Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Kyle LoJacono

One family is almost single handedly making the Freedom track and field team a top contender at every distance event — the Tedescos.

Annie, a sophomore, is the oldest of the running Tedesco sisters, followed closely on the track by freshman triplets Emily, Gabriella and Kristina.

“They give us a chance in every distance event they run in,” said Patriots track and field and cross country coach Dwight Smith. “They were a big part of the cross country team this year too, which was the first girls team at the school to make it to states.”

With the Tedescos, Freedom cross country finished as the Class 4A-District 6 runner-up. Annie finished the 5-kilometer state course in 20:48.38, good enough for 80th overall.

“Cross country doesn’t really get a lot of credit,” Annie said. “This year was the first time Freedom has gotten to states, so it’s nice to kind of put Freedom on the map.”

Emily also ran at the state cross country meet, placing 158th by posting a 23:20.91.

“It felt good because the athletic director and the principal called us down to the conference room to congratulate us on getting to states,” Emily said. “It made it seem like we really did matter and were making a difference for the school by bringing some recognition.”

Gabriella and Kristina ran junior varsity cross country this year and will likely move up to varsity in the fall, but they are already making contributions running the 1,600- and 3,200-meter events this track season, respectively.

“The feeling of getting better is so powerful,” Kristina said. “It just feels really good. I want to be the fastest.”

Annie is competing in the 4×800-meter relay along with the 1,600 and 3,200. Emily is running the 800 and 1,600.

“What I learned fast is they all have very different personalities,” Smith said. “They all look alike and they actually run exactly the same, but they’re very different personalities. They all bring something different to the team.”

Annie first picked up distance running because her parents and other relatives ran 5Ks, so it was natural for the triplets to do the same.

“Whenever coach (Smith) would see us at Annie’s meets last year he would say ‘so you guys are coming out next year,’” Gabriella said. “It’s kind of just expected for us to run too. It’s fun, so that helps.”

Annie couldn’t pick one reason why she enjoys distance running.

“It’s great having everyone cheering for you while you’re running,” Annie said. “It’s also fun trying to beat your own times. Our team is really close, so it’s great to be a part of that too.”

Emily said the team atmosphere is what she most enjoys.

“It’s just you and you’re trying to improve yourself, but even though track is individual in events the whole team is really close,” Emily said. “We’re like one big family.”

Kristina has the most individualistic view of running.

“For me I’m most competitive with myself,” Kristina said. “I’m mostly just trying to beat what I’ve previously done. If I do better, then my whole team does better, so that’s what I focus on. We feed off of each other’s success.”

The Tedescos and Freedom will compete at the Fifth Annual Spruce Creek Invitational, 801 Taylor Road in Port Orange, on Saturday, March 10 at 8 a.m.

Laying groundwork for more connected Pasco

By Kyle LoJacono

Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) opened a new way for increased east-west travel this week with the rolling out of its new Route 54.

Buses will make stops along SR 54/SR 56 from the Medical Center of Trinity to Zephyrhills City Hall weekday mornings and evenings to help move people across the county. Major stops include The Shops at Wiregrass, The Grove of Wesley Chapel and Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

It is the first time Pasco has had cross-county bus service. PCPT manager Mike Carroll said his department has been receiving requests for such a route for the last six to seven years.

“PCPT had only focused on major north-south roadways like US 19, US 41 and US 301 because that’s how people traditionally moved in the county,” Carroll said. “In recent years there have been an increased number of people going across the county for their jobs or just for entertainment.”

Carroll said the two major malls in Wesley Chapel have spurred increased travel from west and far east Pasco inward. In addition, the opening of the Medical Center of Trinity brought more jobs to the west end of SR 54.

“We want to move the most people with our buses,” Carroll said. “Bringing people to the hospital and to the malls is a big reason for the new service.”

County Administrator John Gallagher said the county plans to add additional stops, such as at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel once it opens late this year.

“We’re trying to tie the whole county together as one community, and this will help us start to do that,” Gallagher said.

The cost for a one-day pass for Route 54 is $3.75.

“That’s about what a gallon of gas costs,” Carroll said.

Carroll said the county intends to buy two new large buses and hire two new full-time bus drivers to run the route. Additional part-time employees will also be brought on board.

Buses will arrive at each stop along the route about every two hours. Carroll said the frequency would increase as buses are added in the future.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) also sees the SR 54/SR 56 corridor as a critical route for moving people.

FDOT is spending $225,000 each year until 2016 to help fund Route 54, said department spokeswoman Kris Carson. Carroll estimates the operating cost to be $380,000 to $420,000 annually.

FDOT is also conducting a study of the SR 54/SR 56 corridor between New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel to decide what other measures would help move traffic. Options include creating lanes devoted to express bus service or for carpoolers.

For more information on PCPT’s bus routes, visit www.ridepcpt.com.

 

 

Christian Brothers Automotive has nine service bays.

 

Change in car repair culture

Christian Brothers Automotive is now open at 23650 Venezia Drive in Land O’ Lakes, offering car repair with comfort. The nearly 5,000-square-foot location includes an upscale lobby with a home-charm décor that features leather couches, decorative lighting, artwork and hardwood floors. Customers can enjoy free Wi-Fi as their vehicle is serviced in one of nine service bays. Larry Giannone, who co-owns the shop with his wife Cindy, said he was honored to become a small business owner with the nationally known company, which has 95 locations.

“We want to be a light in our community where customers can depend on us for their automotive needs,” he said.

Christian Brothers Automotive provides full-service automotive diagnostic testing and evaluation, maintenance programs and repair work for all domestic and foreign vehicles at each location. All Christian Brothers Automotive facilities are staffed with automotive service excellence (ASE) certified technicians. The Giannones’ franchise, in Terra Bella, near SR 54 and Livingston Avenue, is the first in Florida.

For more information, call (813) 949-0100 or visit http://www.cbac.com/store/terra-bella

 

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Business is blooming

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a free Business Expo and Taste of the Town Friday, March 9 from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway. Taste of the Town runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (813) 909-2722.

 

Work from home

The Service Corps of Retired Executives, SCORE, will hold a seminar on “Starting a Home Business” on Wednesday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City. For more information, call (727) 842-4638.

 

Books for Troops

Books for Troops won a $1,000 donation in Precision Kia of Wesley Chapel’s “Pay it Forward” contest. Books for Troops chairman Patricia Murphy of the New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club said the project began Oct. 1 with a goal of collecting 1,000 books to ship to troops but ended up collecting 6,356. So far, 5,000 books have been shipped and the donation from Wesley Chapel Kia will allow 2,500 more to be shipped. For more information, visit www.gfwcnewtampajuniors.org.

 

Bouncing around

Stop by and meet the new owners of Jump-in, an indoor inflatable party center. Jump-in hosts birthday parties, private parties and field trips, and features five indoor inflatables, climate controlled arena, video games and two party rooms. Jump-in is open in the mornings and afternoons for open bounce and special events. For more information, call (813) 788-3484 or visit www.jumpinfun.net.

 

Change at the helm

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce board of directors announces the departure of Executive Director Kathy Dunkley, with appreciation for her 15 years of service. Chamber President Dennis Esber said questions can be emailed to the chamber office at

 

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Commercial Realtors get liaison at Pasco EDC

Tom Ryan is the new economic development manager for the Pasco Economic Development Council, responsible for working with the commercial real estate community to bring new developments, businesses and jobs to Pasco County. He will inform developers of cash incentives, fast permitting and opportunities available in Pasco. Ryan views the EDC as a local resource, adding, “We have a big toolbox.”

Ryan’s experience includes 16 years in commercial real estate in Central Ohio. He said he is excited to work on Pasco County’s behalf: “Our economy is improving and now is the time for new and existing businesses to plan for the future.”

 

Time to network

The East Pasco Networking Group has lined up speakers for several meetings. On Tuesday, March 13, Republican candidate for sheriff Mike Foxx will speak. On Tuesday, March 27, the speaker will Steve Van Gordon, principal of Zephyrhills High, president-elect of the Zephyrhills chamber and candidate for Zephyrhills mayor. The April 10 speaker is not set, but on Tuesday, April 24, school board district 2 candidate Joanne Hurley will speak. The starting time is 8:30 a.m. at the Village Inn, 5414 Gall Blvd.

 

Stone Creek sales

Mobley Homes has launched sales for the final phase of six townhomes in Stone Creek, a neighborhood of 78 townhomes off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in New Tampa. Stone Creek offers three floor plans ranging from 1,239 to 1,552 square feet from the mid-$100s. The designs – all with water or nature views – provide two and three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and one- or two-car garages. The sales office is 19221 Stone Hedge Drive. For more information call (813) 293-1533 or (813) 416-6579.

 

Hillsborough hires

economic development director

Hillsborough County has hired Ronald D. Barton as director of economic development. As executive director for Jacksonville’s Economic Development Commission, Barton was instrumental in attracting more than 6,400 jobs and $514 million in capital investment. Barton also has worked for the city of St. Petersburg as director of economic development and property management, and as a partner in real estate and hospitality consulting with KPMG. He holds a bachelor of science in real estate from Florida State University, and an MBA with an emphasis on economics from the University of North Florida. He starts March 5 at a salary of $125,000.

 

Medical assistant hired

Julia Barile has been appointed medical assistant for Florida Cancer Affiliates, a newly formed, community-based medical oncology and hematology practice. Barile comes from Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope, where she served as a medical assistant and phlebotomist. FCA is a partner of Moffitt Cancer Center and The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks.

 

 

Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

The speaker at this month’s Pasco Alliance of Community Associations meeting will share his expertise on amending homeowner or condo association bylaws and declarations.

James R. De Furio, a Tampa attorney, will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8, at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. De Furio is a partner in the firm of Cianfrone & De Furio and represents condominium associations, homeowner associations, recreational facilities, and other non-profit corporations that administer commonly owned property.

The Pasco Alliance of Community Associations is a not-for-profit organization, which includes 71 Pasco County homeowner associations, community development districts and condominium associations.

But Sierra Club says developers must “build responsibly”

 

By B.C. Manion

 

News of a potential outlet mall in Wesley Chapel is being greeted warmly by some, but is not yet being embraced by environmentalists.

Pasco County Administrator John Gallagher said he recently spoke with representatives of Simon Property Group and The Richard E. Jacobs Group about plans for an outlet mall on a portion of the Cypress Creek Town Center site near Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel.

Simon Property Group, the world’s largest outlet-mall developer, is interested in developing an upscale outlet center, Gallagher said.

The Richard E. Jacobs Group owns the site just north of the Hillsborough County line, which was approved for Cypress Creek Town Center in 2007 but has since been mired in legal controversy over environmental concerns.

Gallagher said representatives told him they’re waiting for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reissue a permit for the project, and they asked to proceed with submitting site plans while they await approval.

“I told them yes,” Gallagher said, noting the representatives said they would not add density or intensity to the project.

The developers did not respond to requests for information.

The outlet mall would add to the county’s tax base, bring in sales tax revenues and generate jobs, Gallagher said.

Another plus? “It rounds out the shopping experience in that area,” he said, noting an outlet center would likely draw from a 50- to 60-mile area.

Greg Lenners, general manager of The Shops at Wiregrass, said the proposed outlet center could be a fine addition to the neighborhood.

“I think it will be good,” Lenners said. He thinks the outlet center would attract more shoppers from outlying communities and complement what The Shops at Wiregrass offers.

Noting that his mall already is well established, Lenners said the proposed outlet would enhance Wesley Chapel’s position in the market.

“I think it’s really going to put Wesley Chapel on the map,” Lenners said.

J.D. Porter, whose family owns thousands of acres and has played a prominent role in shaping the area’s development, said he has talked with county officials about the prospect.

“I think it’s real,” Porter said.

Both The Jacobs Group, which owns the Cypress Creek Town Center site, and Simon Property Group are known for quality projects, Porter said.

Gallagher said representatives told him they expect about half of the developable land to be used for an outlet mall and the other half to be used for Cypress Creek Town Center.

Jeff Miller, chairman of the Wesley Chapel Economic Development Committee, said an outlet mall “would make Wesley Chapel a destination for multiple opportunities for shopping.”

Miller said he’s excited and optimistic, but he had those feelings before the mall became mired in environmental issues.

Cypress Creek Town Center received a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers in 2007, but has been embroiled in a legal battle since then.

Now that a new party may enter the picture, there may be a better chance to resolve environmental issues, said Denise Layne, of the Sierra Club of Tampa Bay.

“Sometimes a new person will bring a new perspective. I’m very hopeful. Never has it been the Sierra Club’s position to stop the mall,” said Layne, who is chairwoman of the Cypress Creek Town Center Project for the environmental organization.

The Sierra Club wants the developer to “build responsibly,” she said.  “They must have a wildlife corridor run through their property.”

Unless an agreement can be reached, Layne said, “nothing is going anywhere anytime soon. There is no permit to build right now.”

The environmental issue that remains unresolved involves the eastern indigo snake.

A federal court ruling on Nov. 17 affirmed in part, reversed in part and remanded a previous district ruling in a case involving the Sierra Club and the U.S. Corps of Engineers.

The court rejected the Sierra Club’s claims that the U.S. Corps of Engineers improperly examined the impacts to wetland and waterways. But the court found that the Corps and the developer failed to address the impact to the eastern indigo snake, a threatened species.

In its ruling, the U.S. District Court of Appeals cited Kenneth Dodd, a herpetologist for the Office of Endangered Species, who said the site is an important “wildlife corridor” linking protected areas to the north and south. Dodd noted “movements over large areas of fragmented habitats expose eastern indigo snakes to increased road mortality.”

“Everybody in the county is a winner,” hotelier says

 

By B.C. Manion

 

Pasco County appeared poised early this week to sign a deal that would keep a national lacrosse tournament in Wesley Chapel for four more years.

The county had been at risk of losing the tournament and its $3 million impact on the local economy, but apparently has worked out a deal with ADP Lacrosse, which manages the event.

“Happy, happy. Joy, joy,” said Jeff Miller, economic development chairman of the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, in reaction to the prospect of keeping the tournament.

News that NDP Lacrosse had reached a four-year agreement with the county was posted on its website, but the Pasco County Commission was not scheduled to vote on the contract until Tuesday, March 6.

County officials worked hard last week to keep the event, known as Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions, in Pasco County.

IMG Academies, an elite athletic training facility in Bradenton, had offered a number of enticements, including $40,000 compared to a maximum of $25,000 in the county’s contract, to attract the event. IMG also has 17 fields at one location versus 14 fields at two locations in Wesley Chapel.

“We did receive a compelling bid to bring the event down to Bradenton by IMG,” said Brian Tatum, director of operations for NDP Lacrosse. “The field quality at IMG is spectacular. It’s a multinational corporation that doesn’t do anything second-rate.”

In the end, however, “everyone in that area (Pasco County) got together to put their best foot forward” to keep the national tournament, he said.

“They were able to beat IMG’s offer,” Tatum said, but the county stepped up in other ways, too, Tatum said.

The county pledged to provide the infrastructure needed for web streaming of tournament games. It also promised more fields to address the tournament’s growth.

The deal also gives NDP the ability to strike deals with more hotels that would be affiliated with the tournament. Those hotels would provide a rebate to the tournament organizers, Tatum said.

The percentage of those rebates is not known because negotiations have not yet occurred, Tatum said.

Other factors also played into the decision, Tatum said.

For one thing, NDP Lacrosse appreciates the solid track record with Pasco County and the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association, Tatum said. “It’s been a great relationship.”

The tournament, held in Wesley Chapel since 2008, draws about 80 teams from the United States and Canada.

Staff at the nearby Dick’s Sporting Goods retail store, at The Grove, also expressed a strong desire to keep the event in Wesley Chapel, Tatum said.

The proximity of Saddlebrook Resort, an internationally known destination with tennis, golf and spa facilities, also played into the decision, Tatum said. Many of the teams and families traveling to the tournament stay at Saddlebrook. The resort takes on an atmosphere similar to an Olympic village, with so many lacrosse players hanging out there.

When Todd Patrick, sales director at Hampton Inn & Suites, Tampa-Wesley Chapel, heard about NDP’s announcement, he responded: “Everybody in the county is a winner.”

Miller agreed: “We’re very excited. This is a boon to Wesley Chapel and Pasco County.”

Having the event in Wesley Chapel has short-term and long-term benefits, Miller said.

In addition to full hotels and busier shops and restaurants, the tournament also increases Wesley Chapel’s national exposure, giving the community a chance to show off its strengths to a wider audience, which may entice more companies and people to move to