The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

New email addresses, and read us on your smartphone

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There have been some exciting changes in recent weeks to how you can read The Laker/Lutz News each week, and how you can communicate with us as well.

The first change is in how you can reach the staff by email. For years, using @cnewspubs.com was the way to get to us. However, that is no longer the case, as we ask that you replace it with @lakerlutznews.com. If you don’t want to make a trip to our contact page, typically our email addresses are the first initial of our first name and then our full last name, followed by @lakerlutznews.com. The only exception to this is our community editor, B.C. Manion, who uses .

So why the change?

Well, first, @lakerlutznews.com is easier to remember and say than our old address. Giving an email address over the phone, for example, could be clunky and complicated, especially since some letters sound like others.

Second, it communicates clearly that emails you receive from us are coming from your community newspaper. That includes The Laker, which has published since 1981, and the Lutz News, which has published since 1964.

Finally, it better reflects where you can find your favorite newspaper online, right here at LakerLutzNews.com. It’s also a lot closer to our Facebook address as well, which is Facebook.com/TheLakerLutzNews.

Another new feature you will find on our website is the inclusion of our e-edition. Sure, you can wait until Thursday afternoon each week to read some of the stories here on our website … but if you simply cannot get to our print publication, and would like to see the paper as it’s delivered to thousands of homes and businesses in our coverage area, then all you have to do is stop by our website every Wednesday.

If you look at the top lefthand corner of the screen, you can hover your mouse over “E-Editions” and get linked to this week’s papers — just select which neighborhood version you’d like. Or, if you’re looking for an older edition (no earlier than March 26, however), you can go directly to our archive page by clicking here.

This lets you read our newspapers right there on your computer. Or if you’re on the run, and want to read the paper through your mobile device, you can do that as well. Just pull up your e-edition on your smartphone’s browser, and you’re all set. And if you have an Android device, you can even download an app that will let you read us even easier.

We appreciate you continuing to make The Laker/Lutz News your community newspaper, and hope you will take advantage of our new digital offerings right now.

Guardians ad litem highlighted by tax collector’s office

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A guardian ad litem is the voice for abused and neglected children under the protection of the court system, and right now, they need additional volunteers.

Pasco County tax collector Mike Fasano is doing his part my making the guardian at litem specialty license plate the spotlight of April at his offices across the county.

“Currently, almost 500 children in Pasco County are in the dependency system without a guardian speaking for them in court proceedings,” Fasano said, in a release. “Guardians help ensure that the needs of the children they advocate for are known to judges and social service agencies.”

A child with a guardian ad litem receives more services, and spends less time in the foster care system than a child without an advocate, Fasano said.

For information about the program, visit HelpThemNow.com, or call (866) 341-1425. Specialty plates supporting guardians ad litem are available at all tax collector offices in Land O’ Lakes, Dade City, New Port Richey and Gulf Harbors.

In Print: No smoking in Pasco, running the Boston Marathon, and a new app

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Despite the numerous health warnings against it, more than 42 million Americans — 18.1 percent of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control — smoke cigarettes.

They light up at home, they light up in the car, during meals, or when ever they may be stressed.

However, those smokers may not be welcome to work with the Pasco County government come October if a plan offered by a committee led by Commissioner Henry Wilson moves forward. County officials want to ban smokers from getting jobs with the county, even if they only smoke at home on their own time. Someone getting a job with the county would have to sign an affidavit saying they haven’t smoked for the past year, and are aware they could be fired if they were caught smoking, even off company time.

County performance development director Marc Bellas, who introduced the current draft of this policy to the Pasco County Commission last week, admits this is a controversial proposal that could very well change between now and October.

“We have a few challenges that we can’t ignore,” Bellas told reporter Michael Hinman. “Between 24 and 25 percent of our employees right now use tobacco, and a lot of them are in the entry-level positions in roads and bridges, and in utilities. The folks in those departments already have a hard enough time keeping those positions filled. If we take one more thing away, and they believe it’s going to be a problem, then that is not a good choice for us.”

One person who likely wouldn’t have to worry about getting a job at the county is Trish Trout, who is getting ready to run in the 118th Boston Marathon later this month. The Wesley Chapel woman is training for the 26.2-mile race as a way to raise money for charity.

“If you look at me, I’m not built to be a runner,” Trout told reporter B.C. Manion. But “I will crawl. I will roll. It doesn’t matter. I will cross that finish line on the day that I’m supposed to.”

Adam Bohn isn’t big on traditional business attire, but his Lutz-based company, Artix Entertainment, is big on video games. Their latest offering, ‘Battle Gems,’ is their first on mobile platforms. (Photo courtesy of Adam Bohn)
Adam Bohn isn’t big on traditional business attire, but his Lutz-based company, Artix Entertainment, is big on video games. Their latest offering, ‘Battle Gems,’ is their first on mobile platforms. (Photo courtesy of Adam Bohn)

Already crossing a different finish line is Artix Entertainment in Lutz. This app development company recently completed work on its newest game “Battle Gems,” which is now available in the Apple iTunes Store, and soon for Google Play as well.

“We’ve put a lot of heart into this game, but we didn’t expect the kind of reaction that our players are giving us,” Adam Bohn, chief executive of Artix Entertainment, told reporter Michael Murillo. “Very consistently, from people who know us, we’re getting (user grades of) 4.5 out of 5, and 9 out of 10. The reviews have been just overwhelmingly positive.”

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, or read our free e-edition by clicking here.

Permanent makeup can help women look years younger

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Pam Edmonson, Permanent Makeup Artist began her second and whole new career at the age of 46. She has been providing permanent make-up services in the Zephyrhills area since May of 2011.

Pam Edmonson
Pam Edmonson

She became a licensed cosmetologist in October of 2009 and works at All About You Salon & Day spa of Zephyrhills. The permanent makeup services are performed on the spa side of the salon.

Pam studied at the World Renowned Boca Ta-2 School for Permanent Makeup where students come from all across the country. Her teacher was Joyce Cirasuola, a master permanent makeup artist with more than 30 years experience.

“I’m very artistic and a bit of a perfectionist,” says Pam. “I started focusing on permanent makeup when some of my salon clients lost their eyebrows due to medical treatments. Other clients were complaining they didn’t have time to apply makeup every morning before leaving their home.”

“The most important thing about permanent makeup is how it makes my clients feel,” says Pam. “It is so rewarding to me personally knowing how the clients are so happy and how they all say they wish they would have done it sooner.”

Pam specialty is eyebrows and eyeliner but also does lips and micro needling. “My favorite procedure it the eyebrows” says Pam. “It can make a woman look 10 years younger simply by doing her eyebrows because eyebrows frame the face.”

Eyebrows look natural when Pam is finished. They’re not merely a tattooed line. She adds hair strokes. “It takes longer to do it this way, but the results are worth it,” says Pam. “I want to take my time to do it well because the difference is in the details. I’m very detail oriented.”

The majority of her business comes to her by word of mouth from satisfied customers. “I’m a people person,” says Pam. “I hug my customers. My work is very rewarding. I get excited helping my customers to look and feel better.” It takes about an hour to do eyebrows or eyeliner. Lips and micro needling take longer depending on the situation. The procedures are painless for the most part. She is very meticulous about the numbing to be sure her customers are comfortable and feel nodiscomfort.

She also makes sure that her clients understand what they need to do in the aftercare process to get the best results from their procedure. She automatically schedules a touch up 4 weeks following the initial procedure to make sure how it healed and touch up whatever is necessary. It is like putting the icing on the cake. “Everyone’s skin is different” says Pam. “This is where experience really pays off.”

Pam offers a free consultation. Permanent makeup may not be for everyone. She wants them to see plenty of before and after pictures, answer their questions and discuss all of their concerns before setting up an appointment.

Pam’s business number is her cell phone. She wants to be sure her customers can get in touch with her easily. “I also attend additional education at every opportunity,” says Pam. “I want to stay on top of new advances and techniques that can benefit my customers.”

She is currently offering a brow-liner combo for $550 through July 2014. “My prices are less than most other permanent makeup artists in the Tampa area,” says Pam.

Call her at (813) 997- 6302 to schedule a free consultation. Visit her website at www.CreativePermanentMakeupByPam.com for examples of her work, testimonials and for answers to frequently asked questions.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department. 

Commission candidate among those appointed to planning council

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Michael Moore is one of six appointments announced Monday by Gov. Rick Scott to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.

Moore, who is seeking Pat Mulieri’s seat on the Pasco County Commission, is the owner of VR Business Sales/Mergers & Acquisitions of Wesley Chapel. He was appointed for a term that began Monday, and would end in October 2015.

Also appointed to seats were John Neal of Bradenton, Robert Sebesta of Seminole, Scott Sheridan of Temple Terrace, Mary Yeargan of Brandon and Timothy Schock of Tampa. All the appointments must be confirmed by the Florida Senate.

The regional planning council was first formed in 1962, bringing together local governments and gubernatorial appointees to coordinate planning for the region’s future, according to the group’s website. It also analyzes issues and shares solutions among its 43 jurisdictions located in Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee and Pinellas counties.

Moore told The Laker/Lutz News that he looked forward to serving in the group, and that the Pasco County Commission also appoints a member to serve on the council. If he is elected in November, he said, he would “comply with all newly applicable rules and guidelines established for membership.”

Pasco County graduates its very first Citizens’ Academy

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Pasco County’s first Citizens’ Academy is now in the history books as its inaugural class celebrated its graduation March 13.

Each attended nine weekly sessions of interactive and informative presentations regarding Pasco County government. At the final session held March 13, county administrator Michele Baker provided a call to action, and encouraged each of the academy participants to get more involved in government — whether it’s by volunteering at one of the dozens of county programs or serving on a county board.

The graduates were recognized at a county commission meeting March 25, each receiving a certificate and a commendation for their participation and community involvement.

The youngest graduate is Hana Lee, a 17-year-old senior at Wesley Chapel High School. The class also included retirees, a police office, a housewife, educators, business owners, two people running for county commission seats, and an accountant.

Those who would like to know more about how the county’s budget is developed, how the county is structures, or the basic functions of Pasco County’s constitutional offices, can apply for the next academy, expected to begin in September.

Regional planning council honors Pasco County

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Pasco County took home several awards March 31 during the Future of the Region Awards in St. Petersburg.

That included two major regional awards — The One Bay Award, and The Charles A. McIntosh Jr. Award for Distinction. Both were handed out at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park for the county’s work on the west market redevelopment and infill plan for The Harbors.

The McIntosh award recognizes outstanding achievement in a community by saluting Charles McIntosh, a man who dedicated much of his time to improving the quality of life in the Tampa Bay region.

One Bay has drawn upon thousands of residents to create a shared regional vision to plan where future population and employment growth should occur based upon responsible land use, mobility, economic and environmental sustainability.

Also winning an award was former Pasco County Commissioner Anne Hildebrand, who earned the Herman W. Goldner Award for Regional Leadership. This award is given to someone who exemplifies the spirit of regional cooperation, dedication to her community, and notable achievement in encouraging future vision.

The award is named after former St. Petersburg mayor and planning council founder Herman Goldner.

The county also won several other awards, which included:

• Second place and honorable mention in the community service category for The Beth Dillinger Foundation and the Hacienda Hotel community cleanup project through New Port Richey.

• Second place in the cultural, sports and recreation category for Starkey Ranch District Park.

• Second place in development and infrastructure for the Tri-County Trail Connection Study that linked the Pinellas trails to those of Starkey and Suncoast.

• An honorable mention in the “Going Green” category for New Port Richey’s urban agricultural program.

County seeks members for Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

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They meet just once every three years, and now Pasco County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is gearing up for a series of meetings beginning in May — and it needs some help.

The county is looking for people interested in identifying policies and strategies to help promote affordable housing opportunities by discussing policies and procedures related to the availability and affordability of housing through December. The goal is to ensure county ordinances don’t inhibit and increase the cost of housing, and what could be implemented to increase the amount of decent, safe and sanitary affordable housing, according to a release.

Officials say the AHAC must have a broad base of residents, and all participants must be engaged in various industries related to affordable housing. That includes expertise in areas like residential home building, banking or mortgages, affordable housing-based labor, low-income advocacy, real estate, and even residents with an interest in housing policies.

Those interested are asked to complete an application by clicking here. Applications are due April 30, and can be sent to the Community Development Division, 5640 Main St., No. 200, New Port Richey, 34652.

Final approval of applications will be made by the Pasco County Commission ahead of the first meeting in May.

HART makes progress in Bus Stop Improvement Program

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Hillsborough Area Regional Transit has 3,200 bus stops and 681 shelters around Hillsborough County, and over the last two years, the organization has been inspecting each one, looking for ways to spruce them up and make them more accessible to riders.

HART’s Bus Stop Improvement Program does a number of things, but primarily wants to ensure that stops are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to a release, for those in wheelchairs or any other kind of mobility device. The organization chooses stops to improve based on ridership activity and demand, proximity to other nearby covered stops, adequate right-of-way opportunities to sell advertisements, and planned neighborhood improvements.

The project also provides riders with enhanced passenger amenities such as bus bays, new sidewalks and shelters to help protect customers from rain and sunshine. These shelters are lit by solar power, which return the cost of investment through energy savings and less maintenance, while at the same time reducing the carbon footprint.

HART, in the last two years, has nearly tripled the number of covered stops from one shelter every 15 stops to one shelter for every five stops.

The program is supported by federal funding as well as local impact fees, HART said. In addition, the program is driven by advertisers like Signal Outdoor, which helps offset shelter costs. Signal Outdoor pays for shelters and their maintenance in exchange for shared advertising revenue.

HART also engages with private developers, local government and the Florida Department of Transportation for opportunities to obtain land easements or offset construction costs.

Wanted: Florida’s greatest inventors, living or dead

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The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame is now accepting applications for its inaugural class of inventors whose achievements have advanced the quality of life for Floridians.

The deadline for nominations is June 2.

Nominations are open to all Florida inventors living and dead who have been residents of the state and completed a substantial amount of their inventive work while living or employed in the state. The nominee must be a named inventor of a U.S. patent issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The impact of the inventor and his or her invention should be significant to society as a whole, and the invention should have been commercialized, utilized or led to important innovations.

To nominate, visit FloridaInvents.org, and complete the online nomination form.

Nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of experts in the relevant fields of innovation. Those elected through the committee will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at a ceremony Sept. 10 at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

The Hall of Fame advisory board is comprised of leaders and inventors representing public corporations, private businesses, research universities, nonprofit institutions, and governmental agencies on a regional, state and national level.

The Hall of Fame is located in the USF Research Park.