Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Name: James DeMio

Age: 46

Residence: Tampa

Occupation: No response given

Political affiliation: registered Democrat running independent

Political experience: 3 Term Democratic Precinct Committee

Office being sought: Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for Property Appraiser in Hillsborough because I have the 20 year experience in real estate that this office demands, rather than a typical politician’s agenda.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Lower taxes on homeowners and small business owners of property by using all methods of appraisal, including income approach to appraise property, when practical to apply. Lower expenses & balance budget by streamlining financial, purchasing, payroll are also important.

2. Educate homeowners & other property owners on homestead, portability, appeals process of assessments. Assist in retroactive recovery of erroneous property taxes paid. Advocate laws/policy that support homeownership & benefits small business owners. Correct errors in the public record in square footage, assessed amounts.

3. Ensure corporate owners of property are paying fair share of property taxes; national banks and big box properties with real estate across Hillsborough, Florida & USA. Appeals by corporate lobbyist will be done in ‘Sunshine.’

 

Why should voters choose you?

Voters should vote for my candidacy because I have 20 years in the Property / Real Estate Industry – Public & Private Sectors, and the education; Bachelors Degree, Ohio State University, 1989: Major, Business Finance, Licensed Realtor, State of Florida, 2003.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

The following elaborates on my background:

1. Realtor/Broker, 10 years: – 2003 to present, residential, commercial & investor representation of local, US and international clients in sale & purchase of millions of dollars in property: single family residential homes, retail, office, hotel, apartment, land, multi-family properties. Clients form Canada, Europe and Latin America, Asia. I was a Realtor @ Markell & Assc, Century 21 & am now the Broker/Owner of Florida Property International. I have managed various commercial and residential properties for 20 years.

2. I worked at a Real Estate related court 10 years: Jurisdiction over housing, building & zoning codes and landlord/tenant laws. Enforcing local, state and federal laws. I testified on about 1,000 case during the years at this court. As a Court Administrator, I balanced a multi-million budget, payroll and purchasing each year for all 10 years. 40 employees.

3. Foreclosure litigation, Hillsborough County Court, Pro Se defeating largest bank in the US. Protecting my own homestead via self representation in a case that lasted 1.5 years. I have represented clients in short sales, assisted them in avoiding foreclosure. I have represented taxpayers in Hillsborough County, providing tax preparation for businesses and individuals in federal, state and local taxes.

 

Name: Robert “Bob” Henriquez

Age: 47

Residence: Tampa

Occupation: founding partner, Henriquez Consulting

Political affiliation: Democrat

Political experience: Florida House of Representatives, District 58 (1998 – 2006)

Office being sought: Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for Hillsborough County Property Appraiser because I care deeply about my community and its residents. My proven leadership abilities and passion for community service were recognized when I was appointed as a circuit administrator for the Department of Children and Family Services. This capability to fairly oversee hundreds of employees and manage a multi-million dollar budget has uniquely prepared me to serve in the capacity of Hillsborough Property Appraiser.

 

What are your top three priorities?

Ensuring the economic viability of the housing market, updating antiquated technologies and upholding the honor and integrity of the office. In order to ensure the economic viability of the housing market in Hillsborough, it will be important for the holder of Property Appraiser’s office to ensure fairness and integrity in the property assessment process. In addition, there will be a need to update antiquated technologies, like the Property Appraiser’s website, to streamline the assessment process for homeowners and realtors.

 

Why should voters choose you?

If I am elected by the citizens of Hillsborough County to be their next Property Appraiser, I will rethink, reinvent and revitalize this office. As a lifelong resident of Hillsborough County, I have been blessed with a long career in public service, growth management and community planning. During my eight years in the Florida Legislature, I fought for common sense solutions to the challenges facing Florida’s families. My career in the private sector, and my time in community service, has shown me that true leaders must respect all sides of the debate and draw on the insight of their community.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I have eleven years experience as a Senior Planner with Hillsborough County Planning and Growth Management and the Planning Commission where I served as the Damage Assessment Coordinator and Intergovernmental Liaison to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. I was the Government Affairs Coordinator for the Builder’s Association of Greater Tampa and worked for Atwell-Hicks Development Consultants as a Project/Business Development Coordinator and also served as a Special Hearing Master for Hillsborough County for Land Use disputes. As a 4-term Florida State Representative, I served on the Ethics and Elections, Growth Management, Health Care Regulation, State Infrastructure and Utilities and Telecommunications committees. My leadership abilities were recognized when I was appointed as circuit administrator for the Department of Children and Family Services. The capability to fairly and competently oversee hundreds of employees and manage a multi-million dollar budget has uniquely prepared me to serve as Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.

 

Name: Rob Townsend

Age: 53

Residence: Thonotosassa

Occupation: generation technician specialist/farming and citrus production

Political affiliation: no party affiliation

Political experience: 2008 candidate for Hillsborough Property Appraiser

Office being sought: Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for this office because I am concerned for my children, grandchildren, and the future generations of Hillsborough County citizens. If current policies and trends continue, there will be no property rights remaining. I intend to use this constitutional office to challenge unconstitutional laws and policies of the current tax system, to represent the people before interests or agendas. I want to uphold the oath of the office to appraise property solely on the Florida Constitution with respectful and courteous service at all times.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. The support of the DROP Program through property taxes is a huge travesty. I will lobby for a 16 member board to direct the State of Florida retirement monies, so a catastrophe such as the bankruptcy of Enron and Leehman Brothers will not reoccur.

2. Currently case law determines the outcome of VAB magistrate and local court challenges of zealous assessments.  Property appraisers can challenge laws and policies to the Florida Supreme Court based on the Florida Constitution.

3. When the property taxes and insurance are more than the principal payment of the home, something is wrong. I would make fair and steady assessments based on actual value, not overheated markets or housing bubbles.

 

Why should voters choose you?`

Being a lifelong resident of Hillsborough, I understand and represent the values of the hardworking people of this county. I conduct myself with high ethical standards, with morals values, and can be considered a man always willing to stand up for what I believe is right. I am not afraid to challenge the system or status quo. I have a loving family which consists of my wife Cathy Townsend, two sons, two daughters (Ryan Townsend, Trey Ennis, Jean Ann McDonald, Jamee Townsend), two granddaughters and three grandsons. Being a family man, I am supportive of family values in our county.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I understand the importance of green belt to agriculture and property rights, and will be able to administer a fair program for all. I understand the 1968 Florida Constitution, in respect to the two Department of Revenue schedules (i.e. business and agriculture). I understand the importance of small businesses and manufacturing to the local economy. I believe in an open office with a return to sunshine, and I also believe that my life experiences will enable me to manage this office efficiently.

 

Name: Rob Turner

Age: 60

Residence: Tampa

Occupation: Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: elected Property Appraiser in 1996, re-elected in 2000, 2004, 2008

Office being sought: Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for re-election as property appraiser to continue my leadership and management of this outstanding local government office. The property appraiser’s office is a vital component of our community as it affects tax and revenue issues for every resident. The office requires a leader with the qualifications of appraisal expertise and experience, as well as the leadership for effective management. Any candidate without extensive qualifications of appraisal and management is just someone looking for a job. My management expertise has saved the taxpayers in excess of $15 million by our cost initiatives and technology advances.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Fair and equitable assessments. Given the state of our economy, it is even a greater challenge to insure a thorough analysis of market transactions. This requires advanced education and expertise. I have provided advanced training for my staff and myself.

2. Fiscal focus. County agencies has a responsibility to manage their budget to provide the most cost effective service. For the 16 years I have been in office, we have had a constant focus of finding ways to meet our duties in a way that is better, faster and cheaper.

3. Educating the public. Florida’s property tax laws are unique, complex and change constantly. Since I was first elected in 1996, I have conducted 85 property tax workshops per year to educate interested groups. In November, there will be five property tax amendments on the ballot. I will meet morning, noon and night to help people understand these amendments.

 

Why should voters choose you?

I have a 16-year record of leadership, competency and expertise as property appraiser. This office is a model of efficiency and effectiveness in managing our duties in a fair, equitable, fiscally responsible and customer service manner. That record was caused by my knowledge, skills and abilities and the development of an outstanding staff. The office requires a leader with specific qualifications, and I have the qualifications, expertise, experience and outstanding record of real accomplishments to continue to improve this office in the best interest of the residents of Hillsborough County.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

First real estate license in 1969

BS in business administration from School of Bank Management University of Virginia

State certified general real estate appraiser #RZ2016 since 1994

Senior vice present in real estate banking with 23 years of banking experience

Certified Florida Appraiser since 1998

Recommended by former state Senate president Tom Lee and appointed by then Gov. Jeb Bush to the 2006 Property Tax Reform Commission

Elected as the 2013 President of the International Association of Assessing Officers

 

 

 

Name: Allison Newlon

Age: 41

Residence: San Antonio

Occupation: real estate broker

Political affiliation: Democrat

Political experience: none

Office being sought: Pasco County Property Appraiser

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for office because it is time for an innovative thinker in Pasco County’s Property Appraiser’s office. Serving the people of Pasco County effectively is my passion. I am running because I am a property owner in Pasco County, and I understand what that privilege and responsibility means. Partisan politics/party affiliation matter to me far less than making this county a better place for ALL residents. My children may settle here when they become adults, and I want to keep Pasco County strong so that their children’s children have that option too someday.

 

What are your top three priorities?

Pasco County’s new Property Appraiser must first make a commitment to utilizing technology for the sake of increased efficiency. Revitalizing this office technologically will help the Appraiser serve constituents more effectively increasing efficiency within the office and allowing residents to use online services to help themselves. The second priority in the Property Appraiser’s office must be to increase accessibility to the office by implementing Community Outreach Programs. These programs will serve county residents with limited access to technology and create a collaborative relationship between the Appraiser and those s/he serves.

The Appraiser’s third priority must be to ensure exemptions are properly applied. Since taxpayers suffer when incorrect exemptions are applied, it is vital that the Property Appraiser’s office show a renewed commitment to upholding exemption policies. This policy will go a long way to improving the health of our county’s tax roll.

 

Why should voters choose you?

As a real estate broker, I have been appraising property values for buyers and sellers in Pasco County for more than ten years. My professional history positions me to be of maximum effective service to residents. I understand the shifting condition of real estate in this county, as only one whose livelihood depends on it can understand it.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

As a Pasco County resident myself, I know the importance of meeting residents’ needs as they arise, and my plans to perform outreach and increase access to services display a commitment to that. As a taxpayer, I am concerned with the accurate applications of exemptions which, if improperly applied, could adversely affect my family. This county office and the residents who live here would benefit from my professional experience and fresh perspective. I would be proud to serve you as Pasco County’s new Property Appraiser.

 

Name: Walter Price

Age: 30

Residence: Land O’ Lakes

Occupation: real estate appraiser

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: president of the Young Republicans of Pasco

Office being sought: Pasco County Property Appraiser

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for the property appraiser’s position to bring the citizens of Pasco an option to have a professional appraiser in the office. It has been 16 years since the citizens of Pasco have been able to vote for a property appraiser since the current incumbent has been unopposed the whole time. Real estate values have changed drastically over the past 7 years. My experience in both commercial and residential properties can be used effectively to determine trends and values as your property appraiser.

 

What are your top three priorities?

Education is very important, not only for the property appraisers office, but for property owners. I feel it is important to educate the property owners on how to read their property cards so they have an understanding of their values and how they were established. If they have questions, they will be better able to discuss them with, not only staff, but also with the property appraiser.

The property appraiser’s website for Pasco has not been updated until just recently. The website had been left alone for over 10 years. It needs to be updated, so that it is not only user friendly, but applicable to other professionals that deal with real estate.

I use the property appraisers’ website daily and find many inaccuracies from wrong square footages, sketches and assessed values. Assessments could be wrong, causing the amount of taxation to be inaccurate, as well as altering the market.

 

Why should voters choose you?

It’s important for voters to choose their property appraiser based on experience in the field performing appraisals for financial institutions on a daily basis. When we go to the polls to vote for an elected official, we are simply hiring an employee that we are paying with our tax dollars. This is why it is important to hire the right person based on qualifications and experience. I am the only candidate to have a state regulated license to perform appraisals and feel that it is very important we have a professional in politics and not another politician in politics.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Communication. I am a Certified General Appraiser which allows me to appraise all types of real estate in the State of Florida. I am a member of the Appraisal Institute, and I am currently pursing my designations of MAI and SRA, which are the highest designations in the world for real estate appraisers. I am experienced in all types of properties in Central Florida including commercial, industrial, vacant land, condos, manufactured homes, villas, townhomes, water front, ocean front, golf front and other residential properties. I have taken hundreds of hours of education to not only receive my license but to keep it active over the past 7 years as well as submitted thousands of appraisals. I feel that it is important we have true professionalism in the Property Appraisers office not another politician.

 

Name: Mike Wells

Age: 65

Residence: Dade City

Occupation: Pasco County Property Appraiser

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: Pasco Commissioner District 5 elected in 1984 and 1988. Pasco Property Appraiser 1996 to present.

Office being sought: Pasco County Property Appraiser

 

Why are you running for this office?

I enjoy my work as your Property Appraiser. We have made great strides under my watch and have produced first class customer service while cutting staff by over 25 percent through the prudent use of technology. Technology is the future of my work. One example of which is I have just initiated an online homestead application process that will save taxpayers time and money. The staff I normally use to take these homestead applications will be re-trained and used in other capacities within our offices. Much has been done, but there is more to do.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Excellence in producing the annual tax roll

2. Excellence in providing first-class customer service

3. Excellence in efficiency

 

Why should voters choose you?

I have produced a first-class tax role each year since taking office. We are annually audited by the Department of Revenue. This was accomplished by hiring and retaining the brightest and best motivated people available. The standards of any organization start at the top. From day one, I have set the bar high when it comes to service to taxpayers. I was the first government agency in Pasco to have comment cards on every counter and desk. I read every card and correct problems as needed. I am stingy with taxpayers’ money. Nobody spends more than $100 without my approval.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I am a Certified Florida Appraiser and a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker. I have run this office through the most turbulent real estate market in the history of Florida. Voters should choose me because I have the education, appraisal skills and credentials, as well as the hands-on experience needed to run one of the largest property appraiser’s offices in Florida. This is a big business and requires seasoned leadership and management skills, both of which I possess. Combine this with my years on the Board of County Commissioners, and I think I have knowledge of this county from many perspectives, making me uniquely qualified to be your Property Appraiser.

 

 

Name: Roberta Cutting

Age: 52

Residence: Zephyrhills

Occupation: no response given

Political affiliation: Independent

Political experience: none

Office being sought: Pasco Clerk of Circuit Court

 

Why are you running for this office?

The current clerk, Paula O’Neil, was my inspiration to run against her. I decided to run in October and the things I have seen at the clerk’s offices brought me to where I am now. Not only that, but Paula O’Neil would not get on the phone with me or talk to me via any method, and I vow to never do that to anyone. Now that I am running, I have had time to reflect on all the positive things that I can do for the people of the county. I am 100 percent for the people!

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Experience: The elected clerk only has to come to work eight days out of the whole year, which does not take much experience. With my open door policy, the people will know I am there serving them. The people in the clerk’s offices are already doing the work. The clerk just makes sure it gets done.

2. Financial records: I will bring in an outside auditor to analyze everything that comes in and goes out of the clerk’s offices to eliminate needless spending and re-channel funds more productively. I am huge on open government and public records. Nothing allowable by law will be hidden from your view!

3. Court system: The clerk’s office puts clerks in the courtrooms and monitors the evidence. While the auditor, the staff and I are analyzing the financial records, we will also analyze the evidence to make sure nothing is missing.

 

Why should voters choose you?

I am 100 percent for the people, and to prove that, I am giving back half of the salary to the people of the county. That is almost $70,000 a year that I am giving back to the people, which can help offset some of their tax dollars. I also have an open door policy that allows anyone to come see me and I will address any concerns they have, personally, as needed. Cutting is my name and I am cutting everything that hurts the people, including cutting corruption, cutting wasteful spending, cutting bureaucracy and cutting mistreatment of employees.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I have an office system technology degree and a paralegal degree that prepares me for the managerial position of clerk of court, but does that really matter? No, because all the degrees, all the awards and even all the experience in the world will not make someone work for you. The bottom line is this: The two degrees I have does nothing for the people except to show I have these degrees. What really matters is what can I do for you, the people? I have a lot of big, positive plans to implement that will benefit everyone in the county. Sure I ran my own businesses and even held a real estate license, but none of that really matters because it’s not what I have done that will make a difference, it’s what I can do to better the lives of others in the position as clerk of court.

 

Name: Paula S. O’Neil

Age: 55

Residence: Bayonet Point

Occupation: Pasco Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: current clerk of circuit court and county comptroller, elected in 2008

Office being sought: Pasco Clerk of Circuit Court

 

Why are you running for this office?

My choice to run for clerk in 2008 was because I felt I was the most qualified, and I believe I am still the most qualified person. With the responsibilities of courts, official records, county comptroller and county auditor, your clerk must have the ability to lead a strong team and safeguard county assets, records and resources. Our mission is to serve with integrity, professionalism and compassion to safeguard our customers’ interests. I have witnessed great successes within my team and anticipate many more.
What are your top three priorities?

My number one priority since my election in 2008 has been the eFuture of the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office. Since my election, we have taken many clerk responsibilities into the electronic world. The largest changes include online foreclosure sales, online jury reporting, electronic payables, electronic payroll, electronic judicial reporting, ACH interface for customers and eTickets for red light cameras. We are in the process of replacing a 1977 court case maintenance system with a next generation system and moving all court files into electronic filing. This process will enable the office to save money.

We have lost more than $4 million in funding since 2009 due to legislative cuts, despite increasing caseload and additional mandates. The only way for us to stay ahead of deadlines is to increase our technology.
Why should voters choose you?

It has been my honor to work for the citizens of Pasco for almost 25 years. Starting in 1987, I was privileged to work with the park bond referendum for the Parks and Recreation Department for six years, followed by nine years with the Community Services Department with Public Transportation, Elderly Nutrition, Social Services, Veteran Services, Animal Control, SAVE, Cooperative Extension and Soil Conservation. I was hired by the former clerk in 2002 and worked in the clerk’s office for six years before being elected in 2008.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

Since assuming office as the elected clerk of circuit court in 2009, we have faced a lot of challenges. Our budget was cut, and we reduced staffing by more than 100 employees. Experience in the office is key to understanding and managing priorities to safeguard the public. In addition to 25 years of experience in Pasco government, I have earned a Ph.D. in management. This education has enabled me to explore options from a global perspective and redesign the organization. Experience and education are important to the management of a billion dollar budget, collaboration with elected officials and the public, and fulfilling the statutory duties of the office. I have integrity and am honored to have the privilege to serve.

 

 

Name: Ed Blommel

Age: 63

Residence: Dade City

Occupation: retired

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: none

Office being sought: Pasco County Tax Collector

 

Why are you running for this office?

The Tax Collector position is truly a function of offering customer services to the residents of Pasco County. My 40 years of working for Tampa Electric Co. offered me the opportunity to learn and demonstrate some of the best business practices in the industry. My past 18 years in Pasco County I have shown my passion for people and my leadership ability to serve through both the professional and community environment.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Employee moral: I believe through open and honest communications that employees will see the benefits of creating an environment that encourages professional development, individual accomplishment and can draw on their creative ideas.

2. Growth/demand: Pasco is projected to have a population of 750,000 by 2025; a 50% increase. I would handle this increase in demand by expanding the talents of each employee to be multi-tasked. I would evaluate the need of additional locations. Should there be the need to add an office, I would lease the location as to not add long-term debt.

3. Collaboration: When you look at the people we serve, it is the same people at the county and state level they may require different types of services. I would work to become involved with the other county agencies to see where we could help each other enhance overall service of our residents.

 

Why should voters choose you?

I believe that I bring unique qualifications having worked in the private sector in customer service. I have the ability to motivate team members and create a working environment that will be positive for the customers and team members. I have a proven record of being fiscally conservative, and I have been involved throughout Pasco through different organizations to stay in touch with the needs of the residents. I realize that this is a position that belongs to the people and to serve the people of Pasco and not to any one individual.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

A proven record of being fiscally responsible and 40 years of business leadership experience. My years of managing customer service functions and a solid understanding of how to deliver such service will give Pasco County an edge in the future. I know that with integrity and trust as priorities along with open communications, I can create a Tax Collector agency that will be the envy of other counties. The incumbent has served 32 years and the residents of Pasco County are deserving of new and fresh leadership. I will not lose sight of the fact that this position reports to and works for the residents of Pasco County. I would like for them to consider Ed Blommel as their option in November for Pasco County Tax Collector.

Land O’ Lakes teen makes habit of donating her locks

By Jeff Odom

When it comes to helping others facing hardship, 13-year-old Lila Baker is no stranger.

The Pine View Middle eighth-grader has been donating her hair to Locks of Love since she was a kindergartener. While it’s hard for her to recall the first time giving to those who have lost their hair due to cancer or other treatment, she knows the idea came from her mother, Denise.

“My mom took me for the first time when I was in kindergarten, 5 years old?” Lila said. “I don’t really remember it. It was a long time ago.”

Lila has donated her hair three more times since that first trip to the hair stylist, giving a total of 48 inches, or 4 feet.

Denise said she got the idea to have herself and Lila donate from a friend and is amazed at how much passion her daughter has for helping those faced with cancer and other life threatening illnesses.

“We used to live in Orlando, and I was a teacher, and I had a friend that donated her hair, and I thought ‘Oh wow, that’s pretty cool,’” Denise said. “So, when we moved (to Land O’ Lakes) I decided to donate my hair and Lila said ‘That’s really cool mommy.’ So, I decided to take her. … Her hair grows fast, and she wants to go every two years and donate again.”

Outside of her donations to Locks of Love, Lila has been a member of the Girl Scouts since she was 5 and is a member of Pine View’s school band. She is also a student-athlete, competing in girls soccer as a defender for Central Pasco USA and track at her school.

Her academic record in mathematics and science gave her the opportunity to join the National Junior Honors Society (NJHS) and take the SAT as a seventh-grader.

Lila is currently in the planning stages for her Silver Award with the scouts and hopes to deliver goodie bags with pens, stickers and humorous stories to cancer patients around the Tampa Bay area. She calls the project a Bag of Sunshine.

“(My mom and I have) been tossing out some ideas and maybe we could write little, funny stories and make cute little pens to give to them and make them happy,” Lila said.

As for her future, Lila hopes to pursue a career in pharmacy or education, but said the door is wide open to what may interest her. Denise said she could do anything she puts her mind to because of her work ethic and dedication to what she believes in.

“She is an amazing young lady,” Denise said. “Teachers always have great things to say about her and how well mannered and sweet she is. She’s just a very giving person with the service to the Girl Scouts and also giving her hair to help other people.”

Lila added, she learned the importance of giving through her mother and wants to continue helping others as long as she can.

“It’s just the right thing to do to put yourself before people and help people out,” Lila said. “It gives you a really good feeling afterwards, knowing that you helped someone who needed it.”

By B.C. Manion

Tampa Hillsborough Public Libraries is gearing up to celebrate the system’s 100th anniversary in 2014, and staffers are visiting each of the system’s 25 branches to gather artifacts and stories to preserve the history.

Margaret Rials, the system’s chief librarian, is heading up the Library History Roadshow. She and staff members made a stop at the Lutz Branch Library on June 28 to scan documents and photos while collecting memories from the community.

Historian Susan MacManus was on hand to share photographs and stories of Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, two communities that have been linked together by churches, schools, businesses and a highway now known as US 41, initially known as SR 5 to the area’s earliest pioneers.

Although not many people were bringing in artifacts or memories to share on Saturday, Rials and staff were able to scan in materials at the library’s archives. She is confident more will turn up.

Lutz residents have a reputation for being connected to their community and their community’s story, or as Rials put it: “They are very history-minded.

“It would be wonderful to get an early library card from here,” Rials said, or an artifact from the original library building. “We’d love to get an opening day program.”

Rials said an earlier stop at the now closed Old Hyde Park Branch Library turned up the original sign, which was in someone’s garage. She thinks similar artifacts and memories will turn up from Lutz residents.

“We get very touching stories about what the library meant, still means to people,” Rials said, noting they put together brief videos of those recollections.

Some share their memory of going to the library as a child or reminisce about getting their first library card.

Others remember the first book they read or talk about the impact that using the library has had on their life.

Rials would love to see someone do a documentary about the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries system and have its premiere during its 100th anniversary year. “We just don’t have the staff or the expertise to do it.”

However, she has been thinking that might make a great documentary project for University of South Florida filmmaking students to do.

Robin Gibson, the site supervisor of the Lutz Branch, was thrilled to have the Roadshow drop by. She said many of the community’s founding families have descendants who routinely visit the library, along with newcomers.

“On a weekly basis, I must have two or three people who come in who are new to the community and would like to know more about the library or Lutz,” Gibson said. She added, “We always pull out Susan’s (Susan MacManus) two books to start them because everything is documented in there.”

The timing of the library system’s centennial is convenient because it is being celebrated in 2014, the year after Lutz will pull out the stops to celebrate its community’s 100th birthday.

Like many things in this sometimes contentious community that crosses the Hillsborough and Pasco county lines — there’s even a debate over what year Lutz was formed.

“There’s an argument in this community about when Lutz became Lutz. Lutz is not an incorporated place,” said MacManus, who along with her mother, the late Elizabeth Riegler MacManus, wrote two massive local history books about the communities of Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

“They’re having the 100th year anniversary in 1913 because that’s when the post office opened. But it was named, really, in 1911,” MacManus said, during a talk about the community’s history during the Roadshow’s stop in Lutz.

No matter which year it was, the community is gearing up to celebrate Lutz in all of its glory.

The big ceremony will be during the community’s annual Fourth of July bash.

But there will be smaller celebrations all year long at the library, Gibson said.

She envisions a Saturday night band, a Saturday afternoon movie, a cooking demonstration and all sorts of other old-fashioned fun.

She has a sense of what Lutz people enjoy.

When plans were being made for refreshments at the Roadshow stop, Gibson said she knew just the thing: “Lutz is red-checkered table cloths and lemonade and cookies.”

And, judging from the crowd’s response, she was right.

 

Library Roadshow

For more information about the Library History Roadshow call Margaret Rials at (813) 272-6341 or visit www.thplhistoryroadshow.blogspot.com.

By B.C. Manion

She just graduated from high school, but Rachel Wise already has racked up an impressive list of achievements.

Recently, she traveled to Mexico as part of a group of Lombardi Stamps Scholars from the University of Florida (UF).

Being selected as a Lombardi Scholar was a huge deal for Wise, said Julie Moore, guidance counselor at Zephyrhills High, where Wise graduated at the top of her class.

“She’s a pretty spectacular kid,” Moore said.

As a Lombardi Scholar, she will travel with professors and the other scholars each summer as an undergraduate student, funded by UF, during her four years at the university. She is one of just 11 students selected for the program this year.

During this past summer, Wise has been living with a host family in Mexico while taking classes in ecology and Spanish. She’s had the chance to visit Mayan ruins and see local crafts and masonries, while learning about Mexican culture.

Steve Van Gorden, Zephyrhills principal, said Wise has accomplished much at an early age.

“Rachel is the whole package,” Van Gorden said, who has seen the young woman excel academically while being engaged in myriad activities on the high school campus, in the community and beyond.

“I am excited to see what great things she does in the coming years,” Van Gorden said.

In an email interview from Mexico, Wise was unable to single out her most meaningful achievement to date but said she’s been changed by the opportunities she experienced while serving as the Florida 4-H Council, an organization with nearly 240,000 members.

“This role taught me so much about how to do what is right for the vast majority of people, and not just myself,” Wise wrote. “I learned about responsibility, leadership, citizenship and my own self in my role. I would never give those lessons up.”

Wise has a knack for creating consensus, said Michael Wickersheim, a volunteer 4-H advisor.

At the same time, Wickersheim said, she is “very good at speaking up for youth that might not always have a voice. She has no problems with sticking to her guns.”

Wise understands the value of getting involved in the political process, Wickersheim added.

Along those lines, she chaired the Florida 4-H Mock Legislature and co-chaired 4-H Day at the Capitol.

She also co-chaired the University of Florida Youth Development Advisory Council, which is sponsored by the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension (IFAS) at UF.

“She knows how to lead,” said Wendi Armstrong, a 4-H advisor who works for IFAS. Wise is equally adept at stepping aside and letting others take the reins, Armstrong added, who describes the 18-year-old as being personable, outgoing and caring.

“She’s a bright, articulate young lady,” Wickersheim said, adding that she wants to make a difference.

During her high school years, Wise amassed nearly 2,000 hours of community service.

Her contributions did not go unnoticed.

She received many awards and scholarships, including $1,000 from Kohl’s for her anti-bullying efforts. She co-wrote a book on the topic and made presentations to about 3,000 students to help prevent bullying.

During the course of her high school years, she was involved in numerous organizations and activities. Wise was a member of show choir, lettered in high school tennis, served on the school advisory council, served on student council and was also the editor and chief of her school newspaper, The Paw Print.

While she’s already started her college experiences, Wise credits her second-grade teacher, Cindy Fettig, for having an enormous influence on her academic success.

“She taught me how to read and never let me slack,” Wise said. “That may seem like a miniscule lesson to some people, but it always stuck with me.”

Fettig has become Wise’s friend. She was there when Wise graduated from high school and helped her celebrate by attending her party.

Wise said her parents and her siblings are her role models.

“Both of my parents have multiple master’s degrees, and yet they were both the first members of their families to graduate from college, period,” Wise noted.

She also admires the accomplishments of her brother and sister, who are now both lawyers.

Wise hasn’t settled on her career path. Trying to make that decision as an 18-year-old is daunting, she said.

“I have narrowed it down to certain areas of study,” Wise noted. “I am currently a public relations/psychology major who hopes to attend law school after undergraduate study. I know I somehow want to be involved with politics, law and writing.”

Armstrong said no matter what Wise chooses to do, it will have an element of service.

“I think she will end up helping her community,” Armstrong said. “She wants to help the public.”

 

Some of the awards and scholarships Rachel Wise has amassed

—University of Florida Lombardi Scholar

—Owen Gall Pasco County Educational Foundation

—Lowe’s National Scholarship

—Cargill National Community Scholarship via FFA

—AXA Life Insurance “AXA Achiever” National Scholarship

—Cumberland Farms Foundation Scholarship

—San Antonio Citizens Credit Union Scholarship

—Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Youth Mentor’s Scholarship

—Pasco County Farm Bureau Scholarship

—American Legion State Scholarship, second place

—A Faye Goodwin Scholarship-Pasco County Educational Foundation Scholarship

—Sons of the American Revolution Essay Scholarship, second place

—Florida Scholastic Press Association High School Journalist, Finalist of the Year, third place

—Bright House Youth Service

—The Law Firm for Family Law Scholarship

—Florida 4-H Foundation for State 4-H President Scholarship

—Stanley Kendrick Memorial Scholarship

—Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Youth Scholarship

—Zephyrhills News Scholarship

—Masters & Warden’s of Florida Mason Scholarship

—VFW Essay Speech Scholarship

—Kohl’s Store & Regional Scholarship

By B.C. Manion

When Pasco County public school teachers and students return to school in the fall, they’ll see new faces on administrative teams.

These are the leadership shifts in Central and East Pasco schools that were recommended by Superintendent Heather Fiorentino and approved by the school board:

—Wendy Lane has been promoted from her post as assistant principal at Woodland Elementary, in Zephyrhills, to become principal of West Zephyrhills Elementary.

—Vaughnette Chandler has been promoted from her post as assistant principal at Denham Oaks Elementary, in Lutz, to become principal at Double Branch Elementary, in Wesley Chapel.

—Wendy Carswell from assistant principal at Connerton Elementary, in Land O’ Lakes, to assistant principal at Denham Oaks Elementary, in Lutz.

—Claudia Steinacher from assistant principal at Odessa Elementary to assistant principal at Connerton Elementary, in Land O’ Lakes.

—Heidi Morris from assistant principal at Pasco Elementary, in Dade City, to assistant principal at Sunray Elementary, in Holiday.

—Rick Saylor from principal of Moore-Mickens Education Center, in Dade City, to principal of Centennial Middle School, in Dade City.

—Jackson “Buff” Johnson from principal of R. B. Stewart Middle, in Zephyrhills, to principal of Moore-Mickens Education Center, in Dade City.

—Shae Davis from principal of Weightman Middle, in Wesley Chapel, to principal of R.B. Stewart Middle, in Zephyrhills.

—Kathy Leeper from assistant principal at Ridgewood High, New Port Richey, to assistant principal at Land O’ Lakes High.

—Marcy Maxwell from assistant principal at Wesley Chapel High to assistant principal at Land O’ Lakes High.

—Steve Page from assistant principal at Land O’ Lakes High to assistant principal at Gulf High’s International Baccalaureate Program, in New Port Richey.

The board also approved these administrative appointments recommended by Fiorentino:

—Angela Anglin-Porterfield, district supervisor of pre-kindergarten

—Nena Green, assistant principal at Pasco Elementary in Dade City

—Deborah Collins and Myra Croft as assistant principals at John Long Middle in Wesley Chapel

—John Thomas, assistant principal at Odessa Elementary

—Diane Vitello, assistant principal at Watergrass Elementary in Wesley Chapel

—Timothy Light, assistant principal at Wesley Chapel High

—Susan Lepisto, assistant principal at Pine View Middle in Land O’ Lakes

—Traci Bruno, assistant principal at Weightman Middle in Wesley Chapel