The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Civil court documents now available online

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Nikki Alvarez-Sowles is the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller. (Courtesy of Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office)

The civil courts department of the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office now offers online access to  summonses and similar civil court documents.

The service went live on Aug. 3, after a successful pilot program was completed, according to a news release from the clerk’s office.

Jerome Jordan is Civil Courts director, in the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s office

“E-issuance involves a Civil Courts deputy clerk affixing an authorized electronic signature to documents submitted through the Florida Courts eFiling Portal. By eliminating paper and no longer requiring in-person visits by petitioners and process servers, the process becomes speedier and more efficient,” the news release says.

“It’s a significant step forward, one we’re certain our customers and partners will welcome,” said Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, in the news release.

“As with most significant progress, it didn’t happen overnight. Our Civil Courts Operations and Information Technology teams have gone to great effort over the past year to make sure the process is efficient and effective for our office and customers,” Alvarez-Sowles said.

Civil Courts Director Dr. Jerome Jordan also weighed in, on the new development.

“The value of this project to our office, customers and citizens is tremendous. The ability for clerk’s staff to electronically issue documents, such as proposed summonses and writs e-filed with our office, will eliminate many manual, time-consuming processes,” Jordan said.

Highlights of the program include:

  • Reducing the time necessary to process documents.
  • Shrinking the turnaround time to make documents available to the filer.
  • Notifying filers at their eFile-registered email address a document has been added to a case and is available for viewing and downloading.
  • Eliminating postage and other costs as e-filers log in to the clerk’s website to retrieve their issued documents to effect service.

The pilot testers for the project were: Maggard Law Firm P.A.; Mander Law Group; McClain Alfonso P.A.; Marcadis Singer P.A.; Margaret A. McGarrity; Office of Audrey Jefferies; Office of Dale L. Bernstein; Office of Rechel & Associates P.A.; Office of Russell G. Marlowe P.A.; and Sharp Process & Investigative Services P.A.

Published August 26, 2020

She ushered in a broader selection of healthy food choices

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If you want to know about the legacy of Julie Hedine, the recently retired director of Food and Nutrition for the Pasco County School District, you should rewind to the days when school menus were different.

You should think about the jumbo chocolate chip cookie.

Of course, it was wildly popular with the students.

It was also an extremely profitable item, adding to the program’s financial flexibility. But, Hedine knew better.

“When she told us we should back away from those cookies and focus on healthy items, we all agreed with her,’’ said Rick Kurtz, who hired Hedine in 1995 as the county’s first registered dietician and then selected her as the replacement for program director in 2012.

“She took a lot of heat for that. But, she knew it was best to move away from the jumbo chocolate chip cookies — because that was the best thing for kids. That’s how she always operated,’’ Kurtz said.

Julie Hedine recently retired from the top job in Pasco County Schools’ department of Food and Nutrition Services. (Courtesy of Pasco County School District)

Hedine, who oversaw 750 employees and a $38-million annual budget, was there when the last fryer was removed from Pasco’s school kitchens.

She piqued the interest of vegetarians — and all students, really — by introducing hummus platters. She prided herself on the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables — every day.

She made the dollars stretch and maintained great relationships with vendors, always keeping new food trends in mind. She standardized menus and recipes throughout the county, for a more efficient approach.

When Hedine took over, Pasco had 38 schools/feeding stations. Now there are more than 80.

“We grew significantly and lot of things changed, but we always tried to keep it interesting for the students and follow trends,’’ Hedine said. “We wanted our students to want to eat with us. It doesn’t do any good to put out a meal that kids have no interest in eating, no matter how healthy it is.

“You have to find a happy medium, where you are satisfying nutritional requirements, but also making it enticing for students to participate,” she said.

Hedine, born and raised in Phoenix, was food and nutrition director for the Scottsdale (Arizona) School District before moving to Florida, after her marriage. She spent one year with the Hillsborough County School District before shifting to Pasco’s dietician position.

Kurtz already knew bigger things were ahead.

“She was director material from the day she walked in, so I’m grateful that she stayed with Pasco and didn’t leave for something else,’’ Kurtz said. “I knew we needed a registered dietician. I wanted one slightly moderate, child focused and someone bright. Julie brought all of that, plus she has such a happy personality, a contagious laughter and that was great to have in our office.

“She knew nutrition. She was bright enough to work the numbers and figure out how to do things within the constraints of our program. She was the perfect choice to take over and take the food program to another level, which she certainly did.’’

Hedine will pass the reins to Stephanie Spicknall, her assistant, secure in the knowledge that the Pasco food and nutrition program is on solid ground.

What will Hedine miss?

The people.

“I loved working in the field, as I called it, getting in the kitchen to help and collaborate,’’ Hedine said. “I wasn’t able to do that as much as I would’ve liked. You might need to work on budgets or attend meetings. My favorite part was being there, being involved.

“We had a lot of employees, but it’s amazing how many of them I got to know. And, of course, the students are why you do it. I could’ve gone in a number of different directions with my career, but my passion has been making sure kids are fed a healthy meal. Kids are who kept me in this business all these years,” she said.

But, Hedine also attended to many non-glamorous details, such as the standardization of protocols to ensure food safety.

Kurtz put it this way: “I think flexibility and managing all the little things no one wants to think about really define Julie. Managing waste. Offer versus serve. Making sure kids get what they want and not having them just take things and throw them away.

“All these things are so important to the program, both fiscally and for the overall environment issues,” he said.

After a 25-year career with the Pasco County School District, Hedine had been contemplating retirement. In the spring of 2019, just before the school year concluded, her health cast a deciding vote.

She also had suffered from headaches, but they began coming with more intensity. She felt fatigued and her vision seemed off. She worried when she couldn’t write in a straight line. A doctor diagnosed her with a cancerous brain tumor — Glioblastoma, which also afflicted John McCain and Ted Kennedy — so she underwent surgery.

Her husband, Gary, also was battling cancer. In fact, they underwent radiation treatments together. They both agreed it was time to seize the day.

“As much as I loved my job, it’s time to do other things and spend time with my husband,’’ said Hedine, who will split time between Florida and their place in Cape Cod. “I will still undergo treatment and I’ll be watched closely for the rest of my life.

“I’m very goal-oriented and I didn’t want to leave until some things were accomplished. But, I have to take care of myself. I think COVID-19 may have validated the timing of the decision also. My career was wonderful, but now it’s time for the next chapter. I have nothing but fond memories.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published August 19, 2020

Serving school lunches — at home — during a pandemic

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What happens when your home kitchen becomes your child’s school cafeteria?

That’s the situation many families are finding themselves in, as their children learn remotely from home, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you chose to keep your child at home, or the school district is beginning classes remotely, you may find yourself serving lunch to your students who are eating at home.

Here’s a twist to add some fun to traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The presentation makes lunch more interesting, and helps to ensure your kids are getting enough fruit in their diet. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

Although there may be options available to pick up school meals (check with your district), the chances are you’ll need more food that’s readily available if your children are home all day.

So, what should you feed your kids if they’re home, without access to school lunches?

Healthy food must be at the top of the list.

Avoid processed food as much as possible.

Why?

Because a child’s diet can make a difference in his or her academic performance.

A 2018 study from the University of California, Berkley, discussed the positive links between childhood nutrition and high grades.

Eating healthy food helps with concentration, memory, physical development and behavior.

The study also talked about the negative correlation between obesity and cognition — which includes being able to remember, solve problems, store learned information and so on.

Specifically, the study mentions how refined carbohydrates, refined sugars and a diet high in saturated fat all negatively impact cognition.

So, be sure to limit those in your child’s diet to help set him or her up for academic success and help them to maintain a healthy weight.

If you’ve been in your child’s school cafeteria, you may recall seeing pictures of MyPlate.

This is the revised version of the food guide pyramid that gives a visual of the five food groups.

If you haven’t already used this guide, it may be helpful as you think of meals to make for the kids.

The food groups are fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy.

MyPlate has a few simple messages about the food groups:

  • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables

The typical diet in the U.S. is heavy in protein and grain, so be sure to make room on the plate to include more fruits and vegetables.

Doing this will ensure the recommended amounts of nutrients are being met.

  • Make half your grains whole grains

Grain food includes cereal, pasta, rice, bread, tortilla shells, crackers and so on.

As your kids consume grain products throughout the day, make sure that at least half of the time they are eating whole grain foods.

Some food your child may already eat, such as oatmeal and popcorn, are whole grains.

The packaging needs to say it’s a whole grain, not 100% wheat, honey wheat, or multigrain.

  • Eat low-fat or fat-free dairy products

One gram of fat has 9 calories.

When you switch to low-fat or fat-free dairy, you reduce your overall intake of calories that day.

  • Vary your protein routine

Animal proteins aren’t needed at every meal.

Plant-based proteins can replace animal protein, at times.

Beans, nuts, seeds, peanut butter and tree nut butters, such as almond butter and cashew butter, are plant-based proteins. Be mindful of all nut allergens.

  • You don’t have to have all five food groups in every meal, but aim to have at least three.

Here are some MyPlate-friendly lunch ideas:

  • Peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat bread with low-fat milk
  • Hummus and veggies wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla shell with a side of fruit
  • Toasted bagel with egg, tomato, lettuce, and low-fat cheese
  • Tuna canned in water with whole wheat crackers and low-fat string cheese
  • Mashed hardboiled egg in whole wheat pita bread with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers
  • Taco shells with refried beans, lettuce, onion, shredded low-fat cheese, salsa, and avocado
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on a stick: Make a PB and J sandwich on whole wheat bread. Cut into small pieces, place pieces on skewers and alternate with sliced bananas or jelly type fruits, such as strawberries, grapes, and/or blueberries.
  • Leftovers: many parents make large dinner portions so their kids can have the extras for lunch.

A snack should have at least two food groups.

Something simple like celery with peanut butter, or yogurt with berries should be readily available at home.

This school year may look different, but health messages remain the same: Make healthy food part of the routine for school success.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Published August 19, 2020

Get suspicious seeds in the mail?

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If you’ve received suspicious seeds in the mail, Hillsborough County’s Extension Service will take them off your hands.

The unsolicited seeds, which appear to have come from China, should not be planted or used in any way, according to a news release from Hillsborough County.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working closely with other federal agencies and state departments of agriculture to investigate the deliveries, the news release says.

The USDA believes at this time that the packages, reportedly sometimes containing other items such as silverware and fidget spinners, are a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales, the release adds.

Seeds of unknown origin may constitute agricultural smuggling, be invasive, introduce pathogens or toxins, pose a risk of foodborne illness, or threaten plant and animal health, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The Hillsborough County Extension Service staff will accept the seeds on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Residents who are unable to drop off the seeds during these times can call (813) 744-5519 for additional instructions. The Extension Service is at 5339 County Road 579 in Seffner.

People in possession of unopened packages or packages containing other non-agricultural items should contact the USDA APHIS Anti-Smuggling Hotline at (800) 877-3835 or .

Published August 19, 2020

Pasco employees win state awards

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The Florida Sterling Council has recognized six Pasco County employees for work they performed as Sterling Examiners – including the Examiner Excellence Award – given to just one  Sterling Examiner each year, according to a county news release.

More than 150 Volunteer Examiners serve statewide, supporting the council’s mission of elevating organizational performance excellence.

The awards were presented during a virtual Examiner Recognition Ceremony on July 17.

The county’s team of examiners helps organizations across the state, while also helping the county to improve its performance, Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles said at the Pasco Commission’s Aug. 4 meeting.

“The awards program for the internal Sterling program in the state almost was like Pasco County Day,” Biles said, noting that Amielee Farrell received the examiner’s excellence award for the year.

He praised all of the county staff receiving recognition.

“They’re doing an excellent job going out and examining private and public government agencies, not only helping them, but bringing their ideas back to Pasco County so we can do our jobs better, too.

“There’s a dozen on that team right now and they’re doing an excellent job throughout the state, and then bringing those ideas back to us, so we can become the premier county that the board wants us to become,” Biles said.

Farrell, of the county’s Office of Management and Budget, was recognized for her  contributions in the areas of thought leadership, developing new software training and guidance, and her participation on two assessment teams, according to the county news release.

Pasco employees Nilda Meono received the Challenge Assessment Rookie of the Year and Courtney Cooper received the Governor’s Sterling Award Assessment Rookie of the Year.

Also, Zuzana Bobst, Courtney Cooper, Matthew Hicks and Nilda Meono were promoted from Examiner to Advanced Examiner.

Jeffrey Harris was promoted from Advanced Examiner to Senior Examiner, and Amielee Farrell was promoted from Senior Examiner to Lead Examiner.

The Florida Sterling Council was formed in 1992 as a not-for-profit, public/private partnership supported by the Office of the Governor, the county release adds.

To learn more about the Sterling Program and the role of Examiners, visit FloridaSterling.com.

Published August 19. 2020

Seeking first day of school photos

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The first day of school, because of COVID-19, will be anything but routine for the 2020-2021 school year.

Some students will be attending classes virtually, while others will be strapping on masks, and heading to school campuses.

It’s become a tradition for us to share First Day of School photos with our readers, and we would love to share yours.

The photos can be taken in your home, on your front porch before or after school, near the school, at the bus stop, or at another location you prefer.

We don’t care if your child is heading to kindergarten, or heading off to college.

We welcome group shots of siblings, but please identify each child in the photo, from left to right.

When submitting your photo, please tell us your child’s name and age, what community you live in, what school the student attends (or if the child is homeschooled) and the grade of the student. Also, please provide contact information, in case we have questions.

We’d like to publish our First Day of School photo collection on Sept. 9, so please submit your photos by Sept. 2. Send them to .

Published August 19, 2020

Sienna Gizelbach couldn’t wait to meet some new friends at Bexley Elementary School. The girl’s family had just moved to the area from Virginia last year, and her mom, Verena Gizelbach, said they received a warm reception from the school. (Courtesy of Verena Gizelbach)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silas posed on his first day of second grade last year, while his older brother, Evan, was getting ready for his first day of fourth grade. The Carozza boys were at their home in Heritage Harbor in Lutz. (Courtesy of Lisa Carozza)

Avoid dangers posed by online predators

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Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren has issued a video aimed at helping parents to protect their children from online predators.

“Summer camps are limited. Parents are stretched thin. It’s a perfect storm for predators,”  Warren said, in a news release.

During the pandemic, Warren’s office already has seen “disturbing attempts by online predators to exploit children,” the release says. “Prosecutors worry this summer may be even worse because of a lack of child care, combined with parents stretched thin by work and stress.”

Warren has released a Secure Summer Video.

In that video, he shares three key tips:

  • Talk about it: Make sure your child knows that the online world has people who may try to take advantage of them. Explain how they may be approached, and that strangers sometimes pretend to be a kid their age. That dialogue will help your kids understand that they should come to you if someone tries to exploit them or bully them online.
  • Review what they’re sharing: Know their social media and messenger passwords, and log in from time to time to see what they’re sending and receiving. Make sure they’re using strong privacy settings on services like Instagram, Facebook, Twitch and Discord.
  • Use parental controls: Many devices and apps let you choose what your child can access, and for how long. Set up those controls and use them.

Darmaris Allen, immediate past president of the Hillsborough County PTA, said “it’s so important to talk with your kids before they ever face a dangerous situation online.”

The child advocate continued: “Can it be tough to have conversations about this? Absolutely. But, as parents, our No. 1 job is to keep our children safe—even if it means having some awkward conversations or learning a little more about the technology they’re using.”

Last year, the national CyberTipline received more than 150,000 reports from the public relating to children across America being taken advantage of online.

Warren takes this issue seriously: “Children are already becoming victims during the pandemic. Predators are capitalizing on how much unsupervised time kids are spending online.”

Published August 12, 2020

Not your typical vacation shots

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Land O’ Lakes photographer Lillian Cucuzza often shares her photographs of local wildlife with readers of The Laker/Lutz News (In fact, we’re publishing one today in our B section). These shots were taken, however, during her vacation out West this summer. This photo of the Neowise Comet, was taken on July 15, when the comet was closest to  earth — still about 70 million miles away, the photographer said.

(Lillian Cucuzza)

Narcotic-Free Oral Surgery Practice

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Patients feel at ease and know they are in caring hands when they meet Dr. Andrés E. Guerra-Andrade, physician and owner of Oral Surgery and Implant Specialists/Facial Cosmetics of Lutz.

As a highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Guerra has made a significant difference for the many patients he’s treated in the past decade.

Oral Surgery and Implant Specialists/Facial Cosmetics of Lutz prides itself on providing the highest quality of care for its patients. One way it achieves this is by being a narcotic-free practice, which Dr. Guerra is extremely proud of.

Dr. Andrés E. Guerra-Andrade

“We have a huge problem in the U.S. with addictions caused by narcotic prescriptions,” says Dr. Guerra. “Choosing to become a narcotic-free practice has made me the happiest oral surgeon in the town.”

Dr. Guerra is a native of Caracas, Venezuela, and attended the School of Dentistry at the University of Venezuela, where he received his doctorate degree. He completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery degree and his Master’s in Dental Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico’s Medical Science Campus.

It was never his plan move to the United States, but ultimately Dr. Guerra and his family both decided it would be best for his career.

“There’s a lot of political and social issues happening in Venezuela. It’s not easy being away, but at least now I can financially help my family back home,” says Dr. Guerra.

In the summer of 2019, Dr. Guerra took over Oral Surgery and Implant Specialists/Facial Cosmetics of Lutz with his wife Denisse, a pediatric dentist who works alongside him.

“Being able to have my own practice is the biggest career achievement I’ve had in my life,” says Dr. Guerra.

Oral Surgery and Implant Specialists/Facial Cosmetics of Lutz offers a wide range of services, such as wisdom teeth removal, extractions, implants, diagnosis of oral cancer, eyelid surgery, facelifts and so much more.

The practice also offers noninvasive facial cosmetic surgeries, such as Botox, fillers, microneedling, and skin-tightening procedures.

“As we get older, our facial volume goes down,” explains Dr. Guerra, “We lose fat and our collagen becomes weak. These procedures help the patient decrease the speed of aging and improves their self-esteem.”

Dr. Guerra is particularly excited about TempSure Envi, which is a nonsurgical skin-tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to firm up loose skin on the face and body. The heat from the radiofrequency triggers the body’s natural reaction to produce new collagen, thus leaving the patient with a tighter, more youthful glow to their skin.

To schedule a free consultation with Dr. Guerra, go to OralSurgeryAndImplantSpecialists.com, or call (813) 609-4486.

By Kelli Carmack

Published August 05, 2020

Pastor is ‘Birthday King’ for a day

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Members of St. John Missionary Baptist Church recently helped to celebrate the Rev. Harold Thomas’ 85th birthday, and his 37th year of leading the church.

In the midst of COVID-19, the church couldn’t host the gathering it wanted, so it adapted to the times, according to Bermice Thomas, the pastor’s wife, who provided information about the event.

Pastor Harold Thomas celebrates his birthday, seated next to his wife, Bermice Thomas. (Courtesy of Bermice Thomas)

Church members outfitted Thomas with a “Birthday King” robe and crown, and had a surprise luncheon — adhering to COVID-19 social distancing.

Festivities included a parade of law enforcement officers from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the Dade City Police Department — complete with lights and sirens, the pastor’s wife reported.

Pastor Thomas has “humbly served” at the church, located at 14549 Eighth St., in Dade City, his wife said, via email.

She thanked ANA’s Devine Events for providing beautiful decorations for the church’s dining area.

She said the pastor’s birthday was on July 21, but members decided it would be more of a surprise if they had the party on July 19 — the same day as church service.

Festivities included a parade by members of the Dade City Police Department and Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, complete with lights and sirens. The law enforcement officers couldn’t stay for the party, but they posed with the pastor for a photo. From left: Pasco Sheriff’s Lt. J. R. Law, Dade City Police officer Jose Felix, Pastor Harold Thomas, Dade City Police officer Devon Greenwald and Dade City Police Sgt. Rob Tungate.

Those attending the morning service were invited to share in the lunch.

The luncheon foods came from Olive Garden and Wingstop.

Bermice Thomas said her husband rode with her to Wesley Chapel to pick up the chicken wings — one of his favorite foods.

His wife said she drove slowly deliberately, to ensure they arrived at the church close to the arranged time of the law enforcement parade.

The pastor became somewhat suspicious when she got of the car quickly, to go into the church.

“The cars were waiting to proceed at 1 p.m. sharp starting at the corner of Sumner Avenue and 10th Street,” she reported. “As the sirens got closer, Rev. Thomas, as well as everyone, came out to the covered sidewalk to see what was going on and why the sirens were so close.

“When the officers turned into the church parking lot with all the bells and whistles, my husband asked what was going on.

“The officers got out of their vehicles and those gathered began singing Happy Birthday, and each officer came up to congratulate him on 85 years,” Bermice Thomas’ email says.

Even though the officers could not stay to enjoy lunch, the pastor’s wife said, “I’d like to thank Chief Walters and the Dade City Police department for sharing in this wonderful blessing.”

She also appreciated the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office for being there.

Pastor Thomas was moved to tears by the touching tribute, her email says.

Published August 05, 2020

The church hall was decorated for a party, celebrated with COVID-19 social distancing.
Rev. Harold Thomas dons a cape and crown, as he celebrates his 85th birthday.