The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bexley Concert Series Offers Music, Meals and Hope

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Enjoy an evening of live music and helping neighbors in need. That’s what residents in central and east Pasco have the opportunity to do when they attend Bexley’s annual Concerts for a Cause.

The Bexley community, located in Land O’ Lakes just off State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway, is gearing up for its third season of Concerts for a Cause, which begins on Oct. 6 and runs for four consecutive Saturday evenings through the month. Concerts are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The series culminates with a Fall Festival on Oct. 27, complete with a pumpkin patch, face painting, food trucks, and costume contests for adults, children and pets.

In lieu of an admission fee, concert-goers are asked to bring nonperishable food items, or make cash donations to Feeding Tampa Bay. Donations stay right in the Pasco County area, meaning neighbors who attend the concerts are truly helping their neighbors in need.

Bexley’s concert series isn’t just for residents. The public is always welcome to attend. The community’s popular Twisted Sprocket Café is open until 9 p.m. on concert nights, and offers a variety of food and drink options.

Robin Graffam started attending the Bexley concert series even before she moved into the community last August. She’s been to nearly every Concert for a Cause since.

“We enjoy the music, and the kids enjoy running around and playing with each other,” said Graffam. “It’s cute to see all the kids and dogs dressed up for the Halloween costume contest. Plus, we always meet new people at the concerts.”

As a newcomer to Bexley, Graffam credits the Concert for a Cause series for helping her family develop close friendships with fellow neighbors.

“Now, the families meet up with each other for holidays and kids’ play dates,” Gaffam added.

Deirdre Bowman often brings her daughter and grandchildren to the concerts when they visit from California.

“The music is appropriate for all ages and the concerts are a very family friendly environment,” she said. “I’m so glad they offer them.”

“Concerts for a Cause has become one of the most popular events at Bexley,” noted Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities, developers of Bexley. “Not only is it a great way to bring the community together, but the donations collected help so many people.”

During last year’s Concert for a Cause series, concert-goers donated more than 4,000 meals to Feeding Tampa Bay.

The lineup for this year’s Concerts for a Cause includes some of the most popular bands in the region. From Me 2 You headlines on Oct. 6. The Rhythmics belt out pop, funk and dance music on Oct. 13. The acclaimed band, Frequency, takes the stage on Oct. 20, and Raydio will get the crowd on its feet during Bexley’s Fall Festival on Oct. 27.

Concert-goers should bring blankets and lawn chairs, and get ready for a great evening of music and fun for the whole family! For more information and directions, visit BexleyFlorida.com, or call (813) 425-7555. In case of inclement weather, be sure to check the Bexley Facebook page Facebook.com/bexleyflorida for updates.

Published September 26, 2018

Hearing on Ballantrae rezoning delayed until Oct. 9

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The Pasco County Commission has continued a request to rezone the Ballantrae Professional Center until Oct. 9, to provide additional time for county staff to research the issue.

The request has raised issues relating to the center’s current uses, the proposed zoning and who has authority to request the proposed zoning.

The center, on the south side of State Road 54 at the intersection of Hunting Bow Circle, in Lutz, is currently zoned as a PO-1 Professional Office District.

The request, by the Ballantrae Center Owners Association, is to change the designation to a PO-2 Professional Office District, which allows a wider array of uses.

The county planning department and the Planning Commission have recommended approval of the rezoning.

However, during the County Commission’s public hearing on Aug. 21, an owner of a condo office building within the development objected to the proposed rezoning.

That objection prompted a discussion during which questions were raised about who has the authority to request the rezoning and how a failure to rezone would affect uses that are in the office park that are not allowed under PO-1 zoning.

At one point, a portion of the office park had been temporarily zoned PO-2 to permit Imagine School to operate there.

However, the PO2 zoning was always limited to the school and expired when the school left the office park, according to county staff.

The applicant’s representative also noted that the county appraiser’s website lists the property’s zoning as PO-2 and said there currently are businesses operating at the location which require PO-2 zoning.

The County Commission’s meeting on Oct. 9 will be at the Historic Pasco Courthouse, at 37919 Meridian Ave., in Dade City. Commissioners consider rezoning issues during their afternoon session, which begins at 1:30 p.m.

Published September 26, 2018

Public workshop scheduled regarding Pierce Lake

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District is holding a public workshop on Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m., regarding minimum and guidance levels for Pierce Lake, according to a news release from the water management district.

The workshop will be at Connerton Elementary School, 9300 Flourish Drive, in Land O’ Lakes.

The purpose of the workshop is to allow for public comment on the proposed minimum and guidance levels for Pierce Lake in Pasco County.

Water management staff will provide information regarding the technical basis for the proposed minimum levels for Pierce Lake.

Minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands, and the minimum level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water resources and/or environment, according to the news release.

The workshop allows local government, citizens and others to provide input regarding the proposed minimum and guidance levels. Information will be summarized and made available to the water management district’s governing board.

At the governing board’s meeting in November, the board will decide whether to recommend adoption of the minimum levels into water management district rules.

The governing board meetings are open to the public, and brief oral comments are permitted on meeting agenda items.

The Florida Legislature requires the water management district to set minimum flows and levels for priority water bodies within the district.

Minimum flows are established to protect streams and rivers from impacts associated with ground water and surface water withdrawals, while minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands. Minimum flows and levels serve as guidelines for the district’s permitting programs and for development of water resource projects.

A draft report summarizing the proposed minimum levels for Pierce Lake will be posted before the meeting on the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/MFLreports.

For more information regarding the proposed minimum levels, call David Carr at (800) 423-1476, ext. 4246.

Written comments can be submitted via mail or email to David Carr, staff environmental scientist, Water Resources Bureau, at 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604 or .

Published September 26, 2018

Judson was a trailblazer

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The Pasco-Hernando State College community is mourning the recent death of Dr. Robert Judson Jr., the college’s second president.

The educator began his career at Pasco-Hernando State College in 1972, when the college was a community college — known as the college without walls — and was in the process of opening its doors to Pasco and Hernando county communities, according to a news release from the state college.

Dr. Robert Judson Jr., was a trailblazer at the college now known as Pasco-Hernando State College. When he was there, it was Pasco-Hernando Community College, and Judson made Florida history by becoming the first black to be named president of a community college in the Florida Community College System. (Courtesy of PHSC)

Judson was hired as the college’s first instructor and counselor/recruiter, subsequently teaching the first course the college ever offered.

The following year, Judson moved into a role as the college’s first coordinator of financial aid, where he wrote grants for student aid programs and was responsible for veterans’ affairs.

He received his doctoral degree in education in 1976, and in 1977 became dean at East Campus. In 1983, he took on the role of East Campus provost, followed by college vice president and executive vice president, according to the release.

In 1994, Judson succeeded Dr. Milton O. Jones — the man who had hired him — and made Florida history by becoming the first black to be named president of a community college in the Florida Community College System.

Under Judson’s leadership, the college experienced exponential growth.

“Bob Judson was a remarkable leader,” Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., current PHSC president, said in the release. “He worked his way up the ladder, knew every inch of the college, understood our students, and helped realize the college’s potential.  He was admired and respected for his vision and his authenticity.”

Judson opened a three-story health building, housing state-of-the-art equipment on the college’s West Campus. He also helped establish radiography, and drafting and design programs still popular today.

Judson also led the building of a child care center on West Campus.

He opened the Public Service Technology building on East Campus in Dade City, where aviation, law enforcement and corrections, and fire academy programs are currently housed.

He remodeled North Campus in Brooksville.

And, he purchased the land for a permanent Spring Hill Campus, which was erected in 2010.

Judson also facilitated a partnership with the University of South Florida to offer formal four-year degree programs on PHSC campuses.

In an interview for the College’s 30-year anniversary commemorative book, he said: “I want to be known as a president who intelligently expands the college for the good of all concerned.”

He added: “I hope I’m remembered as a president who was sensitive to the needs of our students, faculty and staff. Most of all, I hope I’ve distinguished myself as a president who helped make PHSC a great college, and a wonderful place to learn and work.”

Beard, who now holds the same role as Judson once held, put it like this: “The college community will remember his leadership. He will always have a place in college history, and in the hearts and minds of the many PHSC faculty, staff and students he influenced.”

A funeral service is planned for Judson on Sept. 29 at 12:30 p.m., at Hopewell Baptist Church, at 890 N.W. 15th St., in  Pompano Beach.

PHSC is planning a memorial service to honor Judson on Oct. 9 at 1 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center on its West Campus, at 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

Published September 26, 2018

Benefit supports Future Farmers of America, 4H, high school scholarships

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About 100 people turned out to the Boots and Roots Bash, at Al’s Famous Pizza, 11929 Curley St., in San Antonio, despite the stormy weather during the early part of the evening, said R.J. Huss, president of The Boots and Roots Foundation.The fundraiser was hosted by the nonprofit foundation, as well as Al’s Famous Pizza and Charlie’s St. Joe Market. Tickets were $25 for all you can eat pizza, non-alcoholic beverages, kiddie land attractions and the chance to win an all-weather Bluetooth speaker. Tickets also were sold for chances to win a variety of gift baskets and prizes donated by local businesses. The event benefits the local Future Farmers of America, 4H and high school scholarships.

Nine-year-old Wyatt Dorr, of Dade City, left, and his cousin, 9-year-old Kailyn Ostovich, also of Dade City, played a game called ‘The Flip N Fish Contest’ during the Boots and Roots Bash. (Christine Holtzman)
Wearing her cool sunglasses in the rain, 4-year-old Audrey Sachs, of Dade City, gets ready to play a very large game of Velcro soccer darts inside the kiddie land area of the Boots and Roots Bash fundraiser.
Three-year-old Raylan Paoli, of Wesley Chapel, right, runs through the grass with his 1-year-old little brother, Gavin, as they play a game of chase during the Boots and Roots Bash. The boys were there with their parents, Heather and Jason.
Dana Maggard, left, and her husband, Matthew, of Dade City, pose for a picture holding their twin 14-month-old daughters, Morgan, left, and Paige. Matthew serves on the Boots and Roots board.

 

Clinic offer kids a chance to learn tennis techniques

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The youth tennis clinics at the Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, give players a chance to work on the basics and improve their skills.

The clinics are being taught by Karen Turman, a United States Pro Tennis Association instructor. The instructor also coaches tennis at Land O’ Lakes High School and has been the recreation complex’s instructor for the past 20 years. For more information, contact Turman at (813) 468-1047.

Coach Karen Turman, far left, has her two volunteers and students do a fun tennis ball toss in the air at the end of a recent tennis clinic she was teaching at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. (Christine Holtzman)
Eight-year-old Haliegh Rhymer, of Land O’ Lakes, participates in a drill. The clinics are offered on Tuesdays, for ages 8 through high school, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, throughout the school year and cost $38 for a four-week session. Starting on Oct. 25, Thursday sessions will be added. This was Haliegh’s first time on a tennis court.
Eight-year-old Christian Quandt, of Land O’ Lakes, decided to give tennis a try, and is shown here jumping to hit a ball back to Lauren Hallauer, a Charles S. Rushe Middle School student. Hallauer is helping at the clinics to earn volunteer hours for the National Junior Honor Society. Coach Karen Turman can be seen on the far left.

Delivering an expression of appreciation

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When terrorists attacked the United States on the morning of Sept. 11, first responders rushed to the scenes of the attack, with many first responders losing their lives in the quest to save others. The Land O’ Lakes Rotary Club marked the anniversary of those terrorist attacks this year by delivering breakfast to first responders at a fire station in Lutz and to a fire station in Land O’ Lakes. This was the second year in a row that the service club showed its appreciation for first responders by presenting a breakfast on Sept. 11, and it intends to expand its efforts by including additional fire stations in the future.

Personnel from Fire Rescue Station 23 pose for a picture next to a fire truck with the members of the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes that delivered breakfast to the station to show appreciation for the first responders’ service. This is the second year that the Rotary Club has presented a breakfast to commemorate 9/11. They delivered breakfast to Station 22 and Station 23, and plan to include additional stations in the future. (Christine Holtzman)
Pasco County Fire Rescue Station 23 Capt. Larry Whitten, left, shakes hands with Rotarian Terry Dusek, right, as she thanks him for his service, as fellow Rotarians Larry Giannone, Jim Engelmann and Chris Poole look on. The Rotary Club delivered breakfast to Station 23 as well as Station 22 in Land O’ Lakes on the morning of Sept. 11.

A memorial to honor the victims of 9/11

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A 9/11 Memorial Service was held at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills, on the morning of Sept. 11 honored the memory of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The event included local elected leaders and dignitaries, as well as the Zephyrhills High School JROTC Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtain Detachment 1124, based in Zephyrhills. About 100 people gathered at the event.

The VFW Post 8154 Honor Guard perform a rifle salute to the fallen during the 9/11 Memorial Service at Zephyr Park on the morning of Sept. 11. (Christine Holtzman)
Guest speaker Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield speaks to the crowd of about 100 people that attended the program. After his speech, he introduced the Keynote speaker, State Rep. Danny Burgess.
Under the direction of Senior Army Instructor 1st Sgt. Jimmy McAuley, Zephyrhills High School JROTC Honor Guard members from left: Cadet 1st Sgt. Jorlyanys Suarez, Cadet Cpt. Justine Smith, Cadet 1st Sgt. Olivia Laginess and Cadet Cpt. Shelby Howell retire the colors at the close of the 9/11 Memorial Service.
Under the American Flag set at half-mast, the Zephyrhills High School JROTC Honor Guard presents the colors during the invocation of the memorial service to honor the victims of 9/11.

Train Like a Pro at the Wily Mo Baseball Academy

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Coaching Staff of Steve Miller, Matt Morris, Matt Starkey, Wily Mo Peña and Jason Contino

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you have ever picked up a bat and glove and dreamed of being a professional baseball player, you’ll want to know about Wily Mo Baseball Academy in Wesley Chapel.

Former Major League Baseball player, Wily Mo Pena, founded the Academy for children and young adults who want to train like the pros, and raise their game to the next level.

“I created the Mo Baseball Academy for the community and the kids, because a lot of youth training is not done right,” Pena said.  “When you have coaches with professional experience doing the training, kids learn what they need to do to make it to the big leagues and become great players.”

Jason Contino, a coach at the Academy, believes that the daily presence of a major league ballplayer inspires players and motivates them to play their best.

“There is something special about a kid who gets to practice with a Major League Baseball player, sponging off that knowledge and learning from a pro,” Contino said.

Wily Mo Pena

Wily Mo Baseball Academy provides training for every skill and position, from hitting and fielding to pitching and catching, with a goal that every student athlete becomes a complete ballplayer.

“Everything that you need to be a professional ballplayer is taught here,” Pena said, “The pros taught me to train and play the game and that’s what we do here — train hard every single day for every skill.”

The Academy also provides older players a platform to showcase their skills for professional scouts, with a goal that every player is on a scout’s radar

Pena considers a disciplined work ethic the most important component of success, which leads to increased stamina and more confidence— the building blocks of a professional baseball player.

“The key sign is how they work, showing up on time, showing that they really want it,” Pena said.  “It’s a pleasure to have kids like that, and if they keep training hard, and they come every single day, they will get leveled up.”

Coach Steve Miller played baseball as welland handles the pitching and businessside of the Academy. He knows the importance of having someone as experienced as Wily Mo Pena setting the agenda.

“The way that we run the Academy is it’s like the first day of spring training,” said Miller. “We make sure our kids stretch, do agility and strength training and conditioning.  We don’t just get them on the field and let them pull a muscle and hurt themselves. We warm them up.  We run them.  Then we get into the defensive drills.

Then we get into the batting.  It’s very cyclical, like it is in the pros.  We do it the right way, every day.”

Pena foresees a bright future for the Academy, and he is planning to build a facility designed specifically for the weather conditions in Florida.

“We are building our own park with two buildings to house an indoor field and 20 batting cages,” said Pena. “Right now we’ve been missing a lot of practice because of rain, and an indoor field will let us train every day.”

Pena is considering the Grove and Wiregrass areas of Wesley Chapel for his indoor facility, and he anticipates a star-studded grand opening that will help make this dream a reality. Having played Major League Baseball, he knows what it takes to make dreams reality.

 Wily Mo Baseball Academy • www.wilymobaseballacademy.com

(813) 428-0053

Published 9/19/18

Zain Nensey Returns Home To Open Accounting Firm

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Nensey & Associates, CPAs

Zain Nensey recently returned to his hometown of Zephyrhills to open a new accounting firm at 5633 Sixth Street, called Nensey & Associates, C

A 2011 graduate of University of South Florida, Nensey worked for Jackson Hewitt as a tax analyst in Sarasota before opening his business. While his position there was challenging, Nensey missed his family and hometown.

“I decided the time was right to use my knowledge and enthusiasm to help people and small businesses in my hometown with their tax planning and preparation,” said Nensey.

Nensey describes himself as someone who likes to delve in and work exceedingly hard to get his clients the maximum return possible.

“The biggest paycheck my clients receive all year is their tax refund,” he said.

And, because he keeps his overhead low, he provides his professional services at a low cost.

“I am an excellent counterpoint to more established firms,” said Nensey. “I like to think of myself as a value operator — someone who has the knowledge to give clients the most for their money.”

Having just earned his CPA license in 2013, Nensey’s professional knowledge is current and up to date, especially regarding the new tax laws that go into effect for 2018 tax filings.

“I am working with clients now to prepare for the changes,” said Nensey. “In most cases, the new tax laws will benefit pass-through companies that file as an S-Corp, sole proprietor, partnership and single-member LLC.”

Businesses that typically qualify as pass-through companies are beauty salons, retail stores, physicians, household services and nonprofit organizations, Nensey said. These businesses will be able to deduct 20% of their earnings before taxes are calculated if their income is below $157,000 for individuals, and $315,000 for married couples.

In addition to working with small businesses, Nensey also specializes in preparing tax returns for seniors and veterans.

“We actually offer a 25% discount off our fees for seniors and veterans,” said Nensey. “We charge between $75 and $100 for a typical return, which compares to $150 to $200, at national tax preparation chains.”

For individuals and businesses that have tax problems, Nensey is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS, which allows him to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels, including examination, collection, settlements and appeals.

If you dream about opening a business, the time to do so couldn’t be better than right now, Nensey said, who gives four reasons why:

  1. The new tax laws are very advantageous to pass-through business.

2.  The economy is in great shape, and is expected to continue to grow for quite a while.

3.  People are flush with cash and looking to invest their money.

4.  The connect between Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel is growing, which is bringing new customers from central Pasco to east Pasco.

“If you have a business idea you want to explore, or a charity that you are passionate about – this is the time to act,” said Nensey.

Nensey attended Woodland Elementary in Zephyrhills and Jesuit High School. His father is Dr. Yawer M. Nensey, a gastroenterologist who has practiced in Zephyrhills for over 25 years.

• 813-702-6772 • www.nenseytax.com

Published 9/12/18