The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

Portion of Starkey Park Equestrian Trail temporarily closed

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A portion of the Starkey Park Equestrian Trail is closed, while a project is done by Tampa Bay Water to improve water levels and ecological function at Bonnet Lake.

Construction crews will install a 12-inch pipe to divert water from Grassy Prairie to Bonnet Lake. While that work is done, a portion of the trail will be closed to keep trail users safe.

The trail will remain open to the north and south of the construction area, and will be accessible to trail users. Signs will be placed at trail closure locations with a map to help trail users navigate the closure area.

The closed portion is expected to reopen in February 2019.

Residents can follow the project’s progress by monitoring Tampa Bay Water’s Twitter and Facebook feeds for updates. For specific concerns or questions, call the dedicated construction hotline at (866) 463-6426.

Published October 31, 2018

Things that go bump in the night, and other frightening stuff

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Things that go bump in the night, and other frightening stuffThe community center at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park was transformed into the “Haunted House on 41,” where visitors had a chance to take in frightening experiences and have some Halloween fun, on the evenings of Oct. 26 and Oct. 27. The event, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., was hosted by Land O’Lakes Heritage Park and Pasco County Park, Recreation and Natural Resources.

It takes about a month to gear up for the two-night event.

The volunteers, mostly Land O’ Lakes and Sunlake High School students, also help with tasks such as building the maze frames and painting the props, and in exchange can earn volunteer hours.

Many of the teen volunteers return year after year, not because of the volunteer hours, but because they enjoy being part of the event, said Mike Walcott, a supervisor with Pasco County Park, Recreation and Natural Resources which oversees the park.

Admission to the haunted house cost $1, which helps offset event costs. Those attending also get free popcorn and soft drinks.

Two Land O’Lakes High School juniors, 16-year-old Abbie Perez of Wesley Chapel, left, and 16-year-old Lauren Bates of Lutz, perform a terrifying scene at the ‘Haunted House on 41.’ (Christine Holtzman)
Seventeen-year-old haunted house volunteer Cesar Castillo of Land O’ Lakes, left, creeps up on 12-year-old Abigail Payton of Lutz, center, as her 9-year-old cousin Jasmine Randall, also of Lutz, looks on in delight. Mike Walcott, a supervisor with Pasco County Park, Recreation and Natural Resources who oversees Heritage Park says that the Haunted House has been a Land O’ Lakes tradition for longer than the 16 years that he’s supervised the park.
Hovering in a strobe light lit hallway midway through the haunted house, 16-year-old Sunlake High School sophomore Chloey Reynolds, of Land O’ Lakes, ghoulishly greets those that dare to continue through the hair-raising maze. Hundreds of people braved the 10-minute unnerving walk-through, which depicted heart-stopping and scary scenes, along with performers lurking in the dark ready to frighten anyone brave enough to enter. This was an experience that was not recommended for small children.

 

Fall is in the air, at Wesley Chapel festival

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Whether they were collecting goodies through Trunk-or-Treating, enjoying carnival rides, picking out the perfect pumpkin or competing in a costume contest, there were plenty of chances for fun at the 14th annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival, on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 at The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd. The event also featured local vendors, food trucks, a pet parade and a petting zoo. And, the weather cooperated, too.

Dressed as a little monkey for Halloween, two-year-old Logan Allgood, of Dade City, excitedly looks at his mother as he picks out his perfect pumpkin at the Scrub-A-Dub Bin Cleaning pumpkin patch. A portion of the pumpkin patch proceeds will benefit the Stano Foundation, a nonprofit that provides support and personalized care packages for members of the military services. (Christine Holtzman)
With the aid of her father Rich, 1-year-old Madigan Munkwitz, of Wesley Chapel, pets a gray donkey named ‘Minnie Mouse’ at the A. Thomas Pony Rides and Petting Zoo tent. Madigan’s mother, Rachael, says the family loves fall festivals and supporting kid-friendly events, especially when they’re within the local community.
Described as having ‘no fear’ by her parents, 12-year-old Alyssa Fagan, of Wesley Chapel, ‘free falls’ from the 20-foot platform of the ‘Stunt Jump’ attraction to the giant air cushion below. Eleven-year-olds Mariela Lastres, of Dade City, on platform left, and her friend, Jayleigh Hutchins, of Dade City, center, watch as they work up the courage to take the next jump. The worker for Frank’s Jump-N-Fun, Doug Berdan, is on right.

 

Quality Foods Gourmet Market

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Quality Foods Gourmet Market in Lutz is a deli, pizzeria, bakery and specialty foods grocer that also offers an extensive vegan and gluten-free menu.

Owner Christopher Houp takes great pride on the number of foods made in-house, such as his mojo-shredded pork for his Cuban sandwich, which he serves with house-made potato chips and his own signature pickles.

But, his showstopper is his NYC sandwich.

“Our NYC is three-quarters of a pound of meat piled high, half pastrami and half corned beef, both house-made,” said Houp. “It’s steamed just like it is in New York City, so it’s hot, on two slices of rye bread with a grain mustard, and that’s it.  You can add cheese if you want, but the bread soaks in the juices from the steamed meat, and the mustard gives it a little spice, and you get this nice big juicy sandwich.”

For most house-made items, you can ask for a sample and try it before you buy it. Quality Foods makes its own pesto, sauerkraut, beer cheese, chimichurri, fresh-baked pretzels, breads, desserts and cookies, as well as many different kinds of condiments and dressings.

Its vegan deli and pizza menu runs two full pages long and accommodates families with many different diets, from lactose-intolerant and gluten-free carnivores, to strict vegans.

“The vegan community is an underserved market,” Houp said, whose wife is vegan.  “People are very appreciative that they can have a vegan meal here.  Our vegan Cuban is all over social media, and we have regular customers from Orlando and Sarasota who drive here to load up on vegan groceries that they can’t get anywhere else.”

As a grocer, Quality Foods stocks items from other local businesses, especially farmer’s market vendors, including Mammoth Foods Hummus, Peach Pit Farms, Sassy Girls Salsa, Gulf Coast Sourdough Bread and Faedo Family Bakery Cuban bread.

It also stocks nearly 90 local craft beers from more than 20 local breweries, many which are available in mix-and-match six packs.  It carries a large collection of hand-selected wines, including fresh Italian wines on tap and bottled by request, just as you would see in Italy.

To hear Houp talk about good food is like listening to a poet praise the merits of Epicureanism.

“Food is a lot of things.  It is fun, it is familial.  All of life’s activities revolve around food.  You have a party.  There’s food.  You have a baby shower.  There’s food.  When there’s a funeral.  Food.  You have food when you’re born.  You have food when you die.  What do we build the holidays around?  Food.  There’s always food, because it’s comforting, so if food is central to life, then we may as well eat quality food, and that’s what you’ll get here,” Houp said.

Life is too short not to indulge your appetite today at Quality Foods on U.S. 41, just south of where it meets Nebraska Avenue. Besides running Quality Foods, the Houps also operate their own farmer’s market, Lake Chapman Market.

The market can be reached by calling (813) 373-5466.

By William Jacko

Published October 17, 2018

 

 

Buying or Selling A Home?

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Call Advantage Real Estate Services for over 36 years of local expertise.

Advantage Real Estate Services is a full-service real estate company representing both buyers and sellers of residential and commercial property, primarily in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando Counties.

Headed up by Broker Holly Ruhlig, whose family has been involved in the local real estate market since 1981, agents at Advantage Real Estate Services understand local trends, area home values, and are knowledgeable about area schools, roads and growth that impact buying or selling a home.

“We have a diversified team of agents who live in our market, many having over 20 years of local real estate experience,” said Holly. “Our agents are experienced professionals who pride themselves on the highest level of customer service.

The Advantage team shares these reasons to use a licensed Realtor for buying or selling your home.

  1. Expert Guides: Whether you are buying or selling a home, it requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures and other technical documents. A Realtor is a knowledgeable expert who helps you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
  2. Objective Information and Opinions: Realtor can provide local information on utilities, zoning and schools, and have objective information about each property. By understanding both your needs and search area, your Realtor can also point out neighborhoods you don’t know much about, but which might suit your needs better than you had thought.
  3. Marketing and Expanded Search Powers: When selling your home, in addition to advertising your home, many prospects for a home sale come from a Realtor’s contacts with previous clients, friends and family. Your Realtor will prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property — you never have to worry about allowing strangers into your home. A Realtor can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites, and also help you avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online, but are no longer on the market.
  4. Negotiation Knowledge: A Realtor will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property, before you are bound to finalize the purchase.
  5. Up-To-Date Experience: Most people sell only a few homes in a lifetime, and those sales typically have many years in-between. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. Realtors handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career and are experts at what they do.
  6. Your Rock During Emotional Moments: A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And, for most people, buying a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.
  7. Ethical Treatment. Every Realtor must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a Realtor’s client, you will receive honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.

Published October 24, 2018

Count on Cornerstone Pros For All Home Maintenance Needs

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Local residents have counted on Cornerstone Pros for their air conditioning service since 2006, and many of these customers now turn to the Land O’ Lakes company for their electrical and plumbing needs.

“We expanded into electrical and plumbing several years ago because our customers kept asking if we could help them with other home services,” said Dana Spears, founder and president of the company. “They trusted us and were comfortable having us in their homes, and we wanted to accommodate them.”

Today Cornerstone Pros is the only residential HVAC company in central Pasco to offer homeowners one-stop shopping and service for air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical services.

There are many advantages to using Cornerstone for ongoing maintenance of your home’s primary mechanical systems.

Every employee passes a stringent background check and drug tests before they are allowed to enter your home.
“We hire people who are genuine, honest, trustworthy, clean-cut and live their life with good ethics and morals,” said Spears. “Most employees are local people who live in our service area, and they are very committed to their work and community.”

All technicians have the appropriate certifications and licenses.
“All of our technicians are specialists who have specific, ongoing training in their fields,” said Dana. “This means our A/C guys are experts at air conditioning, and they only go out on HVAC calls. Our licensed electricians and plumbers are assigned specifically for electrical and plumbing work. There is no cross over between the trades — your technician is always qualified to diagnosis your problem, recommend a solution and qualified to do the work to meet the industry’s highest standards.”

Cornerstone warrantees all of its work, and the company’s satisfaction guaranteed policy applies to every job.
“We have a dedicated team of experienced technicians who follow up on any warranty problem. There is no charge for this service, and the tech keep coming back until the problem is 100 percent resolved,” explains Spears.

Cornerstone maintains a customer database of all work completed on your home, similar to the historical data your automotive dealership maintains on your vehicle.
“Our database is continually updated, so we always know what and when a service was completed, and what parts were ordered,” said Spears. “Having the history of your home’s maintenance for A/C, electrical and plumbing all at one place is a tremendous convenience for homeowners, especially for those who do not keep detailed records and files.”

Preventative maintenance is essential to keep your home’s systems in proper working order so they don’t stop working when you need them most — such as the hottest day of the year, or when you have visitors staying with you.
“We have very affordable residential maintenance packages, which range from $15/month for one service area, to just $24/month for all three — HVAC, electrical and plumbing,” said Spears.

Customers with maintenance agreements are preferred customers, which means they get service first at a discounted price.
“When you have an emergency at your home, you are a priority client and we send a technician to your home first,” said Spears.

Cornerstone recently opened a 6,000 square-foot warehouse so that techs have everything they need when they go on a service call.
“Every morning our vans are fully stocked with everything our technicians need, which means on most calls, we will be able to solve a customer’s problem on the first visit,” said Spears.

In addition to air conditioning, electrical and plumbing services, Cornerstone also provides customers with portable and whole-house generators, and is one of largest Generac distributors in the region.

It is also the exclusive distributor for Westinghouse Progressive Series of water treatment equipment, which works around the clock to provide your home with refined, clean soft water. Clothes and linens will be softer, brighter and last longer, and your plumbing fixtures, dishwasher and refrigerator will be free of water spots, scaling and soap scum.

Cornerstone, which has 65 employees and a fleet of 35 trucks, always strives to go above and beyond customer expectations. Phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available around the clock, including weekends and holidays

“We are successful because we’ve built our business on reputation and trust,” said Dana. “We always stand behind the work of our employees, and everyone of our employees strive to make customers happy every day.”

Published October 24, 2018