Pasco Regional names CEO
Pasco Regional Medical Center has appointed Shauna McKinnon as its chief executive officer.
McKinnon brings more than 17 years of hospital-based administrative and nursing experience to Dade City. She joined Health Management Associates in 2004 and in 2011 was named chief operating officer at Spring Hill Regional Hospital.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish Nova Scotia, Canada and a master’s degree in business and health care administration from Baker University in Flint, Mich.
Tips for lowering your tax bill
The National Society of Accountants (NSA) advises against stretching the truth, but does encourage taxpayers to ensure they are claiming all legitimate tax deductions they are entitled to.
Common expenditures that may be taken as deductions and credits on a personal tax return include:
—Owning a home. Interest paid on mortgages for primary and secondary residences is deductible, as are property taxes on a home if they’re based on the assessed value of a home and purchase points when securing a mortgage or refinancing.
—Mileage. Allowable deductions are 24 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes and 14 cents per mile for serving charitable organizations.
—Medical expenses. Deductions for medical expenses if the total qualifying medical costs exceed a certain percentage of adjusted gross income. The expenses can include bills or co-pays, ambulance rides, prescriptions, glasses, hearing aids, prosthetics and crutches.
—Charitable contributions. Be sure to have receipts for cash donations and written documentation from charities that describes noncash gifts, their market value and the date they were donated.
—Education costs. Taxpayers may qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student. Full credit is available to individuals with a modified adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less, or $160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return. For the tax year, you may be able to claim a Lifetime Learning Credit of up to $2,000 for qualified education expenses paid for all students enrolled in eligible educational institutions.
—The Child Tax Credit can cut your federal income tax by up to $1,000 for each qualifying child younger than 17.
—The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is designed to supplement wages for low-to-moderate income workers, but many individuals and families previously classified as middle class are also eligible.
To find a qualified tax preparer in your area, visit www.nsacct.org.
Free financial guidance
Hillsborough County residents can receive free, one-on-one financial guidance on basic personal financial management from the Florida Master Money Mentors.
Mentors meet at a community location and time that fit an individual’s needs. Individuals and families who meet with a mentor will receive guidance on how to develop a spending and savings plan, build a good credit history, and achieve financial goals. The mentor will provide continued guidance for as long as needed to help with the essentials of personal financial management.
To arrange an appointment, call (813) 744-5519.
North Tampa Chamber meetings
Upcoming North Tampa Chamber of Commerce gatherings:
—April 9, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., After Hours Mixer hosted by Bennett Chiropractic Northdale, 3903 Northdale Blvd. Suite 100 W. in Tampa, along with co-host Ameriprise Financial-Laura Rehbein. RSVP to Dr. Bennett at or call (813) 341-7227.
—April 11, 11:45 a.m., general meeting at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 2701 E. Fowler Ave. The program is How to Use the Chamber’s Communication Tools: Yahoo! Groups, Facebook, LinkedIn, E-Blasts and Business & Community Guide. Bring your computer so you can see how to use the tools. Doors open at 11 a.m. Buffet lunch at 11:30 a.m. Early bird registration is $17 by contacting the chamber office by 5 p.m. April 9. Reservations after that are $22. The charge applies for lunch, whether you eat or not. Call (813) 971-4710 for more information.
East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group has scheduled the following speakers for upcoming meetings. The group meets at the Village Inn in Zephyrhills. Networking begins at 8 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m.
—April 9: Jerome Salatino, CEO of Pasco-Hernando Work Force Alliance
—April 23: Clestine Herbert, The Purpose Coach Speaker, Transformation Coach, author
Divine Discipline
—May 14: Dr. Eric Mitchell and registered nurse Carmen Hayford
Annual Zephyrhills Scramble
The eighth annual Zephyrhills Scramble is May 3 at the Silverado Golf & Country Club. The event has a 1 p.m. shotgun start.
The tournament is being presented by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and The Rotary Club of Zephyrhills Noon.
Proceeds from the event will benefit programs offered by both organizations including Z-Kids Scholarships and Student Citizen of the Month.
Florida Association for Women Lawyers
The Florida Association for Women Lawyers has launched a new student chapter in Florida. The new student chapter will serve the Thomas M. Cooley Law School Tampa Bay Campus (Cooley). Thomas M. Cooley Law School is a private, nonprofit, independent law school accredited by the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission.
Congressman Bilirakis’ Employment Fair
Congressman Gus Bilirakis is hosting an employment fair from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the gymnasium at Pasco Hernando Community College’s East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City.
All are welcome to attend this free employment fair. Those attending are advised to dress professionally and bring plenty of resumés.
Please preregister at bilirakisemploymentfair2013.eventbrite.com. For additional information, contact the Bilirakis district office at (866) 773-2871 or log on to www.bilirakis.house.gov.
Ryland Homes names VP
Ryland Homes has named Mike Finley as its vice president of sales and marketing for its Tampa division. He replaces Tony Crimi, who was recently promoted.
