The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Keep an eye on smart phone apps

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Smart phone apps can make life easier, putting dozens of useful tools in the palm of a user’s hand.

But the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to make sure the apps they download don’t take more information than they need to do the job.

In a recent settlement by the Federal Trade Commission, the agency found that a flashlight app’s privacy policy had been deceiving users into sharing their geographic location and device information with advertising networks and other third parties. Brightest Flashlight Free, developed by Goldenshores Technologies LLC, is one of the most popular apps on Android mobile devices, and has been downloaded more than 10 million times.

However, the FTC claims the company’s privacy policy told consumers that any information collected by the app would be used by the company, and listed some categories of information that it might collect, including geographic location. The privacy policy failed, however, to mention that this private information would be released to third parties.

The complaint also involved the company collecting information as soon as users opened the app, even before accepting or refusing the terms of the privacy policy.

Goldenshores Technologies has agreed to settle the FTC charges, and prohibits the company from misrepresenting how users’ information is collected and shared, and how much control users have over the way the information is shared. It also requires the company to obtain consumer’s affirmative express consent before collecting, using and sharing information.

It’s not always easy to tell if an app is going to collect information or how it will use it. Smart phone users should also:

• Research companies and apps before downloading, including industry publications and user reviews;

• Review the full privacy policy (and, on Android phones, the “permissions” screen);

• Opt out of location sharing when prompted;

• Periodically check all privacy settings on smart phones and keep them set as high as possible without altering the functions of apps (some apps, like maps and compasses, need geo-location information in order to work properly);

• Update apps when a new version comes out. Often, app updates fix bugs from earlier versions;

• Delete apps no longer used from a phone.

Another civic group rejects elevated toll road concept

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Just a day after Pasco County’s organization of homeowners associations rejected plans for an elevated toll road along the State Road 54/56 corridor, another group has come out against it.

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, whose office is just blocks from where such a road project would go through in Land O’ Lakes, has given a thumbs down to the potential $2.2 billion private proposal from International Infrastructure Partners.

“While the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce supports planned growth and economic development, we are opposed to the (State Road) 54/56 managed lanes initiative (elevated toll road) as it will have a severe negative impact on all area businesses and our community,” the board of directors stated in a release.

The chamber said it formed a study committee after it was approached by some 400 of its members to look into the 33-mile project that would extend from U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills to U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. The committee concluded it was against the project, and requested Pasco County, the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority provide information so that residents can make more informed decisions.

Part of what they asked for included all the studies relating to the corridor, and supporting documents that “justify why and how the managed lanes concept is the ‘only viable option,’ according to county officials. The group also wants all transportation and traffic studies for the region for the past 10 years, including studies on State Road 54, State Road 52 and Ridge Road, as well as the continuation of the Veterans Expressway east of Dale Mabry Highway in Hillsborough County.

The Pasco Alliance of Community Associations earlier this week also rejected the elevated road concept, saying it would negatively effect many of its 60,000 residents who live along the corridor.

Vote by mail deadline is April 2

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Any voter wishing to avoid having to head to a precinct on election day April 8 has until April 2 to request a vote-by-mail ballot.

After that, beginning on April 3, voters who wish to vote a paper ballot prior to election day can pick up their ballot at any of the three supervisor of elections offices in the county, or at their respective city halls.

Elections locally are taking place in three municipalities: Dade City, St. Leo and Zephyrhills. Longtime commissioner Scott Black is being challenged by Angelica Herrera in Dade City; longtime commissioner Donna DeWitt has competition from Raphael Davis in St. Leo, and the Zephyrhills race is between Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson and challenger Alan Knight.

Those picking up ballots on behalf of someone else will need a written request from the voter, designating them as the person authorized to carry out that ballot, the Pasco County elections office said in a release. The designee will be asked to provide a photo ID, and to complete an affidavit before the ballot can be released.

Designees are limited to picking up two ballots in addition to their own, unless the additional ballots are for immediate family members.

Elections office locations locally are at 14236 Sixth St., Suite 200 in Dade City, as well as 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Room 105, in Land O’ Lakes.

For information, visit PascoVotes.com.

PACA gives a big no to elevated toll road

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In a move that is not necessarily surprising, the Pasco Alliance of Community Associations has come out against a proposed elevated toll road in the State Road 54/56 corridor.

John Copeland, PACA’s president, presented the group’s decision to Pasco County Commissioner chair Jack Mariano in a letter Wednesday, saying they are “opposed to this solution.”

PACA represents 60,000 residents living in homeowners associations, condominium associations and community development district-managed communities.

“Most of these residents reside along the 54/56 corridor and feel they will be adversely affected by an elevated toll road on 54/56,” Copeland said in his letter. “Our membership believes that more suitable solutions can be found and that not enough consideration has been given to possible alternatives.”

International Infrastructure Partners has proposed a private venture estimated by some to cost $2.2 billion that would build a 33-mile elevated toll road from U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills to U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

A group of residents living along the State Road 54/56 corridor have organized against the project, speaking out at recent meetings hosted by the county. However, it is ultimately up to the Florida Department of Transportation to make a final decision, although officials there say they won’t proceed without the blessing of the county.

PACA was created in 2007 as a way to bring together a number of civic associations in Pasco County. Its next meeting April 10 will welcome Richard Gehring from the county government, who will present details about the proposed elevated toll road. That meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Walgreens, OneBlood trading gift cards for blood

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Throughout April, Walgreens and OneBlood have joined forces to host a series of blood drives, with each donor earning a free $10 gift card to the drug store chain.

Select Walgreens locations in the Tampa Bay region will host bloodmobiles from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 5 and April 12, as well as April 7, April 14 and April 28.

All donors also will receive a wellness checkup, which includes blood pressure, temperature and iron count, as well as a cholesterol screening.

Local Walgreens participating are:

April 5 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
12807 U.S. 301, Dade City

April 7 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
22829 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes
20741 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa

April 12 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
7925 Gunn Highway, Tampa
17511 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa
22829 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes
12807 U.S. 301, Dade City

April 14 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
18511 U.S. 41, Lutz

April 28 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
20741 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa
22829 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes

The bloodmobile is seeking generally healthy people 16 and older who weigh at least 110 pounds. For more information, visit OneBlood.org.

Hollywood comes to Land O’ Lakes

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HairPowerDee Sandillo, owner of Hair Power, brings Hollywood hair styles from the past, present and future to the Land O’ Lakes / Tampa area. Dee and her stylists are able to create any look from classic to modern and trendy.

Dee is a master stylist with 37 years of experience. Before moving to Florida four years ago, she owned eight salons in Connecticut. She managed a salon in Tampa until she opened Hair Power on November 15, 2013.

“I worked for someone else when I first came to Florida, but quick- ly realized that I have one more salon in me,” says Dee. “I love styling hair. It’s in my blood.” Dee is gifted in the art of classic Hollywood hair styling.

Dee focuses on senior citizens, specializing in roller sets. “Not many salons are willing to do roller sets these days,” says Dee. “We do it all. We intend to be one of the best salons in the Land O’ Lakes area.”

Hair Power is a spacious, full-service salon with three styling stations and a shampoo area. Dee employs two master stylists, Cheryl Cardinale and Matty Murphy.

Cheryl is a top colorist and an exceptional stylist with 25 years of experience in the Tampa area. She specializes in modified color, highlights, lowlights and roots. For coloring she uses the Alfaparf Milano product line. It’s a top-of-the-line product from Italy.

Matty was a stylist in New York City for four years before moving to Florida and joining Hair Power. Matty specializes in contour trendy cuts. “He’s an amazing stylist,” says Dee, “a true artist.”

“We have received so many compliments in the short time we’ve been open,” says Dee. “Our customers really appreciate our warm and inviting atmosphere.”

The salon is painted in warm colors and decorated with a Hollywood theme. Photographs, paintings and murals of Hollywood legends adorn the walls. Comfortable seating and soft pillows add to the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Dee’s fiance, Louis, did all of the paint- ing and decorating in the salon.

Hair Power uses and sells the very best hair care products from Alfaparf Milano, Abba and JKS Professional. They also provide basic waxing of eyebrows, lips and chin.

“We have been experiencing excellent growth,” says Dee. “I want to thank the public who have come already. We are thrilled over the number of personal recommendations we’ve received. It feels great serving the people of Land O’ Lakes.”

Hair Power is located at 2410 Raden Drive in Land O’ Lakes, just off U.S. 41 near all the Pasco resorts. They can be reached at (813) 455-6100, or on Facebook at Facebook.com/hair-power.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

In Print: Profiling community leaders who make a difference

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When Todd Patrick learned there was a homeless teenager living behind a supermarket about to face freezing cold temperatures, he knew he had to do something about it.

Patrick, the director of sales at Hampton Inn & Suites in Wesley Chapel, pulled out his personal credit card and booked the teen a room in his hotel. And that moved earned him one of the top individual awards an employee of the national hotel chain can receive: a Spirit of Hampton Award.

“I love the fact that to you, people just don’t go unnoticed,” Scott Schrank, a vice president with the Hampton chain, told Patrick last week on a conference call. “This had nothing to do with hospitality, and that’s what I love about examples like this. You believe you were born to care, and you look for opportunities to give, and that’s what you did.”

While Patrick is keeping his eye out for people in need, Lisa Bekiaris wants to make sure pets don’t get overlooked.

A few short years ago, Bekiaris learned how many pets go hungry — or even worse, how many owners will go hungry just to make sure their pets eat — and decide to do something about it. She started Raffle Rescue where people don’t just donate cash, they enter a chance to win prizes. And all the proceeds make sure pets in disadvantaged families get the food they need.

Daphne is just one of the many animals whose pet bowls have been filled, thanks to Raffle Rescue's efforts throughout the county. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Bekiaris)
Daphne is just one of the many animals whose pet bowls have been filled, thanks to Raffle Rescue’s efforts throughout the county. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Bekiaris)

“I have had people tell me, ‘I didn’t eat today because I had to buy dog food,'” Bekiaris told reporter Michael Hinman. “We as humans can go out and ask for help, but our animals solely rely on us as a pet parent, and too often we’ll make sacrifices for ourselves to keep them fed.”

Both Patrick and Bekiaris are prime examples of people who give back to the community, but reporter B.C. Manion helps remember one woman who helped start the very charity fundraising that has become a tradition in Lutz.

Alice Joan “Jo” Van Bebber was the original Lutz Guv’na, and spent decades of her life serving the community. She died March 5.

“To me, we lost a truly great lady,” said longtime friend Marilyn Wannamaker. Not only was Van Bebber a community activist, she was a vital member of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, and was quite involved at the First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

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.

Only renew auto tags for one year, tax collector says

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There’s no up-selling this time around when people visit the Pasco County Tax Collector’s office.

It might be tempting to renew auto tags for two years to get it out of the way, but a new bill could save you money if you just renew for one year. (Photo by Michael Hinman)
It might be tempting to renew auto tags for two years to get it out of the way, but a new bill passed by lawmakers could save you money if you just renew for one year. (Photo by Michael Hinman)

Mike Fasano is encouraging everyone who renews their auto tags and registration to only renew for one year, and ignore the option to pay two years at once. Otherwise, those looking to pay ahead could pay much more than those who take it year-by-year.

“It is imperative that those who decide to renew their auto registration between now and the end of August strongly consider not renewing for two years,” Fasano said, in a release. “If you do, you will not be eligible to receive the benefits those who renew for one year starting Sept. 1 will receive.”

Fasano is referring to a bill currently awaiting Gov. Rick Scott’s signature that would reduce auto tag fees beginning Sept. 1. The move reverses a budget emergency measure that had significantly raised fees in 2009 to help compensate for budget shortfalls. The reduction proposal was announced by Scott last December, and would create an average annual savings of $25, according to his office.

However, one thing the bill does not do is provide any refunds to the more than 750,000 motor vehicle owners statewide who renew their tags in two-year increments, Fasano said.

“The Florida Legislature has excluded the hundreds of thousands of people statewide who have, thus far, renewed for two years,” he said. “That number will only grow daily unless we can help Florida vehicle owners understand how much money they will lose once this bill becomes law.”

Dade City, Zephyrhills offering homeless, low-income services Tuesday

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Pasco County tax collector Mike Fasano and The Volunteer Way will offer four services in one place at locations in both Zephyrhills and Dade City on Tuesday.

The Volunteer Way Mobile Pantry, the Public Defender Medical Mobile Unit, Mobile Hot Showers, and the Florida Licensing on Wheels — better known as the FLOW Mobile — have all teamed up to offer their services to homeless and low-income people in the morning in Zephyrhills, and in the afternoon in Dade City.

The first stop is at Victorious Church of God in Christ, 7517 Bayleaf St., in Zephyrhills, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After that, the collection of services will move to the New Life Assembly of God, 38012 Trilby Road in Dade City from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“These excellent community programs will be available for all who may be in need,” Fasano said in a release. “From medical care to state-issued ID cards, services that people may not have easy access to will be in one convenient location. I encourage anyone who may be in need to come out and receive the services that you require.”

The Volunteer Way Mobile Pantry will give free boxes of food to homeless and low-income people in these areas that do no have transportation ore access to food pantries. No identification is required.

The Pasco Public Defender Medical Mobile Unit will provide free flu shots and medical care for uninsured individuals.

Mobile Hot Showers will be available for homeless people who want to take a hot shower, a service offered for free.

The FLOW Mobile will issue learners permits, issue or renew Florida ID cards, replace licenses or ID cards, renew existing Florida licenses that require a chance of name or address, and replace out-of-state licenses with a Florida license.  ID cards are free for homeless people who provide a letter.

For fees and required documents for the FLOW Mobile, visit GatherGoGet.com.

For information, call Martha O’Brien at (727) 815-0433, or Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.

Lake Park to get help from Macy’s

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Lake Park in Lutz is one of the latest beneficiaries of “Heart Your Park,” a public-private partnership that matches donations from Hillsborough County residents with those from Macy’s department stores.

It joins E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin as parks poised to benefit from the program.

The National Recreation and Parks Association and selected Macy’s locations jointly identified the local parks and green spaces that would receive special funds from this project, in addition to ongoing support for county parks, recreation and conservation programs.

Lake Park appears to sportsmen and offers hiking trails, an archery range, BMX bicycle track, equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track, according to a release.

Macy’s wil provide a matching contribution for every $1 donated by customers, up to $250,000. Residents can contribute when visiting Macy’s store locations, and asking to donate to “Heart Your Park.” No purchase is necessary to participate.

Donations will be used to make improvements, maintain park amenities, or support infrastructure and programming.

The NRPA is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people, according to a release.

The closest Macy’s locally is at The Shops at Wiregrass, 2230 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Macy’s has eight locations in the greater Tampa Bay area.