The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Andrew Powell

State utility to refund $5M to customers over nuclear plant outages

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(The Center Square) — The Florida Public Service Commission approved a settlement Tuesday that will allow Florida Power & Light to provide its customers with a reimbursement.

FPL will reimburse its customers $5 million after they were charged “replacement” power costs when the Turkey Point and St. Lucie nuclear plants experienced outages between 2020 and 2022.

(StellrWeb/Unsplash)

According to PSC filings, the $5 million credit, including interest, would be included in the calculation of FPL’s fuel factors the next time the company resets them. In February, state regulators recommended that the PSC refund over $11 million due to an agency audit that cited mismanagement as the reason for more than 40 shutdowns at both power plants.

During a prehearing statement, the Office of Public Counsel, which represents customers, officially requested that PSC sign off on an agreement between the OPC and FPL to resolve the issue.

“The outcome is a win-win for customers and the utility. Customers benefit not just from the recovery of $5 million of replacement power cost but also from the FPL’s improved nuclear fleet for Florida, a fact acknowledged in the staff management audit back to 2021 and running through the present time,” Trierweiler said.

Trierweiler stated that the high level of performance benefits customers as they receive cost-effective, efficient, carbon-neutral nuclear power. He added that this enhances the reliability of the utility’s service and helps keep FPL’s electric rates lower than every other investor-owned ultimately in the Sunshine State.

Trierweiler noted that there is no doubt that FPL’s response to addressing outages in a timely and transparent manner helped return its nuclear fleet to operate once again at a high level.

The utility agreed to do a follow-up staff management audit no earlier than 2030, and Trierweiler pointed out that audits are important to ensure that the utility is running in an efficient manner while still delivering savings to customers.

“The purpose of a future audit is to provide a blinking light in the future, in the distance, to remind us that these performance metrics require constant vigilance,” Trierweiler said. “This reminder should only solidify FPL’s commitment to maintain and build on a continued high level of power plant performance, which will benefit customers.”

Published April 10, 2024

Speed Starz win big at Florida International meet

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The Speed Starz, a competitive youth track club, left their mark at the Florida International track meet held at IMG Stadium in Bradenton on March 23 and 24 — in a big way. The team scored the most cumulative points and took home first place for the entire meet. 

The Speed Starz sent around 40 young athletes to the Florida International track meet. Their cumulative efforts won them first place for the entire meet. (Courtesy of Speed Starz)

The meet is one of the biggest youth track competitions in the nation, hosting around 1,500 athletes during the two day event. The majority of the competitors come from Florida, Georgia and Maryland.

The Speed Starz athletes range in age from 4 to 18, with most of them hailing from Wesley Chapel. Around 40 of them competed at the meet in running and field events, scoring points in nearly all the events they competed in. 

The combined efforts of the whole team led to the victory, which included first place finishes from four young athletes.

Seth Williamson was one of four athletes who had first place finishes.

Seth Williamson competed in the 8 and under category, and dominated in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and long jump, placing first in all three. It was another in a series of accolades for the young athlete, considered to be one of the best in the country, and the youngest track athlete to receive a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal.

Competing in the 9 and under category, Jakobi Desroches beat the pack, taking first in the 100-meter dash and long jump, and placing second in the 200-meter dash.

Lena Budzilek, competing in 11 and under, placed first in the 80-meter hurdles in her category, and Wyatt Chapman, aged 18, competed in the college open category, winning both the 100 and 200-meter dash.

The team trains at Cypress Creek High School, led by Head Coach Bernard “BB” Roberts and four assistants.

“What’s so unique and interesting about this track club is that we have a very diverse group of kids,” Coach Roberts said.

Roberts is a local legend himself, holding multiple sprinting records at Wesley Chapel High School. That’s on top of being a stellar football player for the Wildcats, who went 10-1 in 2003, the year he played.

He organized the Speed Starz in 2013 with the aim of training kids to get an early start on track, and to help them reach their athletic potential.

Published April 10, 2024

Head Coach BB Roberts
Zane Stalker, Bria Hamilton and Jeremiah Roberts
Lena and Amelia Budzilek

Tampa Bay’s first-ever women’s pro soccer team kicks off in August

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This is a rendering of more than $6 million in upgrades to the stadium and facilities for the Tampa Bay Sun FC, which will kick off its inaugural season in August. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun FC)

The Tampa Bay Sun FC (Football Club) will make history as Tampa Bay’s first-ever professional women’s soccer team, kicking off in August, at the Howard W. Blake High School stadium in downtown Tampa’s West Riverfront district.

Upgrades to the stadium and facilities will feature more than 5,000 seats, FIFA-approved turf, and a new state-of-the-art scoreboard.

Season ticket pricing for the historic inaugural season ranges from $15 to $37 per seat, per game for season pass holders. Fans can choose from seating options, including standing-room only zones, mid-field views and waterside locations.

For a $24 deposit toward a season per seat, fans will join the Sunchaser Club and receive early access to pick their seating location (information to be shared in the weeks ahead). Deposits for season passes are now available online at https://shop.tampabaysunfc.com/products/season-ticket-deposit. 

The Tampa Bay Sun FC logo was revealed at an event in November 2023. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun FC)

Season passholders also will have priority to purchase tickets for playoff games.

Single-game ticket prices will be announced in the future.

The club anticipates competing in 14 home games during the regular season, primarily on Saturday nights.

Published April 3, 2024.

What families with college-bound students need to know this spring

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(MD Duran/Unsplash)

Perhaps even more nerve-wracking than waiting for your child’s college acceptance letters is learning whether they’ve been awarded financial aid. Recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) designed to simplify the process have led to unforeseen hiccups and technical glitches, causing academic institutions to delay sending out financial aid award letters. However, once you finally get the results, it can give your family a better idea of what to do next.

“Our research shows that for a majority of parents, figuring out how to pay for college was the ‘road to college’ activity that caused them the most stress. By making a financial plan and prioritizing it, you can be well-prepared to avoid the most common bumps in the road,” explains Angela Colatriano, chief marketing officer, College Ave.

Colatriano recommends using this spring to teach your child these valuable financial skills: how to set up a budget, how to pay bills and how to manage credit. If your family will potentially be borrowing to finance college, students should also gain an understanding of how loans work, and how the different terms of the loan will affect their monthly payments and overall loan cost.

Speaking of budget, you should set a realistic budget for yourself. A recent College Ave survey found that in addition to helping pay for tuition and housing costs, parents also contribute to their child’s phone bill (65%), health insurance (61%), food and groceries (42%), cable and internet bill (35%) and transportation (32%). Be realistic about which expenses you can afford and where you want to ask your child to chip in.=

Decode award letters
Financial aid award letters can look different for each school. Familiarize yourself with their components so that when they arrive, you’ll be ready to decipher them. Here’s what to look for:

  1. Free money: The award letter will list whether your student is eligible for scholarships and grants (sometimes called Merit or Gift Aid). This is money you typically don’t need to pay back.
  2. Federal Work-Study: Your child might be eligible for Federal Work-Study jobs. While jobs aren’t guaranteed, they can be a good opportunity to help cover educational expenses.
  3. Student Loans: Schools will list any federal loans your child is eligible to receive. Helpful hint: They may be grouped with scholarships and grants. You should also note whether the loan is subsidized or unsubsidized. Because unsubsidized loans accrue interest while your student is enrolled and during deferment periods, this will affect the overall loan cost.
  4. Other factors: Check if awards being offered are for all four years and understand what your child will need to do to continue being eligible for them, year-to-year.

To get an apples-to-apples look at the offers, calculate the net direct cost of each school by subtracting offered scholarships and grants from the cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, textbooks and fees). If applicable, you can subtract work-study aid, too. You should also factor in expected increases in tuition, room, board and other fees.

Fill in the gaps
If after doing the math, you find you have a financial gap to cover, look into private scholarships. 

You may also want to consider a private student loan or parent loan. Look for a lender with great rates, flexible repayment terms, and the opportunity to customize the loan to fit your budget.

“The important thing is not to panic. If you filled out the FAFSA, financial aid award letters are on the way. And once you receive them, you and your student can get to the fun part of planning for the future,” says Colatriano.

-StatePoint

Published April 3, 2024

 

Pediatricians can help teens quit vaping and using tobacco

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(E-Liquids UK/Unsplash)

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States and it almost always begins during adolescence. According to leading medical advocates, pediatricians have a role to play in getting kids to quit vaping electronic cigarettes and using other tobacco products.

Ten percent of American students report using tobacco products, according to the FDA. And while there have been declines in the use of cigarettes among adolescents, the popularity of e-cigarettes and other smokeless tobacco and nicotine products is on the rise. Smoking and vaping are both harmful to health, particularly to youth, whose brains are still developing and who are uniquely vulnerable to nicotine dependence.

That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed the Youth Tobacco Cessation Progressive Web App. This new, free clinical decision resource, which can be used on a computer, tablet or offline mobile app, leads physicians through the following steps:

  1. Ask: Screen for tobacco use with all youth, during every clinical encounter.
  2. Counsel: Advise all youth who use tobacco to quit and have them set a quit date within two weeks.
  3. Treat: Link adolescents to behavioral treatment extenders and prescribe pharmacologic support when indicated. After the visit, follow up to assess progress and offer support.

The web app also provides a flowchart for clinical interactions, links to product descriptions, an AAP policy and clinical report, sample counseling statements, behavioral support options, such as texting services, quitlines and online resources, and detailed information on pharmacologic support, including nicotine replacement therapy.

There is currently little data on successful youth tobacco treatment strategies. In the meantime, clinicians can leverage existing literature and promising practices to support tobacco cessation in young people. To learn more and to access the Youth Tobacco Cessation Progressive Web App, visit aap.org/HelpKidsQuit.

Tobacco use and nicotine dependence are significant health concerns. Pediatricians can use their vital, trusted role as a source of expertise, support and guidance to provide teens with confidential tobacco cessation care.

-StatePoint

Published April 3, 2024

 

Major Land O’ Lakes intersection to close for paving

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The intersection of U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 will be closed for milling and paving work from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Thursday (April 1 – April 4) nights, weather permitting. All traffic will be directed to turn right at the intersection, according to a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) email. Drivers who planned to make left turns at the intersection will need to use two of the detour routes listed below. Drivers are advised to plan extra travel time to go through the detours or choose alternate routes.

Detour Routes:

1) Northbound US 41: Traffic will be reduced from three lanes to one lane and detoured to eastbound SR 54, U-Turn at Raden Drive, then go west and turn right to continue north on US 41. Traffic planning to go west on SR 54 will then need to use detour 4.

2) Southbound US 41: Traffic will be reduced from three lanes to one lane and detoured to westbound SR 54, U-Turn at Sophia Drive, then go east and turn right to continue south on US 41. Traffic planning to go east on SR 54 will then need to use detour 3.

3) Eastbound SR 54: Traffic will be reduced from three lanes to one lane and detoured to southbound US 41, U-Turn at Lake Floyd Drive, then go north and turn right to continue east on SR 54. Traffic planning to go north on US 41 will then need to use detour 1.

4) Westbound SR 54: Traffic will be reduced from three lanes to one lane and detoured to northbound US 41, U-Turn at Morgan Road, then go south and turn right to continue west on SR 54. Traffic planning to go south on US 41 will then need to use detour 2.

For project information and to sign up to receive email alerts, visit https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/759/441659-1-52-01-441658-1-52-01.

In Loving Memory of Vickie Annette West

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Vickie Annette West was a woman of virtue. She was born Dec. 3, 1953 in Ocala, FL to Hascal & Christine Hill, who raised her in a loving home until she graduated from Forest High School in 1971. The Hill family embraced the Ocala community wholeheartedly, and Vickie was no exception. She worked as a legal secretary and helped her parents run Hill’s Men’s Shop, a high-class menswear store. Soon after marrying her soulmate, David West, in 1989, Vickie moved to Dade City, FL. It became her lifelong home. Through their commitment to others, she & David would impact countless lives throughout their new community.

Vickie loved effortlessly and served selflessly, always ready with a glowing smile, a kind word, a helping hand. An unwavering Christian and stalwart member of the Dade City Church of Christ, Vickie shined her light brightly. She was a fountain of blessings and advice, brimming with compassion and wisdom, which she called common sense. She raised her children with boundless love and celebrated their accomplishments with pride. When Vickie was with her family, her heart was full.

Vickie was a talented gardener, leading the Dade City Garden Club’s Dogwood Chapter. She was a masterful cook, famous for her unbeatable chicken salad. In the early years of the Academy at the Farm, Board Chair Vickie successfully fought to keep the school open for her child and later grandchild to attend. In recent years, she was a fixture of downtown, operating Betty Cakes, selling for Kiefer Jewelers, and helping her daughter run Garden of Eden Salon. At the end of her life, Vickie and David traveled the country, often winding up in her favorite place: the beach.

Vickie left this life on Feb. 27, 2024, giving up her home here for a home with her God. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, David; children Jennifer, Jessica (Noah), and Joni (Morgan); grandchildren Matthew, Noah, Elle, Nathaniel, and Michael; and two great-grandchildren. Her mother and her sisters, Sandra and Sharon, also grieve. Vickie lives on in the lives she touched, the family she raised, and the community she helped build, looking down from heaven with a smile on her face.

In lieu of flowers, the family opened a scholarship fund in her name. Donations are appreciated at bit.ly/vickiew, clicking “Other” and entering “Vickie West fund” in the text
box.

Building a custom home? Read these tips first

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Many people dream of building a custom home in a beautiful location. However, the journey of building a home from scratch is not always smooth.

“As a builder in sunny Southwest Florida, we work with all kinds of clients. Whether they are drawn to the timeless appeal of Naples, the coastal charm of Bonita Springs, the urban energy of Tampa, or the peaceful embrace of Sanibel, our job is to help them create their dream home and tell their unique story,” says Glen Harris III, regional partner of Alair Florida, an industry leader.

(Digital Marketing Agency NTWRK/Unsplash)

To help you navigate the intricate world of custom home-building, Alair Florida is shedding light on some common challenges prospective homeowners face and offering solutions based on their expertise.

Creating a custom home is an exciting journey with both triumphs and trials. Here are some common concerns:

Balancing Vision and Budget
Challenge: Juggling expansive design ideas with realistic budget constraints.
Solution: Overall project costs can be unpredictable with a standard cost-plus contract, particularly if you have an expansive vision. That’s why it’s important to work with a builder who encourages a pre-construction phase, whereby specifications and line-item costs are fixed. This process allows you to make design adjustments on paper before construction begins, and in turn, your builder will present you with a fixed cost-plus contract. As the project moves forward, be sure to request regular updates and clear project timelines.

Navigating Regulatory Terrain
Challenge: Dealing with the complex world of permits and regulations often causes delays.
Solution: Work with a builder who possesses local knowledge. Doing so can streamline the process as they will understand and adhere to specific requirements.

Timing the Sourcing of Materials
Challenge: Excitement of hand-selecting materials tempered by potential supply chain disruptions.
Solution: If your builder is experienced in material sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship, this will help them navigate such challenges to avoid delays while ensuring your new home is built to the highest standards.

Adapting to Evolving Design
Challenge: The temptation of design changes impacting the project timeline.
Solution: Striking a balance between innovation and sticking to the timeline is crucial for success. Your builder should act as your trusted advisor, connecting you with savvy designers, architects and other experts who understand the local market and the range of other factors that can affect your timeline.

Unforeseen Costs and Delays
Challenge: Unexpected challenges despite meticulous planning.
Solution: Establishing a contingency fund and maintaining open communication with your builder is prudent. To that end, your builder should take a client-driven approach and actively involve you in the decision-making process.

Steven Cowan, Alair Old Naples partner, says, “Your builder should be committed to cultivating a collaborative partnership with homeowners. Every decision, whether it’s a change order or intricate detail, should be a result of thoughtful and shared deliberation.”

With careful attention and industry expertise, guided by a trusted custom home builder, you can transform your vision into reality, backed by the assurance of transparency, fixed-price contracts, quality craftsmanship, professional design services, and a client-driven approach.

-StatePoint

Published March 27, 2024

Common weatherization myths debunked

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If you haven’t yet weatherized your home this season, you’re not alone.

A new survey from Duck brand found that 80% of people that weatherize their homes notice a decrease in their energy bills — yet many homeowners and renters alike still aren’t taking advantage of these easy DIY solutions to create a more comfortable and energy efficient home. Why? Some common myths about weatherization may be to blame. Read on for the truth about the home weatherization process.

(Bench Accounting/Unsplash)

Myth #1: You need to hire a professional to properly weatherize your home.
Weatherizing projects can be tackled over a weekend with a few do-it-yourself solutions. From rolled window insulation kits to weatherstrip seals, many home weatherization products are easy to install and remove, often requiring only basic tools, like scissors and measuring tape, or sometimes needing no tools at all.

Myth #2: Weatherizing only helps in cold weather climates.
While insulation kits help block cold drafts in the winter, they also can maintain a comfortable room temperature in warm environments by keeping cool air from escaping. Products, like seals for under the door, also are designed to provide year-round protection from wind, dust, insects and pollen, providing added benefits during the warmer months.

Myth #3: It’s expensive to draft-proof your home.
In reality, many weatherization products retail for under $50. Considering that 76% of people have experienced an increase in their energy bill in the past five years, it’s definitely economical to weatherize.

Myth #4: Only old homes require weatherization.
Weatherizing can make even newer, more energy-efficient homes more comfortable and less costly to heat and cool, while also protecting homes from the damaging effects of the elements throughout the year. For example, faucet covers are essential to help prevent freezing pipes in cold climates, while air conditioner covers can guard units from damaging rain, snow and dirt.

Myth #5: Weatherizing is only for windows and doors.
Windows and doors are the two most common sources for drafts, but other large openings, like the attic and garage, and even small ones, like electric sockets, are rarely insulated and can lead to air leaks. Luckily, there are a variety of products available to create an airtight seal in these areas.

Understanding the short-term and long-term benefits of weatherizing can make all the difference in staying cozy and comfortable, saving money and increasing the longevity of your home, no matter where you live.

-StatePoint

Published March 27, 2024

How to prevent bugs from bugging you at home

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Colder months have us spending more time indoors. Unfortunately, insects have the same idea, as they head inside to forage for food and seek shelter from the low temperatures.

“Those who want a bug-free home will have to be proactive year-round. Ants, certain fly species, such as winter crane flies, and other insects, are adapted to cold temperatures and can be very active during these cooler months,” says Daniel Perry, Zevo entomologist at Procter & Gamble.

(Mariakray/Pixabay)

To prevent unwanted houseguests and banish bugs from your living spaces, check out these cold weather tips:

  • Ventilate humid areas: As the weather gets colder, hot water is more in use in places like the bathroom or basement. These closed spaces can create humid environments where insects tend to gravitate. To attract fewer bugs, keep these areas well-ventilated.
  • Prime your space for plants: If you have plants that you bring inside in the winter, properly prime and debug your home beforehand to prevent potential infestations, and check all your houseplants for unwanted insects before you bring them inside and every week afterwards.
  • Tidy up: Cleanliness is the most common strategy for coping with bugxiety (fear of bugs) and there’s a good reason for it – it’s effective. Make sure you take out your garbage regularly, especially. Be sure not to leave food (perishables especially) out for excessive periods of time as that can attract insects.
  • Get round-the-clock protection: Get the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 protection against flying insects. Insect traps continuously attract and trap insects to an adhesive back that you never have to touch. Place the traps in the kitchen, garage and other areas where doors and windows are frequently opened, and keep them plugged in to protect your home day and night from pesky flying insects.
  • Fight back: Nip signs of a bug problem in the bud by dealing with it immediately. Spot a bug? Use bug sprays to kill bugs you see, targeting and shutting down biological pathways found only in bugs, not people or pets, making them effective and safe when used as directed.

“While bugxiety is very real for the majority of Americans, fortunately there are many strategies for keeping them out of the home that won’t disrupt your family,” says Perry.

-StatePoint

Published March 27, 2024