Michael Hinman

Smaller gas tax hike could return next year

November 20, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Without new funding sources, roads in Pasco County could be in trouble. And while county officials have brought several options to the table, commissioners chose to revive one debate that created quite a ruckus last fall: the gas tax.

“I’ve heard enough from the citizens before that I am not going to support a gas tax,” said Commissioner Henry Wilson, who joined fellow commissioner Jack Mariano to defeat an earlier proposed 5-cent gas tax hike in September.

Moments later, however, Wilson softened his stance, saying he might consider a compromise that would bring a proposed increase to just 3 cents.

That could make a big difference in what is now a $5 million gap in the county’s capital transportation fund. A 3-cent increase could raise that much money, and cost drivers 6 cents a day, assuming gas stations passed that tax on to drivers.

However, to fund all of the county’s transportation needs beginning next year, Pasco would need to raise $8.5 million. And that’s where a new option can come into play — raising property taxes.

That option, mixed with a gas tax, had the commission buzzing last week. With a 3-cent gas tax increase, the county would only have to raise taxes 0.1905 mills, equal to an annual increase of less than $10 for a $100,000 home that claims $50,000 in exemptions.

Raising property taxes for road and bridge projects would affect homes in all parts of the county, including incorporated areas. But the county would not be required to share those revenues with the individual cities, like it would for other options.

Commissioners won’t have to decide on a new plan until next year, but giving county administrator Michele Baker and her staff some direction in which way they’re leaning could help with the planning process, Baker said.

“We have years of decisions to deal with, but going forward, we have very limited revenue, and we have to come up with a plan on moving forward,” she said.

By moving money intended to build new roads into accounts that would maintain existing roads, more than a dozen projects as part of an overall 15-year plan would be affected, officials said, totaling $151 million, with $55 million earmarked from gas tax revenue.

Projects like Bell Lake Road from U.S. 41 to Alpine Road would be pushed from 2015 to 2017. It also delays other projects like County Road 54 from State Road 54/56 to Progress Parkway, as well as Starkey Boulevard from River Crossing Boulevard to DeCubellis Road to the next decade.

Other projects would be moved off the schedule completely, like the third phase of Collier Parkway to Ehren Cutoff, as well as Twenty Mile Level Road from State Road 54 to Collier Parkway.

Commissioners did indicate they would likely reject other options brought to the table, including creating a new municipal service taxing unit and tolling options.

Another funding possibility could come in the form of a real estate transfer tax, a documentary stamp tax that could raise 45 cents for every $100 value when real estate is sold. The county would only have to tax 28 cents for every $100 value for the full $8.5 million. Such a move there, however, would require approval by the state legislature.

Business Digest 11-20-13

November 20, 2013 By Michael Hinman

North Tampa Behavioral Health has grand opening
Nearly 150 people were on-hand from Pasco County and surrounding communities as North Tampa Behavioral Health marked its grand opening on Oct. 24. The ceremony featured speeches from retired Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry in substance abuse recovery, as well as Pat Scimone-Almasy, board member of the local Pasco chapter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The center is at 29910 State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel.

Food for a good cause
To celebrate its five-year anniversary, The Hound’s Meow — located at 16311 N. Florida Ave., in Lutz — will donate 2 pounds of pet food for every purchase, up to 300 pounds, to local rescue groups on Nov. 23.

As part of its anniversary, the store is also offering various other discounts, as well as giveaways, treat and food samples, and raffles.

For more information, visit HoundsMeow.com, or call (813) 960-6111.

Ribbon cutting at Fancy Frock
The Fancy Frock, 1045 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will have a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting Nov. 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The event will include both the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce as well as the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call (813) 973-1999, or email .

Whole Foods teams up with local farms
Whole Foods Market Tampa is partnering with Sweetwater Organic Community Farm that will allow local farmers to use the store as a drop-off and pick-up point for their subscribing customers, free of charge. It’s part of a statewide effort by Whole Foods through its community-supported agriculture program.

Traditionally, farm customers had to go to the farm itself or a regional drop point to get their weekly shares. Through the new program, Whole Foods is not only looking to provide convenience, but also educate customers about community-supported agriculture, and increase support for local family farms.

In October, Sweetwater was the recipient of the store’s 5 percent day program where 5 percent of the day’s net sales were donated to the local nonprofit. On Oct. 29, Sweetwater raised $3,229 for the program.
Sweetwater is located in Tampa where community members come together to grow fresh organic food, acquire sustainable living skills and support local agriculture.

Pickups will take place at Whole Foods, 1548 N. Dale Mabry Highway, every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information, call (813) 874-9435.

Ryland Home’s Fontana is Builder of the Year
Joe Fontana, Tampa division president for Ryland Homes, was named the 2013 Builder of the Year by the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

The ceremony also swore in officers Willy Nunn of Homes by WestBay as president, Jason Starling of Suarez Housing as president-elect, Laurie Stewart-Woodroffe of Heritage Drywall as associate vice president, Bob Gibbons of Ryland Homes as vice president and treasurer, and Keith Appenzeller of King Engineering as vice president and secretary.

Also winning awards were Stewart-Woodroffe from Heritage Drywall as Associate Member of the Year, and Bob Nixon of Nixon Construction as Remodeler Member of the Year.

Dade City Chamber membership orientation
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will have a member orientation for seasoned, new and prospective members Nov. 21 beginning at noon at the chamber office, 14112 Eighth St., in Dade City.
The chamber will provide lunch.
For more information, call (352) 567-3769.

City Grill takes over in Wesley Chapel
City Grill has opened in the former location of Winners Grill, 5429 Village Market, in Wesley Chapel.
Founder Gerry Malynowsky originally sold the restaurant, as Winners, in 2008. He repossessed it, however, in 2013, according to a release.
Keeping his ownership, Malynowsky decided to relaunch the restaurant under a new name, maintaining an upscale mix of sports bar and grill, pub, and family restaurant.
For more information, visit www.CityGrill.us.

Longtime makeup specialist opens Wesley Chapel location
A permanent makeup specialist with decades of experience is bringing her skills to Wesley Chapel.
Valerie S. Rudmin, a longtime registered cosmetologist who has specialized in permanent makeup for 26 years, has opened an Everlasting Beauty location at 3854 Flatiron Loop, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. It’s her third location in Florida, following Pinellas and Hernando counties, where she’s worked for more than 20 years.

Rudmin also travels to Des Moines, Iowa, five times a year by invitation to work in the Midwest.
Permanent makeup is a cosmetic form of tattooing in which pigment is implanted within the skin, which Rudmin says looks more natural than makeup.

For more information on Rudmin’s new location, call her at (727) 460-3847.

SmartStart gears up for monthly roundtables
The SmartStart Dade City Incubator will soon have monthly small business roundtables to help small business owners talk about their opportunities and challenges in a closed-door environment.

“The roundtables will be beneficial to any small business owner wanting to vet ideas with other entrepreneurs, and talk about challenges they might be facing,” said John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, in a release. “We are thrilled to be involved with SmartStart, and helping small businesses flourish here in Dade City.”

A schedule has yet to be released for the sessions, but they will take place at the incubator, located at the Dade City Business Center, 15000 Citrus Country Drive, Suite 103, in Dade City.

Those interested in participating can contact Krista Covey at (352) 437-4861, or email her at .

Networking group schedules Christmas party
The East Pasco Networking Group will have its annual Christmas mixer Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at Village Inn, 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The event, which will feature family members speaking — not business owners — will be “Dutch treat,” but does require an RSVP deposit of $10 per person or family.

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

Airport chief wins Boss of the Year
The International Association of Administration Professionals-City Center Chapter named Tampa International Airport chief executive Joe Lopano its 2013 Boss of the Year.

Boss of the Year is given each year to a manager, supervisor or executive who has been nominated by their administrative professional. The award is based on experience, achievements, civic work, involvement in the chapter, and other factors. They are presented in an essay that keeps the nominee’s name anonymous.

Both Kim Humphrey and Carol Marino, who work in the executive offices of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, entered Lopano in September, citing his impactful leadership, his focus on employee wellness, and his support of the administrative professionals group.

The IAAP is a nonprofit professional association for office professionals with a mission to enhance the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunity for growth through education, community building and leadership development.

Top tennis player Isner headlines Avila fundraiser

November 20, 2013 By Michael Hinman

At one time, he led a restaurant company with more than 96,000 employees and nearly 1,500 locations. But when he wasn’t working to grow Outback Steakhouse and other restaurants that were part of Bloomin’ Brands Inc., Paul Avery’s focus was on his family.

In particular, his daughters, who both suffer from a rare nerve degenerative disease called Friedreich’s ataxia.

John Isner, currently the top-ranked male tennis player in the United States, takes a break on the Avila Golf & Country Club tennis courts while getting ready for the Ace for a Cure tennis fundraiser on Nov. 24 that will benefit Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

“Before we knew what they had, I never heard of Friedreich’s ataxia,” Avery said. “I didn’t even know how to pronounce it. Like many people in life, you hear of these types of diseases and challenges, and it happens to somebody else. It hit home for us with both of our kids.”

Avery, who is now president and chief executive of the World of Beer chain, is sharing the story of his daughters ahead of this weekend’s Ace for a Cure tennis fundraiser hosted by Avila Golf & Country Club. It will feature Avila resident John Isner, the top-ranked male tennis player in the United States, and No. 14 in the world.

Isner, who grew up in North Carolina, has been friends with Avery and his family since he first started to attend fundraisers benefiting Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance in Tampa. And he has seen firsthand what the condition can do.

“The Averys are the absolutely nicest people, and they’ve worked really hard to conquer this disease,” Isner said. “Before I met them, I didn’t even know about Friedreich’s ataxia at all. But I’ve really gotten to know the ins and outs, and Paul and (wife) Suzanne are right on top of it.”

Only 6,000 people in America have been diagnosed with the condition, but 1 in 100 people are carriers of the gene that can cause it, Avery said. The disease itself typically attacks the spinal cord, especially those nerves that direct muscle movement in the arms and legs.

It can lead to muscle weakness, vision and hearing impairment, spine curvature, diabetes and heart problems.

While pharmaceutical companies and research centers have been working on treatments and a cure for Friedreich’s ataxia because of how it relates to other diseases like Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, there is still a long way to go.

“Today, we have several drugs that are in advanced clinical trials,” Avery said. “They are showing to be very promising, so we’re excited about that. And the awareness of the condition continues to grow.”

While the tennis event itself is on Sunday, the entire weekend actually kicks off Nov. 21 with a meet and greet and autograph session with Isner. Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., Avila tennis director Roger Cypriano and his team will conduct a tennis Teach-A-Thon with half-hour lessons available for $25.

The Spin-A-Thon begins at 9 a.m. with one-hour spin classes starting at $50, and additional hours at $25. The Mind Body-A-Thon begins at 11 a.m. with Pilates and yoga.

Tennis round robin takes place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., for sponsors who spend $1,000 or more.

Sunday is the tennis exhibition match featuring Isner, where gates open at 11:30 a.m. at Avila. Tickets to that match, which includes lunch, are $80 each.

“I’ve always had a good time playing, and it’s convenient for me, because it’s all right here in the neighborhood,” Isner said. “And it’s for a great cause, and I’m glad that I can really help out.”

Avery’s daughters are looking forward to some of the treatments for Friedreich’s ataxia making their way through clinical trials. In the meantime, however, they’re living normal lives. One is in college, and the other is finishing her senior year of high school.

“They’re super kids in their attitudes and expectations, and they have a great outlook,” Avery said. “They’re not defined by the disease, and just want to get ahead in life like everyone else.”

To purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit tinyurl.com/AceCure. For more information on the event, call Roger Cypriano at (813) 968-6792, or email him at .

If you go
WHAT: Ace for a Cure tennis fundraiser featuring John Isner
WHO: Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance
WHEN: Nov. 24, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Avila Golf & Country Club, 943 Guisando De Avila, Tampa
COST: $80
INFO: tinyurl.com/AceCure

Dade City teams with Saint Leo for downtown’s future

November 13, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Dade City has traveled a path of success from dilapidated downtown of the 1980s, to one that pulls in people from all over the region today.

Yet, there is still more that can be done.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce has hired Pride Consulting, a student-run organization at Saint Leo University, to steal a glimpse of what Dade City’s downtown might — and should — look like in the future.

“Dade City has this iconic downtown where we have these wonderful antique shops and eclectic restaurants, and it’s really one of a kind,” said John Moors, the Dade City chamber’s executive director.

But as the people change, so may Dade City’s downtown. And Moors said he wants to be ready.

That’s where Pride comes in. Led by John Lax, the marketing instructor at Saint Leo’s Donald R. Tapia School of Business, this group of juniors and seniors from a variety of the school’s business programs provides marketing services to business.

For Dade City, they’ll be working to identify potential models for the district based on research of the community and businesses. They’ll also explore each of those models, and see if there are other towns across the country that Dade City could emulate.

“They’re going to be touring the downtown, teams of like 15 or 20 of them,” Moors said. “They’ll interview some of our merchants, and get in touch with some of our property owners, and get their input.”

That would include what they would like to see, what could help improve Dade City’s downtown, and what might be holding it back.

Pride will continue to work through the winter, and then look to present their findings during a public meeting in March.

Moors also hopes to tackle another issue for Dade City, which he describes as “brain drain.” With both Saint Leo and Pasco-Hernando Community College nearby, there is a lot of academics, but not a lot to hold those students to Dade City when they graduate.

“We don’t know if we’ll find the answers to those questions, but looking at some models might help,” Moors said. “One example might be to have a more artistic type of community, which is extremely important to families, and important to tourism.”

The Dade City chamber has taken the lead on downtown, especially after its former advocacy group — Dade City Main Street — shut down last spring. At the time, Moors said he was confident in downtown’s ability to keep the area vibrant.

“We have a great group of merchants in Dade City,” Moors told The Laker/Lutz News in April. “They’re engaged. They’re active. They’re really committed to the betterment of our downtown, and I think it shows when you look at our downtown.”

Fun Feeds Pasco festival kicks off annual food drive

November 13, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Adrienne Castens signs her emails with a phrase of inspiration from Metropolitan Ministries: “Hope starts with a meal.”

Castens’ church, Keystone Community Church on State Road 54 near Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, provided a lot of hope already with its annual holiday food drive for Metropolitan Ministries. But Castens and other members of Keystone knew they could do more.

Gaynor Dietz poses with some of the turkeys donated during last year’s food drives that helps Metropolitan Ministries feed hungry families during the holiday through Keystone Community Church. (Photo courtesy of Adrienne Castens)

Last year, Castens and her team started Fun Feeds Pasco, a food drive kickoff event that turned making a donation into a festival. And thanks to the success of that event, Keystone will do it again this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.

“I don’t have the exact number in front of me, but we brought in three times as much food as we normally do during the festival last year,” said Castens, who has attended Keystone with her family for the last six years. “So we decided to do it again this year, and this time we’ve got even more activities for children, vendors, and some great entertainment lined up.”

Castens works by day as a substitute teacher, and sees firsthand more often than not what hunger can do, especially with young minds wanting to learn.

“Hunger is one of the things that breaks my heart,” she said. “I see children who come in and say their tummy hurts because they hadn’t eaten. But at least in school, they can get lunch and maybe even breakfast. But it’s during the breaks, like holidays, where they can really go hungry. Where they don’t have breakfast, lunch or dinner.”

Metropolitan Ministries looks to serve just under 590,000 meals during the holiday season in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. To achieve that, the organization is going to need literally tons of food, and every drive — including the one at Keystone — is essential to make that happen.

The tent for Keystone’s food drive will go up this weekend, and it will accept donations through Thanksgiving week, primarily of frozen or nonperishable, nonexpired food items.

But those not wanting to clean out the pantry or hit the grocery store on the way can also bring other donations like gift cards, personal checks, new toys and new clothes. One popular donation is frozen turkeys, which could help make a needy family’s holiday truly special.

“It’s about bringing the community together, and helping those in need,” Castens said. “This isn’t just a Metropolitan Ministry thing. It’s not just a Keystone Community Church thing. This is a community event to bring awareness of the needs in our community, and to help our neighbors when they need us the most.”

The event will also include live music, face painting, clowns, inflatable bounce houses, free hot dogs and cotton candy, and even a Florida Blood Bank Bloodmobile unit.

If you go
WHAT: Fun Feeds Pasco
WHERE: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes
WHEN: Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: Free, with suggested donation of nonperishable food, new toys or monetary donations
INFO: FunFeedsPasco.org

Butash among local gridders competing in Orlando next month

November 13, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Christopher Butash’s life is filled with football, from his time on his squad with Academy at the Lakes, to his extra playing time recreationally with the Lutz Chiefs.

And he loves it. In fact, as long as the 13-year-old is not cooped up inside doing something, he’s happy.

Christopher Butash prepares to make a pass during a Lutz Chiefs football game this past season. Butash and three other teammates from the Chiefs are heading to Orlando next month to play among the best in recreational football. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Butash)

“I love being outside,” Butash said after a recent practice. “I love going to my friend’s house who has an outside basketball court. When it’s basketball season, we play basketball. When it’s football season, we’re out there throwing the football.”

That throwing and catching has helped Butash a lot. As a quarterback for the Chiefs, he scored nine touchdowns this season, seven of them in the air. And that was before he moved to the wide receiver position, where he continues to excel.

And in December, he’ll have a chance to show those skills at a much more regional level through the Offense-Defense Youth All-American Bowl Week activities taking place at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The weeklong event includes a number of instructional camps as well as the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl game that features 88 of the top high school seniors in the country.

Butash joins teammates Jaxson Bless, Nick Testa and Sebastian Bove, all of whom were named All-Americans during a summer camp hosted by Offense-Defense, a South Carolina company that hosts such camps around the country.

Butash’s father, Michael, is a defense attorney in Lutz, while his mother Lisa works at her husband’s office, and spends a lot of time volunteering as well — especially for Christopher’s athletics.

Yet all of them work to make it to the dinner table each night, in what seems to be a dying tradition elsewhere, to share valuable time with each other.

“I’m very proud of my dad for keeping our family in shape,” Christopher Butash said. “My mom has to plan ahead of time for dinner, but she does it, and that keeps us together.”

In fact, Butash said he would like to follow his father’s footsteps and become an attorney as well, but seems more attracted to personal injury law like another football player-turned lawyer, Brad Culpepper.

Where he’ll go to college is a question he’s probably too young to answer. But Butash said he’s working hard not just on the field, but also in the classroom, maintaining an A average at Academy at the Lakes, especially in his favorite class, language arts.

“I need to work hard, because working hard and getting good grades gets you into college to play football, and it helps get you recognized,” Butash said.

Bowl week in Orlando begins Dec. 30 and runs through Jan. 5. It includes plenty of practice sessions as well as parties for New Year’s and awards, as well as autograph signings for some of the standout senior players taking part.

For more information, visit O-D.com.

Meeting first chance for residents to change Gall Boulevard

November 13, 2013 By Michael Hinman

It won’t be long before Zephyrhills gets full control of Gall Boulevard, a road that has served as the primary artery through the city for decades.

But the transformation of the road from a highway to a main street has its challenges. Which is why city officials have scheduled a group of four community workshops, the first one coming up Nov. 14.

Right now, Gall Boulevard is the main artery through Zephyrhills. But with the state taking over the one-way streets on either side, the city is set to get control of Gall with plans on making it into a main street. (file photo)

“The city kind of feels that we’re standing at the crossroads over an upcoming future transformation of our urban core,” said Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg. “There are a lot of things going on and have been going on, and we want to update everyone on that, and get their input as well.”

The overall project has been called “(Re)Imagine Gall Boulevard,” and will focus on the road between North Avenue and South Avenue. As through traffic shifts to the one-way pairs, which opened in the 1990s on Sixth and Seventh streets, the plan is to turn Gall Boulevard into a destination where residents and visitors can live, work and play.

How to approach that will be up to the community, Vande Berg said. City officials already plan to work on sidewalks, signage, landscaping, and an overall style plan for businesses. But what happens beyond that is going to require a lot of ideas, and then some decisions.

“It’s one piece of the pie, but it’s a pretty big piece,” Vande Berg said. “We are establishing the framework for the future of the whole (U.S.) 301 corridor, not just how it’s going to function, but at the development side of it as well.”

Thursday’s meeting could probably be better described as a charrette. These are intense planning and designing sessions, typically where every idea is put on the table, and bounced off different people for feedback.

City officials have some ideas of their own, and they’ll present those first. But then it will open up to the audience, bringing everyone into the discussion. Even more, the city is setting up electronic polling technology that will allow everyone to see real-time what the crowd thinks of ideas, which could fast-track popular plans, and set aside ones that may not have a lot of support.

The city recently expanded its Community Redevelopment Area to encompass the Gall Boulevard stretch. This move not only will allow the city to keep tax revenue collected in that specific area, but it also allows officials to set up development standards that can help define a community.

The City Council will be called upon to make final decisions on the project at some point after the community workshops, but there might be some challenges in making the transition along the way.

Primarily, some businesses like fast food restaurants on Gall Boulevard are designed as stops for through traffic more than community pedestrian traffic. If the primary through traffic shifts more to the one-way pairs, there is a chance some could turn around and face the other way — putting their back to Zephyrhills’ new main street.

“We are a little unique here where some of the fast food and other businesses control frontage on both streets,” Vande Berg said. It will be up to officials to encourage alternatives for those businesses, however, maybe even finding a way to serve both streets.

And that’s where workshops like Thursday’s will help in the city’s efforts to expand its main street beyond Fifth Avenue.

“We want to make 301 more multi-modal and more pedestrian friendly, but after that, it’s up to our residents,” Vande Berg said. “This is a great way for us to get a feel from the city, to get their input, and help us make this a success.”

If you go
WHAT: (Re)Imagine Gall Boulevard community workshop
WHEN: Nov. 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
DETAILS: Call Todd Vande Berg, (813) 780-0006, or email him at

One-time CiCi’s Pizza location has new owner

November 13, 2013 By Michael Hinman

The former home of CiCi’s Pizza in Zephyrhills now has a new owner.

NW Evergreen Opportunities IV LLC, a real estate investment fund out of Portland, Ore., purchased the 12,600-square-foot Zephyr Place plaza for $1.9 million, primarily assuming nearly $1.7 million in loans borrowed against the property.

The former home of the CiCi’s Pizza location in Zephyrhills now has a new owner in what has been the city’s second-largest real estate transaction this year. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

The purchase was in lieu of foreclosure from Synovus Bank, according to Pasco County property records.

Zephyr Place LLC built the 6830 Gall Blvd., location near the Pin Chasers bowling alley in 2008. The company was owned by CiCi’s franchisees Giorgio and Lisa Bertrand, who operated a CiCi’s there until earlier this year, when it closed its doors. The center has been mostly vacant ever since.

NW Evergreen Opportunities IV is a part of Red Hills Acquisitions LLC in Oregon, and focuses primarily on distressed and foreclosed real estate, according to the Portland Business Journal. It provides an alternative to lenders, who otherwise would have to foreclose on a property owner who is not making the mortgage payments.

NW Evergreen has not announced its plans for the property. A request for comment to one of Red Hills’ principals, Mike Parthasarathy, was not returned.

This is only the third major commercial real estate transaction in Zephyrhills this year. National Retail Properties LP of Orlando bought two parcels in June: the SunTrust Bank location at 5435 Gall Blvd., for $3.5 million, and the Arby’s restaurant location at 7446 Gall Blvd., in June for $1.5 million.

New Lutz water line will close two wells

November 13, 2013 By Michael Hinman

One more Lutz subdivision is coming off well water with a new pipeline set to connect the Crystal Lakes Manors with Hillsborough County’s water distribution system.

The 4.5 miles of pipeline will take a year to build, beginning next year, and may disrupt traffic on U.S. 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road. But in the end, the $4.8 million project will not only improve water for Crystal Lake residents, but could set up the rest of Lutz for connection to the main water system in the near future.

“I’m happy with what’s being proposed,” said Kim Foster, a resident of Crystal Lakes Manors who attended a recent informational meeting at the Lutz Community Center. “The water we have now is adequate and good, but we live right next to the chlorination facility, so we’ve always had concern with having high-chlorinated water.”

Whether that’s an issue or not will be eliminated with the new pipeline, which will mean the closure of the chlorination facility and two wells, which currently serve the nearly 200 homes in the community.

The project will be constructed in three phases, first beginning on the west side of U.S. 41 from West Chapman Road past Lake Drive. Then it’s Crenshaw Lake Road along the west side of U.S. 41 to Crystal Lake Road. Finally, the project will end once the county connects from just south of Fourth Avenue Southeast on the east side of U.S. 41 to First Avenue Southeast.

A lot of the project will coincide with a resurfacing project planned by the Florida Department of Transportation in 2014, allowing the two projects to piggyback, said Charles Cullen from the engineering design firm behind the project, CDM Smith.

“With the resurfacing of U.S. 41, that impact would’ve been felt regardless of the pipeline project,” he said.

That could mean some lane closures along U.S. 41, but Lutz Lake Fern Road should remain mostly clear since work there would take place in the right of way. Most of the construction will take place during the day beginning at 7 a.m., with some overnight work when needed.

The only communities and homes being connected to the new line right now are those immediately adjacent to the construction site. That left some unanswered questions for one resident.

“They didn’t explain anything that would happen to the existing water lines, or if other people would be able to connect to it,” said Tom De St. Jean, who also lives on Crystal Grove Boulevard. “It doesn’t make sense to bring that water line out there, and not let people connect. If you are not adjacent to the line itself, you cannot connect.”

That’s because the county’s comprehensive plan for the area only allows for connection by communities that are immediately adjacent to it, county water officials said during the meeting.

Construction is set to begin in March, and wrap up sometime during the spring of 2015.

Business Digest 11-13-13

November 13, 2013 By Michael Hinman

Rockwell receives Women’s Choice Award
Brian Rockwell of the Rockwell Financial Group of Raymond James, has received the Women’s Choice Award for Financial Advisors from WomenCertified Inc.
Rockwell, of the Trinity-based firm, was chosen based on rigorous research, 17 objective criteria including a client survey to obtain feedback regarding service and practices.
The Women’s Choice Award is the only recognition program for well-qualified advisors who are committed to the women’s market and serving their female clients. Achieving the award reaffirms the commitment Rockwell has to extraordinary service in addressing the financial needs of women and their families, according to a release.
The award allows Rockwell to now showcase his commitment to the women’s market, giving potential clients a starting point for entrusting their finances to an advisor.
For more information on Rockwell’s firm, call him at (727) 372-2530.

It’s a new car!
Tina Pyles Johnson was the winner of a 2013 Fiat 500L from Parks Fiat of Wesley Chapel, part of the Win My Ride contest from the dealership group and WFLA-Channel 8. Johnson was able to choose from six participating dealerships in the contest, and chose the four-door Fiat.

Florida Design Consultants expands into downtown Tampa
Florida Design Consultants Inc., a full-service engineering firm in Trinity, has expanded with new offices in downtown Tampa.
Located on the sixth floor of 707 N. Franklin St., Florida Design will now be centrally located for clients in Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk counties.
“At this point, expanding our physical presence in the center of our market area was essential to meet the increased demand for our services, as well as convenience for our clients,” said Stuart Rogers, president of Florida Design Consultants, in a release. “We also think it is a great opportunity to be located in the iconic Tampa Theatre building.”
The company will continue to service clients from Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando counties from its Trinity office.

LifeChoices hires Connelly
Susan Connelly is the new director of advancement for LifeChoices Women’s care in Lutz.
Connelly brings with her more than 12 years of marketing and public relations experience. She will be responsible for furthering the center’s mission, which offers free pregnancy testing, counseling, and educational services to women of all ages.
LifeChoices is funded entirely by private donations, and is not affiliated with any particular church.
For more information, call (813) 948-7734.

Computers Etc., Computer Basic Training, merge
Computers Etc., of Dade City, has merged with Computer Basic Training of Wesley Chapel, pointed to provide its customer base a range of services surrounding the computer.
The new company will be known as Computers Etc., and will include Computer Basic Training owner Kristin Pelletier, leading the company’s training division, that will provide individual tutoring in a customer’s home, office or remotely.
“We are thrilled to have Kristin join our team,” said Ken Buzzie, chief executive of Computers Etc., in a release. “She has built a great reputation for her training skills both in the classroom and in-home. Adding computer training to our list of services (complements) our business.”
For more than six years, Computers Etc. has offered in-home or in-office computer repair, laptop repair, data recovery, managed services and full-service technology hardware and software replacement and upgrade. It also offers cloud services, voice-over Internet protocol, points of service and remote support.
For more information, visit www.Computer-Etc.com, or call (352) 424-1079.

FACE has ribbon-cutting
The Florida Autism Center of Excellence had a ribbon cutting Nov. 5 at its location at 39735 Chancey Road in Zephyrhills.
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce conducted the event.
For more information on FACE, visit FACEProgram.org.

Taylor Morrison opens Arbor Woods with barbecue
Homebuilder Taylor Morrison recently celebrated the opening of its latest neighborhood, Arbor Woods, with an old-fashioned backyard barbecue.
The community turned out for food, refreshments and music, as well as to tour model homes Taylor Morrison set up for the Wesley Chapel community.
Arbor Woods has 423 wooded acres with preserve areas, mature trees, ponds and natural wetlands. When complete, it is expected to have more than 220 single-family residences, with prices beginning above $200,000.

For more information, visit www.TaylorMorrison.com.