The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Andrew Powell

Florida bases could receive more than $1B in new defense spending bill

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(The Center Square) — Florida military bases could receive more than a billion dollars for construction projects if the new 2025 defense budget becomes law.

The National Defense Authorization Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 13. Before it becomes law, it must pass the Senate and receive President Joe Biden’s signature.

Key West Naval Air Station, which hosts the U.S. Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School on Trumbo Point, would receive a total of $457 million from the Army’s construction budget. The station would receive another $90 million for a new Joint Inter-Agency Task Force-South command and control facility.

(Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas V. Huynh/U.S. Navy)

Navy military construction and land acquisition includes a $221.06 million appropriation for the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Space Force has been allocated $11.4 million for Cape Canaveral to expand construction, water mains and acquire land, while $81 million has been allocated to the base for an engineering test facility.

Another $69.4 million has been allocated for the Marine Corps Support Facility on Blount Island near Jacksonville. The project includes a lighterage and a small craft facility. A further $10.1 million would go toward a command communications center and infrastructure upgrades.

Naval Air Station Jacksonville would receive $35.7 million for an F-35 aircraft engine repair facility and $6.8 million for a child development center.

The bill also allocates $98.5 million for the Whiting Field advanced helicopter training system hangar for the new TH-73 Thrasher training helicopter.

The bill also states that there are certain projects that were authorized in 2020 that have been extended into the 2025 fiscal year budget, which includes a deployment center, flight line dining and a new exchange at the Tyndall Air Force Base. This project has been allocated $43 million.

Another $14 million was allocated to Hurlburt Field, a U.S. Air Force military installation located in Okaloosa County that hosts the Air Force Special Operations Command’s headquarters and the 1st Special Operations Wing.

Jacksonville International Airport has $26.2 million for the Air National Guard for land acquisition and construction projects, including F-35 consolidated weapons training. The 125th Fighter Wing of the Florida Air National Guard will convert from the aging F-15C Eagle to the new F-35s later this year.

The bill further lays out plans to repair Naval Air Station Pensacola. It states that the Secretary of the Navy should develop and implement a plan for the repair or replacement of facilities the secretary deems damaged by Hurricane Sally in 2020.

The Secretary of the Navy is also responsible for producing cost estimates for the project, which includes a new hangar and other infrastructure repairs, as well as any future plans for demolition projects necessary to support military construction.

Published July 24, 2024

Data: Florida’s electricity rates are competitive with neighboring states

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(The Center Square) — Data from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) and the federal government show the state’s electricity rates remain competitive with other states.

Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL), the largest electricity supplier in the Sunshine State with over 12 million accounts statewide, has the lowest rates of all of Florida’s providers. FPL charges an average of $121.19 per month for 1,000 kilowatt hours of use.

Second is the former Gulf Power, now part of FPL, which charges $135.39 per month for 1,000 kWh.

(Roger W, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Tampa Electric is in the middle of the pack. Its residential customers in Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas and Pasco Counties have an average monthly bill of $136.44 for 1,000 kWh.

Duke Energy Florida has almost 2 million customers statewide and charges an average of $157.47 per month for residential customers using 1,000 kWh. The Florida Public Utilities Company is the most expensive provider, charging an average of $165.98 for 1,000 kWh.

Some customers could possibly see an increase, however, as Duke Energy Florida and the Tampa Electric Company have filed petitions with the PSC to raise their respective base rates from January 1, 2025. The PSC will make a decision at a final hearing in August.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Florida’s residential rates for residential customers dropped from 15.75 cents per kWh in April 2023 to 14.65 cents per kWh in April 2024.

Florida’s rates remain competitive compared to neighboring states. Georgia’s residential customer per-kWh pricing rose from 13.30 cents in April 2023 to 14.10 cents per kWh. Alabama residential customers had a rate of 14.49 cents per kWh in April 2023, rising to 15.85 cents per kWh in April 2024.

Mississippi’s residential customers also had a price increase between April 2023 and April 2024, climbing from 14.08 cents per kWh to 14.64 cents per kWh.

Some of the highest electricity rates in the U.S. as of April 2024 are in the Northeast and Pacific. Massachusetts utilities charge 29.50 cents per kWh, while Connecticut charges 29.58 cents per kWh. California has a rate of 34.26 cents per kWh and Hawaii has the highest rate of all, charging 45.19 cents per kWh.

Published July 24, 2024

Report: Campaign spending in Florida could top $464M

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(The Center Square) — Despite no longer being a battleground state, a new report projects spending in Florida will top $464 million for this year’s campaign, one of the largest increases over previous predictions.

According to the latest Political Projections Report by AdImpact, Florida has one of the largest projected increases in political spending, almost $69 million. But unlike Maryland, Montana and Ohio, Florida is not considered a state in contention.

The report notes that the increase in the Sunshine State is due to abortion and marijuana initiatives appearing on the ballot on Nov. 5. Florida was fourth behind Maryland with an almost $100 million increase in predicting spending. Montana’s projection has increased by $85 million, and Ohio has increased by $78 million.

(Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Since September 2023, the report points out there have been significant shifts in the political spending landscape, which resulted in substantial updates to state-level spending projections.

California is projected to spend over $1.1 billion on political campaigns, outpacing all other states by a large margin. Arizona is predicted to spend $803 million, followed closely by Pennsylvania with $800 million.

According to the report, the presidential primary was “one of the most significant unknowns,” largely due to the large number of Republican candidates including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. It was anticipated that spending would carry through until a nominee was announced. However, the primary was less competitive and less expensive than was initially anticipated.

By March 12, when former President Trump became the presumptive nominee, Republicans had only spent $300 million. In total, just over $500 million was spent on political advertisements targeting the presidential primary date.

In Florida, $103 million was spent on the presidential primary, ranking 10th out of all 50 states. The largest spending came from battleground states, like Pennsylvania, with $360 million in spending during the presidential primary, tops nationally. Arizona came in second with $299 million, while Georgia came in third with $244 million.

The report notes swing states are most likely to decide the 2024 election. It is expected there will be a 17% increase in spending over the 2020 election, with $2.1 billion projected to be spent.

Published July 24, 2024

Game changers: how technology is revolutionizing the world of sports

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In the modern era, sports are no longer just about natural talent and rigorous training. The integration of advanced technologies is transforming how athletes train, compete and even recover. From wearable tech that monitors performance to virtual reality systems that simulate real-game scenarios, the landscape of sports is undergoing a technological revolution. Here’s a look at some of the most groundbreaking innovations that are changing the game.

Golfer Will Zalatoris wears a Whoop band as he lines up a putt during the first round of the RBC Heritage on April 15, 2021 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Wearable technology: precision monitoring and analytics
Wearable technology, including fitness trackers, smartwatches and specialized sports sensors, has become ubiquitous in professional sports. These devices collect real-time data on an athlete’s performance, including heart rate, speed, distance covered, and even biomechanical metrics. For example, GPS tracking vests used in soccer provide coaches with detailed insights into players’ movements and exertion levels during matches and training sessions.
Example: The Whoop strap, a popular wearable among athletes, tracks not only physical activity but also sleep patterns and recovery metrics. This data helps athletes optimize their training schedules and avoid overtraining, ultimately enhancing performance and reducing injury risk.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): immersive training
VR and AR are transforming training methodologies across various sports. VR allows athletes to simulate game scenarios and practice their responses in a controlled, immersive environment. This technology is particularly useful for sports that require split-second decision-making, such as football and basketball.
Example: NFL teams have started using VR to help quarterbacks practice reading defenses and making quick decisions without the physical wear and tear of on-field practice. Similarly, NBA teams employ AR to visualize shooting trajectories and improve players’ shooting mechanics.

The Houston Astros celebrate winning the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Nov. 1, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Data analytics aided in the victory. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

Data analytics and AI: strategic insights and injury prevention
The application of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) in sports is providing teams with unprecedented strategic insights. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can identify patterns and trends that human analysts might miss. This information is crucial for developing game strategies, player scouting and even predicting opponents’ tactics.
Example: The MLB team Houston Astros famously used data analytics to optimize their player lineups and in-game decisions, contributing to their World Series victory in 2017. In addition, AI-powered platforms like Kitman Labs analyze injury data to help teams develop personalized training regimens that minimize the risk of injuries.

Smart equipment: enhancing performance and safety
Smart equipment, embedded with sensors and connected to the internet, is revolutionizing how athletes interact with their gear. From smart basketballs that track shooting accuracy to smart shoes that analyze running form, this technology provides immediate feedback to athletes, helping them fine-tune their performance.
Example: The Wilson X Connected Basketball integrates a sensor that tracks makes, misses and shot range, allowing players to monitor their shooting performance through a connected app. Similarly, the Nike Adapt BB smart shoes feature self-lacing technology and customizable fit settings, providing athletes with optimal comfort and support.

English rugby player Maro Itoje recovers in a cryotherapy chamber in Bagshot, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Recovery technologies: accelerating healing and enhancing longevity
Advanced recovery technologies are crucial for athletes looking to maintain peak performance and extend their careers. Innovations such as cryotherapy, pneumatic compression devices and electrical muscle stimulation are becoming standard practice in professional sports.
Example: Cryotherapy chambers expose athletes to extremely cold temperatures for short periods, reducing inflammation and accelerating muscle recovery. The NormaTec recovery system, which uses pneumatic compression to massage limbs and improve circulation, is widely used by athletes across various sports to enhance recovery between training sessions.

The integration of these cutting-edge technologies is not just enhancing individual performance but also transforming entire sports. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative solutions that will push the boundaries of what athletes can achieve. From grassroots programs to professional leagues, the adoption of these technologies is democratizing access to high-level training and performance optimization, ensuring that the future of sports is brighter, faster and more exciting than ever.

Published July 24, 2024

Business Digest 07/24/2024

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Florida ranks third in new business starts
A new study by Eton Venture Services reveals Wyoming as the state with the highest rate of business applications, at 7,149 per 100,000 people in 2022, with Delaware ranking second with 4,465, followed by Florida with 2,730, according to a news release. The study used county data from the U.S. Census Bureau to calculate these figures. West Virginia, with only 776 applications per 100,000 people, has the lowest rate. The rest of the top 10 states are Georgia, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Mississippi, Montana and Louisiana. For more information, visit EtonVS.com.

Chiropractor seeks vendors
Terlep Chiropractic, 8466 Northcliffe Blvd., in Spring Hill, is seeking vendors for its annual Back to School Bash scheduled for Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Terlep will provide free school and sports physicals, as well as backpacks while supplies last. No tickets are needed for this community event. Interested vendors should visit the event page on Facebook at bit.ly/4ednPPd. 

Pasco EDC announces awards finalists
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) has announced the finalists for its 36th Annual Awards, honoring businesses in Pasco County for outstanding achievements in economic development, according to a news release. 

The 11 companies selected based on their innovation, economic growth and community impact in 2023 are: BayCare Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, ConGlobal, Crestmark Pharmacy Services, Garyline, Infinity Aero Club, J.T.D. Enterprises Inc., Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition, OpenBuilds, Rocycle LLC, The Lit Advocate, and TRU Simulation + Training Inc.

The awards ceremony, scheduled for Sept. 5, will also recognize individuals, including Avis Phillips and the late Ted Phillips, for their exceptional contributions to economic development. The event, held at the Pasco-Hernando State College IPAC, is a key gathering for Tampa Bay and Pasco County leaders, featuring networking, dinner and the announcement of this year’s winners.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Lutz Guv’na race raises record-setting funds for community

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Three candidates vying for the coveted title of Lutz Guv’na raised more than $36,000 for their community through fundraising efforts.

This is the most ever in the friendly but competitive contest that has been held since the mid-1950s, according to Linda Mitchell, chairwoman of the annual July 4th parade.

Rob Brooklyn succeeded in raising more money than the other two candidates and was named the 2024 Lutz Guv’na. He was presented a colorful sash and a “key to the town” during an inauguration ceremony at the Old Train Depot on Lutz Lake Fern Road following the parade.

Members of the North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron of the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol march down the parade route on July 4. (Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl)

Brooklyn has owned and operated Hardrock Landscape Services in Lutz since 1998.

The winner of the race is able to designate a specific charity in the community to receive 10% of the money they raised. Brooklyn designated the Learning Gate Community School in Lutz as the recipient of those funds.

The other two candidates for Lutz Guv’na were Joanna LaChance and Linda Mitchell — both retired educators.

LaChance is a former Exceptional Student Education (ESE) coordinator who worked for a combined 16 years in Palm Beach and Polk counties, before retiring. She and her husband own and operate the Lutz Pinch A Penny pool store at the intersection of Sunset Lane and U.S. 41. 

Mitchell was an eighth grade language arts teacher at Adams Middle School in Tampa for 25 years before retiring. She is currently the first vice president of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

Paul Vahue, associate pastor for administration at First Baptist Church of Lutz, said the opening prayer at the patriotic event.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 12 and the North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron of the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol conducted a flag ceremony, and Annabelle Depolis sang the National Anthem. Depolis finished in fifth place in the vocal category during the 41st annual Spotlight on Talent held earlier this year at the Wesley Chapel Center for the Arts.

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club proudly display signs on their float indicating their service involvement.

Individuals marched in the parade, along with numerous floats. An estimated few hundred people looked on while enduring the sweltering hot weather. 

Several prizes were awarded at the conclusion of the parade. The category winners were:

  • Best Vehicle – Guv’na candidate Rob Brooklyn
  • Bicycle – West Coast BMX
  • Classic Car – Peyton Rose
  • Commercial Entry – Mission BBQ
  • Golf Cart Entry – The Citizens of the Old Lutz School House
  • Most Patriotic – The Miss Susie Fire Truck
  • Most Spirited – The Lutz Chiefs
  • Themed Entry – Stark Farms
  • Walking Unit – Lutz Family Church
  • Youth Entry – Learning Gate Community School
  • Judge’s Favorite – Elite Ink
  • Grand Marshal’s Choice – First Baptist Church of Lutz

Prizes also were handed out to bakers who showed off their skills in a cake and pie contest. There were 43 entries in the contest, according to Barbara Booth, treasurer of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

Heather Garry’s cake took first place in the category of Adult Best Decorated.

Categories winners in the contest were:

  • Guv’na’s Choice –  Melba Pineiro
  • Adult Best Decorated – Heather Garry, first place; Sarah Robison, second place; and Laura Konga, third place.
  • Adult Best Tasting – Kay Taylor, first; Jeannie Mills, second; and Jan King, third.
  • Youth Best Decorated (11-18) – Jennings May
  • Youth Best Decorated (10 and under) – Nicholas May, first; and Rylee and Dixon Kleme, second.
  • Youth Best Tasting (11-18) – William Leahy
  • Youth Best Tasting (10 and under) – Jake Kosior, first; Juniper Parker, second; and Colette Henderson, third.
  • Most Patriotic (all ages) – Dee-dee Hancock, first; Gloria Russell, second; and Jennifer Rankin, third.
  • Cupcakes Best Decorated (all ages) – Deborah Robison, first; Aribella Grande, second; and Abigail Rankin, third.
  • Best Pie (All ages) – Katelyn Payne, first; Karin D’Amico, second; and Erin Kuma, third.

Activities preceding the parade included an early morning warmup with Jazzercise and a 1-mile fun run and 5K race with awards presented at the Old Train Depot.

Guests could also bid on baked treats at an auction in the air-conditioned comfort of the Lutz Community Center.

Published July 17, 2024

Pasco County seeks to help homeless

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Pasco County plans to close on property July 26 in Holiday,  where a low barrier shelter may be developed to temporarily house homeless people on an emergency basis.

The decision to purchase the 2.18-acre site at 2654 Grand Blvd. and 2706 Grand Blvd. for $775,000 was approved by a unanimous vote of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners during its July 9 meeting. 

Sarah Alway (with plaque) receives her Innovator of the Year award during a commission meeting. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

There is currently a 5,792-square-foot building on the property Rosemary J. Billingsley has agreed to sell to Pasco County. The proposed purpose of that building will be to provide a place where homeless residents can do their dining, laundry and other activities, according to Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services. 

However, it’s not clear if that building will be able to be used, due to a  significant amount of renovations that need to be made,  according to Andrew Baxter, the county’s facilities management director.

It might be necessary to demolish the existing building on the property and construct a new one that could serve as a community center for homeless people who are temporarily living at the shelter, Pearson said. 

A timeline for the development of the actual homeless shelter hasn’t been set.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds will be used to purchase the property. The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development has provided those funds to the county, according to Pearson.

The closing date of July 26 has been set to purchase the property so the county may use CDBG money allocated for the current fiscal year.

A Request for Proposals will eventually be advertised by Pasco County to find a not-for-profit organization to operate the homeless shelter.

It is hoped that up to 50 pallet homes can be placed on the property, according to Pearson.

“A pallet home is often much like it sounds: a small house built with pallets,” according to an online article on the House Digest website. “However, as this initiative continues to develop, the name has come to reference houses that happen to be shipped on pallets but are manufactured with materials that can withstand the elements. 

“Durable materials such as aluminum and reinforced plastics ensure that these homes can last for well over 10 years and serve as many people as possible.”

It would be good, said Pearson, if the pallet homes — also known by some as tiny homes — that were placed on the property on Grand Boulevard would enable residents to dine and do their own laundry, too. 

In other business, commissioners:

  • Recognized Sarah Alway as the 2024 Dan Webster Youth Innovator of the Year. Alway has received three promotions during the two-and-a-half years she has worked for the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC). 

Formed in 1987, (Pasco EDC) is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes countywide economic development, and continues to be a strong partnership funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County.  It’s the lead economic development organization dedicated to the overall growth and prosperity of Pasco County through the development of a sustainable and diversified economy. 

Alway received a $5,000 scholarship as a result of receiving the award. Alway said she would use that money to pay for additional classes she needs to take to achieve the designation of certified economic developer (CEcD). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Science in Economic Development, and also serves on several different committees and advisory boards.  

  • Recognized Patrice Monaco-McBride for her accomplishments during the 15 years she has worked for the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office. A resolution the commissioners adopted said, in part:

“Ms. Monaco-McBride has been an integral part of the Office of the Clerk & Comptroller, and has developed and maintained, in an ever-changing environment, a highly effective and efficient Inspector General Department built on professionalism and integrity. Ms. Monaco-McBride’s expertise and organizational knowledge in the performance of her duties had a positive impact on the operations of the Board of County Commissioners and the Office of the Clerk & Comptroller.”

She started working for the clerk’s office on Sept. 15, 2008. Her retirement will be effective on July 19.  

  • Received a proposed budget submitted by Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells for fiscal year 2024-2025 requesting $7,966,85 for his department for the new fiscal year that will begin Oct. 1, 2024 and end on Sept. 30, 2025. This is a proposed increase of $443,856, or 5.9%, over the budget of $7,523,002 that Wells’ office has for the current fiscal year ending on Sept. 30.
  • Agreed to amend an agreement to a contract with B.R.W. Contracting Inc. for work the company will be doing for the Old Pasco Road improvements project. Pasco County will be paying B.R.W. a grand total of $29,761,758.27. The amendment, which added $7,778,717.83 to the contract, is to extend the construction of a four-lane urban typical section with 5-foot bicycle lanes on both sides, a 6-foot sidewalk on the west side, and a 12-foot multi-use path on the east side to the Coyote Way/Sedgeway Boulevard intersection, which is an increase of approximately 0.70 miles. “The extension provides connected pedestrian and bicycle facilities and needed roadway capacity to the Cypress Creek school campus, improving safety for all roadway users,” according to a county memo. “The amendment results in substantial time and cost savings to the county by precluding the need for a separate solicitation for the shorter additional length of road.”

Published July 17, 2024

Better Business Bureau offers tips for safe online shopping in July

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The annual sales of big-name retailers often take place in July. More deals are great for consumers and more people out shopping is great for businesses large and small. Just be careful. Don’t get so caught up in the excitement that you fall for phishing scams, misleading advertisements and look-alike websites. 

The Better Business Bureau offers these tips for online shopping during July:

  • Research the seller or retailer. Before you buy, check customer reviews of the product(s) you’re interested in purchasing and do some research on the retailer. Be sure you can find contact information for the seller. Look up the retailer on BBB.org to see if they are BBB Accredited and check out their profile to read customer reviews. 
  • Watch for email and text phishing attempts that appear to come from a popular retailer. Phishing increases during busy shopping days. These messages may claim you have a gift waiting for you or that there is a problem with delivery. Know what you’ve opted in and out of before you click. When making many purchases, track your purchase, where it’s from and any tracking numbers. Watch out for fake package delivery text messages and don’t click on any links that you receive that seem suspicious. 
  • Watch out for social media ads. You may come across lookalike websites that, at first glance, appear to belong to a trusted retailer. But looking more closely at the URL, you’ll notice that the domain name is slightly different (i.e., Instead of Popularstore.com, the URL might be PopvlarStore.com or PopularStoreOnline.com). Ensure websites use the correct business name spelling and have legitimate contact information and customer service numbers. Also, trust your gut when evaluating deals. If a company claims to sell the hottest item of the year at a super low price, it’s probably untrue. 
  • Beware of look-alike websites: Check the URL, watch for bad grammar, research the age of the domain, search for contact information and read online reviews. 
  • Professional photos do not mean it’s a real offer. Photos can be stolen from other websites, so don’t believe what you see. If logos or other images on the website appear blurry, take that as a red flag for a scam. 
  • Make sure the website is secure. Look for the “HTTPS” in the URL (the extra “s” is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar. Never enter payment or personal information into a website with only “HTTP.” It is not secure. 
  • Be careful when purchasing sought-after products. If something is sold out everywhere, don’t be tempted by a seemingly great deal. Scammers often trick shoppers by offering the most popular products at low prices. 
  • Pay with a credit card. It’s always best to make online purchases with your credit card. If any shady charges pop up later, you can contest them through your credit card company. Be very wary of any retailer that asks you to pay by digital wallet apps, prepaid money cards or other non-traditional payment methods. These are red flags for scams.

Published July 17, 2024

The harsh truth about complaining

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Is complaining an effective strategy for solving problems? Will complaining improve your situation? Do others enjoy listening to you complain? The answer to all three questions is no. Then why do people complain?

He or she may be looking for sympathy, assistance, support or just letting off steam. There are also people who are habitual whiners who are never satisfied or content.

In the case of sympathy, there is an erroneous assumption that if enough people feel sorry for them, it will somehow improve the complainer’s situation. All that will be accomplished is that others will grow tired of their moaning and give them a wide berth. Everyone has their own problems and very few people want to spend their discretionary time listening to the tales of woe of others.

Sympathy seekers tend to dwell on their problems rather than seeking solutions. When potential solutions are presented, they invariably find fault with and summarily dismiss them. These complainers seek attention and monopolize conversations. They look for opportunities to show how their plight is worse than everyone else’s.

Spending time with sympathy seekers can be draining. They are consumed with their own situation and show little or no interest in other people. Regardless of how good you may feel, a gripe session with a sympathy seeker will depress your mood.

Some complainers are looking for assistance in solving a problem. In this case they are interested in advice that will lead to a solution. The danger here is that they will indiscriminately seek guidance from anyone. In their attempt to overcome an obstacle, they will try virtually any remedy offered without considering the qualifications of the source.

Following bad advice can exacerbate a problem. Advice seekers that jump from one bad suggestion to another will become frustrated as they fail to solve their problem. The result is the erroneous conclusion that their situation has no solution.

Complainers in search of advice must be very selective in whom they approach. Only those who have successfully solved similar problems or who have appropriate expertise should be sought out. When the right person is identified, they should be asked for advice directly rather than complaining to them.

Perhaps a complainer is looking for support. They may be overwhelmed by unexpected events or overloaded with responsibilities. This type of complainer is likely looking for help rather than advice. If you are so inclined, offer to lend a hand.

Even when they are helped out, some complainers always wind up in another crisis situation. Helping them out again will only improve their situation temporarily. Without a change in strategy, they will soon become immersed in another crisis.

Complainers who are incessant whiners find fault with virtually everything. They complain about their lives, other people’s lives, the weather, politics, religion, society, etc. Everything they comment on is flawed. All of life is tainted. Their glass is always half empty and probably leaking. These people are not happy unless they are unhappy.

Whiners will never be satisfied. They don’t want sympathy, solutions or help. They just want to complain. These people will never change and their minds are closed to new ideas. Your only option is to limit exposure to their griping.

Complaining is unproductive and destructive. If you have problems, find solutions. If you need help, ask. Occasional complaining to seek understanding or let off steam is OK. But don’t make it a way of life or a topic of every conversation.

Bryan Golden is the author of “Dare to Live Without Limits.” Contact Bryan at or visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2024 Bryan Golden

Published July 17, 2024

Stop for a sweet treat during the heatwave

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National Ice Cream Day is July 21: Treat yourself to a frozen delight at one of these local shops:

(Teejay/Pexels)

Ice Dreamm Shop (two locations):

23912 State Road 54, Suite 2, Lutz (behind Big Apple Bagel)

The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., #101

Lutz Scoops:
Lutz Lake Crossing, 19259 N. Dale Mabry
Delectable Delights:
16541 Pointe Village Dr., Suite 110, Lutz
Astro Craft Ice Cream:
25700 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz