The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Tech council, USF provides $50k scholarship to SmartStart

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In what officials are calling a surprise announcement, Florida High Tech Corridor Council president Randy Berridge announced his organization is offering a $50,000 sponsorship for the SmartStart Business Incubator program.

The announcement was made Monday at the opening of the second incubator location in New Port Richey, joining the existing one in Dade City.

The council and the University of South Florida back “numerous initiatives that support small and growing companies, and the SmartStart program is a terrific program that is already beginning to show successful results,” Berridge said, in a release. “We are glad to help foster the entrepreneurial activity in Pasco County.”

This is the group’s second sponsorship of Pasco Economic Development Council’s SmartStart Program with USF. Last year, both groups announced it would provide a $50,000 sponsorship during the opening of the Dade City business incubator.

Pasco EDC’s goal is to work with new entrepreneurs and scalable start-up companies in the incubators in Pasco County, and help them build their businesses from the ground up, officials said. Only 20 percent of new businesses are still in operation after the first five years, according to the Small Business Administration. On the other hand, the U.S. Economic Development Administration funded a study that concluded 87 percent of all businesses graduating from an incubator remain in business after five years.

The SmartStart program has helped create 42 jobs, and has projected to create a total of 65 jobs over the next two years, officials said.

For information, visit SmartStartPasco.com, or email Krista Covey at .

Gas prices locally are falling

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Not even the Fourth of July weekend was enough to kick up oil prices, as gasoline costs are falling to what one organization is calling a three-month low.

The price of oil dropped for the third consecutive week, allowing the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline to fall for the 16th straight day, according to a new report from AAA. Since last week, the average price in the nation fell 4 cents to $3.62, the lowest price since April.

“Oil pieces hit a free-fall at the end of last week,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said, in a release. “As a result, motorists in the Southeast could see prices at the pump fall 10 to 20 cents in the next two weeks.

Part of the relief came from increased U.S. stockpiles of oil, as well as easing risks in Iraq and Libya, Jenkins said. A barrel of oil was priced at a little more than $100 on Friday, down more than 3 percent from the week before.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florida is 3 cents cheaper than last week, and the lowest since March 25. Gas in Florida on Sunday was $3.56 compared to the national average of $3.62. It’s still slightly above what prices were this time a year ago, at $3.52.

 

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel looks west for new CEO

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Denyse Bales-Chubb is the new president and chief executive for Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, beginning Aug. 1.

She replaces Brian Adams, who filled a similar position at Florida Hospital Tampa earlier this year.

Denyse Bales-Chubbs
Denyse Bales-Chubb

“Denyse is committed to our mission and growing the legacy of Seventh-day Adventist health care,” said Don Jernigan, president and chief executive of Adventist Health System, in a release. “I’m pleased to welcome her to our system, and look forward to seeing her contributions to both Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and Adventist Health System.”

Bales-Chubb brings more than 25 years of health care experience, most recently serving as vice president and administrator of Adventist Medical Center Selma and Adventist Medical Center Reedley, both located in Southern California. She has worked for other organizations as well, including United WestLabs, Valley Baptist Health Plan, Tenet Health System, Columbia Healthcare, Lutheran Health Systems, and Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center.

“Denyse’s proven success in enhancing the patient experience is going to be a tremendous asset to this region,” said Michael Schultz, president and chief executive of West Florida Region of Adventist Health System, in a release. “She puts quality and patient safety first, approaches physicians as true business partners, and believes in transparent and direct communication. This is the formula we need for Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel’s next phase of growth.

Bales-Chubb holds a master’s degree in health care administration from Wichita State University in Kansas, and a bachelor’s degree in medical technology and biology from Fort Hays State University in Missouri.

“When I visited Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, I was so impressed with the energy and engagement of the staff and physicians,” Bales-Chubb said in a release. “I am excited to join the team and build on the incredible success the hospital has already had because I believe the hospital’s opportunities are endless.”

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is an 83-bed facility located on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in central Pasco County. It opened in 2012 on land once owned by the Porter family.

Commissioners to host community meetings

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Looking to have a voice when it comes to the upcoming county budget, or other issues affecting where you live, work and play?

Pasco County commissioners are hosting a series of community meetings to talk about all of that and the future direction of the county.

Dade City will be the first stop on July 28 beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City. This session will be televised on Pasco County Government Television on Bright House Networks channel 622, and on Verizon FiOS cable channel 42.

A second meeting will take place July 31 beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Two others will take place July 29 in New Port Richey.

Commissioners will use recent non-scientific surveys as a guide for discussion on what residents might be asking for. The National Citizen Survey randomly selected various county residents, while a second survey tackled questions about various county programs and services. It also provided the opportunity for residents to give their opinion of the biggest issues facing the county over the next few years.

Commissioners say they will use the opinions and ideas shared during these meetings, as well as the surveys, to help assist them in upcoming budget decisions.

School grades not what Pasco had hoped for

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Report card grades are important for students, especially at the end of the year. But they’re just as important for the schools themselves, with Pasco County Schools seeing some room for improvement.

Schools in the district saw grades drop this year, with fewer schools receiving marks of A and B, and more getting the dreaded marks of D and F, according to a release.

However, five schools rose a grade, including Taylor, Lacoochee and Giella elementary schools, as well as Pasco and Rushe middle schools. The elementary schools and Pasco Middle stepped up from Ds to Cs, while Rushe improved from a B to an A.

There remains some question on what the final elementary school grades are going to be, the district said, especially since Pasco is among several districts questioning fourth-grade writing scores. Some superintendents, including Pasco’s Kurt Browning, believe it has caused lower-than-expected grades for elementary schools in the district, where 15 maintained their grades, and 25 actually saw their grades drop.

Overall, six elementary schools earned an A, eight received a B, 14 a C, 12 a D, and five an F. Of the 15 middle schools, three were graded an A, another three a B, two a C, six a D, and none received an F. Both Long and Seven Springs middle schools maintained their A grades.

“These are very challenging times,” Browning said, in a release. “Providing stability and clarity to the school accountability system during the transition to new standards is almost impossible as we attempt to prepare for the future and continue to test the past.”

The Laker wins top state prizes for reporting

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The elevated toll road and flood insurance rates were two big stories that had the community talking last year. And now they have the state talking.

The Laker news editor Michael Hinman won two reporting awards at the Florida Press Association's annual conference Friday in Coral Gables. (Photo by Karel Ortiz-Tavarez)
The Laker news editor Michael Hinman won two reporting awards at the Florida Press Association’s annual conference Friday in Coral Gables. (Photo by Karel Ortiz-Tavarez)

The Laker news editor Michael Hinman was recognized by the Florida Press Association Friday during its annual conference in Coral Gables, winning first place in local government reporting and general news story.

The Laker competed in the top circulation category in the state, against similar weeklies with circulation of 15,000 or more.

In local government, Hinman took the top prize on a series of stories about the proposed elevated toll road a private company had wanted to build in Pasco County, before those plans were cancelled earlier this year. That included a story looking into private toll roads in general, and their economic viability.

Judges called them a “well-researched series of articles on the proposed elevated toll road. Looked at pitfalls of similar projects, and presented the pros and cons of the road.”

In general news, Hinman was recognized for his story on a town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, of a “critical issue” facing homeowners: rising flood insurance rates.

“Nice use of observation to capture the mood at the meeting, ‘Groans, interruptions, occasional applause,'” judges said about the story. “Concise explanation of the impact of the Reform Act.”

The Florida Press Association is a statewide organization that promotes weekly and daily newspapers. Its annual Better Weekly Newspaper Contest recognizes strong reporting, photography, online work and graphical art work among all its member newspapers in Florida.

Crisis Center to host ‘Voices of Men’

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The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is hosting a free, one-night only performance of the one-person play “Voices of Men.”

It will take place July 17 at 7 p.m., at Stageworks Theater, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., in Tampa.

The play, from Ben Atherton-Zeman, is an informative one that deals with issues such as sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and sexual harassment, officials said. It’s part of the Crisis Center’s efforts to build a network of leaders committed to engaging men in a community effort to end violence. The initiative is funded by a grant from the Verizon Foundation that allows for six months of grassroots mobilizing.

Atherton-Zeman is the spokesman for Men Against Sexism, and a public speaker on issues of violence prevention. He uses humor, celebrity male voice impressions, and video clips to help promote learning and understanding.

Those wishing to register can do so by clicking here, or visiting CrisisCenter.com.

Hillsborough, Pasco among biggest recyclers

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Hillsborough County received some fresh news about its effort to save the environment: The county is one of the biggest recyclers in the state.

And Pasco County isn’t far behind.

A new report from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection showed Hillsborough had a combined total recycling rate of 73 percent in 2013, when incorporating renewable energy credits from waste-to-energy production. Pasco was third-best in the state at around 68 percent, with Lee County taking the runners-up slot at 70 percent.

The state average is just below 50 percent.

Hillsborough and Tampa officials both utilize waste-to-energy facilities as a primary solid waste disposal method, according to a release. That creates renewable energy and reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills.

Renewable energy credits, calculated based on the amount of renewable energy produced using solid waste as fuel, largely influenced the county’s overall recycling rate, officials said.

Hillsborough collected 7.74 pounds of trash per day, per person, totaling 1.8 million tons of solid waste. Of that solid waste, 775,000 tons were directly recycled, and other waste generated 547,000 megawatts of renewable energy — enough to fully power more than 300,000 homes.

Pasco collected 662,700 tons of solid waste, recycling 237,000 tons.

To see the full report, click here.

Alligator surprises Gem Estates residents

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What a surprise when my neighbor, Janet Clarke, knocked on my door to tell me there was an alligator down on Rockford Avenue.

I seriously thought, “You got to be kidding.” But Russ and I got into our golf cart and rode down to Rockford Avenue. And sure enough, there were three sheriff cars blocking the road, and three deputies up by the house trying to capture a four-foot alligator thrashing around and trying to get away from the men.

Finally, it was subdued enough for them to tape shut the mouth and throw a raincoat over it, and it was hauled off somewhere where there was water.

Wish I would have taken my camera to take some pictures, because the people up north probably wouldn’t believe it.

Our coffee socials are basically that, socials. The attendance has been very sparse, but it’s still a way for those of us that remain for the summer to get together.

We recently learned Chuck Newman had a shoulder replacement, and his daughter, Vicki Bluhm recently had knee replacement. Both are doing well.

Neva Roy is at her home after being at the Heritage Park Health & Rehabilitation in Dade City. Her son is staying with her for the time being.

Several of us are planning to go to Branson, Missouri, again, but we need a few more passengers. If anyone is interested in going Nov. 12-19, we’ll have 11 meals, six good shows, and $70 free play at two hotels.

You can still join us by calling me at (813) 780-1012. We would love to have you.

By Lee Heffelfinger

Published July 9, 2014

Ice cream hits the spot at Grand Horizons

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The activities continue at Grand Horizons. Because of the summer months, some things are continuing, while some activities are on hiatus until the fall starts.

The many that continue include the ladies luncheon known as The Lunch Bunch. True, there was less of a turnout for June, but they sure had a good time and made the most of it.

Annmarie Shackewyc shows off a few of the colorful note cards made in a craft class. (Courtesy of Grand Horizons)
Annmarie Shackewyc shows off a few of the colorful note cards made in a craft class.
(Courtesy of Grand Horizons)

Approximately seven women showed up June 3 to have lunch at Capri Pizza & More restaurant, located across the street from Grand Horizons. This was a treat in itself, as during the winter months the group couldn’t go there as the seating is limited.

But, it is perfect during the summer months as there was a small group of women, and they sure had a good time.

If you’ve never gone to Capri Pizza, it is a delightful, family-owned restaurant. The women had their choice of spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, macaroni and other fantastic dishes. Barbara Janelle hosted the luncheon, and when I spoke to her she reported that it may have been a small group, but each woman seemed to enjoy herself.

Barbara went on to say that the inside was decorated with pictures hanging on the walls. It not only had pictures of personnel, but others as well. It has a cozy atmosphere, and since I have gone there before, I can definitely vouch for it.

Whatever we have had at this restaurant was always delicious, and my husband and I have always walked out content. So you can see that the summer months do not pose a problem for The Lunch Bunch as they pick out a restaurant that is close-by and has good food.

Then, on June 8, there was an ice cream social in the community center with approximately 50 people hosted by Rosemary Semian. She did a fine job as they had different ice creams and loads of toppings.

From what Rosemary told me, they had bananas, strawberries and pineapples, plus whipped cream and also cherries. Just writing this paints a vivid picture!

After ice cream, while some people went to walk off what they had, others stayed to have a friendly game of euchre. It sounds to me that Rosemary did a fine job. Our thanks go out to her.

In between, while they had their activities that go on a regular basis such as dominoes, shuffleboard, Wednesday coffee and doughnuts, etc., there was also a craft class June 10. Marcia Johnson led the class in making notecards. Marcia told me the cards were blank inside with colorful ladies on the front all dressed up in hats with feathers. I wasn’t there for this, but the finished product sounded really nice.

There are two ladies’ luncheons a month — the first called “The Lunch Bunch,” and one that met later in the month called “The Ladies of Grand Horizons” lunch group. This particular group met for lunch at Abbott Station, a restaurant located in Zephyrhills that is a lovely place to dine. This particular event was hosted by Luella Wheeling.

Luella said that the chef greeted everyone and made them comfortable. He made sure that whatever he served was to the person’s liking. She also mentioned that it was a nice size group considering the many people that are away for the summer months.

Abbott Station is known for its soups with pumpkin soup their specialty. They include one other soup, which is made fresh every day. They serve sandwiches that are big enough for seconds or doggie bags to take part of the meal home.

The inside of the restaurant has many pictures and other interesting memorabilia on the walls. There is also a lovely porch that is inside, and people can eat there and take in the surrounding area. I have gone here before and just know that all who attended got a lovely meal at a nearby location.

Grand Horizons will publish a new photo directory for residents. Photos were taken at certain times, with more dates to follow.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published July 9, 2014