The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Michael Hinman

Nearly 13,000 votes already cast in Pasco

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Political candidates on the Aug. 26 ballot are making last-minute preparations as they await to hear what voters have decided about their fate.

But nearly 13,000 people already have voted in the primary election — all by mail.

Pasco County supervisor of elections Brian Corley has been keeping a real-time update of turnout as votes come in. Since early voting doesn’t begin until Saturday, all the ballots so far have been by mail. And there’s some interesting tidbits about what’s come in so far.

As of Thursday night, the number of ballots separating registered Democrats and registered Republicans who have voted is just two — Republicans lead Democrats 5,445 to 5,443. Other party voters and independents have cast 1,919 ballots by mail so far.

That’s an interesting turnout, considering registered Republicans make up 38 percent of the county’s total electorate, while Democrats have 34 percent. The main primary race, however, is Republican in Pasco County Commission District 2. There is another primary in District 4 between Mike Wells Jr. and Henry Wilson Jr., but that is an open primary where anyone can vote, since no other candidates from different political parties have filed.

Voters also will have a chance to cast a vote in a school board race between incumbent Steve Luikart and challenger Marc Yacht, a non-partisan race. Judge candidates also are on the ballot, still looking for votes to get on the bench.

Despite the five-digit turnout so far, it’s still only a fraction of the overall number of people registered to vote. The 12,807 ballots cast so far is a little more than 4 percent turnout.

The most votes so far have come from Precinct 59 north at Timber Oaks in Port Richey with an 8 percent turnout so far. The worst turnout has been from Precinct 9 based at Darby Community Church in Dade City, where just 10 voters — or 1.3 percent of the registered voters — have cast ballots so far.

Early voting in Pasco County begins Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continues Sunday at the same times. During the next week, early voting will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., before giving voters one last chance before actual voting day on Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Early voting is available at eight locations, including the East Pasco Government Center at 14236 Sixth St., in Dade City; the Land O’ Lakes Library at 2818 Collier Parkway; the New River Library at 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills; and The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd.

For a complete list of early voting sites, click here.

 

Gates might be a problem at new Seven Oaks subdivision

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A new townhouse community planned for Wesley Chapel’s Seven Oaks subdivision is struggling to keep the neighborhood gated.

Pasco County officials have recommended denying a request by The Ryland Group to allow for two gated access points to a planned 96-unit community near the intersection of Stockton Drive and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. The problem, they say, is that there isn’t enough room to accommodate a line of cars.

County ordinance requires there be at least 75 feet of space from a sidewalk to a community’s gated entrance, enough to fit three cars. However, because of the unusual layout design of the property where Seven Oaks Ryland Townhomes is planned, it can only provide enough space to accommodate two cars. The rule, officials said, ensures there is enough room for a small line of cars, without blocking sidewalks and roads.

“Significant queues could develop behind visitors waiting to be ‘buzzed in,'” county development review manager Amanda Boone wrote in a memo to the Development Review Committee, which is scheduled to hear the request Aug. 21 in New Port Richey. “Furthermore, if visitors are unable to reach the resident they are visiting, they may be unable to move from the service position at the gate due to vehicle queuing behind them.”

The plan would have provided for two entrances into the community, one from Stockton Drive, the other from Eagleston Boulevard. Only the entrance at Stockton would provide visitor access, but even a resident-only entrance at Eagleston created concern from county officials. That’s because it would only have enough room to hold one vehicle, and any additional vehicles would block pedestrian pathways.

Developers will have a chance to plead their case in front of the Development Review Committee, which will meet in the county commission chambers at 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey on Aug. 21, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The committee is led by county administrator Michele Baker, and includes assistant county administrators Heather Grimes, Cathy Pearson and Bruce Kennedy, as well as John Walsh from the Pasco Economic Development Council and Chris Williams from Pasco County Schools.

Campaign Crunch: Politicians reveal where their dollars are coming from

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Erika Remsberg has not raised a lot of money for her bid to replace Pat Mulieri on the Pasco County Commission — and she never expects to.

Mike Moore, left, and Ken Littlefield have run nearly polar opposite campaigns for the District 2 seat on the Pasco County Commission, at least when it comes to fundraising. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
Mike Moore, left, and Ken Littlefield have run nearly polar opposite campaigns for the District 2 seat on the Pasco County Commission, at least when it comes to fundraising.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

Through July 25, the lone Democrat seeking a spot on the commission has collected $4,425 on direct donations, better only than the $2,350 raised by Ken Littlefield — one of three people Remsberg may face in the November election. And it’s practically pennies compared to the nearly $162,000 both Mike Moore and Mike Wells have combined to raise for their own races so far.

But Remsberg isn’t worried. While other candidates are getting the $1,000 maximum from many donors, she is averaging far less than $100 per contribution. And that’s a proper grassroots campaign in her eyes.

“I have been at a financial disadvantage since I started,” Remsberg said. “I had to make careful decisions about how I spend money.”

More than 80 percent of Remsberg’s donations have come from people living inside Pasco County, according to campaign finance records, maintaining what she says is her commitment to find support first among county residents. But not everyone has taken that approach, like one of the Republicans seeking Mulieri’s seat, Bob Robertson.

The financial analyst from Zephyrhills has raised a little more than $10,000 in donations in his primary fight against Littlefield and Mike Moore. But less than 20 percent of that has come from the county, or even from Florida, for that matter.

“I think part of what that says is that my sort of boundaries of life are a little broader than Pasco County,” Robertson said. “These are people who know me, who believe in me, and really have nothing to gain from me personally. They are just interested and being supportive of what I’m doing and what I believe.”

Many of those donations have come from Robertson’s native Maryland, and have consisted of smaller donations — well below the $1,000 maximum — from people Robertson has called friends and family. He would prefer his local amount of donations to be higher, but his focus has been more on making sure he doesn’t collect money from those who have business with the county, especially developers.

Robertson, in fact, has only collected $250 — or less than 3 percent — of his donations from those who work in land development or sales directly associated with it. That was a check from contractor Terry Cradick of Pepper Contracting, who Robertson told The Laker/Lutz News last week that he’s actually returning, because he since has found out Cradick does business with the county.

It’s keeping his hands clean from those looking to make money with the county that has kept Littlefield away from not only those donations, but most contributions in general. The former state legislator has practically bankrolled his entire election, with just minimal support from donors.

“I’ve made sure that any money that I’ve taken, that they didn’t have the potential of appearing before the board” of commissioners, Littlefield said. “I certainly can’t speak for them, but I’m sure those donors are looking for a foot in the door, and I’m not giving them one.”

That philosophy is different with the remaining commission candidates, however, including the lone incumbent looking to keep his seat — at least by actions, if not by rule.

Henry Wilson Jr., is trying to stave off a challenge to his seat from Mike Wells Jr., the son of county property appraiser Mike Wells Sr. The open primary Aug. 26 will let anyone choose between the two, regardless of the voter’s political affiliation.

In a candidate forum last week in Dade City, Wilson tried to distance himself from Wells by telling the audience he wasn’t collecting money from developers and real estate agents.

“The first time around (in 2010) they didn’t support me, and the second time around (in 2014) they still didn’t support me,” Wilson said. “Those builders and developers are not Pasco County residents. I need to be business-friendly with them. But my support, I want it to come from our residents here.”

Except Wilson is getting support from the developer community. More than $10,000 of his donations, or just under 30 percent, come from that group. That percentage is close behind both Wells and Moore, who each have had about a third of their campaign funded by those in the developer community.

When presented that statistic, Wilson clarified his earlier statement, focusing instead on where geographically the money came from.

“I have some local people, some local developers, who gave to me,” he said. “But the national firms, the national companies, they’re the ones who aren’t giving.”

But of the developers who have contributed to Wilson, less than 15 percent listed addresses from Pasco County, according to an analysis of campaign finance records.

These developers are small businesses that can’t be ignored, Moore said, in an email.

“It’s humbling to know that so many people and small businesses believe in our cause, and have been willing to make phone calls, knock on doors, donate funds and put up yard signs,” he said.

Wells is not ashamed of the support he’s received, adding that everyone deserves a voice, especially when they are contributing more than $350 million in new construction to the county.

“Contractors, builders, Realtors, road builders, etc., are playing a major role in fueling our county’s economic engine,” Wells said, in an email. “These business people have invested heavily, and have a real interest to see their county run properly.”

Developer/Real Estate Contributions
The percentage of each candidate’s total donations through July 25 for each Pasco County Commission candidate related to new property development, including contractors, engineers, real estate agents and the people who represent them.

Mike Moore – 36.6% ($32,600)
Mike Wells – 31.6% ($23,050)
Henry Wilson – 29.0% ($10,400)
Bob Robertson – 2.5% ($250)
Ken Littlefield – 0.0% ($0)
Erika Remsberg – 0.0% ($0)

Source: Pasco County campaign finance records

Local Contributions
The percentage of each candidate’s total donations through July 25 for each Pasco County Commission candidate where the source of funds was from within the county.

Ken Littlefield – 91.5% ($2,150)
Erika Remsberg – 80.8% ($3,575)
Mike Wells – 66.7% ($48,645)
Henry Wilson – 56.1% ($20,135)
Mike Moore – 55.4% ($49,303)
Bob Robertson – 19.5% ($1,972)

Source: Pasco County campaign finance records

Published August 13, 2014

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Rock lives again as Stonegrey takes local stage

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Guns N’ Roses. Pearl Jam. Nirvana.

For music lovers in their 30s or 40s, these were bands that helped define a generation, and continue to influence rock to this day. And that’s precisely where the members of the local rock revival band Stonegrey draw their inspiration.

Stonegrey is inspired by 1990s rock bands like Pearl Jam, Guns N’ Roses and even a hint of the grunge style of Nirvana. (Courtesy of Terri Dusek)
Stonegrey is inspired by 1990s rock bands like Pearl Jam, Guns N’ Roses and even a hint of the grunge style of Nirvana.
(Courtesy of Terri Dusek)

Except there’s one thing the musicians behind Stonegrey may have forgotten to mention: Those inspirational bands had their heyday before these young rockers were even born.

The oldest members of the Land O’ Lakes-based band — lead singer Eric Whitener and drummer Tyler Dusek — are just 20 years old. Tyler’s brother, guitarist Tristan Dusek, is a recent Land O’ Lakes High School graduate and is 18, while bass player Nick Mitchell is the youngest at 17.

“The biggest challenge we face out there is how young we are,” said Whitener, who works a day job as a marketer for Magical Butter, a food company in New Port Richey. “We get up there on stage, and at first it looks like just some kids playing. But when we get off the stage, they are usually in awe, and that’s when they start taking us seriously.”

The band formed in 2010, playing mostly cover songs in smaller venues under the name Culprit. Before long, however, the band made some changes to both some of its members and its name — Stonegrey — and started to focus more on original music.

They self-produced an album with songs like “Rearview,” “Hold On” and “Leave Me Bleeding.” They practice in a spare room at the Dusek house in Land O’ Lakes, surrounded by pictures of the band on stage, sound equipment, and a life-size cutout of former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Saul “Slash” Hudson in the corner.

Jay and Terri Dusek never tell the boys to hold the music down. In fact, they’re the first to make them crank it up. The Duseks along with Angela Whitener and other parents, have been tireless supporters of their children. They’re at nearly every show, help fund new projects, and are their ambassadors out in the community.

Terri Dusek, a Realtor who currently is the Central Pasco honorary mayor, is always sharing the band’s music and show dates with nearly everyone she sees.

The band’s approach, however, practically markets itself. But that’s because all the attention is on the music, and not gimmicks, popular with many recording artists today, the members said.

“It’s not that we don’t like mainstream music,” Tyler Dusek said. “The thing that we try to do is take what we feel is good about what’s going on, and ignore what we feel is not good, and make it into something that is different. And let’s be honest, something is ‘hipster’ because no one has ever heard of it. We don’t want to be something that people never heard of.”

Performers like Miley Cyrus try to get attention with antics both on- and off-stage.

“Are they really performing music, or are they just putting on a show for entertainment purposes?” Tristan Dusek asked. “We just play music. As far as gimmicks go, we have light boxes we stand on, and then there’s our hair, but we don’t do anything that overpowers anyone.”

Oh, that’s right. The hair.

The first thing many fans notice is the long hair both Whitener and Tristan Dusek sport. It sets the mood for the style of music Stonegrey plays, but it’s also one of the many things people remember when they think of the band.

Despite what anyone might think, Tristan says his curls are natural. His brother Tyler decided it was time to grow out his hair, and in just a couple months, he may have to deal with the same thing.

Although some band members might stand out more than others, everything Stonegrey does is a group effort. Everyone takes equal credit for all the work the band does, including songwriting.

“It’s all 25 percent each, no matter what,” Whitener said. “Just like with Tyler, if he doesn’t like a drum part, he’ll say something. If I come up with some lyrics these guys don’t like, we’ll talk about it. They might have something in their brains they like better, and we’ll at least try it.”

Upcoming shows include the highly anticipated Battle of the Bands at the Ritz Ybor on Aug. 30, as well as a set at Hogan’s Beach in Tampa’s Rocky Pointe on Sept. 18.

Yet, Stonegrey still enjoys the local hometown crowds that have supported them from the beginning, playing at the Beef O’ Brady’s at Lake Wilderness.

“Personally, I don’t care how much money we make, and I don’t care how famous we are in the public eye,” Mitchell said. “I just want to get a chance to do what I love in front of people who appreciate what I am doing.”

Find music from Stonegrey’s first album on Apple’s iTunes Store by visiting tinyurl.com/StonegreyAlbum. Get a look at a music video for the song “Stop Me” in this YouTube clip at tinyurl.com/StonegreyVid. And learn more about upcoming shows from the band’s website at StonegreyBand.com.

Published August 13, 2014

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Wells seeks next generation of leadership on commission

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They share a name, they share values, and even share a penchant to serve the people through elected office.

Mike Wells Jr., is seeking a spot on the Pasco County Commission, just like his father, Mike Wells Sr., did some three decades ago. And while it’s tough to get out from under the shadow of his father, the younger Wells still aspires to be just like his dad, a respected government leader who is currently the county’s property appraiser.

His father is a popular man, but Mike Wells Jr., says he’s his own person, and is ready to provide some much-needed leadership to the county commission. (Courtesy of Mike Wells Jr.)
His father is a popular man, but Mike Wells Jr., says he’s his own person, and is ready to provide some much-needed leadership to the county commission.
(Courtesy of Mike Wells Jr.)

Mike Wells Jr., has worked to establish his own credentials over the years, leading a regional office for Enterprise Rent-A Car, and now working as a Realtor to help families find homes.

Like his father, Mike Wells Jr., has worked to develop strong leadership skills, and that’s exactly what he wants to bring to the county commission.

“We need leadership there, and we need it right now,” said Wells, who is running for the District 4 seat currently held by Henry Wilson Jr. “We lost Ann Hildebrand on the commission a few years back, and now Ted Schrader says he is retiring in a couple years. Quite frankly, that creates a vacuum that needs to be fixed.”

The political bug first bit Wells when he was 12 and his father decided he was going to run for county commission. Now, three decades later, Wells is running for a seat on that board himself, getting support from his own 12-year-old son, Cole.

“I remember going to events and meeting people all the time,” Wells said about his father. “It gave me a true look at how people can be involved in government, as long as you have leaders willing to listen.”

One thing potential voters have told Wells on the campaign trail is that they don’t want new taxes, even as the county struggles to continue providing services many have come to expect.

“We went through the most harsh economic times, and it’s only now that the real estate market is finally starting to come back,” he said. “This is just the wrong time for property taxes to be going up.”

Instead, the rise in property values should help provide the extra funding the government needs, Wells said, as the prosperity there can be passed along to much-needed government programs.

Of course, that does mean continued economic development, and what Wells sees as a greater role for the independent Pasco Economic Development Council in government. The organization had presented some ideas earlier this year on how the county could manage some of its Penny for Pasco money to fuel economic development, but the commission started pushing in a different direction that doesn’t necessarily include the Pasco EDC.

“We are all in this together, we’re all on the same team,” Wells said. “We have to work together, and Penny for Pasco is there to use, and we need to use it right.”

That also means encouraging smart development, and creating the right transportation infrastructure to support it.

Right now, the county is struggling to get people from one side of Pasco to the other. While there have been some unpopular proposals on how to expand the State Road 54/56 corridor, Wells believes more attention is needed for State Road 52 to the north, and for the county to finally get a handle on the embattled Ridge Road extension project that has yet to move forward.

And there isn’t solid economic development without more jobs coming to the county.

“We need to be able to bring jobs and bring companies to Pasco County,” Wells said. “But it starts with roads. It starts with having a plan to attract them there. And we need to work closely with our partners, like the PEDC, to make it happen.”

It also means getting residents more active in government, starting with the commission itself. It’s one thing for a commissioner to reach out whenever possible, but meetings need to be accessible as well.

Wells plans to push the commission to have at least some of its meetings in the evening, so that people who work can also participate in the process. He also wants to find ways to streamline meetings that right now can typically run for six or seven hours at a time.

“I’m not saying that we should necessarily do this, but when my dad was a commissioner, that board met at least once a week,” Wells said. “The county is now three times larger than what it was back then, and the commission only meets every other week. That’s something I really think we need to look at.”

MIKE WELLS JR.
Republican candidate for Pasco County Commission, District 4

OCCUPATION
Realtor, F.I. Grey & Son Residential Inc.

FAMILY
Tiffany Wells, wife
Cole Wells, son

RESIDENCE
New Port Richey, 8 years
Pasco County, lifelong

FUNDRAISING
through Aug. 1
$74,680

Published August 13, 2014

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Wilson depending on divine hand in re-election quest

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God is in control. At least that’s what Henry Wilson Jr., believes when it comes to his campaign to keep his seat on the Pasco County Commission.

But then again, it was probably only God that could’ve got him in that seat in the first place.

Henry Wilson Jr., has faith, and a lot of it, that he will get another four years on the Pasco County Commission. And he’ll find out after the open primary set for Aug. 26. (Courtesy of OurTownFla.com)
Henry Wilson Jr., has faith, and a lot of it, that he will get another four years on the Pasco County Commission. And he’ll find out after the open primary set for Aug. 26.
(Courtesy of OurTownFla.com)

Few people were looking at the District 4 commission race in 2010 when the last remaining Democratic commissioner, Michael Cox, appeared to be on his way to a comfortable re-election win. He had amassed nearly $163,000 — double that of the second highest fundraiser, Pat Mulieri — easily dwarfing the $8,700 and some change Wilson put together.

Yet, it was an election probably best described as a miracle. Wilson won by more than 6,000 votes, and took over Cox’s chair a short time later.

“My faith has kept my actions in check,” Wilson said. “I know that God is in control of my campaign, and that he knows the results already. I sleep well at night, knowing that I make decisions for what’s best for the county as a whole.”

And Wilson hasn’t been afraid to go against the grain. His vote was just enough last year to kill an increase in the local gas tax that commissioners say would’ve helped fund road maintenance and construction. And he’s been one of the strongest voices in his efforts to streamline the private companies going through neighborhoods collecting trash.

In the upcoming budget cycle, commissioners are faced with the question of how they are going to pay for a hugely underfunded streets and roads department. Solutions have included charging up to a nickel more in taxes per gallon at the gas pump, or an increase in property taxes, to raise the needed $8 million extra. Wilson, however, isn’t interested in either.

“We built roads over the last 30 years, and never had the operations or the budget to maintain those roads,” Wilson said. “What I’ve talked about is looking at the real estate transfer fee, the doc stamp tax. There is a fund in Tallahassee with $20 million in it that we would split with the school board. All we have to do is have the Legislature change two sentences in the law that manages it.”

One of those sentences is on what the county can spend the money, collected each time a piece of land changes hands. Critics have said it would raid money earmarked for affordable housing.

“Right now, we don’t need more affordable housing,” Wilson said. “A lot of our community development is funded by federal funds already. We need to have the option to use those dollars for roads instead of affordable housing.”

Those road projects would not include the more than 500 miles of dirt roads in the county, which right now are only paved after homeowners along those roads are hit with special paving assessments.

“The people who live on the dirt roads like the dirt roads,” Wilson said. “At least the ones who have come talked to me about it say they live on dirt roads for a reason.”

Maintaining a dirt road is more expensive than paving a road, Wilson said. Yet, if residents like the road, they shouldn’t have to be compelled to pave it.

Plus, there is no money for paving dirt roads anyway.

“Right now, there is no other option on the table to pay for it except with a paving assessment,” Wilson said.

Although taxes are expected to hold steady for the most part this coming year, Wilson believes it’s only a matter of time before some tough choices have to be made.

“When I ran four years ago, I said the millage rate was too low to maintain the current level of service we’re at,” he said. “We can only tread water for so long.”

Parks and libraries are being hit the most from a reduced budget, Wilson said.

“Those are quality of life issues we need in order to grow as a community,” he said. “We want services, but we also have to realize that somebody is going to have to pay for them.”

HENRY WILSON JR.
Republican candidate for Pasco County Commission, District 4

OCCUPATION
Pasco County commissioner

ELECTED OFFICE
Pasco County Commission, 2010

FAMILY
Rita Wilson, wife
Christopher Wilson, son
Cailin Wilson, daughter

RESIDENCE
New Port Richey, 32 years

FUNDRAISING
through Aug. 1
$36,515

Published August 13, 2014

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For sale: Plantation Palms Golf Club

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For months, questions have lingered on what’s going to happen with Plantation Palms Golf Club, the 156-acre property that closed in May.

But Thursday, at least one of those major questions were answered when the golf course went on the market … as a short sale.

Although local golfers are frustrated they’ve lost a course to play on, homeowners are becoming concerned about how a deserted Plantation Palms Golf Club could affect their home values. Dennis Realty listed the property as a short sale Thursday. (File photo)
Although local golfers are frustrated they’ve lost a course to play on, homeowners are becoming concerned about how a deserted Plantation Palms Golf Club could affect their home values. Dennis Realty listed the property as a short sale Thursday. (File photo)

Dennis Realty has listed the “legendary golf course” for $1.2 million, down from the $2.2 million MJS Golf Club LLC paid for the property in 2011. The listing described it as an “incredible deal for this level of golf course,” which was designed by David Harman in 2000.

The price includes an 11,000-square-foot clubhouse, described as “both elegant in decor and efficient in design.”

Short sales are typically property transactions mortgage companies allow to save on the cost of foreclosure. They typically sell for far less than regularly priced properties, and depending on the mortgage company’s policies, the difference between the price sold and what’s still owed could still be left to the original owner.

The mortgager in this case was Native American Bank of Denver, which funded the $2.2 million purchase with Mitch Osceola, Jayson Ray and Steve McDonald.

Since the club closed in May, surrounding residents have complained about the lack of upkeep on the course, including more recently overgrown grass and decaying equipment. Pasco County code enforcement recently cited the property for its grass, giving the course two weeks to get it mowed.

Native American Bank has not filed foreclosure paperwork with the court system, but could still opt to do that even as it continues looking for potential short sale buyers.

A couple residents told The Laker/Lutz News two weeks ago that rumors have circulated that at least two groups — including one led by a resident — have tried to make offers on the golf course, but have not received a response from the bank. None of those rumors could be verified, and Joel Smith, a senior vice president and chief credit officer for the financial institution, did not return a call seeking comment.

Plantation Palms is located off Collier Parkway, north of State Road 54.

Business Digest 08-13-14

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BizDigest-TaylorSamantha Taylor gets a little tough in her efforts to help a struggling gym in the Spike reality series ‘Gym Rescue.’ Taylor owns Pure Health & Fitness Studios in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Spike)

Local business owner on reality television
Samantha Taylor, the owner of Pure Health & Fitness Studios in Land O’ Lakes, appeared Aug. 10 on the new Spike reality show “Gym Rescue.”

“I flew out to Fort Lauderdale last year for a week to film this show, and it’s finally airing,” Taylor said, in a release.

The show, Taylor said, is similar to programs like “Kitchen Nightmares,” where someone goes in and helps a failing restaurant, except this one is for gyms and fitness studios. MMA fighters Randy Couture and Frank Shamrock host it.

Taylor had only 45 minutes to “change the life” of the gym owners in the episode, she said, “so I had to toughen up a little on the owners to help them stop making excuses for why they weren’t succeeding, and just listen to the experts giving them advice.”

Couture, according to the cable channel, owns a successful chain of gyms called Xtreme Couture MMA, while Shamrock owns Shamrock MMA.

To learn more about Taylor’s studio, visit PureHealthStudios.com.

Wesley Chapel Walmart opens
The newest Walmart at 28500 State Road 54 is set to open Aug. 13 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8 a.m.

The store created 300 jobs, and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Stephanie White will manage the store. She began her Walmart career in 1988 as an hourly cashier in Port Richey.

The store will offer the Site to Store program where items purchased online can be delivered to the local store. It also offers fresh produce and a full line of groceries. A pharmacy will offer a full range of products and services, including an iPhone and Android Walmart mobile app.

The grand opening celebration includes presentations of $7,000 in grants from Walmart to local community groups. Those recipients include the Wesley Chapel Lions Club, Wesley Chapel High School, Watergrass Elementary School, and Lily of the Valley food pantry.

A celebration is planned Aug. 16 that will include family activities and free food samples between noon and 3 p.m.

Lennar opens new phase at Concord Station
Homebuilder Lennar has opened a new phase with 145 lots at Concord Station, the company’s master-planned community located off State Road 54 and Sunlake Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes.

Lennar plans to build 52 new three- and four-bedroom houses beginning at $180,000, along with 93 new three-, four- and five-bedroom houses at a higher price point.

Concord Station has a 5,000-square-foot community center with a swimming pool, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, a sport court, a lake pond, and a community park with a picnic area.

Upcoming PHHCC events
The Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will have its regular luncheon Aug. 13 at 11:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road in Lutz.

Lunch is $20 per member, or $25 for non-members. To RSVP, call (813) 435-1499.

The chamber will host a mixer Aug. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Good Faith Insurance Services, 5854 Argerian Drive, Suite 101 in Wesley Chapel.

For information, visit PHHChamber.com.

TBBA council wins award
The Sales and Marketing Council of the Tampa Bay Builders Association received an Excel Award as Florida’s Best Sales and Marketing Council during the recent Southeast Builders Conference in Orlando.

The council was honored for outstanding achievements in membership efforts, programs, seminars, education, council marketing and awards programs, including the annual Parade of Homes and Awards of Excellence.

The council boasts membership of more than 250 sales and marketing professionals in the Tampa Bay area. Through networking, speakers and a variety of educational programs for sales professionals, the council promotes better and more efficient sales practices so consumers can enjoy a more positive and informed home-buying experience, according to a release.

Zephyrhills looking for contest entries
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominees for its annual business and community awards, which will be honored during the chamber’s annual meeting and banquet Sept. 18 at Scotland Yards Golf Club.

Nominees do not have to be a member of the chamber, but should meet the criteria established in each category. Winners from last year are not eligible, and deadline to enter nominees is Aug. 13.

For information, visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Dade City chamber wants award winners
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will host its annual awards banquet Oct. 16. With that, it’s seeking nominations for various awards.

Typically, awards are open to members who have been a part of the chamber in good standing for at least a year. Some of the categories include Business Leader of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Civic Association of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

To learn more about how to nominate, contact Jo Uber at the chamber office at (352) 567-3769, or email her at .

Bank stands up to cancer
Fifth Third Bank has returned its “Pay to the Order” of campaign that earlier this year raised more than $2.3 million for Stand Up to Cancer.

The campaign was first launched in January and leverages new checking accounts to help drive donations that support collaborative cancer research programs, the company said in a release. For each new customer who opens a checking account with direct deposit, and makes three online bill payments, Fifth Third will give $150 to the customer and donate $150 to the cancer organization, more commonly known as SU2C.

The campaign runs through Oct. 17.

Political Agenda 08-13-14

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Simpson to speak at chamber breakfast
State Sen. Wilton Simpson will speak at a business breakfast hosted by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce Aug. 19 beginning at 7 a.m., at The Commons on Pretty Pond, 38130 Pretty Pond Road in Zephyrhills.

Cost is $5 per person.

To RSVP, email , or call (813) 567-3769.

Early voting in Hillsborough
Hillsborough County will have 15 early voting sites open between Aug. 14-24, including weekends, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., for those who want to participate in the primary election.

Once voting begins, those who wish to cast their ballot early can visit VoteHillsborough.org, and find out both locations and wait times. Hillsborough voters can go to any of the 15 sites to vote.

Poll workers needed for August, November elections
Energetic? Service-oriented? Then the Pasco County supervisor of elections may be looking for you.

Poll workers are needed for both the primary election Aug. 26 and the general election Nov. 4. Positions are paid, but potential candidates will need to be able to stand, bend, stoop, lift approximately 30 pounds, and have normal vision and manual and physical dexterity.

Applicants also need to write and read English, have an email address, and be able to work the entire day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All positions receive mandatory paid training the month preceding both the primary and general elections.

For information, call (800) 851-8754, or visit PascoVotes.com.

Free rides to the polls
Pasco County Public Transportation will do its part to help get out the vote by offering free rides to the polls on election days for the upcoming cycle.

The deal was worked out between PCPT and county elections supervisor Brian Corley, and was approved by the Pasco County Commission last week.

On both primary day Aug. 26 and the general election day Nov. 4, voters who present their voter information card will ride free to their local polling location. The goal is to encourage and promote participation in the election process, while also introducing public transportation as a viable option for travel throughout the county, said PCPT director Michael Carroll.

In return, Corley’s office will use available media advertising and respective websites to inform potential riders and voters how to access and navigate the transit system.

Mobile hours for Ross
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, will host mobile office hours Sept. 9 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Lutz Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.

Other dates in Lutz include Oct. 14 and Dec. 9.

For more information, call (863) 644-8215, or (813) 752-4790.

PACA to talk long-range transportation plan
The Pasco Alliance of Community Associations will host Matthew Armstrong, Pasco County’s executive planner in charge of the long-range planning group, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

PACA is a not-for-profit organization whose members include 70 of Pasco’s homeowner associations, community development districts and condominium associations, as well as individuals residing in the county. It assists members by educating them on common issues, and finding solutions to shared problems. It also represents the interests of members before all levels of government.

For information, call Ron Litts at (813) 475-4561, or visit MyPACA.org.

Bilirakis to host office hours
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will host office hours Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Congressman’s Wesley Chapel office, 5901 Argerian Drive.

The office hours are part of his ongoing effort to solicit feedback from his constituents, according to a release.

Appointments, which are scheduled on a first-come basis, can be made by calling (727) 232-2921.

 

Mortgage company closes doors in Wesley Chapel

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A corporate decision to leave the mortgage services business has put 10 people out of a job in Wesley Chapel.

Springleaf Financial has filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, saying it plans to cut those jobs beginning in October. The office, according to the notice, is located at 2533 Windguard Circle, Unit 101, in Wesley Chapel, just across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

“Springleaf has decided to sell its mortgage services business,” the Indiana-based company told The Laker/Lutz News, in a release. “In conjunction with the sale, the company plans to close its facility in Wesley Chapel. This was a difficult decision, and where possible, we are working to place affected staff in new positions within the company.”

The sale of the mortgage service division was part of nearly $7.2 billion worth of divisions Springleaf recently decided to part ways with.

“These transactions represent a major milestone for Springleaf, bringing us to the point where we have effectively eliminated our exposure to mortgages,” Springleaf president and chief executive Jay Levine said in a release earlier this month. “These sales gives us tremendous flexibility to grow our business through organic and inorganic means.”

Springleaf provides loans and other credit-related products to more than a half million families in 26 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, according to the company’s website. It also provides bill consolidation loans, personal loans, home improvement loans, and loans for unexpected expenses and vacations.

The company went public in 2013.