The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

In Print: Spending $119,000 on a campaign with no opponent

By

State Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, may find his return to Tallahassee an easy one in the November election, especially if he doesn’t draw an opponent.

But the man in-line to become the House Speaker in late 2015 has spent more than $9,000 a month on his re-election campaign, and far more than any other House candidate, whether they have an opponent or not.

Corcoran knows he’s spending a lot, but he’s using the election as a way to connect with constituents, a lot of the nearly $119,000 already spent on events like tele-town halls that draw thousands of people.

“If there’s any chance you get where you can communicate with the voters and get their input, we do it,” Corcoran told reporter Michael Hinman. “Anytime you get input from the voters, that just makes you much more effective.”

But what are election observers saying about the spending spree? You’ll have to find the print edition of The Laker/Lutz News this week to learn more.

Amy Deeb also wants to make some people connections, but in a completely different way.

The 16-year-old Sunlake High School student will spend her summer in India as part of a U.S. Department of State program that encourages young people to learn different languages. Deeb will immerse herself in Hindi.

“I figured if I’m going to go for it, I may as well pick something that’s so, in my mind, different from what I could ever experience in America,” Deeb told reporter B.C. Manion.

And it will be the first language outside of English Deeb has learned since she picked up American Sign Language.

While Deeb is preparing for her trip to a new continent, B.C. as her own trip idea a little closer to home. As part of her “Worth the Trip” series, B.C. introduces us to Gamble Mansion near Ellenton.

Gamble Mansion in Ellenton is the only remaining antebellum plantation house in South Florida. The park is open to visitors every day. The mansion is open to visitors, by guided tours only, Thursdays through Mondays. (Photo by B.C. Manion)
Gamble Mansion in Ellenton is the only remaining antebellum plantation house in South Florida. The park is open to visitors every day. The mansion is open to visitors, by guided tours only, Thursdays through Mondays. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

The house and surrounding park is open to the public, and carries with it a significant amount of history, especially around the Civil War era. Among other things, it is said to be a place where some of the leaders of the Confederacy hid out in the aftermath of that conflict.

All of these stories and more are 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.

Gas prices on the rise, and here’s why

By

It’s costing more to pump gas at the pump than it did a few weeks ago — locally more than a dime more per gallon — but gas price spikes are nothing like what’s happening in and around Orlando.

There, prices have jumped as much as 16 cents per gallon, according to GasBuddy.com. And all of it is because of an “imperfect storm of events.”

The biggest problem, according to senior petroleum analyst Gregg Laskoski, is supply. Florida is transitioning to its “summer blend” gasoline, in a process that will take at least another month to complete. At the same time, GasBuddy said there have been unconfirmed reports of gasoline transportation delays moving from Houston or New Orleans to Tampa due to fog in the Gulf of Mexico.

Imports from offshore sources also have stayed low, while freight rates for moving gas from Texas and Louisiana remains high because of a shortage of American-flagged vessels to transport it.

Another problem affecting gas prices is ethanol, which has jumped to $3.75 per gallon in Florida. That alone has raised gas prices by at least 6 cents a gallon, compared to the beginning of the year when the abundance of ethanol probably cheapened gas by a few pennies, according to GasBuddy.

Trains that bring ethanol to Florida have been backlogged, although southern Florida is experiencing those effects more than central Florida.

Trucks to transport gas also are in short supply, especially since many of them are being used for move jet fuel from the ports on the east coast to Tampa.

Finally, demand is probably the strongest in the last six years, primarily because of northern states experiencing some of its harshest winters in the past century, experts said. That demand, which also can drive up prices, could continue through the end of April.

GasBuddy operates more than 250 websites that track gasoline prices at more than 140,000 stations in the United States and Canada.

Florida ranks fourth in best taxpayer state survey

By

There are a lot of reasons to live in Florida: sunshine, beaches, Walt Disney World … and taxes?

When it comes to the best states to be a taxpayer, Florida is ranked among the best with an average annual state and local tax payout of $3,648.

That makes Florida fourth in the nation, according to a new survey from WalletHub. Only Wyoming, Alaska and Nevada are better. It’s some good news, at least, as we head into the deepest part of tax season.

WalletHub looked at how state and local tax rates compared to the national median in 50 states and the District of Columbia. The company looked at who had the highest and lowest tax rates, how they compared to the median, which states offered the most value in terms of low taxation and high cost-of-living adjusted income levels.

The study found Florida paid 48 percent less in taxes than the national median. Wyoming, where the tax burden is just over $2,300 annually, is 66 percent lower than the national median.

The worst state to live when it comes to taxes? New York, where residents can see tax bills as high as $9,700 on average — 40 percent over the median.

Where do other states rank? See the interactive map below, courtesy of WalletHub.

WalletHub

Commissioners seek workforce board members

By

Pasco County Commissioners are accepting applications from those interested in serving on the Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board.

The specific position is a representative of economic development agencies, according to a release. This would cover areas of local planning and zoning commissions or boards, community development agencies, and other local agencies and institutions responsible for regulating, promoting or assisting in local economic development.

The workforce board is a not-for-profit organization that serves Pasco and Hernando counties by administering local workforce development and welfare reform programs through state and federal initiatives. The board meets every other month, alternating meetings between its New Port Richey and Spring Hill locations.

Members serve a term of four years, and is both voluntary and non-paid.

Those interested in serving should fill out an appointment form by clicking here.

Deadline is March 21 at 5 p.m.

Pasco, Tampa Bay area under tornado watch

By

UPDATE: The tornado watch has been lifted, but a hazardous weather outlook warning remains in effect through the end of the week.

A nasty line of storms coming in from the Gulf of Mexico is creating a rainy St. Patrick’s Day for Pasco County residents. And now it comes with the threat of a tornado as well.

Heavy rains, high winds and possibly tornadoes are what Pasco and Hillsborough county residents -- and the rest of the Tampa Bay area -- can expect throughout Monday. (Photo by Michael Hinman)
Heavy rains, high winds and possibly tornadoes are what Pasco and Hillsborough county residents — and the rest of the Tampa Bay area — can expect throughout Monday. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 11 p.m. for Pasco and Hillsborough counties, along with 21 other counties along Florida’s west coast.

It’s all part of a hazardous weather outlook the weather service issued early Monday morning, which called for severe thunderstorms and high winds among other problems.

A tornado watch means current weather conditions could possibly produce a tornado, but does not mean an actual tornado has been spotted.

For Monday and Monday night, thunderstorms will continue with a slight risk of severe storms capable of producing damaging winds, the weather service said. It also could include heavy rains and frequent deadly lightning strikes.

Strong southerly winds will create hazardous conditions on area likes, especially south of the Interstate 4 corridor. A lake wind advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Monday.

Residents should stay away from beaches as well as high winds and seas on the Gulf will result in high surf that will produce rip currents along area beaches throughout Monday. And anyone thinking of taking a boat out might want to reconsider, as southerly winds ranging from 15 knots to 20 knots has created a small craft advisory on Gulf waters south of Tarpon Springs.

The weather service also warns that small craft should exercise caution elsewhere.

There’s no immediate end in sight for the storms, either. Thunderstorms are expected to continue Tuesday and through the rest of the week, capable of producing strong, gusty winds with heavy rains and lightning strikes.

Save green while celebrating green on St. Patrick’s Day

By

St. Patrick’s Day is a time to wear green and celebrate Irish ancestry. But it’s also a religious observance for many Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox and Lutherans.

The holiday stems from the introduction of Christianity in Ireland, and March 17 is said to be the day St. Patrick died in A.D. 461. The long-running tradition of shamrocks in the holiday comes from the reported teachings of St. Patrick, who used the plant as a demonstration of the Christian Holy Trinity.

St. Patrick’s Day also comes on the tail end this year of the Jewish celebration of Purim. That weekend, which includes jokes and costumes, celebrates how King Ahasuerus’ royal vizier, Haman, was foiled in exterminating the Jews in his empire by Mordecai and adopted daughter Esther, who at the time had become queen of Persia next to Ahasuerus.

Purim has since become a day of celebration, which like St. Patrick’s Day, could include some alcohol and parties.

There are local observances of St. Patrick’s Day that might help keep some green in your wallet. The first is Pasco Kinship Care’s free family fun event at Old McMicky’s Farm in Odessa from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today. That event includes hands-on interaction with animals, pony rides, hayride, barn maze and a lakeside lunch.

The farm is located at 9612 Crescent Drive, and those seeking information can email Larry Cooper at .

Two thrift stores also will offer discounts today to shoppers celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

HPH Hospice thrift stores are offering a 30 percent discount on any items with a green tag today. The sale is taking place at both their 4910 Allen Road, Zephyrhills, store, as well as their 6528 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey, store.

Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes also will offer discounts, but for them 17 percent storewide. For a list of their store locations, visit GHPPC.org.

Zephyrhills on high alert for rabies

By

A cat has tested positive for rabies in the southeastern part of Pasco County, putting Zephyrhills on alert for the disease.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County says domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated, especially if there is any chance they could come into contact with a wild animal.

The alert last until mid-May, and covers an area west of U.S. 301, south of Fairview Heights Road, east of River Glen Boulevard, and north of the area just one mile south of Chancey Road.

Rabies is a viral condition that causes inflammation of the brain, and is typically fatal once symptoms start to appear. It ca be transmitted through bites and scratches, and a human infection requires immediate medical care.

An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against the disease. Domestic animals should be vaccinated, and all wildlife contact should be avoided, officials said, especially with raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is a rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization.

The Department of Health also recommends:

* Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
* If a pet is bitten by a wild animals, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
* Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals by leaving pet food outside, or garbage cans open.
* Never adopt wild animals or bring them into a home.
* Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
* Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and other similar areas, where they might come into contact with people and pets.
* If someone is bitten by any animal, seek care promptly. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and visit a doctor or hospital for immediate medical attention.
* Report animal bites and scratches to Pasco County Animal Services at (727) 834-3216, (813) 929-1212, or (352) 521-5194.
* For concerns about wild animals, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (863) 648-3203.

For more information on rabies, call (352) 521-1350, ext. 344.

Central Pasco’s Business Expo kicks off Friday

By

Food, businesses, and did we mention food?

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Community Spotlight Business Expo 2014 kicks off today beginning at 4 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

The annual event helps bring area businesses to the forefront, encouraging residents to “shop local first.” Tables and booths will be set up, introducing and re-introducing them to attendees.

Those coming with an appetite can take part in the Taste of the Town event as the expo continues Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There various restaurants will showcase popular menu items.

The entire event runs Friday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The recreation complex is located at 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Sponsors include RPM Printing and Marketing, Medical Center of Trinity, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano, Centennial Bank, Synovus Bank, Sam’s Club, Christian Brothers Automotive, Caroline Contractors, Crew Entertainment, HPH Hospice, Proly Laporte & Mulligan, Two Men and a Truck, and The Laker/Lutz News.

For information, call (813) 909-2722, or visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Blankenship defeats Connolly for union president

By

Pasco County’s teacher of the year came up just short in succeeding Lynne Webb as president of the United School Employees of Pasco, the county’s teachers union.

Ken Blankenship, a former Land O’ Lakes High School teacher who has spent the past three years as an instructional vice president for the union, was elected the group’s leader with 55 percent of the vote. He defeated Pat Connolly, who currently teaches at the same school and earned Pasco’s prestigious instructional award, for the top job.

“I am dedicated and deeply committed to work on behalf of all employees to defend and improve contractual rights, ensure dignity and respect, and strengthen USEP membership and organizational unity for both units,” Blankenship said in a release.

Nearly 900 votes were cast in the election, which were sent by mail through the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections office. On the same ballot, Gay Kennedy won 64 percent of the vote to defeat Bill Hull for School-Related Personnel vice president.

Teacher vice president Lee Kulikauskas, secretary-treasurer Cheryl Vinson, and the union’s executive board were elected without opposition.

Webb, who served as president of the union for 15 years, chose not to seek re-election this term.

This will mean a big decision coming for Connolly. He told The Laker/Lutz News last month that if he lost the election, he would put in one more year at Land O’ Lakes High before looking for other opportunities. Based on how they felt about Connolly when helping him become teacher of the year, his students likely will be happy to have him back in the classroom.

“They trust me to take them on this ride called education,” Connolly told reporter B.C. Manion in February. “And, without that trust, I can’t do what I do. I think I have earned that trust from them. I’ve shown them that I care about them. I’ve shown them I have interesting things to teach them, and that I have faith that they can learn it.”

Don’t recognize a number? Don’t call it back

By

A new scam involving “one ring” of a cellphone could end up causing unauthorized charges appearing on monthly wireless statements, according to a new report from the Better Business Bureau.

The “ring and runs” on cellphones have occurred when someone from an unknown number calls, allows the phone to ring once, but then stops. Curious people will return the call to try and find out who it is, and instead are billed just under $20 for the international call fee.

Callers may hear music, then advertising, while they are unknowingly connected to a caller-paid toll service or chat line located outside the country that could cost up to $9 per minute. They typically carry area codes from the Caribbean island like 809, 876, 284, 473 and 767.

The practice of third parties placing unauthorized charges on wireless accounts is known as “cramming.” Those who have fallen for this scam are urged to alert their cellphone carriers immediately, and keep an eye on cellphone bills. The earlier such fraud is caught, the better the chances of having some or all of the charges removed.

The BBB offers the following tips:

• When in doubt, don’t pick up or call back.  If the number is not recognized, and it’s out of state, ignore it.

• Understand mobile bills. Be sure to keep track of what services are typically paid for, so that anything out of the ordinary can be quickly identified.

• Keep a close eye on monthly statements. Anyone can become a victim of bill cramming. Monitoring bills is the best way to determine whether such things are occurring. The sooner unexpected charges are spot, the sooner they can be stopped.

• Add restrictions to phone accounts. Contact service providers to see about restricting third-party billing.

• Inform other users on mobile phone plan. It’s important to let other friends and family members on the same plan know about the scam, so they, too, can ignore phone numbers they do not recognize.