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Land O' Lakes News

Pasco educator embraces theater again

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During college years and beyond, Patty Smithey has devoted much of her time traveling the globe, and helping kids as an educator.

Earlier this year, though, the Land O’ Lakes resident decided to devote more of her leisure time tapping into her artistic side with acting – a lifelong passion.

“I realized recently that I needed to do something that really, truly made me happy,” Smithey explained. “I need to help other people, but it’s OK to help yourself, too.”

Patty Smithey, of Land O’ Lakes, recently became reacquainted with her love for performing on stage. She recently played Ariel, the lead role in ‘The Little Mermaid’ musical. (Courtesy of Patty Smithey)

The college admissions recruiter made her debut theater performance, as an adult, in June, in Cabaret. And, she just finished starring as the lead role Ariel, in The New Tampa Players’ production of “The Little Mermaid.”

While she just got back into acting this year, her fascination with the craft dates back to her early childhood.

Smithey recalls getting bit by the acting bug when she was just 3 years old.

The Tampa native said she and her younger sister would put on their own performances at home.

These homemade productions often involved acting, dancing and singing.

Smithey described herself as being a shy kid, but said acting provided an outlet for her to comfortably express herself.

“I just really love musical theater,” she said. “It’s always been in the back of my mind burning.”

That passion helped her break out of her shell as she got older, eventually joining the drama club while attending Steinbrenner High School, in Lutz.

The experience granted her the opportunity to venture outside the school auditorium with her group and perform statewide.

She did consider acting as a possible career path, but said her mother encouraged her to pursue other avenues.

Smithey attended Florida State University where she received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years.

“I majored in international affairs, which was an amazing experience,” Smithey stated. “I got to study abroad in Panama, Prague, Croatia – the most beautiful places.”

She credits her travels in helping her to develop a greater appreciation for daily life, and a broader understanding of other people.

“One thing I learned throughout my educational experience, that’s consistent, is about people and human nature,” Smithey added.

Her newly found connection to others compelled her to focus her career on academics and to inspire others in their educational endeavors.

After school, she moved to New York, where she worked as a college recruiter before returning to the Sunshine State.

Back in Florida, Smithey continued a role in academics, but this time catering to a much younger demographic.

At Spring Hill’s Classical Preparatory School, she taught reading, writing, mathematics and science to fourth-graders.

Currently, she’s an admissions recruiter at the Land O’ Lakes branch of Rasmussen College.

She enjoys her work, but she also has felt a tug to return to the stage.

So, instead of thinking about it, she told herself: “Why don’t I just get out there and do it, even if it’s not professional.”

She then took to Facebook to see what local theater productions were available.

Off the heels of her Cabaret performance, the actress didn’t hesitate in auditioning for “The Little Mermaid” musical.

So, once she landed the role, she began sharing her time between work and rehearsals for the production, which just wrapped up at the University Area Cultural Development Center in Tampa.

Playing in the lead role was an honor, and gratifying, too, Smithey said.

“It came [as] a complete shock to me. It was like ‘Wow, these people have faith in me,’” she said.

Even as the experience rekindles her love for acting, the teacher within Smithey can’t help but see her experience as an opportunity teach youths a lesson.

She said it gives her a chance to tell them: “There’s always going to be obstacles, but if you put the work in, it really pays off.”

Published August 07, 2019

Flooding concerns prompt rezoning protest

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Pasco County Commissioners adopted a change to the county’s future land use map, and also approved a rezoning in the Sierra Pines area — despite concerns by neighbors that the planned project will add to the area’s flooding problems.

The rezoning and land use change involve 164.8 acres, on the south side of State Road 54, approximately 2,000 feet east of Meadowbrook Drive.

The property is surrounded by the Shoppes at Ballantrae Village to the north, single-family residential to the south and west; Long Lake Ranch, and a proposed Pasco County school site to the east.

The land use and zoning changes had received recommendations for approval, and had been going through the process without any apparent opposition.

Joel Tew, an attorney representing the applicants, told commissioners that the land already is entitled to develop 1,534 apartments and the requests would lower the proposed intensity to 400 apartments, and a maximum of 150 single-family homes and 150 townhomes.

The front of the site would retain its office and developments, with the apartments and gathering space behind them.

Opponents turned out in force at public hearings held on the two related requests.

Jessica Stempien, of 1102 Wildwood Lane, appeared on behalf of the Sierra Pines Coalition, which works on stormwater and flooding issues in the community.

“We are highly concerned about this development,” she said. “We’re concerned that it’s going to increase the intensity and the duration of the stormwater events in our neighborhood.

“We would like to propose for a delay, or a slowing down of this process, so we can get and have a third-party reviewer, an engineer, an advocate on our side when we sit down and talk with those developers. We’re just asking for time and transparency.”

Kevin Marks, of 1530 Woodfield Court, told commissioners: “It just gets worse every year. I think we need to fix the issues before we create any more issues.”

Scott Slone, of 17135 Gunn Lock Road, said “we bought property as a dream. And, year after year, that dream has eroded away because of the water that flows into our residences, erodes our property.”

His wife, Lisa Slone, said she can’t get out of her neighborhood during flooding events.

“I love my neighborhood, but I need to be able to leave my neighborhood,” she said.

“It’s not just flooding. It’s congestion and quality of life that needs to be thought about here, too,” she added.

Patrick Kennedy, of 17320 Raintree Road, owns one of the parcels that backs up to the planned 150 townhomes, which would be 15 feet from his property line.

He worries about negative impacts on his property values, and a loss of privacy for his family.

“We’re not saying, don’t build the townhomes. We’re saying, set them back. Give us some space,” Kennedy said.

Dr. Jessica Greer, of 17324 Raintree Road, said her family owns 2.5 acres backing up to the proposed townhomes.

“When we bought the lots there, were told that there would be a wildlife corridor right behind us. We were told that would be 100 to 150 feet,” she said. She and her husband wanted to buy land to provide a buffer to their property and were told it would cost $500,000 an acre, she said.

Other neighbors reminded commissioners how deluged their neighborhood was when Irma hit, dumping 8 ½ inches of rainfall. It was impossible for people to get in or out because of the floodwaters. They also asked commissioners to balance progress with the way of life they enjoy, and to fix existing flooding problems before adding projects that could make them worse.

Commissioner Jack Mariano asked county staff if additional drainage requirements could be imposed to protect the neighbors, as the county has done in some previous cases.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder agreed stricter standards have been required in some cases, but the attorney added: “You’ve never done that with an entitled project.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey reminded her colleagues that the applicant is reducing the amount of development that has already been approved for the site.

She said that’s an important first step.

The commissioner, whose district includes Sierra Pines, said “we’ve been trying to deal with flooding, very serious flooding that’s going on in Sierra Pines. There’s no doubt about it.

“We’ve been peeling away the layers of challenges in Sierra Pines.”

However, she added: “It’s not Smith54’s (the applicant) responsibility to fix the woes of Sierra Pines. It is Smith54’s responsibility to not make it worse,” Starkey said.

Both Starkey and Commissioner Mike Moore said they want better buffering provided for the properties backing up to the townhomes, and Tew agreed to a condition that would involve the county staff in addressing that concern.

Tew also agreed to a condition that provides the neighborhood 45 days to review and comment on the drainage and buffering plans, before they are implemented.

Published July 17, 2019

Pine View Elementary becomes Primary Years program

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Pine View Elementary School has received its official authorization to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

The school, at 5333 Parkway Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, has been working for three years toward attaining the authorization. It is the first public school in Pasco County to achieve the distinction.

Pine View Elementary Principal Kay Moore is delighted that her Land O’ Lakes school has achieved its official authorization to offer an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Pine View Elementary is only one of 504 schools in the United States authorized to offer the IB PYP, which uses an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. (B.C. Manion)

As of May 1, there were 1,716 schools offering the IB PYP, in 109 different countries worldwide, according to the IB Organization’s website. In the United States, there are 504 public schools offering the IB PYP.

Pine View Middle School already is operating as an IB Middle Years Programme, and Land O’ Lakes High School offers the IB Diploma Programme, as well as a pre-IB programme for ninth-graders.

Pine View Elementary Principal Kay Moore said being a PYP candidate school has been a journey.

“One of the requirements to be authorized is that 100 percent of your staff has to go through International Baccalaureate training. So, we spent a lot of time and resources to train teachers,” Moore said.

Initially, the elementary school was looking for a way to provide a choice option for parents.

“We had declining enrollment over the past few years,” Moore explained, noting that Pine View was losing students to Sanders Memorial Elementary, a STEAM Magnet School, and charter schools, such as Imagine School and Classical Prep.

“We wanted to offer choice, and IB seemed to be a natural fit because of the middle school and the high school,” Moore said. “It completed a feeder pattern.”

While Pine View’s motivation was to be competitive, the experience has been illuminating for everyone involved, Moore said.

“We learned that this is a teaching style that’s good for kids,” Moore said.

It also “was a great growth opportunity for our staff,” she added, noting that as teachers became more familiar with the PYP, they embraced it.

Their attitude was: “This is the kind of teaching and learning we want for children.’

These attributes, painted on wooden boards beneath a covered walkway at Pine View Elementary, are qualities that prepare IB students to make exceptional contributions on campus.

“It was, ‘Wow, this is just good teaching’,” the principal said.

“So our staff buy-in was 100 percent because of that,” the principal said.

Moore credits Erin Greco, the school’s IB coordinator, as playing a pivotal role in the school’s transition to becoming a PYP.

She described Greco as being a catalyst.

“She’s been going through extensive training and studying, and is very self-motivated,” Moore said.

Teachers are pleased to be able to offer this educational approach, she added.

“One of the teachers got up at a parent meeting and said, ‘Just think, we’re going to offer your child IB, without the expense of IB,” Moore said.

Parents are enthused by the program, too.

“The IB team came in and interviewed the parent groups. They said that is our strength. Our parent support is truly our strength.

“I think a lot of them recognize that this is something special, that their children and they get to be involved with,” Moore said.

Besides achieving the PYP designation, Pine View is also a magnet school now.

Students within the school’s normal boundaries are automatically in, but others living outside the boundaries can apply to fill vacant spots. The vacancies are filled through a lottery.

When parents inquire about the program, they often have questions about the curriculum, Moore said.

“The curriculum is not different. We still do the state standards. The difference is we teach in an interdisciplinary fashion, where we integrate reading, writing, science, social studies — with a focus on connecting kids globally,” she said.

“Delivery is different because we try to do it on an inquiry basis, so that kids have choice and voice. When they do have choice and voice, they own it. We encourage them to go beyond the lessons that teachers may give and do their own inquiry,” she said.

There’s also more hands-on learning, Moore added.

The students aren’t the only ones learning in a new way, the principal added.

The teachers also are true IB learners, Moore said. “They’re inquiring, ‘How can I make it better? What can I read, what can I study — to make this experience better for kids?’”

And, they aren’t the only ones who are welcoming opportunities for new growth.

Moore, an educator for 38 years, said she feels invigorated.

“We are definitely not at the end of this journey. Every year, we are going to refine and make things better.

“The world is a lot smaller now, because of all the connections.

“This allows us to have that global perspective and really help children see and accept differences, and tolerate — and yet be discriminators of their own learning. That’s what excites me,” Moore said.

For more information, contact Pine View Elementary at (352) 524-0600.

What is the Primary Years Programme?
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a curriculum framework for young learners aged 3–12 designed by the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Founded on a philosophy that recognizes a child’s natural curiosity, creativity and ability to reflect, the PYP generates a stimulating, challenging learning environment to nurture those assets and foster a lifelong love of learning in every child.

The PYP, like all IB programmes, is transdisciplinary, meaning students learn across subject areas, while investigating big ideas.

Does the PYP have a specific set of standards?
In the PYP, students learn about significant concepts through units of inquiry.

The six transdisciplinary themes that guide units of inquiry and compose a year of study are:

  • Who we are
  • Where we are in place and time
  • How we express ourselves
  • How the world works
  • How we organize ourselves
  • Sharing the planet

Units of inquiry interweave subject areas, such as mathematics, language arts, science and social studies.

This approach encourages students to make their own connections between what they learn in core subject areas and how it relates to the world around them.

Source: International Baccalaureate website

Published July 03, 2019

Ease of 54/41 traffic congestion in progress

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Nightly lane closures are now underway for a project aimed to improve traffic flow at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

The lane closures began on June 16 and will last until June 21. They are being done from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., to minimize disruption.

Current construction to extend eastbound turning lanes on State Road 54 will smooth traffic flow and lessen wait times for motorists turning onto U.S. 41. (File)

Construction has been underway since April, to help ease congestion at an intersection used by about nearly 100,000 motorists daily.

The improvement aims to improve flow for motorists who are heading east on State Road 54, but who are not able to turn right or left onto U.S. 41 because the turn lanes are blocked by through traffic.

The development is extending the turning lane to enable them to accommodate more vehicles, thus reducing the wait times.

The lengthening of the left-turn lane has already begun with the installation of a lime rock base. It will be followed by new drainage features and finally new asphalt.

Construction work occurs at night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., to avoid interfering with peak traffic hours.

However, some night lane closures, such as the current one, will be necessary at different times during the project.

The project also will alter the median opening where State Road 54 intersects with Hunt Road.

The modified median will have a separator in place, allowing eastbound traffic to turn left onto Hunt Road or make a U-turn. It will also grant motorists the option of turning left onto State Road 54 from Hunt Road.

The separator will no longer permit westbound traffic on State Road 54 to make U-turns.

The development is a part of Pasco County’s Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the Vision 54/56 program – set to make long-term improvements along the corridor of State Road 54 and State Road 56.

It is estimated at $1.1 million in costs and is expected to be completed by fall of this year.

For further updates on closures, visit tinyurl.com/y2hvm7vr.

Published June 19, 2019

‘Hop’ing to attract some attention

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In The Loop Brewing Company, at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., is hoping a new mural covering an entire wall will catch the eyes of the thousands of motorists who pass by the brewery on a nearly daily basis. The colorful artwork was created by Vanessa and Juan Parra, of Capco LLC, and their assistants, Ashley Cantera and Cassie Seckman. Peter Abreut, of the brewery, said the stars in the mural are part of the company’s logo, and the hops are used in making beer — something they hold close to their heart.

Vanessa and Juan Parra, of Capco LLC, use their artistic skills to create a lively, colorful mural on an exterior wall of In The Loop, a brewery at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C. Manion)
Vanessa Parra, of Capco LLC, grew up in Land O’ Lakes, and the company she shares with her husband, Juan, has been involved in a variety of artistic projects in the community — including this work at In The Loop, and also projects at Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes high schools.

Sunlake High turns in soaring performances

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Sunlake High School knows how to keep the energy level up — both on and off campus, with the help of its color guard, marching band and choir groups.

Whether twirling flags, playing instruments or singing — students from Sunlake have performed well regionally and even nationally.

Draped in school colors, the Land O’ Lakes Sunlake High marching band has taken its musical performances throughout Florida, and nationwide. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Band’s Twitter page)

“We’re a very comprehensive program,” explained Brandon Slaughter, Sunlake’s band director. “Most of the time we perform at local high schools, in either their gyms [or] concert halls.”

The school has a marching band, a concert band, a choir, instrumental groups and a color guard.

And, while each group has independent rehearsals, they often come together to perform in shows, such as the Winter Showcase Concert.

The showcase typically is at the end of each year and lasts for about two hours – offering anywhere from 35 to 40 different acts.

The ensemble’s recognition has allowed them to entertain at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach and out of state at the University of Dayton, in Ohio, just to mention two.

In uniforms bearing the school’s colors — black, white, teal and gold — the marching band has made its mark, especially in the Southeastern United States.

The program recruits students with an interest in music and dance through word of mouth, and through directors speaking with local middle school students who are preparing to enter high school.

Parents help with recruitment, too, said Paul Champion, Sunlake’s choir director, noting they pass on the word to other parents.

When talking to parents about the program, Champion said he tells them that students who take part develop strong time management skills.

The emphasis on recruitment has resulted in an increase in participation, Champion said.

“The chorus here has grown greatly in numbers since two years ago,” Champion said, more than doubling in size.

The young women of Sunlake High School’s color guard recently won the silver medal at the 2019 Winter Guard International competition in Ohio.

Jonathan Bearint didn’t need to be persuaded to join the marching band.

His interest was first sparked back in fifth grade, as he watched his older sister perform shows at her school.

“As soon as I saw their first marching show on the football field, I decided I [wanted] to be a part of that,” the 11th-grader recalled.

As a French horn player, Bearint has helped set a precedent for his school’s band. His percussion class is a four-time champion for the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit competition.

“It set the record for winning the most consecutive championships for the state of Florida, which is absolutely incredible,” band director Slaughter noted. “Those kids work so hard competing.”

While Bearint is happy with the accolades of the percussion class, he said he is equally impressed by the cohesive nature of all the groups performing as one.

“I like how everyone comes together,” he said. “Everyone in their individual part just comes together and makes a bigger picture that everyone can enjoy.”

Sunlake junior, Nicole Boisson, also has seen the rewards of hard work and persistence.

As color guard captain, she has taken her team to the 2019 Winter Guard International competition in Ohio to become the silver medalist winners.

The 16-year-old was initially a part of the school band, but soon traded her marching uniform for another physical activity.

“I decided to try something new – spinning flags, spinning rifle(s) – and I just fell in love with it,” Boisson explained.

Although she often competes with other school teams, she said that it feels like they all belong in one family unit.

As this school semester comes to a close, the Sunlake ensemble already is preparing for the next.

They’ve started summer training, which includes a mini camp, and have their eyes set on the Bands of America Regional Championship in October.

Even in the midst of rehearsing, the ensemble remains open to new recruits.

“We welcome everybody,” Slaughter said. “Every time we start a new season, the most advanced student to the beginner all start with the same training. If we’re all starting in the same place, we’ll progress a little bit better going forward.”

The directors enjoy seeing their students succeed, but they also emphasize to them the importance of appreciating the art of what they do.

“I always say that I get to teach the best kids in the world,” Champion said. “It’s about developing and fostering a lifelong love for music.”

Published June 05, 2019

Bay Area writers display their literary works

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library had an even larger volume of books stacked up as it held its annual Authors’ Fair on May 18.

The event featured 20 writers from the Tampa Bay area showcasing their works across many genres.

Author Keith G. Laufenberg, of Hernando Beach, speaks to a small group of people about his previous occupation as a middleweight boxer. The U.S. Marine veteran is the author of 23 books and screenplays. (Christine Holtzman)

It was an opportunity for Pasco County residents to discover local literature, speak with the authors and purchase signed books.

Deborah Cameron had her booth set up just outside the kids’ play area in the library.

It was a suitable location to display her children’s novel, “The Mel Monsta” which she co-authored.

The story features Mel the Monsta whose encounter with a friendly girl, helps Mel become more soft and gentle.

The idea initially came from Cameron’s journey in becoming a better person to herself, and others.

“We thought, ‘what can we do to help children with this?’” she and her co-author thought. “It’s to encourage children and adults to look beyond race, gender [and] who you love in life.”

With the books neatly laid out on the table, Cameron also had a stuffed animal of Mel the Monsta for kids to marvel at.

In the past, she has donated the books to sick youth at Shriners Hospitals for Kids as a way to encourage them.

Cameron said she plans to write literature geared toward helping kids with autism.

Booths like hers is what intrigued Beth Smith to come out to the fair.

Author Gladys Vanesa, of Wesley Chapel, left, holds a copy of her book ‘Historia del Sofrito Puertorriqueño,’ as Deborah Cameron, an author from Land O’ Lakes, hugs a plush version of the title character from her own book, ‘The Mel Monsta.’

She enjoys combing through children’s books she can read to the youngsters in her family.

“I have nieces and nephews, so I deal with them,” Smith said.

Other authors’ works caught her eye as well, especially a book on cats.

“I’m an animal lover,” she explained with a smile. “I picked up a dog off the side road and still have him living with me today.”

She had her hands full as she exited the library with five purchased books.

Some authors present had work that was religiously inspired, such as Mary Perrone Davis.

Among some of her books displayed were “Mary Loves to Sing” and “Mary’s Butterfly Garden.”

“It’s a series of books about a little girl’s growth and her relationship with the Lord,” Perrone Davis explained.

The picture books are geared towards children between ages 2 to 6.

However, the school nurse had no intention of writing until 2002 when she had a unique encounter with a butterfly.

Her relation with nature, coupled with prayer, inspired her series, she said.

“I think that people tend to underestimate a child’s ability to understand the spiritual,” Perrone Davis reasoned.

She added that she wants to use the books to further inspire her seven grandchildren.

“I love to look at local authors’ work,” said attendee Lynn Landseadel. “I think we should buy small and support the community.”

An avid book reader, the Spring Hill resident was present at last year’s fair as well.

This year, she said she was impressed by what writers had to offer.

Author D.A. Plotkin, of New Port Richey, smiles, as she candidly speaks about her journey through years of infertility, detailed in her memoir, ‘Wishbone.’

As a fan of mystery and psychological thrillers, she was attracted to J.C. Gatlin’s booth.

Gatlin is known for his murder-mystery novels and was eager to showcase his most recent project: “Hangman (spelled H_NGM_N): Murder is the Word.”

He attributes other authors of similar genres in sparking his interest.

However, some writers draw from their own trauma to put words to paper.

Loren and Lisa Murfield were present to promote their collaborated efforts as co-authors.

“The R.O.I of Compassion” was published in 2010 and was inspired after the couple’s son, Caleb, took his own life in 2007.

“He was the life of the party,” explained dad Loren. “He had a Robin Williams, razor-sharp wit.”

What added inspiration for the writing was when Caleb’s sister said at his funeral that the family “can’t let his life be for nothing,” Loren recalled.

The book not only opens up about the grief Loren and Lisa were going through, but how they were able to pick up the pieces of their lives to move forward.

While the book is a means of helping those suffering trauma, it is also a guide in helping employers better sympathize with their grieving employees.

This aspect of the book was in response to Lisa being laid off from her job shortly after Caleb’s passing.

She described her subordinates as being insensitive in their approach, given what she had just experienced.

“I started to think ‘how do employees handle it in that type of a situation?’” Lisa contemplated.

In the book, she and Loren address steps that employers should consider in reaching out to their workers, and being more invested in their mental well-being.

“There is a better way,” Loren stated. “We argue that compassion is the best business model.”

The couple added that the book’s title “R.O.I” – Return on Investment- is what employers will see when having a deeper connection with their workers. When an employee feels wanted and respected, it will show through their work ethic.

Their most recent book, “Leading with the Power of Compassion,” also delves deep into appreciating people on a whole and learning to care for an individual on a human level.

The event’s range of genres and personally-inspired writings showed the relevancy of literature for all age groups and backgrounds.

Published May 29, 2019

Opponents cite access concerns in Wesley Chapel rezoning

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Questions are being raised about the safety of entering Wesley Chapel Boulevard from Hay Road, in a rezoning case seeking to allow 35 single-family attached townhomes on Hay Road.

The applicant, Lawrence P. Martinez, represented by Attorney Barbara Wilhite, is seeking to change the zoning on about 6 acres from agricultural use to medium density, multiple family.

The Pasco County Planning Commission heard the request at its May 9 public hearing.

The request involves a parcel on the west side of Hay Road, about 1,800 feet south of Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The applicant has voluntarily agreed to deed restrictions that would limit the use of the property to single-family attached townhomes, said Denise Hernandez, Pasco County’s zoning administrator.

“This will not be an apartment complex,” Hernandez told planning commissioners, who serves as an advisory body to the Pasco County Commission on zoning and land use plan cases.

The zoning administrator also noted that the Pasco County Commission has approved similar zoning requests, and that county planners have recommended approval.

“The access at this point of time is proposed through Hay Road,” Hernandez said, but she added there’s a possibility that the parcel maybe developed along with the property to the north. If that happens, the primary access would be Wesley Chapel Boulevard, also known as County Road 54.

Neighbors, however, voiced concerns about the safety of using Hay Road as the primary access. Reginal Mesimer, a traffic engineer from St. Petersburg, appeared on behalf of Perry and Synthia Horner, who own property near the proposed rezoning.

The Horners own Hay Road, with some others who have easements to use it, Mesimer said.

“Right now, there are seven homes on Hay Road. One day, the Horners would like to develop their property with 200 units.

“About a year ago, a traffic signal went up at the entrance of Grand Oaks Boulevard, which didn’t line up with Hay Road. Now, there’s no way to provide a left-turn lane to enter Hay Road from County Road 54, and northbound queuing traffic coming out of Hay Road often is blocked by traffic queuing at the traffic signal at (County Road) 54.

“Mr. Horner tells me in the past year there have been two accidents associated with people who actually live on Hay Road, at that intersection, simply because Hay Road is so close to the traffic signal.

“Now, the county has plans to widen County Road 54 (also called Wesley Chapel Boulevard) to six lanes,” Mesimer added.

Mesimer noted that the parcel up for rezoning might be joined with another to the north, which has access to Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

That would be more suitable than trying to flow the traffic from the 35 new units onto Hay Road, Mesimer said.

The Horners have offered to provide land for an access road to allow motorists to drive to the signalized intersection at Grand Oaks Boulevard, which would improve access for everyone using Hay Road, Perry Horner said.

Paul Steele, of 4100 Hay Road in Lutz, urged planning commissioners to reject the rezoning request.

“We see our lives being turned upside down by this whole development, and a devaluation of our property. I’m here in complete protest to the idea,” he said.

Steele said he has lived on his property for 22 years and is raising several children there.

“We moved into that neighborhood for the specific express purpose of having our solitude, our privacy, being able to lead our lives in a certain way — free of heavy traffic, free of potential crime, free of people coming onto property constantly, being able to have our dogs run free, etc., etc., etc.

“This proposed development is going to have a serious negative impact on our lifestyle.

“If the road situation is not changed, it will have even an additional impact on the safety of my family and people coming to visit us on Hay Road.

“There’s been two very serious accidents. It led to one resident actually selling the property, leaving the property.

“It’s already a bad situation with a blind turn. When you turn right off of Hay Road today, traffic is coming 55, 60, 65 miles an hour. Very frequently people are almost rear-ended, just making a right-hand turn because you can’t see the traffic coming,” Steele said.

Wilhite said she’s not sure if her client will use Hay Road to get to Wesley Chapel Boulevard, or will be able to access the road through a property to the north.

David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, asked the applicants if there is sufficient right of way to improve Hay Road, if that becomes necessary for access.

Steve Henry, a traffic engineer from Lincks & Associates, representing the applicant, said there is enough right of way for a 20-foot road on Hay Road.

The planning board unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning. The Pasco County Commission has the final say.

Published May 15, 2019

Changes coming to Sunlake and State Road 54

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The Pasco County Commission has approved an amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan, at the southwest corner of Sunlake Boulevard and State Road 54.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a specific zoning request for the land at a May 21 public hearing.

The 72.6-acre parcel, which is part of the Long Lake Ranch development, previously was designated for retail, office and residential to a planned development designation.

The change also includes a text amendment to the long-range plan to expand the general range of potential uses to include compatible light industrial, distribution, logistics, research and corporate parks, and target industries.

Among other things, the change is consistent with the comprehensive plan goal, which encourages large-scale employment opportunities in the county, according to background materials in the commissioners’ agenda packet.

The agenda backup also notes that the wetlands on the site must be protected.

On a motion by Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, the board voted 4-0, with Commissioner Mike Wells absent.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a specific zoning request for the land during their May 21 public hearing, which begins at 1:30 p.m., and will be in the board’s chambers at government center in New Port Richey. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the rezoning request.

Published May 15, 2019

Local veterans’ home celebrates 20 years of service

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The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home drew hundreds to a celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the center’s opening in Land O’ Lakes.

The April 30 ceremony was held outside the facility, which has been home to veterans and has been a place where many community organizations have been involved for two decades.

The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home is located on Parkway Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes. (File)

Marlies Sarrett, the facility administrator, opened the program with a warm welcome to all attendees, followed by words from Charlie Reese, the master of ceremony.

Members of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) from Hillsborough High School added to the patriotic atmosphere.

They performed the ‘presentation of colors’ in precision, marching before the crowd, with both the U.S. and Florida flags held high.

Those who were able, stood placing their right hand over their heart. Veterans who remained seated respectfully saluted the waving flags.

Lt. Col. Demetrius Green, the JROTC instructor, then took to the stage to address the audience – especially former servicemen.

“This facility was built to honor those who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation and freedom around the world – that is you,” Green said. “You are the epitome of what we want our nation to be.”

This iconic image was taken of 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez leading troops in an invasion at Inchon during the Korean War. Lopez died minutes after the photo was taken. (File)

The nursing home’s namesake, Baldomero Lopez, was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after sacrificing himself over a live grenade to spare the lives of his comrades during the Korean War.

The nursing home opened during the late 1990s, when Florida experienced a great demand for veterans’ homes.

“We were the second nursing home built from Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” Sarrett explained.

Within the past two decades, six VA nursing homes have been established in the state, with two more on the way, the administrator added.

Al Carter, chief of staff for the VA’s Florida department, was present for the day’s ceremony and acknowledged the facility’s longtime staff members.

Among those singled out were Jackie Gorgen of the dietary department who has served since the building’s opening and Dr. Nancy Miranda, a pharmacist.

As each approached the stage, they were met with cheers and applause.

The 20th anniversary ceremony for Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home was a special occasion bringing family together. Resident Skip Upham, left, was joined by his brother-in-law, Jim Callahan, for a special lunch after the ceremony. Upham, 78, is a veteran who served in the U.S. Marines. (Brian Fernandes)

A moment of laughter erupted when maintenance man John Mitchell left the stage shouting “Go veterans!”

Resident Walter Kochaniec expressed appreciation for the care that he receives at the nursing home.

“I like the way the people treat you,” the Vietnam veteran stated.

Olga, his wife of over 30 years, was also present at the ceremony and noted the cleanliness of the facility.

She had visited 10 nursing homes before settling on Baldomero for her husband.

After three years there, the 72-year-old said he’s made friends. He also boasted about his winning streak in bingo – one of his favorite games.

Chaplain Ruth Ann Nylen offered the opening and closing prayers at the ceremony.

Having served at Baldomero for five years, she, too, could attest to the warm service the home provides.

“This is a very highly rated place,” the chaplain said. “The staff here are so committed to the veterans. It’s not just a job for them.”

The celebration for Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home’s 20th anniversary was an opportunity for former and current servicemen to congregate. Among attendees were, from left: Gerry Clement, Jerry Foray, John Mitchell, Lt. Col. Demetrius Green, Don Meath, Reggie Outlaw, Vince Krasinski and Fred Pflueger. (Brian Fernandes)

After the service, residents and guests were treated with hamburgers and hot dogs off the grill, as well as coleslaw and baked beans.

Nylen and other staff walked around to greet veterans and their family members.

Outside the dining hall, the chaplain spotted John Grenier, a Korean War veteran.

Around the home, he’s known as a “very friendly, happy guy,” Nylen said.

As she approached, Grenier noticed the chaplain’s familiar face as he regularly attends her Monday morning Bible studies.

It is a testament of the relationships that have been built within the walls of the 20-year-old facility.

“It’s a treasure that most people don’t even realize is located in our community,” Sarrett mentioned.

But, the administrator and her staff are committed to helping other veterans discover what the facility has to offer.

Published May 08, 2019