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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Land O' Lakes News

Accomplishing dreams is within our reach, author says

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Former insurance professional Barbara Brekke didn’t have an ideal childhood.

The Land O’ Lakes woman said she grew up in a small town outside of Chicago in a household rocked by domestic violence.

Barbara Brekke left a job she loved to pursue her dream of public speaking and writing. The Land O’ Lakes woman has written a book, ‘Dream Weaver, Goal Achiever,’ which provides inspiration and practical advice for people who want to change their lives. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
Barbara Brekke left a job she loved to pursue her dream of public speaking and writing. The Land O’ Lakes woman has written a book, ‘Dream Weaver, Goal Achiever,’ which provides inspiration and practical advice for people who want to change their lives.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

When Brekke was 15, her mother suddenly announced that in two days she would be leaving the family to go live with another family in Chicago.

The teenager felt heartbroken.

In retrospect, however, “that really was a good change,” Brekke said. “It just didn’t feel like it.”

She went on to secure a high-ranking position in the insurance industry, overseeing large projects. For the last 10 years of her job, she commuted between Florida, Chicago and other places — overseeing employees and projects.

It was a job she loved and didn’t want to leave.

But, she knew she would never be able to pursue her other dreams, if she stayed in that job.

So, she spent a year finishing projects and training her replacement, then she set off to pursue new ventures in Florida.

Namely, she wanted to be a public speaker and a published author.

But as time went on, she also discovered the desire to become a certified life coach.

Brekke, who lives with husband Mark Dewlow, is already a public speaker.

She has written one book, “Dream Weaver, Goal Achiever,” and still aims to write a memoir and children’s books.

Her “Dream Weaver” book offers a step-by-step approach to help people convert their dreams into reality.

But, it’s not just about helping people’s dreams come true, Brekke said. It’s also about helping people who feel stuck to dislodge themselves from whatever is weighing them down.

This is the cover of Barbara Brekke’s book. The Land O’ Lakes woman said writing the book turned out to be a lot harder than she thought it would be.
This is the cover of Barbara Brekke’s book. The Land O’ Lakes woman said writing the book turned out to be a lot harder than she thought it would be.

Throughout her 15-chapter book, Brekke combines inspiring thoughts along with practical suggestions.

For instance, she urges readers to be true to themselves: “Honor and respect your dreams, regardless of the thoughts and opinions of others,” she writes.

She also helps them to set their priorities.

“If you only had six months to live, what would you spend those six months doing? What if it was one month? Even just a day? Make a list of everything that you would do and who you would spend time with. This will give you a picture of what is important to you right now — it will tell you what your priorities are today. You will also want to think further into the future at least three years.

“Be sure the things most important to you are respected in your planning and addressed in your goals, to ensure the most positive outcome,” she writes.

She also urges readers to take a page from the corporate handbook, and to write a mission statement for themselves.

“Creating a personal mission statement will help you organize your thoughts, priorities, direction and time. Make your mission statement short, clear and important so that is easy to focus on,” she writes.

It’s also wise to be realistic in setting a new direction, according to Brekke.

“Explore the risks, challenges, and obstacles that are currently interfering with your dream of living the life you want to live. Write all these down honestly. Include fears you haven’t faced and obstacles you haven’t overcome.

“Could a negative attitude be holding you back? Do you need to work on enhancing your health and getting rid of bad habits?”

“List specifically everything you want to be, have, do and share over the next three years. This will help you create goals, large and small,” she writes.

It’s also important to recognize that change often means giving up one thing, to pursue something else — like she did, when she left the job she loved to pursue desires she’d had for years.

“Sometimes, in order to grow, there are people, habits and things we must leave behind,” Brekke said.

For more information about Brekke’s book, or to line her up for a speaking engagement, call (813) 751-5420, or visit GoBeyondYourDreams.com.

Barbara Brekke’s tip for handling papers
Handle papers only once:

  • Read it.
  • If it’s not important, put it in the recycling immediately.
  • If action is required, put it in your Action Folder to keep for the time you scheduled to work on those items.
  • Determine if someone else can handle it, and if so, delegate.
  • Consider the information. If it’s important, file it appropriately for later reference when you will be easily able to access it when needed. Keep in mind the majority of things filed for reference are later never looked at again. Do you really need it for future reference? If so, maybe it’s best to keep it in an online file. Scan it in, if necessary.

Published September 7, 2016

 

Local man was ‘Destined to Serve’

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Whether in law enforcement, military or ministry, Barry White has always been destined to serve.

In 2014, the Land O’ Lakes resident detailed his 37-plus years in public service in a self-published 218-page memoir, “Destined to Serve.”

Barry White (Courtesy of Barry White)
Barry White
(Photos courtesy of Barry White)

In the book, White chronicles key moments during his work for the Tampa Police Department, the Florida Wildlife Commission and the U.S. Army.

“It’s really about what I think are some very interesting things that happened to me or around me when I was in law enforcement or when I was an army chaplain,” White, 67, said. “A lot of the stories — especially the ones where I was in law enforcement — are very usable in some messages to drive home a point or an illustration.”

Some tales are exciting, some comical. Some are sad and others, heartbreaking.

Most of the book’s 17 chapters focus on his military experience, most of which he described as “super rewarding.”

His duties as an army chaplain took him to places like Guantanamo Bay— “a really unique experience”— and Seoul, Korea— “a neat place.”

Yet, the most challenging portion of the book to write, he said, focused on delivering military death notifications. As an army chaplain, he was required to inform next of kin when a loved one had passed away.

He figures he delivered about a dozen — “a dozen too many”— death notifications in his 23 years as a chaplain.

Barry White served as a soldier-chaplain in the U.S. Army for 23 years, before retiring in 2010. A majority of the book focuses on his time in the U.S. Army.
Barry White served as a soldier-chaplain in the U.S. Army for 23 years, before retiring in 2010. A majority of the book focuses on his time in the U.S. Army.

“It’s the last thing in the world I want to do,” White said. “I honestly and truly would rather be involved in some sort of a (police) shootout — as long as I have protection—than to have to experience those types of emotions. Just imagine having to go tell somebody — it’s just a very difficult thing to do.”

In fact, the emotion of telling people their loved ones had passed away was the most difficult he ever experienced in his career, White said.

“I’d rather have to do law enforcement than to go back and do that again,” he said.

The most enjoyable chapters to write centered on his years in police work, and when he worked as a state wildlife officer, patrolling the Tsala Apopka Chain and the Withlacoochee River.

“The Florida Wildlife Commission was a lot of fun,” he said. “You’re outdoors all the time, and even in hot Florida, you’re out there among nature.”

White noted that being a state wildlife officer was “definitely less stressful” than his three years in the Tampa Police Department.

Barry White also worked as a state wildlife officer from 1977-1979.
Barry White also worked as a state wildlife officer from 1977-1979.

“We didn’t have that many problems,” he said about working as a state wildlife officer. …“Even if you catch someone doing a crime — like shining (a light) at night — usually you were on top of them before they even knew it. There’s adrenaline, but it was a good kind of adrenaline, whereas the police department, you were scared because there could be a riot, a gang or a bunch of folks who were all drunk, and you had no backup.”

He continued: “Times have changed in law enforcement, but even then, there’s moments where you’re right in the middle of something and it’s like, ‘What am I doing here?’ It wasn’t so much that I hated the (police officer) job, but there were fears there.”

White now presides over funerals at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. He also fills in as a chaplain on Holland America cruise line.

Destined to Serve can be ordered on Amazon.com.

Q&A with Barry White, author of ‘Destined to Serve’
How did you get interested in law enforcement?
“I was inspired to go into the (Tampa) police department by my brother, so I really started getting the bug. …I think by end of my three years in the police department, I was already getting a little burned out. I wasn’t as happy there as I thought I’d be. I met some very good friends, one of which was a state wildlife officer, and he helped get me excited about that.”

Did you experience a lot of negativity as a law enforcement officer, particularly working with the TPD?
“Just individual times. When you were in certain neighborhoods, there was definitely animosity. My problem was that my heart is too big. That’s one reason why I wasn’t happy. It seemed like the officers that I worked with, if they had a particularly difficult person, they’d call me. It didn’t always work, but sometimes it did because I just had a way of connecting. But, that also can cause you a lot of problems, too. Like today, it’s so hard to let your guard down.”

How different is the Tampa area today since your family moved here in the mid-to-late 1950s?
“There was nothing out here. We used to go camping where the (University of South Florida’s) Sun Dome is. It used to be a big borrow pit where they took lime rock out, and we would go camping there. That’s where we did hikes as Boy Scouts. USF had two buildings when we moved here. Even here in Land O’ Lakes, between Collier Parkway and Camp Indianhead Road, there’s now a subdivision that used to be a camp.”

Barry White bio
Barry White was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1948. He moved to Tampa in 1957 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1967-1971. He worked for the Tampa Police Department, 1974 to 1977; was a state wildlife officer from 1977 to 1979; and, was a soldier-chaplain for the U.S. Army from 1987 to 2010.

Published August 31, 2016

Veterans enjoy ‘honor flight’ at home

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Hundreds of people turned out to the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home on Aug. 20 to bring “Honor Flight” to veterans unable to travel to Washington D.C., to enjoy the whirlwind experience.

U.S. Army veteran Bob Edward, who served in Vietnam, becomes emotional during ‘Honor Flight at Home,’ an event at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home on Aug. 20. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
U.S. Army veteran Bob Edward, who served in Vietnam, becomes emotional during ‘Honor Flight at Home,’ an event at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home on Aug. 20.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

Instead of boarding airplanes, these veterans walked down the nursing home’s corridors, or were wheeled down — receiving hearty applause and cheers from well-wishers.

“This is your big day,” one woman told a vet, as he rode by.

“Are we ready to have some fun?” another woman asked.

The nursing home was awash in patriotic colors.

Red, white and blue balloons bobbed near the ceiling. There were sprays of stars. Red, white and blue bunting decked the walls.

Family members snapped photos, and people who had lined up along the corridor’s walls, approached veterans, to thank them and shake their hands.

A Navy veteran stands and salutes, as Fred Still, 90, sings along with music that designated each branch of the military.
A Navy veteran stands and salutes, as Fred Still, 90, sings along with music that designated each branch of the military.

As the veterans made their way toward the dining room — where the main event was staged — they were entertained by a band playing a medley of military tunes. There was also music from the World War II-era and other popular hits.

The veterans also had a chance to stop and have their photograph taken in a pose with a woman wearing military apparel.

Once the vets arrived in the main dining room, they were honored by individual military branch, entertained by singers and had a visit from Santa’s Drill Team Honor Guard.

They also heard remarks from the keynote speaker, U.S. Brig. Gen. Richard K. Sele.

Then, they watched a video, which offered a virtual tour of the war monuments in Washington D.C. — the same tour they would have had, if they’d been able to make the trek to the nation’s capital.

The heartfelt event brought tears to the eyes of Karen Burgos, of Spring Hill, as she holds hands with nursing home resident Henry Burgos Jr. He was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army while serving in Korea.
The heartfelt event brought tears to the eyes of Karen Burgos, of Spring Hill, as she holds hands with nursing home resident Henry Burgos Jr. He was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army while serving in Korea.

Some veterans at the nursing home, however, couldn’t even make the trip to the facility’s dining room.

Those veterans were given the opportunity to watch the event via a live-streamed, closed-circuit broadcast, in their rooms.

There were also too many people to fit into the dining room. But, they could watch it via big screen TVs in the nursing home’s common areas.

It took two years of preparation to organize the event, which was spearheaded by Operation Patriot and Honor Flight of West Central Florida.

In addition to family members of the veterans, more than 200 volunteers showed up to help get the veterans from their rooms to the dining room and to attend to them during the event.

Each veteran received a white Honor Flight shirt and a ball cap. They also received a goody bag containing several gifts, and a manila envelope filled with letters and other items during mail call.

Finally, as they were guided back to their rooms, the veterans were greeted with a warm round of applause from those gathered for a “Welcome Home” receiving line.

Published August 24, 2016

Nursing home resident Jack Kincella looks for familiar faces in the standing-room-only crowd during the ‘Honor Flight at Home’ event. Kincella said he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Nursing home resident Jack Kincella looks for familiar faces in the standing-room-only crowd during the ‘Honor Flight at Home’ event. Kincella said he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Veteran resident, Leo Rodgers, 94, of Port Richey, clutches an envelope of mail he received during mail call. His daughter, Sue Williams, of Homosassa, was at the event, too.
Veteran resident, Leo Rodgers, 94, of Port Richey, clutches an envelope of mail he received during mail call. His daughter, Sue Williams, of Homosassa, was at the event, too.

Wesley Chapel Boulevard to be six lanes

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Pasco County now is on a path to widen County Road 54 — also known as Wesley Chapel Boulevard — to a six-lane divided road.

The move comes nearly 15 years after the county proposed widening the road from two lanes to four lanes.

The project also will include a multi-use trail on one side and a sidewalk on the other side.

No construction start date is announced, but the road’s design is about 90 percent complete.

Sierra Properties, the developers for Cypress Creek Town Center, are building an entrance into the mall off County Road 54, also known as Wesley Chapel Boulevard. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Sierra Properties, the developers for Cypress Creek Town Center, are building an entrance into the mall off County Road 54, also known as Wesley Chapel Boulevard.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The Pasco County Commission approved a road re-evaluation study on Aug. 9, which is the next step in what has been a drawn out process.

A 2003 study that looked at future traffic needs anticipated widening the road to four lanes. At the time, data showed that by 2025 slightly more than 20,000 vehicles a day would travel the corridor.

More recent data estimates that the average daily vehicles by 2040 will exceed 52,000.

“(The original study) didn’t capture all of the growth going on in this dynamic part of the county,” said Mike Campo, of Kisinger Campo & Associates. The Tampa-based engineering firm was hired in 2008 to provide design services for the road project.

The extra traffic lanes take into account the explosive growth at an intersection where State Road 54, State Road 56 and County Road 54 meet up. The intersection is just west of the Interstate 75 interchange.

All-around growth is evident at Tampa Premium Outlets, the soon-to-open Florida Hospital Center Ice sports complex and Holiday Inn Express, and the soon-to-rise Cypress Creek Town Center.

A newly announced project, Brightworks Crossing, could add a maximum of 350 apartments, offices, self-storage and a 150-room hotel on vacant land across from a planned entrance into Cypress Creek Town Center.

The mall’s developers currently are building the entrance as part of the initial roadwork to improve County Road 54.

As part of the study, residents weighed in with their opinions at a workshop held in January at Veterans Elementary School. They expressed frustrations with a road that no longer can handle the volume of motorists moving north and south along County Road 54.

Getting in and out of subdivisions, such as Stagecoach and Grand Oaks, means long waits and safety risks, they said.

“We are tired of playing Russian Roulette every time we leave or enter the subdivision (Grand Oaks),” wrote Robert Potts in a written comment from the workshop.

Beyond the mall entrance, the county plans to widen the corridor to six lanes to just north of Magnolia Boulevard. There will be 4-foot bicycle lanes, a median, 5-foot sidewalks on the eastern side, and an 8-foot multi-use trail on the western side.

No additional right of way will be purchased.

The widening will take advantage of rights of way donated to the county from Stagecoach and Grand Oaks subdivisions. Three traffic signals are planned at Stagecoach, at Grand Oaks near Veterans Elementary School, and at Cypress Creek Town Center.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore pressed for a traffic signal at Compark 75, an industrial park off Wesley Chapel Boulevard. Campo and Pasco County engineer Chris Wert said all intersections would be reviewed.

However, because Compark is less than a half-mile from the Grand Oaks signal, it isn’t certain the industrial park could meet distance requirements.

Compark currently is expanding its facilities, and Moore said nearby vacant land could be developed in the future.

“We’re talking basically about an employment center there,” Moore said. “People are going in and out of there on a daily basis.”

Published August 24, 2016

Setting the stage for community gatherings

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Someday when the crowds gather to enjoy a school recital, or attend a concert, or watch a play — the stage at Land O’ Lakes Community Park will just be a fixture, a venue for events.

But last week, the yet-to-be built stage was the star of the show.

Elected leaders, government workers, business partners and community activists join together to toss dirt signifying the groundbreaking for a stage to be built at the Land O’ Lakes Community Park. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
Elected leaders, government workers, business partners and community activists join together to toss dirt signifying the groundbreaking for a stage to be built at the Land O’ Lakes Community Park.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

That’s when local politicians, community activists and interested residents gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the stage, which will be built on a grassy area west of the park’s fenced-in ball field.

The ceremony signaled the end of a quest for a stage that began decades ago.

The construction of the stage follows a $2.3 million project to breathe new life and expand amenities at Land O’ Lakes Community Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Construction of the stage is expected to begin in October and to be completed by January.

The idea for a stage was nothing new, but funding for it was elusive.

Everything finally came together, in what Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore described as a “public, public, public, private, private, private, private, private, private partnership.”

By all accounts, it took a $250,000 grant from the state, the cooperation of local governments, the generosity of local partnerships and the involvement of community activists to make the vision a reality.

And, of course, there was Sandy Graves.

“I can tell you that this doesn’t exist but for Sandy Graves,” said Richard Corcoran, Speaker-designate of the Florida House of Representatives.

Corcoran helped secure the grant from the state’s Division of Cultural Affairs for the stage, but he credited Graves’ passion for making it happen.

“Sandy — she just dogged it, day in and day out,” Corcoran said. “The perseverance is something I’ve never seen.”

Sandy Graves, a native of Land O’ Lakes, has been pushing for years to get a stage built at Land O’ Lakes Community Park. She envisions all sorts of gatherings to draw the community together. Construction is set to start in October.
Sandy Graves, a native of Land O’ Lakes, has been pushing for years to get a stage built at Land O’ Lakes Community Park. She envisions all sorts of gatherings to draw the community together. Construction is set to start in October.

Corcoran said Graves told him: “I want to bring to my community something that’s great, something that’s beautiful, and where children can learn about arts and culture, and have this great asset to the community,” he said.

“I’m pretty conservative — but if there’s ever a project that belongs in a budget, it’s when it’s an individual who is fighting for something beautiful for her community. She doesn’t have a lobbyist. She doesn’t have power. She doesn’t have any of that stuff, but a heart, and a passion and a vision,” Corcoran said.

Graves, who declares herself a proud “Laker,” said anyone who has ever met her knows within a couple of minutes that she’s a native of Land O’ Lakes.

It’s a place that’s known for its community spirit, she said, pointing to the Land O’ Lakes Community Park as a prime example.

“It was built in the 1960s, after fish fries and donations, from loads of Lakers,” she said.

“This was before the county had a parks and recreation department, and before red tape was invented.

“So, in keeping with that tradition, Heritage Park (Foundation) was created,” she said.

The foundation has aimed to keep the park alive and has dreamed of adding a stage that could serve as a focal point for community events.

“Heritage Park Foundation has a motto: Building a better community by building a better community center,” she said.

The construction of the stage is the result of many, many people who have come together to help make it happen, Graves said. She named off dozens of people and organizations that have been involved through the years. She also remembered those who help carry the torch, but have since passed on.

“I want to thank the members of our organization (Heritage Park Foundation) that are not here today,” she said. “We hope they’re smiling down on us and saying, ‘Job well done.’”

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools, also took to the podium to thank the business partners who are either providing their services for free, or at cost, in order to bring the project in within budget.

The result will make a difference, said school board chairwoman Joanne Hurley, who recalled selling turkey legs at the Flapjack Festival years ago, to help raise money for a stage.

Hurley praised the partnerships that came together to make the vision a reality. She expects generations of people to enjoy events at the park.

The stage will be used for plays, recitals, concerts, pageants and other presentations, Moore said.

“This stage is actually going to be a cornerstone of future cultural events here in Land O’ Lakes,” Moore said.

Recognitions galore!
The list of people, companies and organizations that had a hand in bringing the stage project to life at the Land O’ Lakes Community Park is long.

These are the people and organizations that got a mention during speakers’ remarks at the stage’s groundbreaking on Aug. 16:

  • Members of the Heritage Park Foundation, especially Kurt Conover, Tim Hayes, Lee Cannon, John Mitchell and Joanne Hurley, and newer members Terri Dusek, Helen Rodriguez and Stefanie Bracciale. Also, members of the foundation who have passed way.
  • Longtime supporters: The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the GFWC Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, the past Land O’ Lakes Rotary, Lonnie and Bobby Piper, Susan MacManus, Hungry Harry’s, Keystone Community Church and the Candlewood Community Church
  • School bands and choirs that performed in the park, with the hopes that one day there would be a stage to showcase their talent.
  • Pasco County Schools
  • Pasco County
  • Pasco County Parks and Recreation
  • Humberto Gonzalez, Rick Buckman, Brian Taylor, Mike Walcott and A.J. Fernandez
  • Richard Corcoran, speaker-designate for the Florida House of Representatives
  • Sandy Graves
  • Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools
  • Peter Gottschalk, architect
  • Coastal Design Consultants, Paul Manuel
  • Walbridge, Richard Marshall, Tim Sewell, Mary Layton
  • DC Johnson & Associates Inc., Dan Johnson and Andy Getz
  • Copperstone Executive Suites, Mary Lynn and Gary Gorsline
  • Ervin Bishop Construction Inc., Sonny Bishop
  • Schaer Development of Central Florida, Skip Schaer
  • RIPA and Associates, Frank Ripa
  • Quality Roofing Inc., Rick Jenkins
  • JN Electric of Tampa Bay, John Narcisi
  • Door and Hardware Openings Inc., Mike Gonzalez
  • Accurate Signs on Time, Amy Daigrepont-Calkowski

Published August 24, 2016

New apartments and offices approved

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Brightworks Crossing — a mixed-use project calling for offices, self-storage units, apartments, and a hotel with up to 150 rooms, landed on the desks of Pasco County’s planners nearly a year ago.

And, on Aug. 9, the Pasco County Commission pushed the project along with a series of approvals.

Commissioners unanimously agreed to amend the county’s comprehensive land use plan and to rezone the land. They also approved an agreement for a land swap between the county, the landowners and the developers.

The land deal will give the county green space for its network of wildlife corridors, and room for a park-and-ride lot with 25 parking spaces for future transit commuters.

A car passes along Old State Road 54, at Old Cypress Creek Road. The route is a popular cut-through to avoid traffic at State Road 56. (File Photo)
A car passes along Old State Road 54, at Old Cypress Creek Road. The route is a popular cut-through to avoid traffic at State Road 56.
(File Photo)

The site is directly behind the Walgreen’s drug store, at Wesley Chapel Boulevard and the State Road 56/State Road 54 intersection.

The intersection is a high growth area populated by Tampa Premium Outlets and new restaurants on the south side of State Road 56, and on the north side of the road, the future Cypress Creek Town Center.

“It’s a major intersection. A lot of thought, evaluation and analysis has gone into this project and its impact on the intersection,” said Matt Armstrong, the county’s executive planner. “We’ve put together a package that actually improves this area and will help in the long run.”

Brightworks Crossing received approval for a maximum of 350 apartments, 250,000 square-feet of offices, and self-storage and the 150-room hotel.

A road redesign also is built into the project for Old State Road 54, which bisects the site. The short stretch of road is a popular cut-through for motorists coming down Wesley Chapel who want to avoid traffic at the State Road 56 intersection.

County commissioners agreed to close the existing cut-through to accommodate the land swap and allow developers to build a new road in its place. The new road will be open to the public.

Nearby, work is underway by Sierra Properties to build an entrance into Cypress Creek Town Center, a future mall at the northeast corner of State Road 56 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard, also called County Road 54.

One of the mall entrances is across from Brightworks Crossing, on County Road 54.

In the long term, the county has plans to turn the two-lane stretch of Wesley Chapel Boulevard into a six-lane divided highway with sidewalks and a multi-use trail.

The impact of traffic and road redesigns raised concerns for Sierra Properties’ developers and John Narcisi, who owns JN Electric on Old Cypress Creek Road.

Narcisi is the only business on Old Cypress Creek, which also is off Wesley Chapel and intersects with Old State Road 54.

“Traffic will increase on Old Cypress Creek Road which runs in front of my property,” said Narcisi.

Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing Sierra Properties, said the proposed new road through the site should continue to function as a cut-through that can help ease traffic congestion.

“We think that’s an important issue, and the staff needs to look at that closely,” he said.

Published August 17, 2016

Fifth-graders learning how to lead at Oakstead Elementary

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Just before the school year began, fifth-graders at Oakstead Elementary School took some training on how to be school leaders.

Teachers, administrators and support staff organized an “Oakstead Elementary Leadership Retreat” which was held on Aug. 4. This is the second year in a row that the school has had the half-day retreat.

Throughout the morning, fifth-graders took part in several team-building activities, which included analyzing leadership personality traits along the way.

Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders had to use teamwork and communication for several activities, including the ‘Balloon Train.’ Groups had to line up single-file, and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without using their hands. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)
Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders had to use teamwork and communication for several activities, including the ‘Balloon Train.’ Groups had to line up single-file, and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without using their hands.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

They also learned about many qualities that it takes to become a leader —  open-mindedness, integrity, authenticity, generosity and responsibility.

“Our big focus is to make them think more like, ‘Hey, I’m the leader, I’m setting the example,’ instead of ‘I’m done with this place,’” explained Sandra Stine, an assistant principal at Oakstead. By the time they reach fifth grade, she explained, some students are anxious to begin middle school.

After last year’s retreat, Stine noted, many fifth-graders were “more excited” heading into the school year. The school dished out less discipline, too, she added.

Based on feedback from last year’s retreat, Oakstead administrators shortened this year’s retreat to five hours and incorporated more collaborative activities.

The goal was to cut down on tedious paperwork for the students and to add more cooperative games.

One game, called the “Balloon Train,” required small groups of fifth-graders to imagine themselves as a locomotive connected by balloons. Each group had to line up single file and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without the use of their hands.

The activity aimed to underscore the importance of teamwork and communication in accomplishing a goal.

“We brought in even more interaction — get them up and get them moving with a lot more activities,” Stine said.

Fifth-graders discuss the qualities it takes to become a leader.
Fifth-graders discuss the qualities it takes to become a leader.

Bullying prevention was added to this year’s retreat agenda — emphasizing the importance for fifth-graders to stand up for other students, especially younger children, in kindergarten through fourth grade.

“(Fifth-graders) can be the ones where they see bullying happen, they can intervene and stop,” said Oakstead principal Tammy Kimpland. “As leaders, when you see something going on that’s not supposed to be going on, you have the power to say, ‘Hey, quit picking on that kid.’”

Kristen Hirsbrunner, a fifth-grade teacher at Oakstead, said having leadership retreats reinforces positive attitudes in the school’s eldest students.

“It’s so important,” Hirsbrunner said, “because our fifth-graders come in, at times, thinking they’re the big man on campus. They still are, but they’re taking a different role with that…to truly be that role model for the younger kids and each other.”

Throughout the leadership retreat, Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders participated in several interactive activities. One activity required fifth-graders to reach out to other students they don’t normally interact with, and get to know one another.
Throughout the leadership retreat, Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders participated in several interactive activities. One activity required fifth-graders to reach out to other students they don’t normally interact with, and get to know one another.

She added: “I think these kids, too, having seen what the kids last year were able to do, came in a little bit more excited about being a leader and what it means to be a leader.”

Fifth-grader Charlie Newport said the retreat gave him a greater understanding of the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

“It was really great,” he said. “I was able to work more with people I normally wouldn’t be able to…because they’re not in my class.”

Throughout the school year, every fifth-grade student will be assigned to an adult in the building for leadership support throughout the year.

On Fridays, students will wear a “Pay It Forward” T-shirt to remind them to be responsible leader.

The school is also working to get a grant approved to purchase copies of the book, “Pay It Forward,” by Catherine Ryan Hyde to give to each fifth-grade student.

There are about 180 fifth-graders among the school’s total enrollment which surpasses 1,100, the principal said.

Published August 17, 2016

Setting the stage for community gatherings

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A groundbreaking ceremony is set for Aug. 16 for a stage to be built at the Land O’ Lakes Community Park, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

“It’s been a long wait, but we’re very excited,” said Sandy Graves, of the Heritage Park Foundation, who has played a leading role in helping to bring the vision to life.

“It was (state Rep.) Richard Corcoran, working with the governor, to get our cultural affairs money, to help us do the stage,” Graves said.

“I’m also grateful to the school board and Ray Gadd (Pasco County Schools deputy superintendent) for taking the lead for helping us get together community participation, with different builders and suppliers that helped us do it for the amount of money that we had,” Graves added.

There have been some changes to the design of a stage planned for the Land O’ Lakes Community Park, since this original rendering was drawn. But, the overall appearance will be very similar, said John Petrashek, director of construction services for Pasco County Schools. One big difference, though, is that plans now call for a copper-colored roof. (File Photo)
There have been some changes to the design of a stage planned for the Land O’ Lakes Community Park, since this original rendering was drawn. But, the overall appearance will be very similar, said John Petrashek, director of construction services for Pasco County Schools. One big difference, though, is that plans now call for a copper-colored roof.
(File Photo)

There has been “a great, great response from the community,” said John Petrashek, director of construction services for Pasco County Schools.

“The architect, Peter Gottschalk, is doing this gratis. He’s a local Land O’ Lakes architect. Coastal Design is doing the civil design. They’re doing that pro bono.

“People have really stepped up,” Petrashek said.

Other companies have stepped up to provide free labor and materials at cost, Petrashek noted.

The roof on the stage has been upgraded to a copper-colored roof, he added.

“We wanted it to stand out,” Graves said. “Mary Lynn and Gary Gorsline of Copperstone (Executive Suites) donated $1,600 because we wanted a copper-color roof on it.”

The beginning of construction will signal a major milestone in the quest to give the community a place to gather, Graves said.

Over the years, foundation members sold turkey legs at the community’s Flapjack Festivals, sold coffee at the opening of the Suncoast Parkway, sold water at a balloon festival at Starkey Park, and sold doughnuts and coffee at the Central Pasco Chamber’s community expos.

The biggest boost for the project came last year when the governor approved a $250,000 grant from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.

It took three governors to finally get the state’s support, Graves has noted in previous interviews. Gov. Jeb Bush and Gov. Charlie Crist both said no before Scott said yes.

The contract between Pasco County and the state Division of Cultural Affairs calls for the construction to be completed by June of 2017.

The completion can’t come too soon, Graves said, noting some of the people who have been pushing for the stage, sadly, have passed away and won’t be able to see it come to fruition.

Graves envisions plays, concerts and other events at the stage once it’s done.

“I know it’s going to be used well, in the community. We’re just making this park a very, very special park,” she said.

Groundbreaking for Land O’ Lakes community stage:
Aug. 16 at 8 a.m.
Land O’ Lakes Community Center, picnic pavilion, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Published August 3, 2016

Code enforcement crack down in Pasco

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A code enforcement sweep along U.S. 41 produced a slew of warnings, citations and three building condemnations.

Code enforcement officers with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, county code enforcement inspectors, county building inspectors, and employees of animal control joined for a two-day sweep of the Land O’ Lakes corridor from State Road 54 to State Road 52.

The sweep — conducted on July 5 and July 6 — resulted in 70 warnings and seven citations. Three buildings were condemned, and one residence failed to meet minimum housing standards.

County officials said many of the warnings and citations were for junk and debris, illegal signs and banners, and inoperable vehicles.

The sweep prompted a half-dozen phone calls to Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader, with callers complaining of unfair treatment. They told Schrader citations were handed out, without prior warnings.

Last year, commissioners adopted an ordinance to enforce minimum standards for the upkeep of commercial buildings on corridors such as U.S. 41, U.S. 301 and U.S. 19.

Some Land O’ Lakes business owners lobbied against the ordinance, citing excessive government regulations.

Property owners who might need to repair their buildings were given until May 1 to bring them up to code.

“I thought they were going to be giving out warnings,” Schrader said during a recent Pasco County Commission meeting.

 

But, county officials said the recent sweep on U.S. 41 was a general sweep and not solely focused on commercial buildings.

“They are sweeping for everything,” said Don Rosenthal, assistant county administrator for development services.

Tharpe said residences and businesses were included in the sweep. To date in 2016 more than 45 sweeps have been completed including ones on Moon Lake Road and U.S. 19.

During the U.S. 41 sweep, the sheriff’s office participated for one day only and issued citations.

More than a year ago, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco created a code enforcement unit.

“It’s a new mission that the sheriff wanted to do to improve the quality of life,” said sheriff’s spokesman Kevin Doll.

Law enforcement officers can issue citations for code violations on the spot, said Doll.

That is a tool that county code enforcement inspectors don’t have, said Micah Tharpe, the county’s code compliance manager. “We are not law enforcement officers,” he said.

Instead, county inspectors first issue warnings and give people up to 30 days to correct problems prior to a reinspection.

“We expect full compliance,” Tharpe said.

On this sweep, county inspectors only handed out warnings, Tharpe said.

The next step would be to issue citations.

Published August 3, 2016

Catch a litterbug, get a reward

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Pasco County residents can now earn a little cash and help the county clean up at the same time.

Pasco County has announced a new program that provides $50 rewards to those who help the county identify and catch litterbugs.

Pasco County is using cameras to help catch people it alleges are conducting illegal dumping activities. This truck is a still shot taken from one of the county’s videos. The county is offering a $50 reward to people who help identify and catch litterbugs. (Courtesy of Pasco County)
Pasco County is using cameras to help catch people it alleges are conducting illegal dumping activities. This truck is a still shot taken from one of the county’s videos. The county is offering a $50 reward to people who help identify and catch litterbugs.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

The reward goes to individuals who provide information that leads to charges and fines against someone caught littering or illegally dumping.

“We have a real problem with littering and dumping in the right of way,” said Mike Garrett, the county’s public works director.

A county crew now spends at least one day a week picking up trash including televisions, furniture, tires and mattresses.

Pasco County commissioners approved the reward program at their July 12 meeting.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. “Anything that can curb dumping in the county, I’m all for it. Hopefully, it will work.”

Funding for rewards will come from fines collected from successful prosecutions.

The county currently has 15 outstanding cases that could produce a total of $7,000 in fines. The maximum fine is $500.

The public works department launched its efforts to curb litter and dumping in 2011. Since then, 33 cases of illegal dumping have produced about $8,400 in fines.

However, the county only receives the fines when cases are settled before referral to court. That’s precisely what county officials hope residents can help them accomplish.

Three years ago, the county began placing cameras in certain locations to catch people engaged in illegal dumping.

In one case, the county taped a man dropping a small bundle of newspapers and magazines on the roadside. While the camera captured his license plate, which was traced to Hernando County, the address wasn’t good, Garrett said.

Another man unloaded the bed of a truck that was filled with tree limbs and debris. The man kept looking around him to see if anyone was watching, then he scampered back into the truck’s cab and drove off.

County officials want help in identifying and locating him.

Videos on both cases currently are posted on YouTube.com. They can be found under Pasco County Illegal Dumping Case SR 1330 and SR1334.

In the future, the county plans to televise three to four videos on its own website of people caught in the act. A hotline number for tips will be provided, too.

Currently, residents can call with tips and information at (727) 274-3611.

Published July 20, 2016