The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Make sure that CPA is licensed

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The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is warning Floridians of the danger of hiring unlicensed certified public accountants to assist in personal and business financial needs.

In Florida, CPAs are required to have a professional license.

“As tax season approaches, many Florida families and business owners are facing the arduous task of preparing their financials and may need to hire a CPA,” said Ken Lawson, secretary of DBPR, in a release. “There are many financial and tax professionals that can assist with various financial needs, but only CPAs are licensed by the state and can provide specific services.”

Licensed CPAs have successfully passed the Uniform CPA Examination, in addition to meeting the necessary education and experience requirements mandated by Florida law. CPAs are licensed to perform audit, reviews and compilations, as well as express opinions of financial statements that provide a level of assurance regarding the reliability or fairness of the financial information at hand.

CPA licensing can be verified online at MyFloridaLicense.com, or by calling (850) 487-1395.

HART offers students free rides during March

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Students will have a chance to travel anywhere they like in Hillsborough County for free on HART buses throughout the month.

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit says it will offer free service to middle and high school students with valid student identification during March as part of its Stay-cation program. Most students are scheduled to have spring break beginning March 10.

The service is available on HART Local, Limited Express, MetroRapid, In-Town Trolley and HARTFLex services.

HART’s Stay-cation program is now in its fifth year, and provided 56,000 free trips for students last year alone. The idea of the program is to allow kids to participate in sports, look for summer jobs, or do something relaxing during the annual school break.

It saves parents from having to be “taxi drivers,” saving gas and keeping additional cars off the road.

Students also are encouraged to use the smart phone app OneBusAway as well as Google Trip Planner to help figure out what buses are needed to get where they are going.

For more information, visit GoHART.org.

Tax collector’s office celebrates daily gift with license plate

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For many who have had to work with hospice at some point in their lives, they know that “every day is a gift.” And the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office will honor that commitment this week as it promotes the “Hospice: Every Day is a Gift” specialty license plate through March.

The plate benefits the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association, and is sponsored locally by Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, according to a release. Gulfside provides end-of-life care for those who have a prognosis of six months or less, as well as provide assistance for pain and symptom control with chronic illness at any age.

Purchasing the specialty tag requires a fee above the normal renewal cost for a license plate, an annual donation of $25. The tax collector’s office also is accepting cash donations beyond that to support the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association.

“By purchasing the hospice specialty license plate, you help create awareness and access to care and service when our Pasco County residents need it most,” said Linda Ward, president of Gulfside Hospice, in a release.

“Hospice care is a vital and extremely important service that has touched the lives of nearly every individual or family in some way,” said tax collector Mike Fasano, in a release.

Specialty tags are available to purchase at the four tax collector office locations in Pasco County: Land O’ Lakes, Dade City, New Port Richey and Gulf Harbors.

For more information, call (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Suncoast, repaving projects create traffic delays

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As construction really picks up on the major north-south toll road in the region, Florida’s Turnpike is updating some of the traffic delays travelers may experience on the Suncoast Parkway and Veterans Expressway.

Single-lane closures can be expected on the stretch of Veterans between Linebaugh Road and Gunn Highway daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and bridge construction continuing at the bridges along the way that may also require additional lane closures.

In general, construction is taking place between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., most days, with motorists needing to stay alert of construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway. Lane closures may take place nightly beginning at 9 p.m. in both directions.

The conversion to all-electronic tolling is nearing an end for those who are traveling the Veterans Expressway on a regular basis.

General lane closures are expected each night from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. between Dale Mabry Highway and Gunn Highway. The southbound off-ramp of Gunn Highway will be closed March 12. The northbound off-ramp of Hutchison road will be closed March 2, March 4, March 12 and March 13, while the southbound off-ramp will be closed March 2, March 12 and March 13.

The Sugarwood area will have lane closures March 11 and March 12 along the mainline road.

The conversion phase is set to be completed in May, with the overall project slated to finish next summer.

The Florida Department of Transportation has released its hot spots for potential traffic delays for the coming week.

Daily lane closures continue weekdays on North Dale Mabry Highway between County Line and Brinson roads for repaving. There could be delays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Repaving also could create intermittent daily lane closures on U.S. 98 between U.S. 301 and Oak Forest Drive during the week between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Repaving continues on U.S. 301 between Pioneer Museum and Mosstown roads, creating daily lane closures Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Night work is taking place on U.S. 301 between Geiger and Tucker roads, creating lane closures Sunday through Friday from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

For more information, call (813) 975-6060.

Sheriff’s office offering crime prevention course

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is offering a free, three-day crime prevention course for community leaders, business groups and personnel from other civic organizations who would like to learn about crime prevention techniques, new crime trends and more.

The Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design course will run from March 18 to March 20 at Safety Town, 15325 Alric Pottberg Road, in Spring Hill. It is located a half-mile west of the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52.

The course is designed to reduce the fear and frequency of crime, and improve the quality of life. It takes into account various neighborhood elements like design code, landscaping, lighting, traffic calming, territoriality, public amenities, and others.

With the increase in new home and business construction in the county, there also is the possibility of an increase in theft and burglaries related to these industries.

Space is limited, and registration is required. For more information, email Lt. Troy Fergueson at .

Sea lions arrive at Lowry Park Zoo Saturday

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Sea Lion Splash is making a splash at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo beginning Saturday and running through May 31.

Sea lions are coming to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo beginning Saturday. (Courtesy of Dave Parkinson)
Sea lions are coming to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo beginning Saturday. (Courtesy of Dave Parkinson)

The attraction features a colony of coastal sea lions, educational shows and an outdoor activity area. It also showcases a rotating group of three to five “aquatic ambassadors” representing both California and Patagonia sea lions.

While the sea lions charm the audience, guests will have a chance to learn about the variety of life along the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America, and conserving natural habitats for them.

“The sea lion educational program is designed to help us to better appreciate some of our nearest neighbors from the California coast to South America,” said Craig Pugh, chief executive and executive director of Lowry Park Zoo, in a release. “Up-close experiences with animals here at the zoo help make the far away more familiar, and keep us from taking for granted the wildlife that live in our own backyard.”

Sea lions are highly intelligent animals that can be trained to demonstrate natural behaviors on cue, according to the zoo. These particular sea lions are expected to entertain crowds with flips, barks and other specific behaviors.

Admission to Sea Lion Splash is $2 per person in addition to general zoo admission. Extra fees also apply for interactive sea lion photo opportunities. Admission to Lowry Park Zoo typically runs $24.95 for single-day adults, $22.95 for senior citizens 60 and older, and $19.95 for children ages 3 to 11.

Sea Lion Splash, which is owned and operated by Squalus Inc., is sponsored locally by Seal Swim School, Land Rover Tampa and Tampa Bay PowerSports.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave., in Tampa. For more information, visit LowryParkZoo.com.

Rabies threat hits Pasco’s wildlife

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The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County is reminding residents to be mindful of wild and stray animals that can carry rabies.

Raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks commonly carry the rabies virus. An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies.

“Rabies is present in Pasco’s wild animal population and contact should be avoided,” said county health officer Mike Napier, in a release. “The best way to prevent rabies in your pets is to make sure rabies vaccinations are up to date.”

The health department says it works closely with animal control and others to investigate locally reported animal bites. So far this year, they have investigated more than 300 animal bites, with 27 of those coming from wild animals, primarily raccoons. From those bites, 46 people have received rabies treatments, with 11 of those coming from a bite or scratch from a raccoon.

All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies, and all wildlife contact should be avoided, the health department said. That is especially true for raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

Some prevention steps offered by the health department include:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.

• If a pet is bitten by a wild animal or a feral cat, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.

• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild, feral or stray animals by leaving pet food outside, or garbage cans open.

• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into the 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.

• Anyone who is bitten by any animal should seek care promptly. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and visit a family doctor or hospital for immediate medical attention.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system, and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the disease.

To report animal bites or scratches, and for information on stray dogs and cats, call Pasco County Animal Services at (727) 834-3216, (813) 929-1212, or (352) 521-5194.

For more information, call the Florida Department of Health (352) 521-1450, ext. 344.

Health Notes 02-26-14

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Neuropathy clinic
Space is available in the April clinic for the education and support of those who have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy at a free, volunteer-run clinic at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

Those attending can learn how to cope with neuropathy, deal with physical limitations, home safety and symptom management.

For information, call Cindy Tofthagen at (813) 368-9862, or email .

Hospice volunteers
Gulfside Hospice will host a volunteer orientation for new thrift shop volunteers Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Lutz Thrift Shoppe, 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Reservations are required.

For information, call Jennifer Ball or Tracey Thompson at (813) 780-1235.

Wellness bus in NPR
BayCare Health System’s Wellness Bus will roll into Morton Plant North Bay Medical Arts Building, 6633 Forest Ave., in New Port Richey, March 1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants can get free health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and body mass index.

Registration is required. For information, call (855) 546-6304.

Celiac support group
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, hosts monthly meetings of the West Pasco celiac support group. The next meeting is March 1 at 10 a.m., and includes recipe demonstrations of a gluten-free diet.

For information, visit RMCHealth.com.

HPH Hospice appoints medical director
HPH Hospice has named Clifford Colin as its new medical director.

Colin has eight years of hospice experience, including as an HPH physician from 2002 to 2004, and serving as assistant medical director for the past few months.

 Nutrition and diabetes
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer the class Nutrition & Diabetes March 4 at 10 a.m.

The class teaches the basic principles of nutrition, meal timing, and how carbohydrates, proteins and fat can affect blood sugar.

Reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Alzheimer’s group meeting
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will offer an Alzheimer’s support group meeting March 4 at 10 a.m.

The meeting is open to caregivers and those interested in discussing and exchanging ideas on the care of Alzheimer’s patients.

For information, call Laura Arnold at (727) 863-0176.

Heart healthy nutrition
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer the class Heart Healthy Nutrition: Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle March 6 at 10 a.m.

Participants can learn dietary balance, good and bad fats, controlling sodium intake, calorie balance, and the importance of dietary fiber.

Seating is limited. Reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Bulls running to Dade City

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For the first time, a national organization is bringing a little bit of Pamplona, Spain to Dade City with The Great Bull Run.

The vent will find a home at Little Everglades Ranch, 17951 Hamilton Road, in Dade City March 8, with various running times throughout the day. And those attending will have a chance to watch, or if they dare, actually run with the bulls.

“The runners are ultimately responsible for dodging the bulls when they come through, but we’ve taken additional measures to decrease the risk of injury and make this event accessible to everyone, not just the craziest thrill seekers out there,” said Rob Dickens, co-founder of The Great Bull Run, in a release.

Bull running can be dangerous, however. Over the past century, the bull run in Spain has cost the lives of 15 people. Even the American version has had a couple injuries — primarily a broken wrist and a broken pelvis. But Dickens says that’s just two people out of more than 10,000 who have participated so far — an injury rate lower than an average high school football game.

“The track fencing allows runners to climb over or slide under to avoid bulls, and there are several nooks in the fence where runners can hide,” Dickens said. “But the most important thing is that the bulls we’re using don’t have sharpened horns like the ones in Spain, which greatly reduces the risk of goring.”

The bull run is followed by the Tomato Royale, a large food fight with hundreds of people.

Tickets starts at $30 for Tomato Royale participants, $50 for bull runners, and $10 for spectators. Runners have to be at least 18, while food fight participants need to be at least 14.

For more information, visit TheGreatBullRun.com.

Burglaries down, but murder, rape on the rise

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Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco is crediting his “intelligence-led policing” program for a nearly 26 percent crime rate drop in the county over since 2011.

Robberies, aggravated assault and car burglaries all dropped in 2013 compared to the year before, according to Uniform Crime Report data, while murder, rape and residential robbery all ticked up.

Pasco had 20 murders last year, up 82 percent from both 2011 and 2012.  Rapes jumped 26 percent to 122, continuing a growing trend from 76 reported rapes in 2010.

Nocco explained in a news release that of the 20 murder cases, 17 of them were closed, and half of them were drug-related. For rapes, 72 percent of them were closed, while 34 rapes were considered domestic.

Overall, however, crime dropped more than 7 percent in Pasco since 2012, led by a 20 percent fall in car burglaries. More than 1,230 cars were broken into in 2013, down more than 36 percent from more than 1,900 in 2010.

Nocco’s intelligence-led policing includes detailed analysis of crime trends and other data in an effort to identify crime hotspots and reduce the number of victims through education and prevention. It is based on a U.S. Justice Department program introduced in 2005.

“We are still finding new ways to implement intelligence-led policing to enhance our crime-fighting ability to protect our community and families,” Nocco said, in a release. “Although statistics do not always paint the whole picture, this information is indicative that we are moving in the right direction.”