Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Paying homage to the first Thanksgiving

November 21, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Tinkering Tuesdays at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, celebrated the season by doing crafts to commemorate the first Thanksgiving. Tinkering Tuesdays focuses on a different theme each month. During the program, which is one Tuesday evening a month, kids have a chance to explore the world around them by doing crafts and various activities. Besides making the feathered headbands, the Thanksgiving program featured a teepee and activities, such as making beaded necklaces, corn and pumpkin decorations, ice cream cone teepees, and kits to make a wooden Mayflower boat to sail in a tub of water.

Jeannine Jensen, of Land O’ Lakes, helps her 3-year-old son Parker, on her lap, as he constructs a pumpkin using pipe cleaners and beads. Parker’s 6-year-old brother, Easton, is making his own pumpkin design. (Christine Holtzman)

Four-year-old Kinsey Gallaher, of Land O’ Lakes, proudly shows off the Native American feathered headband that she crafted along with her mother, Amy.

After finishing a headband and a beaded necklace, 7-year-old Jewel Selego, of Land O’ Lakes, smiles at his mother, Diana, as he checks out the inside of the teepee that was hand sewn by library assistants Kerry Peters and Jayde Archbold. They used fabric that was donated to the library. In fact, Peters said most of the materials used during the evening were donated to the library by members of the community.

Honoring those who served

November 20, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

On Nov. 9, we had our monthly lunch connoisseurs at Texas Roadhouse. If you haven’t been here before, let me tell you that it is a fun place to get a great meal.

You come inside the restaurant and a huge juke box is there to greet you, and you can play a song or two on it. The music flows through the restaurant.

Terry Stevens and Tessie Stevens (left) and Sandy Lindke and Greg Thomas. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

You are then seated, and every table gets a bucket full of peanuts, along with some rolls and butter. The menu is quite varied, as they have many dishes, including chicken, ribs, steaks and so much more. They have appetizers that include onion rings, fried pickles, potato skins and rattlesnake bites. They also have a side order of ribs, in case you just want to try them but not get a full portion. When you leave here, guaranteed that you do not go home hungry.

There were approximately 45 to 50 residents and friends who had a lovely experience. It was hosted by Sandy Lindke, and she did a wonderful job.

On Nov. 10, there were 90-plus residents at the community center for an egg n’bag. If you have never been to an egg n’ bag, let me explain it to you.

It is a very different way to serve an omelet. People pick their own ingredients from an assortment, including bacon, ham, cheese, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and Jalapeno peppers. Besides the omelet, there are hash brown potatoes, sausage gravy and biscuits, plus coffee and orange juice.

The event was hosted by Rita Gattos, plus many helpers, including Joyce Billig, Marc and Susan Gagnon, Ron and Rachel Gamache, Rita Gattos, Jim and Judi Leitzke, Sue Parker, Maureen Stephans, Martha Stephens and Doris Sutfin.

After the egg n’bag, where veterans were invited for free (a nice touch), Jim Leitzke presented a veteran tribute. Several more people joined this tribute, and there were between 90 to 100 people in attendance.

The tribute started when Sandy Douglas read a poem entitled “The Old Army Hat.” Flags were brought forward to recognize and honor each individual branch of the military. There are 126 vets in the Grand Horizons development and all were recognized from the branch where they served.

We then continued with the POW/MIA table, where Jim Leitzke gave a narration, and Joy Bond and Barbara Slade read the names of the army vets. Ginny Sarver continued with the names of the Navy. Jim Leitzke read the list of the Coast Guard, and Cindy O’Brien read the names of the Marines, while Judi Leitzke ended the reading with the names of the Air Force. When you looked at this table, you remembered your friends and loved ones.

Jim went on to read a letter from the Honor Flight that have places to stay for family of vets that have to go in the hospital. Such places like the Fisher House and several others in every state. Thanks to the vets who served and gave us our freedoms. The tribute ended with everyone singing “God Bless America.”

We had a gathering at the community center on Nov. 11. This was in memory of friends and relatives who passed away recently and cute stories were told. It was hosted by Ron Gamache, and he did a fine job. Pictures of the loved ones who passed were on a screen .

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Ghosts, goblins, scarecrows and more

November 16, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Betty Cooper and Maureen Stephans at Chili’s. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

On Oct. 31, Grand Horizons had a Halloween Dance at the community center, and approximately 40 residents and friends were there to enjoy this evening of entertainment.

A variety of music was played, such as rock, country, traditional and so much more. There were contests, too.

One game included a variety of questions, such as who lived in Grand Horizons the longest, and several others. Of course, there were a number of answers, but one lucky couple from each individual question got the prize.

From left: Ruth Weick, Kathel Bedford and Linda Kartes

Each couple brought in a snack to eat and they nibbled on snacks through the night. I understand that there was much fun, laughter, eating and dancing.

The dance was hosted by Gary Wilcox, and he did a fine job.

In addition, they also had several residents dressed up in costumes, such as farmers (this won an award for the scariest costume), and there was also one person dressed up as a hillbilly pimp while his wife was a hooker, and another person as a skeleton, and even a harem. When looking at the dance floor, you see all these costumes, and it was a sight to see.

From left: Marge Clark. Joyce Billig and Mim Gardner

Then on Nov. 3, they had a pancake breakfast and 60 people were treated to a lovely breakfast. They had pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee. This was hosted by Dave and Mary Heim and what a fine job they did, and each helper had a specific job so everything ran smoothly.

On Nov. 6, there was a monthly outing for the lunch bunch. This was hosted by Kathel Bedford, and 11 women enjoyed an afternoon of food, fun and laughter at Chili’s Restaurant.

There was a large variety of main dishes, including fajitas, ribs, burgers, steaks, salads and yummy desserts. We finished our lunch and sat around and talked for a while. It was a lovely afternoon and it wasn’t a big trip home. The waitresses were very nice and accommodating.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

The entire Lunch Bunch at Chili’s. (Photo provided)

Marine Corps celebrates birthday in style

November 14, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s not every day that a celebration is held for a 243rd birthday, but that’s exactly what the Marine Forever Detachment No. 1440 did recently to honor the history of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Bonnie Kessell, of Land O’ Lakes, baked a special birthday cake to commemorate the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. Her creation combined raspberry, amaretto and chocolate flavors and was artfully decorated. The cake maker’s husband, Danny Kessell, was in the Marines from 1967 to 1971. (Fred Bellet)

The detachment, also known as the Marine Corps League of Lutz/Land O’ Lakes, had its sixth annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant in the Heritage Harbor Golf and Country Club, in Lutz, on the evening of Nov. 6.

Active and veteran U.S. Marines, their wives and friends attended the formal affair, which began at 6 p.m., and included a military flag ceremony, a sit-down dinner, a birthday cake cutting ceremony, door prizes, dancing, and a chance to win money and prizes.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognize six Marines who served in the Pacific in World War II and the Korean War. Those Marines received certificates of appreciation for their service.

The Marine veterans also received a letter of commendation from Gen. Robert B. Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps.

In another high point of the event, the detachment bestowed awards to the Marine of the Year and to the Associate of the Year.

Published November 14, 2018

As Commandant L. David Kirk bestows the award of Marine of the Year, the medallion ribbon slides over the nose of Marine Corps veteran Corporal (E3) Lester M. Osteen, of Lutz. Osteen served in the Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956, during the Korean War. Other awards received by Osteen were: the National Defense award, Good Conduct, Korean Service and the United Nations Ribbon. He was honorably discharged after serving 14 months and 13 days in Korea.

Six Marines who served in the Pacific during World War II and the Korean War were recognized, and received certificates and letters of commendation from Marine Corp Gen. Robert B. Neller. The veterans from left are: Capt. Jack B. Shaffer, of Clearwater; Capt. Walter R. ‘Bob’ Seitz, of Land O’ Lakes; Cpl. (E3) Lester M. Osteen, of Lutz; Cpl. (E3) Harold H. Howard Jr., of Wesley Chapel; Sgt. (E4) Donald L. Clough, of Wesley Chapel; and, Cpl. (E3) Henry ‘Frank’ Tillis, of Temple Terrace.

In making a toast, Marine Forever Detachment No. 1440’s Commandant L. David Kirk yells the traditional, ‘Oorah’ to the attendees of the 243rd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Eighty-seven-year-old Sgt. (E4) Donald L. Clough, of Wesley Chapel — the oldest Marine in the detachment — couldn’t wait to taste the birthday cake, while the youngest Marine in the detachment, 30-year-old Eric Templeton, right, of Tampa, is introduced during the cake-eating tradition.

Commandant L. David Kirk presents a certificate to his wife, Gloria Sue Kirk after being named, the group’s Associate of the Year. The two have been married for 41 years.

Norman McAleney was a guest at the Marines’ 243rd Birthday Party at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant. McAleney, a newcomer to Hudson, is a member of the Glen Cove, New York Dan Daly Globe & Anchor Detachment of the Marines.

After arriving at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, Harold H. Howard Jr., of Wesley Chapel, left, gets some assistance with his tie from fellow veteran Bill Montgomery, of New Port Richey. Howard served as a corporal in the Korean war, from 1950 to 1952. Montgomery served as a lance corporal in Vietnam. Sonia Pinciotti, of Tampa, offers her assistance.

Florida’s 2018 midterms full of surprises

November 14, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The 2018 midterm election cycle was the most exciting, expensive and competitive of any in recent memory; 63 percent of the state’s registrants voted—much higher than the 51 percent in 2014. This year’s midterm election was also full of surprises…and it is still not over. Here are the five biggest “shockers” to date.

No. 1: “It’s not over ’til it’s over.” No one would have been terribly surprised if the margin-of-victory for U.S. Senator or Governor had been around 1 percent. After all, the past four elections have been that way. But no one predicted that these two races, plus the Commissioner of Agriculture and a couple of state legislative races, would be so close (less than 0.5 percent) that recounts are necessary to certify the winners.

No. 2: Another recount controversy puts Florida in the national spotlight — again. No one expected the 2018 recount controversy to reach the fever pitch that had characterized the 2000 presidential election between Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore when Bush beat Gore in Florida by only 537 votes. That high-profile controversy involved poorly designed ballots (the butterfly ballot in Palm Beach County), punch card ballots (hanging chads) and other counting irregularities. That dispute was ultimately resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court—36 days after Election Day.

But, here we are again with another round of recounts on our hands—another ballot format controversy (Broward County’s placement of the U.S. Senate race under voter instructions) and multiple court cases alleging everything from vote suppression to irregularities involving vote counting, ineligible voters casting ballots, and problems with U.S. Postal Service delivery of mail ballots. There is no way to definitively say how long it will take to resolve these controversies and declare winners.

No. 3: Election Night vote totals are incomplete; they don’t include all votes cast. The 2018 election taught Floridians that Election Night totals may change significantly, as more ballots arrive in county supervisors of elections’ offices. There are: (1) ballots cast by voters choosing to Vote by Mail that arrived on Election Day by the 7 p.m., deadline—but had not yet been opened and checked for the requisite signature on the outside of the envelope and for its match with the voter’s signature on file; (2) provisional ballots cast in person during early voting or at the polls on Election Day whose eligibility status cannot be determined on the spot for a variety of reasons, like not showing up with identification showing a photo and signature; and (3) overseas ballots cast by military, embassy personnel, academics, students, and business people that have an extra 10 days after Election Day to arrive in supervisors’ offices. Larger counties are more likely to have more mail ballots arriving on Election Day, and more provisional and overseas ballots to count, which is why their final vote totals can reverse an Election Night “winner” on occasion.

No. 4: All but one of the 12 proposed amendments passed. Many of the state’s major newspapers urged Floridians to vote “No” on a fair number of the proposed amendments. So, too, did groups that opposed bundling together several proposals into single amendments, and others who thought most of the proposals could better have been handled by the legislature rather than being put into the constitution.

But, Floridians surprised nearly everyone by voting “Yes” on all except Amendment 1. One theory is that most voters did not take time to read the detailed Ballot Summary—or couldn’t make sense of the confusing language—and instead just read the Ballot Title. Most of the ballot titles alone sounded like good ideas—limits on property tax assessments, voter control of gambling, prohibition of off-shore oil drilling, rights of crime victims, first responder and military member survivor benefits, ending dog racing, and so forth. The amendment that got the most support promised to expand current restrictions on lobbying. The one amendment voters rejected (although narrowly) was titled, Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption. It was fought heavily by local governments who warned voters their local property taxes would have to go up or their services cut to make up for the lost revenue. The Ballot Summary’s language for that amendment was also more confusing than for the other proposed amendments.

No. 5: Across the state, all 19 proposals to allow county governments to raise taxes or sell tax-backed bonds passed. Normally, voters are hesitant to say “Yes” to higher taxes on themselves or to approve county requests to borrow funds for large-scale projects. With so many campaign commercials and mailers, including candidate promises to keep taxes low, many analysts were skeptical that voters would approve very many of the 19 tax and bond proposals on county ballots in 2018.

But, voters approved all 19. Why all these “Yes” votes this year? One explanation is that people are willing to pay more when the economy is strong, unemployment is low and consumer confidence is high. Another is that during periods of high growth, residents want relief from traffic congestion and favor repair and/or expansion of critical infrastructure. Overall, the most requests for more funding were school-related (9 of the 19), followed by infrastructure (4), recreation (3) and transportation (3). Several counties, including Pasco and Hillsborough, asked voters to approve more than one increase. Pasco County requested voter approval to sell four general obligation (tax-backed) bonds to finance two recreational/leisure functions (parks, libraries) and two safety-related infrastructure projects (jails and fire-rescue). In neighboring Hillsborough County, voters said “Yes” to two sales tax increases—one earmarked for schools, another for transportation—even though it made Hillsborough County’s sales tax the highest in the state.

Two Constants
Despite all these surprises, two things stand out about Florida’s 2018 midterm election: Florida remains the most competitive of the 50 states (the “purpliest”) and is by far the most fascinating to watch to the nation at-large. Stay tuned. It’s never over in the Sunshine State until it’s over.

By Dr. Susan A. MacManus

Dr. Susan A. MacManus is a Distinguished University Professor Emerita from the University of South Florida. She is nationally recognized as an expert on Florida politics.

Published November 14, 2018

Voter recounts

November 14, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Machine Recount

A Machine Recount occurs if the first set of unofficial returns indicates that a candidate was defeated or eliminated by ½ of one percent or less of the total votes cast for an office, or if an issue (such as a constitutional amendment) was approved or rejected by ½ of one percent or less of the total votes cast on the issue.

(Section 102.141(7), Florida Statutes and Rule 1S-2.031, Florida Administrative Code)

The Machine Recount means all ballots are re-tabulated, or re-fed through a county’s precinct tabulators and/or central count tabulators.

Ballots with overvotes and undervotes in the affected race(s) are subsequently set aside in case a manual recount occurs.
Exception to ordering a machine recount: If the candidate(s) defeated or eliminated from contention for the office by ½ of one percent or less request in writing that a machine recount not be conducted.
Results: The results from the machine recount constitutes the second set of unofficial returns.
Definitions: Overvote: Voter designated more choices than allowable in the recounted race(s) on their ballot. Undervote: Voter made no choice or fewer than number of allowable choices in the recounted race(s) on their ballot.

Manual Recount of Overvotes and Undervotes

A Manual Recount occurs if the second set of unofficial returns indicates that a candidate was eliminated or defeated by ¼ of one percent or less of the votes cast for the office, or if an issue was approved or rejected by ¼ of one percent or less of the total votes cast on the issue.

(Section 102.166, Florida Statutes and Rules 1S-2.027 and Rule 1S-2.051, Florida Administrative Code)

The Manual Recount is a hand recount of overvotes and undervotes set aside from the machine recount.
Exceptions to ordering a manual recount: If the candidate(s) defeated or eliminated from contention for the office by ¼ of one percent or less request in writing that it not be conducted;

If the number of overvotes and undervotes is less than the number of votes needed to change the election outcome.

Results: The results from the manual recount will be reflected in the Official Returns due to the state on Nov. 18

Source: Florida Division of Elections

Published November 14, 2018

Election 2018 results

November 14, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Note: The outcome of two key races is not yet known

A machine recount has been ordered in the race for U.S. Senate, between Republican challenger Rick Scott and incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson.

A machine recount has been ordered in the race for Florida governor, between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum.

A machine recount has been ordered in the race for Florida Agricultural Commissioner, between Republican Matt Caldwell and Democrat ‘Nikki’ Fried.

These are the outcomes for other key races/ballot issues

Federal
U.S. Rep. District 12: Incumbent Republican Gus Bilirakis defeated Democrat Chris Hunter

State
Attorney General: Republican Ashley Moody defeated Democrat Sean Shaw

Chief Financial Officer: Incumbent Republican Jimmy Petronis defeated Jeremy Ring

State Senate
District 20: Incumbent Republican Tom Lee defeated Democrat Kathy Lewis

District 10: Incumbent Republican Wilton Simpson defeated Michael Cottrell

State House
District 36: Incumbent Republican Amber Mariano defeated Democrat Linda Jack

District 37: Republican Ardian Zika defeated Democrat Tammy Garcia

District 38: Incumbent Republican Danny Burgess defeated No Party Affiliation David “TK” Hayes

District 63: Democrat Fentrice Driskell defeated incumbent Republican Shawn Harrison

District 64: Incumbent Republican James Grant defeated Jessica Harrington

Constitutional amendments (Requires 60 percent voter approval)
No. 1: Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption (Failed)

No. 2: Limitations on Property Tax Assessments (Passed)

No. 3: Voter Control of Gambling in Florida (Passed)

No. 4: Voting Restoration Amendment (Passed)

No. 5: Supermajority Vote Required to Impose, Authorize or Raise State Taxes or Fees (Passed)

No. 6: Rights of Crime Victims; Judges (Passed)

No. 7: First Responder and Military Member Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges and Universities

(Passed)

No. 9: Prohibits Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling; Prohibits Vaping in Enclosed Indoor Workplaces (Passed)

No. 10: State and Local Government Structure and Operation (Passed)

No. 11: Property Rights; Removal of Obsolete Provision; Criminal Statutes (Passed)

No. 12: Lobbying and Abuse of Office by Public Officers. (Passed)

No. 13: Ends Dog Racing (Passed)

Key Pasco County results
Pasco County CommissionDistrict 2: Incumbent Republican Mike Moore defeated Kelly Smith

District 4: Incumbent Republican Mike Wells defeated Brandi Geoit

Pasco School Board (Nonpartisan election)
District 5: Megan Harding defeated Tara M. O’ Connor

Pasco County General Obligation Bond issues
Jail expansion (Passed)
Fire service (Passed)
Parks (Passed)
Libraries (Passed)

Key Hillsborough County results
Hillsborough County Commission
District 2: Republican Ken Hagan defeated Democrat Angela Birdsong

District 4: Incumbent Republican Stacy White defeated Democrat Andrew Davis

District 5: Democrat Mariella Smith defeated Republican Victor Crist

District 7: Democrat Kimberly Overman defeated Republican Todd Marks

Hillsborough School Board (Nonpartisan Election)
District 1: Steve Cona defeated William Henry Person

District 6: Karen Perez defeated Henry “Shake” Washington

Hillsborough County Sheriff
Incumbent Republican Chad Chronister defeated Democrat Gary Pruitt

Hillsborough County tax issues
1-cent sales tax for transportation (Passed)

½-cent tax for schools (Passed)

Published November 14, 2018

Voters on both sides of the aisle say they want change

November 14, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Voters across Pasco and Hillsborough counties turned out in far greater numbers for the 2018 midterms than they did four years ago.

Websites kept by the local supervisor of elections show that 60.64 of Pasco County’s registered voters turned out, while Hillsborough’s turnout — at 61.48 percent — was even higher. Pasco’s turnout in the 2014 general election was 53.38 percent; Hillsborough’s was 49.3 percent.

We caught up with some voters who cast their ballots early, and other voters who got their “I Voted” stickers s on Election Day, Nov. 6 — to hear what they had to say about this year’s election.

By B.C. Manion

Published November 14, 2018

Photos below by Brian Fernandes

Keenly interested in races for governor, U.S. Senate
Forty-eight-year-old Robert Fabregas went to the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library to take advantage of early voting.

The Pasco County bus driver, who has no political party affiliation, said he was most interested in the races for Florida governor and for the U.S. Senate.

“I voted for (Ron) DeSantis for governor, and I voted for Rick Scott for senator,” said the Wesley Chapel man, who was accompanied by his daughter, Arianah, at the early polling place.

His opinion was mixed on four bond issues facing Pasco voters: He was against expanding libraries and the jail, but supported more fire stations and park improvements.

Voting early, on his day off
Forty-one-year-old Chris Eberhard, of Land O’ Lakes, took advantage of having a day off to cast his ballot for the midterms at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, one of numerous early voting places in Pasco County.

The Republican said he was most interested in the governor’s race, and despite his political affiliation, he said he voted for Democrat Andrew Gillum. “I approve of his policies regarding education,” Eberhard said.

Doing what he can to stop Trump
Wesley Chapel resident Col Belimy also took advantage of early voting to cast his ballot in the midterms.

The 57-year-old mortgage writer said he felt compelled to take part in the voting process, so he can “make sure I can eliminate ‘45’ (President Trump) from doing anymore tragedy to this country.”

In the governor’s race, he said he chose Andrew Gillum, noting “I liked his policy and procedures.”

Early voting is a good way to go
Forty-six-year-old Oscar Pena said he headed to the polls for early voting because he thinks its “quick and efficient” and a good way to avoid Election Day lines.

The Home Depot associate said he was particularly interested in the races for Florida governor and U.S. Senate.

Pena, who has no party affiliation, said he chose Ron DeSantis for governor and Rick Scott for the U.S. Senate.

He also said he favored Pasco County’s bond issues to expand libraries, fire stations and the jail.

She supports Republican philosophies
Fifty-five-year-old Stacy Hallman took advantage of early voting to cast her ballot.

The Republican, who works for Tampa Electric Company, said she’s not fond of every GOP candidate, but noted she tends to support their philosophies.

“I’m a person that believes in free enterprise, and low taxes and less government,” Hallman said.

She supported all four of Pasco County’s general obligation bond issues, which will raise money to expand fire/rescue services, improve parks and recreation, upgrade libraries and expand the county’s jail.

Photos below by B.C. Manion

Making sure she’s counted
Susan Wilde headed to Precinct 595 in Lutz, early on Election Day, to cast her ballot.

“I wanted to make sure my vote was counted,” said the pediatric nurse. “It’s our right to vote. That’s what brings about change.”

Wants a more inclusive government
Darrynn Vannasse, a medical assistant, said she was particularly interested in the race for governor.

“It’s going to make an impact. I supported Andrew Gillum. I think he would bring change to our state, which I think we really need, and make inclusiveness for everyone,” she said.

She also was interested in the proposed amendments to the state’s constitution, especially No. 4, which restores voting rights for convicted felons who have served their time.

“I voted yes for it,” she said.

She also supported ballot items calling for additional taxes to support transportation improvements and to pay for air-conditioning and other projects in Hillsborough’s public schools.

“I know everyone is usually against taxing, but it’s got to come from somewhere,” she said.

Wants to set a good example for students
Stacey Roller, a middle school media specialist at Buchanan Middle School, made it a point to cast her ballot on Election Day.

“I had a mail-in vote, but I decided I wanted to come in and vote the day of — so that my students at the school I’m at could see that I voted,” she said, referring to the “I Voted” sticker that voters receive.

She was particularly interested in the races for governor, U.S. Senate and the Hillsborough County School Board.

She had a personal reason to vote in the school board race.

“I supported Henry “Shake” Washington. He was actually my area supervisor when I was at Adams Middle School and Carrollwood Elementary School and teaching in the library there.

“So, I was excited to come out and support him,” she said.

She supported an additional sales tax to pay for air-conditioning and other school projects in Hillsborough’s public schools.

“Our air-conditioning in the media center did not work the first few weeks of school, and we had teachers who were in their classrooms. It was 86 degrees in their classrooms, so they were actually coming to the library to hold their classes in the library because it was so hot in their rooms.”

She thinks people will support the extra money for schools because the district has earmarked how it will be spent.

“They went through and said, ‘Here’s what’s going to happen at every single school,’ ” she said.

Roller also supported an additional tax for transportation improvements.

She previously worked near the University of South Florida and knows firsthand the frustration of being stuck in traffic.

“I would just sit in afternoon traffic around USF and the hospital area. You just knew it was a guaranteed 45 minutes of bumper-to-bumper traffic,” she said.
Voting is important, the school media specialist said.

“Your voice does matter. You can make a difference. No matter who you are voting, whether it’s Republican or Democrat, whatever the case is, you have to actually get out and vote.

“Even if your candidate that you were hoping for doesn’t win, at least you’ll know that you got out and you tried,” she said.

Trying to break the gridlock
Art Frotten, a retired chemical engineer, rode his bicycle to the Meadow Pointe IV Clubhouse in Wesley Chapel to cast his ballot. He said he was there “in hopes of stopping so much of the civil war that’s going on in Washington. It is all-out civil war. The only thing we’re not doing is shooting at each other.”

“I went Republican, even though I think Trump is an ass. He’s got some good ideas, and I’d like to see some of them come about.

“I went straight Republican to give Trump as much support as he can get, so as to swing some strength to one party rather than having such a deadlock in Washington and, also, of course in the state. Anything the state can do to help Washington start to move, the happier I’ll be. We’ve had deadlock for 30 years.”

Frotten also said he supported the four general obligation bond issues on Pasco County’s ballot.

“Pasco keeps expanding and needs money to do the expansion. More people means we all share the taxes more.”

He split his votes on the proposed amendments to Florida’s Constitution.

“I don’t see the felons’ need to be able to vote. I think they did the crime. That’s their problem,” he said. “Oil and gas drilling, I see no reason to disapprove oil and gas drilling,” said the retired chemical engineer.

Would like fewer attack ads
Giancarlo Rodriguez took the day off work, so he could vote. “I wanted to make a difference. We have to try to make things better somehow. This is the way we can actually do it,” he said.

He said he favored Pasco County’s general obligation bond issues.

“We need the infrastructure. Pasco County really doesn’t have as much infrastructure, parks-wise. Our libraries are pretty diminished. The fire department runs pretty thin, as well.

“That’s one of the reasons I came in to vote.”

He said he’d like to hear what politicians would do if they were elected, instead of hearing so many attack ads.

“The problem is, they focus their main ideas on attacking the other person. You don’t get to see what they want to do for the state, itself,” Rodriguez said.

He voted for an increased Homestead Exemption, but not just because it would give him a tax advantage. “If you can lower a little bit of the taxes, we can just pump it right back into the community itself,” said Rodriguez, who grew up in South America, Europe and Asia.

First-time voter
Arcadian Vera’s mom took a photo of him, standing outside Precinct 48, at the Meadow Pointe IV Clubhouse in Wesley Chapel.

Nineteen-year-old Arcadian Vera went to Precinct 48 to take part in his first election.

“I have to. Right now, our government is in a little bit of trouble — well, quite a bit of trouble, actually. I think there has to be a change. I felt that it was my responsibility, as a voter, to make the change.”

Voting is a civic duty
Vietnam veteran Harold Nelson said he makes it a point to take part in the political process.

“It’s very important to vote, being an American,” Nelson said. “I want to vote to put the right people in office.”

He voted a straight Democratic ticket. “I’ve been a Democrat all of my life.”

He also supported Pasco County’s general obligation bond issues, calling them “very important.”

Wants to help make history happen
Vincent Williams, who works with youths, said he headed to Precinct 6 at the Alice Hall Community Center in Zephyrhills to possibly be part of history.

“I voted for Andrew Gillum,” Williams said, referring to the candidate who had the potential to become Florida’s first black governor. “I understand his upbringing is similar to mine.”

Williams said he also supported Amendment No. 4 to the state’s Constitution, which restores a felon’s voting rights, after the felon has served his or her sentence.

“Once they serve their time, and they pay their debt, it should be clean slate,” Williams said.

Every vote counts
Accounting clerk Misty McClung said she votes on a regular basis.

“It matters,” McClung said. “They need every vote. It may be your one vote that changed the whole election.”

She was particularly interested in the race for Florida governor, casting her vote for Ron DeSantis.

“I’m Republican trying to support Trump. I think the economy is a lot better now, and I’m big on closing the borders,” she said.

She supported three of the four general obligation bond issues that were on the ballot — agreeing to higher taxes for parks, fire protection and libraries. She opposed the tax for the jail expansion.

“I did not vote to improve the jail system. I feel like you’ve committed a crime, why does it need to be so great,” she said.

Not a straight-ticket voter
Melissa Gordon, a full-time housewife and grandmother, said she came to cast her vote at the Alice Hall Community Center in Zephyrhills because she wants “to improve our government.”

She was interested, in particular, in some of the proposed amendments to the state’s Constitution.

She voted to restore a former felon’s right to vote, for instance. “If they’ve served their time, then they all means (they should be allowed to vote),” she said.

She also supported an amendment regarding Victims’ Rights.

She supported Republican Ron DeSantis for governor and Democrat Bill Nelson for the U.S. Senate.

“I’m fed up with Rick Scott,” Gordon said.

It’s important to be heard
Dietary supervisor DeNae Roberts said she believes it’s important to vote, “just to be heard.”

In the governor’s race, she voted for Andrew Gillum.

“He seems to care about the people a lot more, everybody, in general, not any particular race, or any particular gender. He’s very inclusive.”

She also supported Amendment 4: “I think if you did your time, and you’ve learned your lesson and you paid it back to society, why not be able to vote?”

Roberts said she supported three out of four of the county’s general obligation bond issues.

“I did not approve the one for jail, but I did approve everything else — the fire/rescue, the libraries, and parks and recreation.

“Unfortunately, if you’ve done something and you’re in jail, I don’t think our money should be spent on improving it,” Roberts said.

Local 4-H members receive recognition

November 14, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Two local members of Pasco County’s 4-H were honored by the Pasco County Commission last month for their achievements in the 4-H organization.

Commissioners passed a resolution on Oct. 9 recognizing Montana Rose Smith and Kata Muellerleile for their statewide leadership positions in 4-H.

Montana Rose Smith and Kata Muellerleile, members of Pasco County’s 4-H, were honored by the Pasco County Commission for being named to statewide leadership positions in the youth organization. They are shown here with members of the Pasco County Commission and Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neil. (Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

The resolution notes that nine young adults in Pasco County have been elected to statewide leadership positions over the past 20 years.

The resolution singled out Smith, who has been elected the 2018-2019 4-H State Council president by her peers and fellow 4-H members.

It also singled out Muellerleile, who has been elected the 2018-2019 4-H State Council reporter.

In congratulating the young women for the honors, Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said: “Girls, to say the least, we’re very proud of you. You’re our homegrown leaders that are going to be out there for 4-H. A lot of people, a lot of your peers will be watching you and hoping you do the job they expect you to do, and I’m sure both of you will.”

Muellerleile told commissioners “4-H holds such a special part in our hearts and lives because if it wasn’t for 4-H and Montana, herself, I would not be able to stand in front of you today.”

She added, “4-H is just so special to us and has changed our lives in many, many ways that we never thought could happen.”

Smith added, “4-H has definitely been a huge part of my life and has definitely helped me to develop who I am today. I used to be a shy little 9-year-old who just wanted to show my dairy goats. But, now I want to be on stage, behind the podium, talking and kind of guiding our youth across the state.”

Published November 14, 2018

Kids and adults have fun at Touch-A-Truck event

November 14, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Children were clearly having a good time checking out a variety of trucks, buses and other vehicles during a Touch-A-Truck event at Starkey Ranch District Park, at 11880 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa on Nov. 3.

Children could get their faces painted, enjoy inflatables and play games at the event, which was sponsored by the Medical Center of Trinity.

Hundreds took advantage of the sunshine and cooler weather to get up close and personal with dozens of vehicles, including those used in construction, a firetruck, police vehicles, and buses. Kids were encouraged to test out their curiosity by touching, exploring, climbing, and honking horns at the family event.

Parking was $5.