The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County Good Friday closings

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Pasco County’s offices will be closed on April 2, in observance of Good Friday, and government offices will reopen on April 5.

The county’s parks, recreation and natural resources’ offices, recreation complexes and community centers will be closed on Friday, April 2, but the parks and beaches will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk, according to a Pasco County news release.

Pasco County Public Transportation will operate all fixed routes and paratransit on April 2, but the administrative offices will be closed to walk-in customers. However, the phone lines will be open.

All Pasco County Libraries will be closed on April 2 and will resume regular business hours on  April 3.

The Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed on April 2.  An animal control officer will be available for emergencies only. The Adoption Center & Intake/Reclaim Shelter will resume regular business hours on April 3.

The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III, and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to the public on April 2, but will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

Published March 31, 2021

The Easter Bunny, jelly beans and huge bubbles — oh my!

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One-year-old Emma Dewey delights at the sight of bubbles while on her father, Garrett Dewey’s shoulders. (Fred Bellet)

Event-goers to the Jelly Bean Fling at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City, had the chance to visit the Easter Bunny, grab a bite to eat, make an Easter bonnet, search for eggs and take in a bubble show, among other things. For a more detailed look at the festivities during the March 20 event, see the full story.

Jelly Bean Fling offers festivities, photos and fun

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Noah Yates, 3, is sitting high on his grandfather Todd Clow’s shoulders, as Clow is submerged under a cluster of suds released by Blaise Ryndes, the bubble magician. (Fred Bellet)

Hundreds turned out to the Jelly Bean Fling at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village to take advantage of festivities that included free family photos, an Easter egg hunt, a petting zoo, live entertainment, games and crafts.

Event-goers could make Easter bonnets, too, enjoy a bite to eat, purchase items from vendors and check out the model train room.

And, there were bubbles — showers and showers of bubbles —during the Sphere’s Bubble Magic Show.

Four-month-old Gabriel Martinez isn’t quite sure about sitting on the Easter Bunny’s lap while his mom, Amanda Bower, of New Port Richey, waits her turn for the baby to be photographed by museum photographer, Laura Barthle.
From left: Damien Stippich, Morgan Stippich, Daniel Stippich, mom Heather Stippich, and Malayna Stippich, all of Spring Hill, check out the food and other items available during the Jelly Bean Fling.
Blaise Ryndes, of Land O’ Lakes, right, waves a huge bubble net over the crowd of children and adults waiting for the bubbles to pour over them during the Sphere’s Bubble Magic Show during the Jelly Bean Fling.
As museum photographer, Laura Barthle tries to get a picture, Caydence Leasure, 2, gets a little uneasy in the arms of the Easter Bunny at the Jelly Bean Fling at the Pioneer Florida Museum. His mom, Tisha Leasure, of Hudson, said: ‘He was better with Santa.’ Caydence was there with his sister Makenna Leasure, 7.
Nine-year-old Jawaun Washington, of Dade City, lowered his mask to munch on a hot dog at the Jelly Bean Fling.
Children and adults were showered with bubbles, at the Jelly Bean Fling.
Ty Seifert, of St. Petersburg, seems to be having as much fun as family friend 4-year old, Cami Brown, of St. Petersburg. They were enjoying the Sphere’s Bubble Magic Show during the Jelly Bean Fling.

 

 

Access road to be built to serve future county facilities

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a task order for CPH Inc., to handle road design and permitting for an access road between Central Boulevard and Symphony Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

The cost of the work is not to exceed $207,608, according to information contained in the board’s March 9 agenda backup materials.

The work is being done under a continuing professional services agreement with CPH.

The access road, which is included in the county’s facilities master plan, will be built on county-owned land that is slated to serve as the future location for several county facilities.

This road will allow access to county property south of Central Boulevard.

The initial facilities to be constructed will be for the Fire Rescue Training Center and Facilities Management Central Office & Warehouse.

The task order calls for services to include roadway design, drainage design, signing and pavement marking design, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Environmental Resource Permit (ERP), utility coordination design support services for road connections, permitting assistance, and a proposed gate near the Symphony Parkway entrance.

Published March 31, 2021

New fire station coming to Central Pasco

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The Pasco County Commission has approved spending $1,650,000 to purchase 3.25 acres from SR 54 Land Associates for Fire Station No. 45.

The land is located on State Road 54. The new fire station is intended to service Trinity, Starkey Ranch, Asturia, Bexley and surrounding communities within a 5-mile radius.

The purchase will support the needs of future growth in the area.

The anticipated start date for construction is April 2023, with completion expected in April 2024.

A market value appraisal was completed on Nov. 12, using a sales comparison approach. The appraisal valued the land at $1,840,000. The property is vacant and is zoned for commercial use.

Funding for the land purchase and all closing costs is budgeted and available in the Public Safety General Obligation Bond Series 2020 Fund, Fire Rescue, Station 45.

Published March 31, 2021

IERNA’s Happy Employees Create Happy Customers

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Since 2003, IERNA’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has generated hundreds of positive reviews and thousands of satisfied customers. In a highly competitive industry, the Lutz-based company has established itself at the forefront of HVAC and plumbing in the Tampa Bay area.

IERNA’s donated over 20 bags of clothing to AmVets, a veterans service organization.

For a company of fewer than 100 employees, what is the secret to IERNA’s success?

“Employee engagement,” says Charlene Ierna, owner and president of the 18-year-old company.

“We are known for our workmanship, customer service and brand,” says Ierna. “What many do not realize is the hard work and efforts behind the scenes to keep our employees’ morale and energy levels high.”

IERNA’s 2021 Chili Cook Off, from left: Anthony Becht, Veronica Alfaro, first-place winner Megan Schwarz, Charlene Ierna and Chad Wetzel.

When Ierna founded her company, her sights were set on establishing a company that really takes care of not only its customers, but also its employees.

“We foster an environment where employees have room to grow and thrive in a culture where they want to be. If your employees aren’t happy, how can your customers be happy?” asks Ierna.

Ierna’s management team believes wholeheartedly that their customers are only as satisfied as their employees. That’s why they have frequent company events where employees can take a break, relax, enjoy great food and bond.

Twelve IERNA’s employees made their own chili to be judged by local celebrities.

Through the years, IERNA’s has sponsored employee Christmas parties, other holiday-themed parties, cruises and random company outings, “just because.”

Most recently, the company hosted a Chili Cook Off for employees. The event was judged by three local celebrities and friends of the company: Anthony Becht, former tight end for the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Veronica Alfaro, former WQYK radio personality and voice actress; and Chad Wetzel, president of Carrier Enterprise Florida. Each tasted 12 varieties of chili to determine the winner of a $500 cash prize and lots of swag.

Leading up to Thanksgiving, the company held a ‘Pie Your Managers in the Face’ day.

Another fun event was a photo contest where technicians showcased their artistic talents by taking pictures of interesting air conditioners and ornate plumbing fixtures. The top five photos were canvas-printed and proudly hung in the main office for all to see.

“Employee engagement isn’t all fun, games and prizes,” said Ierna. “It’s also deeper and more personal, and includes showing appreciation, recognition and making sure employees feel involved in what’s going on in our organization.”

Research shows that employees are more motivated when they feel recognized and believe that the work they do is meaningful. “Our management team takes this to heart tenfold and makes it our duty to let employees know their worth,” said Ierna.

Encouragement and congratulatory messages are shared across IERNA’s emails, Facebook pages and internal newsletters. Employee are acknowledged when they earn a certification, on their birthday, to welcome a new baby and other personal achievements.

IERNA’s kicked off the New Year with a curbside blood drive, donating over 20 pints of whole blood.

Every time an individual technician is called out in a positive review, the customer service team adds it to the monthly “kudos” board. And, each month the technician with the most kudos gets a prize, their picture in the company newsletter and is praised all over social media.

Employees also value their company’s community support. This includes curbside blood drives, donating clothes to veterans, sponsoring little leagues and installing equipment for local community heroes.

“Employees want to be a part of a corporate culture that gives back and strives to make a difference in their community,” said Ierna.

All of this employee-focused engagement translates to satisfied customers.

“Who makes a customer feel more valued than an employee feeling the same way? Who gives a customer more legendary service than an employee whose company is constantly making sure their needs are met?” Ierna proudly asks.

Customer satisfaction is the goal for many companies. But at IERNA’s Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, its goal is employee engagement, because happy employees result in happy customers.

Published  March 24, 2021

Afternoon picnic kicks off Spring Break

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office PSO4KIDS kicked off Spring Break with an afternoon picnic that included a cookout, games, prizes, a train ride, bounce house, and K9s, at Elsie Logan Memorial Park in Spring Hill. Local kids and community members got to hang out with sheriff’s office staff, check out patrol vehicles, meet the Mounted Posse, get a bite to eat, see a flyover from the Aviation Unit, and take part in a game of kickball.

Pasco Sheriff Officer Friendly Cpl. Jaime Garcia plays football with a young member of the Spring Hill community. (Courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

 

Cpl. Arthur Madden covers a base during a kickball game at the PSO4KIDS picnic.

These female Eagle Scouts are blazing a new trail

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Two years after the Boy Scouts of America opened its ranks to girls, two members of a Lutz troop have become part of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts.

Crystal Ming Torres, 16, of Carrollwood, and Sianna Eldert, 18, of New Port Richey, were among 300 girls nationwide to officially earn the distinction on Feb. 8. They are members of Troop 339G, which is chartered by the First Baptist Church of Lutz.

It’s always notable when anyone earns the rank of Eagle Scout (only 6% of all Boys Scouts reach that level).

Crystal Ming Torres earned 38 merit badges and qualified as an Eagle Scout with Silver Palm. Her father, uncle and brother are all Eagle Scouts. (Courtesy of Greater Tampa Bay Area Council-BSA)

This was different.

This was history.

“Personally, it was a goal of mine that I wanted to achieve, to prove to myself that I could achieve anything that my brother could do or my dad could do,’’ Torres said. “I’m a pioneer. That was important to me. I also wanted to be that role model for younger girls.’’

“It’s a tremendous honor to be an Eagle Scout,’’ Eldert said. “You are respected and viewed as a leader. You’re going to change the world.’’

Torres and Eldert already have changed the world — along with everyone’s perceptions.

“We have celebrated everything they have done, but also reminded them of the obligation they both have going forward,’’ said Matt Cordani, scoutmaster for the Lutz boys troop and assistant for the girls troop. “As an Eagle Scout, you carry that with you the rest of your life. It isn’t, ‘I was an Eagle Scout.’ It’s always, ‘I am an Eagle Scout.’

“It’s really impressive how quickly they’ve come in and made an impact to the program. New girls came into the troop, followed by younger girls. They can run their own organization, plan their own campouts. I think they are on par with any boys troop in the (Greater Tampa Bay Area) council (which encompasses 192 Boy Scout troops in nine counties). They are motivated to excel.’’

Torres, a junior in the International Baccalaureate program at Hillsborough High School, is the daughter of Dr. G.S. Torres and Cindy Zhang-Torres. Her father, uncle and brother are all Eagle Scouts. Torres earned 38 merit badges and qualified as an Eagle Scout with Silver Palm.

She’s a member of Hillsborough High’s varsity cheerleading and varsity tennis squads. She’s planning a career in medicine and has her sights set on attending the University of Florida.

Eldert, who graduated last summer from Florida Virtual School, is seeking a bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from Full Sail University. She’s the daughter of Tanya and Michael Eldert. Her father and uncle are Eagle Scouts. Eldert, who earned 23 merit badges, plans to own a marketing and graphic design business.

‘It’s a tremendous honor to be an Eagle Scout,’ Sierra Eldert said. ‘You are respected and viewed as a leader. You’re going to change the world.’

As part of the Eagle Scout requirements, both Torres and Eldert had to earn at least 21 merit badges, take on leadership roles within their troop and community, and complete a community service project.

Torres, working in conjunction with Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, built six nest boxes for screech owls and a carrying case for transporting injured birds.

Eldert’s project concerned raising awareness of Dysautonomia, a rare condition in which the autonomic nervous system (ANS) does not work properly. It may affect the functioning of the heart, bladder, intestines, sweat glands, pupils and blood vessels. Eldert, who was diagnosed with Dysautonomia, visited pediatricians and family care physicians, and presented them with gift baskets that contained information pamphlets and a book about the condition.

“It’s so misdiagnosed and hardly anyone knows about it,’’ Eldert said. “My project was really personal for me. I wanted this condition to receive more attention.’’

Both Eldert and Torres are now familiar with raising awareness for a cause. They said they have enjoyed receiving local media attention after their notable accomplishment.

“I was on three different news stations and featured in the local newspapers,’’ Eldert said. “One of the camera guys told me, ‘We need to get you an agent.’ The attention opened my eyes and let me know that this was kind of a big deal. I loved the attention and it gave me an opportunity to talk about my journey.’’

“I’ve had all sorts of interviewers — female and male — the main reaction we’re getting is we have done something amazing,’’ Torres said. “I think I’m starting to understand the impact. It makes me realize what we’re doing is important.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published March 24, 2021

It was a great day for dogs, in Dade City

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As the Pasco High Navy JROTC School Color Guard marches in step presenting the colors, Brooksville resident Robert Westfall’s 5-year-old Boxer-Rottweiler, named Roman, was on his leash at the annual event. (Fred Bellet)

There were Yorkies, a French Bulldog, a Basset Hound and others, and whether they were there to show off or just hang out, these dogs and their owners were having a great time at Dogs’ Day in Dade City.

People came to Agnes Lamb Park from all over to enjoy the festivities, which included a dog wagon parade, a costume contest and other activities. Event-goers also had the chance to see a presentation of the colors by the Pasco High School Navy JROTC color guard and to hear a rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner,” by Stephanie Morrow, a member of the Calvary Assembly Church of Dade City.

Published March 24, 2021

Cody, an 8-year-old Yorkie, was dressed as a tarantula for the dog costume contest by Orkin Man Scott Smith, of Clermont.
Miles, a 7-year-old Bassett hound belonging to Gary Metz, of Zephyrhills, was more enthusiastic than he looked as he checks out the Dogs’ Day scene.
Nine-year-old Bromley, a Yorkie belonging to Ken Alberts, of Pinellas Park, lines up for the dog wagon parade at Agnes Lamb Park in Dade City.
Participants in the Dog Wagon Parade strolled along the sidewalk around Agnes Lamb Park in Dade City.
As spectators only, Ronald Bell, of Dade City, brought his French Bulldog named Rosebud to the Dogs’ Day event at Agnes Lamb Park.
Brooksville resident Mark Spurgeon pushes Lucy, 6, a chihuahua-mix, and Max, 12, a Yorkshire terrier. The two rode calmly like it wasn’t their first parade.
Stephanie Morrow, a member of the Calvary Assembly Church in Dade City, sang the national anthem, as the Pasco High School Navy JROTC color guard presented the American flag during the event.

 

 

Army veteran gets a warm welcome to his new home

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Veteran Army Specialist Stephen Peterson received a warm welcome to his specially adapted custom home in Land O’ Lakes, on the morning of March 13.

Veteran Army Specialist Stephen Peterson raises the flag in front of his new home, which was provided by Homes for Our Troops. Peterson was wounded in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of Homes for Our Troops)

The national nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops, donated the home to Peterson during a special key ceremony.

The custom home, at 24235 Hideout Trail, is adapted to meet Peterson’s needs.

The Army veteran was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan. He was riding in a vehicle on a route clearance mission when an improvised explosive device exploded directly under his seat, a news release said.

From left: Stephen Peterson and his wife Brittany, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Homes for our Troops President/CEO Tom Landwermeyer.

He immediately lost his right leg in the blast, and sustained fractured hips, a fractured tailbone, and a traumatic brain injury.

His new home features more than 40 major special adaptations, such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops.

The home also is designed with hallways that are accessible for wheelchairs and with cabinets that are within reach.

Homes for Our Troops donated the house to Peterson, using contributions from donors, supports and corporate sponsors.

Those attending the ceremony in Land O’ Lakes were required to wear masks or facial coverings as a precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To find out more about Homes for Our Troops, visit HFOTusa.org.

Published March 24, 2021