The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Conveyor Consulting and Rubber Company expands

By

Conveyor Consulting and Rubber Company in Pasco County, which opened in Pasco County in 2014, is constructing two new facilities at One Pasco Center, near Interstate 75 and State Road 52.

The company is investing $2 million to construct a 20,000-square-foot building and a 12,000-square-foot building at One Pasco Center business park, according to an announcement from Pasco Economic Council Inc.

The expansion also includes new manufacturing capabilities for conveyor parts and systems.

“Our company continues to grow, and we are expanding to meet the demand of our clients. Adding to our capabilities to include manufacturing is very exciting,” Ron Fernandes, president of Conveyor Consulting and Rubber Company, said in a release.

“I really appreciate the Pasco EDC and Pasco County staff helping us keep the momentum going by expediting permitting and offering us mobility fee waivers. They are committed to helping businesses grow in Pasco,” he said.

Fernandes looked at numerous locations; however, he found One Pasco Center to have the direct access to major highways he needed to quickly and efficiently distribute to his clients, and provide easy access for business-to-business sales, the release adds.

“I want to congratulate Ron Fernandes and his team on their expansion. The I-75 and SR 52 interchange is rapidly developing, and I think he will find it the perfect fit,” Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said, in the release.

Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC also weighed in: “The Pasco EDC is always excited to help our current businesses expand and find ways to grow in Pasco County.

“Our road network in Pasco provides a unique transportation network across the county and region. Conveyor Consulting and Rubber Company chose their location because it provides them with quick access for distribution. I am thrilled they were able to remain here and continue to grow with us.”

Published October 07, 2020

Jail expansion contract awarded

By

Moss Construction has announced that it has been awarded the contract for the expansion of the Pasco County Detention Center, at 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

“We understand that this is an essential project for the county, and we are honored that they trust us to deliver a facility that will meet their current and future needs,” Moss’ Mid-Florida President Mike Mazza said, in a news release from the company.

The new inmate housing in Pasco County, budgeted at $109 million, is targeted to provide additional housing beds comprised of single-, double- and multiple-occupancy secure cells for general population inmates of different arrest classifications. The project also includes a centralized intake and booking center that can accommodate 150 daily arrests and releases.

In addition, the expansion will make significant upgrades to the jail’s medical center with enhancements to treatment areas, adding negative-pressure isolation rooms and impact resistant cells. Central support facilities also will be renovated, including warehousing, food service, laundry and maintenance.

Construction is scheduled to begin the fourth quarter of 2021, with an anticipated completion in the second quarter of 2024.

The project is being designed by the firm HOK.

Published October 07, 2020

Staff training closes county offices on Oct. 12

By

Pasco County Offices will be closed on Oct. 12, for a staff development day.

The staff development day allows county staff to take part in training and activities intended to help the county improve services for members of the public and the communities it serves.

Here’s a list of departments affected:

  • All Pasco County Libraries
  • Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ offices, recreation complexes and community centers
  • Pasco County Public Transportation administrative offices will be closed to walk-in customers.
  • The Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed.

Here’s a list of services/facilities that are not affected:

  • Parks and beaches will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk.
  • Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) will provide service on all fixed routes and paratransit. Phone lines to the department also will be open.
  • Pasco County Public Transportation administrative offices will be closed to walk-in customers.
  • An Animal Control Officer will be available for emergencies only.
  • The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III, and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be open to the public and Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

These closures also do not apply to Pasco County government Constitutional Offices, including the courts.

All county government offices will return to normal hours on Oct. 13.

Published October 07, 2020

Two reappointments to Pasco CSW

By

The Pasco County Commission has reappointed Dr. Lisa Richardson and Cheryl Pollock to new three-year terms on the county’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

The county board took the actions during two separate meetings in September.

Richardson is Pasco-Hernando State College’s representative on the CSW, and she was recommended for reappointment by the state college. Her new term expires on Sept. 21, 2023.

Pollock is Premier Community HealthCare’s representative on the CSW, and was recommended for reappointment by Premier HealthCare. Her new term expires Sept. 8, 2023.

The CSW was established on Oct. 16, 1979, and was inaugurated to serve in an advisory capacity to the Pasco County Commission and county administrator, the community, and all agencies and the general public in Pasco County with respect to matters pertaining to the status of women, including, but not limited to, discrimination against women, employment of women, and the education of women, according to agenda backup materials.

On Sept. 13, 2016, commissioners voted to have 10 agencies provide nominees to serve on the CSW. County commissioners also each nominate one member, bringing the total membership on the CSW to 15.

The state college is one of the 10 nominating agencies. Richardson has been representing PHSC on the women’s commission since 2017.

Published October 07, 2020

Soaking in a Stanley Cup win

By

Mary, David and Kimberly Eberhard joined the ‘Distant Thunder’ on Sept. 28 to cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. When the Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars, Kimberly declared the win was an early present for her, since her birthday was the next day.

In fact, Kim is such a big fan of the Bolts that her best friend, Ashley Cretcher, arranged a surprise visit by Thunderbug, the team’s mascot, to Kim’s school on her birthday. Plus, Kim joined in festivities when the Bolts returned to Tampa by riding on the Sticks of Fire boat and joining her parents at the celebration at Raymond James stadium.

The Eberhards aren’t wearing masks in this photo, but once the photo was taken, they put their masks back on to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

The Eberhards are from Wesley Chapel, and Mary is in charge of accounting at The Laker/Lutz News.

Here, the family poses with an inflatable Stanley Cup, soaking in the joy of the moment, after the Tampa Bay Lightning capture the real Stanley Cup by defeating the Dallas Stars.

Pasco Art Community Loses Great Leader With The Passing Of Jo Baughman

By

The recent death of Joanne (Jo) Baughman, long-time director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council (PFAC), has been especially sad for art lovers in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City because her leadership was instrumental in the founding of the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery.

It was just one year ago that the executive team at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel met with Baughman to offer its community’s Welcome Center as a new gallery for the Pasco Fine Arts Council. The developer also committed to building an Arts Center in its new downtown, as a permanent location when its downtown opens.

Enjoying a reception at the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery are from the left: Janet Franks, Lisa Owens, Jo Baughman and Carolyn Eckerty.

For Baughman, who was involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for 22 years, and director for the past five, the invitation from Avalon Park Wesley Chapel to work together accomplished a long-held dream.

“We’re very excited about expanding the presence of the Fine Arts Council to East Pasco County,” Baughman said, in an interview with The Laker/Lutz News in September 2019. “It will be thrilling to feature local artists and discover new artists through these events and educational opportunities made possible through this partnership.”

In the year that Baughman headed up activities at the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, there have been bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, and several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. And, when the pandemic changed how people could meet, Baughman organized virtual art shows and workshops.

Baughman was 75 when she died Sept. 18 after a short battle with lung cancer. She passed away at her New Port Richey home while under the care of Gulfside Hospice, with her husband, Jack, at her side. The Baughmans were married for 57 years.

The loss of Baughman was especially emotional for Stephanie Lerret, who worked closely with Baughman to set up the location of the East Pasco Fine Arts Council at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Jo Bauman with her paintings, photographed when she won third place in a competition for Historical Painting of Pasco.

“Jo had an unrivaled passion for the arts! Her desire to share that passion with others was an inspiration. Our relationship with PFAC started with a couple of “what-if” conversations and quickly expanded into a blossoming presence of the arts in East Pasco County. We are blessed to have known Jo and to absorb her knowledge of the finer things,” said Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group.

Bob Langford, chairman of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, said replacing Baughman will be a formidable task.

“Jo meant a great deal to our organization. She was a very capable person who not only ran the center and all of its programs, but also continued her first love of teaching,” said Langford.

Opening the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery was one of Baughman ‘s proudest achievements, Langford said. “We had been trying to do something on the east side of the county for many years, and Jo was so proud of our new center at Avalon Park.”

Langford announced that board member Susan Ray has been appointed interim director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, and that a search has begun for a new executive director.

Jo Baughman was recognized for her many contributions to the Paso Fine Arts Council by Janet Litzel, a former board member, in this 2016 photo.

“Jo had so much energy and such dedication to the center,” said Ray. ”Her love of arts was contagious, and she was an inspiration to all of us. She was an excellent teacher and so encouraging to her students, whether they were taking their first lesson or were an experienced artist.”

Rita Wilson, a Land O’ Lakes watercolor artist who took lessons from Baughman, shared the following about her mentor.

“Jo never gave up on anybody. She was easy to learn from and was very good at gentle criticism that made you a better painter. She did so much for her students and the center‚ I can’t tell you how much she will be missed,” said Wilson, who also was one of the first artists to exhibit at the East Pasco gallery.

Dozens of art lovers and former students also shared their thoughts about Baughman’s passing, on the Facebook page for the Pasco Fine Arts Council.

“When I began my watercolor journey, Jo was my first teacher and I was in her very first class, 19 years ago this month. She was so warm and friendly, eager to bring out the best in all her students, to help us find our artistic voice. She was the best kind of teacher and I have always felt so blessed to have found her. But most of all, she was my friend, my art ‘mom,’ always cheering me on. To say that Jo was the heart and soul of PFAC is true, but still seems inadequate. I was always in awe of her boundless energy. I will miss her warm smile, sense of humor, and our talks more than I can say. Such a wonderful, joyous lady. It has been such a privilege to know her.” – Suzanne McManus Natzke

“I’m really at a loss for words. She was a formidable mentor with boundless energy. She could juggle more tasks at one time than anyone I knew. I loved the way her students loved her and how she would encourage them. I’m so grateful she was able to keep the center going and thriving. If she was so loved, the greatest gift you can make to her memory is to keep the center moving and growing…as her legacy. Knowing her showed me there is a season for all things.” – Laura Knox

“I met Jo about 5 years ago, when I visited the Pasco Fine Art Center, after moving to Florida. I was looking for artists wishing to join the art community in the area. When I opened the Art Center’s door and introduced myself, Jo opened her heart and introduced me to her soul. Her smile was never absent on her face, and her usual greeting and good-bye was always a warm hug. Thanks to her I was able to organize my first solo exhibition in the States. She worked hard to keep the Art Center running, infusing energy to everybody through her love for the Art. Now Jo is not with us. She departed and left us her smile, her goodness, her passion. I am honored to have meet such a woman, such a person, such a friend.” – Ernesto Miguel Blanco Sanciprianm

A Catholic Memorial Service was held Sept. 28, which would have been Baughman’s 76th birthday, at Grace Memorial Gardens in Hudson. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made in her memory to the Pasco Fine Arts Center, 4145 Fairford Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34652, or online as PascoArts.org/donate.

Published September 30, 2020

Why Live In An Apartment When You Can Live Affordably At Club Wildwood

By

Older adults in central and east Pasco county are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood in Hudson, which boasts affordable homes, first-class amenities and a five-minute drive to the beach.

Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County, with close to 500 homes. Living in a large community means there is always someone to share things with, including swimming in the resort-style heated pool, taking your pup to the friendly dog park, enjoying crafts and potluck dinners at the clubhouse, and even fishing in a well-stocked lake. Residents are friendly and welcome newcomers to the community’s many clubs and activities.

Currently, five re-sale homes are available in Club Wildwood, priced from $29,900 to $48,000. New homes, which begin in the low $90s, also are available for sale or lease. All homes are double-wide with two or three bedrooms, two baths, and an attached carport and storage area.

Most re-sale homes have been updated with the latest designs and flooring, and are a tremendous value for a single-family home in terms of cost, amenities and location.

For folks moving from Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, living at Club Wildwood costs less than renting an apartment. The community’s monthly lot rental fee is less than $700, and includes city water, trash, sewer, landscaping and full use of all recreation facilities.

Club Wildwood’s location on U.S. 19 gives residents quick access to major roadways, shopping and dining, and area attractions. In addition to its Olympic-size heated pool, amenities include a picnic area, shuffleboard courts, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits. A spacious clubhouse is currently being remodeled, and boasts a full kitchen and large meeting room, small library, pool tables, fitness room and card tables.

Regular activities include bingo, karaoke, potluck dinners, coffee hours, dart tournaments, happy hours, pancake breakfasts, line dancing and bridge games. During the social distancing requirements of COVID-19, some of these activities have been suspended, but all will be back when it is safe to gather together again.

Outside of the park, many Club Wildwood residents participate in special interest clubs, including bowling and golf leagues, the Red Hat Society, and volunteering at nearby Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The 290-bed hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from Club Wildwood, is the only Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pasco County, and its renowned Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care and an open heart surgery program.

Make Club Wildwood your next home by contacting Community Manager Sean Terris for a private tour at (866) 799-6706 or .

Published September 30, 2020

Who Installs Your Home Mechanical Systems Is Just As Important As The Manufacturer

By

Homeowners often put more emphasis on which manufacturer they believe makes the best air conditioning unit, generator or hot water heater, instead of focusing on which company they hire to install and warranty the unit.

“Manufacturers essentially use the same components, which are put together on the same assembly lines,” explains Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes. “And, because there has been a lot of consolidation among manufacturers, many products are virtually identical, and differ only in the name they market under.”

Since there is little differentiation among brands, and because all manufacturers must meet the same industry standards and energy efficiency requirements, the most important factor for a homeowner to consider is what company they hire to specify and install their new home mechanical system.

“The technician’s knowledge and expertise, the service warranty provided, and the longevity and reputation of the installing company are critical to a unit’s success after it is installed in the home,” said Spears.

While an A/C unit, water heater and generator are technically home appliances, it’s important for people to understand that replacing these systems is not like replacing a refrigerator.

“With a refrigerator, all you need to do is plug the new one into the wall outlet. But, an A/C system, for example, must be ordered with specifications particular to your home, and then properly integrated into your home’s mechanical systems by certified technicians who know what they are doing.

“A homeowner can buy the most expensive product available, but it will not operate properly without the correct installation, or operate effectively for the number of years that it should,” said Spears.

Spears recommends choosing an established A/C, electrical and plumbing company that is locally owned, and has a reputation for great customer service and standing behind its work.

“You want to be sure the installing company will be in business to help you with service and warranty issues for years to come,” said Spears.

Transfer Switches and Generators
It is always best to be prepared by planning ahead before an emergency strikes. Spears explains there are two solutions to making sure your home has power in case of a storm or hurricane – a whole-home generator or a transfer switch to a portable generator.

“Built-in generators are the best way to maintain power to your entire home. However, because of the cost and the delay in permitting, many families are having us install transfer switches to power the refrigerator, lighting in key rooms and even a small bedroom A/C unit, which is often needed by someone with medical conditions,” said Spears.

A transfer switch eliminates extension cords winding through a house, and can be installed very quickly. With the exception of Pasco County, most areas of Tampa Bay are seeing delays of two to three months in securing permits for installing whole-house generators.

There is also a significant difference in cost. At Cornerstone Pros, a transfer switch typically costs between $1,200 and $2,500, while a whole-house generator begins at $9,000 (pricing depends on a home’s square footage).

For families wanting whole-home generators, Cornerstone installs Generac generators, the country’s largest manufacturer of backup generators that automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Choosing the right size generator for your home is just as important as the quality of the generator and the installation. Our technicians do a full load calculation on every home we quote, and specify a generator that best meets a family’s needs and budget,” said Spears.

Cornerstone Pros offers low-interest financing available to make monthly payments affordable for generators, A/C systems and trutankless hot water heaters.

“We want to encourage everyone who wants to protect their family’s health, comfort and safety to plan ahead and to give us call to help identify what they can do to make the home safe and comfortable,” said Spears. “We do everything possible to make a home’s mechanical systems meet their budget with our payment plans.”

Cornerstone Pros answers its phones 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call (813) 990-0561 anytime, day or night.  For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published August 26, 2020

Experience Matters When Remodeling Your Home

By

Rob Howard got his start in the flooring business 35 years ago as a teenager, when he was working at a grocery store and his manager asked if he could finish the store’s floors when a contractor failed to show.

Rob agreed to help, discovered that he enjoyed the work, and has been in the flooring business ever since.

Over the years, Rob has expanded his skills to include painting, tile work and other skills needed for home improvements. Today he works in both remodeling/restorations and new construction.

In 2014, Rob added new partners — his son, Jarred Howard, and longtime colleague, David Rodriguez. The men named their new business Infinite Home Designs, which they abbreviated to Infinite HD.

Today, Infinite HD has grown into a full-service home repair and installation company, with a focus on bathroom and kitchen remodeling, while continuing to expand its flooring business with the latest trends in tile, luxury vinyl, laminate and wood.

Home repair shows, such as “Fixer Upper,” often inspire people to do their own home repairs, but David 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 David. “It truly matters who you hire.”

Infinite HD has seen its share of cases where people try to do their own home repairs, or hire unqualified people, and end up having Infinite HD finish the job.

“Those clients end up spending more money, time and stress by trying to do it on their own,” said David.

Infinite HD recently moved its office to Odessa to keep up with the company’s growth. The location is convenient to its customer base in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Rob is excited to watch his company continue to grow and expand.

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. Having both his son, Jarred, and daughter, Janann, work for him is something Rob deeply treasures – a sentiment his son, Jarred, shares.

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

Published September 30, 2020

County approves purchase of new library furniture

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved the purchase and installation of new furniture in conjunction with library renovations at the Hugh Embry, Land O’ Lakes, Regency Park and South Holiday libraries.

The purchases include new library furniture, shelving, book trucks, waste and

recycling receptacles, according to Pasco County Commission agenda documents.

The contracts call for purchases not to exceed:

  • $269,235.57 for the Hugh Embry Library
  • $491,252.12 for the Land O’ Lakes Library
  • $483,452.64 for the Regency Park Library
  • $289,326.90 for the South Holiday Library

The total for all four is slightly more than $1.53 million.

The new furniture is part of the library improvements being funded through the issuance of General Obligation Bonds that were approved by voters.

The interiors of the Hugh Embry, Land O’ Lakes, Regency Park, and South Holiday libraries will be completely renovated and restructured, the county documents say.

Renovations include removal of existing partitions, doors, windows, fixtures, devices, furnishings, lighting, HVAC, and finishes throughout the interior spaces.

New construction for the interior includes new doors and windows, storefront, partitions, fixtures, finishes, visual display, HVAC, plumbing, electrical lighting, and a security system. The new library furniture and shelving will be compatible with the new design.

The purchase of new library furniture, multi-purpose furnishings, library shelving, library book trucks, and recycling and waste receptacles from a single vendor is required to maintain standardization, and will benefit the county by maintaining interchangeability and compatibility with other libraries, the agenda documents say.

This purchase has been budgeted as part of the furniture, fixtures and equipment of the overall renovation project.

Published September 30, 2020