Special to The Laker/Lutz News

 

Campus on schedule to open in 2014

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Despite some weather delays, construction is on schedule for the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch to open in time for classes in January 2014, according to Lucy Miller of Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC).

The $45.9 million project is beginning to take shape at Mansfield Boulevard next to Wiregrass Ranch High.

Campus plans include six buildings, with the tallest being a 122-foot-tall classroom. The six buildings have 141,528 square feet of space inside.

The campus will also include 633 parking spaces, with an additional 14 spots designated for motorcycles.

Miller said classes are expected to begin at the campus in spring 2014, barring unforeseen circumstances.

The college also plans to offer two bachelor degree programs at the Porter campus —Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Applied Science. The college expects to offer those programs by the fall of 2014, pending approval by the Florida Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Students who are now taking lower division PHCC courses, and those working toward an Associate in Science or Associate in Arts degree, will be able to apply the credits toward the bachelor level programs.

The campus is situated in an area that’s expected to attract major new employers and substantial residential growth in coming years.

Campus construction is under way directly across the road from a site that Raymond James, an international financial services company, has under contract with the Porter family. The Porters donated the land for the new satellite campus.

The college anticipates opening the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch with about 1,200 students, approximately the same enrollment as it had at its Spring Hill Campus when it opened in August 2010.

The college expects to have 30 to 35 employees at the new campus, which includes administrators, staff and full-time faculty members. The college also expects to employ additional part-time staff and adjunct professors.

Campus on schedule to open in 2014

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Despite some weather delays, construction is on schedule for the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch to open in time for classes in January 2014, according to Lucy Miller of Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC).

The $45.9 million project is beginning to take shape at Mansfield Boulevard next to Wiregrass Ranch High.

Campus plans include six buildings, with the tallest being a 122-foot-tall classroom. The six buildings have 141,528 square feet of space inside.

The campus will also include 633 parking spaces, with an additional 14 spots designated for motorcycles.

Miller said classes are expected to begin at the campus in spring 2014, barring unforeseen circumstances.

The college also plans to offer two bachelor degree programs at the Porter campus —Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Applied Science. The college expects to offer those programs by the fall of 2014, pending approval by the Florida Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Students who are now taking lower division PHCC courses, and those working toward an Associate in Science or Associate in Arts degree, will be able to apply the credits toward the bachelor level programs.

The campus is situated in an area that’s expected to attract major new employers and substantial residential growth in coming years.

Campus construction is under way directly across the road from a site that Raymond James, an international financial services company, has under contract with the Porter family. The Porters donated the land for the new satellite campus.

The college anticipates opening the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch with about 1,200 students, approximately the same enrollment as it had at its Spring Hill Campus when it opened in August 2010.

The college expects to have 30 to 35 employees at the new campus, which includes administrators, staff and full-time faculty members. The college also expects to employ additional part-time staff and adjunct professors.

 

 

By Don Trello

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

 

There are winners and losers in and out of sports and Gaither High boys soccer coach Eric Sims is definitely the former on both fronts.

Sims, who is also executive director of the Tampa Bay United Youth Soccer Club (TBU), has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments on and off the soccer field, dating back to his days at Jesuit where he was a top student-athlete in soccer, football and baseball.

“I was a catcher/outfielder in baseball and wide receiver in football,” recalled Sims, who scored the winning touchdown for Jesuit in the 1995 state championship football game. “Scoring that touchdown has to be a major highlight as a player.

“The turning point for me in soccer was when I was a freshman at Jesuit and went to tryouts,” Sims continued. “There wasn’t a goalie, so I tried out and made the varsity as a starter.”

Sims, 35, accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Tampa (UT) in 1995 after graduating from Jesuit and became a four-year starter for the Spartans as a goalkeeper and as a baseball outfielder.

He was named to the All-Sunshine State Conference team two times each in soccer and baseball before graduating in 2000 from UT.

“I had a tryout with the old Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and could have played independent league baseball, but I decided to play minor A league soccer,” said Sims, who was named to UT’s Hall of Fame this year. “I was playing when I got a job offer from HC United Soccer Club, and I took it.”

University of Tampa men’s soccer coach Adrian Bush was instrumental in bringing Sims into the local youth soccer community at HC United.

“HC United was looking for an administrator, and I convinced Eric to apply for the job,” Bush said. “I knew he was the right guy. They hired him and he was hesitant to take it, but he gave it everything he had, and from then on everything just took off.”

Sims was named head coach at Gaither in 2001 after Bush left the position and recommended him for the job.

Sims also became executive director for TBU, which formed two years ago after HC United and RSL Florida in South Tampa merged. The club has about 2,000 players on teams at the recreational and competitive levels in all age groups.

“Eric’s work ethic is a big character trait and why he is so successful,” Bush said. “He’s open to learning and wants to give back. He’s very open to being the best he can be, and that’s a big part of why he is at where he is today.?… He is a helluva athlete and great ambassador of the game. We are very close in a lot of the things we do, and I have a lot of respect for him.”

Gaither’s record is 206-55-23 since Sims, 35, took over as coach. The Cowboys have won five district titles, made 10 playoff appearances and advanced to state final four three times under his direction.

“Winning tradition is part of the reason we’ve had success,” Sims said. “Excellence is expected and that breeds success. Kids have changed down through the years. You have to be a little more understanding and have rules.?… You have to find ways to make the kids want to compete every day. I hate the feeling of losing much more than the exhilaration of winning. You have to teach that to the kids.”

Sims feels one of his best motivational tools is a game called Dynasty played toward the end of each practice. A player draft happens and teams compete against each other with Sims and the assistant coaches participating on the field as players.

“It’s good to get out there and play with them,” said Sims. “I’m a player, not a coach, when I’m on the field. They can kick me if they are not getting enough playing time. It adds to the competitiveness of our team.”

Gaither senior forward Tyler Helm is representative of the positive feelings the Cowboys have for Sims and his coaching style.

“Coach Sims is the best around,” Helm said. “His vision on the field is professional. He sees our options. He treats us like fellow players. The best thing about Dynasty is it teaches us to be physical.”

Sims’ dedication to coaching soccer extends past the high school level.

He is an assistant men’s coach at UT and head coach of TBU’s U18 boys team.

“I have a very understanding wife; she played soccer in high school, and her father is a coach in New York,” said Sims, who has a 4-year-old son. “I’ve had really good assistant coaches. The amount of time they put in is all volunteer.”

 

 

By Andy Warrener

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

 

About 30 former Land O’ Lakes girls soccer players returned to the Central Pasco County pitch for Alumni Night Dec. 14.

It is the first time that Gators 26-year coach Vicky King has had Alumni Night. The only coach in program history said she also wanted to do something to remember winning a state championship 10 years ago.

“This program is like a big family,” King said. “It’s good for the kids on this year’s team to see those alumni; it’s good for the program.”

Junior midfielder Brooke Silvest said having the former players in attendance gave them more motivation to defeat Boca Raton Christian, which Land O’ Lakes (12-4-2) dispatched 5-0.

“We definitely wanted to impress them, show them we’re still good,” Silvest said.

The alumni were announced individually and brought out to the field. The current Gators lined up and slapped hi-fives with them during the halftime ceremony.

“This brings back great memories,” said Wendy Schramm, formerly Norton, when she played forward and graduated in 1994. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Class of 1993 midfielder Stacey Hudson, formerly Fisher, added, “I’ve enjoyed seeing everyone I haven’t seen in a while.”

Seeing the current squad brought back different memories for class of 1992 forward/midfielder Lisa Savage, formerly Lang, who teaches at Pine View Elementary and was a junior varsity coach for Land O’ Lakes for three years.

“All of these girls playing now, I’ve had them in school at some point,” Savage said.
Having so many current and former Gators together made it impossible for those on hand not to compare the past with the present.

“It’s nice to see all the girls, and that we’re all still looking good,” said class of 1993 midfielder Nicole Angel. “I think we’re the best looking class still.”

Class of 1993 midfielder Pamela Byrne was in attendance to celebrate. She was the first Land O’ Lakes girls soccer player to receive a college soccer scholarship and played for the University of Mobile before settling in Orlando.

As for the game, Silvest rose to the occasion by scoring twice on her own while dominating the middle of the field. The Blazers only crossed midfield with possession six times.

“(Silvest) is a dominant player on the field,” King said. “She can basically play anywhere on the field.”

–Editor Kyle LoJacono contributed to this report

 

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Catholics often come home for Christmas, and at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church that will take on special meaning this year as the parish moves into a home of its own.

If all goes according to plan, the parish will receive its certificate of occupancy in time to have its first masses during the weekend of Dec. 23, with a special blessing of the building by the Most Rev. Robert Lynch, bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Then, on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, the parish will have its first Christmas Eve and Christmas services at the recently completed Parish Life Center, 12747 Interlaken Drive in Trinity.

The parish, which was formed in January 2008, was carved out of the boundaries of St. Thomas Aquinas in New Port Richey and Our Lady of the Rosary in Land O’ Lakes.

It has grown from 200 families in the beginning to more than 500, and the Rev. Dennis Hughes, pastor of the church, expects that growth to continue.

More families are moving into the area, spurred in part by the opening of the Medical Center of Trinity, Hughes said.

The housing market is on the rebound, too, Hughes said.

“There’s something like 30 or 40 homes under construction in the subdivision right here,” Hughes said, indicating the subdivision next to the church.

The $2.3 million Parish Life Center is roughly 15,000 square feet, including a main hall, a chapel, offices and a kitchen.

The 8,000-square-foot main hall has ample space to seat 650 worshippers.

In addition to masses, Hughes expects the parish center to be used as a meeting place for various ministries of the church. It’s also likely that the center will offer some religious classes, including a potential afterschool program, he said.

Hughes doesn’t expect the church to add a school, especially because Odessa Elementary is just down the street.

Eventually, the parish plans to build a church on the same site, but that won’t happen until the parish center is paid off and membership has grown substantially.

The new parish center is the third place St. Peter the Apostle has conducted worship services at, Hughes said.

Initially, it met in a chapel at Trinity Memorial Gardens. Then, it moved to a storefront at Trinity Village shopping center between a Cold Stone Creamery and a Five Guys restaurant.

St. Peter the Apostle parish is one of four new parishes the Diocese of St. Petersburg was planning before the economic collapse.

The diocese was also looking to add parishes in Wesley Chapel, Spring Hill and Brandon, Hughes said. But the recession caused the diocese to put those plans on hold.

To be sure that Saint Peter the Apostle has been able to move into its new home in time for the Dec. 23, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 services, call (727) 264-8968.

For more information about the parish, visit www.sptatrinity.org.

 

Blessing of the parish center

St. Peter the Apostle Parish Life Center will open for services beginning Dec. 23, with the Most Rev. Robert N. Lynch, bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, blessing the center at the 11 a.m. mass. Other masses on Dec. 23 will be at 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

 

Christmas services

Christmas Eve masses will be offered on Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and midnight.

Christmas masses will be on Dec. 25 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

 

Company needed room to grow

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Brett and Brad Savage have had a fascination for technology since they began playing games on computers as young boys.

They remain engrossed by the cyber world, but they’ve taken their involvement to a whole new level.

The brothers are two of the four officers in DigitalBrainz, a family-owned business that has set up shop in Lutz. The other two officers in the company are their parents, Dale and Mary Kay.

The company has been a virtual operation since around 2005, but has since attracted more business than the family can handle on its own. So, the company is branching out and expects to hire three additional staff members in 2013.

As their business grows, they decided it was time to set up a location where they could meet with clients and work more closely with the staff they intend to hire, Brad said.

Each of the family members plays a vital role in the company, said Brad, who focuses on the business development aspect of DigitalBrainz.

Brett devotes most of his energy to the technical side of the business, keeping abreast of the latest developments, tools and software that may be useful for issues their customers encounter.

Dale devotes much of his time to handling out-of-town accounts, while Mary Kay provides the glue that holds the operation together, Brad said.

“We made the jump (to Lutz) in August,” Brad said, noting they chose the location at 17892 N. US 41 because the office offers ample space for current operations, plus room to grow.

Beyond the normal features of a professional workplace — such as offices, a conference room, a kitchen and restrooms — this one has a highly secure space where clients’ equipment can be safely kept overnight.

That’s important, especially because the company must be certain that their clients’ data is not vulnerable to theft, Brad said, noting many of their customers are in medical and legal fields where privacy is essential.

In general, security is a huge concern in the information technology business, Brad said. “We take it very seriously.”

When the company was founded, it initially did consulting in other places, Brad said.

“Nothing was really local,” Brad said. “Most of our contracts were out in Texas.”

But as Brad and his brother began starting families, they wanted to cut down on time spent on the road.

Initially, Brad said, the company followed a model that many information technology (IT) support companies use.

That model relies on clients calling when a problem arises, and the IT specialists come in and fix the problem, Brad said. He uses the analogy of waiting like firefighters for a call to come in, then rushing to resolve it.

If the company had continued to follow that model, it probably would have failed, Brad said.

Now, the bulk of its work is proactive in nature, Brad said.

DigitalBrainz offers a service for a flat rate, based on the number of devices the company is monitoring. They make repairs remotely, if necessary, but there’s an additional charge if they have to make the repair on-site.

The proactive approach aims to allow clients to operate their businesses without down time caused by technical difficulties, Brad said.

For instance, if a client has 25 computers and two servers, DigitalBrainz is monitoring all of those devices 24 hours a day.

“So, when there’s a hardware failure or a software failure or a virus, we’re actually monitoring for those and are notified,” Brad said. “The majority of the time we go in and fix issues, and the client doesn’t know it.”

In one case, a dental client’s system developed a problem on a Saturday, Brad said. His company’s monitoring system spotted the problem and DigitalBrainz fixed it during the weekend, thus helping the dentist avoid any down time in his practice.

While clients may not realize that DigitalBrainz has fixed problems, the data is recorded by the company when problems have occurred, Brad said

“The tools that we use to monitor the devices, it logs exactly everything that is going on with the server, for example. It gives us the heartbeat and the pulse of that device,” Brad said.

Another way companies will realize the services that DigitalBrainz provides is through their reduced need to call for IT services, Brad said.

A company with a staff of 25 is accustomed to calling for technical services on a weekly, if not daily, basis, Brad said.

“When we are taking over things proactively, they don’t have to call as much,” Brad said.

DigitalBrainz offers a broad array of services, including risk management, desktop support, server configuration, software and hardware management and computer networking.

The company’s marketing strategy is based on referrals, Brad said. It also provides a wide range of services, tailored specifically to the client’s needs.

For instance, a smaller client may simply want a server monitored, rather than the company’s entire infrastructure, Brad said.

DigitalBrainz primarily serves the Tampa Bay market, but it also is capable of helping customers in other locales, Brad said. Dale also travels to handle clients out-of-state, and the company aspires to continue branching out.

“We’re hoping to close this week on a contract in Chicago, where we are actually going to monitor a company that has 40 desktops and seven servers. We’re going to be their monitoring and management company,” Brad said.

So far, the family has managed to keep their home and work lives separate, Dale said.

“At work, we’re focused,” Dale said. “We have a lot to do, so we have to focus.”

They try to refrain from talking about work at family gatherings at their homes in Wesley Chapel, Dade City and Brooksville. Their spouses help them with that, Dale said, laughing.

For more information about DigitalBrainz, call (813) 406-0999 or visit digitalbrainz.com.

 

 

By Andy Warrener

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

 

When the name Whaley’s is brought to Lutz, it becomes synonymous with flavor.

The Whaley family first opened a produce stand in South Tampa in 1932. It was called Whaley’s Market, and it evolved into a produce/meat market and gourmet store.

In 2002, grandson and current owner Todd Whaley started cooking barbecue for the South Tampa store, but the family lost their lease on the location in 2008.

It turned out to be a plus for those in North Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Todd opened the Whaley’s BBQ trailer in Lutz on US 41, just south of Sunset Lane.

He started selling five barbecue pork sandwiches for ten dollars. It’s still the same price today, only now Whaley’s has expanded to include ribs, half chickens and brisket.

Whaley’s also added another location in Odessa, just south of The Villages Shopping Center on Gunn Highway. Whaley’s also sets up on Van Dyke Road west of Lake Carlton Arms, but only on weekends.

Todd said he believes in building a barbecue culture in Lutz.

“We’re a consistent exposure for kids to have barbecue,” Todd said. “They develop a taste for it. When they get to being 16, they can eat quite a lot.”

Todd said three things go into the savory barbecue deliciousness: smoke; dry rub; sauce. All three things are as homegrown as the business itself.

The smoke comes from oak wood only, and Todd doesn’t even have to buy it. he has a relationship with a handful of local tree-trimming companies that just drop it off.

“Saves them having to get rid of it; saves me having to buy it,” Todd said.

A customer can quite literally taste the oak in Whaley’s barbecue ribs.

“I won’t eat ribs anywhere else,” said current employee Annette Sizemore.

The dry rub is a closely-guarded family recipe.

“It’s nothing you can’t buy at the grocery store,” Todd said.

The sauce was not homegrown at first.

The Whaleys originally bought their sauce from a company in South Dakota. However, Todd found that supply problems arose, especially during the winter months when barbecuing shuts down so far north.

To solve the problem, Todd’s mother, Jean, took three weeks to come up with a replacement sauce recipe. What emerged was Whaley’s Blazing BBQ Sauce.

The creation is such a big hit, the Whaleys store it in 50-gallon drums. Todd claims they go through 60 gallons of the sauce every week, and it’s now sold in 24-ounce bottles at any of the locations. You can bring your old bottle back to the stand and refill it.

Todd also claims that he’s had customers come in saying they smelled his barbecue from as far away as Sunset Lane, 500 yards to north of the Lutz location.

Husband and wife Jimmy Bennett and Sizemore have been working for Todd for more than a year. The couple used to run a produce stand right next to Whaley’s, but Jimmy said, “That wasn’t cutting it.”

Jimmy started off splitting wood before moving to cooking and operating the stands with Annette.

“In this last year, he’s (Todd) taught us how to cook ribs, pork butts, all of it,” Bennett said. “He’s a good businessman.”

The votes of confidence don’t just come from employees, either.

“Good sandwiches, good prices,” said Dan Leihgeber. “It’s just good stuff.”

The pulled pork cooks all night long, according to Todd.

“The ribs go on in the morning and are done by the afternoon,” Todd said.

Todd has been a member of the Lutz community since 1970. He works for the Hillsborough County school system providing security. Along with the stands, he also does catering for events on weekends.

Lennar Opens NexGen Model Home

Lennar has opened the Independence model home at Concord Station, located on SR 54, two miles east of the Suncoast Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Independence is the first example in Lennar’s new NexGen floor plan series designed for a new generation of multi-generational American families.

The homes have separate, private living quarters with an eat-in kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom, laundry room and living room.

The two-story Independence model home at Concord Station offers 3,357 square feet of living space with five bedrooms, three and a half baths and a three-car garage.

Lennar’s NexGen homes range from 3,300 square feet of living space to 3,600 square feet, with prices ranging from the $200,000s to the $300,000s. Visit www.LennarTampa.com for more information.

 

Tampa North Flight Center open house

Tampa North Flight Center had an open house on Dec. 15 to show off its facilities and explain its offerings. The center, 4741 Birdsong Blvd. in Lutz, offers flight instruction for sport pilot, private pilot, instrument pilot and commercial pilot ratings. For more information about the flight center, call (813) 973-3703 or visit www.TampaNorth.com.

 

United Way of Pasco joins PEDC board

The United Way of Pasco has joined the Pasco Economic Development Council’s (PEDC) board of directors.

“We’re very excited that United Way has joined our board at the corporate level,” said John Hagen, PEDC president and CEO, in a release. “We share in a common mission to improve life in Pasco County by meeting the needs of those in the community. Right now people need jobs, and together we can help make this happen.”

The United Way of Pasco has been a longtime investor in PEDC, and its increased investment to the Corporate Council level of $10,000 annually will further advance the council’s mission to lead Pasco in the creation of a sustainable and diversified economy. Representing United Way of Pasco on the PEDC board of directors will be president and CEO Duggan Cooley.

“I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Pasco EDC, and I look forward to being a part of Pasco County’s future growth and the creation of jobs that are very much needed in our county,” Cooley said.

 

Finance director named

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has named Dan Crunk as the facility’s finance director.

In his new role, Crunk will analyze financial statement trends, work with hospital department leadership in the areas of payment methodologies and reimbursement, utilize cost/managerial accounting techniques to review and explain productivity and lead revenue cycle improvements for the hospital and employed physicians.

Crunk recently worked as the controller at Emory-Adventist Hospital in Smyrna, Ga.

 

ENPG announces upcoming speakers

The East Pasco Networking Group has announced these upcoming speakers:

—Jan. 8: Brian P. Battaglia, Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator

—Jan. 22: Carol Hendrix, certified business analyst, Pasco County representative

—Feb. 12: Al Berry, Strawberry Festival

The group meets at 8 a.m. for networking, with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m., at the Village Inn, 5214 US 301 in Zephyrhills.

 

Helping seniors become tech savvy

Wesley Chapel businesswoman Kristin Pelletier is opening a series of technology classes aimed at helping local seniors learn the basics of the computer as well as how to use technology to connect with others, whether through social media, email and chat rooms. It is also designed to broaden their entertainment through browsing, shopping, reading and games.

Pelletier’s classes begin with a focus on the basics, such as Introduction to Computers, Personalizing your PC and Mastering Email, and slowly progress to Internet, Skype, Facebook and more.

Classes are currently being offered at Rose’s Café in downtown Zephyrhills every other Monday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call (855) 953-2764 or visit www.tampacomputerbasictraining.com. You can also email Tampa Computer Basic Training at .

 

Raising dough to fight cancer

Hungry Howie’s restaurants joined together in support of Love, Hope & Pizza to raise more than $275,600 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

“We appreciate the kindness and support shown by so many Hungry Howie’s customers and employees in the incredible accomplishment of exceeding their fundraising goal for NBCF,” said Janelle Hail, NBCF CEO and founder, in a release. “These monies will aid our efforts in 2013 to expand the National Mammography Program to more hospitals, support the Beyond The Shock program and invest in research.”

 

Watch out for identity theft

It’s always important to safeguard your identity, particularly during the busy holiday shopping season.

Here are some tips from Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office:

—Empty wallets of extra credit cards and identification cards, and close unused credit card or bank accounts.
—Shred pre-approved credit applications, credit card receipts, bills and other financial information before discarding them.

—Use a credit card or a secured online payment system, such as PayPal, when making a purchase online.

—Update antivirus software on computers to avoid downloading malware from poorly protected sites.

—Ask when your order will be shipped and when it will arrive.

—Know the return and refund policies.

—Save copies of receipts, warranties and service agreements.

 

Florida’s largest home show coming

Homeowners can find out about the latest trends in home improvement at Florida’s Largest Home Show Jan. 4 through Jan. 6 at the Tampa Convention Center.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 4, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Jan. 5 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 6.

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and children younger than 12 are admitted free.

For more information, visit www.bighomeshow.com. Become a fan of the home show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FLHomeShow or follow it on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FLHomeShow.