The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

No small feat, as new Lutz Guv’na crowned

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Jerome Smalls wasn’t about to be a two-time loser.

“Once was enough,” said Smalls, who was unsuccessful in his 2014 bid for the Lutz Guv’na title.

Newly ‘elected’ 2023 Lutz Guv’na Jerome Smalls accepts his coveted Guv’na sash, which he received following the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade. His swearing-in ceremony was held at the historic Lutz Train Depot at the corner of Lutz Lake Fern and U.S 41. The annual campaign each year raises money for local charities and nonprofit organizations. Smalls won by raising the most money, among the three Guv’na candidates. (Mike Camunas)

This time, he brought in the most cash and was crowned the 2023 Lutz Guv’na following the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade. Smalls was one of three candidates vying for the title in a yearly competition that involves raising money for various local charities and nonprofit organizations.

The winner receives the coveted Guv’na sash, a red-and-white Cat-in-the-Hat hat and a key to the unincorporated community of more than 28,000 people.

After raising more than $4,300, Smalls topped fellow candidates Shanon Monahan ($4,000 plus) and Tim Davis ($3,000 plus) and, humbly, accepted the passing of the torch from 2022 Guv’na Atlas Cortecero.

The candidates combined to raise more than $11,000, which will be divvied out to nonprofits, such as the Old Lutz School House, GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, churches, schools, sports teams and other organizations in Lutz.

“This is just so crazy, really, but it’s not only being up at the podium (after winning),” Smalls said. “There’s the parade and seeing all the families that we know through our program (SoccerGemz), to see (the kids) that came through and grow up and at the parade, supporting us and all the candidates.

“It’s crazy to have all that support, especially when starting a business in Lutz.”

Smalls moved to Tampa in 2005 and opened SoccerGemz in 2012. It’s an introductory soccer program which teaches the basic skills and fundamentals of soccer for children 18 months to 8 years old in the Lutz community.

An avid sports fan, Smalls was aided by his two daughters — Ivoryele, 14, and Anora, 9 — at the Guv’na debate on May 13. He also is a very active member with Lutz First Baptist.

Smalls is no stranger to being the Guv’na, since he ultimately came up short when running in 2014. This time, though, he was more savvy with his campaign.

He got the backing of some “political” heavy hitters from Lutz: the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

“The women in green shirts — I call them the WIGS,” Smalls said with a laugh. “They supported me and worked with me, because in 2014, I was just like, ‘Hey, I’m running for Guv’na! That’s cool!’ This time, I went out and got that organization because those women do so, so much for Lutz and all the organizations here.”

Whoever is crowned Guv’na earmarks 10% of the proceeds to a Lutz charitable organization of his or her choice, and Smalls said his will go to the Woman’s Club. He added he also will help other nonprofits, such as the Old Lutz School House and also plans on donating to the Lutz Branch Library — since he is a frequent patron.

“I’m an avid reader and I come here a lot,” Small said, pointing to the library from the nearby Lutz Train Depot. “I want to help out the place I go to a lot.”

Smalls held several fundraising events since May 13, from bingo events at Black Sheep American Pub, to other luncheons and dinners and fun events. Many people he knew through SoccerGemz also donated to his cause, as he could “panhandle” in the parade, in a final push to cash in for the sash.

But now that he has said sash, he plans to make due on a big campaign “promise” he made while “mudslinging” his other candidates.

And this promise is a real winner.

“I promised that I became Guv’na — which I now have after running two times — I promised to build a brand new stadium in the middle of (U.S.) 41 — for the (Tampa Bay) Rays!

“I will bring the Rays to Lutz!” he said, jokingly.

Past Lutz Guv’nas
2023 – Jerome Smalls
2022 – Atlas Cortecero
2019 – Amy Lancaster
2018 – Domenic Difante
2017 – Kori Rankin
2016 – Greg Gilbert
2015 – Jennifer Rankin
2014 – Dr. Cindy Perkins
2013 – Suzin Carr
2012 – Karen D’Amico
2011 – Kevin White
2010 – Stephanie Ensor
2009 – Suzin Carr
2008 – Teri Burgess
2007 – Michele Northrup
2006 – Edwina Kraemer
2005 – Liz Iaconetti
2004 – Dean Rivett
2003 – Joni Cagle
2002 – Brett Montegny
2001 – Helen Kinyon
2000 – Vince Arcuri
1999 – Danny Neeley
1998 – Sandy Ruberg
1997 – Earl Smith
1996 – Ben Nevel
1995 – Kay Dahman
1994 – Lorraine Dabney
1993 – Leslie Dennison
1992 – Betty Neeley
1991 – Jo Van Bebber

Published July 12, 2023

New initiative focuses on residents’ food knowledge

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Hillsborough County Extension Services has announced a community initiative to educate and engage residents on their local food system  — on the production, distribution, marketing, access and consumption of food.

Hillsborough County Extension wants to hear from residents about the county’s food system. (File)

The “Homegrown Hillsborough” program will focus on community nutrition, food entrepreneurship and agricultural production designed to strengthen the relationship that county residents have with their food, according to a news release.

To help develop the initiative, residents are asked to complete a survey to help the county create food system programs and projects relevant to the interests and values of residents.

The goal of the survey is to discover what aspects of the food system Hillsborough County residents are interested in learning more about. It will gather information on these topics;

  • Interest in buying locally grown food
  • Interest in growing your own food
  • Knowledge of food insecurity in Hillsborough County
  • Accessibility to foods that promote a healthy lifestyle
  • Maintaining a robust agricultural economy
  • Preserving local farming

Residents living in urban, suburban and rural areas in Hillsborough can participate in the survey, which will be available through the end of the year.

Visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/homegrownhillsborough/ to access the survey online.

Published July 12, 2023

Grant cycle open for organizations that provide autism services

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Purchases of the Florida Support Autism Specialty License Plate generate funds to support nonprofit organizations that provide direct services for individuals with autism and related disabilities within the state.

(File)

“By purchasing a specialty license plate, individuals not only show their support but also contribute to funding the exceptional work carried out by organizations providing vital autism services across the state,” said Kim Vassar, chair of the Autism Services Grants Council in Florida, in a news release.

During 2022, the council awarded a total of $141,000 in grants to 19 Florida-based nonprofits, the release said.

Recently, it celebrated the sale of its 13,000th license plate.

“Every license plate on our roadways serves as a rolling billboard, raising awareness and reminding everyone that individuals with autism are an integral part of our community,” Vassar added.

All nonprofit organizations with a current Internal Revenue Service designation as a 501(c)(3) exempt organization and a current State of Florida Charitable Solicitation Registration number that provide services to individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida are eligible to apply for grants.

Grant funds can be used to purchase vehicles, real property, building improvements, or for capital campaigns, endowments, lobbying, research, incurred debt, and program expenses incurred prior to grant approval.

Grant awards are for one year and will not exceed $10,000.

All proposals are due by July 31 and are available online at AutismLicensePlate.com/grant-application/.

Published July 12, 2023

Free scallop sorters available for Pasco scallop season

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Scallop seekers are being offered a tool to help them know when to keep scallops and when to toss them back into the water to let them grow for another year. Experience Florida’s Sports Coast is providing the sorters for free, in an effort to promote sustainable scalloping. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast is offering free Scallop Sorters to scallopers, in an effort to encourage sustainable scalloping practices in Pasco County, according to a county news release.

The free Scallop Sorters are available at the Florida’s Sports Coast office, 1938 Duck Slough Blvd., in Trinity, during regular business hours.

There is a limit of two per family, while supplies last.

The Scallop Sorter tool, developed by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant, helps to keep smaller, underdeveloped scallops from being harvested.

Pasco County’s scallop season began on July 1 and runs through Aug. 6.

“Promoting sustainable tourism is important to our Florida’s Sports Coast team and to our destination offerings, such as scalloping,” Florida’s Sports Coast Director Adam Thomas, said in the release. “As we gear up for the launch of our 37-day scalloping season this summer, we’re encouraging first-time and returning scallopers to use ethical practices to help ensure the health and quality of our Bay Scallop population for years to come.”

The Scallop Sorter is easy to use. Simply place the tool above each scallop to check its size. If it’s too small, toss the scallop back so it can have a chance to grow for another scallop season, the release says.

For more information, visit FlSportsCoast.com/scalloping for tips on enjoying Pasco’s Bay Scallop Season.

Published July 12, 2023

Pasco County Schools names new communications director

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Pasco County Schools has hired Melanie Waxler as its new director of strategic communications.

She replaces Steve Hegarty, the district’s public information officer, who retired from the district’s top communications post on June 20.

In announcing Waxler’s appointment and Hegarty’s departure, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning noted Waxler’s extensive communications background and said he’s excited about the positive impact he believes she will have in the district.

But he also took a few minutes to thank Hegarty, noting that he marveled at Hegarty’s impressive work ethic, his calming influence and his sense of humor.

He noted that Hegarty took over leadership of district communications at the beginning of COVID and played a key role in helping to communicate the district’s response to the pandemic.

Hegarty also was heavily involved in crisis communications, Browning said.

The superintendent said the vast majority of Hegarty’s time was devoted to dealing with crises that occurred in the district, “generally because some kid made a stupid choice and posted something very stupid on social media.”

“They should know better. It disrupts our educational environment,” Browning said.

Browning said he appreciated Hegarty’s sage counsel, noting there were times he wanted to say something, but thought better of it, after talking to Hegarty.

“I always knew that when Steve told me something, I could take it to the bank,” the superintendent said.

Published July 12, 2023

Girls giving back, globally and locally

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Tanvi Handoo doesn’t mind picking up trash at a local beach.

She knows that as she removes garbage from a sandy shore here, her actual reach is global.

From left, members of the Tampa chapter Girls Give Back organization, Land O’ Lakes High seniors Chloe Stout and Tanvi Handoo and Wiregrass Ranch High senior Meghna Manjith took part in a community service project at Ben T. Davis Beach in Tampa, as part of the chapter’s initiative. Handoo is the Tampa chapter president of Girls Give Back, a global organization that provides a platform and space for girls to become leaders by tackling social issues such as women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, human trafficking and homelessness. (Mike Camunas)

Handoo, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High, started the Tampa chapter of Girls Give Back — a global nonprofit that provides a platform and space for girls to become leaders in their communities and beyond. They raise awareness about social issues through community projects and services. They also connect throughout the world to discuss injustices, allowing these young women to cultivate skills to become  leaders in their own communities.

“We try to find an area where we can come together and say, ‘I’ve noticed this in my area and community and I want to do something about it,’” Handoo said. “(It’s) where we do projects that raise money or awareness or both — and our group gives us the platform to do this and a place for young women to come together.

“And, from a global role, to get young women from around the world to hear each other, to talk to each other and see their perspectives and voices and realize that there are other young women out there, just like them, that feel just like them and that they can connect with,” she added.

Remarkably, Handoo started her Girls Give Back (GGB) chapter when she was a freshman, during the height of the COVID pandemic. At that time, it was a lot of online meetings and discussions until she could get to community projects and build up membership.

Each chapter plans and carries out events that are tailored to address the disparities and issues in their own communities. 

Wiregrass Ranch High senior Meghna Manjith, left, and Land O’ Lakes senior Chloe Stout, right, help pick up trash during a Girls Give Back Tampa Chapter community service project on June 24.

Some events Handoo and her chapter have planned and executed include a Feminine Hygiene Drive for women and abuse victims; a “Moving FL Forward” forum with chapters across Florida; a global forum with the India chapter about the COVID crisis in India; beach cleanups; creating and mailing cards to kids at St. Jude’s Hospital; and the EQ4U series — webinars serving as a safe space for Tampa youth to discuss setbacks in mental health and learn about scientifically proven, healthy coping mechanisms.

Additionally, Handoo co-founded the India Chapter of GGB, was promoted to GGB Global Ambassador (second hand to founder, Salma Murphy) and led and participated in a multitude of events.

“A lot of us are very passionate about social justice advocacy, and we all have our range of passions,” Handoo said. “Be it mental health, feminism, climate justice — and this (group) allows them to become a leader and they don’t have to be a specific gender or identity or background to be a leader in their community or to create change.

“Anyone who is passionate about making a difference and change, can join,” she said.

As of now, the Tampa chapter has 15 members with nearly all of them coming from Pasco County schools, such as Land O’ Lakes and Wiregrass Ranch.

Girls Give Back Tampa Chapter founder Tanvi Handoo, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High, picks up trash along Ben T. Davis Beach in Tampa during a community service initiative.

Globally, GGB is trying to expand more, including creating middle-school aged chapters, she said.

Handoo only started “recruiting” new members at the beginning of 2023, however, she quickly found other like-minded young women.

“I thought it was very interesting to have a global group that focused on making change in our communities,” said Wiregrass Ranch senior Meghna Manjith, a longtime friend of Handoo. “GGB is so broad and it has all these chapters and you can reach out to members, so it’s very diverse with plenty of resources. … And with the projects, you come into the community and interact with members of the community — it’s just helping everyone out and it makes that much bigger of an impact.”

Manjith said she is passionate about raising awareness on human trafficking in her community, including running Teens Battle Human Trafficking, a student-organization at her school.

Handoo, for her part, is passionate about feminism and fighting “sexism and gender bias in my own community.”

“Especially,” she added, “with my parents being Indian immigrants, so I’ve seen it in my home country and in America and it’s something that I’ve seen from a young age and continue to see.”

Another member, fellow Land O’ Lakes senior Chloe Stout, is deeply interested in speaking up for all social injustices, as long as all women’s voices are heard.

“I think it’s important to empower women and bring light to their struggles,” Stout said. “We need to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard, so people are not made to feel less than others or inferior.

“I think, as a group, we do a good job at that and that everyone is aware of the important topics and being able to talk to other women about these topics.”

As for Handoo, and her Tampa chapter, it’s all about reaching out — to support one another.

“Honestly, I think there’s a lot of people, girls and boys, that are passionate about these types of things, but aren’t encouraged to be active in their community,” she said. “I think about all those out there, and they have no voice, but we can come together and be a part of something that supports one another and do great things together.”

Girls Give Back Tampa Chapter
Details: Girls Give Back Global (GGB) was founded in May 2020 by Salma Murphy in Boston and quickly expanded to become a national and global non-profit. GGB provides a platform and space for girls to become leaders in their communities and beyond. The girls are able to lead projects they’re passionate about that target issues unique to their community, but also are able to lead global impact projects — while connecting with other passionate young women across the globe.
For more information, or to join the Tampa chapter, contact Tanvi Handoo at and visit the chapter’s Instagram: @ggbtampa.
For more information, visit www.girlsgivebackglobal.com.

Published July 04, 2023

State budget includes $1.5 million for sidewalks near Pasco schools

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The Florida Legislature approved $1.5 million — which was preserved in the state budget — to pay for sidewalks near some Pasco County schools where parents complained about unsafe walking conditions.

The lack of sidewalks in numerous communities became more apparent last year, after Pasco County School Board dropped courtesy busing for students in grades six through 12, who live within 2 miles from school.

State budget includes $1.5 million for sidewalks near Pasco schools (Mike Camunas)

The district’s action prompted an outcry from parents, who told district administrators and the board that they are concerned about their children’s safety because they have to walk in areas without sidewalks or street lights.

They also described conditions they believe are dangerous for their children and said they can’t give their kids a ride to and from school because they have to be at work.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman took on the issue and worked with the school district’s staff to seek funding from the legislature.

State Rep. Kevin Steele and State Sen. Danny Burgess sought $2 million in funding — and received approval of $1.5 million to provide sidewalks that will benefit students and residents living near Pine View Middle, Pine View Elementary and Denham Oaks Elementary.

During the Pasco County Commision’s June 20 meeting, Weightman expressed gratitude to the state lawmakers and the school district for helping to secure the funding.

“This is a great win for our school kids,” Weightman said.

He noted that when he was on the campaign trail, that he, along with Commissioner Gary Bradford heard the message loud and clear about sidewalks being needed.

Weightman noted that “courtesy busing is probably not coming back any time soon,” and bus drivers remain in short supply.

The county board member urged Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa to get the sidewalks built as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Weightman is delighted that the appropriations request he made, as a freshman county board member, received funding. He thanked the county’s lobbyists and every member of the Pasco legislative delegation for helping to make it happen.

“It’s exciting. It’s exciting for me. It’s exciting for our school kids and our community,” Weightman said.

Published July 04, 2023

Pasco board approves county-initiated plan for Odessa Town Centre

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The Pasco County Commission has adopted a land use change, setting the stage for Odessa Town Centre — a development area that is expected to include light industrial, business park, mixed-use office, retail and high-density residential uses.

The county took the lead of this planning effort because of concerns about the potential for piecemeal development on about 81.5 acres at the southwest corner of Gunn Highway and State Road 54.

The approved plan is the result of about two years of work, including community meetings and efforts of county planners and an outside consultant. The idea was to create a cohesive approach to future development — while allowing existing  property owners to keep their current rights. Existing property owners that wish to redevelop in the future will need to abide by conditions adopted for the Odessa Town Centre planned development.

The southwest corner of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway, is expected to become the future home of Odessa Town Centre, as a result of Pasco County initiated land-use change. (Mike Camunas)

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey led the effort for the county-initiated land use change.

“This will be very good for the community, and the county and residents,” Starkey said. 

Without a big-picture plan, she feared the development of individual properties at the site would lack cohesion.

During a previous county board meeting, Starkey also noted mounting development pressures in the area: “They (potential developers) are circling, circling around.”

Herbert Heap, a resident with property in the affected area, confirmed developers’ intensifying interest in the area.

“I’ve had quite a few people contact me … You won’t believe, I betcha I’ve got about 100 letters, phone calls, people contacting me. Matter of fact, I’ve had to block some of them,” said Heap, who owns land on Old Gunn Highway and Blissfield Road.

“I just want to know, are you going to run me out of there, or what,” he asked during the county board’s June 20 meeting.

At the same session, Starkey told her colleagues: “What we did, in doing this, was to increase their property values. But not everybody understands how development works. It’s complicated, especially in this kind of plan.”

She suggested to Heap: “Why don’t you come to my office and we’ll help you.”

Heap said he just wants someone who will speak with him honestly.

“We’ve got that big tower up on the corner, we’ve got a lot of vultures on it. Well, we’ve got vultures circling my property, circling me,” he said.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman asked what assurance the county would have with the land being designated for commercial or industrial uses instead of being developed as multifamily, as is permitted under the recently passed state Senate Bill 102.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein said that law applies to a site’s zoning, not land-use designation, an issue that won’t come up until the zoning phase.

Goldstein added: “All of these have to go through me. I don’t let staff rezone to commercial/industrial, without addressing this issue.”

The county board voted 5-0 to approve the Odessa Town Centre land-use change.

In a related action, the board approved a rezoning request from a Miami-based mixed-used developer to create a project on about 20 acres on the western portion of the Odessa Town Centre area. County board members approved a request to rezone the land from general commercial and agricultural residential to a master-planned unit development.

The site is approximately 2,083 feet west of the southwest corner of the intersection of Gunn Highway and State Road 54. The new development is expected to have 12,000 square feet of commercial/office space and 320 multi-family units.

The office and retail will be the ground floor of a multi-story building, with apartments above it.

In addition to the vertical mixed-use buildings along the State Road 54 frontage, the master-planned development will include interconnected streets, trails and sidewalks to create a network for pedestrian/bicycle activity within the larger Odessa Town Center area.

Published July 04, 2023

Pasco names a new libraries director

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A familiar face is returning to Pasco County Libraries to assume leadership of the nationally recognized branch of county government.

The Pasco County Commission on June 20 confirmed the appointment of Sean McGarvey to the top post, at an annual salary of $125,000.

Cathy Pearson, an assistant county administrator who oversees the county’s libraries, introduced McGarvey to the board.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, attracts patrons from across the county. It underwent a complete renovation that includes a new look, updated technology and more meeting spaces. (File)

“He worked with us from 2013 to 2019, as one of our library administrators,” she said. 

Pearson told the board that McGarvey has considerable library experience and IT knowledge. He left for a four-year stint to work at Hillsborough Public Libraries and is now returning to Pasco to serve as the library system’s director.

During his previous experience in Pasco, McGarvey led library operations projects including contract negotiations, grant execution, major IT system upgrades, personnel management, collection development, and facilities safety and security, according to background information in the board’s agenda packet.
He has also helped plan, fund and execute a general obligation bond vote campaign with Pasco County administration to remodel all county libraries in 2018.

McGarvey has collaborated with a number of organizations to implement new internal and external partnerships, including creating Pasco County’s first drone program, a first-in-the-nation library robotics team and a grant to distribute laptops to families in need.

The county board voted 5-0 to confirm McGarvey’s selection.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman told McGarvey he agreed with sentiments that were previously expressed by his colleague, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Weightman would like to see a rebranding of the county’s library system, with an emphasis of maximizing their potential.

“What is a library today? What kind of resources can it bring? What kind of out-of-the-box thinking can we use these fantastic facilities for?” Weightman said. “What can we do to take our library system to the next level?”

Starkey said she’d like McGarvey to visit AmSkills, which focuses on equipping people with skills needed by today’s workforce. She’d also like McGarvey to revive the robotics team and spread it across the county.

Starkey said she thinks the county’s libraries need to be renamed, to reflect their role as community centers.

She’d also like to see an expansion of their use.

“Why not have more activities at these centers on the weekends and in the evenings?”

“We can do a lot more on these properties,” she said, adding she’d like to see playgrounds added at each library.

Starkey said she’d be interested in hearing what McGarvey learned in Hillsborough County that can be brought to Pasco.

The updated Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, features an ample space for children’s activities.

The Florida Libraries Association (FLA) recently named the Pasco County Libraries system as the state’s Library of the Year, during the 2023 FLA awards ceremony.

On its website, the FLA reported that: “The Pasco County Library System provides innovative services, materials, programs, instructional classes, and informational events relevant to their populations.

“Most notably, the creative development of their library spaces has earned them the Library of the Year award. 

“An ambitious makerspace initiative with heavy citizen input has added a custom makerspace to almost every library branch in the system. From ‘The Foundry’ woodshop at the Land O’ Lakes Library to the ‘Regency Fresh Test Kitchen’ in New Port Richey, citizens now have open access spaces to gather, learn new skills, and share ideas. 

“The system’s newest branch, the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center (in Odessa) has multiple makerspaces and a 250-seat theater shared with the K-8 school next door.

“These unique spaces and their top-quality staff promote access to information, community, education, and culture throughout Pasco County and provide a blueprint of the 21st century Florida library.”

McGarvey said he actually shared ideas from Pasco with Hillsborough’s library system.

Noting the Pasco library system’s success, Commissioner Ron Oakley said he’ll be interested in seeing how McGarvey builds on that.

Oakley also noted how important the county’s libraries are to its residents.

Whenever one is closed for renovations, patrons can’t wait for them to reopen, Oakley said. He pointed to the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City, as a recent example.

Published July 04, 2023

Sharing an insider’s look at building a hospital

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BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel opened in March, and Becky Schulkowski, the hospital’s president, recently discussed the various challenges that go into opening a new hospital during the breakfast meeting of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. (FILE)

When it comes to opening a new hospital, there are millions of details to consider.

Just ask Becky Schulkowski, president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, 

“If somebody had told me what it was really like to open a hospital, I’d have thought twice about accepting the job. It was the hardest, most stressful and most incredible thing I’ve ever done in my career,” Schulkowski told the crowd at a recent North Tampa Bay Chamber breakfast meeting.

There are challenges one might not consider.

For instance, when a hospital is under construction, since it’s not possible to be in the building yet, visualizing how the building will function is key, she said.

“You have to think of everything  you’re going to do in the building,” she said.

So, it’s a matter of taking printed floor plans and attempting to convert them, mentally, into three-dimensional spaces, and then to include the patient’s perspective, while figuring out how the building will function, she explained.

“How is the patient going to come into our ER? Once they do, how are we going to get them to that MRI? How are we going to get them upstairs?

“I am not a creative type, so it was extremely difficult for me to take those printed plans and try to visualize what it really meant,” Schulkowski added.

To help prepare for patients, staff began working in the building in December.

That gave them time to practice how the building would be used.

“We drilled and we trained and we literally had people in stretchers and we pushed them through the hallways and we were like, ‘No, you actually can’t get there from here, we’ve got to do it a different way.’”

It was a lot of figuring it out, the hospital leader said.

“You think you know how it’s going to work, then you get in the building — you realize you have to change it. The patients show up and you realize, you have to tweak it some more,” she said.

It also was important to set the right tone, she added.

Becky Schulkowski, president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, is seen here during BayCare Wesley Chapel’s community open house. (FILE)

“As we were introducing BayCare to the community, the very first thing I wanted our community to see is our values, and our commitment of taking care of the community,” she said.

There’s a sculpture in a prominent spot outside of the building etched with the words representing BayCare’s values.

“Dignity, excellence, respect, responsibility, and trust — that’s what you can expect when you come to a BayCare facility,” the hospital executive said.

When people arrive at the hospital, she wants them to feel at ease.

“We put a lot of thought into what the facility looked like, what you feel when you walk in.

“I’ve been working in hospitals and health care for over 20 years. I walk into a hospital, it feels like home.

“Most people don’t feel that way. (For) most people coming into a hospital — it’s unnerving. You’re scared. Your family member is sick. Maybe it’s some kind of emergency, having surgery.

“We wanted to make you feel calm, welcomed and that we were going to take care of you,” she said.

Having the right team is crucial, too, Schulkowski said.

The hospital president and the other three members of her executive team represent a total of more than 70 combined years in BayCare’s system, she said.

“We spent a lot of time as a leadership team: How are we going to embody that every single day? We did a lot of work on visioning and culture building.

“We had set questions for every single team member interview that we did, because if you were going to work at BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, you had to have the same mindset of the leadership team and give that most incredible care to every person who sets foot in our building,” she said.

The talent acquisition team used social media to attract applicants and held a hiring fair. The hospital was able to meet its hiring needs of slightly more than 270 full-time equivalent positions, which works out to about 350 individual people including part-time and labor pool roles.

It helped that the hospital is part of the BayCare system. About 45% of Schulkowski’s staff came from another BayCare location.

“I think one of the things that worked in our favor is that we were the shiny new building. Everybody wants to come and work in the shiny new building, right?”

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel

Where: 4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel

Quick facts:

  • Opened March 7
  • 318,000-square-foot building on a 40-acre site
  • 86 private rooms, including 12 intensive care unit beds,
  • 20 Emergency Room beds.
  • Cost: $246 million

Details: BayCare Wesley Chapel offers comprehensive medical services and health care resources, including an emergency department, an intensive care unit with virtual-monitoring beds, diagnostic services such as imaging and lab, and surgical services. Patient rooms are Alexa-enabled. Patients can ask Alexa to play music, turn on the TV, turn off the TV; raise the blinds, lower the blinds; change the temperature; and, of course, call the nurse.

Published on June 28, 2023.