The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Frolicking in the Florida snow?

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Children, and adults alike, will have a new recreational option when a new winter park opens for business in Northeast Pasco.

The Pasco County Commission on Aug. 6 approved the addition of a snow park, which will be situated next to Tree Hoppers Aerial Adventure Park, on the north side of St. Joe Road, about 800 feet east of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, in Dade City.

The conditional use, approved by the board, applies to a western parcel that makes up about 58.5 acres and an eastern parcel that makes up about 60 acres.

The western parcel, which consists of areas of dense vegetation and a mature tree canopy, will be used for the winter park. Under the conditions, it can operate up to 120 days a year

The eastern parcel, which is the Tree Hoppers site, consists of zipline and rope ridge obstacle courses, concession areas, and a gift and pro shop. It also is used for fall festivals and Halloween festivities, including Scream-A-Geddon. Those activities will be allowed for up to 56 days a year, according to the conditions.

Both attractions will operate between two days and seven days a week, and they will not be allowed to operate at the same time, the conditions say.

The Pasco County Planning Commission and the county’s planners recommended approval of the request. They also recommended approval for the sale of beer and wine for consumption at the sites, which the county commissioners also approved.

Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing the applicant, detailed plans for the winter park, which he said will have a snow hill, where people can go snow-tubing, an area where people can play in the snow, and other features.

The snow is made using new technology, and the snow will stay in place for long periods, provided the weather doesn’t exceed 80 degrees, according to Hobby.

“I will tell you, as a native Floridian, staying under 80 degrees doesn’t happen a lot and, even though we’re allowed 120 days to operate the snow hill here, something tells me that it’s probably going to be more like 45 days,” Hobby said.

“We think we can be good neighbors and not create what is going to be a traffic or noise issue for our neighbors,” Hobby added.

Access to the properties will be off St. Joe Road, Hobby said.

Thousands of trees will be planted, which will create an evergreen condition and provide a noise and visual buffer, for the neighbors, he added.

He cited a dozen letters in support of the project.

But, there were opponents, too.

Judy Geiger submitted a binder full of documents and expressed opposition to the request.

She also introduced Bob Hunter, a planning expert, who said he was there to speak at her request.

Hunter, former executive director of the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission and a former president of the American Planners Association, told commissioners that the request is inconsistent with the county’s comprehensive plan. He also said the use is inappropriate and should not be approved.

Stephen Gonzalez, who lives on St. Joe Road, put it like this: “It’s just in the wrong place. Why isn’t this on (U.S.) 301, up where there used to be a golf course, north of Dade City? That’d be a perfect spot for this business.”

Gonzalez also complained to commissioners about the trash left behind on his road from people attending Scream-A-Geddon.

Hobby said the location works well for his client because of the natural topography.

“We’re working with the hills; we’re not cutting them down, we’re going to augment them,” Hobby said.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley told Hobby: “You worked very hard with that neighborhood. I appreciate everything you did.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano weighed in with words of support: “The Tree Hopper thing, I think was a great addition to the county. Scream-A-Geddon was tremendous. I think this will be a nice amenity, as well.”

Commissioner Mike Moore, who is chairman of the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, agreed: “I think this is going to bring a lot of great things.”

But, Moore also asked Hobby to ask his client to keep an eye on St. Joe Road, to address any problems with trash.

Published August 14, 2019

Getting up-close and personal with reptiles

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A love of dinosaurs at age 5 led Bruce Shwedick into a lifetime of work with reptiles.

The Plant City man, who operates Reptiles Discovery, recently brought his traveling reptile show to the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City.

Bruce Shwedick, of Reptile Discovery, feeds a piece of banana to ‘Baby,’ a yellow-footed tortoise. The 35-year-old Baby was hatched at the Bronx Zoo. These tortoises are found in the Amazon rainforest and are among the largest of the land turtle species. (Christine Holtzman)

Shwedick’s show features  gentle, captive-born reptiles, which he presents in a safe, non-threatening manner to people at his shows.

He focuses on educating the audience, with the purpose of helping them understand these often misunderstood creatures. His talks emphasize the need for safety and for conservation.

Since Reptile Discovery was founded in 1994, Shwedick  has put on shows in more than 1,000 schools, in 45 states, and in Washington D.C.

Shwedick, a Maryland native, said he was just 10 when he followed in his older brother Michael’s footsteps in raising reptiles. Michael is also a reptile specialist, and is the founder of Reptile World Inc., in Maryland.

The brothers enjoyed visiting the National Zoo and the Smithsonian in Washington D.C..

Seven-year-old Samantha Cook, of Dade City, gets a chance to touch a blue-tongued skink lizard, held by handler Bruce Shwedick.

Shwedick said he still has fond memories of those experiences today.

The reptile handler began presenting educational shows in 1974.

He has traveled to Africa, South America and throughout Asia to learn more about these creatures, by speaking to people in those locales and observing reptiles in the wild.

The reputation he has developed because of his knowledge about reptiles has led to shows at theme parks and to the role of reptile curator at Cypress Parks. He even was featured on Nickelodeon’s “LIVEWIRE” many years ago.

Recently Shwedick — also known as Mr. Bruce — shared his knowledge and showed off his reptiles at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

Eight-year-old Lauren Cook, of Dade City, pets ‘Chopstick,’ a 25-year-old Chinese alligator. ‘Chopstick’ has been accompanying his handler, Bruce Shwedick, to presentations for more than 20 years.

He captivated the crowed with a mix of personal stories, reptile facts, safety tips and a presentation of live reptiles.

Children and adults in the audience had the chance to touch many of the reptiles he exhibited.

One of those was ‘Baby,’ a yellow-footed tortoise, who was gentle and graceful, and loved to eat bananas.

The reptile handler also brought “Chopstick,” a docile, Chinese alligator, that he’s been taking to shows for more than 20 years.

Another reptile he displayed was “Alexander the Great,” an alligator snapping turtle from the Okefenokee Swamp. His appearance was brief because the swift-moving turtle was not quite as friendly as the others.

Mr. Bruce also showed off a blue-tongued skink lizard, a corn snake, a West African slender-snouted crocodile, and at the show’s conclusion, a 14-foot-long albino reticulated python, named “Banana Boy.”

Published August 14, 2019

Rhiannon Spillane, of Wesley Chapel, and her 2-year-old son, Harrison Martin, touch ‘Banana Boy,’ a 14-foot-long albino reticulated python, as handler Bruce Shwedick cradles the snake’s head.
A close look inside the mouth of an alligator snapping turtle. This species has the ability to attract fish, using its worm-like tongue.
Bruce Shwedick, of Reptile Discovery, shows the audience a West African slender-snouted crocodile, named ‘MBecky’. Shwedick also raised MBecky’s parents.

 

Nikki Alvarez-Sowles named county clerk & comptroller

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has named Nikki Alvarez-Sowles to serve as the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller.

She will serve in that role through January 2021, filling out the balance of term for the post vacated by Paula S. O’ Neil, who retired on July 1.

Nikki Alvarez-Sowles

Alvarez-Sowles is the county’s eighth clerk & comptroller. She was named an interim successor by Sixth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino, upon O’ Neil’s retirement. She received DeSantis’ appointment on Aug. 9.

“I am humbled and honored to have Governor DeSantis’ and Chief Judge Rondolino’s appointments,” said Alvarez-Sowles, in a news release from her office.

Alvarez-Sowles has served as the chief operations officer since 2010, guiding the adoption of numerous taxpayer-friendly initiatives, boosting efficiency, enhancing transparency and reducing costs, the release says.

Florida Sen. Wilton Simpson, whose district includes most of Pasco County, speaks highly of Alvarez-Sowles, in the release.

“Nikki’s commitment to serving the hardworking people of Pasco County shines brightest through her steady leadership and unwavering work ethic,” Simpson said. “On behalf of the people of Pasco County, I want to thank Gov. DeSantis for ensuring an honorable public servant takes the reigns here in Pasco.”

Born in Tampa, Alvarez-Sowles played soccer at the University of South Florida (where she was a member of the Scholar-Athlete 3.0 Club and a student government senator) before earning her law degree at Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan.

From 2000 to 2005, she practiced real estate law with the Tampa firm of Echevarria, Codilis & Stawiarski P.I., and spent a year as real estate development manager for the nonprofit Housing & Education Alliance Inc., before joining the Palm Beach Clerk & Comptroller’s Office as director of branch court services.

A chance meeting with O’ Neil and several members of her executive team during a statewide conference luncheon led to further discussion and, ultimately, Alvarez-Sowles joined the Pasco Clerk & Comptroller’s Office.

Examples of her involvement include:

  • Immediate past president, Leadership Pasco
  • West Pasco Bar Association, member and past president
  • Rotary Club of New Port Richey

She also has been a member of various committees and workgroups devoted to performance excellence in government work, such as:

  • Florida Clerks & Comptrollers’ Best Practices Workgroup
  • Supreme Court workgroups
  • Florida Bar Small Claims Rules Committee
  • Pasco-Hernando State College Technical Advisory Committee for Paralegal Studies
  • Pasco County Schools Success Plan Committee
  • Advisor to board of directors for Housing and Education Alliance Inc.

This year, Alvarez-Sowles served as a Florida Governor’s Sterling Examiner and joined Florida Center for Public Management, Certified Public Manager Program, based at Florida State University, as an adjunct instructor.

She is married to Kevin Sowles, and they have two children: daughter Lexi and son Soren. The family lives in Land O’ Lakes.

Published August 14, 2019

Send us your First Day of School photos

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This photo, submitted by George O’ Connor at the beginning of last school year, shows Julia O’ Connor on the first day of school, when she was a first-grader at Sand Pine Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel. (File)

Schools across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are ringing in a new academic year — and along with that comes traditional First Day of School photos.

The photos that parents, grandparents, friends and other relatives take on that first day are a fun way to mark a new year of learning.

Plus, they’re like tiny time capsules, capturing a moment and recording changes in height, hair styles and fashion over time.

We’d love to share your First Day of School photos with our readers.

Please email your .jpegs, along with a brief description of where the photo was taken, who is in in it (from left to right) and the community where you live. Please also share the grade level and age of the student, and a number where you can be reached, if we have any questions.

Send in your photos by Aug. 16 to .

Published August 07, 2019

Under Construction 08/07/2019

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Edmonson Electric
Edmonson Electric Inc., is set to open an office warehouse at 5611 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The two-story building will consist of two dozen offices, several breakrooms and an indoor gym. Construction on the 22,000-square-foot facility began in January and is scheduled to wrap up in August. The grand opening is expected in September.

Jammin Car Wash
Motorists will have a new facility to shine their ride with Jammin Car Wash in Lutz. The 5,500-square-foot center is at 21356 Walmart Way, just off of U.S. 41. The business, set to open in October, will offer a single drive-thru tunnel that will be able to hold multiple vehicles for washing.

Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel
Pinecrest Academy Inc., is opening a new public charter school in the Avalon Park West community. Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, at 33427 State Road 54, will be a two-story school and is expected to open for the 2020-2021 school year. It is expected to focus on the arts, including fine arts and performing arts. For more information on the school, visit PinecrestWesleyChapel.com.

CubeSmart
A CubeSmart self-storage facility is being built at 16900 State Road 54 in Lutz. The 97,500-square-foot complex will hold approximately 600 storage units varying in size, along three floors, equipped with an elevator and air conditioning. It also will have a lot to accommodate recreational vehicles. Construction began in March. The facility is expected to open in January 2020.

Curious about something new that’s popping up in your community? Please send us the location — along with the address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out. Send your email to .

Published August 07, 2019

Creating a permanent place of honor

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If all goes according to organizers’ desires, Pasco County will join the state’s 66 other counties and will establish a permanent memorial for law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

Those behind the effort hope the memorial will be ready for use next year, during the Pasco County ceremony held annually to honor members of the law enforcement community who began their shift, like any other day, but never made it home.

This rendering depicts what the permanent memorial for fallen law enforcement officers is expected to look like. (Rendering courtesy of Ardurra, formerly known as King Engineering Associates Inc.)

Craig Laporte, a Port Richey attorney, is one of the key players working to establish the memorial.

The initiative was launched in 2014 by some members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Land O’ Lakes, Laporte said.

They created the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial & Benefit Foundation Inc., Laporte said. In addition to the goal of creating a memorial, the foundation also seeks to help families of fallen law enforcement officers, or officers severely injured on duty.

“Coincidentally, at about the same time, my wife Arndrea and I decided that we wanted to do something to thank the families of law enforcement officers for what they go through on a daily basis,” said Laporte, who was a Pasco deputy before getting his law degree.

He and his wife saw firsthand the unpredictable nature of the work, and the sacrifices made by officers and their families, Laporte said.

They decided to organize a Family Fun Day to give law enforcement personnel and their families a chance to gather together to have a good time. The day includes a meal, and fun activities for kids and adults.

Area businesses and organizations help to pay for the festivities.

The first year, the Family Fun Day drew about 250 people; this year, there were 750, representing 17 agencies, Laporte said.

Craig Laporte holds a rendering of what the sculpture will look like in the center of a new memorial planned to honor fallen law enforcement officers. (B.C. Manion)

After paying the expenses the first year, there was $5,000 left over that was donated to the memorial fund, Laporte said. This past year, $14,000 was donated, said Laporte, who also became involved with the memorial foundation’s board.

Originally, the FOP  wanted to have the memorial at their private lodge site in Land O’ Lakes, but they agreed to change the location to erect the memorial in a public setting.

The Pasco County Commission also approved a request to locate the memorial at the northwest corner of the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The historic courthouse is the same place where the annual Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial events have been held, according to accounts published in The Tampa Tribune and The Tampa Bay Times.

Those events have been solemn affairs, sometimes attended by hundreds of people, according to published reports. They’ve been marked with the pageantry of law enforcement — a riderless horse, two boots sitting backward in the stirrups, escorted across the courtyard; a bagpiper playing “Going Home;” a bugler playing “Taps;” and words of consolation, and appreciation, for lives cut short too soon.

Next year, organizers hope the event will be held at the permanent memorial.

The memorial was designed free of charge by Ardurra, formerly known as King Engineering Associates Inc., of Tampa, Laporte said.

Clark Lohmiller, Planning and Landscape Group Leader for Ardurra, has been involved in the design since Day 1. He decided to contribute his skills after being approached by Terry Edmonson, of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, who had an obvious passion for the project.

Lohmiller said Jason Marques of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office also has been involved, and that John Galbavy and Kevin Velinsky, also from Ardurra, have lent their expertise on the project.

The memorial’s design was influenced by one in Texas, which features a sculpture of an angel carrying a fallen officer up to heaven at the center of it, Lohmiller said.

Laporte said Brodin Studio in Minnesota is creating the sculpture for the Pasco memorial.

He also described what the public can expect to see.

“It’s going to be designed really spectacularly,” he said. “It’ll be a black stone base down on the ground. And, it’ll be narrower than this, but it will be a thin blue line of glass block that’s illuminated from underneath, so at night, it will be an illuminated thin blue line.

“Then, the statue also will be illuminated, with LED lighting, and the names of the fallen officers will be around the pedestal,” Laporte said.

“Hopefully, it will be well-received and something that showcases the support that Pasco County has — and the community wants to have — for the fallen officers, and just the officers in general. I’m honored to be a part of it,” Lohmiller said.

LaPorte said his law partner, Frances Werner-Watkins, has a personal interest in the memorial. She is related to Sheldon Nicks and William O’ Berry, two of the fallen officers honored each year.

Efforts continue to raise the money needed to complete the project, Laporte said.

So far, about $220,000 of the $300,000 needed has been raised. Anyone who would like to make a donation, or contribute in other ways, can reach out to Laporte at (800) 273-8303.

Killed in the line of duty

  • Pasco deputy Sheldon S. Nicks, May 8, 1909: Died after jumping in front of a bullet, shot by an escaped convict. The bullet was intended for Nicks’ father, Henry Robert Nicks, the Fivay town marshal.
  • U.S. prohibition agent John Van Waters, Oct. 4, 1922: Gunned down in an ambush by bootleggers
  • Constable Arthur Crenshaw, Oct. 4, 1922: Gunned down in an ambush by bootleggers
  • Pasco deputy William O’ Berry, Jan. 1, 1926: Shot in the neck in Hernando County while trying to arrest a suspect
  • Pasco deputy John McCabe, June 26, 1948: Died when a truck heading north on U.S. 41 struck his car head on
  • Florida Highway Patrol trooper James Crook, May 19, 1998: Shot and killed while attempting to stop a suspect who had killed a young boy and two Tampa police detectives
  • Pasco Lt. Charles Bo Harrison, June 1, 2003: Killed by a sniper while sitting in his patrol car, just weeks before his retirement. He was promoted posthumously to captain.
  • Hernando deputy John Mecklenburg, July 3, 2011: Lost control of his vehicle on U.S. 41 and crashed during a high-speed chase that led authorities through Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Sources: Published reports in The Tampa Tribune and The Tampa Bay Times

Published August 07, 2019

Wiregrass Ranch High uses online orientation

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Virtual orientation was back by popular demand at Wiregrass Ranch High School.

The online amenity, offered Aug. 1 to Aug. 6, provided an alternative to help Wiregrass Ranch students get situated for the coming school year, which begins for students on Aug. 12.

The option allowed students who are returning to Wiregrass Ranch, and their parents, to view class schedules without being present on campus.

“Now parents and students can access the same information from the convenience of their mobile device or computer from home,” explained Rebecca Jarke, assistant principal at Wiregrass Ranch. “It’s more convenient for families who have multiple children in the school system and may not be able to get to each school during the various orientations.”

The high school, located in Wesley Chapel, introduced virtual orientation last year, alongside its traditional on-campus orientation day.

The online version was so well-received, Wiregrass Ranch decided to make it the primary means for orientation for returning students. The options allows students to avoid long lines and wait times.

First-time freshmen had their own on-campus orientation on Aug. 1.

“It gives them an opportunity to make connections with current students and staff – to make the first day of high school a little easier,” Jarke said. “Also, with only ninth-grade students being here, the campus is not as crowded.”

Re-entering students, and their parents, were still accommodated at Wiregrass Ranch — receiving online assistance on Aug. 6.

In a computer lab, students could access their myPascoConnect accounts, while parents were able to log in to or create their own parent portal accounts.

Both private platforms allowed student schedules to be viewed, as well as the ability to purchase items like lockers or gym gear.

Parents can access the accounts year-round to stay up-to-date with their child’s academics. Viewable information includes grades, attendance records and test scores.

Users of the virtual orientation are encouraged to offer feedback on their experience and possible ways to improve it, Jarke said.

Wiregrass Ranch is one of several Pasco County schools that use virtual orientations.

Published August 07, 2019

Police officers help kids start school year in style

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Eleven-year-old Jayden Boykin made his way from one aisle to the next, as he went shopping for school clothes with his new buddy – Officer Troy Fulford of the Dade City Police Department.

The police officer and fifth-grader were on a mission, to make sure Jayden will look fashionable for his first day back at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School.

Fourteen-year-old James Walker was offered tips for new school clothes from Sgt. Lorenzo Moreno of the Dade City Police Department during the Summer Shop with a Cop event. The Aug. 2 program allowed the new freshman to pick his own gear at the Dade City Walmart before starting his first year at Pasco High School. (Brian Fernandes)

The pair was among those taking part in the second annual Summer Shop with a Cop event that brought 18 local kids and Dade City police officers together to select new school gear, on Aug. 2.

At the Dade City Walmart on U.S. 301, the police officers pushed shopping carts — following the lead of eager children ready to select clothing, to their liking, off the shelves.

Members of the Dade City Youth Council and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Explorers also teamed up with the officers in helping the students shop.

Victoria Conn is part of the Youth Council and helped kids comb through the clothing.

“I think it really helps – being able to show the kids, ‘Yeah, you’re being partnered with a cop,’” the 17-year-old said. “It really breaks a lot of boundaries, and I think it’s good to be able to have that interaction.”

The off-duty officers volunteered to help out at the shopping extravaganza.

Jayden Boykin stocked up on a new wardrobe of clothes with the help of Officer Troy Fulford of the Dade City Police Department. The Shop with a Cop event on Aug. 2 helped the 11-year-old pick his own fashion style before returning to Rodney B. Cox Elementary School this fall.

Sgt. Lorenzo Moreno said he was happy to be there. It gave him the chance to make friends with James Walker, 14, a Pasco High freshman.

“He’s the boss,” the sergeant said, with a smile. “Wherever he wants to go, whatever he wants to get – I’m here for him.”

The shopping experience initially was suggested by the Youth Council, after they found out about it being done in other Florida towns.

Since last year, the Youth Council and the Explorers have been working with the police department to help Dade City students.

Kids are recommended for assistance by teachers who may notice their unmet needs.

Each event sees a new round of kids being helped with shopping.

Lt. Brian Uppercue of the Dade City Police Department said the experience helps to build a good relationship between students and law enforcement.

Because the program gives youths a chance to meet officers in a different environment, it’s also believed that it helps them feel more at ease to approach officers in various situations.

Three Shop with a Cop events are held each year, supported by funds from the Youth Council and the police department.

In the spring, kids get to shop for school supplies. During the holidays, they can buy gifts for family members, and in the fall, they get to pick out new school clothes.

Timothy Rayford was excited to pick out his superhero attire with the help of Kayla Contreras, a Dade City Youth Council member. The first-grader was one of 18 youths chosen for the Summer Shop with a Cop event on Aug. 2.

“We want them to feel positive about what they’re wearing and build that self-esteem on their first day of school,” Uppercue said.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez helps to oversee the Youth Council and to organize the Shop with a Cop events.

Besides helping the students, it also helps their parents, Hernandez said, noting that it reduces the financial pressures they face.

“Parents love that we do this,” the mayor said. “The word has spread and it’s been a very positive reception.”

Another opportunity to engage with kids will be the upcoming ‘Cop-sicle’ event, Hernandez mentioned. The Youth Council and the police department plan to hand out popsicles within the Dade City community.

Meanwhile, it won’t be long now until the students get to show off their new school fashions. The new school year starts in Pasco County on Aug. 12.

Published August 07, 2019

Pasco Schools budget nearly $1.4 billion

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The Pasco County School Board has approved a tentative budget approaching $1.4 billion for the coming fiscal year.

Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning covered high points of the proposed budget at last week’s Pasco County School Board meeting, before the board approved the tentative budget and tentative tax rate.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning outlines highlights from the proposed 2019-2020 budget. (File)

The new fiscal budget of $1,392,942,266 is an increase of $131.7 million over last year, Browning said. It includes a general operating budget of $664.5 million and a capital budget of $339.1 million, according to district figures.

The proposed tax millage rate for 2019-2020 fiscal year is 6.101 mills, which is a decrease of 0.178 mills.

Under the proposed rate, a homeowner of a $175,000 home, after the deduction of the $25,000 homestead exemption, would pay $26.70 less than they did last year, Browning said.

The district received additional funds totaling more than $27.8 million, to accommodate projected growth of 1,294 students and recurring expenses, the superintendent said.

Highlights of the proposed budget include a 3 percent increase for district employees and a 5 percent increase in costs for insurance benefits, as the district continues to cover 100 percent of the cost of employee insurance premiums.

The district also plans to increase its staff by 35.4 positions at the school level and 5.6 positions at the district level.

The largest appropriations in its capital budget include the remodeling and renovation of Zephyrhills High School; the construction of Cypress Creek Middle School; the construction of Starkey K-8; new classroom wings at Sunlake High and Bexley Elementary; and design work for a new magnet technical high school on the east side of the county.

The budget also includes a long list of maintenance projects and purchases, including the lease/purchase of computers and buses. And, includes the completion of the renovation/remodeling of Land O’ Lakes High School, which is almost finished.

No one spoke during the public comment portion of the public hearing, which was the first of two required public hearings. The second has been scheduled for Sept. 17 at 6 p.m., in the school board room at the district’s administrative complex, at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Published August 07, 2019

Sister Mildred enjoyed ‘tinkering’ with machinery

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Sister Mildred Gelis, OSB, was known for motoring around Saint Leo University on her little scooter.

When her scooter failed her, her mechanical skills went to work — to get it running again. She also was known to have a knack for maintaining cars, helping to keep costs down for her community of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, who live in Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo.

Sister Mildred Gelis, OSB, enjoyed riding her scooter around the Saint Leo University campus, and was known for her knack for maintaining machinery. (Courtesy of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida)

These are among the memories of Sister Mildred  shared in a news release from the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, who also announced her passing, which occurred on July 26.

Sister Mildred was born on June 28, 1925, and grew up in Slidell, Louisiana. She is survived by her Benedictine Sisters community, and several nieces and nephews, including Michael and Cynthia Lewis.

She attended public school, and when Our Lady of Lourdes School opened, the Gelis children went there. Our Lady of the Lourdes was staffed by the Benedictine Sisters from Holy Name, in Florida, and although she was very young, Sister Mildred became convinced she wanted to become a nun.

So, after her high school graduation in June of 1942, she left home and received her training as a Sister in the Order of St. Benedict at Holy Name in St. Leo.

She then attended Mount St. Scholastica College, in Atchison, Kansas.

Sister Mildred received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University, in New Orleans, and a graduate degree in Theology from St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota.

She taught in parochial schools in Ocala, Jacksonville Beach and Sarasota.

She also taught at a little rural public school in St. Joseph, where she taught a combined class of  first, second, third and fourth grades.

After 31 years of teaching and leadership positions, she retired in 1981.

That retirement was short-lived.

Sister Mildred decided to return to school to learn printing; after that, she went to work for Saint Leo University, eventually running its Copy Center.

Although she loved the work, she did say “the pressure of meeting deadlines could get hectic at times,” according to the release.

Her other roles in service in her community included Scholastic Mistress, sub-prioress, and councilor. She also volunteered for a number of years on the St. Leo town commission.

Sister Mildred was remembered in a vigil and a Mass of the Resurrection last weekend.

Anyone wishing to honor Sister Mildred can direct donations in her memory to Benedictine Sisters of Florida, P.O. Box 2450, St. Leo, FL 33574; BenedictineSistersOfFl.org.

Published August 07, 2019