The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Infinite HD Offers Low Pricing on Tile and Vinyl Plank Flooring

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If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s flooring to the latest in design and technology, you’ll want to call Infinite HD in Odessa to get some of the lowest pricing in Tampa Bay.

The company’s warehouse special runs through October, and includes tile beginning at just $1 a square foot in porcelain, ceramic, black herringbone and porcelain wood tiles. And, for those wanting in-demand luxury vinyl plank, Infinite HD pricing begins at just $2.99 a square foot.

All flooring material is in stock, at the company’s 60,000 square foot local warehouse, with quantities large enough for one room or the whole house. A variety of colors and sizes are available.

“We are a family owned company that provides full service from warehouse to installation with a one-year guarantee, and also sell to customers who pay cash and carry,” said Rob Howard, owner of Infinite HD.

Howard has over 35 years of experience in the home repair and installation industry. Together with his two business partners, his son, Jarred Howard, and longtime colleague, David Rodriguez, the trio offers top-notch customer service and expertise.

It’s this experience that brings many local homeowners to Infinite HD. Howard focuses on estimates and customer relations, Jarred Howard handles purchases and acquisitions, and Rodriguez oversees all installations. Plus, Howard’s daughter, Janann, creates all the cabinet designs and drawings.

About a year ago, Infinite HD moved its office to Odessa to be more convenient to its customer base in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, and to accommodate the company’s growth.

Bathroom and kitchen updates are in demand, with many clients choosing luxury vinyl plank or moisture-proof laminate.

“The moisture-proof laminate looks and feels like wood, but is more durable and can handle water much better,” says Howard. “Luxury vinyl plank is much more dense, harder and almost impossible to scratch.”

Home shows, such as “Fixer Upper,” often inspire people to do their own home repairs, but Rodriguez stresses the importance of hiring a licensed professional for most home repair needs.

“We have a saying in the business — ‘Cheap labor isn’t skilled, and skilled labor isn’t cheap,’” said Rodriguez. “It truly matters who you hire.”

One of Howard’s favorite parts of the job is helping clients bring their vision to life, especially folks who have lived in the same house for many years.

“They just want a change, and it’s nice giving them something new and different,” says Howard, “We enjoy doing remodel work and fixing up homes for the next stage of our customers’ lives.”

Infinite HD continues to operate as a family business, which Rob is reminded of every time he steps into the office, because his grandchildren helped install its floor, and both his son and daughter work for him.

For more information, or to book a free home estimate with Infinite HD, call 813-309-5211.

Published September 29, 2021

Pine View Middle’s SRO wins top state honors

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Corporal Elissa Elders, from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, said she was shocked upon learning she had been selected the 2021 School Resource Officer of the Year from a pool of 900 officers in the state of Florida.

Elissa Elders, Florida’s School Resource Officer of the Year is shown here with Edward Upthegrove, program administrator for the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute. The FCPTI is part of the Bureau of Criminal Justice Programs in the Office of the Attorney General. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

“Out of all those people, I’m the one who is selected?’’ Elders said. “I’m just doing my job, but so are all the amazing people I work with. I am honored and I am humbled. Next to marrying my husband, it’s the biggest honor in my life.

“But I still can’t get over it. Me? Why me?’’

When examining Elders’ eight-year body of work at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes and hearing from the students, administrators and parents, another question quickly emerges.

Why did it take so long for Elders to be recognized?

Cpl. Elissa Elders, who serves at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, is the 2021 School Resource Officer of the Year for Florida. She received the distinction during the opening of the annual convention for the Florida Association of School Resource Officers. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

“She really cares about the kids,’’ Pine View principal Jennifer Warren said. “She’s extremely relatable and they feel very comfortable in receiving her messages. She’s a huge part of our school and we’re all very excited to see this type of recognition.’’

Elders doesn’t seek recognition, though. Her rewards are seeing kids learn and develop.

“This isn’t a job, it’s her calling,’’ said retired law enforcement officer Bill Elders, Elissa’s husband of 14 years. “Whether something turns out to be frustrating or a great success, she has a tremendous way of separating the two, always keeping it in perspective, and never letting it take away from her purpose of helping the kids.

“I’ve listened to her cry when she sees kids hurting. I’ve listened to her laugh when they do outstanding things. She gets excited. She empathizes. She doesn’t punch a clock. It never stops. This is her life and her heart is completely in it.’’

Elders, who enlisted in the Army before a medical discharge, originally thought she wanted to become an arson investigator with the fire department. But after attending the police academy, she found her niche as Pine View’s SRO.

“My principal (Warren) is such a proactive person and she always encourages me to grow and train,’’ Elders said. “I appreciate working with such a strong leader, who has helped me process things and mature as a deputy.

“I wear many hats. I’m your friend, your counselor, your teacher, your go-to for advice. If you need something sewn for an outfit or a class project, I can do that. I’m here to help and I work for them, which makes them my boss. Whatever they need, I’m here. I want to take care of any needs or worries, so the families can concentrate on raising a good productive member of society.’’

School Resource Officer Cpl. Elissa Elders played the role of Keystone Cop in Pine View Middle’s production of ‘Annie.’ That’s just one example of how she gets involved with kids. (Courtesy of Pine View Middle School)

Elders’ biggest tool: Creativity
During the school’s “Pink Out Against Bullying,’’ she wore a large pink bow in her hair and pink socks.

She’s known to pop into classrooms and actively participate.

She had a role in the school’s production of “Annie Junior,’’ playing a Keystone Cop (of course). But nothing was handed to her. Elders auditioned for the role like any student.

On St. Patrick’s Day, she makes a pot of gold with prizes. At Christmas, she uses clues for a “Corporal Elders on a Shelf’’ contest with large candy bars going to the winners.

Playing the role of a seahorse, in ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Cpl. Elissa Elders demonstrates her willingness to do what it takes to connect with kids. (Courtesy of Pine View Middle School)

She has a “Walking Dead Fan Club,’’ so students and parents can converse and argue about the popular television series, while using that common interest to promote fellowship and togetherness. She also has started other clubs, such as Girls on the Run and the Craft Club.

She likes to poke fun at herself. At a dance class, she displayed some cop-themed exercises, such as running after freshly baked donuts. She carries a donut-shaped water bottle in the car line. She has passed out donuts to reward students who wear their seat belts.

“Cops and donuts — classic joke, right?’’ Elders said with a laugh.

All of Elders’ out-of-the-box ideas have the same goal.

“We do have days at school where kids make poor choices,’’ Elders said. “But I want to be as involved as I can be, whether it’s doing a play, being at a basketball game, helping in the classroom, anything to share what I can and have a positive impact on students.

“When you are involved in their lives, when you can show them the right way to do it, they will be less likely to do something wrong that could result in criminal charges.’’

There are tangible signs of Elders’ state award, such as the designation on her parking spot at Pine View Middle School (“Florida SRO of the Year Parking Only’’).

Sometimes, though, Elders doesn’t see the complete results until years later. But that’s when she realizes the full impact.

“I have seen it where she runs into a former student at a restaurant or a ballgame and they are so appreciative over something she once said or did for them,’’ Bill Elders said. “She puts her heart and soul into helping kids and it’s rewarding to see them on a good road in their lives.’’

She appreciates the community’s support.

“I have gotten so many notes and messages from people congratulating me,’’ Elders said. “Some of them don’t even have a kid at our school. They are saying how proud they are. It means a lot. These kinds of well wishes really show that people are aware and how much they care about the kids, too. That’s really the mission, getting kids on the right road.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published September 29, 2021

Pasco adopts new water, stormwater rates

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Pasco County Utilities customers will see a change on their monthly water, wastewater and reclaimed water bills beginning Oct. 1, according to a Pasco County news release.

The average residential customer who uses 6,000 gallons of water will see an increase on their bill from $79 up to $81.30, an increase of $2.30.

Residential reclaimed water customers also will see small increases in the reclaimed water base charge and the Back-Flow Prevention Device fee, along with a new tiered rate for reclaimed water use in excess of 10,000 gallons, according to the release.

The base change for reclaimed water will be $11, which includes the first 10,000 gallons. There will be an additional charge of $1.10 for every additional 1,000 gallons.

The Flow Prevention Device fee will be $5.99.

A full list of the new rates, fees and charges effective 10/1/21 is available at MyPasco.net/4723/Rates-FY22.

Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for more information about Pasco County Utilities services.

Published September 29, 2021

Pasco adopts solid waste, stormwater rates

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The Pasco County Commission unanimously approved increased solid waste fees and maintained the status quo for stormwater rates during the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Justin Roessler,  the county’s solid waste director, told the board that the proposed increase represents the third of a seven-year rate increase in the county’s solid waste assessment.

The adopted resolution establishes the annual solid waste disposal assessment, tipping fees, and other rates, fees and charges that fund the Solid Waste Disposal and Resource Recovery System.

The assessment generates revenue to cover operations and maintenance costs, meet debt service coverage as required by bond covenants, and supports the capital costs of the county’s solid waste disposal system.

The fiscal year 2022 single-family residential assessment will increase by $7, going from $79 to $86 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU). A single-family parcel is equal to an ERU.

Tipping fees will increase from $72.08 to $78.47 per ton.

“The rate increases have been structured to address the growth that we’re seeing and the need to expand the waste energy facility, as well as to replace some of the revenue that’s being lost when the power purchasing agreement expires in 2024,” the solid waste director said.

“When you look at the residential assessment and the residential collection ceiling for Pasco County, we do see it as comparable with other municipalities that do have waste-to-energy facilities.”

The board also passed a stormwater rate resolution that keeps the residential rate per ERU at $95, the same as it is this year.

Published September 29, 2021

Tune in for tree webinar

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If you want to find out about the best trees to plant in your yard, or if you’re a Hillsborough County resident and want to apply for a tree removal permit, this upcoming webinar may be helpful to you.

The session is set for Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The webinar will cover tree removal and tree planting, and will include common questions about removing trees in Hillsborough County.

It also will go over what types of trees you can plant in its place, and how to remove a Grand Oak tree.

You can register by visiting the calendar section on HillsboroughCounty.org, and clicking on the Oct. 7 events.

Once you register, you will receive an email with a link to join the webinar.

Published September 29, 2021

Pasco employee wins statewide award

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Sam Beneck is congratulated by the Pasco County Commission and members of the county staff, for his recent recognition by the Florida Bicycle Association as professional of the year. (Courtesy of Ryan Hughes, Pasco County)

Sam Beneck, a project manager for Pasco County, has been honored as the professional of the year by the Florida Bicycle Association.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey read a resolution congratulating Benick for the accomplishment during the county board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Beneck was recognized for his involvement as project manager on the Ridge Road extension project, which will include a multi-use path that will connect to the Suncoast Parkway Trail.

He also has been involved in other projects that are now being enjoyed by cyclists, including the Starkey Gap Trail and the Anclote Coastal Trail, according to the resolution.

Starkey, a regular trail user herself and huge proponent of creating safe ways for people to get around, said the fact that Beneck himself is a cyclist has given him insights and helped to inform his professional work.

Published September 29, 2021

Be sure to understand insurance, before storm hits

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The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters provides these pointers to help homeowners to be ready, in case a major storm hits.

If storm damage does occur, you need a firm understanding of your current insurance policy and what steps are necessary to file a claim, the organization says, in a news release.

It recommends that homeowners:

  • Know what their policy covers and doesn’t cover. Not all policies are the same. Be sure you are aware of any restrictions in your policy.
  • Make sure your deductible isn’t too high. That’s the out-of-pocket expense you will have to absorb if you have a loss.
  • Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
  • Be sure you purchase flood insurance before a major storm threatens. Be aware that flood insurance doesn’t go into effect for 30 days.
  • Review the “duties after loss” section of your policy. Failure to follow these provisions could result in a nonpayment of a legitimate claim.
  • Check the “exclusions” portion of your windstorm policy. Many insurance companies have added new exclusions to coverage, which could affect your protection.
  • Make a visual record of your home and possessions. Use a digital camera, smartphone or video recorder to document the condition of your home and belongings before any damage occurs.
  • Prepare a detailed list of your personal property. This will help you document your claim after a loss. Gather your receipts for large items, such as major appliances, furniture and appliances. Make copies to include with your property inventory.
  • Create a disaster supply kit that includes copies of your insurance policies, family medical information, deeds, wills and so on. Place the originals in a safe place, and keep a digital copy in the cloud for easy reference.

If your property sustains damage, be sure to hire only licensed, trained public insurance adjusters rather than roofers, contractors or restoration consultants to represent you in filing a claim.

To learn more about public adjusters, visit GetReadyFlorida.com.

Published September 29, 2021

HVAC upgrade approved for jail

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The Pasco County Commission has approved spending an amount not-to-exceed $238,936 to design and build a heating, air conditioning and ventilation upgrade at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.

The medical isolation rooms at the detention center are not meeting the current standards to be considered negative pressure isolation rooms for medial quarantine. This project would replace an air-conditioning unit that is over 20 years old and will install additional venting to meet the required parameters for these rooms to meet current isolation room standards, according to backup materials for the county board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Updating the system would allow the Detention Center to isolate inmates for COVID-19 purposes.

Published September 29, 2021

Young photographer wins contest

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The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union’s (SACFCU) Claim Your Youth (CYY) Photo Contest drew teen entries at credit unions in several states that partner with the Claim Your Youth Culture Club for its youngest members. The selected winning photo was submitted by Jacob Valdes, who received a CYY certificate, selfie stick, sunglasses and SACFCU swag.

(Courtesy of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union)
Jacob’s winning photo

 

What is a hockey game without a fight?

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(Fred Bellet)

Referees break up a fight, but not before Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Cameron MacDonald, of Nova Scotia, Canada, gets the brunt of a glove in the face by Carolina prospect Seth Jarvis, No. 24, of Winnipeg, Canada. See the full story and more photos in the sports story below.