The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

Veterinarian honors his father, by donating a barn

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Dade City’s Centennial Elementary School has a brand-new barn for its 4-H Club.

But, this structure is much more than a sturdy protective home to hogs and sheep, with goats on the way.

It’s a son’s tribute to his late father, a pioneering marine biologist and beloved resident of Dade City.

Funds for the Blake Barn at Centennial Elementary School were donated by Dade City veterinarian Jonathan Blake, in honor of his late father. (Courtesy of Gretchen Rudolph-Fladd)

The “Blake Barn’’ was funded by a $10,000 donation from Dade City veterinarian Jonathan Blake, in the memory of his father, Norman Jasper Blake.

The elder Blake, who was 74 when he died in 2018, initiated the University of South Florida marine science program at its St. Petersburg campus.

“We are so appreciative of Dr. Blake’s generosity because when we put out the word for fundraising, we thought it would take a couple of years to happen,’’ said Kristi Dorough, a third-grade teacher at Centennial and the 4-H club leader. “Now we already have it and it’s already making a huge impact for our students. It has been wonderful.’’

Blake said he had been searching for a way to honor his father. Centennial’s plans seemed like a perfect fit, especially considering the family’s connections to the school — his mother, Virginia, was a charter faculty member when the school opened in 1986 and his son, Levi, is currently a fourth-grader there.

“It was a good opportunity for my wife and I to get involved,’’ Blake said. “I’m interested in the teaching of agricultural science and maintaining the roots to the rural nature of our Dade City area, and teaching kids where their food comes from.

“Those are important values that we are slowly losing. So it’s a perfect marriage — a way to honor my dad and, at the same time, do something good for our community.’’

Centennial principal Gretchen Rudolph-Fladd said Dorough began the 4-H club about three years ago. Some chicken coops were moved to the campus, but overall, Centennial relied on another barn.

Centennial Elementary School’s robust 4-H Club got a major asset with the construction of the Blake Barn.

When some Zephyrhills High School seniors donated three prize-winning sheep to Centennial, there was a problem — nowhere for the sheep to live. So the plans began.

It played nicely into the plans of Rudolph-Fladd, who wanted Centennial to become a STEAM school. While the “A’’ typically stands for the Arts, at Centennial, it stands for Agriculture and Aviation (including the use of drones).

“We want our ‘A’ to be cubed and the science learning is so closely tied to our community,’’ Rudolph-Fladd said. “It has worked so well. We are delighted that the Blake name will resonate forever at our school.’’

The Blake Barn, which will include a plaque about Norman Jasper Blake and a wrought-iron sign, has eight stalls. It was constructed by Affordable Building, a Hernando County company.

So far, the 4-H Club has 15 members from kindergartners to eighth-graders. The older students attend Centennial Middle School.

The Blake Barn already has hogs and sheep that are cared for by the Centennial Elementary School 4-H Club students.

Besides the plans for hogs, sheep and goats, there also are designs on bringing in dairy cows.

“From a very practical standpoint, the barn allows us to house more animals and grow our ability to educate the students,’’ Dorough said. “If some members live in the city limits and don’t have the farmland, they can keep their project at the barn.

“It opens up so many opportunities. The young members can see what the older kids are doing. That will get them excited and interested.’’

Blake said it’s an appropriate way to honor his father, who spent his life dedicated to education and conservation. He had a particular interest in the study of scallops, oysters and clams. Blake said his father was instrumental in returning the scallop population to West Central Florida.

“He had friends everywhere,’’ Blake said. “He would love to see these kids using that barn. When I hear ‘Blake Barn,’ those words cause me to choke up because I know it would’ve meant a lot to him.’’

The University of South Florida-St. Petersburg meant a lot to him, too.

But, he moved his brood to the family land in Dade City.

For more than three decades, he made a long commute to work. But, the community-feel of Dade City was more than worth that trade-off.

“It is a great honor for my husband to be remembered,’’ Virginia Blake said. “It means a lot that my son gets to honor his dad. We miss him very much, and I know all of this would make him happy.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published November 25, 2020

Pasco County Thanksgiving closings

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Pasco County government offices, including the constitutional offices and the courts, will be closed on Nov. 26 and Nov. 27, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

All government offices and the courts will reopen on Nov. 30, according to a county news release.

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ offices, recreation complexes and community centers also will be closed Nov. 26 and Nov. 27. Parks and beaches, however, will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk.

Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) will be closed, and bus services will not run on Thanksgiving, but will be open on Nov. 27,  and will be providing service on all fixed routes and paratransit.

Administrative offices for PCPT will be closed to walk-in customers on Nov. 27, but phone lines will be open.

Pasco County Libraries will be closed from 5 p.m. Nov. 25, through Nov. 27. Libraries will resume regular business hours on Nov. 28.

The Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed Nov. 26 and Nov. 27. An animal control officer will be available for emergencies only.

The Adoption Center & Intake/Reclaim will resume regular business hours Nov. 28.

The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III, and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to the public and Pasco County licensed commercial haulers on Nov. 26, and also will be closed to the public on Nov. 27, but they will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers. Regular business hours will resume on Nov. 28.

The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office will be closed Nov. 26 through Nov. 28.

Published November 25, 2020

Holiday gatherings should include a heaping helping of COVID precaution

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It’s Thanksgiving. Tradition says it’s best spent in a full house of family and friends, carving the turkey, sharing a table, then strategizing the busy weekend shopping plans.

Medical experts have this advice: Maybe next year.

With COVID-19 again on the rise, holiday traditions probably need to be temporarily halted — or at least revised.

“People have to be much more cautious,’’ said Mark Vaaler, chief medical director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz. “We know the nationwide (COVID) numbers and now they are definitely increasing in Florida. Most of it has been through community spread. Any of these gatherings have the potential for some negative effects.’’

Mark Vaaler, chief medical director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, said people should take the proper precautions at holiday gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

But, in many cases, Vaaler said he knows Thanksgiving gatherings will go on as planned. If so, he advises they should be held with reasonable precautions.

“If you are at-risk, someone over 65, with diabetes or obesity, you should think long and hard about whether this is a year you can get by without a traditional Thanksgiving,’’ Vaaler said. “The general rule of thumb is 10 or less (people), which is usually difficult to do for a Thanksgiving gathering.

“Then it’s about common sense. Social distancing and masks. You shouldn’t bring in family or friends who you haven’t been in contact with or you’re not sure where they’ve been. We’re blessed with good weather in Florida, so I would recommend holding it outside, if possible. That would be a very good idea.’’

Vaaler said he knows his recommendations might cause some raised eyebrows from families that have clamored for the holidays.

He said that’s understandable. People are seeking normalcy after a mostly rough 2020 for schools, businesses and almost every other walk of life.

“I do have a fear that the holidays could bring even more rough times,’’ Vaaler said. “People are very, very tired of wearing masks, observing social distancing and all the rest. I think some folks will say, ‘I’m getting together with my family, no matter what,’ and they’ll conduct activities and proceed like these are normal times.

“There have been studies where a super spreader event is traced back to just one person in the gathering being positive. But, afterward, dozens were infected. Although I understand people being fatigued by COVID, it’s just a good idea to wear the masks and take precautions, especially if you’re around people you’re not normally exposed to on a daily basis.’’

Vaaler said he’s not surprised Florida is in its current state of rising COVID cases. When the numbers dropped a few months back, he detected some complacency. Anecdotally, he has noticed more people declining to get a flu shot because they feel they’re fine with masking and social distancing.

It’s a similar attitude to holiday gatherings.

“You try to warn people, but some just don’t want to hear it, or be told what to do,’’ Vaaler said. “They’re family. They want to hug and kiss because that’s how you express appreciation and love.

“The point is you can still have these gatherings if you limit the people and adhere to precautions. Stay outdoors if you can. Maybe it’s not a normal Thanksgiving, but it’s the best approach for everyone’s sake.’’

Beyond the holidays, Vaaler cautioned that there’s no quick end in sight.

“I’m pretty convinced we’ve got several more months of pain ahead of us,’’ Vaaler said. “We’re getting encouraging news about the effectiveness of vaccines to mitigate the spread, but realistically that’s at least summertime until we get enough people vaccinated.

“In the short term, I believe we’re still in a situation where COVID is part of our lives. My optimistic viewpoint is the summertime (for a return to normal). My pessimistic view is toward the end of next year. Until it’s all clear, all of us must continue to take the proper precautions.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published November 25, 2020

Gulfside Hospice Helps Over 1,000 Pasco Families Every Year

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November is National Hospice Month, and hospice is the bridge that helps terminally ill patients and their families navigate the health care system in the final stages of life, while also providing emotional and social services support for the entire family.

In Pasco County, Gulfside Healthcare Services has been providing hospice services for more than 30 years, and helps over 3,000 families every year care for their loved ones, and provides grief counseling and spiritual guidance to help patients through their final journey.

Heading up hospice services at Gulfside is Kathy Postiglione, who started work at the agency 15 years ago as a registered nurse, and today is chief operating officer and senior vice president.

“As a nurse, what attracted me to hospice care in the beginning, and still captures my heart today, is its holistic approach to patient care that is driven by the patient and family,” said Postiglione. “It is the most personal type of care found in nursing, and one that has not changed much since the hospice movement was founded in the 1970s.”

The hospice philosophy provides care in the comfort, security and privacy of wherever a patient calls home, by bringing together a team of professionals who addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

“Our team of nurses, physicians, chaplains and social workers works together to find out what the patient needs, discuss the best options for his or her wishes, and helps to set pain management goals,” said Postiglione.

Hospice care begins with a discussion between the doctor and terminally ill patient and the family, who together agree to bring hospice in for a consultation.

“Often it’s the patient who says, ‘I’m done, and no longer wants additional treatments,’” explains Postiglione.

The initial meeting can be in a patient’s home, hospital, assisted living facility or nursing home, and include nurses, both RN and LPNs, hospice medical staff, social worker and chaplain.

“We also work with the patient to identify personal goals they want to accomplish – it could be to write their personal story, put together a video, try to re-connect with family members and friends they have lost touch with, and often mend some bridges,” said Postiglione.

Once a patient enters hospice care, the Gulfside team provides interdisciplinary medical support and services, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also has resources to help with legal and financial services involving end-of-life care.

“Patients and families are often so overwhelmed by what needs to be done, that they are very anxious.  We break down the tasks and set up a plan to help them accomplish their goals, while providing the care the patient needs to relieve pain, and make the journey as peaceful and comfortable as possible,” explains Postiglione.

Being in hospice care does not mean patients need to give up treatments, and often continue to see their own doctors.

“Patients sometimes want to continue their treatments, and we are here to support the patient in any way we can,” said Postiglione.

Since its establishment in 1989, Gulfside Hospice has grown from an organization run primarily by volunteers, to a full-service health care entity that employs nearly 400 people with an average census of 650 patients.  When Gulfside began operations, it had just 15 employees and was servicing 50 patients.

While most patients are older adults and seniors, often diagnosed with cancer, Gulfside Hospice also cares for terminally ill children and young adults. Patients come into hospice when their prognosis is less than six months, and the average length of stay in the program is 70 days.

One area that makes Gulfside Hospice unique compared to other hospice organizations is its ability to provide patients with more expensive medications.

“When a patient has a need for a more expensive medication, we never deny the request, because we have the resources to provide medication that Medicare may not pay for,” said Postiglione.

Gulfside has been able to keep up with Pasco’s population growth because of its ability to attract top professionals to its team.

“We place a tremendous value on our employees, and consistently seek feedback from them on their challenges, equipment they need, the schedules that work best for their families,” said Postiglione. “We have a very dedicated group of people, most whom have worked here for many years, because of the high satisfaction they get by working with our patients and families.”

Gulfside Healthcare Services also works with over 300 volunteers, many who become involved after hospice has cared for a loved one.

“Many of our volunteers give the gift of presence  —  which is staying with patients who may not have family or friends close by, until they pass. Others work in our dietary area, bringing meals to patients in our in-patient facilities. We also have volunteers who take care of patients’ pets, play music for patients, and many volunteer at our thrift stores, do office work and help at fundraising events,” said Postiglione.

For patients needing critical nursing care, Gulfside Hospice operates the Rucki Hospice Care Center in Zephyrhills and the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care at Heather Hill Healthcare Center in New Port Richey. Its thrift shops are located in Lutz, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Hudson.

“People are often surprised at the range of services we offer at Gulfside Hospice,” said Postiglione. “We are proud of our ability to help many Pasco families in one of their greatest times of need.”

Address: 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639
Website: Gulfside.org
Info: (800) 561-4883

Published November 18, 2020