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Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Initiatives aim to help veterans

November 13, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Veterans statewide could soon see a slew of new and expanded benefits and services, if the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs gets its way in the 2020 legislative session and beyond.

The agency is enrolling 17 legislative bills for the upcoming 60-day session, which begins in January, Al Carter, the department’s chief of staff, reported at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s November breakfast meeting at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel.

Those priorities include greater funding and staffing for the cabinet agency, Carter said. The department of veterans affairs now has an annual budget of $150 million. It has 1,260 employees, serving Florida’s 1.5 million veterans.

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs chief of staff Al Carter was the featured guest speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s November breakfast meeting at Pasco- Hernando State College-Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. (Kevin Weiss)

“The long and short of it is, we want to be a premier agency to advocate for our veterans, and receiving those benefits and services that they’ve earned as a product of their service,” Carter said.

“Billions of dollars are available for services. Let that sink in,” he said.

Some department requests include:

  • Funding to complete two new 100-plus bed veterans’ nursing homes in Port St. Lucie and Orlando
  • 104 full-time positions for the department’s Homes Division
  • Five full-time staff to expand its team of veterans’ claims examiners
  • Three positions within its Bureau of Information and Research, a new division analyzing trends in federal legislation and identifying potential voids in veterans’ benefits and services.

There’s also an effort to build upon a number of bills or laws from past legislative sessions, Carter said.

For instance, the department wants to expand funding for alternative treatment options for veterans with post-traumatic stress. It wants to go beyond counseling and prescription medications.

The veterans affairs department contracts with state colleges and universities to offer these treatments: hyperbaric oxygen treatment, physical therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, music therapy, equine therapy and service animal training therapy.

Carter, a retired Army colonel who spent 28 years in the military, noted that roughly 20 veterans commit suicide every day.

The challenges that veterans face are not “cookie-cutter in nature,” he said. As a result, “treatment for one does not necessarily reflect treatment for all.”

He added: “Whatever helps the largest number of veterans, we’re trying to do, and these alternative therapies have proven helpful in getting veterans off of those different opioids.”

The agency also is proposing an amendment to the state’s homestead tax exemption to allow the same ad valorem tax discount on homestead property for the surviving spouse of a combat-disabled veteran age 65 or older. The exemption would remain in effect for the spouse, until he or she dies.

“It’s revenue neutral to the state, so it’s a no-brainer to do this,” Carter said.

Another legislative initiative would allow medical doctors and doctor of osteopathic physicians employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and licensed in other states to also practice and treat veterans in private medical facilities in Florida. (Doctors employed by the VA and practicing in Florida do not have to have a Florida medical license.)

Carter said the measure would provide more convenient accessible care for veterans, particularly when VA clinics close due to inclement weather, or are relocated or shut down.

“Having the ability for our doctors on the VA staff to be able to go to these (private) facilities and treat our veterans is definitely huge,” he said.

Burgess seeking to boost agency services
Carter also detailed an initiative called Forward March.

That initiative began after former State Rep. Danny Burgess, of Zephyrhills, was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to become the executive director of veterans affairs.

Under Forward March, the department assesses the needs of veterans across the state, and seeks ways to eliminate redundancy and increase collaboration in veterans services offered by businesses, community and volunteer organizations — as it pertains to housing, mental health, emergency assistance and legal matters.

Carter said early observations reveal that veterans are often unaware of how to get access to services, and that organizations offering services often are “working in silos,” instead of working together.

He explained: “There may be one person, one entity over here providing housing services and they’ve got grants to provide housing services to a variety of veterans, and then there’s another one right next door that has no clue what this other one does, and oftentimes they’re doing very similar programs. If they were joined together, imagine the amount of services that they could provide. They could double, if not triple, the amount of services for our veterans, so that’s one of the things we’re trying to key on.”

Carter also touched on some more long-range goals for the agency, spearheaded under Burgess’s leadership.

One is expanding the agency’s GI LAW (Lawyers Assisting Warriors) initiative, whereby veterans affairs contracts with some of the state’s leading law firms to provide pro bono legal services to military members. The program currently applies only to sergeants (E-5) and lower ranks, but the department hopes to ultimately expand it to all veterans.

That program is particularly helpful to the state’s homeless veteran population, Carter said, noting they oftentimes are homeless because of minor legal issues they need to resolve, but often are reluctant to seek help.

“It’s a phenomenal program,” Carter said. “We’re coming out to meet (veterans), where the rubber meets the road, and help them to get back into society.”

The department also is working to expand a program that’s designed to provide mental health and substance abuse treatment, and rehabilitation pathways for veterans involved with the criminal justice system, rather than punishment.

Burgess also has pushed to enhance the department’s online communication footprint — making its mobile app more user-friendly, and, creating Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube pages, to complement its website and Facebook page.

“(Burgess) is tech-savvy. Unfortunately I’m not,” Carter joked.

Published November 13, 2019

Swamp Fest enjoys nice weather, good crowds

November 13, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It wasn’t just fun and games at the 11th annual Swamp Fest in Land O’ Lakes.

There was music, food, rides and entertainment, too.

Jamie Farrell, of Port Richey, drove over to Land O’ Lakes to attend Swamp Fest and enjoy the festivities. Here, Jamie’s 2-year-old son, Mason, surfs down the slide atop of his dad, as his sister, Sarah Shipman, 12, follows close behind on the burlap mat. Mom, Christina Shipman, waited at the finish line. (Fred Bellet)

“It was incredible weather. We had good crowds,” said Doug Hutchinson, festival coordinator.

“Friday night and Saturday night were incredibly busy, and Sunday was very busy,” he said.

The crowds were so large, the main parking area was filled at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, and overflow used the parking at Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School.

At times, people who wanted to park had to wait for others to leave the festival, Hutchinson said.

“That’s a great problem to have,” he added.

The event raises money for area schools, nonprofits and community organizations, and is hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Booster Club.

On the morning of Nov. 2, before Swamp Fest festivities began, there was a special event to honor Vietnam Veterans.

Sandy Graves organized the event, which Hutchinson said, was “incredibly well-attended.”

Land O’ Lakes High School senior and Art Club member, Heather Li, 17, painted her own face before painting the faces of children at the Swamp Fest.

After it was over, he said Graves told him: “You know what, we’ve got to do this again next year.”

“I said, ‘I’m all for it. It went great.’”

The booster club’s proceeds go for such things as new weights in the weight room, a new sign for the high school off U.S. 41 and other items that are not part of the regular school budget, Hutchinson said.

“The coaches always fill our ears with what we could spend it on, as you can imagine.”

Hutchinson was thrilled with the outcome for this year’s event.

“It wound up being one of the best Swamp Fests that we’ve had, so we’re pretty excited about it,” he said.

Published November 13, 2019

Three-year-old Willow Roundtree giggles as Land O’ Lakes High School Art Club member Cade DeMoree’s brush causes a tickle when she began painting the little girl’s face. Willow’s mom, Julianna Roundtree, steadies Willow’s head. Mom and daughter are visiting grandma, Natalie Gomillion, of Land O’ Lakes.
Seven-year-old Midori Galven, of Land O’ Lakes, tries hooking a fish as a blue water fountain stirs up the water. Midori hooked a shark and won a prize, as her grandfather, Jerry Gordie of Land O’ Lakes, looked on.
There were plenty of choices for food at this year’s Swamp Fest.

Two Good Soles drive smashes record

November 13, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County government and its constitutional offices collected more than 3,000 pairs of shoes for local students — smashing a previous record for the annual Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive.

The drive, now in its fourth year, yielded 3,057 pairs of shoes and 13,285 pairs of socks. The items will be donated to students in Pasco County Schools.

Cathy Pearson, Pasco County’s assistant county administrator for public services, set a goal of 2,000 pairs of shoes for this year’s challenge. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Last year, donations totaled 2,264 pairs of shoes and 6,609 pairs of socks.

Besides vastly exceeding last year’s totals, the collection also shattered the goal of 2,000 shoes set by Cathy Pearson, Pasco County’s assistant county administrator for public services.

Pasco County and Constitutional Office staff gathered at Wendell Krinn Technical High School in New Port Richey on Oct. 29 to officially donate the footwear and tally the results.

Pasco County’s Internal Services Branch won the trophy for the most donations from county branches. The Pasco Property Appraiser’s Office won for most donations collected by a constitutional office, just surpassing the Tax Collector’s Office.

The Public Services Branch placed first in the decorated collection box competition with the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department’s “Playground Box.”

Pearson recapped this year’s efforts for the Pasco County Commission at its Nov. 5 meeting.

She was delighted by the level of giving.

“We have just made some students very, very proud and very happy. That couldn’t have happened without the great community that we have,” Pearson said.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley was impressed, too.

“If you figure $40 for a pair of shoes, there’s over $120,000 worth of shoes there — just amazing,” he said.

Pearson added: “It’s all for a great cause, it’s all for the kids. I couldn’t be more proud and humble, to be part of this community. Thank you all and we’re looking forward to the fifth annual next October.”

Published November 13, 2019

Having fun at Swamp Fest

November 13, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The 11th annual Swamp Fest enjoyed beautiful weather and big crowds. There was plenty to see, eat and do at the festival, held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Here, 9-year-old Kahlen Ruby, of Land O’ Lakes, an early arrival at the festival, had a bird’s eye view of the midway, as she rode on Sky Quest Swings. Kahlen’s dad, Scott Ruby, preferred to keep his feet on the ground.

(Fred Bellet)

Don’t Miss ICI Homes’ Statewide Open Houses This Sunday

November 6, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Visit Asturia, Bexley or FishHawk Ranch to Win $500

Area residents looking for a new home are fortunate to have one of Florida’s most unique semi-custom builders, ICI Homes of Daytona Beach, building in Tampa Bay’s most in-demand communities — Asturia in Odessa, Bexley in Land O’ Lakes and FishHawk Ranch in Lithia.

And now, for the first time ever, move-in ready ICI homes in these communities are participating in a company-wide, statewide sale this weekend that offers buyers some of its lowest prices ever, along with unique design features and options not available with other builders.

To celebrate this year-end pricing, the ICI Homes Statewide Open House is Sunday, Nov. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. Families visiting during open house hours are eligible to win a $500 gift card by registering when they tour a quick-delivery showcase home.

“If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit one of our models, this is the weekend to make that happen,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager for ICI Homes. “Many of our showcase homes are ready now, and you could be living in one of these homes by the first of the year.”

In the Pasco communities of Asturia and Bexley, five showcase homes are available, including the Serena, which was the builder’s model home in Asturia’s Phase II. This innovative, one-story home has four bedrooms and three baths on a deep conservation lot. For families wanting a turn-key home, the model’s professionally decorated, high-end furnishings are available.

Also ready now in Asturia is the Arden, another four-bedroom, three-bath home on a conservation lot that also offers a separate dining room and a full three-car garage. This one-story home is located in a secluded area in the back of the community.

The Costa Mesa is another one-story showcase home with four bedrooms and three baths, and features the same floor plan as the builder’s new model in Asturia. It is being built on a conservation lot that overlooks a pristine lake near the front on the community.

“The reception to our new Costa Mesa model has been overwhelming,” said Ferguson. “People absolutely love its huge kitchen and its extra-large island, which is a standard feature in this home. Plus, the model’s closet-size, walk-in pantry, which is cleverly hidden behind cabinetry, is a standout feature that everyone wants.”

One-story homes are always in demand because of the natural flow from one room to the next, and the convenience of having everything on the same level. It is the preferred floor plan for all kinds of families — young professionals just starting out, those with young and school-aged children, and couples who are downsizing.

“ICI Homes offers more one-story plans than other builders in our price range,” said Ferguson. “Plus, we give buyers the ability to customize their floor plans to meet their special needs and satisfy their secret desires. Most production builders do not allow for structural changes, and this is something we gladly do for our customers.”

A Costa Mesa showcase home also is available for tour in Bexley, another master-planned community located just a few miles east of Asturia, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. Located on a large, 70-foot interior lot, this home is the lowest price of all Costa Mesa showcase homes.

For families looking for a larger home, a two-story Santa Maria is underway in Asturia, and features a first-floor master suite, and three bedrooms and a game room on the second floor. The home has three-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage, with one space designed as a tandem garage.

FishHawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County is home to ICI Homes’ award-winning home, the Shenandoah —a three-time grand showcase winner in the Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. This unique plan is over 3,000 square feet and includes a detached garage with studio apartment, and is the only ICI showcase home open for tour this weekend in Hillsborough County.

ICI Homes’ models are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The sales center for Asturia and Bexley is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, and in FishHawk Ranch at 13925 Lake FishHawk Drive in Lithia. For more information, visit ICIHomes.com, or call (813) 252-1108.

ICI Homes builds primarily in master-planned communities with beautiful homes sites, excellent schools and expansive amenities that promote an active lifestyle. The privately held company was established in 1980, has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, and has earned several prestigious awards for design and innovation.

Published November 06, 2019

Rattlesnake Festival makes gains despite ‘Nestor’

November 6, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Rattlesnake Festival had its biggest year since The Thomas Promise Foundation took over, despite the appearance of Tropical Storm Nestor, event organizers say.

“We’ll be able to provide 100,000 lunches as a result of this years’ Rattlesnake Festival,” Joe Simmons, executive director for The Thomas Promise Foundation, said in a news release.

“That’s more than the last two years. Imagine what we could do if the storm hadn’t come through,” Simmons added.

David and Howard Bellamy performed for a sold-out crowd on Oct. 18 at the Rattlesnake Festival. It was their first performance at the event since 1968. (Courtesy of The Thomas Promise Foundation)

According to long-held tradition, The Rattlesnake Festival was held on the third weekend of October, which this year fell on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20.

Having the festival that weekend was decided in 1967, based on research by a weatherman that historically that weekend had the best weather.

Indeed, over the years the festival has enjoyed dry weather most of the time, according to the release.

But, not this year.

Tropical Storm Nestor crossed the Florida Panhandle and sent waves of heavy rain and tornado warnings on down the West Coast, the release reports.

Still, the weekend got off to a great start, with a successful Bellamy Brothers concert on Oct. 18, despite threatening weather. The band played to a sold-out crowd in the Dan Cannon Auditorium at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

It was the internationally known musicians’ first time back to the festival since 1968 when they performed their first musical gig with their father at the festival in San Antonio City Park, which hosted the event for a half-century before moving to the fairgrounds.

“We so appreciate the Bellamy Brothers coming to the Rattlesnake Festival this year,” Simmons said, in the release. “It was the success of their concert that offset the bad day we had on Saturday and enabled us to have our best year so far.”

Rattlesnake Run organizers had to cancel the 5-mile and 1-mile runs because of a tornado watch that was in effect at the time the race was set to begin.

The rain-or-shine festival opened on time Oct. 19 but, because of heavy rains, some vendors and entertainment groups did not set up that day.

Weather began to clear at about noon and some festival-goers turned out, but organizers realized that Nestor had put a damper on their event.

“We were hoping to exceed the 10,000 mark on visitors,” Simmons said. “I believe that if the weather had been as nice on Saturday as it was on Sunday, we may have done so.”

By the evening of Oct. 19, the rain had stopped and “Rattlesnake Festival After Dark,” an event planned with adults in mind featuring local bands, was well-attended for a first-time event.

The following day, the even opened with sunshine, and the event went well.

“The weather is the weather, that’s true everywhere, but sometimes it seems especially true in Florida,” Simmons said.

“This is our third year running the festival and our second year at the Pasco County Fairgrounds. We’re already on the schedule for next year, which is Oct. 17 and 18, by the way. We planned a great festival and we’re glad that we were still able to have a better year than last year because it’s all about raising money to buy food to feed hungry kids.”

The Thomas Promise Foundation is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing weekend meals to food-insecure students in Pasco County Schools when breakfast and lunch programs are not operating. For more information visit TheThomasPromise.org.

Published November 06, 2019

Saluting Vietnam veterans

November 6, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dignitaries, veterans and members of the community gathered for a tribute to Vietnam-era veterans at the 2019 Swamp Fest at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park on Nov. 2. U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis was among those gathered to honor the veterans at the event, which included a video of various phases of the Vietnam War. It was presented by The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes and Acme On the Go mobile advertising. The event was held on the morning of the first full day of Swamp Fest. The tribute preceded the annual celebration of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, which is the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, in 1918.

Among the 16 Vietnam War veterans recognized for their service, Vinnie Rega (right), 74, of Port Richey served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, in 1965 and 1967. A mobile LED display at the event was provided by Matt Prenderville, of Acme On the Go, of Wesley Chapel. (Fred Bellet)
John A. Conkle, 71, of Lutz, and Jim House, 74, right, of Land O’ Lakes, salute as the Color Guard from Boy Scout Troop 149 of Wesley Chapel posts the colors. Both veterans served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Jerome Sableski, of Palm Harbor, reflects on his years in Southeast Asia. He served with the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1970. Sableski represented Veterans Alternative in Holiday.

Veterans recognition

November 6, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Vietnam War veterans pose for a picture with U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who presented lapel pins to those veterans being recognized. (Fred Bellet)
Presented by The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes and Acme On the Go mobile advertising, a video of various phases of the Vietnam War was shown as part of the ceremony held prior to the start of the Swamp Fest at Heritage Park. Wearing his Army veteran T-shirt, David Jacobs, 69, of Lutz, and others watch a commemoration video.

Reliable Options for Breast Care Patients At AdventHealth Wesley Chapel

October 30, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Special to The Laker/Lutz News
In 2019, an estimated 268,000 new cases of invasive breast cancerwill be diagnosed in women living in the U.S. To reduce this sobering statistic, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is using innovative diagnosis and advanced treatment options with state-of-the-art technology.

All patients at the hospital receive noninvasive, 3D mammography that helps the radiologist see issues that were hidden in its predecessor, 2D mammography.

“Three-dimensional mammography allows for better visualization of the breast tissue, and is becoming the new standard of care,” said Dr. Jahnavi Pastore, director of breast imaging at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. “It is our standard practice to perform mammograms as a three-dimensional study because it offers a more precise evaluation of the breast tissue, and is particularly helpful in imaging dense breasts.”

Dense breasts are more challenging for the radiologist to read in a mammogram, because dense tissue appears white in a black-and-white mammogram, as do tumors.

For patients with dense breasts, Dr. Pastore recommends a 3D mammogram, even if a patient has had a recent 2D mammogram. A 3D mammogram allows the radiologist to review the study, and if any concern arises, allows the patient to quickly do a follow-up mammogram with contrast, or an ultrasound.

Contrast-enhanced mammography uses an injection into the vein to increase the ability to see any abnormal breast tissue in the 3D mammogram. Using contrast makes any areas of concern light up in the mammogram, and helps the radiologist diagnose potential concerns.

“The contrast is injected a couple of minutes before having a mammogram. If a tumor is sitting in the breast, it will take up the contrast and jump out on the mammogram against normal background breast tissue,” says Dr. Pastore.

“This is not a routine study, but if we see something on the 3D mammogram for someone with dense breasts, a contrast mammogram may be recommended after a breast ultrasound. In addition, it can serve as an alternative for a breast MRI for patients with pacemakers or severe claustrophobia, who are unable to have a breast MRI,” she said.

A third advancement at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is elastography — a tool used as part of breast ultrasound imaging to measure the stiffness of a breast lesion.

“If something is particularly stiff compared to the surrounding tissue, it is of greater suspicion and could warrant a biopsy,” says Dr. Pastore. “Sometimes, cysts can be complicated in their appearance, and elastography can be a helpful diagnosis tool, plus it is noninvasive with zero radiation.”

If a tumor is considered high-risk, or is determined to be cancerous and tissue removal is required, the hospital features new SCOUT technology. This technology places an infrared radar reflector the size of a grain of rice into the tumor before the surgery. The reflector emits a radar signal, which allows the surgeon to precisely locate and remove cancerous tissue during a lumpectomy or surgical biopsy using a probe hand piece.

Dr. Pastore relays the story of a young woman who had a family history of breast cancer. She started traditional mammogram screening in her early 30s, and then tried 3D imaging with Dr. Pastore, which led to the discovery of a distortion in the breast.

“There wasn’t an ugly mass. It was relatively small and subtle. We quickly got her in for a diagnostic mammogram, and with compression, the area stood out even more,” she explains. I did an ultrasound of that area and sitting in that tissue, exactly where it was on the mammogram, I saw a mass that was not visible on the 2D mammogram. I got her in the day after and did a breast biopsy, and it was positive for cancer.

“She had a breast MRI to ensure there weren’t any other areas of cancer, and then went on to a breast surgeon who did a lumpectomy and removed that area. The 3D imaging allowed a young cancer patient to have a relatively simple course of treatment. If this had not been detected with 3D mammography, eventually it would have turned into a true mass, and could have required a more extensive and prolonged treatment.”

Dr. Pastore says, “I am grateful to have the technology to do my job to the best of my ability. Radiologists know what to look for, but we are only as good as the tools that we have. To have this type of technology at my fingertips is fantastic.”

For more information: AHWesleyChapel.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealthWesleyChapel

Published 10/30/19

Beth Hibben Always Answers Her Phone

October 30, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A full-time realtor for 15 years, including the past five years with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Beth Hibben understands the importance of communication. When someone calls, she picks up the phone seven days a week, and never sends her buyers and sellers to an impersonal, automated message.

“When people call me, I answer the phone, and it usually catches them off-guard,” said Hibben. “I believe lack of communication is where things fall apart, and communication is my biggest strength.”

Hibben carries certification as a member of the National Association of Realtors, and also as a Pricing Strategy Provider.

“The Realtor certification means you have ethical guidelines for your business, and you also have continuing education to keep updated on the changing market,” she explains.

As a Pricing Strategy Provider, Hibben has been taught how to price properties correctly.

“Whether you’re selling or buying a property, I can research and come up with pricing for either,” she says. “I also have a certification in negotiations.”

Specializing in homes in the $250s to $700s price range, Hibben is a one-stop shop for her clients, providing resources for a trusted title agent, home inspector, handyman, stager, and professional photographer.

“It’s funny. I have people who move here, and I help them find a house, then I help them find a car, and I help them get a cellphone. There are all kinds of things that I do, above and beyond,” she said.

To help the homebuyer find his dream home, Hibben does a thorough interview. She identifies the client’s priorities— such as a good school district, gated or non-gated community, HOA versus no HOA. She makes appointments to visit the homes that meet the client’s criteria.

“Sometimes I work with people, and I’m their second real estate agent because the first one didn’t listen,” says Hibben. “We go out, and they say ‘all these homes are exactly what we told you we wanted,’ and I say yes, because I do my homework.”

One of Hibben’s specialties is new construction, where her certification in negotiations comes into play. She negotiates on behalf of the homebuyer, as the builder rep is only representing the builder.

“What I love about being a Realtor is when I’m working with buyers and they find the home that they want, they are happy and excited. And, when I’m working with a seller, I love getting them a good price,” she pauses. “It’s the biggest investment that you’ll make in a lifetime, and I take that responsibility seriously.”

Hibben is proud to give back part of her commission to those whom she considers ‘hometown heroes” – firefighters, police, military and teachers.

Realtor Beth Hibben • (813) 244-3706 •

Charles Rutenberg Realty • Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Published 10/30/19

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