The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Ridge Road Extension granted modifications, added funds

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a revision to the Ridge Road Extension project – to provide additional funding and services connected to the project.

The board approved a change order on Aug. 6 to pay for post-design assistance from the project engineer, and to analyze possible impacts to gopher tortoises.

The county also is allocating an additional $1.4 million toward the first phase of construction, which extends Ridge Road from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey east to Suncoast Parkway. Phase one also includes modifications to the Parkway Interchange.

Plans are still underway to extend Ridge Road beyond its intersection with Moon Lake Road to U.S. 41. The new corridor will create a new east-west connection for motorists. (Brian Fernandes)

The second phase of the project extends Ridge Road from the Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes. That has not yet been funded for design or construction.

The revision approved in the change order requires that during the post-design phase, the engineer oversees any issues that arise with the construction plans or its documentation, while keeping the county informed of these matters.

The engineer also will be responsible for the project’s computer-aided design and drafting files. This software is vital to the construction phase and may be subject to changes, per county request.

The engineer also must address any changed conditions to construction in a “timely manner” and review changes proposed by the contractor, according to the county.

The change order also includes the surveying, permitting and possible relocation of gopher tortoises.

“The tortoises that are identified to be within the construction area, including those within the (Starkey Wilderness) Preserve, will be relocated based on guidance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,” said Sam Beneck, Pasco County project manager. “The tortoises must be relocated to an approved relocation site.”

These animals are protected by law and this process is usually included in the construction contract.

But, in an effort to accelerate the timetable for completing the extension, the process will be handled by the project’s design and permitting team.

However, the tortoises cannot be relocated until a permit has been obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Construction cannot commence, either, without clearance from the Army Corps.

“The funding has not been the holdup for the project,” Beneck explained. “It’s really been the permitting issues.”

Pasco County and the Army Corps have been trying to reach an agreement for years.

Various options have been considered and the one that has been selected calls for partially elevating the Ridge Road Extension, as well as adding 16 bridges, curbs, guardrails and fencing to protect wildlife.

Beneck estimated that these measures will reduce impacts by nearly 83 percent to the wetlands in the Serenova Tract of Starkey Wilderness Preserve.

Environmentalists have battled the road extension, citing the negative impacts it will have on the Serenova Tract.

The current design shows a two-lane road opening from Moon Lake Road to the Suncoast Parkway before the 2021 hurricane season.

The road would be expanded to four lanes the following year, and possibly to six lanes in the future, Beneck said.

When the Army Corps issues its permit for the project, it will be for both phases of the extension, Beneck said.

Published September 11, 2019

Central Pasco project calls for 280 Class A apartments

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a project that includes 280 apartments and 49,500 square feet of commercial, on the north side of State Road 54, between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Collier Parkway.

The site, approximately 25.4 acres, is about 2 miles west of the interchange of State Road 56 and Interstate 75.

The request received a recommendation for approval by county planners.

Attorney Clarke Hobby represents the A.G. Spanos Companies and the Aiken Trust.

“I’m very excited to be representing the Spanos Corporation,” Hobby told planning commissioners.

“My client tells me that they intend on building the nicest multifamily community that’s been built in Pasco County. It’s a very substantial company that’s built over 100,000 multifamily apartments. They’re all Class A around the United States for over 50 years.

“I feel it’s going to be a quality project, with quality people involved,” Hobby said.

The main access to the site would be from the intersection of State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard, an existing signalized intersection.

The commercial portion of the request would be developed near the front of the property, to take advantage of the signalized intersection, Hobby said.

Hobby also noted that the applicant is seeking, In a separate action, an amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan, and the Pasco County Commission unanimously voted to forward that request to the state for review.

Such reviews are a standard part of the plan amendment process.

Hobby said his client wants to be a good neighbor.

“We realized there are about 10 or 12 houses that are adjacent to where the multifamily area will be back here, but we agreed to a 75-foot setback from our property boundary that effectively will create a 90- to a 100-foot setback from any home in here,” the attorney said.

“Additionally, this whole area already has mature oak trees on their side, and we’ll be planting  a large buffer on our end,” he said.

Karen Mason, who lives on Foggy Bottom Parkway told planning commissioners that she wasn’t there to speak for or against the request. However, she did note that within a 1-mile radius of the Twin Lakes community there are 1,659 apartment units of 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms.

“That’s within a 1-mile radius. You don’t have to travel much further to find many more. We’re not privy to the number of entitlements approved for that area,” she said. At the same time, however, Mason said she believes the Spanos Companies will build a quality project.

John Pavka, who has lived in the community for 25 years, said he lives within 400 feet of where the apartments will be built. He opposes the project.

“If you approve this and this thing goes through, my neighborhood is going to take a hit,” Pavka said.

Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel asked if there could be negative consequences if the apartment market becomes overbuilt, and the economy cools.

Hobby responded: “I do not believe we are overbuilt or over-planned on multifamily units, now.

“We commissioned a firm to do a market study and they showed the penetration rates, even with the ones coming online, they’re all leasing up.”

He also said his client wouldn’t invest in a project that’s in the ballpark of $60 million if there was uncertainty the market could sustain it.

Planning Commissioner Michael Cox supported the request, making a motion for its approval.

“I’m a big believer of the capital markets. What’s being built is what’s being demanded.

“Recessions are normal. We go through them periodically. It’s part of the business cycle,” he said.

Cox said the project is clearly in keeping with the intent of the county’s comprehensive plan.

Planning commissioners voted to recommend approval to the Pasco County Commission, which is scheduled to consider it at a public hearing on Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m., in the board room at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Published September 11, 2019

Symposium seeks addiction recovery solutions

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A symposium is scheduled for later this month that will seek to create a blueprint for improving long-term substance abuse recovery efforts in Pasco County.

The Recover Out Loud Pasco Symposium is set for Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Calvary Chapel Worship Center, 6825 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey.

Admission is free.

The symposium is being organized by Recovery Epicenter Foundation, a newly licensed and accredited recovery community organization operating out of Trinity.

The symposium will seek to engage individuals, stakeholders and community leaders in an effort “to grow community-oriented initiatives, cultivate community allies, and develop recovery peer-based programs,” according to the event’s flyer.

Its keynote speaker is Dona Dmitrovic, executive director of Las Vegas-based Foundation for Recovery and former National Director of Consumer Affairs for Substance Use Disorders at Optum, United Health Group.

Other noted speakers include:

  • Tina Levene, motivational speaker and published author on abuse and addictions
  • Pasco Sheriff’s Office Lt. Toni Roach, who heads the agency’s Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and Mental Health and Threat Assessment (MHAT) teams
  • Sara Mollo, Sixth Judicial Circuit chief assistant public defender
  • Former Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lynn Tepper
  • Sarah Cobelli, Baycare Behavioral Health program manager
  • Ginny LaRue, Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Foundation recovery project director

Additionally, the symposium will feature interactive café conversations about which recovery-related services are working in the community and what needs more support, along with a series of panel discussions from people in recovery and existing recovery community organizations throughout Florida.

Thoughts and input gathered from the symposium will be incorporated into the Recovery Epicenter Foundation’s visioning process in November to better define action steps for recovery-based programming, said Recovery Epicenter Foundation RCO director Rachel Starostin.

“The whole thing is we want to get the community together,” said Starostin, who expects anywhere from 200 to 300 attendees at the symposium. “The community benefits when we all collaborate together.”

Trinity-based Recovery Epicenter Foundation is hosting a symposium to help find ways to improve long-term substance abuse recovery efforts in Pasco County. The Recover Out Loud Pasco Symposium is set for Sept. 28. (Courtesy of Recovery Epicenter Foundation)

Starostin said the Recovery Epicenter Foundation’s “ultimate goal” is to build a peer-run, recovery-oriented community center to facilitate programs in the way of employment assistance, transportation, health and wellness, recreational opportunities, independent support groups and so on.

“We’re like building a shell out of something that needs to exist. We’re building something out of nothing,” she said.

“It’s kind of an abstract concept, when you don’t have a building and trying to plan out the future,” she said.

Starostin emphasized the need for such a recovery facility to help people “rebuild their lives” once they get out of addiction treatment. That assistance may initially include assisting them with “locatable, tangible resources,” such as basic medical care, living shelters, food stamps and more.

Starostin put it like this: “As a general rule, until you meet somebody’s basic needs, they’re not really receptive to listen. Like, how well do you focus when you’re hungry and you haven’t eaten in two days?”

Meanwhile, Starostin said the upstart recovery community organization is looking to mobilize more peer specialists to help with implementing various recovery programs. Peer specialists, or peer coaches, are people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others battling addiction through shared experience, understanding, respect and mutual empowerment.

Said Starostin, “There’s something magical when one peer who’s suffered from substance use works with another. You identify with them, you trust them, and it’s not like a 12-step program, you help somebody kind of come up with their own plan.”

Recovery Epicenter Foundation’s recovery community organization operates as an independent, nonprofit entity — led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery.

Its mission is to support recovery through advocacy, education and peer-to-peer support services, to improve outcomes for persons seeking drugs and alcohol addictions.

Guidance and technical assistance on the Recovery Epicenter Foundation recovery community organization’s development process is coming from the Florida Recovery Project/Faces & Voices of Recovery, with collaboration from Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Foundation, Florida Department of Children and Families, and Peer Support Coalition of Florida.

An initial community listening session for the recovery community organization was held in February at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, followed by a symposium planning session.

The sessions have already brought together dozens of stakeholders, including persons in recovery and professionals in health care, criminal justice, faith-based organizations and others.

“When we started this process, there wasn’t a whole lot of momentum behind it, but we’re getting it; people are getting involved and they’re starting to understand,” Starostin said.

To register for the symposium, visit tinyurl.com/yygu9e3s.

For information, contact Rachel Starostin at or (727) 255-2036.

Published September 11, 2019

Residents battle 5-acre lots in their neighborhood

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The Pasco Planning Commission is recommending approval of a rezoning that will allow homes to be built on 5-acre lots, instead of 10-acre lots, on a 211-acre site, on the northwest corner of Trilby Road and Dowling Lake Road.

The applicant for the rezoning change, Massey Partners Limited, was represented by attorney Clarke Hobby.

Planning commissioners are recommending approval despite opposition by nearby neighbors.

County planners also have recommended approval.

Art Woodworth, who lives nearby, expressed concerns about the potential for public access to Dowling Lake, from the new homes that will be built.

Plans call for eight new lots to be situated on Lake Dowling, with other lots without direct access.

“They might want to have a common beach area or a dock — well, we have a problem with that,” Woodworth said. “I don’t want to have a dock across the lake from me where 34 homeowners can get together and have parties. I object to that.”

He also expressed concerns about adding more traffic to Trilby Road, which is a narrow road.

“There are curves on Trilby Road that have very little sight distance, at best 100 feet,” Woodworth said.

He noted: “Cars commonly encroach into the other lane because the lane widths are so narrow.”

Calvin Weese, a neighbor to the north, told planning commissioners: “They never came to us — asked us for our input, listened to our concerns, (to) hear other options or suggestions we may have.

“I haven’t heard anyone in the neighboring area say that they support this change,” Weese said, adding the impacts on the neighbors were not considered.

“It you can see through the smoke and mirrors, it’s simply a way of getting more value for this property,” Weese said.

Another neighbor, Chris Baker, urged planning commissioners to deny the request — in order to help preserve the area’s wildlife and serenity.

“It’s an amazing place,” he said. That lake is unique. It’s special. There’s a lot of wildlife there. There’s a nesting pair of eagles that hunt there, half the year.

“We see many eagles there, when they come back in season. We see a great deal of hawks, cardinals, every type of raptor that Florida has to offer, are there,” he said.

He said his fear is, “you put too much activity in there, it’s going to chase away some of these animals.”

Sylvia Kelly, another neighbor, also is worried about adding more traffic to Trilby Road.

“It’s a dangerous road for all of us that are out there,” she said. “There are deep culverts.”

She urged planning commissioners to retain the requirement for a minimum lot size of 10 acres.

Hobby said the applicant is willing to record a deed restriction that would limit the number of lots on the lakefront to eight. He also agreed to language that will prohibit a community dock, boat launch or beach.

“We are not in here seeking small lots. We are in here seeking the second largest lots in the county,” Hobby said.

“This project is going to have a negligible effect on Trilby Road and the surrounding network,” he added.

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey said, “For me, it’s difficult to deny someone something that other people have been granted.

“I don’t think they’re asking for anything that’s not permitted in the code,” he added.

Grey said initially he was concerned about potential impacts to the lake.

“I wasn’t happy with (the possibility of) having 35 people have access to that lake,” Grey said. “I know if I lived on that lake, that would ruin it for me. I wouldn’t vote for that. I wouldn’t allow that.”

Unlike the neighbors, Grey said, “I don’t think it’s going to spoil the rural nature of that area.”

Planning Commissioner Michael Cox noted the applicant is the majority landowner on the lake.

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission for final consideration. A public hearing on the request has been scheduled for Oct. 7 at 1:30 p.m., in the board chambers at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, in downtown Dade City.

Published September 11, 2019

Celebrating a decade of helping mothers-to-be

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When Peter Castellani lost his corporate position at IBM, little did he know that his journey would lead him to open a safe haven for expecting mothers.

Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers is that organization, providing women with free services, including pregnancy testing and baby supplies.

Cherisse Rivera is director of Oasis Pregnancy Care Center’s Land O’ Lakes branch. Here, she’s shuffling through baby attire in the Baby Boutique room – where mothers can pick out needed items. (Brian Fernandes)

This year marks the nonprofit’s 10th anniversary in serving Tampa Bay, and it wants the community to join the celebration.

To commemorate its decade of operations, the agency is hosting a fundraiser at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, on Sept. 19.

The pregnancy care organization may be celebrating a milestone anniversary, but Castellani was an advocate for prenatal assistance long before Oasis opened on Oct. 1, 2009.

“I’ve been involved in the pregnancy care center movement for 20 years,” the executive director said.

He and his wife, Ellen, were church liaisons who were actively involved with Walk for Life and other pro-life organizations back in New York.

When the couple moved to Florida in 1999, they continued their support at A Woman’s Place Medical Clinic, where Castellani served on the board.

Then, he began serving the Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills, eventually becoming president.

When Castellani was laid off after a 30-year career at IBM, it seemed like a sudden shift for the worst — until he realized it was an opportunity to expand his ministry.

He distinctly recalls that several days after his layoff, while still reeling with grief, he awoke to experience what he describes as a clear directive from God.

His new objective became a quest to build a pregnancy center in Land O’ Lakes, close to the high schools.

“Tears just started running down my face, because I never had a direct vision like that before,” said Castellani, who is Christian.

Coincidentally — or maybe not — the first Oasis branch opened nine months later, in Land O’ Lakes.

The center was opened with the support of Pastor Elbert Nasworthy, his Myrtle Lake Baptist Church and the community, Castellani said.

David Dorsey, left, Peter Castellani, April Beck, Cherisse Rivera and Helen Rairigh are among staff and volunteers who operate Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers. The nonprofit organization strives to help women as they transition into motherhood.

Now, Oasis has locations in Wesley Chapel and Tampa. It has 15 staff members and over 80 volunteers.

It also has helped thousands of families through the years, including 450 during the first seven months of this year, according to Castellani.

He attributes the organization’s success to its cohesive work team, that is both business- and ministry-oriented.

The women who come to the centers can receive various types of assistance. The information they provide remains confidential.

They can undergo testing to confirm if they’re pregnant.

Ultrasound screenings are available to let expecting mothers check on their baby’s status.

Counseling sessions are available, too.

The women and their partners also can watch educational videos that provide pointers on parenting techniques.

Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult for many women.

“You have women that come in and they are totally devastated,” Castellani said. “Counseling with them for a couple hours, you see a miraculous change. They leave here with hope and a future.”

Oasis’ services are provided for free.

Although, as women continue receiving Oasis services, they are granted coupons, which they can exchange for supplies in the Baby Boutique room. This transaction encourages the women to remain in the program.

Castellani reasoned: “It gives them dignity and respect. Even though it’s free, they’re earning it. It’s not just a hand-away.”

At the Baby Boutique, an array of items can be found, such as diapers, maternity and infant clothing, and portable baby seats – to name a few.

Oasis is able to provide its services and provide giveaways because of funding it receives from local churches, businesses and the state.

The organization also hosts three annual fundraisers: a clay shoot event, a golf tournament and a banquet.

As a Christian, nondenominational establishment, Oasis encourages mothers to see their pregnancies through to birth. They also refer them to local churches as  additional support networks.

The organization helps mothers from various age groups, too.

Castellani dispelled a common stereotype: “It’s not always teenagers – that’s only about 20 percent. Most of our women that come in are college and career-aged women.”

And, for those who may face financial difficulties, Oasis helps them sign up for government assistance, such as the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and Medicaid.

One of Oasis’ future endeavors is to bring more education to Pasco County schools, encouraging students to remain abstinent until marriage.

The fundraising celebration at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., will help propel these initiatives forward.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by live performances, catered food by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and guest speaker RV Brown.

While there are no costs to attend the event, the organization is encouraging those present, to offer a generous donation to support the cause.

Those planning to attend are asked to R.S.V.P at bit.ly/OasisCelebration2019.

To volunteer or donate to Oasis, visit HeartsForOasis.org.

For additional information or services about Oasis, call (813) 406-4965, or visit OasisPregnancyCenter.org.

Oasis 10th anniversary fundraiser
Where: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz
When: Sept. 19; doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: To celebrate 10 years of service, Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers will host a fundraising event with radio personality Mason Dixon as the emcee. Evangelist RV Brown will be the night’s guest speaker and attendees can enjoy a dish catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
Info: Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online at bit.ly/OasisCelebration2019. Online donations can be sent through HeartsForOasis.org, and for further information, call (813) 406-4965.

Published September 11, 2019

New regional headquarters coming to Pasco County

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Phillips & Jordan Inc., a heavy civil and right of way infrastructure contractor, plans to locate a regional headquarters just east of the State Road 52 and Interstate 75 interchange.

The national company has purchased 5 acres and is investing more than $15 million in a 47,432-square-foot facility, according to a news release from the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

The national company is building the new Class A office building in the One Pasco Center business park.

The site plans for the project have been submitted to Pasco County and construction is expected to start late this year.

The company plans to move 40 employees onto two floors of the office building, leaving one floor available for speculative space, the release says.

“This is going to be a huge project for the area,” Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC said in the release. “Not only is this their regional corporate office headquarters, but they are including speculative space in the project, which is in high demand right now. I’m thrilled to see the investments in that area come to life.”

Art Phelps, vice president of Phillips & Jordan, said “we are excited to continue our growth in the state of Florida having found a perfect site right off of I-75 that is so close to the skilled workforce we are looking to attract.”

“This site is strategically located close to Connected City and Wesley Chapel in north Tampa Bay, and it provides a larger operation base for P&J to serve all of our clients throughout Florida,” Phelps added, in the release.

The Pasco EDC assisted the company with advisory services to its site consultant, regulatory assistance and expedited permitting. It also will assist with workforce and training needs in the future.

Ron Oakley, chairman of the Pasco County Commission, also weighed in.

“The diversification this project brings is great for an area that has long focused on agriculture,” Oakley said, in the release.

Published September 11, 2019

Longtime Pasco High school resource officer retires

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A longtime Dade City Police Department school resource officer (SRO) won’t be patrolling the halls and campus of Pasco High School anymore.

Brian McDougal joined the police department in 1990, straight out of then Pasco-Hernando Community College’s law enforcement academy.

The bulk of his service has been spent as a familiar face in local schools.

Longtime Pasco High School resource officer Brian McDougal, middle, has retired from that role, after nearly three decades of service with the Dade City Police Department. (Kevin Weiss)

Before his 17-year stint at Pasco High, McDougal became the police department’s first SRO when he was assigned to Pasco Middle School in 1994.

He had to step away from his SRO role this year because of an ongoing leg injury he said stems from an arrest he made in 2018.

While he’s leaving that position,he will remain on the Dade City force as a reserve officer, to assist with multi-subject trainings.

“I just got to the point where I can’t walk, can’t do my job as a resource officer on 99 acres,” McDougal recently told The Laker/Lutz News.

He said he will miss the interaction with kids.

“It’s having that feeling of making a difference in a young person’s life that’s made it all worthwhile for me,” he said.

Dade City police detective Pete Emerson will serve as Pasco High’s SRO for the 2019-2020 school year. He last served in that role from 1997-2002, until, ironically, McDougal took over for him.

McDougal began his law enforcement career as a patrolman, and eventually worked his way up to detective. Advancement opportunities arose after he passed the police sergeant’s exam.

His passion, however, remained in schools “to bridge that gap between cops and kids.”

“I was just trying to really make a difference. My heart told me I just needed to stay as SRO,” said McDougal.

McDougal acknowledged that the responsibilities of a resource officer have evolved since he took his first post in the mid 1990s — particularly when it comes to school safety in the age of school shootings and other violent threats.

“As a resource officer, you’ve got to have your head on a 360 (degree) swivel all the time now, constantly looking, constantly watching. In your mind, you have to be prepared for the absolute worst and fall back to your training,” said McDougal.

“You used to be able to go to school and say, ‘OK, I got this.’ You know, pretty comfortable in your environment and not have to worry about a lot. But then, Columbine happened, 9/11 happened and the snowball effect for our safety, that’s where it all changed.”

When he put on the uniform each day, McDougal was reminded about the importance for the consideration of the whole student body.

“If those kids don’t know we care as law enforcement, if they don’t know we care, then why should they?” McDougal said. “If you’re going to go out here and be a public servant, you treat everybody with compassion, you treat everybody how you want to be treated, you don’t lose your temper just because they do.”

Now in quasi-retirement, McDougal said he plans to start a firearms safety instruction business.

He also wants to become a blacksmith to tap into his Scottish roots, and craft ornamental ironworks and knives.

“Before the (History Channel) TV show “Forged in Fire” ever came on, it’s something that my Scottish ancestors did, so that’s what really got me interested in it. Being a McDougal, we’re pretty Scottish,” he said with a hearty laugh.

For McDougal, working in law enforcement fulfilled “a lifelong dream.”

“Ever since I was a little fat kid, I always wanted to be a cop. All the TV shows I watched, I was the good guy,” McDougal, who was born and raised in St. Petersburg, said. “I’ve been very blessed in my career. I can’t deny it. God has watched over me from Day One.”

The longtime resource officer was formally recognized for his service during an Aug. 27 commission meeting.

Dade City Police Chief James Walters said McDougal “took his job seriously” when it came to ensuring school safety, and praised him for his work ethic and commitment to the job.

“What an honor it has been to serve beside Brian for almost 30 years,” Walters said.

“If anybody that knows Brian from any time at Pasco High School over the last 20-some years, he’s as much of that institution as W.F. Edwards Stadium or anything else to do with Pasco High School, and he’s going to be missed.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez also thanked McDougal for his service and keeping students safe. She said he leaves “big shoes to fill.”

Addressing McDougal at the commission meeting, Hernandez said: “I know the times that I’ve spent at the school and had a chance to interact with you, those students love you. I mean, they respected you. I know your job probably wasn’t easy there, but I know that a lot of the students have so much admiration, and love and support for you.”

Published September 11, 2019

Pasco EDC announces 2019 award winners

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The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., announced the winners of its 2019 awards, at its 33rd annual Awards & Trade Show, on Sept. 5 at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

Dr. James P. Gills, received the economic council’s leadership award.

Gills is a world-renowned ophthalmologist, a philanthropist, athlete, author and man of faith, according to a news release from the Pasco EDC.

The organization attributed Gills’ persistence, dedication and vision for a new community resulting in a place now known as Trinity, which is in southwest Pasco County.

The annual Pasco EDC event is regarded as a premier business event, attracting over 600 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay and Pasco County, including state legislators, county commissioners and city officials, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

Nominees for awards were scored based on: company growth, leadership in current business issues, and corporate citizenship.

The 2019 winners are:

• Start-Up Business of the Year: The Point Distillery
The Point is a small professional distillery, bottling and co-packing operation on Little Road in New Port Richey. It was acknowledged for its commitment to quality and excellence, and for exceeding customer expectations.

• Special Contribution: AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
This hospital was honored for being a hospital campus built from the ground up, with communities in mind. Its whole-person approach to care was inspired by the principles of CREATION Life – Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust, Interpersonal Relationships, Outlook and Nutrition.

• Small Business of the Year: Design & Construction Innovations LLC
DCI is a full-service general contractor specializing in commercial, residential and government construction projects. It has more than 35 years of combined experience in commercial and residential construction, as well as architectural design.

• Medium Business of the Year: Millian-Aire Enterprises Corp.
This family-owned business has been in operation since 1989. Millian-Aire has over 75 years of combined experience, and provides reliable and cost-efficient HVAC services, while using the best practices and latest technologies.

• Large Business of the Year: Welbilt Inc.
Welbilt provides the world’s top chefs and premier chain operators with industry-leading equipment and solutions for the food industry. The company’s cutting-edge designs and lead manufacturing tactics are powered by deep knowledge, operator insights and culinary expertise.

• Special Recognition: Medical Center of Trinity
Medical Center of Trinity represents three points of focus: wellness, prevention and healing. Medical Center of Trinity is located in the tri-county area of Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Published September 11, 2019

Engines to roar in downtown Zephyrhills

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Get ready and get set for motorcycles to be on grand display in downtown Zephyrhills for the 15th annual Music & Motorcycles event on Sept. 14.

Bikers can show off their hot rides of various colors and sizes, along Fifth Avenue, between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

This aerial shot shows the lines of vendors, motorbikes and patrons that take up Downtown Zephyrhills for the Music & Motorcycles event. This year’s function on Sept. 14, will be no exception. (Courtesy of Anna Stutzriem, director at Main Street Zephyrhills)

With nearly 100 vendors on hand, visitors will be able to choose from a wide range of foods, crafts and merchandise.

Local shops will be open for business, too.

Those wishing to partake in adult beverages must stop at the check-in booth and show their ID to get a wristband and cup, then they can purchase drinks by presenting their ID, the wristband and the cup.

And, as patrons walk the strip, Bluetooth speakers will amplify the live performances of the returning Bearded Brothers band.

Also, anyone can register their motorcycle in the 10-Class, Ride-In Bike Show while at the event. First- and second-place winners will receive trophies.

Admission and parking are free.

Proceeds from the event will help support future Zephyrhills functions and art projects.

To find out more, please contact Main Street Zephyrhills at (813) 780-1414 or MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

15th annual Music & Motorcycles
Where: Downtown Zephyrhills along Fifth Avenue
When: Sept. 14 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Downtown shops and vendors will offer food, crafts and other items. The Bearded Brothers band will provide live music and the bike show will showcase unique motorcycles.
Info: Call Main Street Zephyrhills at (813) 780-1414, or visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Published September 11, 2019

San Antonio welcomes back outdoor market

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The San Antonio Farmers Market is set to return with an array of unique merchandise, starting on Sept. 14.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., patrons can visit numerous vendors offering produce, bath and body products, honey, jams and plants, among other things.

A local winery also will offer samples of fruit-flavored wines to entice potential buyers.

Multiple park benches will be available for relaxation and to enjoy food, including Mr. Jim’s Famous Hot Dogs.

Also, kids can be dropped off at their own station where they can create free crafts.

For a $1-ticket, visitors can enter a drawing to win a gift basket.

The Barking Dogs will perform, too.

Admission and parking are free, and the event is pet-friendly.

Proceeds will support future projects of the San Antonio Rotary Club.

The function will be held at the San Antonio City Park at 12202 Main St., in San Antonio.

The market will take place the second Saturday of each month from September through May 2020.

For additional information, please call Winnie Burke at (352) 437-5161.

San Antonio Farmers Market
When: Starting Sept. 14 and continuing every second Saturday of each month through May 2020. The event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., each time
Where: San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., San Antonio
Cost: Free
Details: Patrons can shop for various products in an outdoor setting. There also will be music and activities for kids.
Info: Call Winnie Burke at (352) 437-5161.

Published September 11, 2019