Special to The Laker/Lutz News

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Excitement was all around the Saint Leo University (SLU) men’s and women’s lacrosse teams Sept. 24.

That was when the Lions got to experience their new artificial turf game and practice field, but the thrill was for more than just for the surface.

Along with new seating for fans, a press box and scoreboard was the fact that they were playing on a field 10 feet above the ground.

The field sits on top of a new parking garage on the east side of the campus near the gym.

“Everyone was really psyched,” said Matt Obermeyer, junior attacker for the men’s team. “Not only is the field awesome, but it’s on top of the parking garage. It’s like the main exhibit of our campus. Everyone drives by it, and they see it’s brand new with all kinds of cool stuff.”

Obermeyer’s teammate Robert Hutchinson, a junior midfielder, added, “We literally could not wait. We’ve been waiting for the last three weeks for them to approve it for us to practice on.”

SLU athletic director Francis Reidy said talk of adding the garage with the field started several years ago because they were “parking challenged” on campus. He added, combining the two into one allows for 740 new places for vehicles while giving the lacrosse programs new facilities in the same space.

Women’s lacrosse coach Lesley Graham said she originally envisioned a field on a 10-story building.

“I was thinking what if I have kids who are afraid of heights,” Graham said. “I got really nervous, but when I saw the plans I realized it was going to be a phenomenal thing.”

Graham’s team got the first crack on the field during a conditioning session Sept. 24.

“I think we had about 10 different tweets sent out around 6 a.m. before our 7 o’clock conditioning practice,” Graham said. “They were so excited to get out here, and they’re really proud of the facility. They want to do it justice, play hard and show everybody we’re a force to be reckoned with and that we deserve this first-class facility.”

Brad Jorgensen, the only men’s lacrosse coach in the program’s eight-year history, and his players had the first official practice on the field that afternoon. He said such fields aren’t unheard of, especially with schools that don’t have a lot of land available, but they are uncommon.

Jorgensen said the biggest thing about the field is they won’t have to worry about it being torn up by overuse or destroyed by weather.

“We beat up grass,” Jorgensen said. “Just the nature of our sport is not kind to grass. Even the best lacrosse facilities that are on grass show wear and tear by the end of the season. I think long term not having to deal with resodding and filling in holes is really going to help us out.”

Hutchinson, who lives across a small street from the field at Roderick Hall, said the field’s regularity will be a big benefit.

“At some point you get divots and bad parts from it getting torn up where things aren’t consistent,” Hutchinson said. “We don’t have that now. It’s also going to help with recruiting. When you have a brand new field it’s hard to complain about anything. It’s pretty much perfect.”

Jorgenson pointed out they won’t have to worry about the lines on the turf fading as quickly as it does on grass.

“It’s amazing to be able to walk right out of the office to a facility that we know is the right length and is lined properly,” Jorgensen said. “I told my wife it’s a lot like having a maid cleaning your house all day, and when you come home everything is perfect.”

Obermeyer said all the players feel lucky to have the new field.

“Not a lot of the guys have gotten to play on turf before,” Obermeyer said. “Most colleges can’t afford it, so we’re lucky to have this to fly around on.”

Graham was especially thrilled because her program is entering its second season this spring.

“Being the new team on the block, having such a top-notch facility is unbelievable,” Graham said. “We couldn’t ask for a better facility. We’re definitely feeling the love.”

The surface is able to have two fields for intramural sports running perpendicular to the game field. Reidy said he envisions things like football, soccer, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee, kickball and other activities being played.

“It’s a constant challenge as you get larger to continue to improve the facilities,” Reidy said. “We want to give the student-athletes and the entire student body green places to play.”

The field is just one of several improvements SLU has recently made to its athletic facilities.

A new gym floor was completed a little more than a month ago, which replaced one that was 42 years old. The soccer field had more than $1 million invested to improve the drainage and install new grass, according to Reidy. The athletic director said they are also building two fields on the northeast corner of the campus.

“Now our soccer coach can have a big summer camp, where as last year we had just one field,” said Reidy, who added the two fields should be completed by spring. “It’s also more places to have intramural sports.”

Obermeyer said the excitement around the athletic programs is sky high.

“Moral is way up, and I think it’s going to have more people come watch us,” Obermeyer said. “We’ve got the new gym, so people are going to go to the volleyball and basketball games. Same with us. People are going to want to come see the new field and see the lacrosse teams.”

Local author says it’s about the right fit

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Just because a college has an outstanding reputation doesn’t mean it is the right one for you.

And, just because you have a particular talent doesn’t mean it should dictate your career choice.

Choosing a career path and selecting a college are key issues team members at The Right Fit Foundation in Lutz address when helping families with college planning.

In essence, the issue boils down to achieving the right fit, which requires finding a school that’s academically suited for the student and within the family’s financial reach.

Unfortunately, making these matches can prove difficult without proper guidance, said Kenneth Albert, author of Finding the Right Fit: The Ultimate Guide to College.

“I think the biggest thing I’ve seen in the last 20 years is that people launch into the process and they actually never really find out what they’ve missed,” Albert said.

When it comes to college planning, there is no such thing as “one-size-fits-all,” Albert said. Each student is unique, and identifying a college that meets that person’s needs requires an evaluation of their interests and abilities.

The goal is to find career options that are naturally suited to the student, said Albert, who knows firsthand how it feels to go down the wrong career path. He spent 10 years working in electrical engineering before deciding he wasn’t happy in his work.

The key to making a good match is to start the process early, said Leigh Anne Blackwell, a counselor at the nonprofit foundation, which offers its services for free.

Some factors that can make a student be more academically competitive include completing Advanced Placement (AP) courses and achieving higher standardized test scores, Blackwell said.

But students who begin college planning too late don’t have time to enroll in AP courses or take prep classes to boost standardized test performances, Blackwell noted.

Albert advises parents and students to begin planning when the child is entering high school.

Blackwell works with the students to identify their interests. Once those are known, they look at colleges that offer programs for those careers.

Meanwhile, Albert works with parents on the financial end.

While most people recognize college costs include tuition, books, room and board, they often don’t consider how long it takes the student to obtain a degree.

Nearly two-thirds of college students are taking more than four years to finish, Albert said.

So when comparing costs, it’s important to keep in mind how long it typically takes students to obtain degrees.

It’s also wise to find out whether someone qualifies for any tax deductions, Albert said. He added that it’s essential to know how much financial aid a college is offering, and what percentage is a scholarship and how much is a loan.

Too often, parents confuse the words financial aid with scholarship and can’t believe the cost when the bill arrives, Albert said.

At that stage, it may be too late for a student to pursue his or her other top choices because slots have filled.

The good news is money is available for students at colleges where they’re academically competitive, Albert said.

“Admissions and financial aid are locked in,” Albert said. “You cannot separate them. If a student is an academic fit for a school, there’s more financial aid available to them.”

Colleges want students who are the best fit because they’ll be more successful and they’ll become donors to their school down the road, Albert said.

The key is doing your homework.

“It is impossible to build a good college list to apply unless you have done the work before then,” Albert said. He added, “If you’ve got two on your list, that’s probably trouble. If you’ve got 12 or 13 or 14, that’s also trouble. You’re all over the place.”

Typically, his foundation recommends looking at six to eight schools.

“Ideally, on your list, you would like to have colleges that compete for the kind of student that you are,” Albert said. “That is a lot easier said than done.”

To be competitive, Blackwell said, students “need to have an idea of what their career is going to be, why they want it to be their career, what their major is going to be, why the major at that particular college is for them and then, why the college as a whole is on their list.

“And then, they need to be able tell them that, and then slip in the other colleges where they’re applying and why those colleges are also on their list,” Blackwell said.

Terri Albert, who also works at the foundation, said “the biggest mistake that we see is that the parents give this process to the student, and the parents accept whatever feedback the students give. … Parents need to be involved in this process because it is above the heads of everyone involved, even the parents.”

Guidance counselors and college admissions officers want the student to take the lead. That’s fine during the interview, but parents should be prepping students with the right questions to ask so they can make an informed decision.

For more information about college planning, visit www.therightfitfoundation.org or call (813) 968-8989.

 

Did you know?*

—Two out of three students do not graduate from college within four years.

—About 22 percent of students are taking more than six years to graduate.

—Fewer than 4 percent of colleges meet 100 percent of families’ financial need.

—People between the ages of 18 and 38 change jobs an average of 10 times.

—You can save thousands in tuition costs by having a clear strategy for finding the right career and major that truly matches the core personality traits of your student.

*Source: The Right Fit Foundation

 

Right Fit scholarship contest

The Right Fit Foundation announced its first annual $5,000 scholarship for Tampa-area high school students.

To qualify, students must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Pasco or Hillsborough counties and have a weighted high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must also attend one of the foundation’s free college admission and financial aid classes.

Finalists may be interviewed. One scholarship will be awarded. Students can register to attend a class on the website, www.therightfitfoundation.org, where the scholarship application is also available. The deadline for application is Jan. 15, and the winner will be notified March 15.

The scholarship is a one-time award and will be paid directly to the accredited four-year college or university of the winner’s choosing.

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC) wants to add bachelor’s degree programs in two high-demand fields.

The college’s board voted on Sept. 18 to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree — pending necessary approvals.

“We want to focus on getting those degrees, which we know are in high demand,” said Burt Harres, PHCC’s vice president of instruction and provost at the West Campus in New Port Richey.

To do so, PHCC must gain approval from the Division of Florida Colleges, as well as the Florida Department of Education and PHCC’s accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

Work has begun to pursue those approvals and the college hopes to launch both degree programs in August 2014.

The vote to branch into bachelor programs is a landmark decision for PHCC, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

In addition to expanding into the arena of bachelor programs, PHCC is also looking to expand its associate degree options by adding the necessary courses in accounting technology, financial services technology and fire science technology fields.

The college is interested in adding the accounting technology and financial services technology associate degrees in anticipation of Raymond James and T. Rowe Price locating in Pasco County, Harres said. The fire science technology program would be aimed at people training for jobs and advancing their careers.

The college aims to provide programs that serve community needs, Harres said.

The proposed Bachelor of Science in nursing degree would be an online program, and the Bachelor of Applied Science degree is expected to include some online courses, Harres said.

He said PHCC officials met with representatives of the University of South Florida (USF), Saint Leo University, Hillsborough Community College and other institutions to discuss PHCC’s desire to pursue the two bachelor programs before taking the issue to its board for approval.

Harres said there didn’t appear to be resistance from the other colleges, but noted that there will be an opportunity for public and private institutions to weigh in on PHCC’s request.

“We were actually approached by USF to consider offering the Bachelor of Applied Science,” Harres said. “The interest (in that degree) seems to be exceeding their capacity.”

PHCC can offer the bachelor’s of nursing program entirely online because nurses who have obtained their associate’s degree have already fulfilled their clinical requirements, Harres said.

The community college expects that enrollment for the new bachelor programs would come not only from Pasco and Hernando counties, but from Hillsborough County as well.

PHCC would not need to purchase additional equipment to offer the bachelor programs, but expects to add faculty members with doctoral degrees. It would also likely need additional resource materials for its library.

The community college desires to expand its offerings in part because “it keeps the competitive edge going,” Harres said.

It also offers a greater degree of convenience for students, particularly in Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties, at a lower cost, Harres said.

For more information on PHCC, visit phcc.edu.

But the Wesley Chapel woman loves it

 

By B.C. Manion

 

While some people never find their true niche in life, Gabrielle Blackburn said she discovered hers in fifth grade.

That’s when her Lake Magdalene Elementary teacher brought her border collie to school and gave Blackburn a ticket to come see the teacher appear with her dog on Animal Planet.

“I told my parents I definitely have to go to this,” said Blackburn, 21.

But her parents didn’t expect her interest in dogs to stick.

“They thought it was just a passing phase,” Blackburn said. They also informed her that she would not be getting a dog.

Her parents were wrong on both counts.

They wound up giving her a sheltie. She named the dog Q and began taking it to compete at dog shows.

After Q competed at nationals, Blackburn said her parents agreed to give her a border collie.

“I got Zing for my 16th birthday,” Blackburn said. She’s been training Zing and entering the dog in competitions ever since.

The efforts have paid off.

Zing was named the national agility champion in his height division at the AKC National Agility Championship, which was March 30 through April 1 in Reno, Nev.

Zing won by zipping around the course without making any errors. He zigzagged through a series of poles, known as weaves. He scampered up and down a teeter-totter and raced through a tunnel. He cleared jumps and climbed up and went down an A-frame.

Blackburn ran alongside or directed Zing while he made his rounds.

While just the dog is judged, winning the competition takes a team effort, Blackburn said.

“Any little turn of your body and the dog will go off course. The dog is very attuned to you. It’s really hard to run somebody else’s dog,” said Blackburn, who teaches dog agility classes and has offered her expertise in Brazil and Colombia.

In agility contests, speed and accuracy are essential.

“If you make a mistake, you’re out,” Blackburn said. “At a national event, a lot of times what separates first and 10th place will be like 0.3 seconds. We’re talking every really tiny tenth of a second comes into play.”

Gearing up for a competition requires substantial training, said Blackburn, who has an agility field at her Wesley Chapel home.

“You have to get up really early to train before the sun comes out,” said Blackburn, who is in the midst of training six dogs, including Zing.

“I take each one of them out, and I stretch them out,” she said.

She then works with the dogs on skills, breaking them down into manageable parts.

“There are a minimum number of challenges on a course,” Blackburn said. “There are different handling maneuvers you do to change sides.

“The most important thing when you get to a big event is how tight the dog takes those obstacles. It takes a lot of training to get them to go really tightly,” Blackburn continued. “Nationals are a very pumped atmosphere. When everyone is screaming and everything, the dog is more likely to make a mistake.”

But Blackburn said Zing loves the excitement.

She’s unabashed about her love for dogs.

“The house I buy, the car I drive, everything in my life revolves around dogs. It’s an insane lifestyle, in a way. It’s not for everyone,” Blackburn acknowledged.

When she was choosing her car, for example, she made sure it had enough room to handle dog crates.

When she chose her property, Blackburn made sure there was ample room for an agility field.

When she plans her vacations, she considers Zing’s needs, too.

Blackburn gives the dogs under her care special treatment.

There’s an aboveground pool where the dogs can cool down. There’s a treadmill where they can exercise. They eat special food. They even go to chiropractors and get massages.

“It’s crazy, but it really does make a difference,” Blackburn said. “They get sore.”

Her days revolve around training, teaching classes to owners and traveling to competitions. She has created a business called Impulse to Soar, and she likes to hang out with people who understand her passion.

“My dad is finally resigned to the fact that my life has gone to the dogs.”

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel opened Oct. 1, bringing with it the promise of improved health care to Pasco and Hillsborough County residents alike.

The 200,000-square-foot hospital, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. just north of SR 56, took 22 months and $161 million to complete.

It opened with three stories and 83 all private beds, but has the ability to quickly expand because of a roof that is designed to be easily raised as the demand from the community grows.

Among those 83 beds are 11 private labor, deliver, recovery and postpartum rooms in the obstetrics unit.

The hospital, which is part of the Adventist Health System, also has 18 beds in its emergency department, which includes dedicated imaging equipment, along with nurses and board-certified emergency room physicians on-site 24-hours a day to streamline care.

Along with its health care services, the hospital includes many elements to help make patients’ stay as enjoyable as possible.

There is an interactive waiting room specifically for children anchored by a 900-gallon fish tank through a partnership with The Florida Aquarium. The area also includes video games and other entertainment for children.

Director of marketing Tracy Clouser has said the hospital was designed to be aesthetically pleasing.

Sharpe edges and straight corridors with plain white walls normally associated with hospitals are nowhere to be seen. Instead, the facility was designed with curves, artwork and as much open space as possible.

Windows are everywhere in the hospital to allow as much natural light to enter the facility. There are also gardens around the facility’s exterior.

Overhead lights were placed off to the side of corridors so patients being wheeled on gurneys don’t have to look right into the brightness.

Visitors are also welcome 24 hours a day to help make patients feel more at home with the goal of helping them heal faster. Each room has a sofa sleeper so guests can stay for extended periods of time.

Each room is also equipped with a GetWellNetwork system, which lets patients learn more about their medical condition, ask questions or file complaints about their care while keeping track of when staffers visit their room. They can also watch movies or high-definition television, surf the Internet or play games.

The hospital will open its free-standing health and wellness center in January.

The 50,000-square-foot facility will be located next to the hospital. It will feature various exercise equipment, four group exercise studios offering more than 50 classes per week, two pools, a heart healthy café with menu items with less than 450 calories and several wellness programs.

The wellness center is hosting a membership drive to let people know what the facility will offer.

“We’re looking forward to sharing our unique approach to health and wellness with our neighbors in eastern Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties,” said Kay Van Der Vaart, director of the wellness center, in a release. “We invite anyone interested in learning more about a fun approach to fitness and healthier living to visit us.”

Once the wellness center opens in January, the hospital complex will have added 400 full- and part-time jobs to area.

For more information on the hospital, visit www.fhwesleychapel.org or call (813) 929-5555.

–Kyle LoJacono

 

Specialty area services

–Emergency care

–Vascular surgery

–Cardiac care

–Orthopedics and sports medicine

–Radiology services

–Imaging diagnostics

–Obstetrics and gynecology

–Women’s mammography

–General surgery

–Urology

–Gastroenterology

–Pulmonary

 

Ryan Kelly assumes post in July

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Ryan Kelly will become head of school at Carrollwood Day School (CDS), effective next July.

He succeeds Mary Kanter, who began her tenure at the school as a teacher nearly three decades ago.

Kelly is delighted by his appointment.

“I’m thrilled,” Kelly said. “When I came here just over four years ago, my intention was to be a head of school, and I was hoping it could be here.

“Given what Mrs. Kanter has done already — laid a great foundation — it’s poised to continue to grow, and I think be a beacon of tremendous growth in education in North Tampa,” he continued.

Kelly became principal of the high school at CDS in 2008, and has spent the past year working closely with Kanter as he assumed additional responsibilities as assistant head of school.

Carrollwood Day School serves students who are 2 years old through high school from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Its total enrollment is 831.

The school was first on the west coast of Florida authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization to offer the Primary Years Programme for students through grade five, the IB Middle Years Programme that is implemented in grades six through 10 and the IB Diploma Programme for students in grades 11 and 12.

Kelly was selected in 2011 by the National Association of Independent Schools to receive the organization’s Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads training. During the fellowship, Kelly studied major issues facing independent schools today.

Kelly has previously participated in Harvard University’s professional development program for New and Aspiring School Leaders. He has also received training from the Sun Valley Leadership Institute, an organization that focuses on helping educators in leadership positions build strong, ethical cultures.

He was the 2008 winner of the Boise Rotary Distinguished Educator Award.

In addition to his leadership credentials, Kelly is a National Board Certified Teacher of Science. He received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Oregon and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Colorado.

When Kelly took the reins of the high school, it had an enrollment of 62. Now, the enrollment is 221.

He attributes the growth to support of the school’s parents, the school’s facilities and the outstanding work of its staff.

“We have wonderful parents who believe in our mission and believe in what we do here,” Kelly said. “I think that’s what enabled us to grow.”

Despite its growth, many people are still unaware of the school, Kelly said.

He wants to change that.

“We want you to come to campus,” Kelly said. “We want you to do tours. We want you to see what we have. We have great facilities. We have a state-of-the-art auditorium theater. We’re expanding our athletics. … I really think we have something special here that’s helping kids be better citizens and have great character.”

Name: John Russell
Age: 56
Residence: Dade City
Occupation: nurse practitioner, hematology/oncology
Political affiliation: no party affiliation
Political experience: Democratic nominee for U.S. House District 5 in 2006 and 2008

Office being sought: U.S. House, District 12

What separates you from your competitors(s)?

I ask the voters to compare the background and experience of the candidates, as well as the consequences to them regarding our varied positions on the issues. I am not in need of a career. I offer a history of demonstrated academic/professional accomplishment and integrity in the public sphere that is transferable to the role of being an effective congressman.

The future direction of health care remains in doubt. My professional background in health care uniquely positions me as the premier advocate for the general public in congress. My plan to correct the inadequacies of the Affordable Care Act with a Medicare for All option will ensure that access to comprehensive health care will be affordable for all Americans.

It is significant to the role of being a congressman that those who wish to be considered for the position, have experience in making important judgments, working with a team, resisting coercion and remaining accountable, while possessing the wisdom to consider consequences broadly as decisions are made. Visit www.johnrussellforcongress.com.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first six months in office?

I will present my policy to modify the Affordable Care Act with my plan to add my Medicare for All Plan as an option in the Health Care Exchanges. My policy will enhance patient access as well as competition benefiting patients and providers alike over insurance companies.

I will author legislation that restores integrity/accountability to Wall Street. I will advocate reinstating The Glass-Steagall Act separating Investment Banking from Commercial Banking. I will advocate for criminal penalties on financial crimes to present a real deterrent to those who would act to repeat the crimes of the recent past.

I will act to strengthen Social Security by making the first $12,000 of income free from FICA tax for all, while lifting the cap on income subject to FICA to 10 million immediately. I will advocate for treating unearned income (Dividends/Capitol Gains) the same as earned income (Wages/Salary/Tips) similarly for tax purposes.
What do you hope to accomplish by the end of your term?

I will guarantee an action-oriented pattern of representation on your behalf. You may not like everything that I do, however, I will be doing something to make your life and that of your friends and family demonstrably better. I want to ensure that my constituents see the prospects of improved access to better quality and more affordable health care as a direct result of my actions on their behalf.

I will expect that the cesspool that is Wall Street will tread a little more carefully as a result of my actions to mount investigations into past indiscretions, hold those responsible accountable and to put in place criminal penalties in place as a deterrent for future potential perpetrators. I will work tirelessly to return the citizen’s voice to politics by fighting to place restrictions on money in politics. I am running to serve you!
List your political endorsements:

Personal Endorsement by 2004 Green Party candidate for president David Cobb, National NPA Coalition

 

Name: Jonathan Michael Snow

Age: 25
Residence: Tarpon Springs
Occupation: photo specialist for Walgreens
Political affiliation: Democrat
Political experience: first time candidate, former state committeeman and vice president of Pinellas County Young Democrats
Office being sought: U.S. House, District 12

What separates you from your competitors(s)?

Most importantly, I’m the only candidate with a real jobs plan that will put millions of Americans back to work. I’m the only millennial candidate in the race and the only candidate with experience in small business, big business and education. I’m the only candidate with a degree in history and the only candidate to have released his full tax returns for the past three years. In an effort to run a completely transparent campaign and allow the opinions of the district’s constituents to be heard, I have and will continue to host live telephone town hall conversations, the unedited recordings can be found at www.snowforcongress.com under the media tab.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first six months in office?

During my first six months in office, I hope to pass bills to: raise the minimum wage, revive the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), reduce and eliminate multiple health insurance co-pays, and begin the process of bringing our troops home. I’d also hope to layout a framework to responsibly reduce the debt and deficit without negatively impacting the middle-class and the poor.
What do you hope to accomplish by the end of your term?

By the end of my term, I hope to have: raised the minimum wage to $9 with future scheduled increases to take effect, linked the minimum wage to rise along with COLA’s (cost of living adjustments), revived the WPA and the CCC, put at least 10 million Americans back to work, begun rebuilding and modernizing our infrastructure, brought our troops home, reduced our dependence on foreign oil, and reformed our broken campaign finance system.
List your political endorsements:

Progressive Push, Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County, Pasco County D.E.C., Pinellas County D.E.C., Hillsborough County D.E.C., West Pasco County Democrats, Democratic Women’s Club of Pasco County, Democratic Women’s Club of Upper Pinellas, and other local Democratic clubs

 

Name: Elizabeth Belcher
Age: no response given
Residence: Seffner
Occupation: retired federal law enforcement officer
Political affiliation: Democrat
Political experience: none

Office being sought: Florida Senate, District 24

What separates you from your competitors(s)?

I am a citizen activist. My opponent is a lifelong politician. The Florida legislature has been controlled by the Republicans for the last 14 years. My competitor was termed-limited out as a state senator in 2006 and lost his bid for CFO of Florida to Alex Sink. Newspaper articles now talk about him being the Senate President in 2018. This was before the primary and is three elections out. I decided to run because I find the path Florida is going on is unacceptable. I will stand against the powerful few in Tallahassee that believe they have total say over the path Florida is on. My competitor, by contrast, can do nothing but walk in lock step with those powerful few and support his benefactor, Rick Scott, if he wants to be Senate President in 2018. I, on the other hand, am beholding to no one but the citizens of District 24 and the State of Florida.

 

 

What do you hope to accomplish in your first six months in office?

Pass legislation to bring sunshine into the Florida budget process so the public can see funded “pork barrel” items, the actual cost, and who proposed the items and who gets the benefits without having to read hundreds of pages.

 

What do you hope to accomplish by the end of your term?

I am running on 4 E’s: Ethics, Economy, Education and Environment. Instill ethics into government by requiring all sources of campaign funding be disclosed by individual, not hidden behind assumed organizations and PACS. Since lack of revenue will be the largest component issue in the future, it is important to insure that any decreases in funding in the areas are carefully considered. Pass legislation to require 60% of the general revenue fund be spent on public education and insure 60% of all lottery proceeds go to the public education system as it was originally ‘sold’ to the voters. Pass legislation to protect Florida farmers and Florida’s farmland. Pass legislation to encourage and develop solar energy in Florida and protect Florida’s precious water and air standards.

 

List your political endorsements:

No response given.

Name: Mark Danish
Age: 58
Residence: Tampa
Occupation: teacher at Benito Middle
Political affiliation: Democrat
Political experience: volunteered for several campaigns

Office being sought: Florida House, District 63

What separates you from your competitors(s)?

What sets me apart from my opponent is my experience. I have taught countless students over the last 3 decades. I know what it is like to struggle each month to provide for my family, to pay a mortgage and send my kids to college. I know what the people in my community need because I have lived in Lutz and New Tampa for over 35 years. Meanwhile, Shawn Harrison has voted against the needs of our community. He voted to cut public education and funding for nursing for seniors (SB2000). He voted for the USF polytechnic break-off which meant massive cuts for USF (HB5001). He also sponsored a bill to make it easier for banks to foreclose on homeowners (HB213). I can promise to actually vote in the interest of my community. As representative, I will support policies to grow our middle class and small business. I will put my constituents’ priorities above all else.

 

What do you hope to accomplish in your first six months in office?

I would like to work on restoring funding for public education and increase funding for our state’s infrastructure. I fundamentally believe that we must build our way out of this recession and invest in our next generation. Education is such an important factor in the success of our state’s economy. I would also like to work on legislation to incentivize the use of more solar energy in Florida.

 

What do you hope to accomplish by the end of your term?

By the end of my term, I would like to drastically improve Florida’s public education system. This means raising our curriculum standards, investing in teacher training and recruitment, and increase funding for our schools. I would also like to reform our state’s corrupt tax code. Corporate interests in Tallahassee have written their own tax loopholes to avoid paying their share. Meanwhile, small businesses and the middle class are forced to take on the largest tax burden. Everyone should have to play by the same rules. Tax reform will create a better climate for businesses to create more jobs.

 

List your political endorsements:

International Association of Firefighters, AFSCME, Florida AFL-CIO, West Central Federation of Labor, Teamsters local union 79, FEA, Hillsborough CTA, SEIU, USF chapter of UFF, Florida NOW, the Political Hurricane, former Florida CFO Alex Sink, former Secretary of the Lottery Dr. Marcia Mann and Tampa City Council members Lisa Montelione, Yvonne Jolie Capin, Mary Mulhorn and Harry Cohen

 

Lutz resident joins Virginia Tech’s Highty-Tighties

Josie Econom, of Lutz, a cadet in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Class of 2016, has joined Virginia Tech’s regimental band, the Highty-Tighties.

The Highty-Tighties are celebrating their 119th anniversary this year under the direction of Maj. George McNeill.

Founded in 1893, the regimental marching band is the oldest continuously performing musical organization at Virginia Tech.

The Highty-Tighties performed in the inaugural celebration for President Barack Obama at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. They also regularly perform at Virginia Tech football games.

 

Double Branch BBQ 

Double Branch Elementary’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is hosting a Fall BBQ Roundup on Oct. 25 at the school, 31500 Chancey Road in Wesley Chapel.

The event will include food, carnival games, bounce houses and raffle items.

Festivities will also include choral performances with kindergarten and first-graders performing at 6 p.m., second-graders and third-graders singing at 6:30 p.m. and fourth-graders and fifth-graders singing at 7 p.m.

PTA members with a valid membership card will be admitted starting at 5 p.m. and general admission will begin at 5:30 p.m. If you wish to join the PTA, forms are available in the school’s front office.

 

Annual college nights in Hillsborough County

The Hillsborough County Public Schools Guidance Services department is hosting college nights for all high school students, as follows:

—6 p.m. Oct. 2 at Plant High, 2415 S. Himes Ave., Tampa

—6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Chamberlain High, 9401 N. Boulevard, Tampa

—6 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Brandon High, 1101 Victoria St., Brandon

Students and their families will be able to visit with more than 100 college, university and military academy representatives about preparing for college, applying to college, financial aid and scholarships. Students are invited to attend any college night regardless of where they attend school.

 

Seeking entrants for coloring contest

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam is encouraging students in kindergarten through fifth grade to participate in the annual Florida Agriculture Youth Coloring Competition, sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Agriculture in the Classroom and the Florida State Fair.

The contest celebrates the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de Leon’s arrival to Florida. The contest theme is Florida Agriculture: 500 Years in the Making.

To print the coloring page and eligibility requirements, visit www.freshfromflorida.com, www.floridastatefair.com or www.flagintheclassroom.com.

 

School for the Deaf and the Blind open house

The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is having a public open house from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 3 on the campus in Kirk Auditorium.

The event features performances by the school’s band and dance troupe. Activities also include an Orientation and Mobility demonstration. Seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a spot, contact Rick Coleman at (904) 827-2277 or email . To learn more about the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, visit www.fsdb.k12.fl.us.

 

Socks drive to help cancer patients

There will be a socks drive during the Pasco High football game at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 12. New socks of all sizes and types may be brought to the W.F. Edward’s Stadium at the school, 36580 SR 52 in Dade City, and dropped off in collection baskets located at each entrance.

The sock drive will support cancer patients of all ages who are currently seeking treatment in a local or Tampa Bay Area hospital or The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge located in Tampa.

Cancer patients are in need of therapeutic and moisturizing socks, which can be found in the health section of stores such as Walgreens and Walmart. Fun and colorful socks also will be welcome to boost patient spirits.

If you have questions, or if your organization would like to organize a socks drive, contact  Courtney or Janet Nathe at (352) 206-4059.

 

PTA raises $3,500 for new reading program

Veterans Elementary’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) hosted a schoolwide read-a-thon on Sept. 7.

Each class at the Wesley Chapel school spent an hour reading for pleasure. Collectively, the school read 17,158 pages.

The PTA hosted the read-a-thon to raise money for the school’s new Accelerated Reading program. The read-a-thon raised $3,500.

 

Dade City Sunrise Rotary family hosts exchange student

John and Michelle Levitt, who are members of the Dade City Sunrise Rotary Club, are hosting Keythellyn Alves-Silva from Parta Segura, Brazil, as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program.

Alves-Silva, is attending Pasco High for the 2012-13 school year. The Levitts have two daughters, Angella and Amanda.

The Youth Exchange is a Rotary International Program brings students from foreign countries to study and live with Rotary families for an entire school year. Likewise, there are American students in other countries as part of the exchange.

 

National Merit semifinalists

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the names of about 16,000 semifinalists in the 58th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

These students have the opportunity to compete for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million.

Here are the local students who have been named semifinalists:

—Jacob A. Stark, Academy at the Lakes

—Brian T. Balling, of Land O’ Lakes, homeschooled

—Colin R. Defant, Rohit Iyer, Dana Lawson, Patel Priyanshi of Land O’ Lakes High

—Emily Payne, Wiregrass Ranch

—Jake Bittle, Ana Cheng and Nathaniel Lee, of Steinbrenner High