The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Helping families communicate through sign language

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Families came to the New River Branch Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, to learn how to communicate with hearing impaired loved ones.

The library will be hosting two classes each month, one for families and one for adults.

at the New River Branch Library. Gabriela Southwick, an American Sign Language instructor who resides in Zephyrhills, teaches the class.

Southwick holds a degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of South Florida. She’s an American Sign Language teacher at Sunlake High School in Land O’ Lakes.

She said that American Sign Language is intuitive, and many nouns are iconic, meaning the sign visually looks like what it means, making it easy for children to learn.

For more information or to register, contact the library at (813) 788-6375.

Eighteen-month-old Leighton McIntosh, of Wesley Chapel, who has severe hearing loss, peeks over a row of bins filled with books, while her mother, Nina, and father, Spencer, keep a watchful eye on her during a Family Sign Language class at New River Branch Library. (Christine Holtzman)
After attending the Family Sign Language class with his mother Janet, 7-year-old Kevin Ojo, of Wesley Chapel, participates in a kid’s craft session, decorating an apple using marshmallows and gumdrops. Janet Ojo, who came to the area 10 years ago from Nigeria, said that she was thinking of her son’s future when she decided that he should learn American Sign Language. ‘You never know, Kevin may meet a deaf person at some point in his life and it may make a big difference in that person’s life if he knew how to communicate in sign language.’
Gabriela Southwick, an American Sign Language instructor who resides in Zephyrhills, shows the class how to say ‘thank you’ during the Family Sign Language class.

Pasco County Schools helping Hurricane Michael victims

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Pasco County Schools has given 20 school buses to Bay District Schools and is loaning 20 maintenance employees to that district to help it recover from Hurricane Michael.

David Fussell, of Bay District Schools, was among the bus drivers arriving in Pasco County last week to pick up buses that Pasco County is providing to assist the Bay school district, which is in the midst of recovering from Hurricane Michael. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Bay County school bus drivers traveled to New Port Richey on Nov. 1, where they picked up the Pasco school district’s buses to drive them back to Bay County, according to a news release from Pasco County Schools.

When the visiting bus drivers arrived at Fred K. Marchman Technical College, they were served lunch by the school’s culinary students. After lunch, they were escorted to the bus barn at Pinehill Road and Congress Street, to pick up the buses to drive back to Bay County. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office escorted the buses to Interstate 75, according to Linda Cobbe, public information officer for Pasco County Schools.

Bus drivers from Bay County District Schools traveled to Pasco County to pick up some buses to take back to their district, which is recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael.

The schedule called for laborers and experts in site development, tree trimming, heavy equipment, electricity, HVAC, carpentry and mechanics to travel from Pasco County, to help Bay County schools to prepare for students in that district to return to school on Nov. 12, the release said.

The Pasco school district crew was scheduled to depart on Nov. 3 at 6:30 a.m., from the Maintenance Department, 11835 Tree Breeze Drive in New Port Richey.

In the news release, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said, “I can’t imagine what our colleagues are going through in the Panhandle, and we just wanted to give them the same kind of support I know they would give to us if we were in the same situation.”

Published November 7, 2018

Swampfest offers food, fun and entertainment

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A light rain fell on the evening of Nov. 2 at the 10th annual Swampfest at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, but that didn’t keep the mostly young festival crowd from turning out to enjoy the rides, games, food trucks and entertainment.

Danielle Loomis, of Land O ’ Lakes, comforts her 4-year-old son, Jacob, as they get situated on the Ferris wheel on the afternoon of Nov. 3, at the 10th annual Swampfest, as operator Jamie Kieffer secures the bar. (Randy Underhill)

JT Curtis and the Florida Scoundrels entertained the crowd from the Heritage Park stage.

Attendance swelled the following day, as the weather was sunny and breezy — simply perfect for a day at festival.

The event, hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Booster Club, raises money, which benefits all of the students at the high school. For instance, proceeds from previous festivals have been used to purchase equipment for the weight room.

Besides carnival rides and food, the festival offered face painting for kids, the Kim Fish Beer Garden for adults and the Future Farmers’ goat-petting area.

Entertainment on the main stage included Show on the Road of Tampa, a song and dance routine of elementary school kids, and the local band The Big Bong Theory. Performers scheduled for Nov. 4 included Nicole’s Dance Center, Karl & Dimarco Dance Studio, Suncoast Dance Academy, Beyond Chaotic, and Pine View Dance and Cheer.

The event attracted people of all ages, from across Tampa Bay.

By Randy Underhill

Published November 7, 2018

Rick Bartz, left, of Land O’ Lakes, and Mary Law, also of Land O’ Lakes, grab a bite to eat from German Alarcon, at one of the many food trucks, Nov. 2 at Swampfest.
Eight-year-old Dalilah Pyles, of South Tampa, tests her skills at climbing the rope ladder on the afternoon of Nov. 3, at Swampfest.
It’s all smiles aboard the Magic Dragon at the 10th annual Swampfest, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Nov. 1 through Nov. 4. The Land O’ Lakes High School Athletic Booster Club hosted the event.
JT Curtis and Florida Scoundrels entertained the crowd the evening of Nov. 2 on the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park stage. JT Curtis is a singer/songwriter, and a Nashville recording artist, who performs throughout the United States.

Learning some Tai Chi moves at the library

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Those taking part in a recent Tai Chi class at New River Branch Library practiced some moves, including the ‘Swimming Dragon’ and the ‘fly left leg.’

Originally associated as a method of self-defense martial arts, Tai Chi is now known to have many health benefits, and the graceful, slow movement exercise is used to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, fight depression and improve balance.

Bonnie Birdsall, who has been a Tai Chi instructor for 20 years, says that Tai Chi is for everyone — regardless of ability. Her students have ranged from as age 8 to 101.

She ends all of her Tai Chi classes with meditation, because she says it ‘settles down the chi, which is the energy that moves through us.’

This was the last class at the New River Branch Library, after a successful two-month run, but additional classes are possible in the future, according to Angelo Liranzo, the branch manager.

Birdsall currently is leading Tai Chi sessions at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library on Mondays.

Instructor Bonnie Birdsall, far right, leads the class in a Tai Chi move called ‘Swimming Dragon’ during a recent class at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. ‘Swimming Dragon’ is a technique for stimulating the systems and organs of the body for wellness. Many of those taking part in the class said they were there upon the recommendation of their doctor. Shown in the back: Margie Gordon, left, and Olympia Coleman. In the front: Joleen Patane, left, and Bonnie Birdsall. (Christine Holtzman)
Participants of the New River Branch Library’s Tai Chi program, led by instructor Bonnie Birdsall, far left, perform a move called ‘fly left leg.’ From left are Bonnie Birdsall, Olympia Coleman, Joleen Patane, Margie Gordon and Sheryle Baker.
After participating in a recent Tai Chi class at the New River Branch Library, Doreen Iannazzo, of Zephyrhills, left, Sheryle Baker, of Lutz, center, and Olympia Coleman, of Lutz, take a few moments to relax and meditate.

Concerts for a Cause combine fun, and giving

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Bexley by Newland Communities recently concluded a series of concerts geared toward helping feed those in need. Those attending the events were encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the live entertainment in comfort. They also were asked to donate nonperishable food items or cash to help support Feeding Tampa Bay, the area’s largest food bank. Besides the live entertainment, a fall festival featured a pumpkin patch and decorating station, and food trucks for those wanting to get a bite to eat.

Three-year-old Avery Long, of Land O’ Lakes, gets her groove on while listening to the high energy rock and roll cover band Raydio during Concerts for a Cause, at the Bexley by Newland Communities subdivision at the Game On Park, at 16950 Vibrant Way in Land O’ Lakes. Avery’s mother, Nikki, said the little girl loves music and is constantly dancing. (Christine Holtzman)
Three-year-old twins Cecile Insignares, of Land O’ Lakes, left, and Miguel, enjoy the evening’s festivities with their mother, Given, during the Concerts for a Cause on the evening of Oct. 27 in the Bexley community of Land O’ Lakes.
Under the stars, Patrick Briggs, of Land O’ Lakes, plays a lively game of toss and catch with his 5-year-old daughter, Adalyn. Briggs shares that the family tries to attend most events in the community, and that his children love to have fun at the Game On Park and playground, where the concert took place.

Back in the saddle, again

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After a long winter being spent in our Connecticut home, we came back to Grand Horizons with the many activities.

From left: Jockeys Chris Fulton, Ginny Sarver and Nadine Guetti get ready for the horse race. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

On Oct. 28, we attended a potluck that at our community center, which was hosted by Nancy Huey. It was well-attended, and 87 residents enjoyed a variety of dishes and many desserts.  There were such dishes as lasagna, salads, vegetables and much more; and, a great deal of desserts, such as cupcakes, cookies, cake, s’mores and several others.

Before the tables were called to get in line to get food, Jim Leitzke said grace, while everyone bowed their heads in silence.

Annmarie Shackewyc wins the first horse race.

The meal was excellent, and everyone got together to socialize. Nancy Huey and a crew did the cleanup.

This marked the end of the potluck and some people left to go to their homes, while others stayed at the community center to play a new game.

The new game was a horse race, and it was simply adorable and loads of fun.

There were several horses (made out of wood) and a jockey was picked for each horse. It was up to the individual jockey to advance the number of spots that were indicated by the person calling from the cards that were picked.

It was quite funny, as you could hear remarks as, “I got a real slow horse,” “Come on speedy” or “I am so close to the finish line, and I think I will win.”

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Election 2018: Five Big Questions in Florida 

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Many Floridians will be relieved to see Election 2018 come to an end–no more negative TV ads, no more flashy mailers, and no more robocalls or texts begging us to vote.  But, after the polls close, many of us will want to know the answers to these five intriguing questions:

Susan A. MacManus at her Land O ‘ Lakes home (File)

Were the polls right in Florida?  They were not in predicting the outcome of the 2016 presidential contest between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump. Nor did they predict that Andrew Gillum would capture the Democratic nomination for governor in the August 2018 primary. A lesson learned from these earlier miscues is that poll results should not deter you from voting because they cannot predict turnout or capture last-minute surges of support.

Were this year’s races for the U.S. Senate and Governor as close as previous races? The margin-of-victory for the winner of the last four major elections (the 2010 and 2014 gubernatorial races and the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections) has been 1 percent. But, will it be as close this year considering the state’s changing demographic makeup, particularly an increase in younger voters and Hispanics? These two groups lean more Democratic in their voting patterns, but traditionally have lower turnout rates in midterm elections.

Did Florida voters vote a straight party line for the five statewide races (U.S. Senator, Governor, Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services) or split their votes between Democrats and Republicans? Of greatest interest is whether the winners in the contests for the U.S. Senate and Governor will be from different political parties. Heading into this election, Democrats hold the U.S. Senate seat and Republicans the Governor’s Mansion. Some who believe there will be a big blue wave (Democrats winning a lot more offices) predict a majority of Florida voters will vote a straight party line. Others believe that a party split is more likely due to the growing number of Floridians registered as No Party Affiliation (NPA) who tend to vote for the candidate rather than the party.

Did the turnout rate go up, especially among younger voters? The turnout rate in the 2014 midterm general election was 51 percent. Many are projecting it may be higher this year based on an uptick in turnout in the August primary (18 percent to 27 percent) and surveys showing greater voter interest this year, particularly in the governor’s race. The two gubernatorial candidates (Democrat Andrew Gillum and Republican Ron DeSantis) sharply differ in their ideologies and policy preferences. The state’s changing age demographics have led some analysts to project that younger voters may determine the winner. The three youngest generations (Generation X, the Millennials, and Generation Z) now make up 52 percent of the state’s registered voters. Traditionally, however, the turnout rate of younger voters lags far behind that of older voters, especially in midterm elections.

How many of the 12 amendments passed? This is one of the longest ballots Floridians will have to wade through in many years, and these 12 amendments come at the end of the ballot. For an amendment to be adopted, 60 percent of those voting on it must vote “Yes.” Many of this year’s proposed amendments are confusing. Some have three or four parts (bundled amendments placed on the ballot by the Constitutional Revision Commission). Voters have been bombarded with TV ads and mailers, often presenting conflicting messages about the content and impact of an amendment, especially Amendment 3 (gambling). The big question is, how many voters will vote “No” on those that are confusing or seem like they should not be in the constitution (vaping)? Also, how many voters will simply skip them—an action known as “roll-off”?

The bottom line is this: This year’s midterm election is one of the most interesting in years not only to Floridians but to the nation.

By Susan A. MacManus

Dr. Susan A. MacManus is a Distinguished University Professor Emerita from the University of South Florida. She lives in Land O’ Lakes and is recognized nationally for her knowledge of Florida politics.

Published October 31, 2018

Proposed Constitutional amendments

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There are 12 proposed amendments to Florida’s Constitution on the 2018 ballot. There were 13, but one was removed by the Florida Supreme Court.

Here’s what voters will be deciding:

Number 1: Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption

Ballot summary: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to increase the homestead exemption by exempting the assessed valuation of homestead property greater than $100,000 and up to $125,000 for all levies other than school district levies. The amendment shall take effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Number 2: Limitations on Property Tax Assessments

Ballot summary: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to permanently retain provisions currently in effect, which limit property tax assessment increases on specified non-homestead real property, except for school district taxes, to 10 percent each year. If approved, the amendment removes the scheduled repeal of such provisions in 2019 and shall take effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Number 3: Voter Control of Gambling in Florida

Ballot summary: This amendment ensures that Florida voters shall have the exclusive right to decide whether to authorize casino gambling by requiring that in order for casino gambling to be authorized under Florida law, it must be approved by Florida voters pursuant to Article XI, Section 3 of the Florida Constitution. Affects articles X and XI. Defines casino gambling and clarifies that this amendment does not conflict with federal law regarding state/tribal compacts.

Number 4: Voting Restoration Amendment

Ballot summary: This amendment restores the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions after they complete all terms of their sentence, including parole or probation. The amendment would not apply to those convicted of murder or sexual offenses, who would continue to be permanently barred from voting, unless the Governor and Cabinet vote to restore their voting rights on a case-by-case basis.

Number 5: Supermajority Vote Required to Impose, Authorize or Raise State Taxes or Fees

Ballot summary: Prohibits the legislature from imposing, authorizing or raising a state tax or fee, except through legislation approved by a two-thirds vote of each house of the legislature in a bill containing no other subject. This proposal does not authorize a state tax or fee otherwise prohibited by the Constitution and does not apply to fees or taxes imposed or authorized to be imposed by a county, municipality, school board or special district.

Number 6: Rights of Crime Victims; Judges

Ballot summary: Creates constitutional rights for victims of crime; requires courts to facilitate victims’ rights; authorizes victims to enforce their rights throughout criminal and juvenile justice processes.

Requires judges and hearing officers to independently interpret statutes and rules rather than deferring to government agency’s interpretation. Raises mandatory retirement age of state justices and judges from seventy to seventy-five years; deletes authorization to complete judicial term if one-half of term has been served by retirement age.

Number 7: First Responder and Military Member Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges and Universities

Ballot summary: Grants mandatory payment of death benefits and waiver of certain educational expenses to qualifying survivors of certain first responders and military members who die performing official duties. Requires supermajority votes by university trustees and state university system board of governors to raise or impose all legislatively authorized fees if law requires approval by those bodies. Establishes existing state college system as constitutional entity; provides governance structure.

Number 8: By order of the Florida Supreme Court of Florida, Revision 8 was removed from the ballot.

Number 9: Prohibits Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling; Prohibits Vaping in Enclosed Indoor Workplaces

Ballot summary: Prohibits drilling for the exploration or extraction of oil and natural gas beneath all state-owned waters between the mean high water line and the state’s outermost territorial boundaries. Adds use of vapor-generating electronic devices to current prohibition of tobacco smoking in enclosed indoor workplaces with exceptions; permits more restrictive local vapor ordinances.

Number 10: State and Local Government Structure and Operation

Ballot summary: Requires legislature to retain department of veterans’ affairs. Ensures election of sheriffs, property appraisers, supervisors of elections, tax collectors and clerks of court in all counties; removes county charters’ ability to abolish, change term, transfer duties or eliminate election of these offices. Changes annual legislative session commencement date in even-numbered years from March to January; removes legislature’s authorization to fix another date. Creates office of domestic security and counterterrorism within department of law enforcement.

Number 11: Property Rights; Removal of Obsolete Provision; Criminal Statutes

Ballot summary: Removes discriminatory language related to real property rights. Removes obsolete language repealed by voters. Deletes provision that amendment of a criminal statute will not affect prosecution or penalties for a crime committed before the amendment; retains current provision allowing prosecution of a crime committed before the repeal of a criminal statute.

Number 12: Lobbying and Abuse of Office by Public Officers.

Ballot summary: Expands current restrictions on lobbying for compensation by former public officers; creates restrictions on lobbying for compensation by serving public officers and former justices and judges; provides exceptions; prohibits abuse of a public position by public officers and employees to obtain a personal benefit.

Number 13: Ends Dog Racing

Ballot summary: Phases out commercial dog racing in connection with wagering by 2020. Other gaming activities are not affected.

To review the entire text of the proposed amendments and revisions, visit PascoVotes.org, and click on the appropriate link.

Published October 31, 2018

General Obligation Bond issues

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Pasco County is asking voters to approve four general obligation bond issues during the Nov. 6 general election.

The bonds would be repaid over a 30-year period through additional charges on tax bills. The charge will appear on the bills as “voter approved debt service.”

These are the four different bonds, and the estimated annual charge on a home assessed at $100,000.

Jail expansion
Bond: $132,150,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $16.75
Details: Currently, taxpayers pay $2 million to house inmates outside of Pasco County because the county’s jail has reached capacity. The bond issue would pay for a jail expansion.

Fire service
Bond: $70,200,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $8.89
Details: The county would build four new fire stations in areas that don’t have any fire stations and replace five outdated stations. It also would add 10 new emergency vehicles and would construct a new Fire Rescue Training Facility.

Parks
Bond: $20,200,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $2.55
Details: Projects would be done at all district, wilderness and neighborhood parks. Existing athletic facilities would be improved. Recreational complexes, community centers and aquatic centers would be renovated.

Libraries
Bond: $18,600,000
Average annual impact on taxpayer: $2.35
Details: The county’s libraries were built in or before the 1980s. The bond issue would be used to upgrade and remodel library branches.

If all four bond issues pass, the total average annual impact on taxpayers owning a home assessed at $100,000 would be $30.54.

Published October 31, 2018

Hillsborough to cast votes on road, school taxes

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Hillsborough County voters have the option of raising sales taxes to help pay for transportation, and for school air-conditioning and capital improvements.

The transportation improvements would be made by voting to amend the County Charter to enact a 1-cent sales surtax that would be levied for 30 years and deposited in an audited trust fund with an independent oversight.

That tax would be in addition to the current 7 percent sales tax and is estimated to raise $278 million annual, and $552 million in the first two revenue years. The revenues would be shared by the Hillsborough Regional Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and using a population-based formula by the Hillsborough County Commission, the City of Tampa, and the City of Temple Terrace.

The money would be used for road and bridge improvements; expanded public transit options; to fix potholes; enhance bus services; relieve rush hour bottlenecks; improve intersections; and, make walking and biking safer.

Hillsborough voters also have the option of authorizing a ½-cent sales surtax for 10 years to fund air conditioning replacements and repairs, capital improvements and construction of other schools, building enhancements for school security and other maintenance needs.

The new ½-cent tax is in addition to the current 7 percent sales tax. It is estimated to raise $138 million annually. Expenditures will be governed by the Aug. 24, 2018 Hillsborough County School Board resolution.

Published October 31, 2018