Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Multiple reasons cause budget shortfall

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

In an economic climate where people are trying to save every penny, Tampa Bay Water is proposing an 8 percent rate increase for water.

The possible increase, which would not take effect until October, would equate to a $1.52 a month for a typical family, or $18.24 a year.

“We use that as an estimation because the average family of four uses about 8,000 gallons each month,” said Michelle Rapp, Tampa Bay Water spokeswoman. “The increase is still being discussed and will be presented to our board of directors on April 19. They will evaluate our budget and then vote on it June 21.”

The nine-member board consists of politicians from Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. One of those members is Pasco Commissioner Ted Schrader.

“I’m reluctant to approve the raise in price,” Schrader said. “As we’ve become more efficient with our spending in the county, so should they. I’d want to see them cut as much as they can before raising prices, so I’m not ready to commit to the increase now.”

Schrader is from Pasco District 1, which covers all of Zephyrhills, Dade City, much of Wesley Chapel and some of northern Land O’ Lakes. He has been on the board since 2000.

“In the past we’d used 100 percent ground water to provide water for the Tampa Bay area, which is our cheapest form or water,” said Koni Cassini, Tampa Bay Water director of finance and administration. “Now we are expanding our surface water use and our budget is being cut by about 7 percent. We’ve cut our expenditures by about $500,000, but that hasn’t made enough difference.”

Cassini said the budget for 2010-11 dropped from $176 million to $163 million. Tampa Bay Water responded by eliminating three staff positions for the next fiscal year.

The switch from mainly ground water to surface water and desalination has increased the regional utility’s costs at a time when its budget is shrinking. But the main reason for the potential budget shortfall is the decreased demand for water, the agency reports.

“People’s conservation has been part of the case, but it’s not all because of that,” Cassini said. “We have also seen a decrease because of the very wet winter. People don’t need to water their lawns or plants because of the recent weather. On top of that the down economy has unfortunately led to many foreclosures and obviously those houses aren’t using any water either.”

Both Schrader and Southwest Florida Water Management District executive director Dave Moore agreed with Cassini reasons as to why the demand for water has decreased.

Tampa Bay Water was formed in 1998 to provide water for the three counties and also for the cities of New Port Richey, Tampa and St. Petersburg.

The agency’s six members buy water together, fund the development of new supplies, share in environmental stewardship and pay the same wholesale water rates, reports the utility’s Web site, www.tampabaywater.org. It provides about 186 million gallons of water each day.

“We are an extension of the member government and are a nonprofit,” Rapp said. “We only pass along our costs to the consumer. We don’t make money beyond what it takes to fund our facilities.”

The increase in price would likely cause people to conserve water even more.

“We know that about half the water used in Florida is used outside,” said Pasco County Extension director B.J. Jarvis. “It comes down to choosing the right plants for the right locations…It’s also important to turn off automatic sprinkler systems after it rains because that not only wastes water, but can also kill the plants.”

Zephyrhills man needs your help to become the next ‘Biggest Loser’

By Sarah Whitman

Senior Staff Writer

At 464 pounds, Zephyrhills resident Ken Gezelman is ready to tackle his biggest enemy: Obesity. He hopes to do so on the reality television show, “The Biggest Loser,” where contestants battle it out to lose the most weight.

The Facebook page “Help get Ken Gezelman on The Biggest Loser” has more than 1,100 fans.

“I’ve had a weight problem all my life and I’m ready to change,” Gezelman said. “I want to be on the show because I’m ready to give up my old habits. It’s scary, but it wouldn’t be a challenge if I wasn’t scared.”

Gezelman, 41, grew up in Addison, Mich. where he said bullies berated him for his size. Both his parents were overweight and family dinners consisted of greasy foods, making it difficult for a young man to stay fit.

Gezelman was 250 pounds when he graduated high school.

“I got picked on a lot, so I had to develop a tough exterior,” Gezelman said. “I became the funny fat guy.”

Gezelman worked odd jobs out of high school, including teaching line dancing. He moved to Zephyrhills in 1999 and soon after went to work as a custodian in the Pasco County school system. He has slowly gained more and more weight.

He has had girlfriends, but said being obese makes it difficult to maintain a serious relationship.

“I’ve always pictured myself married with children but that hasn’t happened because of my weight,” Gezelman said. “It’s definitely a factor when I date.”

Gezelman remembers one date in particular.

“It was at Universal Studios and we went on a water ride,” Gezelman said. “When I went to get off the ride, I couldn’t. I was stuck. Twenty logs backed up behind me while I fought to get out of the ride. It was one of my most embarrassing moments. The woman I was with said she didn’t mind, but I knew it bothered her.”

Gezelman loves roller coasters but can no longer ride them. The seatbelt in his truck doesn’t fit around his waist. His work uniforms won’t button. He has stopped line dancing. He takes medication for diabetes and high blood pressure.

“At this point, it’s a health issue,” he said.

He has attempted to lose weight in the past but has gained it back. A few years ago, he lost 88 pounds; then went back to unhealthy eating and gained back extra pounds. He said food has always been an issue.  He likes to cook and he works nights as a plant manager for West Zephyrhills Elementary, so he eats late.

“Ken has really struggled with his weight,” said West Zephyrhills principal Emily Keene. “He’s tried so many things to lose it, like doing diet programs with the teachers here at the school. This show could be his chance and he’s got the support of the school. Everyone wants him to succeed.”

Gezelman decided to try out for “The Biggest Loser” after watching season eight.

“I was astounded by the contestants and the amount of weight they lost,” he said. “I went to the Tampa auditions and wasn’t automatically picked but they said to send in a video. So, I made a video. They said they wanted contestants to offer something different, which was where I got the idea for the Facebook page and bringing a fan base with me.”

Gezelman’s roommate Denise Fackender is one of many cheering on her friend.

“Ken is the best hearted person I’ve ever met,” Fackender said. “I think he would be great on the show. He truly needs the help. He deserves it.”

The Biggest Loser is known for helping contestants lose drastic amounts of weight. Last season’s winner Danny lost 201 pounds.

“I want to lose at least 200 lbs,” Gezelman said. “I think I can do it.”

The show pairs contestants with professional trainers, health experts and cooks who make losing weight less complicated. Contestants work out rigorously and compete in challenges. Each week, the competitors who lose the least weight are in danger of elimination. The contestants vote to send one person home until the finale, when the winner walks away with $250,00, a new body and a new outlook on life.

“I’m nervous about cutting it on the show, about not being able to lose the weight and letting my supporters down,” Gezelman said. “I’ve been going to the gym to work up my stamina so I’ll be ready.”

Gezelman exercises at The Local Gym in Zephyrhills.

“The community has given me so much support,” Gezelman said. “We started a written petition with signatures for people just in Zephyrhills and I have over 300 signatures from people who want me to make it on the show.”

Fackender thinks he would be a season 10 favorite.

“He’s such a great guy,” she said. “He’s charismatic and funny. He charms people.”

Keene agrees.

“He’s such a kind man and he’s always willing to help others,” she said. “He deserves to be on the show.”

Gezelman said the show hasn’t announced when producers will decide on season 10 contestants. He hopes to know soon. Whether or not he makes it, he intends to lose the weight.

He has dreams of riding roller coasters, dancing until sunrise and sharing his life with someone special.

“There are so many things I want to do but can’t because of my weight,” he said. “I want to lose the weight to see my dreams come true.”

To support Ken, become a fan on his Facebook page.

By Sarah Whitman

Senior Staff Writer

One thing’s for sure, there’s no shortage on Easter eggs this year.

So tell the kids to grab a basket and get going. It’s time to hunt.

First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., has a free egg hunt from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 3. The event will include a petting zoo, a cupcake decorating table, games, snacks and a family sack race.

Children will be divided into age groups for the main event.

“There will be over 1200 eggs and the big kids won’t be hunting with the little ones,” said Tonya Stout, director of children’s ministries. “The kids will collect eggs and turn them in for a goody bag filled with candy and prizes. It’s better that way because we can have chocolate candy and it doesn’t melt.”

Children may be surprised to find three golden eggs mixed in the bunch.

“They can be traded in for a special prize,” Stout said. “There will be three for every age group.”

Close by on US 41, families are invited to a jellybean jamboree and spring harvest from 10 a.m. to noon at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be an egg scramble for children 10 and under, children’s games, a moonwalk and a visit from the Easter bunny. The spring harvest will feature vendors from the Land O’ Lakes Saturday Market, craft vendors and other booths. Admission is free.

“This is our first year combining our farmer’s market and the jelly bean jamboree,” said Mike Walcott, recreation supervisor at the community center. “There will be lots of things to do and see. The vendors will have games for the kids and be handing out candy. There will be things for adults too.”

Lutz residents will want to stop by Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, for an extravaganza, also beginning at 10 a.m. April 3. The event combines the spiritual message of Easter with popular holiday traditions.

“There’ll be a small service for the kids then an egg hunt, face painting, hot dogs and popcorn,” said Cathy Wirt, ministry coordinator. “It’s a day for fellowship and fun.”

There’s more fun at the Museum of Science and Industry, where eggs will be hunted, dropped and catapulted beginning at 9 a.m. for children 13 and under. The egg drop is at 10 a.m., the toss at 11 a.m. and the DaVinci inspired catapult at noon. All events will be supervised. Eggspo is included with general admission to MOSI.  There will be sweet treats for free.

In Wesley Chapel, Victorious Life Church will host three egg hunts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 3 at Angus Valley, Pasco Woods Apartments and the Shops at Wiregrass. Take pictures with the Easter bunny, search for eggs and enjoy a story time featuring some of Aesop’s famous fables at Wiregrass.

“We’ll have 76,000 eggs spread out through all three events,” said Devon Dougherty, outreach coordinator. “They will all be candy filled.”

For parents worried about their kids getting too many sugary snacks, why not take the family to a different kind of egg hunt. Lowry Park Zoo will hide eggs for its orangutan to find at 11 a.m. April 2. The annual event is included with zoo admission.

So, go on, make this Easter great and spend it with your neighbors. Just don’t forget your baskets.

By Suzanne Schmidt

Staff Writer

It is the first day of school and children step off the bus with their brand new backpacks full of supplies, but some children come to school empty handed.

Many times children can get supplies from the school, but to get the supplies they have to ask the teacher. Already the students around them have noticed there is something different about them and the damage has been done.

Anna Fulk, coordinator for Projects of Pasco, is on a mission to make sure children in Pasco County do not have to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Through her organization she supplies children in need with brand new backpacks filled with school supplies just in time for the school year.

“Bullying starts the moment children step onto school property or the bus,” Fulk said. “When they arrive and they have no backpack, that is when the bullying starts. It is very degrading for children to go to school without anything at all. They get teased that they don’t even have a nickel to buy a pencil.”

In order to indentify students needing help, she sends out thousands of applications to schools in Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Lacoochee and San Antonio.

It costs money to print these applications and they have to be done soon. For $600, West Gate Printing in Zephyrhills will print 3,000 applications.

“I am praying right now to get the money for the applications,” Fulk said. “These applications go to all the schools for the children to take home to their parents. The parents fill them out and the students bring them back in. We use these to know who qualifies for the supplies. I have to get them in and back before school ends for the summer.”

Fulk will start collecting school supplies in June. She keeps collecting until almost the last day possible right before school.

“It creates a sense of pride when these children can go to school with everything they need to get an education,” Fulk said. “I don’t get all the stuff the teachers want like the Kleenex and paper towels. I only get things that will help with their education like paper, pens, pencils, glue, scissors, rulers and markers.”

Every year the amount of children in need increases.

“The organization helped 196 children in August 2007,” Fulk said. “In August 2008, we helped 1,150 children. Last year, we helped 1,396 children. Every year the need increases, but the money does not.”

The most money she has been able to raise is $7,000. Currently she only has $120. Even though Fulk buys all her supplies on sale, she is still struggling to get enough supplies for the children.

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff Writer

The Fourth of July is three months away, but community leaders have already started the process of planning the Lutz Independence Day celebration.

One of the persisting questions has been what the new fees to use Hillsborough County parks will do to the event, but those have been answered.

“The parade will go on like normal and things should go as they always have been,” said Phyllis Hoedt of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club Inc. “We’ve been told by the county that we can use the facilities without having to pay the fees.”

The celebration, which is July 3 at Bullard Park next to the Lutz Train Depot, was in question after Hillsborough imposed fees last October to use any county buildings or parks. These facilities include Bullard Park, the train depot and the Lutz Community Center.

The fee is $20 for a nonprofit organization to use one of the parks or buildings for one hour and $40 for other groups. The new fees forced the women’s club and the Lutz Civic Association to cancel Christmas in the Park last year.

The first planning meeting for the event was March 17 at the Old Lutz Schoolhouse on US 41. Besides civic leaders, two county agents attended the meeting representing Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation and Public Works departments. The county is an official sponsor of the event and will be providing support for the celebration.

“They have offered to loan us all necessary supplies,” said Lutz Guv’na Suzin Carr, who has lived in Lutz for nearly eight years. “However, they will most likely not be able to assist with much personnel. They will update their position for the April meeting (April 15).”

The county will not be able to assign many staff members to support the event because recent budget cuts forced the elimination of the Hillsborough’s special events crew.

“We have tremendous need for volunteers to help set up bleachers, tables, chairs, tents, cones and barricades on July 2,” Carr said. “We will also need some volunteers to take part in county sponsored training of barricades setup safety. We need people to help take down all the mentioned items as well. There will be jobs available for every aspect of the festivities and we welcome all willing hands.”

Those interested in volunteering should e-mail Carr at .

The day’s events will begin with the Lutz Independence Day 5K (five kilometers or 3.1 miles) at 8 a.m. Terry Donovan has been helping organize the race since it started in 1985.

“I’ve run in every race and I’m very happy that we’ll be able to close the roads and use the buildings to cool off after,” said Donovan who has lived in Lutz since 1970. “We wouldn’t be able to do the race without the support of the parks department.”

Donovan is looking for local businesses who want to sponsor the race.

“It costs $250 to be a sponsor and that will get the business’ name on our T-shirts that people will see all day at the celebration,” Donovan said. “We’d like to include all the Lutz businesses and we’d also like to see all of Lutz running too.”

One of the highlights of the celebration is the naming of the new Guv’na.

“The Guv’na is a mainly ceremonial position and the race is a ‘fun’ fundraiser,” said Eleanor Cecil, member of the civic association. “We say it’s the only honest campaign because we tell everyone up front it is all about who raises the most money. We make no bones about it and people get to vote for who they want by donating to their campaign.”

Cecil, who has lived in Lutz for 11 years, said she has already received interest from several people who want to run for Guv’na.

“We can always use more people to run because the more people that do the more money we can raise,” Cecil said. “All the money goes to various nonprofit groups in the Lutz area.”

To be eligible for the position, people need to either work or live in Lutz. Those interested in running for Guv’na should call Cecil at (813) 727-7549 as soon as possible.

The Fourth of July parade’s start time has yet to be set, but those interested in having a float should call Shirley Simmons of the women’s club at (813) 949-7060.

“It is an amazing showcase of community spirit and what is possible when people work together,” said Carr of the celebration.

Those interested in learning more about the event can attend the next planning meeting at 7 p.m. April 15 at the Old Lutz Schoolhouse.