The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Land O' Lakes News

Pasco County looks at costs to fix Lake Padgett sinkhole

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Restoring the site of a sinkhole within the Lake Padgett Estates subdivision to “pristine” condition would cost as much as $12 million. That idea was a non-starter for the Pasco County commissioners who reviewed a list of options on what to do next.

They also rejected a suggestion for a $4 million bridge to span the sinkhole, and keep traffic flowing along Ocean Pines Drive.

The cleanup of a sinkhole on Ocean Pines Drive in Lake Padgett Estates is completed, including removing contaminants from the water. Pasco County officials say the sinkhole’s water quality is now better than Lake Saxon’s water. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The sinkhole opened on July 14 at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, and swallowed two homes, a motorcycle and a boat. Five more houses on both sides of Ocean Pines have been condemned.

The county approved $1.3 million for an initial cleanup of debris, and stabilization of the site. That work has been completed.

County commissioners reviewed future options at a workshop on Oct. 17 in Dade City.

The least expensive choice was to “do nothing” and install decorative fencing, with warning signs, around the sinkhole for about $50,000.

But, options in between $12 million and $50,000 are on the table.

Pasco County officials plan to meet with residents of Lake Padgett for their input before making a final recommendation to county commissioners.

One option is to connect the sinkhole to Lake Saxon, which is about 90 feet away. That would cost about $800,000.

“Any connection to the lake would not go over well with the community,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, who has heard from some residents in Lake Padgett regarding concerns about potential contamination from the sinkhole.

The University of South Florida is recommending that a survey be completed to determine how the sinkhole interacts with underground surrounding areas. The cost would be about $15,000.  Before that, county officials say an additional geological survey should be done at a cost of about $100,000.

Ceres Environmental Services has completed its work to remove and dispose of floating debris from the sinkhole, pump and remove contaminated water, and stabilize the southeast portion of the sinkhole with granular fill.

Kevin Guthrie, assistant county administrator for public safety, said linking the sinkhole to the lake could be a “low-cost, long-term, permanent solution.”

The sinkhole, which went as deep as 50 feet, is now 10 feet deep, said Guthrie. And, he said, “The water quality in the sinkhole is better than in the lake.”

Major portions of the two houses, the motorcycle and the boat remain in the sinkhole, but that’s not unusual in such instances, Guthrie said.

“We have cars in sinkholes in just about every sinkhole in Pasco County,” he said.

The lake connection is an idea worth exploring, said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

“To me, when I was out walking, it made great sense to connect it to the lake,” she said.

Historically, Pasco County officials say the lake’s shoreline at one time extended beyond the sinkhole and included lots where homes now exist.

Along with the lake connection, cul-de-sacs on Ocean Pines also could be built on either side of the sinkhole. That would cost about $1.7 million, bringing the total cost to about $2.5 million.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley suggested that if cul-de-sacs are built, different names would be needed for the disconnected segments of Ocean Pines.

“It doesn’t need to be confusing for emergency (responders),” Oakley said.

Another choice would be to reconnect Ocean Pines at the sinkhole and build up the road with sheet piles on either side. That would work as a dam to contain the sinkhole. The cost would be about $800,000.

Whatever the final decision, there are financial implications for the county and residents.

Pasco County officials have said they want to get reimbursement for as much of its costs as possible. They view sinkhole damage largely as a private matter between insurance companies and the injured parties.

To that end, the county mailed demand letters and notice of financial responsibility to homeowners, renters and companies that have done remediation work in the past.

Left open is how much liability could rest with Lake Padgett residents. Moore said residents are concerned about taking on maintenance costs of the sinkhole.

The subdivision has a special taxing district, created by Florida statute.

However, those funds are collected solely for the operation and maintenance of recreational facilities in the subdivision, including five lake parks, three boat ramps and a horse stable.

For fiscal year 2018, the per unit fee collected by the taxing district is about $500, according to documents on Lake Padgett’s website.

In describing the taxing district, website documents specifically state that it doesn’t serve or have authority to serve as a Community Development District, civic association or a homeowner association.

Published October 25, 2017

Federal aid available for Hurricane Irma victims

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Federal emergency management teams are fanning out statewide to help Hurricane Irma victims register for financial assistance.

Residents in Pasco County lost trees, and in many instances, suffered damage to their homes due to Hurricane Irma. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is taking applications to provide financial assistance. (Kathy Steele)

In Pasco County, a team settled in at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library on Collier Parkway from Oct. 11 through Oct. 14.

Area residents applying for assistance also could speak with representatives of the United States Small Business Administration and Pasco County.

Pasco County officials will make announcements soon about more locations that will open to take applications.

The in-person meet-ups with Federal Emergency Management Agency workers are only one of several ways to register for financial assistance.

Currently, the deadline to register is Nov. 9.

State officials have the option to request an extension, however.

Steven Solomon, a FEMA media relations specialist, said the easiest way to apply is to online.

The website is Disasterassistance.gov.

For those who don’t have access to a computer or the Internet, they can call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. Because FEMA is responding to a number of recent disasters, including Irma and Hurricane Harvey, there could be long waits on the phone.

“We’re asking for people to be patient,” Solomon said.

FEMA workers also are out in the field in the 48 counties declared as federal disaster areas. “We’re walking door-to-door with Ipads, registering people as we go,” Solomon said.

The field workers will have a federal ID badge, which residents should ask to see, Solomon said.

Those who register with FEMA for assistance will be asked to provide the following information:

  • Social Security number
  • Address of the damaged property and a contact phone number
  • Insurance coverage
  • Total household income
  • Bank routing number and account number

FEMA will schedule an appointment for an inspector to meet the applicant – age 18 or older – at the hurricane damaged property. The inspector doesn’t determine eligibility, Solomon said.

All of the information is sent to FEMA, and a letter will be sent to the applicant regarding a grant award.

FEMA grants can pay for a variety of losses including home repairs, temporary housing, transportation, medical and dental costs and funeral expenses.

These will be grants, not loans that would be repaid. Also, grants are not considered taxable income, and they don’t affect other benefits being received, such as Social Security or food stamps.

Homeowners with property insurance should file separate claims with their insurance companies and FEMA. The federal agency can supplement what insurance doesn’t cover.

Grant amounts aren’t intended to be a dollar for dollar replacement of all losses, but Solomon said they can aid in “making people whole again.”

Businesses can apply for low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration. Solomon said it also would be helpful for business owners to talk with FEMA representatives to find out if other types of benefits also would be available.

Anyone who needs repairs completed should do so as quickly as possible, without waiting for a FEMA decision, Solomon said. But, they also should take pictures of the damage and keep receipts for purchases and services, he added.

Everyone should be on the alert for scam artists trying to take advantage of people, Solomon said.

“There is no charge for anything FEMA does,” Solomon said. “If (anyone) asks for money, it’s a scam.”

Avoid being scammed
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued some tips to help people avoid being scammed, as they recover from a disaster.

Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail, by email, through the Internet, or in person.
Here are some tips to remember to safeguard against fraud:

  • Ask to see ID badges. All Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives always carry an identification badge with a photograph.
  • Keep your FEMA registration number safe. It is your key to your application information. Do not share it with others.
  • Safeguard personal information. No state or federal government disaster assistance agency will call you to ask for your financial account information. Unless you place a call to an agency yourself, you should not provide personal information over the phone. It can lead to identity theft. In general, be cautious when giving personal information such as social security or bank account numbers to anyone. FEMA will only request an applicant’s bank account numbers during the initial registration process. FEMA inspectors will require verification of identity but will already have your registration number.
  • Beware of people going door to door. People knocking on doors at damaged homes or phoning homeowners claiming to be building contractors could be con artists, especially if they ask for personal information or solicit money.
  • Know that federal workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and Small Business Administration staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections, or to help fill out applications. FEMA inspectors verify damages, but do not involve themselves in any aspect of the repair nor recommend any contractor.
  • If you suspect fraud, call the toll-free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721, or call your local law enforcement agency.

Published Oct. 18, 2017

 

 

 

Bexley Elementary celebrates its formal dedication

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Bexley Elementary was formally dedicated last week.

Members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce join administrators from Pasco County Schools and members of the Pasco County School Board during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the formal dedication of Bexley Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

It was a festive event, with Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning making some remarks, the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the Sunlake High School band performing a few numbers.

There was cake, of course.

And, cupcakes, too.

The cafeteria was crowded with families celebrating the new school, and many of the guests took advantage of the opportunity to go on self-guided tours to see the classrooms and meet school staff.

The school, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., opened in August to relieve overcrowding at Odessa and Oakstead elementary schools. The formal dedication was on the evening of Oct. 10.

In a tour before the school open, Principal Vicki Wolin described Bexley’s emphasis on research, enrichment opportunities and collaboration.

Bexley, which is in a subdivision developed by Newland Communities, is the largest elementary school that Pasco County Schools has ever built.

Its design was the result of a collaboration between architect Harvard Jolly, four elementary principals and David Scanga, assistant superintendent for elementary schools.

Wolin was one of the principals weighing in on that design — which is intended to facilitate enriching learning opportunities for children.

Published Oct. 18, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pasco County seeks new location for food relief

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Pasco County commissioners don’t want a replay of the overwhelming crowds and hours-long

Pasco County officials moved to cancel a federal emergency food program at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center. They decided the location, with a playground and youth ball fields, would be inappropriate to handle large crowds of applicants and traffic. Another location is being sought. (Kathy Steele)

waits that hampered efforts in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties for residents seeking to qualify for disaster food relief following Hurricane Irma’s destruction.

So, on Oct. 16, Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles prepared to send a letter to the Florida Department of Family and Children Services cancelling plans for a similar event scheduled at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center.

The four-day event had been slated to begin on Oct. 22.

Pasco officials now are scouting for a different location, and will work with local DCF officials to identify a more suitable site, said Biles.

Per the agreement, either party can terminate upon three days prior written notice.

As of Oct. 16, about 11,000 people had pre-registered online to participate in the emergency food program, Biles said.

The challenge is finding a large building with sufficient parking in a location that is accessible, he said.

“We (Pasco County) don’t have a location for that,” Biles said.

The better option likely is finding a private property that would meet those requirements, he added.

County commissioners were scheduled to hold a workshop on Oct. 17 in Dade City, with discussion of the emergency food program an added topic. The meeting was scheduled after publication deadlines for The Laker/Lutz News.

County commissioners reluctantly approved the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center for the federal relief program on Oct. 10.

Their approval came only after an unsuccessful try

to move the emergency food program to a vacant Super Target store, at State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway.

That didn’t happen because the owner told county staff that the store needs repairs that could not be completed in time.

“So, that’s out of the loop,” Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore said during the Oct. 10 meeting.

Moore and Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey both indicated that the Target store would be better able to handle a high volume of traffic.

They also voiced concerns that a crush of vehicles and people at the recreation center would slow work commutes and recreational activities scheduled in the afternoon.

A Florida Department of Children and Families official estimated up to 82,000 people could show up to the site during the four-day period.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library and several schools also are along Collier Parkway.

Before Biles cancelled the use of the recreation center site, county staff members and DCF officials had been working on plans to limit disruptions at the recreation center.

State workers processing the applications were planning to park their vehicles at a vacant Kmart store on State Road 54. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office had agreed to assist with traffic.

Pasco commissioners had been told that the 6 p.m. closing time would be met to keep from interfering with regular activities at the center.

Ongoing reports of problems at other sites around the Tampa Bay area also had heightened Pasco officials concerns.

The Food for Florida program is administered by DCF in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture.

Residents can qualify based on income and losses.

People who currently recei

ve food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, aren’t eligible. Instead, they will be compensated with extra benefits through the monthly program.

For eligible applicants, Disaster-SNAP, or D-SNAP debit-style cards will be issued if the applicant lived or worked in one of the 48 declared federal disaster counties from Sept. 5 to Oct. 4.

Those qualifying can receive assistance for the months of September and October.

For information, visit Dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access

Published Oct. 18, 2017

Central Pasco chamber is on the move

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The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is looking to expand and relocate after nearly 15 years at its current location, 2810 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The chamber’s building is on the market.

As soon as a sale goes through, plans tentatively are to move to a small medical and business center, off State Road 54, adjacent to Highland Oaks Preserve, west of Livingston Road.

Shalyah Fearing, a local singer and contestant on ‘The Voice,’ performed at the Land O’ Lakes Music Festival. (File)

“The (current) building is outdated,” said David Gainer, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors.

Renovations were considered but Gainer said there was too little land to accommodate a larger building and parking. “We’re land-locked. There is no more room to add parking.”

With a membership currently totaling about 420 businesses more space is essential, Gainer added.

In 2015, the chamber celebrated its 40th anniversary. The nonprofit also merged with the Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to form one organization.

Central Pasco chamber began in 1975 with a more localized moniker – the Land O’ Lakes Chamber of Commerce. But, the local chamber evolved into a broader mission that covers residents and businesses in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough County.

Member businesses come from Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Trinity, Shady Hills, Spring Hill and Wesley Chapel.

During the year, the chamber sponsors numerous events and awards in support of the business community including a golf tournament, music festival and the “Heart of Pasco Award.”

“Our membership is growing,” he said. “We’re going to be adding staff and we don’t have room. Our board of directors can’t meet there so we meet at Copperstone Executive Suites.”

Gainer said the chamber is growing in response to all the new residential and commercial development in and around Land O’ Lakes.

“A lot of small businesses are doing well in this area and the region,” Gainer said.

He also attributed membership growth to the chamber’s decision to hire its first marketing and membership director, Suzanne Beauchaine.

“She’s doing a great job,” Gainer said.

Published Oct. 11, 2017

Labor shortage delays debris removal

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Those piles of Hurricane Irma debris could be sitting near homes for as long as a couple of months, Pasco County officials have said.

That’s because there’s a shortage of work crews.

Pasco County homeowners may need to exercise patience, while they wait for debris from Hurricane Irma to be removed by subcontractors working for Pasco County. County officials say there’s a shortage of subcontractors available to get the job done. (Mary Rathman)

Officials hope that residents will be patient, as the county struggles to pull together enough work crews.

Pasco County Utilities, Solid Waste and Resources Recovery Department set the start of debris collection for Sept. 18. But, finding and keeping subcontractors who can do the work is proving difficult.

The problem is, Hurricane Irma took a swing through the entire state, stretching local government resources.

Financially, subcontractors are finding more lucrative contracts in South Florida, where Irma did the most damage. That has made it difficult for Pasco to secure and hold onto subcontractors.

“I’ve got a lot of complaints that we’re not getting anything picked up,” said Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.

Working with the county’s consultant, Ceres Environmental Services, Pasco had hoped for 16 work crews. By Sept. 25, that number fell to eight. Then, one day later, the county could only count on four crews.

“There’s just not that many resources,” said John Power, the county’s solid waste facilities director. “At the rate we’re going now, we’re talking about a couple of months.”

Even as Pasco works to find its own crews to supplement county efforts, Power said other counties were calling Pasco to ask for manpower.

On Sept. 26, county commissioners approved inter-local agreements to allow Ceres Environmental Services to aid in securing cleanup services for Dade City, San Antonio and the Town of St. Leo.

Similar agreements are possible with New Port Richey and Port Richey.

Zephyrhills is the one city that has been able to do its own debris pickup.

Adding to Pasco’ cleanup task are suspicions that some residents are putting out more than storm debris curbside.

“A lot of people are using it for spring cleaning,” said Power, who said he was also waiting for debris at his home to be picked up.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore wasn’t so sure.

“We need to be careful about making determinations,” he said.

The furniture and other goods being tossed onto residents’ piles could be from actual storm damage, he said. “It’s a delicate situation.”

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles said the county likely will follow with a second county sweep after completing the initial pickups over the next weeks.

Pasco County officials have issued guidelines for debris pickup:

  • All debris materials must be brought to the curb or roadside.
  • Do not block fire hydrants, mailboxes, electrical boxes or other structures.
  • Do not bag debris.
  • Contractor generated debris won’t be picked up.
  • Refrigerators should be empty, with the doors secured or removed.
Piles of debris from Hurricane Irma may be a common sight around Pasco County, possibly as long as a couple of months. The county is struggling with a shortage of work crews to remove the debris. (Kathy Steele)

Debris must be separated into the following categories:

Furniture: Mattresses; couches, sofas, chairs; dressers; lumber, if not pressure treated; particle board; laminated flooring; dry insulation (if wet, pile with construction); carpet and padding

Construction: Drywall, plasterboard, ceramic tile, concrete, lumber (pressure treated), wet insulation

Vegetation: Tree cuttings (must be no more than 5 feet in length, and all branches must be bundled)

White Goods: Appliances, metal furniture, metal shelving, bicycles, items that are more than 75 percent metal

Hazardous Waste – Delayed Pickup: Any household chemicals; oil, gas, flammables; lawn and garden chemicals; televisions; computer monitors, computer towers (CPUs)

Contractor-generated debris won’t be picked up.

Requests for debris pickup must be submitted to Pasco County Customer Service Center by emailing ">, providing the address where the debris is located.

Residents also can call customer service at (727) 847-2411.

Pasco County now has a map, an interactive tool to track hurricane-related storm debris pickup, available at arcg.is/2wSHdN5.

Yellow boxes on the map indicate the areas in which crews are working.

Published Oct. 4, 2017

Agreement reached on forensic research campus

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Pasco County commissioners approved a three-way agreement that sets up the framework for ownership and operation of a forensic research and training facility on county land next to the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.

One feature of the facility is a body farm to aid in criminal investigations, body identification and research into body decomposition.

Abigail Kennedy spoke at the dedication ceremony naming the Adam Kennedy Forensic Field for her husband, who died in January. Adam Kennedy, former principal of Crews Middle School, was the first body donated for research at the body farm. (File)

Florida F.I.R.S.T. (Forensic Institute for Research & Tactical Training), will be only the seventh in the nation. It is expected to become a national and international center for forensic research and its applications.

Pasco County, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the University of South Florida are parties to the agreement.

“It’s really going to put us and USF on the map,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

At no cost, Pasco will lease a portion of the facility to USF for 33 years, with two extensions allowed, for a total of 99 years.

“We’re excited to get this rolling and move it forward,” said Chase Daniels, assistant executive director for the sheriff’s office.

The campus will have a laboratory, classrooms, a morgue and evidence storage space. Virtual autopsies with 3-D scanning and chemical isotope analysis will be done. Work also will be done in the fields of legal medicine, forensic intelligence, aviation reconstruction and cyber forensics.

A tactical training facility for the sheriff’s K-9 unit and the Pasco Unified SWAT team also is planned.

Dr. Erin Kimmerle of USF’s Institute of Forensic Anthropology & Applied Science (IFAAS) will be in charge of the university’s research and training.

Kimmerle and USF led efforts in identifying bodies found in unmarked graves at the former Dozier School for Boys in Marianna.

The forensic building at Florida F.I.R.S.T. will be the Thomas Varnadoe Forensic Center for Education and Research. Varnadoe’s body was among those recovered and identified at the unmarked burial sites at the Dozier school.

About 5 acres of the future campus were dedicated in May as the Adam Kennedy Memorial Forensics Field. It honors the memory of the former principal of Crews Lake Middle School, who died in a car accident while driving to work in January. His body was the first one donated to the body farm.

The price tag for the facility is about $4.3 million.

Legislators approved the money in the state’s 2017 budget, but Gov. Rick Scott vetoed the item.

The county’s legislative delegation will try again to win approval in the state’s 2019 budget. Conversations with members of Scott’s office already are underway, Daniel said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said he sent a letter to the governor’s office in support of funding. “It’s very important to the state besides us,” Oakley said.

If Pasco is unsuccessful a second time, Daniel said USF officials have offered to “tap into their donor lists.”

Published Oct. 4, 2017

Pizza Villa wins ‘Heart of Pasco Award’

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A group of Central Pasco Chamber members gathered in front of Pizza Villa to have its photo taken last week, as the manager of the restaurant received the chamber’s “Heart of Pasco Award.”

Members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce turned out to congratulate Pizza Villa for winning the ‘Heart of Pasco Award.’ (B.C. Manion)

What group members huddling together didn’t know — except for Cheryl Will, the restaurant’s manager — was that they were posing in the very spot where the photo was taken for the business’ ribbon cutting three decades ago.

Will has seen a multitude of changes in the Land O’ Lakes community since Pizza Villa began operations at 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive.

For one thing, State Road 54, which fronts the restaurant, was just two lanes back then, she said. For another, as the community has grown so, too, has the restaurant.

It now has 35 employees, Will said.

What hasn’t changed, though, is the spirit of the Land O’ Lakes community, she said. “It’s very heartwarming. Even though it’s growing, it still has a heart for people. Even though the area has grown, it still feels like family.”

She believes that Pizza Villa’s staying power is linked to its sense of community, its customer service and its good food.

“I’ve got some servers who have been here 15, 20 years,” she said. “I’ve had the same prep people, basically.”

This sign is now posted proudly near the Pizza Villa sign, off State Road 54. (B.C. Manion)

Of course, serving good food is essential for a restaurant’s success, Will said. Some customer favorites at Pizza Villa include the Greek chicken, the Greek salad dressing and the potato salad.

The restaurant’s prices are good, too, she said, noting “we’ve always tried to keep it affordable.”

Pizza Villa also believes in giving back to the community, Will added.

“People come to us, looking for fundraisers, sponsorships,” she said, and the restaurant responds.

In presenting the Heart of Pasco Award to the restaurant, Rosie Heim, the honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes, read a letter, and acknowledged the restaurant’s many contributions.

In part, Heim said, “Pizza Villa has been actively involved in the community, and you have given back to the community in countless ways. In many instances, your kind deeds may not have been properly acknowledged, as they should have been.”

After Heim concluded her remarks, chamber member April Saland told Will: “You do give effortlessly, and continuously.”

Sandy Graves, another chamber member noted: “You just have a heart for this community, Cheryl, and you have always served it so well.”

Following the presentation, Graves and others gathered near Pizza Villa’s sign and posted a yard sign proclaiming the restaurant’s accomplishment.

Sandy Graves, left, looks on, as Rosie Heim, right, reads a letter proclaiming Pizza Villa as the winner of the ‘Heart of Pasco Award.’ Cheryl Will, the restaurant’s manager, said she is honored by the recognition.

As Graves pushed in the sign, trucks driving past on State Road 54 tooted their horns in a show of support.

Will was clearly touched by the honor.

The restaurant is a mainstay in the community.

And, it obviously appreciates its customers, as evidenced by these words written on its front door: “Through these doors pass the finest people.

Our customers. Our friends.”

Pizza Villa is fortunate to have many regular customers, Will said.

Over the years, it has lost some through death and greeted new generations of patrons.

“You see ones that came in as babies, and now they’re coming in with their babies,” Will said.

And, there are some who have moved away, but still come in occasionally.

“We have a lot of people who have left the area, and whenever they come back to the area, this is one of their first stops,” she said.

Billy Fotopoulos is the owner of Pizza Villa, and of ABC Pizza, which also is in Land O’ Lakes.

Revised Oct. 5, 2017

 

 

 

Academy at the Lakes turns 25

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The Academy at the Lakes students came striding off the yellow school bus, ready for action.

They’d just arrived at the Old Lutz School, and before long, they were yanking weeds, pushing wheelbarrows and spreading mulch at the historic schoolhouse, an icon in the community of Lutz.

They were also picking up branches and sticks, strewn about by Hurricane Irma.

From left, Hannah Church, Anisa Nanavati and Addison Pollock work to transport mulch from a huge pile across the yard from the Old Lutz School to plant beds closer to the school. The trio of eighth-graders from Academy at the Lakes was taking part in a service day the school organized to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
(B.C. Manion)

This crew was just one of many spending the day doing volunteer work at various locations — as Academy’s students and staff spent the 25th day of its 25th year, giving back to the community.

“Service has always been one of our core values, whether you’re a 3-year-old or a senior in high school. We provide age-appropriate opportunities for children to learn an ethic of service,” said Mark Heller, head of school.

“We need to make sure that all of our children know how to be net givers to the world, as opposed to takers from the world.

“They need to understand, and be taught, and experience how to do things that make a difference for others — and how good it feels to do that.

“That’s part of what we did on the 25th day, thanking the community that has nurtured us and sustained us over our first 25 years,” said Heller, who leads the school, located at 2331 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Suzin Carr, who organized the workday at the Old Lutz School, was delighted to have Academy’s help.

“Today, they’ll help clean up after the hurricane. They’ll do some mulching,” she said, pointing to a huge pile, across the schoolyard.

“That pile will be gone by the time they leave, no doubt,” Carr said.

She also appreciated the timing of the volunteer effort.

“They’ll help us get ready for our market, which is Oct. 14, the Market at the Old Lutz School,” Carr said, putting in a plug for the upcoming fundraiser.

Beth Nevel Rader and her brother, Ben Nevel, were there helping, too.

“My brother and I went to school here, one through six,” Rader said, noting her brother is the chairman of the Citizens for the Old Lutz School, a group that works to preserve the school.

“I think the kids are just awesome to come out and volunteer,” she added.

Colleen McCormick, science department chair, said Academy students routinely volunteer in the community.

“This is something that’s part of our core values,” she said.

Service is one of the core values at Academy at the Lakes, and those acts of service can be tailored to be done by the school’s pre-kindergarteners through seniors, said Mark Heller, head of school. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes)

That’s important, she said, because “hopefully, it instills a spirit of giving back that they’ll continue after they leave Academy.”

Kevin Crowley, who teaches video production and is the golf coach, has been at the school for 17 years.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” said Crowley, whose daughter attended the school, from pre-kindergarten through high school.

While one group was at the Old Lutz School, other groups were planting sunflowers, cleaning up Collier Parkway or pitching in at Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries.

Heller attributed Academy’s staying power to its ability to create a culture that works on a scale “that takes great care of the individual.”

“I think there’s great power, in the small school, to unlock human potential,” he said.

In a school with a low student-teacher ratio, the teachers get to know each student “well enough to know how to motivate them to be their best and to inspire them to be their best,” Heller said.

With such familiarity, they can transmit “a sense of that joy in the journey, of how to walk through life finding things that are beautiful, and wonderful and meaningful,” Heller said.

Academy at the Lakes originally opened in 1982 as a preschool operated by Connie Wendlek, but evolved into Academy at the Lakes Day School in 1992, with 32 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Connie’s husband, Richard, a former Pasco County principal became the head of school.

Besides drawing students from Land O’ Lakes, the school also attracts students from Odessa, Trinity, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Tampa and other Tampa Bay communities.

The school now has more 500 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, in its lower division, middle division and upper division programs.

Essentially all of its graduates pursue education beyond the secondary level, with approximately 80 percent being accepted by their first-choice colleges, according to school statistics.

Heller is gratified by the school’s accomplishments during its first quarter-century, and he’s enthusiastic about what lies ahead.

“There are tremendously exciting things on the immediate horizon for Academy at the Lakes.

“We own 47 acres of undeveloped land just on the other side of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church,” he said.

“We have our stake of the ground right here in Central Pasco, in Land O’ Lakes. As the community grows, so too, will Academy at the Lakes, just as has happened in the first 25 years of Academy of the Lakes.

For more information about the academy, call (813) 948-7600, or visit AcademyAtTheLakes.org.

Academy at the Lakes timeline
1982: Connie Wendlek opens Academy at the Lakes Preschool.

1992: Connie Wendlek’s preschool evolves into Academy at the Lakes Day School, which opens with 32 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Her husband, Richard, a former principal in Pasco County Schools, becomes the head of school. Connie is the music teacher.

1997: McCormick Campus opens to house a middle school.

1998-99 school year: The school adds ninth grade. In subsequent years it added 10th grade, 11th grade and 12th grade.

2002: The school has its first high school graduation. There are four members in the class.

2004: The new high school building opens. The structure has the same colonial touches as the middle school.

2006: Academy at the Lakes accepted into the Florida High School Athletic Association.

2008: School gymnasium opens, new sixth-grade classrooms added to the fifth-grade suite, and the school introduces its fifth- and sixth-grade program.

2012: Academy at the Lakes celebrates its 20th anniversary.

2013: Academy acquires 47 acres of land from the MacManus family.

2015: The new Lower Division playground is dedicated.

2017: Master planning for future begins.

Published September 27, 2017

Comforting kids through teddy bears

By

For the second year, Lowe’s collected huggable teddy bears for a good cause.

Two volunteer deputies with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office stopped by the home improvement store on Sept. 8 to load up about 250 teddy bears.

From left, Douglas O’Connor, Dante Plesce, Don McLachlan, Jan Wyckoff, Michael Armstrong and Tim Huff pose with the donated bears that will be delivered to comfort children when Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies respond to emergency calls. (Kathy Steele)

They scooped the plush animals from a table piled high with bears of all sizes and colors.

The teddy bears are given to sheriff’s deputies who hand them out to children when they respond to emergency calls, including domestic violence situations. It’s a way to ease a child’s stress.

Lowe’s collected the stuffed animals for about a month-and-a-half, filling up a large cardboard box placed at an entrance. The contributions came from customers and employees at the Lowe’s location on State Road 54, east of U.S. 41.

“Everyone donated,” said Lowe’s representative, Don McLachlan. “We had such a great response to it.”

Last year’s teddy bear haul took in about 140 bears. The program got started by employees who wanted to help out the community.

The annual teddy bear drive this year was noticeably larger — up by nearly 110 bears over last year.

“I just feel really good that we’re able to put this together to help the kids,” said McLachlan.

Published September 20, 2017