The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

New website tool focuses on helping employers, job seekers

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The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) recently added new features on workforceCONNECTpasco.com.

The new ConnectOPP tool allows employers to help bridge the gap between employers and job seekers, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

The website now features more tools and resources for the Pasco County business community aimed at helping people wanting to fill openings and people searching for work.

A new ConnectOPP tool added to workforceCONNECTpasco.com by Pasco EDC features more tools and resources to help bridge the gap between employers and job seekers.

The ConnectOpp tool is an opportunity platform for businesses to form connections and share experiences. It is aimed at building robust talent pipelines, exploring careers and cultivating sought-after skills in Pasco. 

The idea is to serve as a conduit between those who have positions to offer and those who are seeking opportunities.

The goal is to enable employers to play a role in helping individuals discover their career interests, to acquaint them with job prospects and to guide them toward acquiring the skills needed to pursue their desired career paths.

The website also includes an interactive map tool helping users to discover the range of options available that seek the job user’s skills and ambitions. The companies listed on this tool offer employee training and/or professional development opportunities.

Pasco’s employment opportunities include jobs in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, aviation, defense, business and professional services, high technology, life sciences and medical technology, logistics and distributions.

The website also includes a resource page for employers and job seekers, with resources catering specifically to each audience.

It also has a collection of data and statistics to help users collect data to make decisions for their individual business and workforce.

The goal of workforceConnect is to connect Pasco’s businesses and career seekers with valuable data and community resources, the news release notes. The program is supported by Penny for Pasco.

Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC’s president/CEO, noted in the release that Pasco’s target industry has increased by 50.7% over the past decade and has more than 10,500 jobs in the pipeline that need to be filled over the next 10 years.

“It’s crucial that we continue to work with our business community to understand their workforce needs and align them with the proper education and training partners,” Cronin said.

“This refreshed platform gives them many opportunities to connect with resources and career seekers.”

Published November 01, 2023

Tampa tool aims to reduce storm damage and protect people

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Hurricane season isn’t over yet — and the City of Tampa has launched a new digital tool to help keep residents and their properties safer, according to a city news release.

The database allows residents and builders to access life-saving and property-saving data, such as critical flood information, property warnings, potential building and insurance compliance requirements and other relevant information, the release says.

It’s even possible to view property elevation certificates through the new public portal.

Prior to this new digital tool, residents and builders had to go through countless pages of intricate property maps to find their individualized information. Now, they can simply visit Tampa.gov/floodinfo and plug in the property address, the release says. 

“Tampa is thinking long-term about our flood plain management and resilience work by investing in digital tools that will keep our residents and business owners safer,” JC Hudgison, chief building official for the city, said in the release. “Living in a coastal city, situated in one of the most active hurricane and tropical storm surge regions, it’s increasingly important for our residents to stay informed about their properties’ flood risk and take the steps they need to protect their assets.”

The new technology, produced by Forerunner, also enables the city’s construction services division to better manage its day-to-day workflows and its data.

The portal serves now as a centralized location for all property flood-related resources. Residents can also submit questions through the portal.

Visit Tampa.gov/floodinfo to get a better idea of what the new tool has to offer.

Published November 01, 2023

Attorneys sought for Judicial Nominating Commission seats

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The Florida Bar is seeking to fill one attorney vacancy for each of the 27 Judicial Nominating Commissions (JNC) across the state.

The organization can nominate three lawyers for each JNC vacancy for consideration by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who makes the appointments.

Each appointee will serve a four-year term, beginning July 1.

Applicants must be members of The Florida Bar, engaged in the practice of law and must live in the territorial jurisdiction served by the commission to which the member is applying.

Commissioners are not eligible for state judicial offices for vacancies filled by the JNC on which they sit for two years following their terms.

Applications are being accepted through the close of business on Dec. 15.

For more information, call the Florida Bar headquarters at 850-561-3127, or email .

Published November 01, 2023

Tampa Bay Roofing Services Offers Quality, Experience and Honesty

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Our community is home to Tampa Bay Roofing Services led by Chris Hloska, a roofing industry veteran with over 20 years of experience. Under Hloska’s leadership, Tampa Bay Roofing Services provides the highest quality service and a dedication to honesty and transparency.

Hloska started in the roofing industry at the young age of 16, working his way up from the bottom of his father’s roofing company, eventually installing roofs and learning all aspects of the business. At age 22, he passed the state licensing test and has been a roofing contractor ever since.

We spoke with Hloska to learn about his journey and what sets his company apart from other roofing services.

“I’ve had a lot of failure along the way that has helped me to where I’m at in my career now, I truly believe failure is the best path to success,” Hloska tells us.

After selling another company he successfully built, Hloska launched Tampa Bay Roofing Services in 2018, first as a consulting company for insurance carriers to help fight industry fraud, then becoming a full-fledged roofing company in 2021. His team is filled with veterans of the roofing industry — “My field crews have been with me since 2013, my head supervisor was taught by my father 35 years ago, and my VP is my cousin who has been with me through the ups and downs,” Hloska said.

What sets Tampa Bay Roofing Services apart from the others in the roofing industry is their always honest and customer-first philosophy.

“We are very transparent with our customers, employees and vendors. When we are wrong, we admit it; when we’re correct, we always take the proper approach to explain why, instead of taking the hard-nose approach. We always do what’s right whether people are looking or not.”

They are able to provide very competitive pricing because they are a debt-free company, and always will be.

Above all, Hloska says his company believes that their blessings come above — “our Lord and savior Jesus Christ — when we honor him, he gives us favor as a Christian-based company.”

And as a father of three, Hloska loves giving back, sponsoring three baseball teams.

After all these years, Hloska hasn’t lost sight of what makes his business tick — “We are truly thankful for every customer and appreciate the trust they have given us.”

For more information about Tampa Bay Roofing Services, visit TampaBayRoofing.com, or call 813-797-7663.

A Sense of Place

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If you’d like an image to be considered for publication, please email it to . Please add a sentence or two, describing when and where you took the photo and what the image means to you. Be sure to include who took the photo, where he or she lives and contact information, in case we need to reach back.

Safe at ‘home’
Chris Rosenke, of Wesley Chapel, took this picture at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, of one of the dugouts at the ball fields. Rosenke said he was able to grab some pics before the COVID quarantine of 2020 shut down all the parks. ‘I know that, at least for me, the district park provided an escape while everything else was locked down,’ Rosenke said.
Sandwiched in
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Writer Mike Camunas snapped this picture of the mural on the side of the longstanding deli and sandwich shop, at 4526 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. The mural depicts mascots from the University of South Florida (Bulls), University of Florida (Gators) and Florida State University (Seminoles), while also boasting about being the ‘Home of the 3-ft Cuban Sandwich.’
The man you can see
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Writer Mike Camunas captured a lone kayaker fishing on the water adjacent to the Serenova Tract in Shady Hills, just north of Land O’ Lakes. The Serenova Tract, 14900 State Road 52, features 16 miles of multi-use trails that allows bikes, dogs, picnics and camping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A stroll through time
The Laker/Lutz News Editorial Assistant Mary Rathman captured the streaming ‘rapids’ as she strolled along the Hillsborough River State Park’s seven miles of trails, wondering at its natural and historical significance. The park draws you deep into nature and is a great place for reflection. The park is located at 15402 U.S. 301, in Thonotosassa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giant Gourd back on display in Carrollwood

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(Mike Camunas)

Now a standing tradition at Bearss Groves, 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd., Tampa, the longtime fruit and vegetable market has once again put a giant pumpkin on display, with this year’s gourd weighing in at a whopping 1,500 pounds. Arriving by truck from Michigan on Oct. 12, it is the largest pumpkin the farm stand has ever displayed and currently holds the record for the largest pumpkin in Florida. Yearly, Bearss Groves owner Barry Lawrance combs the country to find an impressively sized pumpkin that customers and patrons can take a free photo with for a few weeks. The pumpkin, and Bearss Groves, which has been in business for more than 100 years, sits under a massive oak tree, estimated to be more than 400 years old. Bearss Groves is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All new lanes on State Road 52 now open

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New lanes heading west toward Interstate 75 are now open, as part of the widening and realigning State Road 52 from Uradco Place to Fort King Road. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced on Oct. 6 that all State Road 52 lanes are open in the construction project corridor beginning east past Interstate 75 and ending at U.S. 301, after State Road 52 becomes Clinton Avenue once past Prospect Road at the edge of St. Leo.

New State Road 52 runs through San Antonio and through the new Mirada Community, which features the largest human-made lagoon in the country.

According to FDOT, the contractor will need to do periodic day and night lane closures along the corridor to finish the work from east of I-75 to Fort King Road. Motorists are advised to stay within the posted 45 mph speed limit and use caution because construction work may be active throughout the project corridor.

This project was the widening and realigning State Road 52 from Uradco Place to Fort King Road.

  • Between Uradco Place and Bayou Branch Canal the existing road will be widened to a four-lane divided roadway.
  • East of Bayou Branch Canal, the new alignment of four-lane divided State Road 52 has been built south of the former State 52 (now County Road 52) tying into Clinton Avenue.
  • Clinton Avenue between County Road 579 and Fort King Road has been widened to a four-lane divided road.
  • Clinton Avenue between Pasadena Avenue and U.S. 301 is now part of the new State Road 52. The section of the former State Road 52 between Bayou Branch Canal (west of Mirada Blvd.) and U.S. 301 is now designated County Road 52.

State Road 52 traffic was directed to the new alignment in February.

Published October 18, 2023

Choices abound for living a thriving life in North Tampa Bay 

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Newcomers to the area, and those who have been here for ages, have something in common: They’re in a place that encourages them to thrive.

There’s no age limit on living a life here that offers a chance to stay fit, to learn, to enjoy diversions, to dine on good meals and to give back to others through service.

Besides being able to take advantage of myriad shopping and dining options, those living in North Tampa Bay can dip into history. One way would be to check out the new Dade City Historical Self-Guided Tour. The 1909 Historic Pasco County Courthouse is the first stop among 82 places of interest. (File)

The North Tampa Bay area really does have it all.

So, how do you thrive at 55 and above? By taking advantage of the area’s many offerings, that’s how.

Explosive growth within The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area has created a buzz — and that has greatly expanded the options available for residents.

Pasco County has been having record years, in terms of construction permits, the property tax has expanded and the county’s population continues to grow at a fast clip.

The local economy has attracted large businesses to locate in Pasco and has spurred new business startups.

The population and job increases have resulted in new restaurants, more shopping options, additional housing choices and increased recreational offerings.

Hot spots for shopping and dining can be found near the interchange of Interstate 75 and State Road 54, and at I-75 and State Road 56.

Some of North Tampa Bay’s major shopping options include:

  • The Grove at Wesley Chapel, west of the I-75/State Road 54 interchange, offers shopping, restaurants and special events. The center, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., also is home to KRATE, a collection of unique shops and restaurants.
  • Cypress Creek Town Center: This development, which flanks State Road 56/State Road 54, west of I-75, offers a wide variety of restaurants, shops and stores, as well as Tampa Premium Outlets, an outlet center which attracts customers from across the region.
  • The Shops at Wiregrass: This pedestrian-friendly shopping mall offers a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as comfortable places for people to rest and relax. It also is the venue for various community events.
Tampa Premium Outlets attracts shoppers from across the region, with its name-brand goods at bargain prices. It has a Key West vibe and is in the midst of all sorts of shops and restaurants at Cypress Creek Town Center, west of Interstate 75, on the south side of State Road 56.

The I-75/State Road 52 interchange also is poised to become a major job generator and will have housing, office and retail components.

On top of all that, the county has the deeply rooted areas of downtown Dade City and downtown Zephyrhills, which offer their own unique appeal.

The region also is expected to play a larger role in the world of research, as Moffitt Cancer Center’s Pasco campus, known as Speros, develops over time.

When the project gained initial approval, then County Administrator Dan Biles described it as a “generational” type of project, which will have ripple effects for decades.

He and others have said it’s hard for people to fathom the profound impacts Moffitt will have on the area, over time.

For one thing, the cancer center is expected to attract researchers from around the world, as well as enticing global life science companies to locate here. It also is expected to generate high-paying jobs, yield enormous opportunities and open the door for myriad collaborations with local partners.

This rendering depicts what Moffitt Cancer’s Speros FL campus is expected to look like, as the development takes shape. (Courtesy of Moffitt Cancer Center)

Pasco County Schools and Moffitt already are working on plans to create learning experiences for students at Angeline Academy of Innovation, a new magnet high school that opened in August, in the community of Angeline, an emerging “new city” in Land O’ Lakes.

But it’s not all work and no play in North Tampa Bay.

There are plenty of ways to have fun.

People who enjoy outdoor concerts and outdoor events can check out the offerings at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park; at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library and Cultural Center; at the Grove at Wesley Chapel; at The Shops at Wiregrass; and at the county’s many parks, trails and wilderness areas.

Those who enjoy immersing themselves in history can find historic places to explore in the communities of Dade City, St. Leo, San Antonio and Zephyrhills.

Visitors can roam those areas to experience some of Old Florida’s beauty and charm. Those who enjoy an active lifestyle can embrace the challenge of riding San Antonio’s rolling hills, sign up for adult recreation leagues and run 5Ks and other races at local events hosted around the county.

Plus, there are loads of health and wellness classes offered by area health care providers, private gyms and elsewhere.

So, if you’re ready to go for the gusto — you simply have no excuse not to do just that.

Go ahead, get started. The path to living a thriving life awaits you.

Published October 18, 2023

 

Getting away from life’s routine

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There are plenty of adventures awaiting you around the North Tampa Bay region.

For instance, you can swing through the trees at Tree Hoppers, at 27839 Saint Joe Road, in Dade City. You’ll find rope nets to climb, rope bridges to scale and zip lines to glide at what has been described as Central Florida’s largest aerial adventure park. 

Treehoppers is an aerial adventure park, at 27839 St. Joe Road, in Dade City, which offers rope courses and obstacles — up in the trees. (File)

Maybe you’ve always wondered how it feels to jump out of an airplane. You can satisfy that curiosity, too.

Skydive City, at 4241 Sky Dive Lane in Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, is the legendary place that has attracted enthusiasts of skydiving from throughout the world.

The center trains skydivers at all levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans and offers all types of skydiving activity, including tandem jumps, group jumps and water landings.

Of course, some would prefer a diversion closer to the ground.

Those options are available, too.

The Tampa Bay Curling Club has competitive leagues at AdventHealth Center Ice, at 3173 Cypress Ridge Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel. The club also offers lessons for people interested in the sport. (To find out more, call Tampa Bay Curling at 813-758-2279)

Maybe you’d enjoy a diversion that’s somewhere that’s less slippery.

Again, plenty of choices await.

One option involves testing your golfing skills.

There are regulation golf courses, of course, but there’s also PopStroke Tampa, at 25297 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.

It offers two 18-hole putting courses designed by Tiger Woods. The synthetic grass, bunkers, rolling hills and undulated greens are designed to challenge golfers of all ages. The putt-putt golfing destination also offers a dining area, with a full menu and craft beer, wine and signature cocktails. It has an ice cream parlor, outdoor game area and a playground, too.

So, next time you’re looking for a break from life’s daily grind, don’t just click on the remote to watch your favorite streaming series, go out and add a few new episodes to the story of your life.

Published October 18, 2023