The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Grieving families will benefit from donation

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North labor and delivery nurse Kathleen Webster, left, alongside Cristelle Suarez holding her daughter, Opal. Cristelle donated the CuddleCot to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in memory of Oliver, her son and Opal’s brother. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospitals, BayCare Health System)

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North was the recipient of a $3,000 CuddleCot donated by Land O’ Lakes resident Cristelle Suarez.

A CuddleCot is a cooling system that gives families days, instead of hours, to create memories with their babies.

Suarez lost a child in October 2012 and raised the funds for the CuddleCot through social media and a partnership with Madison’s Miracles, an organization that provides support and resources to grieving parents who have experienced infant loss.

Every year, Suarez does something in memory of her deceased child, Oliver.

A CuddleCot gives bereaved families precious extra time for hugs, kisses and other bonding. Suarez did not have a CuddleCot at the time of Oliver’s death. “I wish I did have one,” she said. “This is my way of helping anyone else that loses a baby, and remembering Oliver.”

Medical marijuana ordinance gains first-round approval

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Dade City is a step closer to allowing medical marijuana treatment centers within its city limits.

Dade City Commissioners gave first-round approval to a zoning text amendment that would make the treatment facilities a permitted use in the city’s general commercial zoning district, and would make them an allowed use in commercial and employment center planned development districts.

The first vote took place on Jan. 14. A second hearing and approval are needed for the change to take effect.

Dade City Commissioners gave first-round approval for a zoning text amendment that would allow medical marijuana treatment facilities within specific areas of the city. A second hearing and approval are needed in order to adopt the change. (File)

More specifically, the amendment lets medical marijuana facilities be situated along U.S. 301/U.S. 98 south and north of town, and certain pockets of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) district, but avoids much of the city’s historic downtown main street and central business district.

The text amendment also would require any future standalone pharmacies and drugstores to locate within those aforementioned districts, as Florida statutes prevent municipalities from enacting regulations that are more restrictive for dispensaries than for traditional pharmacies.

The amendment also includes language establishing regulations for hand-rolled cigar manufacturing within city limits, something the city had not addressed.

Hand-rolled cigar facilities would be a conditional use, permitted use or allowed use in as many as 10 different types of business or planned development zoning districts.

The commission’s action was approved 3-2, with Scott Black and Eunice Penix voting no.

Black said: “I’m concerned about moving so quickly on the medical marijuana with this being still untested waters, but I’m also concerned about how we’re taking pharmacies out of zoning in the downtown business district.”

No one from the public weighed in on the issue.

The commission’s vote came after the Dade City Planning Board reviewed and voted to recommend the proposed amendment last month.

The city previously had a series of concurrent moratoriums on medical marijuana treatment centers within its municipal limits dating back to 2016, to study its possible impacts.

In September, city commissioners directed city staff to draft an amendment to the city’s land development regulations that would change that, and allow medical marijuana dispensaries in specified areas.

Commissioners also:

  • Approved a subdivision preliminary plan for The Cove, a new 10-lot Habitat for Humanity subdivision located between 15th and 17th streets north of Main Avenue
  • Approved a subdivision preliminary plan for Countryside, a new 25 single-family lot subdivision located east of U.S. 301 on vacant lands on Countryside Place
  • Approved a first reading ordinance of an annexation petition for JDR Investments Inc., for a 0.41-acre parcel located at 14836 U.S. 301, considered an enclave within the city
  • Approved a first reading ordinance of an annexation petition for Esplanade Communities of Florida, for a 0.22-acre parcel located at 36221 State Road 52, which was previously not discovered in the subdivision approval process
  • Approved a final plat for the Shoppes of Dade City, for the development of eight lots, generally located at the northeast corner of U.S. 301 and Clinton Avenue
  • Adopted a second reading of a zoning map amendment to approximately 3.04 acres of real property at 36830 Blanton Road, to a residential general zoning district. The moves allows for the proposed development of multi-family units at 10.5 units to 20 units per acre, directly across the street from Pasco-Hernando State College, where students and/or faculty could reside; the property is currently occupied by a quadruplex family residence. The applicant was PJW Management LLC.
  • Adopted a second reading of a zoning map amendment on approximately 61 acres of real property located at 38364 Clinton Avenue, to medium residential single-family zoning district The proposed use of the property will allow the development of a 249 single-family lot subdivision (Hilltop Pointe) at less than six dwelling units per gross acre; the property currently hosts a commercial farming operation. The applicants were Philmon Citrus Nursey LLC and Cephus Food Sales LLC.

Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon spoke out against some of the fast-moving development that’s been approved in the city of late, suggesting that potential negative traffic impacts aren’t getting enough consideration.

The commissioner directed her attention — and voted against —  the proposed 25-lot subdivision Countryside, east of U.S. 301, adjacent to a busy block that includes a McDonald’s. “We’ve approved several developments in the city limits, and it seems like traffic is kind of a cursory afterthought a lot of times,” she said.

Published January 22, 2020

Local YMCA: A hotspot for seniors

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Zephyrhills is known for being a place where lots of people like to come during the winter — to avoid the bitter cold winters Up North.

Some of the snowbirds who flock there enjoy the community so much, they become permanent residents.

But there’s always a perceptible increase in traffic on the roads and diners when the snowbirds are in town.

Group exercise classes give seniors a chance to stay fit, and socialize, at the East Pasco Family YMCA in Zephyrhills. (Brian Fernandes)

That uptick in activity is evident in other places, too, including the East Pasco Family YMCA.

The Zephyrhills branch offers seniors a place where they can stay active and can socialize.

Ryan Pratt, membership and wellness experience director at the branch, said he often chats with seniors to learn about their interests, with the aim of providing more programming for them.

There tends to be an influx of older members during this time of year, he said.

But the community also is heavily populated with seniors year-round.

And, because of that, the East Pasco YMCA has “specialized senior programming,” he said.

“That’s really taken off, I would say, over the last six months,” he added.

The Active Older Adults program offers group exercise classes.

In those classes, seniors perform stretches and work out in unison, under the direction of an instructor.

There are provisions made in the courses to accommodate those who have physical limitations, to allow them to exercise along with those who do not have those limitations, he said.

For instance, some class members may be in a wheelchair, while others are still quite active and fit, he said.

Healthy Living Initiative Programs offer therapeutic sessions for those with chronic issues such as arthritis.

Clare Christmas, of St. Leo, enjoys using the gym at East Pasco Family YMCA, in Zephyrhills.

And for those who prefer individual work outs, there’s a gym room.

At the beginning of the year, the facility added new exercise equipment and weights.

Those heading to the East Pasco YMCA also can enjoy such sports as basketball, volleyball and pickleball.

Pickelball, which is similar to tennis, is quite popular, Pratt said.

A senior committee meets once a month with center staff, to offer suggestions and feedback from members.

It allows their voices to be heard — and, it’s a way to promote potluck meals at the facility, Pratt said.

Last year, the YMCA branch started to implement a calendar to give members a heads up about non-exercise related activities.

Aside from fitness programs, it’s a place where seniors can hang out and socialize over a cup of coffee.

It’s a therapeutic environment for those who can empathize with someone else’s struggles, Pratt said.

“I’ve seen laughing, crying, hugging every day,” Pratt said.

Another Healthy Living Initiative Program is Live Strong.

This group consists of cancer survivors who can share their thoughts and learn about choosing healthier foods.

Sometimes older member venture out and about.

“Our senior group will go one visit to a Zephyrhills restaurant and one visit to a Dade City restaurant,” Pratt said. “We’ll get 15, 25, 30 people this time of year, with our snowbirds down here.”

The twice-a-month field trips allow the group to get a good meal and to support local businesses, Pratt added.

When a member has been absent for several weeks, the YMCA staff will check up on them, Pratt said.

Pratt said the facility is like the television show “Cheers.”

It’s a place, “where everybody knows your name,” he said.

“We do like to say we’re more than just a gym,” he added. “We are here to serve this community. That is our mission, that’s are goal.”

To learn more about the East Pasco Family YMCA, please call (813) 780-9622 or visit www.TampaYMCA.org.

Published January 22, 2020

This run combats cancer, with love

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When Peggy Sherry established Faces of Courage Inc., the idea was to help cancer patients.

Faces of Courage, an organization that has been helping cancer patients for 15 years, is hosting Run for Love on Feb. 1. The Land O’ Lakes event will help the organization raise money to support its services. (Courtesy of Tiffany Dodge, secretary at Faces of Courage Inc.)

As a cancer survivor herself, she could empathize.

So, she formed a non-profit organization.

That was in 2004.

The organization, based in Tampa, is geared toward helping cancer patients, and those suffering from blood disorders, as well.

The upcoming Run For Love event, set for Feb. 1, gives the public an opportunity to provide support, too. The 5K run and a 1-mile walk will be held in the Connerton community of  Land O’ Lakes.

Faces of Courage provides patients with overnight campouts within the Tampa Bay region.

But patients come from far beyond the Tampa Bay region to experience the camps. They come from across the nation, and across the globe.

Siblings of cancer patients are also welcome to join in.

The camps are intended to give those who are going through an illness an opportunity to focus their attention elsewhere, and enjoy a stress-free environment.

Besides providing an array of activities, the camps also allow campers to share their stories.

There are camps for kids,  and for kids on the autism spectrum, too.

The organization is currently serving 10,500 families affected by cancer — and that’s possible to accomplish because of its army of more than 1,600 volunteers.

Providing the campouts is possible through the help of sponsors, individual donors, grants, fundraisers and other contributions.

Run for Love, with its Valentine’s Day theme, is one such fundraiser. It is scheduled for held Feb. 1 at the Connerton Community Center, at 21100 Fountain Garden Road in Land O’ Lakes.

The 5K run will cost $30 a person and the 1-mile walk will cost $25 a person, when registering online.

When registering the day of, the 5K run will be $35 a person and the 1-mile will be $30 a person.

Check-in begins at 7 a.m., with the run and walk both starting at 8 a.m.

In addition to the run and walk, there will be live entertainment, bounce houses, rock painting and other fun activities. Admission is free.

Event-goers also will have a chance to pose for a photo with the Tampa Bay Rays’ mascot.

For more information or to register, call (813) 948-7478 or visit www.FacesOfCourage.org/RunForLove.

Published January 22, 2020

Resolution: Making changes that stick, through 2020

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Most of us don’t think twice about looking at our phone right when we wake up or buckling our seatbelt when we get in a car — we’ve done it so much, it’s become habitual.

So, just exactly what is a habit?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary says it is “an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary.”

In general, it’s healthier to eat fruit more frequently than chocolate. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)

In other words, it’s a behavior that’s become automatic.

Studies say it typically takes an average of 66 days to form a habit and for it to feel automatic.

So, as the New Year gets underway, what health habits are you going to change this year?

Whether trying to form a new habit, or drop an old one — be sure to phrase your resolution in a way that will line you up for success.

At the beginning of the New Year, people tend to be energized about forming or dropping habits, but by mid-February, up to 80% of people have lost motivation and quit their efforts.

There are strategies that can help, however.

To avoid being part of that 80%, be sure to make specific, manageable goals.

Break down your overarching goals into smaller, realistic goals — and then keep track of your progress on a weekly or monthly basis.

By breaking it down, you can create a plan — and that applies to any area of change in your life, whether it be healthy eating, improved fitness, better budgeting and so on.

The American Psychology Association says that planning in small steps is key to making changes and building self-control.

For example, if you want to cut back on added sugar, start small.

Begin with removing or replacing one or two foods or drinks at a time.

Maybe in January, you cut out soda and replace it with water, and then in February, you stop eating sweet desserts and swap it for fruit, and so on.

(Tip: The food label has officially changed for large food companies as of Jan. 1, so you can easily see how much added sugar is in a product).

Or, if you want to cook healthy meals at home more but you’re used to eating out four times a week, go down to three times a week at first, then twice a week, and so on, as you get more comfortable with cooking at home and learning how to meal plan.

If you’ve never stepped foot in a gym and you buy a gym membership, start by going just a couple of times per week instead of saying you will go five days right off the bat.

Five days a week may be your ultimate goal, but work toward achieving that over a period of weeks, rather than making it your starting point.

Changing any habit is challenging, so make gradual changes and celebrate the small wins along the way.

Speaking of small: A healthy weight loss should be small each week, from 1/2-pound to 2 pounds per week.

Losing a large amount of weight rapidly poses health risks, including slowing your metabolic weight, losing muscle mass, forming gallstones, and quickly regaining all the weight you just lost.

Another thing to remember is not to be too hard on yourself, if you lose focus.

Change is not an all-or-nothing proposition.

You will have off-days and slips.

That’s normal and to be expected.

So, don’t abandon your goals just because of one bad day. Know from the start that you will make mistakes along the way.

Instead of becoming discouraged, use the slip-up as a learning experience to determine what went wrong and how to keep it from happening again.

Oh, and one last thing, if your goal is to eat healthier, eliminate the word “diet.”

Dieting is typically associated with something temporary — a fad diet, a crash diet — but you want your new healthy choices to become a  lifestyle — in other words, habits that will serve you, year after year.

So, here’s to a successful 2020 — adding good habits, and dropping bad ones, through manageable changes, one week at a time.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Published January 22, 2020

Nonprofit chooses its first leader

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Carrie Zeisse will lead the West Central Florida Mental Wellness Coalition Inc., a local nonprofit. (Courtesy of BayCare Health System)

The West Central Florida Mental Wellness Coalition Inc., has named Carrie Zeisse as its first president and chief executive officer.

The mental wellness coalition, which was recently created by 30 local organizations, was developed to help improve outcomes for depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders in the Tampa Bay area.

Zeisse, who was the chief strategy and operations officer with United Way Suncoast, will be responsible for driving the coalition’s mission of mobilizing the community toward strengthening mental wellness outcomes in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.

She also will collaborate with the board of directors to raise public awareness, and develop and implement initiatives that help guide the community to available mental wellness resources.

Expanding the reach to those in grief

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(Courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services)

The Family Bereavement Program at Gulfside Hospice soon will be able to offer traumatic grief counseling to the community. Members from the Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring presented a $6,000 check to the program, which will make it possible for two Gulfside counselors to become certified in grief trauma. From left: Linda Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside; Charlie Lowry, director of caregiver support services, Gulfside; Angela Pottinger, executive director of Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring; Tara Greer, fundraising communications assistant, Gulfside; and, Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, Gulfside.

Health News 01/01/2020

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Third quarter star volunteers are, from left: Rev. Fred Houck, Barbara Weber and Steve Johnson. (Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

These volunteers truly are ‘stars’
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has announced the recipients of its third quarter volunteer Star Awards.

Rev. Fred Houck has been volunteering at the hospital since August 2013 and has accumulated 2,731 life hours and 3,766 merit hours. Rev. Houck has a reputation for his tirelessness in doing the work of the Lord.

Steve Johnson has been a volunteer since April 2011, with a total of 3,438 life hours and 6,068 merit hours.

Johnson began as a courtesy cart driver, which he has expanded to include evenings, and helps in the material management department.

Barbara Weber has been with Regional Medical since November 2016, working as a courier. She also works at the welcome center of the medical office building and the Welcome D center.

Weber has accumulated more than 3,000 life hours and more than 3,500 merit hours.

Mobile mammography
AdventHealth has signed an agreement for the purchase of all the assets of Tampa Bay Mobile Mammography, according to a news release.

Mobile Mammography is a leading provider of 3D services to more than 700 locations in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas, including schools, government agencies, corporations and health care clinics.

The transaction was expected to be completed by Dec. 20 and, once official, the mobile services will be part of AdventHealth West Florida Division.

The sale includes Tampa Bay Mobile Mammography’s three specialty buses equipped with Hologic 3D Mammography systems. The 3D system offers more clarity, regardless of breast size or density, increased comfort and more accuracy in diagnosis, detecting subtle lesions and fine calcifications to help pinpoint cancers early.

Tampa Bay Mobile Mammography has screened more than 32,000 women in the last five years.

Fashion show raises money for Gulfside
The annual Charity Fashion Show on Dec. 3, at Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club in Trinity, raised more than $41,000 to support hospice patients and families through Gulfside Hospice.

The sold-out event featured winter and holiday fashions presented by Dillard’s from The Shops at Wiregrass.

Deiah Riley, from ABC Action News, returned to emcee the event for the fourth time, and guests had a seated lunch.

There also was a vendor expo and door prizes.

Regional Medical donates to campaign
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, a Level II Trauma Center, joined the Bayonet Point medical staff in donating $13,000 each to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and Pasco County School’s Stop the Bleed campaign.

This national initiative aims to train and empower civilians to act swiftly and effectively in trauma situations.

Training is provided by voluntary medical personnel who are experts in the initial stages of trauma management, and is tailored to quick, life-saving measures that can be applied by anybody in the event of an emergency.

Each school is also provided with 15 trauma kits that are placed in strategic locations to be rapidly accessed, in the case of an emergency.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and Pasco County Schools believe that, to be effective, over 100 Pasco County schools should be equipped with the trauma kits.

The initial cost is $250,000 to provide quality and long-lasting kits.

Dr. George Giannakopoulos, Regional Medical chief of staff, decided to jumpstart the campaign with hospital medical staff with the $13,000 donation, and the hospital itself chose to match the donation with an additional $13,000.

Cancer foundation receives funds
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices partnered with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise funds and awareness of breast cancer, its symptoms and treatments.

Through the sale of the Foundation’s “End Breast Cancer” specialty tag and cash donations, a total of $7,678.39 was raised to help end the suffering caused by breast cancer.

For details regarding charitable promotions or services provided by the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector for communications and special projects, at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Get The Smile You Deserve in 2020 from Origami Orthodontics

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It’s a new year, and the perfect time to set goals that you have wanted to achieve for years!

Health goals are always a priority, including orthodontic care, which can straighten your teeth, correct problems with your bite and give you the smile you’ve always wished for.

“For many people, the only thing stopping them from scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist is concern about the cost,” said Michael Ruelf, who works with patients at his wife’s orthodontic practice in Land O’ Lakes, Origami Orthodontics. “At our practice, we work with patients of all ages and financial situations to help them find a solution that works for them.”

Dr. Lisa Brooks DDS MS, who opened her practice with her husband a year ago, adds, “We want to serve people of all needs because improving someone’s smile can be transformational. Everyone is deserving of orthodontic care, because it can impact their life all around — from boosting their confidence, to alleviating jaw pain, to improving the ability to eat and speak.”

One reason Origami Orthodontics is able to provide affordable orthodontic care is because it has an in-house lab that offers many services that other practices have to contract out. One of its most popular lab services is creating clear-aligner trays for adults that move teeth into place over a period of several months.

“Our Origami Aligners use trays that are similar to those made by Invisalign and Smile Direct, only ours have a variety of unique advantages,” explains Ruelf.

There are many medical and financial benefits to having an in-house lab, Dr. Brooks explains.

“I personally oversee the design and production of every tray created for our patients,” said Dr. Brooks. “This allows me to make adjustments throughout the process, so patients get the very best results.”

An in-house lab also means there is better quality control, and turnaround is very fast – even the same day.

“Because our clear aligners are being both digitally designed and directly fabricated by the orthodontist, our patients will correctly align their teeth and bite, all while being provided conveniences similar to online or at-home straightening companies like Smile Direct Club,” said Ruelf. “Being open on Saturdays, handling insurance claims directly for our patients, and offering tremendously fast turnaround times for clear aligners are just some of the unique conveniences that set Origami apart.”

Cost savings is another big benefit for patients at Origami Orthodontics.

“We typically save a clear aligner patient between $1,200 and $1,700 when compared to similar offerings in the industry,” said Ruelf. “This savings often makes orthodontic care possible for people who have waited years to improve their smile.”

Dr. Brooks grew up near Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where her father was a radiologist. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a physician or a dentist, and decided on dentistry because she has always liked working with her hands. She then chose orthodontics because of the positive environment and the creative nature of the planning involved in orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Brooks graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in Richmond, with a doctorate in dental surgery. From there, she went to Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Davie, Florida, where she completed her residency and received her Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and a Master of Science.

In December, Dr. Brooks passed her American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) examination, which reflects her personal and public commitment to her specialty.

It was while she was in dental school that Dr. Brooks met her future husband, Michael, who is a software developer, as well as his wife’s business partner at Origami Orthodontics.

“Lisa was a swimmer in high school and college, and fell in love with Florida, its warm water and beautiful weather. So, we decided to stay in the state after her residency, and came to the Tampa area, since I grew up in Lutz and have family here,” said Ruelf, who is a graduate of Jesuit High School.

Michael and Lisa married in 2013, and today have two young daughters — Charlotte and Virginia.

When the couple decided to open their own practice on State Road 54, they chose a unique name for their business — Origami Orthodontics — that personifies their philosophy.

“Much like the art of origami, our practice is centered in precision and elegance,” says Dr. Brooks. “We use the newest technologies in the field of orthodontics that allow us to efficiently meet the highest standards of clinical excellence.

“However, we’re not all serious business! We enjoy providing our patients with a fun and comfortable experience that’s centered around them, and we believe our name and office reflects that.”

The first appointment at Origami Orthodontics is a completely free evaluation that begins with data collection. Radiographs (X-rays), photographs and a dental history will be combined to provide Dr. Brooks with a comprehensive understanding of your case, so that all of your treatment options can be discussed with you.

Situated near the intersection of Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54 (in The Shoppes at Ballantrae), Origami Orthodontics provides convenient access for families living in Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Trinity, Odessa and Wesley Chapel.

Origami Orthodontics can be reached at (813) 336-8880 or OrigamiOrthodontics.com.

Published January 1, 2020

Encompass Health plans move to Land O’ Lakes

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Encompass Health Corporation has announced plans to bring 179 jobs to Central Pasco.

The company, based in Birmingham, plans to build a 37,000-square-foot facility on about 6 acres in the Bexley Community, off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

It plans to locate its Central Business Office there, to provide medical billing and collection services to the company’s hospitals in 25 states and Puerto Rico, according to a company statement.

This rendering depicts the planned office for Encompass Health Corporation, which plans to bring 179 jobs to Pasco County. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

News of the company’s plans was announced at the Pasco County Commission’s Dec. 10 meeting, where the board voted on an incentive package aimed at attracting the company, a publicly traded company, whose shares are sold on the New York Stock Exchange.

David Engel, Pasco County’s economic growth manager, told commissioners that the building will be single-story, with an architectural façade that’s consistent with the design standards for the Bexley master-planned community, Engel said.

“It’s a one-story administrative office building. It’s quite a substantial project. There’s over $15 million in capital investment; 220 direct and indirect jobs; 179 will be working at this facility, at a minimum,” Engel said.

The capital investment includes acquisition of the land, according to county documents.

Engel said the project “contributes more than $10 million a year to the gross county product,” which amounts to a return on investment of more than 10 to 1.

Commissioners approved a $983,000 incentive package to attract the company.

Various features of that package are:

  • A job creation incentive for 117 of the administrative jobs (amounting to $234,000)
  • The mobility fee waiver for Class A office construction (estimated at $329,000)
  • A 10-year ad valorem reimbursement (estimated at $290,000); the first five years will be 50% of their ad valorem payment; and 25% for the back end
  • An employee training grant ($50,000)
  • A waiver of building county permit fees (maximum of $80,000)

Also, because the company falls within the definition of a qualified targeted industry, the county is offering “rapid response team and expedited permitting,” Engel said.

Besides saving time, the expedited process is “a large financial incentive to the applicant,” Engel said.

Bill Cronin, CEO and president of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., said ”We’re really excited about this company coming in, right into Central Pasco, creating some wonderful jobs.”

The Pasco EDC executive also noted that this project indicates that master-planned communities, such as Bexley, are started to develop their employment entitlements, thus rounding out the developments.

“Now, this development has true live, work, play at their development. You’ve got residential. You’ve got jobs. You’ve got retail. That means less people, potentially, on the road,” Cronin said.

Diane Daerr, director of Encompass Heath’s Central Business Office, said “we’re really excited about our new operation. The new building will allow us to have a lot of amenities for our workforce. Fitness center. Walking trails.

“We really like the setting of Bexley, and the walking trails and bike trails in that general area.

“You can literally live across the street from where our building is going to be, so we’re very excited about that,”” Daerr said.

Pasco officials have been working to shed the county’s image as a bedroom community, where thousands commute daily to jobs in other places.

“I think there’s something to be said about having a publicly traded company choosing Pasco for location for this regional operation. They will be serving 25 states here, and Puerto Rico. So, this is a real regional footprint for them. And, these jobs are good jobs,” Cronin said.

“As you all know, we’ve been focusing on our life sciences cluster,” he said.

In fact, Moffitt Cancer Center is seeking to boost its share of the state’s annual cigarette tax money to support expanded cancer care and research, both in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

If the proposal moves forward, the new location in Pasco County would be near the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52. It is being viewed by local leaders as having the potential to be a catalyst that would transform the Central Pasco landscape.

Cronin said that attracting new companies to Pasco, such as Encompass Health, talent being developed in the life sciences industry will have a place to call home, Cronin added.

Cronin also emphasized the project’s strategic location, near State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway, with easy access to Tampa International Airport.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore applauded the company’s decision to locate in Pasco, which he describe as “the fastest growing county in the region, if not the fastest growing in the state and one of the fastest growing in the nation.”

Published December 18, 2019