety of activities, exercise, events, trips, nutritional education and nutrition counseling,” Cunningham wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

“We are working with other organizations to increase activities and provide more informational programs,” she added.

The Zephyrhills Senior Center has had several locations during its history.

The senior program has also been hosted by First Church of the Nazarene in Zephyrhills and Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel.

From 1993 to 2008, the Zephyrhills Senior Center was located on Airport Road and owned by CARES (Community Aging and Retirement Services) Inc.

Published January 3, 2018

Human trafficking happens everywhere, including Pasco County

January 10, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Elected officials, law enforcement and other stakeholders in Pasco County have teamed up this month to shed light on the growing issue of human trafficking.

The problem was at the forefront of a Jan. 5 press conference that featured Pasco County District 1 commissioner Ron Oakley, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, State Rep. Danny Burgess, Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and others.

“We’re not afraid to say there’s a problem,” Nocco said. “There’s a problem here in Pasco, there’s a problem here in Tampa Bay, there’s a problem in the state of Florida, there’s a problem nationally, and there’s a problem globally.”

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco detailed the warning signs of human trafficking during a Jan. 5 press conference.
(Kevin Weiss)

Nocco said it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact number of victims in the county. Many human trafficking cases go unreported, he said.

That’s why the sheriff is urging people to be on the lookout—and report—any suspicious activity.

He noted major events — such as the NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 28 in Tampa— oftentimes leads to an uptick in prostitution, due to the number of travelers coming into town.

“If there’s a house in your community, and you see a lot of people coming in and out, see a lot of young girls and even young boys, call law enforcement,” he said.

“If you’re in a restaurant and see something that doesn’t look right, call law enforcement.”

Nocco explained sex trafficking doesn’t just lurk in low-income areas, motels or adult establishments.

“Everybody thinks it’s always going to be a seedy part of town; it could be a very high-class area, a high-class neighborhood, where they’re smuggling young girls or young boys,” Nocco explained. “This is not a crime that’s about stereotypes. It’s every race, color, creed, gender, ethnicity and sexual preference. Everybody can be a victim of this.”

He noted that preventing more victims starts “at home” with parents informing their children about human trafficking, and the dangers it presents.

“If you create an environment where the kids are loved,” Nocco said, “basically you’re reducing the factors that will allow them to be victims of human trafficking. “You also have to be a parent to other kids in your neighborhood, because there’s going to be parents…that don’t care.”

Elected officials, meanwhile, are working to tackle the trafficking problem at large.

The U. S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign has set aside Jan. 11 as ‘Wear Blue Day.’ It’s a day to pledge solidarity with victims of human trafficking and to raise awareness about, and work to end related crimes. The entire month of January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. (Courtesy of U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

The House of Representatives has introduced legislation holding websites accountable for soliciting human trafficking, called the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017. Bilirakis said he expects it to pass sometime this month. The House also passed a Homeland Security funding bill that appropriates $2.1 billion—an increase of nearly $94 million — for domestic and international investigations programs, including efforts to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.

Elsewhere, the U.S. Senate introduced the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017, a bill that would help shut down websites that knowingly provide a platform for sex trafficking. The bill has been reported out of committee and is awaiting passage.

“It’s a nonpartisan issue,” Bilirakis said, “and all stakeholders must work together to solve the problem.”

The month of January has been declared National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, by a presidential proclamation. And, Jan. 11 is the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Wear Blue Day,” a day to pledge solidarity with victims of human trafficking and raise awareness about, and work to end related crimes.

Called Blue Campaign, it is the unified voice for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

Locally, one group is trying to do its part to find solutions.

The Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, formed in 2014, is chaired by by Liana Dean, a social worker at BayCare Behavioral Health.

The group is made up of 11 stakeholders representing different sectors of the community. The stakeholders include county government, law enforcement, behavioral health, business and service providers, the school district, faith-based community and others.

It promotes public awareness about human trafficking, creates educational programming opportunities and advocates for strategies to aid survivors of human trafficking.

Since its formation, the commission has taken several active steps to curb human trafficking on a regional level.

It worked with the Pasco County Commission in 2016 to pass an ordinance that mandates signage to raise awareness of human trafficking be posted in the restrooms and dressing rooms of sexually oriented businesses, such as adult entertainment establishments and unlicensed massage services.

It also worked with the National Human Trafficking Hotline and WTOG-TV/CW44 to produce three public service announcements designed to educate the public about the local presence of trafficking.

The commission also has trained more than 3,000 members of the community on human trafficking through its community awareness presentations.

Jennie Sammur, who was recognized as the group’s Volunteer of the Year, helps with social media and public relations strategies.

Sammur, a Tampa-based real estate agent, said awareness is “very key in correcting this horrific crime in our community.”

Florida has consistently ranked third in the number of cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, behind only California and Texas.

Published January 10, 2018

Shuffleboard player joins ‘1,000 points’ club

January 10, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Zephyrhills’ Earl Ball has achieved yet another milestone in what’s been a lengthy and historic shuffleboard career.

Ball, a resident of Betmar Acres, recently became just the third player to amass 1,000 career points within the Florida Shuffleboard Association (FSA) — joining Clearwater’s Glen Peltier (1,364 points) and fellow Betmar resident Joan Cook (1,049 points).

Zephyrhills resident Earl Ball became the state’s third shuffleboard player to amass 1,000 points. (Courtesy of Earl Ball)

To honor the feat, the FSA last month presented the 73-year-old Ball with a commemorative green jacket — reserved only for members of the 1,000 points club.

A corresponding awards ceremony was held for Ball on Dec. 17 at Betmar Acres, attracting more than 100 guests.

Besides friends and family, shuffleboard players from all across Florida and other states gathered to celebrate Ball on his rare feat.

“It was a fabulous experience to be recognized like that,” said Ball, who sits with 1,020 points.

“When you’re living it, you never realize what’s going on around you; you never realize you’re reaching a record like that, that other people just haven’t made,” he said.

Ball began taking shuffleboard seriously after he retired from the automotive industry in 1997.

He earned “instant pro” status by 1999. (Players can earn a pro designation by accumulating five points within a three-year period at state-sanctioned events.)

Ball has averaged about 55 points per season at the state level since then.

Shufflers earn points for finishing near the top of state-sanctioned events. A first place finish, for example, nets five points.

Joining the 1,000-point club is just the latest of Ball’s many shuffleboard feats.

Ball is the current record-holder for FSA championships (115), as well as National Shuffleboard Association championships (21) and men’s national points (421).

He was inducted into the FSA Hall of Fame in 2005—reserved for players who’ve accumulated at least 200 points.

He’s since achieved Hall of Fame status at the district, national and international levels, as a player.

Earl Ball was recognized during a Dec. 17 shuffleboard awards ceremony at Betmar Acres in Zephyrhills. Besides securing 1,000 points, Ball is the current record-holder for FSA championships (115), as well as National Shuffleboard Association championships (21) and men’s national points (421).

Shuffleboard, or floor shuffleboard, is a game in which players use cues to push weighted discs, sending them gliding down a narrow court, with the purpose of having them come to rest within a marked scoring triangle-shaped area — where different parts of the triangle are worth different points. Matches can be played in singles or doubles.

It has developed a cult following in Florida, particularly among retirees and elderly.

Ball said his shuffling success was born out of a serious commitment to the game.

For many years, the retiree would play eight hours a day, six days a week, year-round.

The countless hours of practice and playing in matches allowed him to apply all kinds of strategies and learn the sport’s nuances.

“I would listen to everybody,” Ball said, “and I became an expert in the rules.”

Though he longer follows such a rigorous schedule, Ball acknowledged he still plays “more than most people” — usually five or six days a week.

That includes playing in numerous events throughout Central Florida, as well as tournaments in places like Hollywood, Fort Pierce, Fort Myers, Melbourne and Leesburg.

For Ball, the game is more than just “a bunch of old people pushing discs back and forth.”

Instead, he describes it as a “physical chess game.”

“It takes you back to your young days of sticks and stones, and bats and balls, and everything else in the field,” he said.

Personal accolades notwithstanding, Ball’s greatest satisfaction comes when he teams with novice players and helps them earn their first wins.

That happened most recently on Jan. 3, when Ball teamed with Zephyrhills resident Walt Shine to win a New Year’s tournament in Clearwater.

“To see how happy they are that they won — it’s that kind of thing that’s just really a thrill for me,” said Ball.

As a youth, Ball grew up playing just about every sport competitively year-round. From baseball, basketball and football, to wrestling and cross-country, Ball “always had something going on.”

He also became a “near scratch” golfer as an adult.

That drive remained as Ball’s grown older, but with a focus on shuffleboard.

When asked what keeps him playing regularly, Ball said: “That’s what I do. I’m a competitive athlete; have been all my life. So, that’s just me.”

And, he doesn’t plan on changing his ways anytime soon.

Ball strives to one day surpass Peltier as the state’s all-time points leader.

As a means to extend his shuffleboard career — and maintain his health and wellness — Ball can regularly be found at the local YMCA lifting weights several days a week.

“I do a lot of things that people don’t see to keep myself in shape to compete with other people, and hopefully that will allow me to continue the way I am,” Ball said.

Published January 10, 2018

Seven undefeated seasons and counting!

January 10, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Pictured from left, Greg Mathis, current Stewart Middle School football coach; Alan Altman, Pasco County District 1 School Board member; Gene Whitfield, Mayor of Zephyrhills; and, Norman Scheuerman, former Stewart Middle School football coach. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The Stewart Middle School Bulldogs football team recently was recognized for its streak of seven straight winning seasons from 2010 to 2016 — a feat that includes 41 consecutive wins and seven conference titles.

On Dec. 15, Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield presented a proclamation to the Bulldogs football team for its lengthy win streak. Though middle school records are difficult to find, USA Football shows only five high schools in the country have more consecutive wins, and one has the same number.

The Bulldogs had two head coaches during its seven-year undefeated run — current coach Greg Mathis (winning seasons from 2014 to 2016) and former coach Norman Scheuerman (winning seasons from 2010 to 2013).