The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Global data breach could affect thousands in Hillsborough County

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Hillsborough County has notified more than 70,000 people whose information may have been compromised by a global data breach that has affected the county, according to a news release.

“It is unknown how many people might have had their health or identification information compromised, but in an abundance of caution, Hillsborough County has mailed notification letters to clients of Healthcare Services and known affected vendors of Aging Services – a total of 70,636 people – of the data breach,” the county’s news release said.

The county also is notifying the credit monitoring bureaus of all those potentially impacted by the data breaches, as well as the Florida Department of Legal Affairs/Office of Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights.

The county also is advising those who were notified of the potential breach to consider taking these steps to protect themselves from potential fraud: 

  • Call the toll-free numbers of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This can help prevent thieves from opening additional accounts in your name. (As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus automatically will be notified to place alerts on your credit report as well.)

Here are the credit bureau numbers:

When you establish a fraud alert, you will receive a follow-up letter that explains how to receive a free credit report, according to the county’s news release.

When you receive your credit report, the county advises you to be sure to examine it closely for signs of fraud, such as credit accounts that are not yours. Continue to monitor your credit reports.

Even if a fraud alert has been placed on your account, you should continue to monitor your credit reports to ensure that an imposter has not opened an account with your personal information, the news release added.

The county was notified on June 1 about the global data breach, involving the MOVEit file transfer tool, according to the release.

When the county was notified, its cyber security staff immediately contacted the company for additional details and instructions and installed all updated security patches as provided by the vendor, the release added.

During the next two weeks, county staff continued to work with the vendor on additional security patches and received more information.  

The cyber security staff learned on June 18 that Hillsborough County files could have potentially been impacted by the breach and in coordination with the County’s HIPAA Officer reviewed the affected files.

A determination was made that the files belonged to the Healthcare Services and Aging Services departments and potentially contained protected health information and personal information, the news release added.

Protected health and personal information could include first and last names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, medical conditions and diagnoses, and disability codes, according to the release.

Hillsborough County files were not specifically targeted in the cyberattack, but as a customer of MOVEit, the county potentially was affected.

Individuals with questions may reach out for more information. For additional details, call the county’s dedicated toll-free number 1-833-963-4357 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., on Mondays through Fridays.

Published July 26, 2023

New law aims to protect consumers from online fraud

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A new law, which was authored by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, has been adopted to provide better protections for consumers to help reduce online retail crime.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent letters to 50 online marketplaces nationwide notifying them about their obligation to comply with the new Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers Act), according to a news release from Bilirakis’ office.

The businesses were told they must be in full compliance by June 27, 2023 or face enforcement that could result in civil penalties for violations, the release said.

The INFORM Consumers Act directs online platforms that allow for third-party sellers of consumer products to verify the identity of high-volume third-party sellers, which will help prevent organized retail crime.

The new law also ensures that consumers can verify basic identification and contact information for high-volume third-party sellers of consumer products on online marketplaces. The agency recently released a guidance for businesses to better understand their obligations under the law.

“Our pro-consumer legislation enacts uniform, nationwide rules to promote safety, increase transparency, and provide greater accountability for online sales. It will provide a layer of enhanced protections for consumers from stolen and counterfeit goods without adding undue burdens on small mom-and-pop businesses,” Congressman Bilirakis, said in the release. “This new law is a win-win for consumers and legitimate businesses in the online marketplace, and I am pleased to see the law will soon be fully implemented.”

Schakowsky added:  “For too long, criminals have raked in profits by selling dangerous, counterfeit, and stolen products online. This ends next week when the INFORM Consumers Act, which Rep. Bilirakis and I fought so hard for, is finally enacted. This new law will require platforms to verify the identity of online sellers, which will discourage criminals and fraudsters, protect consumers and legitimate businesses, and will increase trust in the marketplace.”

Published July 26, 2023

Summer’s here: Stay safe when boating

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It’s summer vacation time and a lot of families and boating enthusiasts will be hitting the water.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe when you are on the water.

Before boating

  • Check the weather forecast. Be prepared for high winds, the sun and other elements, and be aware that conditions can change rapidly.
  • Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Bring plenty of drinkable water.
  • Be sure to check your equipment. Be sure to have what you need and that everything is working properly.
  • Be sure you have the proper permits, a fire extinguisher and easily accessible life jackets. Complete a float plan before you leave by letting someone who is staying shoreside know where you are going and launching from, how you plan to get there and approximately when you are leaving and plan to return. Float plans are critical in the event of an emergency and will give search and rescue crews a huge advantage in where to begin. 
  • Complete safety checks before you launch.
  • Be patient at boat ramps and launch sites, and follow all posted signs.

While on the water

  • Designate a sober captain, as well. It’s important to know that alcohol impairments affect the body differently while on the water and you may feel its effects faster than you do when drinking on land.
  • Don’t forget: Boating while intoxicated is illegal.
  • Remember, just like drivers, share the road; boaters share the water and its resources.
  • Be cautious and reduce speeds near other vessels while on the water.
  • Keep an eye out for other people on the water such as kayakers, paddle boarders and swimmers. 
  • Always look for dive flags to help keep snorkelers and divers safe when below the surface, too.
  • Be vigilant of wildlife, and give animals plenty of space.

To find out more about water safety, visit PoolSafely.gov, apsp.org or RedCross.org.

Published July 19, 2023

Pasco tax collector wants to stop sending tax bills for less than $10

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If your tax bill is less than $10, Pasco County Tax Collector won’t be sending you that bill — effective next year.

But Mike Fasano wants to notify taxpayers of that change this year.

The Pasco County Commission agreed to Fasano’s request to stop sending the bills during its July 11 meeting.

But that won’t be official until the board adopts a resolution to that effect.

The fiscal breakdown from the tax collector’s analysis was included in the county board’s agenda packet.

It shows that Fasano’s office is losing money when it sends out the bills for less than $10.

The estimated cost for printing and mailing the notice is $23,210.34. The total collected, if paid, would be $11,240.99. That results in a loss of $11,969.35 for sending the notices to those owing less than $10.

Fasano said that most of the under-$10 tax bills are mineral rights notices.

“If you know anything about mineral rights, it’s the most ridiculous thing ever created by the state of Florida.

“They don’t get paid, first of all.

“Then we have to send reminder notices. Then, we have to advertise them.

“And the only one who can buy the certificate, if they wanted to, is the people that own the property on top of those mineral rights.”

Fasano told the board if they can adopt the resolution this year, he can let people know in this year’s mailing that if their tax bill is less than $10, this is the last notice they’ll receive.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey made a motion to approve Fasano’s request, which was seconded by Commissioner Ron Oakley.

But County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder told board members they can’t approve the request until a resolution is prepared for their action.

“If that’s the board’s inclination, we can put that back on the Aug. 8 agenda,” Steinsnyder said.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano told Fasano: “I think it’s unanimous with the board to move forward with it, so happy to do it. Thank you for bringing it forward.”

Published July 19, 2023

Traffic at median on U.S. 41 and Asbel Road to be redirected

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The U.S. 41 median at Asbel Road in Land O’ Lakes closed and began reconstruction work July 10. It will remain closed to all vehicles around-the-clock until approximately the afternoon of July 17.

Traffic is being redirected at the median at U.S. 41 and Asbel Road in Land O’ Lakes, to allow reconstruction work to be done. (Mike Camunas)

The Florida Department of Transportation recommends the following detours for drivers and residents of these adjoining neighborhoods:

  • Northbound U.S. 41 to westbound Asbel Road: Continue north past Asbel Road, U-turn at Mossy Timber Boulevard., go south on U.S. 41 and turn right onto westbound Asbel Road.
  • Southbound U.S. 41 to eastbound Asbel Road: Continue south past Asbel Road, U-turn at Ensemble Boulevard, go north on U.S. 41 and turn right onto eastbound Asbel Road.
  • Eastbound Asbel Road to Northbound U.S. 41: Turn right from Asbel Road onto southbound U.S. 41, U-turn at Ensemble Boulevard, then go north on U.S. 41.
  • Eastbound Asbel Road continuing east across U.S. 41: Turn right from Asbel Road onto southbound U.S. 41, U-turn at Ensemble Boulevard to go north on U.S. 41, then turn right onto eastbound Asbel Road.
  • Westbound Asbel Road to Southbound U.S. 41: Turn right from Asbel Road onto northbound U.S. 41, U-turn at Mossy Timber Boulevard, then go south on U.S. 41.
  • Westbound Asbel Road continuing west across U.S. 41: Turn right from Asbel Road onto northbound U.S. 41, U-turn at Mossy Timber Boulevard to go south on U.S. 41, then turn right onto westbound Asbel Road.

For U.S. 41 project information and to sign up to receive alerts, visit FDOTTampaBay.com/project/257/256324-2-52-01.

Published July 12, 2023

 

Public invited to help Pasco shape its future

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Pasco County will host its second series of workshops to invite public involvement in the update of the county’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, according to a county news release.

The workshops will be at:

  • Elsie Logan Memorial Park, at 15830 Greenglen Lane, in Shady Hills, on July 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • The Community Center at Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., on July 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All are welcome to attend these workshops, which will include a brief overview of Pasco 2050, a discussion of the issues and opportunities identified during the first series of workshops, and interactive exercises intended for members of the public to share their thoughts on the future vision of Pasco County.

Those unable to attend can provide input through the county’s Visioning Survey, which is available at MyPas.co/2050VisioningSurvey.

To register for updates on upcoming community meetings, community engagement, and other information about the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, visit Pasco2050.com.

Published July 12, 2023

Free scallop sorters available for Pasco scallop season

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Scallop seekers are being offered a tool to help them know when to keep scallops and when to toss them back into the water to let them grow for another year. Experience Florida’s Sports Coast is providing the sorters for free, in an effort to promote sustainable scalloping. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast is offering free Scallop Sorters to scallopers, in an effort to encourage sustainable scalloping practices in Pasco County, according to a county news release.

The free Scallop Sorters are available at the Florida’s Sports Coast office, 1938 Duck Slough Blvd., in Trinity, during regular business hours.

There is a limit of two per family, while supplies last.

The Scallop Sorter tool, developed by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant, helps to keep smaller, underdeveloped scallops from being harvested.

Pasco County’s scallop season began on July 1 and runs through Aug. 6.

“Promoting sustainable tourism is important to our Florida’s Sports Coast team and to our destination offerings, such as scalloping,” Florida’s Sports Coast Director Adam Thomas, said in the release. “As we gear up for the launch of our 37-day scalloping season this summer, we’re encouraging first-time and returning scallopers to use ethical practices to help ensure the health and quality of our Bay Scallop population for years to come.”

The Scallop Sorter is easy to use. Simply place the tool above each scallop to check its size. If it’s too small, toss the scallop back so it can have a chance to grow for another scallop season, the release says.

For more information, visit FlSportsCoast.com/scalloping for tips on enjoying Pasco’s Bay Scallop Season.

Published July 12, 2023

Pasco County Schools names new communications director

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Pasco County Schools has hired Melanie Waxler as its new director of strategic communications.

She replaces Steve Hegarty, the district’s public information officer, who retired from the district’s top communications post on June 20.

In announcing Waxler’s appointment and Hegarty’s departure, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning noted Waxler’s extensive communications background and said he’s excited about the positive impact he believes she will have in the district.

But he also took a few minutes to thank Hegarty, noting that he marveled at Hegarty’s impressive work ethic, his calming influence and his sense of humor.

He noted that Hegarty took over leadership of district communications at the beginning of COVID and played a key role in helping to communicate the district’s response to the pandemic.

Hegarty also was heavily involved in crisis communications, Browning said.

The superintendent said the vast majority of Hegarty’s time was devoted to dealing with crises that occurred in the district, “generally because some kid made a stupid choice and posted something very stupid on social media.”

“They should know better. It disrupts our educational environment,” Browning said.

Browning said he appreciated Hegarty’s sage counsel, noting there were times he wanted to say something, but thought better of it, after talking to Hegarty.

“I always knew that when Steve told me something, I could take it to the bank,” the superintendent said.

Published July 12, 2023

Dr. Brian Anderson Brings the Best in Longevity Medicine to Wesley Chapel

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A new longevity clinic has arrived in Wesley Chapel that offers patients state-of-the-art medical testing and cutting-edge treatments, so they can live their best lives.

Led by Dr. Brian Anderson, the clinic offers holistic longevity medicine that does comprehensive health analyses to figure out the root causes of health issues — which leads to treatments that increase a patient’s overall health so they are better suited to deal with disease, injury and the burdens of growing older.

Wesley Chapel is actually Dr. Anderson’s fourth clinic — his business keeps growing as his patients find great success in achieving their health goals and spread the word of their happiness.

But Dr. Anderson didn’t always specialize in longevity care. He cut his teeth in medicine as an ER doctor, and it was there he had his own defining moment on his health journey.

Dr. Brian Anderson

“What led me down this path, these modalities of care, is that I had my own personal health crisis. I was an ER doctor working in the trauma room and really wasn’t sleeping well. I was stressed all the time and had fatigue symptoms,” Dr. Anderson recalls. “So, I went to several different medical providers trying to seek answers, and even as a doctor myself, the providers weren’t listening to what I was saying.”

“Finally, I ran into a holistic practitioner that checked my thyroid level and I had very low thyroid hormones. So, I started to treat that issue — and that treatment changed my life. That’s what prompted me to study this and treat patients this way.”

The reason longevity medicine is so effective is because it provides an alternative to traditional “sick care” — the typical medical standard where patients are only trying to manage chronic disease, but are not given the treatment or therapies to prevent disease.

Instead, Dr. Anderson’s holistic longevity medicine bolsters a patient’s reserve capacity and increases their overall health, so when they’re met with health challenges, they’re able to push past them.

So how does this look for a typical patient?

“Most treatments are individualized for each patient,” Dr. Anderson tells us. “The most common things we treat are hormonal deficiencies, and we do testing that looks at micronutrients in the body — vitamins, amino acids, minerals, etc. — so then, we can use data to help guide people with their diet and supplementation. We also do weight loss programs.”

Dr. Anderson tells us most of his referrals are word of mouth. “A typical patient is one like a 40-year-old woman that recently came in that was told they were starting to have pre-menopause symptoms — weight gain, low sex drive, hot flashes. That patient had seen several doctors, but those providers didn’t really understand hormones. She’d have blood work from her doctor and they’d say, ‘You’re fine, there’s nothing wrong with you.’”

“When she found us, she came in and we gave her a complete hormone panel. Her previous doctor only ordered one out of the eight to ten tests we look at. We investigated the results then started her on a treatment plan. At her eight-week appointment, she had already started to lose weight and had referred two of her friends to us. She’s now lost almost 40 pounds and is like our unofficial spokesperson.”

Dr. Anderson said this kind of story motivates him. “In sick care, you don’t get that kind of feedback. You just prescribe medications and send patients on their way.”

“With us, we get to see the results. Were able to help mitigate the other diseases that come with hormone deficiency and aging — obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes. It’s great, because we are able to keep patients off those types of treatment and meds, but more importantly, helps them feel well.

He continues, “In our clinic, we’re able to take the time and ask the hard questions — sometimes intimate questions — to get to the right test, the right answer and the right treatment.”

Although a Tampa native, Dr. Anderson grew up in Tennessee. He went to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and held his residency at the University of New England, with additional training at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

The medicine he practices now is all evidence-based. “I’m a board-certified physician, and we’re using the best publications and research in medical science that demonstrate wellness and the goals we’re trying to help patients achieve.”

The clinic treats adults of all ages, and Dr. Anderson emphasizes he wants to help guide his patients to be better versions of themselves.

“Because your quality of life matters. If you’ve been searching for answers and not finding any, we offer solutions that traditional medicines would not provide. We want to be the guide to help patients live their best life.”

For more information about Dr. Anderson’s Longevity Clinic, visit AndersonLongevityClinic.com or call (904) 667-0667

Mattamy Homes Offers Quick Move-In Homes at Top Area Locations

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Mattamy Homes has just released an array of quick move-in homes available in great locations throughout the North Tampa and Pasco County area. Even with low inventory levels in the housing market now, Mattamy provides homebuyers with the power of choice and an array of quick move-in homes that are available and attainable now. 

With every new home community, Mattamy Homes demonstrates its dedication to providing the BEST homebuyer experience through thoughtful home design details, meaningful value and team members who are with homebuyers every step of the journey. Mattamy focuses on the intrinsic value of a given area such as the Tampa Bay area — scenic beauty, natural features, nearby attractions, local culture and accessible conveniences. Then, they deliver a variety of floorplans specifically designed for comfort, space, light and air — including the most sought-after features, according to satisfied customers.

So, who is Mattamy Homes? Since 1978, Mattamy Homes has been building homes that break the mold with their inspired designs. As the largest privately-owned homebuilder in North America, Mattamy has a commitment to excellence that has been evident since the beginning, along with numerous Customer Satisfaction and industry award wins. Visit a Mattamy Homes community and you’ll experience the Mattamy difference with beautiful streetscapes and exterior styles. Attention to detail is apparent inside and outside of each home, with open and airy layouts that include charming, versatile living spaces.

Timberdale Largo dining room

3 New Neighborhoods at Chapel Crossings in Wesley Chapel

Mattamy now offers three new-home neighborhoods in the popular Wesley Chapel master-planned community, Chapel Crossings, located off S.R. 54 and Chapel Crossings Blvd. These neighborhoods offer homes designed for any lifestyle and include townhomes, single-family homes and low-maintenance paired villas.

Timberdale at Chapel Crossings brings Mattamy Homes’ award-winning paired villas to you with open and airy layouts that truly live like single-family homes. Three paired villa home designs — the Largo, Oceana and Regatta — offer 2 to 3 bedrooms plus a flex room or study. These range from 1,431 square feet to 1,765 square feet and include lawn maintenance for easy living, so you have more time to do what you want. 

For those homebuyers looking for a single-family home, Mattamy’s offerings at Asbury at Chapel Crossings include nine single-family home designs with 1,506 square feet to 2,810 square feet and 2 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 4 baths, and a 2-car or larger garage. Both 40’ wide and 50’ wide homesites are available.

New models are open daily for touring: two new decorated paired villas and one single-family home model. You are invited to come in and experience them for yourself!

Twin Creeks at Chapel Crossings begins sales on June 29 for stylish townhomes that feature 1,667 sq. ft. to 2,574 sq. ft. and 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 baths, and 1- to 2-car garages. These award-winning two-level townhomes are open, airy and spacious with abundant natural light. Four decorated townhome models at Twin Creeks will open in early July. Quick move-in townhomes are available. Appointments are available now on a first-come, first-served basis.

Asbury Pelican exterior

“We are thrilled to be part of this exciting new master-planned community — and offering three new home types so we can meet and exceed what today’s homebuyer wants and needs,” says Kathleen Dec, Director of Marketing for Mattamy Homes’ Tampa and Southwest Florida division. “Our Mattamy neighborhoods in Chapel Crossings are designed to provide our homeowners with a true sense of community, a fun-filled lifestyle and well-being to make everyday living truly a joy.”

All three Mattamy neighborhoods have Florida Green Building Certification and offer energy-efficient, sustainable features and a smart home tech package. All homes will also receive a HERS certification which reflects the energy efficiency and cost savings of each home. Tesla Energy ® Solar Panels are an available option at Asbury.

Chapel Crossings is conveniently located just a short drive from popular Pasco County destinations such as The Shops at Wiregrass and The Tampa Premium Outlets.

Mattamy residents will have access to the Chapel Crossings master-planned amenities that are nearing completion. These amenities include a distinctive clubhouse with a fitness center, dog park (the perfect place to make your pet’s day), resort-style pool, lazy river and more. These amenities will be a great place to connect with friends and neighbors year-round.

Volanti in Wesley Chapel
Located just 4 miles from Interstate 75, off Wesley Chapel Blvd., Volanti offers stylish, low-maintenance townhomes and

Volanti

boasts excellent access to the best of the Wesley Chapel area. This gated entry community is near premier shopping and dining destinations include Tampa Premium Outlets, the Grove and The Shops at Wiregrass. 

Volanti was recently awarded the prestigious 2022 Community of The Year award by the Tampa Bay Builders Association, as well as the 2023 Grand Award for the Sebring model in the 2023 Parade of Homes.

Four home designs — the Marianna, Ormond, Sebring and Venice — are currently available and offer 1,667 square feet to 2,574 square feet, with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2.5 to 3 baths. All have 1- or 2-car attached garages and large lanais.

The gated community will have 200 homes at build-out and offers brand-new amenities including a resort-style swimming pool with an open-air pavilion, a barbecue area and a fire pit. Four model homes are open for tours daily.

Parkview amenities

Parkview at Long Lake Ranch in Lutz
Perfectly situated just off State Road 54 at Sunlake Boulevard is Parkview at Long Lake Ranch, which offers single-family homes and townhomes. Parkview also has amenities for all ages including Parkview Pavilion — the hub of the community that features a resort-style pool, shaded breezeway, cabanas and social gathering areas. Residents of this gated community also enjoy a paw park, 2 tot lots and fun park areas. 

There is currently a great selection of quick move-in homes available, as well as nine stylish floor plans to choose from. Six designer-decorated model homes are now open daily.

Citron Grove in Odessa
Only 4 townhomes remain in this Odessa enclave of only 60 new townhomes just off Gunn Highway. This community, Citron Grove, offers unique Craftsman-style townhomes. Citron Grove is just 1.5 miles from the Veterans Expressway, 2 miles from Citrus Park Mall and 12 miles from Tampa’s Westshore Business District and International Airport. It’s an easy commute to work or the all the sports, recreation and arts that Tampa offers. These final opportunities are being sold by appointment only.

Great savings and reduced pricing are available for a limited time

Special pricing and savings are available for a limited time, and make it easier than ever to own a new Mattamy home.  Contact a New Home Counselor to learn more about these special savings and quick move-in homes.

About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes is the largest, privately owned home builder in North America, with 40-plus years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of homeownership. In the United States, the company builds homes in Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida.

For more information about all Mattamy Homes’ local communities, visit mattamyhomes.com/Tampa or call 813-252-2715.

Published on June 28, 2023.