The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco misses out on Affordable Care Act funding

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With nearly $1.6 million coming to Florida from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, it was inevitable that at least something would come to Pasco County.

Instead, 42 health centers outside of the county — in places like Brooksville and Tampa — picked up individual funding to help with quality improvement achievements, and invest in ongoing quality improvement activities there.

“This funding rewards Florida health centers that have a proven track record in clinical quality improvement, which translates to better patient care,” said HHS secretary Sylvia Burwell, in a release. “It allows them to expand and improve their systems and infrastructure to bring the highest quality primary care services to the communities they serve.

“With these funds, health centers in Florida will continue to provide access to high quality, comprehensive primary and preventive health care to the patients that need it the most.”

The closest health center to Pasco receiving grant money is the Brooksville-based Florida Department of Health office, which was awarded a little more than $49,000. Tampa Family Health Centers Inc., was awarded more than $38,000, while Suncoast Community Health Centers in Ruskin picked up $28,500.

Those that received the money were recognized for high levels of quality performance in at least one of these categories, according to a release:

• Health center quality leaders received awards if they were among the top 30 percent of all health centers that achieved the best overall clinical outcomes, demonstrating their ability to focus on quality in all aspects of their clinical aspirations.

• National quality leaders received awards for exceeding national clinical benchmarks for chronic disease management, preventive care, and perinatal and prenatal care, demonstrating the critical role that health centers play in promoting higher quality health care nationwide.

• Clinical quality improvers received awards if they demonstrated at least a 10 percent improvement in clinical quality measures between 2012 and 2013, showing a significant improvement in the health of the patients they serve.

• Electronic health record reporters received funding if they used the technology to report clinical quality measure data on all their patients, what HHS says is a key transformational step in driving quality improvement for all health center patients across the nation.

The Tampa and Ruskin centers received all of their money from being clinical quality improvers, while the Brooksville provider not only was recognized as a clinical quality improver, but a health center quality leader as well.

The Laker expands East Pasco edition to weekly

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The future continues to brighten for community newspapers as The Laker/Lutz News gets set to expand one of its four editions into a weekly product.

LakerEP121014The East Pasco edition of The Laker, which serves primarily the Zephyrhills and Dade City areas, will become a larger, weekly publication beginning Jan. 7. It will join both the Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel editions of The Laker, as well as the Lutz News, as the weekly offerings of Community News Publications, coming out each Wednesday.

Diane Kortus, the owner and publisher of the newspaper group, shared the news in Wednesday’s print edition of The Laker.

“My staff and I are excited to take our East Pasco edition weekly in just a few weeks,” Kortus wrote in her column. “We recognize this big step for our business would not be possible without the loyalty of our readers and the support of our advertisers, and we thank you for that.”

The new East Pasco edition will be significantly larger than the current edition. It will run between 22 and 24 pages, and feature a B Section similar to what The Laker/Lutz News offers in its other weekly editions. That will mean more feature stories, photos, contests and puzzles. It also will include the grocery circular published by Publix Super Markets. It will join other circulars in the paper that include Publix Liquors, SmartSource coupons, Michaels Stores, and beginning in March, Lowe’s.

“It’s a big deal for most readers to get their weekly Publix circular inside their Laker so they can plan their shopping a day or two before the store’s weekly sales begin,” Kortus said. “We are thrilled to be able to provide this circular to our readers in East Pasco, especially since Publix is building its first store in Dade City in 2015.”

The expansion of the East Pasco section also means that some residents and business owners may see a different edition on their doorstep than before. The San Antonio and St. Leo areas, which now receive the Wesley Chapel weekly edition of The Laker, will instead start receiving the East Pasco edition, beginning in January.

The East Pasco edition of The Laker has been published for 10 years, beginning as a weekly and then changing to an every-other-week format in late 2011 during the height of the economic crisis.

“Back then, local businesses could only afford to advertise every other week, and we adjusted our business plan accordingly,” Kortus said. “But now, with our economy getting better every day, we’re ready to return to a weekly format.”

To read Kortus’ full column on the changes coming with the expansion of the East Pasco edition, read our free online e-edition by clicking here.

In Print: Big land buy in Wesley Chapel, magnet school going up

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What would you do with 1,000 acres of land if you had a chance to buy it?

A small group of owners are experiencing that first-hand in Wesley Chapel right now after a bunch of agricultural land just west of Quail Hollow was gobbled up in a $4.2 million land sale.

If more than 1,000 acres of land purchased last week west of Quail Hollow is ever developed into homes, roads like Mangrove Drive could require some upgrades. (Michael Hinman/Staff photo)
If more than 1,000 acres of land purchased last week west of Quail Hollow is ever developed into homes, roads like Mangrove Drive could require some upgrades. (Michael Hinman/Staff photo)

Will it become homes? A new commercial center? Or will it stay as grazing land. Bill Eshenbaugh, the owner of Tampa’s Eshenbaugh Land Co., wasn’t a part of this deal involving 1,000 acres off Mangrove Drive, but he knows the owners — Charles Bruck through his SoHo Dayflower company, as well as the Aprile family.

“The Apriles are good dairymen, and they can work that land just the way it’s been for the past few decades,” Eshenbaugh told reporter Michael Hinman. “They really have nothing to lose on this. It’s one of the lowest prices I’ve seen.”

However, Bruck is known for his development work, originally planning to build a 260-acre corporate park on State Road 54 near the Suncoast Parkway that is now part of the Bexley Ranch project.

What do these owners have planned? And are there clues in the recent past on what could go there? Find out in this week’s print edition of The Laker, available now on newsstands and driveways throughout the region. Or you also can read the full story online for free through our e-edition, available right here.

Not terribly far from this land purchase, Pasco’s first magnet school continues to come together quickly.

Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School — which focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics — already is being flooded with applications from potential students, and even more are expected before the Jan. 15 deadline.

“As a district, we know we must compete for the students we serve,” Pasco County Schools superintendent Kurt Browning said, as reported by B.C. Manion.

The campus is being built on the site of the old Sanders Memorial Elementary School at 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, and is expected to be open for the upcoming school year next fall.

Want to see and learn more about the new magnet school? Then check out this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, available for free now. Or read it online in our free e-edition: just click here.

And not every school needs to be new to get attention. The Old Lutz School is back in the news, thanks to its annual celebration of Christmas.

The 18th annual event will have everything: music, cookies, hot chocolate, trains and plenty of Christmas-themed decorations, including nutcrackers and trees.

“We never miss it,” Suzin Carr, a two-time Lutz Guv’na, told reporter Michael Murillo. “We make it part of our holiday.”

How can you make it a part of your holiday? Read this week’s print edition of the Lutz News, available now. Or check out our online e-edition by clicking here. And yes, it’s free.

And finally, photojournalist Fred Bellet has some great pictures to share from the 35th annual Lutz Arts & Craft Fair hosted by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. See it online by clicking here.

All of these stories and more can be found in this week’s The Laker/Lutz News, available in newsstands throughout east and central Pasco County as well as northern Hillsborough County. Find out what has your community talking this week by getting your local news straight from the only source you need.

If The Laker/Lutz News is not coming to your door, call us to see where you can get your copy at (813) 909-2800, or read our free e-edition by clicking here.

Free animal adoptions in time for Christmas

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Ever wanted to find a kitten in a stocking on Christmas morning? You might have that chance, thanks to an upcoming free adoption event through Pasco County Animal Services.

Because the animal shelter on Dogpatch Lane is over capacity, and working to find pets loving homes, the county animal shelter is hosting “Home for the Holidays on Dec. 20. Running from noon to 6:30 p.m., the event features a chance to have pictures taken with Santa Claus or the Dr. Seuss character the Grinch, as well as adopt a pet for free.

Although all adoption fees are waived, the shelter will accept donations.

Pasco County’s animal services division is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, safety and welfare of animals and people.

The shelter is located at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5:30 p.m.

For additional information, or volunteer opportunities, visit PascoCountyFl.net/PAS, or call (813) 929-1212.

Creating a nice Christmas for seniors

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There are many programs helping to make sure kids have a good Christmas season. But what about senior citizens who might not have the circle of family and friends many others enjoy?

For them, it can be a lonely holiday. And that’s where the Be a Santa to a Senior program steps in.

Sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care, the program is designed to help get seniors exactly what they want or need for Christmas. Organizers talk to various nursing homes and other professionals dealing with older people who may not be looking forward to a merry Christmas, find out what they want or need, and then generate lists they distribute through gift tree locations throughout the area.

Those wanting to participate find out about some of the items seniors need, purchase them, and those items are then given directly to the senior citizen just before Christmas.

Many trees are located at local businesses, and continue looking for gifts through Dec. 15. There’s no need to wrap the gifts, volunteers will take care of it. All they need is someone willing to pick up an ornament with a small wish list, and to fulfill that list.

Speaking of wrapping, Home Instead will host a wrapping party for volunteers Dec. 17 beginning at 1 p.m., at the company’s office, 29149 Chapel Park Drive in Wesley Chapel.

For more information on the Be a Santa to a Senior program, and see where you can find a gift tree, visit BeASantaToASenior.com.

Another week, another dime for gas prices

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There is still no end in sight on how low gas prices may go after the national average for a gallon of gasoline dropped another dime in the past week.

That new national average is now $2.70, the lowest since September 2010. Sunday marked the 73rd straight day that gas prices had fallen, losing 66 cents in the process.

“The shale boom continues putting downward pressure on the price of oil, which pushes gas prices even lower,” said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins, in a release. “Oil prices are forecast to drive lower next week, which means gas prices will follow suit. Gas prices could fall another 15 cents before the end of the year.”

Gas could even drop below $2 a gallon in some markets, Jenkins said. However, that it’s unlikely the national average will hit that low by the end of the year, and Florida likely won’t see those types of prices either.

Yet, Florida is dropping too, matching the national average at $2.70. That’s down 7 cents in the last week, and 73 cents from last year.

The price of oil dropped to its lowest level in five years, AAA said. The price for a barrel closed Friday at $65.84, down 31 cents from the week before. The shale boom has boosted U.S. oil production to just under 9.1 million barrels a day, the fastest rate on record, dating back to 1983.

Prices hit $2.57 at the Marathon station at Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and Ehren Cutoff on Sunday, according to GasBuddy. That’s a sharp contrast from the $2.74 reported at the Sunoco located on Land O’ Lakes and Causeway boulevards.

In Wesley Chapel, the cheapest gas was also $2.57, and found at the Sam’s Club on State Road 56 near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. Five stations reported the highest gas in that particular part of Pasco County, at $2.69.

Lutz gas ranged from $2.54 at the Circle K at Van Dyke and Old Tobacco roads, to $2.79 at a Shell station at North Dale Mabry Highway and Van Dyke.

On the eastern side of the county, Zephyrhills had its cheapest gas at $2.59 at three different locations. The most expensive, according to GasBuddy, was $2.69 at two Gall Boulevard gas stations. In Dade City, it was $2.49 at two gas stations — the Clark station on U.S. 301 near Long Avenue, as well as D&D on U.S. 98 and U.S. 301. The most expensive there was reported at a Chevron station on Fort King Road and Clinton Avenue with a reported price of $2.62 per gallon.

Flags at half staff to remember Pearl Harbor

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Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags Sunday for both the United States and Florida to be flown at half mast in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

“On Sunday, Dec. 7, we will remember and honor the 2,400 American lives that were lost during the sudden attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941,” said Scott, himself a U.S. Navy veteran, in a release. “This somber and reflective day remains significant to our nation’s preserved independence and identity. May we never forget this time in history, and the sacrifices that were made on freedom’s behalf.”

The day commemorates the anniversary of Japan’s surprise attack in Hawaii that crippled American Naval forces, and would directly lead the United States into World War II. In his proclamation, Scott said “the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces are remembered for their courage, selfless dedication and sacrifice during World War II.”

“To our military and veterans, we sincerely thank you for your sacrifice and commitment,” Scott said. “We will continue to keep your bravery and sacrifice in our hearts and minds as we continue to support those who serve to protect our nation’s freedom.”

Local lawmakers want to overhaul Public Service Commission

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The Public Service Commission could be looking at a major overhaul, thanks to the efforts of two local lawmakers.

State Sen. John Legg and state Rep. Chris Sprowls say they have introduced legislation that will make PSC commissioners “more reflective of the people they are supposed to serve.”

“The Public Service Commission should service the public good,” said Sprowls, a Republican out of Palm Harbor, in a release. “While millions of Floridians are left in the dark — or fleeced by companies like Duke Energy — the PSC continues to turn a blind eye.

“These meaningful first steps will add some diversity and accountability to the PSC as we work on other reforms that will fundamentally alter the culture of the PSC.”

The legislation, according to the release, would limit commissioners to just two consecutive terms. It also would divide the state into five districts, the boundaries aligning with the district courts of appeal, and requiring each commissioner to live in each district.

It also would restrict elected officials from earning an appointment to the commission for two years after they leave office.

“Reforms are needed to restore confidence in the Public Service Commission,” said Legg, a Lutz Republican. “Unfortunately, people don’t feel like they’ve been dealt with fairly, and that is a problem.”

The PSC is tasked to regulate the five investor-owned electric companies, seven investor-owned natural gas utilities, and 149 investor-owned water and wastewater utilities, according to the organization’s website. The governor appoints the five members based on recommendations from a nominating council. Before 1979, however, three of the five members were elected statewide.

The PSC has come under fire in recent months, especially with Duke Energy and its decision to allow the utility to collect billions of dollars from customers for two nuclear plants that are no longer in operation, or was never in operation to begin with. Another lawmaker, Tallahassee Democrat Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, has introduced a bill that would eliminate the so-called nuclear cost recovery statute.

Local Pearl Harbor documentary to air Dec. 7

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It’s a day that will live in infamy, and one Pasco County Television will remember with a locally produced documentary on Japan’s surprise attack of Pearl Harbor.

“In Their War: America at War” will air on the government cable channel Dec. 7 beginning at 12:30 p.m. It features two Pasco residents — Werner Klemm of Port Richey and George Kass of New Port Richey. Klemm served on the USS Dobbin, while Kass was on the USS San Francisco.

The Dobbin was spared major damage, despite displaying admiral flags, and was not able to intervene in the attack from its moored location near Ford Island. The San Francisco was at Pearl Harbor for much-needed repair work, and was not even in combat condition. It also was spared major damage in the attack.

The documentary is produced by Spring Hill resident Matt Wilcox, currently a senior at the University of South Florida.

“The show focuses on the strategic history of the war, as well as the personal experiences of so many who lived during that time,” Wilcox said, in a release.

Pearl Harbor was attached at 7:48 a.m. local time on Dec. 7, 1941, and the documentary is set to air cad close to the anniversary of the attack as possible — converted to the Eastern time zone.

“I’m always looking for locally produced videos and documentaries featuring Pasco County,” said Doug Tobin, the county’s spokesman and the manager of Pasco County Television. “When (a) Spring Hill producer told me he had produced a documentary featuring Pasco County residents, I had to make time to air the show.”

The documentary is 22 minutes long, and covers the United States’ entry into World War II. It will air several more times on Dec. 9 (8 p.m.), Dec. 10 (6:30 p.m.), Dec. 14 (7:30 p.m.), Dec. 18 (1:30 p.m.), Dec. 20 (9:30 a.m.), Dec. 23 (10 a.m.), and Dec. 27 (noon).

A trailer for the documentary can be found at InTheirWar.org.

Pasco County Television can be found on Bright House channel 622 or Verizon FiOS channel 42.