The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco advises residents: Follow county parking rules

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Pasco County has issued a news release alerting owners of boats, RVs and commercial vehicles that the county is reactivating enforcement of its parking regulations, effective immediately.

The county had relaxed enforcement of its parking rules for those types of vehicles in residential areas, but it has resumed enforcement, according to the news release.

The grace period earlier this year coincided with Florida’s Safer At Home order in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the release says. The return to the use of citations to enforce county codes follows the Florida Supreme Court’s guidelines associated with COVID-19.

For questions or concerns, contact Pasco County Customer Service at (727) 847-2411.

Published December 02, 2020

Boy Scout council presents citizenship awards

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The Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council honored local sheriff’s offices with Participating Citizenship Awards in a virtual event on the evening of Oct. 26, according to a news release from the council.

Dwayne Jones, director of field services for the Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, said the Scouts’ Participating Citizenship Award recognizes the selfless service of local heroes. (Courtesy of Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council)

The Participating Citizenship Award “recognizes the selfless service of local heroes,” including deputies of the Hillsborough and Pasco County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as all law enforcement canines, Dwayne Jones, the director of field services in the Boy Scouts’ regional council, said in the release.

Each tribute featured guest appearances by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout Ronde Barber.

“Trying times prioritize what is important and now, more than ever, tying as many threads together for a common cause is essential,” Barber told viewers during the live-streamed event.

He went on to express a sense of shared obligation between volunteers and law enforcement as “servants of the public” to better the lives of young people in local communities.

Scott shared some of his own experiences in the Scouting program. He became a Cub Scout in second grade, crossed over into Boy Scouts and eventually achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the organization’s highest honor.

“The lessons I learned as I became an Eagle Scout have helped me all my life,” Scott said during the virtual event.

Scott went on: “I want to thank all of the volunteers, all of the troop leaders and all of the law enforcement that help our Scouts. Keep up the good work, and never stop pursuing your dreams.”

Pasco County’s ceremony featured a brief acceptance speech by Sheriff Chris Nocco, who thanked the Boy Scouts of America for its partnership with the Law Enforcement Explorers Program. The program is active in both Pasco and Hillsborough Counties, and provides an experiential education of the criminal justice system with training and competitions.

“The Pasco Sheriff’s Office Explorers Program gives the opportunity for young women and men to learn what law enforcement really does and how to become leaders in our community,” Nocco said.

Jones concluded the program by asking viewers to donate to support local programs such as  Exploring and traditional Scouting, which — like other nonprofit organizations — have been experiencing a challenging time this year.

“Through all of this, we are excited to know that many of the tenets of Scouting, such as helping our neighbors, checking in on those in need, and putting others before ourselves, have strengthened our sense of community and civic duty,” Jones said. “Participating citizenship is at the foundation of the lessons learned in the Scouting programs.”

Published December 02, 2020

Life after Rehab and Home Health

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If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.

Life was good until you ended up in the hospital from an unexpected illness — perhaps from pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, an unexpected surgery, a scheduled surgery or even COVID-19. After your hospital stay, you thought you would be well enough to manage the rest of your life without any further health complications.

Morpheus Wellness co-founders, Dean Flores and Lynda Parks, have over 30 years of combined experience in the fields of physical therapy, fitness, health and wellness, working primarily with older patients. Dean and Lynda’s unique combination of holistic and clinical approach led them to create a program that molds personal preferences and likes around the wellness/ fitness program, turning it more into an experience than a workout. The Morpheus Wellness Team, from the left: Emily Maguire, occupational therapist; Dean Flores, physical therapist; Linda Parks, physical therapist and Brittany Wingo, speech pathologist.

When you were discharged, your doctors may have prescribed rehabilitation or home health therapy involving physical, occupational and/or speech language pathologists. These health care professionals taught you exercises to help you recover so you can return to your prior level of function. And, after your rehab was completed, you were given a home exercise program and were set to go.

This sounds pretty easy, right? All you needed to do was follow the plan and everything would be fine. Unfortunately, being consistent, safe and compliant with a home exercise program is not as easy as it sounds, and non-compliance is one of the main reasons affecting your recovery.

Adherence to home exercise programs after rehabilitation is a significant problem, with estimates of non-compliance as high as 50 percent. Even those who try to follow their program often have difficulties completing their exercises and the recommended repetitions.

Patients have many perceived barriers that prevent them from adhering to their exercise plans, including forgetting to exercise, not having time, not fitting into their daily routine, work schedules and transportation.

As rehab specialists, we understand that cognitive, behavioral and physical barriers affect a patient’s willingness to adhere to their prescribed exercise program. But we also understand its importance.

If you fail to adhere to your prescribed exercise program, it may extend the duration of your treatment plan, and also make it less effective. A number of studies have linked strong exercise adherence to improved treatment outcome in patients experiencing neck and back pain and osteoarthritis symptoms.

There is also lots of evidence that physical activity prevents disablement and disease in the older adult, and that physical activity reduces falls and fall injuries by 35 to 45 percent. The benefits of physical activity also extend to a reduction of risks associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and anxiety/ depression. It can also delay cognitive impairment, improve sleep and prevent unhealthy weight gain.

So, how can you stick to your program? It begins with changing your attitude toward exercise. How many times have you heard, “When we’re young, we work out to look good. As we get older, we work out to survive.”

The good news is that you have options after rehab or home health to help you maintain consistency in your program.

At Morpheus Wellness, we provide a safe, holistic and effective means of continuing fitness after rehab and home health. We encourage and promote an active lifestyle as you age, while integrating your interests, hobbies and/or athletic activities into a personalized program. Physical activities often used for older adults include aerobic, strength, flexibility and balance exercises.

The staff at Morpheus Wellness incorporate a strategy of supervision, feedback and reinforcement provided by a wellness coach, private pay physical therapist or personal trainer.

By providing good feedback, motivation and sound coaching, there is increased adherence in home-based exercises, because patients know they are performing their task correctly.

While family members or home care aides are almost always well intentioned, they may not be trained and prepared to help perform or correct exercises established by the therapist. And, they may increase the risk of injury by not recognizing unsafe movements/mobility or not be able to identify poor technique.

Exercise and physical activity is one of the main pillars of healthy habits, in combination with sleep, nutrition and mental health. Like the poet Diane Ackerman wrote, “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.”

Visit MorpheusWellness.com, or call 813-586-0542.

Published December 02, 2020

Kia of Wesley Chapel Partners With Avalon Park

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Kia of Wesley Chapel believes nothing is more important than supporting its community, and is thrilled to be the fireworks sponsor for Avalon Aglow on Dec. 12.

When asked why giving back to the local community is so important to him and his staff, Shawn Visconte, who is general manager at the dealership, says it’s the right thing to do.

“People like that we’re involved with the community —  for folks who haven’t done business with us in the past, they see us and understand who we are, what we do, and what we believe in,” says Visconte.

Most of Visconte’s employees live close to the dealership, which is located on State Road 54, just east of I-75 and a few miles west of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“Our employees call the Wesley Chapel area their home, and proudly contribute to our local community through their families’ involvement and support of area schools, community organizations and clubs, veterans groups and places of worship,” said Visconte. “We hope to sponsor many fun community events, such as Avalon Aglow, in 2021 and beyond.”

Know an organization that is looking for extra volunteers? Let Kia of Wesley Chapel know and they may be able to help! Email Emily Brun at or call (best number).

Shawn Visconte, general manager of Kia of Wesley Chapel, coordinated his dealership’s donation of 117 face shields to Advent Health Wesley Chapel.

Kia Gives Face Guards to Wesley Chapel Hospital
In August, Kia of Wesley Chapel received 117 face shields for staff to use while working and talking with customers. While thankful and appreciative of the corporate donation, employees at the local dealership preferred using traditional face masks, instead of the shields.

Rather than letting the face shields sit unused, General Manager Shawn Visconte had an idea.

“I thought to myself… our local hospitals could probably really use these face shields much more than us,” says Visconte.

So, he called AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and asked if they could use more face masks. “And they said, ‘Absolutely’,” says Visconte.

Visconte arranged for a meet-up with workers from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, and gave them all 117 face shields.

“They told me, ‘You should see some of the face shields we use.’ Basically, a lot of them were old and beat up, so this was perfect timing for them,” said Visconte.

Published November 25, 2020

Avalon Aglow Kicks Off A Magical Month of Holiday Joy

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Of the many things that sets Avalon Park Wesley Chapel apart from other planned developments is its long history of organizing special events for area residents to enjoy. This year, the Avalon Park Group is launching its first ever HOLIDAY WEEK, with safe, family friendly activities every day of the week from Saturday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 18. All events are free, buy do require registration to allow for social distancing planning.

Call (813) 783-1515 with questions, or email info@Avalon Park WesleyChapel.com. You must register to reserve your place at these events by going to the community’s website at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, or its Facebook page at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Pictures With Santa
Saturday, Dec. 12 at 10 am:
Inside Avex Model Home
5263 Little Stream Lane

Avalon Aglow
Saturday, Dec. 12, 5 to 8 pm.
Fireworks begin at 8, but be sure to come out sooner to check out exhibitors and enjoy fun activities.
5060 River Glen Blvd.
Wesley Chapel

Cookie Decorating
Monday, Dec. 14, 6 to 8 p.m.
Frost gingerbread cookies with sprinkles and candy
Inside the Avex Model Home
5263 Little Stream Lane

Caroling Night
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Join neighbors and visit homes in Cypress Village and Hawthorne
Meet at Avex Model Home
5263 Little Stream Lane

Ornament Night
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6 to 8 p.m.
Two ornaments to choose from
Inside the Avex Model Home
5263 Little Stream Lane

 Sleigh Ride Party
Thursday, Dec. 17, 6 to 9 pm
Enjoy a lazy sleigh ride pulled by tractors (reindeers were too busy)
Begins at Avex Model Home
5263 Little Stream Lane

Movie Night
Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 pm
Every month there is Movies Under The Stars, with hit movies perfect for families of all ages. In December, the movie is ELF, one of the most endearing Christmas movies ever made. The show begins at 7 p.m. and takes places outside the community center.

Published November 25, 2020

Downtown Avalon Park Is Also Downtown Wesley Chapel

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Avalon Park Wesley Chapel soon will offer residents places to shop and work when its downtown center is completed. Infrastructure construction has begun on the first phase, which will include two office buildings, two mixed-use retail/residential buildings and a community park.

Rendering of office buildings planned for Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We will be building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group.

In addition to shops and markets, the community’s downtown area will have over 500,000 square feet of commercial space.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town with family events all year-long,” said Lerret. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today, and in the future.”

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, thoughtfully created for residents of all ages. New in 2019 was an expansive second amenity center with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa and picnic area. Avalon Park families also enjoy a wide array of other amenities, including another swimming pool, tot lot, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will interconnect with its planned downtown.

Already, 1,500 people call Avalon Park Wesley Chapel home, and over 750 homes have been sold since it opened in 2012. The community will continue to grow over the next several years and, at build out, will be home to 10,000 residents residing in 4,400 single and multifamily homes.

Published November 25, 2020

Elfers Cafe reopens, with a gift

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Victor Attard (Courtesy of The Greater Dade CIty Chamber of Commerce)

Community Aging and Retirement Services Inc. (CARES) reached out to the public requesting an in-kind donation for the CARES Elfers Center. The organization was looking for an electric stove for the reopening of the Elfers Cafe.

Victor Attard, of Finishing Touches Collision, Auto Body Repair & Painting stepped up to the plate. With the delivery assistance of Mark Kenyon, the center received a brand new electric stove.

CARES cannot help save critical resources in demand from vulnerable and at-risk seniors without the help of donors.

Mulligan Financial Helps Businesses Grow By Securing Low Interest Debt

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This past spring, Dade City resident Jennifer Mulligan found herself at a crossroads like a lot of people because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“As terrible as the virus is, there was also a silver lining, because it allowed me to step back, reflect and set new goals for myself,” said Mulligan.

Although not yet 40 years old, Mulligan had a bucket list of things she wanted to accomplish. She had spent 20 years in a fast-track banking career, starting as a teller and rising to positions at J.P. Morgan Chase, PNC Bank, Bank of America and Synovus Bank, with responsibilities that included market president, mergers and acquisitions, and establishing a small business banking team.

And, while her career was skyrocketing in Tampa Bay and later Chicago, Mulligan also was a single mom raising a daughter.

“By the time COVID happened, my daughter was 20 and married, and I had just finished building a new home. So, I finally had time to do things I had dreamed about for several years — beginning with writing a book,” said Mulligan.

In less than six months, Mulligan wrote her book, “You’re The Best Investment,” hired a publisher and, on Nov. 19, hosted a book launch with four other women authors at the Tampa Club.

“I had overcome adversity, and accomplished much during my 20 years of banking, and wanted to share my story in the hopes it would inspire other women. I believed if I could do it, other women could, too,” she said.

The book begins with Mulligan becoming a mother at 17, and ends with the opening of her financial brokerage firm this past September. She chose her book’s title because from the day she started her first job, she believed nothing was more important to her future than investing in herself.

“I wanted to share the empowering skills I learned in cheerleading, in the corporate world, and as a mentor and coach – skills that helped make me successful in a very competitive, and primarily male, business world,” said Mulligan.

Launching Mulligan Financial
As Mulligan was writing her book, she also began developing the outline for a new business to help small businesses apply for and receive funding for growth and stability.

“I discovered there were many people with similar banking and financial backgrounds, who also were pivoting in their careers due to COVID,” said Mulligan. “Soon, I had seven experienced professionals wanting to join my team, and we opened with offices throughout Florida, including South Florida, Orlando and Tampa Bay.”

Local consultants working with Mulligan are Katherine Ziolkowski and William Tessaro in Dade City, Rick Soriano in Wesley Chapel and Arielle Zapotta in South Tampa.

Operating as financial brokers, Mulligan and her team find funding for businesses who want to take on debt to buy equipment needed for expansion, support payroll during growth, buy/renovate commercial real estate (owner occupied or not), open a franchise and other opportunities. They also help businesses apply for SBA loans, including Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) applications.

“We shop the best terms for a business, and present the loan to traditional banks for conventional loans, SBAb501c and PPP loans, and also funding from private investors and equity funds,” said Mulligan.

Many business owners begin their search for financing with the bank that holds their operating and savings accounts. Often, however, their application is denied, explains Mulligan.

“It’s not unusual for a bank to turn down a small business loan — not because there is anything wrong with the applicant, but because the loan doesn’t fit with the business mix the bank is looking for,” said Mulligan.  “And, after your bank turns you down, a business owner often loses confidence and doesn’t look elsewhere for funding.”

Mulligan continues that banks have appetites for different kinds of businesses, and often are unable to fund start-ups or conventional loans because of banking regulations.

“But, private investors don’t have the same restraints, and will often loan a business money after it is turned down by the company’s bank,” she said.

Mulligan Financial helps businesses in several categories, including medical practices, technology companies, franchises, manufacturing, commercial real estate, assisted living/managed care and homebuilders. The firm also works with businesses to consolidate or restructure their debt to lower interest rates.

The company typically works with loans beginning at $500,000, equally divided between new loans and loans being refinanced to take advantage of record low interest rates.

Mulligan is proud to be a recent nominee as an “Inspiring FinTech Female of 2020,” a national organization with 5,000-plus members that recognizes women who are transforming financial technology firms, and are advocates for women and gender equality.

If you are looking for financial services for your business, go to MulliganFinancialService.com, call Jennifer Mulligan at (813) 480-1210, or email .

Published November 25, 2020

Dade City artist thrives — with a community of happy clients

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Mark Hannah is a busy guy. So busy, in fact, that he hasn’t used a business card in about 10 years. “I really should have one,’’ he said. “One of these days.’’

One of these days, when his work slows down … and that doesn’t appear to be anytime soon.

Hannah, a Dade City artist who specializes in handmade signs, logos and murals, has a lineup of Pasco County businesses that want his services. It’s all word of mouth — and the word is good.

Mark Hannah poses by his Elton John mural, which was produced for Wesley Chapel’s Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant. (Courtesy of Mark Hannah)

In a 2020 world where such art is driven by digitally created computer creations, Hannah remains hopelessly old-school. He hand-sketches everything, then paints it on a wall. He uses a grid system that produces an uncanny reproduction. And, it looks a lot better than a vinyl logo that was purchased online.

“Watching Mark work is the craziest thing you’ll ever see,’’ said Amber Langston, owner of Wesley Chapel’s Four Leaf Cross Fit. “Our logo has a circle in it. You can’t really mess with a circle. It would look terrible if it’s the slightest bit off. It’s so perfect.

“Everybody wants their picture in front of that mural so they can put it on social media. It’s amazing branding for us. That mural makes our gym pop. It embodies our brand and it means a ton to us. Outside of purchasing equipment, it was the best money we’ve spent.’’

With artist, quality is job one
Brian and Rebecca DeCook work out at Four Leaf Cross Fit. They loved Hannah’s mural. So when they opened Highland Axe Throwing at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, they knew who to call.

“I was stunned by that huge mural at Four Leaf,’’ Rebecca DeCook said. “It looks like professional street graffiti, something you’d see in Los Angeles or New York. I didn’t know the guy (Hannah), but I knew we had to use him.

“I have pretty high standards. People say, ‘Oh, I’d never do work for you.’ For him to meet my expectations would’ve been a challenge for him. He exceeded them. He had no idea what he was walking into, but he wowed me.’’

Mark Hannah uses his painting skills to help businesses convey what they have to offer.

DeCook said it’s all about Hannah’s personal touch. She was leery of anyone trying to replicate her company’s intricate Highland cow logo, but she said it turned out beautifully.

“When you hire him, you’re not hiring a company, you’re hiring Mark,’’ DeCook said. “You’re hiring an artist. You’re hiring the Van Gogh. It’s not like when you hire a company and they sent you someone that does just enough where you won’t complain and you settle. His prices are fair, but it’s not about the money. It’s about the pride he has in his work. I would never use anyone else. When you consider the price and craftsmanship, no one can come close.’’

Elsewhere in the Grove, Hannah’s work is displayed at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant. He painted a mural of Billy Joel sitting at the piano. It was so good, he followed it with an Elton John mural, then one of Alicia Keys.

Mark Hannah’s artistry helps set a mood for many local businesses.

“Mark’s work gives our place a lot of personality,’’ Treble Makers owner Jamie Hess said. “It makes us unique. And, it’s a local artist, so it fits because we like to have local musicians.

“It was very entertaining for me to watch him at work. He showed me a drawing of what he was thinking for Billy Joel. He absolutely nailed it. He gets up on the ladder, free-hands the whole mural and does his thing. He has a gift like you see in so very few people.’’

Hannah said he always felt comfortable doing artwork — or any kind of work, really. He was a self-described “class clown and partier’’ who hated school and wound up getting his GED. He went to commercial art school and learned how his drawings could be used for consumers. He did layout for newspapers, then some screen painting.

Mark Hannah hand-paints signs and murals on the walls of local businesses.

But, around Dade City, he learned the craft of sign painting from some veteran artists and fell in love with the concept.

“Some business owners just like the hand-painted feel of a sign, especially in Dade City with the quaint antique stores and the old downtown,’’ said Hannah, 53.

Always a free spirit, Hannah worked at a number of jobs, including machinist, tree surgeon, landscaper and house painter before venturing into his own sign-painting business in 2003. He was moderately successful, but toward mid-2009, when the American economy had tanked due to the Great Recession, he was desperate.

Whether it’s a portrait of a widely known entertainer, or a detailed painting of a tree — Mark Hannah uses his artistic touch to help convey a message or add beauty to many Pasco County places.

“I had no work because everything had dried up,’’ Hannah said. “Oh, I had a safety net with family and friends that would’ve bailed me out. But, I had five bucks to my name. Literally. Five bucks. That’s how bad it was.’’

He walked into Francesco’s New York Style Pizza in Dade City.

He had just enough money for one slice and a soda.

“I was still wearing my work uniform, splattered with paint,’’ Hannah said. “The owner walked out and said, ‘Are you an artist? I want to do a mural on this wall. Can you do that?’

“I was like, ‘Yes sir, I can,’ and I was like Speedy Gonzalez getting my stuff together. That moment was really when it all started.’’

Mark Hannah is known widely in Dade City for creating murals that help businesses convey a theme.

Since then, Hannah has enjoyed a few side gigs, such as producing giant papier-mache replicas of political candidates, including one of Mitt Romney that was used at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa and another of Donald Trump that wound up on MSNBC.com’s front page.

He’s also the lead guitarist in a rockabilly band (Skinny McGee and his Mayhem Makers), which has taken him to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Europe (six times).

But, at his core, he’s a hometown artist.

He mostly does mural work, sign painting and lots of projects for the Pasco County Fair. He couldn’t imagine anything better.

“I think part of it is I’m from here and people know me,’’ said Hannah, whose business is known as Hannah Designs Artwork. “I really love my life and what I do. It’s so important to have good people skills. Every time you get a new job, it’s a new client and potentially a new referral.

“My goal is always to work with somebody, give them what they want, be fair, do a great job, make them extremely happy and have them tell somebody else. I’m extremely blue-collar — more that than artsy — so I understand the importance of work and being timely. It’s going well. I could do stuff on a computer, but that’s nothing like being on the ladder and swinging paint. I’m one of those fortunate guys who’s doing what he loves to do.’’

Hannah can be reached at  or (352) 467-0664.

By Joey Johnston

Published November 25, 2020