The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Hundreds walk for a meaningful cause

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Hundreds gathered at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, for the March of Dimes’ biggest annual fundraiser event on May 11. The Suncoast March for Babies, a 3-mile walk through The Shops at Wiregrass, raised more than $40,000 for the March of Dimes. This year’s ambassador was Chloe Rose Gray, a 4-year-old Tampa Bay girl who was born prematurely at 28 weeks, and spent 96 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. Funds raised from the walk help the March of Dimes on their mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Walkers make their way down Paseo Drive at The Shops at Wiregrass, during the March of Dimes’ biggest annual fundraiser event, the March for Babies. (Christine Holtzman)
Wearing a superhero cape, 1-year-old Isaac Coutant, of Lutz, walks with his mother Brittany Tremblay, left, and father Steven Coutant, during the March for Babies event. The walk is special to the family because when Brittany was 32-weeks pregnant, she gave birth to Isaac following a traffic accident. The youngster spent the first 35 days of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit.
A butterfly memorial garden table offered a packet of seeds to anyone who had lost a baby, to ceremoniously plant a ‘butterfly flower’ in their memory.

Wesley Chapel sewage repair still in progress

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Pasco County is repairing the sewage pipeline that runs along Northwood Palms Boulevard in Wesley Chapel.

The construction, which began in early April, came in response to a routine inspection, which determined that the pipeline was fractured.

The Pasco County Utilities Operations and Maintenance Department discovered that the corrosion allowed for road debris to build up within the sewage system.

“Through some little depressions in the road, there may have been some infiltration going into the pipes,” explained Jason Mickel, director of Pasco County’s Operations and Maintenance.

Current construction is along the stretch of Northwood Palms Boulevard that intersects with Breakers Drive.

Breakers Drive goes around in a loop, connecting with Northwood Palms Boulevard at two intersections.

This loop is the best detour to avoid the sewage repair before turning back onto Northwood Palms Boulevard, the director stated.

The construction zone is not in a residential area, so there is no interference for motorists entering or exiting homes off the road.

The work schedule is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with signs posted to direct motorists.

Drivers are encouraged to use Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, if possible, as opposed to Northwood Palms Boulevard, as an alternate route when traveling either from East County Line Road or State Road 56.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has had a presence near the construction site off Breakers Drive for the past month.

Mickel cautions motorists to abide by the speed limit on Breakers Drive, as tickets have been issued frequently since construction began.

Pipe realignment is still in the early stages. The project, estimated at $3 million, is expected to be completed in September.

Published May 29, 2019

Hurricane supplies sales tax holiday starts May 31

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a taxation bill that establishes May 31 through June 6 as the Hurricane Supplies Sales Tax Holiday.

The tax exemption provides an opportunity to purchase items intended to help residents and business operators to prepare for, or respond to, a disaster.

Items exempted from the sales tax include:

  • Flashlights, torches and other self-powered portable light sources costing $20 or less
  • Portable radios, two-way radios, or weather-band radios costing $50 or less
  • Tarps or other waterproof sheeting, and tie-down kits costing $50 or less
  • Gas or diesel fuel tanks costing $25 or less
  • Batteries costing $30 or less
  • Food coolers (nonelectric) costing $30 or less
  • Power generators costing $750 or less

Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.

Published May 29, 2019

Pasco seeking temporary ban on new mini-warehouses

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The Pasco County Commission is expected to soon consider an 180-day moratorium on new applications for mini-warehouses and self-storage facilities.

Alexandra LaPorte, senior planner with the county’s planning and development department, said the intention of the 180-day moratorium would be for county staff to work on proposed regulations relating to that type of land use in the future.

Pasco County soon could enact a 180-day ban for new applications for mini-warehouse and self-storage units. The county’s planning staff wants the time to develop new regulations regarding this type of land use. (Christine Holtzman)

“This temporary moratorium would allow the planning and development department to research best practices for the development of mini-warehouse and self-storage facilities within the county,” LaPorte told commissioners, at their May 7 meeting.

“It would also allow us to analyze whether additional standards relating to these uses should be incorporated in the land development code, and it would allow us to make sure those standards would support design standards to preserve and enhance visual and functional characteristics, as outlined in the comprehensive plan,” she said.

LaPorte also noted that similar ordinances have been adopted in Tamarac, Miami-Dade and Collier County, in Florida, as well as in other places across the country.

The board approved LaPorte’s request for public hearings on the matter before the Pasco County Planning Commission, on May 23 at 1:30 p.m.; and before the county commission on June 4 and June 19.

Commissioner Mike Moore applauded the county’s action on the issue.

“Thanks to the team for bringing this. I know you worked hard on this. I think it’s important that we move forward with this,” said Moore, who has made no secret of his concerns about mini-warehouses popping up on land he thinks would be better utilized for uses that generate jobs.

“What we’re doing is losing the possibility of major employment centers on that land,” Moore said. “I’m glad you brought it forward. I think it’s the right thing to do. I would assume we will have board support on this.”

The moratorium would not affect anyone who has already had a pre-application meeting on this type of development, Moore noted.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agreed with Moore’s position, saying she doesn’t want to see storage facilities taking up space that could be used to attract businesses offering quality jobs in Pasco County.

Published May 29, 2019

Hazel Wells’ mission: To help the less fortunate

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Hazel Wells views herself as a “second mother” to disadvantaged residents living in East Pasco County.

And, her years of community outreach throughout Dade City, Trilby and Lacoochee are evidence of her commitment.

Hazel Wells stands alongside her brother, Robert S. Perkins, in the church sanctuary, which he pastors: Faith Fellowship in Jesus Christ. Through the Trilby church, Wells has been able to form meaningful relationships with the less fortunate and provide them access to their basic needs. (Brian Fernandes)

She attributes her charitable drive, partially, to a wish that she’d been more engaged with her own children, as they were growing up.

“I realized that I wasn’t the greatest mother in the world,” Wells said. “I wanted to make up for all that I didn’t do.”

The Trilby resident said she witnesses the poverty that many in her region live with on a daily basis.

And, she has formed a bond with many of the young people in the community — particularly those attending her brother’s church, in Trilby.

There, she came across a young man who is paraplegic and has trouble getting to church.

Seeing that situation spurred Wells to make an appearance before the Pasco County Commission to request additional sidewalks around the building.

She has also noticed that some children attending her brother’s church lack proper clothing.

She doesn’t have the financial ability to expand their wardrobe, but she does pass along clothing donated by friends.

Both parents and children have been grateful for the help, Wells said.

Kids also drop by her home to visit, and for advice.

She said they know they are welcome there.

Wells offers a simple formula for developing a strong relationship with youths.

All it requires, she said, is “just loving them and listening to them.”

It’s typical to find Hazel Wells preparing a hearty meal for attendees of the Faith Fellowship in Jesus Christ church, in Trilby. Wells has been a longtime advocate for helping the disadvantaged people of East Pasco County.

As she passes along precepts she’s learned in life, she’s also had a chance to learn from the youths.

She’s had a chance to observe many youth during her time as a Pasco County school cafeteria worker and on her job at a juvenile detention center.

Seeing troubled youths in the system made her realize that they lack much-needed love, Wells said.

To provide more opportunities for kids, Wells is on a quest to gain support for improvements to the Trilby Community Center.

Wells would like to use space in the center, which is currently closed, to engage youths in arts and crafts, sewing, crocheting, cooking and other activities.

She’s already made one appearance before the Pasco County Commission, and is encouraged by the support she’s received from other local women.

Another one of her initiatives was to persuade a barber to provide free haircuts for some of the area’s disadvantaged kids.

She said she’d also like to collaborate with Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ziegler, who is known in the county as “Officer Friendly.”

Wells said Ziegler has been a strong advocate for youths in community outreach efforts.

Wells doesn’t limit her help to area youths.

She’s also involved in helping disadvantaged adults.

Wells and friends have helped distribute food, blankets and hygiene items to homeless people living within Dade City, Trilby and Lacoochee.

Her church has provided boxes of food, and a local Dade City restaurant has provided soup she can give to people on the streets.

Wells also has brought attention to people in the community who dedicate themselves for others.

For instance, she held a ceremony to honor the African-American instructors who taught her at the Moore-Mickens Education Center in Dade City.

She also presented certificates to Pasco County Firefighters, to honor them for their sacrifices.

One of her longtime friends was Capt. Charles “Bo” Harrison, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, who was slain in 2003.

Wells was involved in the renaming of 11th Street in Dade City, to honor Harrison.

Besides providing recognition for her friend, the renaming reduced confusion for first responders.

The city previously had two 11th Streets and the renaming created clarity, she explained.

“I think Bo is still saving people’s lives,” she added, with a chuckle.

More recently in 2018, Wells worked with city officials to have June 1 proclaimed as Capt. Charles “Bo” Harrison Day.

Her future plans include rebuilding her nonprofit organization, Dade City Widow’s Mite.

Established in 2004, the organization relies upon community funding to provide financial help in times of emergency, help with home maintenance and educational resources.

And, as Wells continues her quest to improve community life, she wants to make the best use of her time.

“I want to do what I can before I leave this world,” the Trilby woman said. “I want to leave a legacy of honoring people and giving children a voice in this community.”

Published May 22, 2019

Florida agency offers safety tips for holiday travelers

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As Memorial Day weekend approaches, there is expected to be an influx of events, as well as travelers heading out on the road.

To better prepare drivers for a safe and fun weekend, the Florida Highway Patrol is offering several tips for the road.

With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, Florida is expected to have an influx of motorists on the road. The Florida Highway Patrol has several safety tips to help keep travelers out of harm’s way. (File)

With a 20-cent decline in Florida’s average gas price compared to last year, this is seen as an incentive for more motorists on the road, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The agency anticipates an uptick in the holiday’s traffic from last year – an estimated two million drivers statewide.

“Pasco [County] is a rapidly growing community,” said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol Tampa branch.

He noted that with the current traffic that already consumes Interstate 75 and U.S. 301, there will most likely be additional motorists coming into the county for the holiday.

Whether for an occasion or not, the No. 1 priority should always be wearing seatbelts before taking off, the sergeant mentioned.

“They’re the device that’s going to keep you safe, keep you inside the vehicle,” he added. “You have a lot of injuries that could be avoided if you put the seatbelts on.”

Multitasking while behind the wheel can be habitual for some drivers.

However, putting aside any distractions, especially those requiring the use of hands – such as a phone or food – is the best course of action, Gaskins recommended.

He also stated that while others in the vehicle may be preoccupied, the driver’s task should be solely focused on the road.

And, provided that there are other occupants with valid driver’s licenses in the vehicle, it is wise to assign rotating drivers when taking lengthy road trips.

This helps to lessen the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel, Gaskin reasoned.

In addition, those who are the single designated driver on a long trip should consider taking frequent pit-stops to rest and replenish themselves.

The sergeant also noted that designated drivers should also be assigned to those who maybe intoxicated. If that individual cannot be accompanied by someone sober to drive, taking a driving service such as Uber or Lyft should be planned ahead of time.

Gaskin also emphasized that “a designated driver is the one who drinks nothing – not the least.”

With road rage as a reoccurring issue, the sergeant encourages motorists to exercise patience and prepare for a busier than usual wait time.

“If you see someone driving aggressively, back off – give them space,” he advised, also discouraging shouting or using obscene hand gestures.

One prevention method is for motorists to pre-plan their schedule, giving themselves extra leeway to reach their destination on time.

This lessens the need to race on the road and lowers anxiety, Gaskin said.

The sergeant assures that State Troopers will be working around the clock for the holiday as a DUI squad, but hopes that citations and arrests will not be an issue.

To report accidents or erratic behavior on the road, motorists are encouraged to dial *347 (FHP).

For additional tips or updates, those on Twitter can follow the Florida Highway Patrol at: @FLHSMV, or visit its website at FLHSMV.gov.

Published May 22, 2019

Dade City considering retail consultant

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The City of Dade City is considering the feasibility of hiring a retail consulting firm — as part of an effort to lure more commercial business and economic development within city limits.

City commissioners discussed the issue at length during a May 7 workshop, where they heard proposals from three professional firms for the creation of a retail market analysis and development plan.

The City of Dade City is considering hiring a retail consulting firm to drive more business to the municipality. City commissioners discussed the issue at length during a May 14 meeting. (Kevin Weiss)

Based on a request for proposal, the purpose of the project, in essence, is to better understand the retail landscape in the Dade City market, then have a firm develop a retail recruiting plan and broker potential prospects for the market.

The three firms interviewed were: Place Dynamics LLC, The Retail Coach, and Retail Management Associates.

The project, if followed through, would specifically address ways to improve and spur development along the U.S. 301 corridor, State Road 52, and the downtown area.

Cost estimates from the firms ranged from roughly about $60,000 to $90,000 for full implementation of the required scope of work; the city has not yet selected a firm.

The topic was broached again during a May 14 regular meeting, with some disagreement on how the city should proceed.

Commissioner Jim Shive suggested scheduling another workshop to have a more in-depth discussion on the matter, before deciding whether or not to select a retail consultant.

The commissioner said he heard from several constituents expressing concern on the amount of money that would be spent on a firm.

“I’m not opposed to moving forward,” he said, “but I think we need to have more discussion, that we just don’t need to jump in it headfirst, but that we’re looking at all angles.”

“It’s a lot of money, and I kind of want to know where it’s coming from,” he said.

Shive also pointed out another economic study has already been completed on the city by Melanie Romagnoli, of the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth, thereby perhaps reducing “a lot of the legwork” proposed by interviewed firms.

Shive, moreover, said the municipality might not have the necessary resident population to attract commercial businesses that a retail consulting firm would be tasked to target and recruit.

Proposing an alternate option to a retail consultant, Shive suggested the city look into bringing on staff, an economic development director or a CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) director, as well as generally investing more into the city’s downtown area.

Commissioner Scott Black, however, countered the city does indeed have the geographical portfolio to justify bringing aboard a retail consultant, which he said is imperative to better market the area and recruit businesses of all types.

Black acknowledged the city may not have the demographics that would attract big-box stores and major food chains, but certain other types of retail businesses instead.

“There’s a lot of retail that we have the numbers (of residents) for, we just don’t have anyone out there recruiting and bringing it,” Black said. “This retail recruitment element is what we need, and that’s what the beauty of what these types of firms do is — they welcome and determine what would succeed here and they bring it in.”

Black then stressed the need for such a firm, as a means to help the municipality grow, expand its tax base and bring better jobs to the area.

“It’s going to more than pay for itself after a few years,” Black said. “There are many opportunities that we have here for Dade City, but we don’t have this type of organization where (city staff) can go out and target businesses.”

“Now is the time to do it, not to put this off any longer,” he added.

Meanwhile, during the meeting’s public comment period, Dade City-based realtor and investor Larry Guilford said retail consultants oftentimes don’t provide much value to a city its size, or even up to cities with as many as 40,000 residents.

“It all comes to rooftops; we don’t have the rooftops,” Guilford said. “I’d love to put a Chick-Fil-A here, but if I don’t have certain rooftops out here, it’s a no-go; you have that in many cases.”

Guilford said a retail consultant may be worthwhile for Dade City to consider a few years from now, but not at this time.

“I don’t think you’ll get the bang for the buck,” Guilford noted.

Mayor Camille Hernandez said the city plans to continue the conversation at either another workshop or city commission meeting, to follow up with the retail firms and review reports from the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth.

“I think we’re doing our due diligence to make sure that we have all of the pieces together,” Hernandez said.

Published May 22, 2019

Making a difference through book donations

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Book by book, a local teen is trying to do his part to make a difference in the community.

As an avid reader himself, 13-year-old Vance Tomasi understands the value of having a broad range of books to choose from.

After seeing his younger brother improve his reading during Hillsborough County Public School’s annual Summer Reading Camp, Tomasi saw the value of that even more so.

Vance Tomasi, left, and his friend, Chase Hartman, started read.repeat., a nonprofit that donates gently used books it receives from companies and individuals, and distributes them to those in need. Tomasi, a seventh grader at Keystone’s Farnell Middle School, was named one of the nation’s top 10 youth volunteers by Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. (Courtesy of Amanda Tomasi)

At the same time, Tomasi worried about underprivileged kids who didn’t own books, when he was told the county’s reading program had a shortage of books a couple summers ago.

So, he got to thinking he could do something about it.

It all started more about two years ago with a book drive for homeless families.

The possibilities blossomed from there for Tomasi, now a seventh grader at Keystone’s Farnell Middle School.

Tomasi and his friend, Chase Hartman, set up a website and social media accounts, and partnered with the Hillsborough County school district to donate books. Then they began organizing book drives with Boy Scout troops, sports teams, school clubs and other groups. They placed donation boxes around town, and recruited volunteers to sort and box the books they received.

In addition to book drives, Tomasi purchased 25,000 books with a grant he obtained from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and found a book company willing to donate thousands of additional books.

He did it all through a nonprofit organization he founded, called “read.repeat.” Its mission is to donate gently used books it receives from companies and individuals, and distribute them to those in need.

“I really got the idea from another book fundraiser I did in elementary school and decided to basically grow it from there,” Tomasi said. “I love to volunteer.”

The project has expanded more than ever imagined.

Since its inception, read.repeat. has donated more than 90,000 books to families, schools, group homes, hospitals and libraries in all 50 states, and as far away as Africa.

That includes about 60,000 books donated to children in Florida elementary schools, many of which have gone to Title I schools, or those with large concentrations of low-income students.

Centennial Elementary in Dade City and the Joshua House Children’s Home in Lutz are also a couple of the local beneficiaries, among many other Tampa-area schools and groups.

Being able to help underprivileged kids in some way brings joy to the teen.

“It makes me feel amazing, Tomasi said. “Just to see the looks on their faces, like they get their first book, it’s an incredible feeling.”

“I was never really expecting it to grow this big,” he said.

The teen’s humanitarian efforts have gone on to draw national recognition. He was recently named one of America’s top 10 youth volunteers for 2019 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a national program sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Tomasi and other national honorees were selected first from a field of more than 29,000 middle level and high school youth volunteers nationwide, and then from 102 state honorees, based on their initiative, effort, impact, and the personal growth demonstrated in the course of their volunteer service.

Tomasi and the honorees each received a $5,000 personal award, an engraved gold medallion, a crystal trophy for their school, and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for charities of their choice.

They each also received an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C., where they were recognized at Union Station East Hall and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

During the trip, Tomasi got a tour of various landmarks in the nation’s capital. He also met Florida Senator Rick Scott.

And, his group visited a D.C. area elementary school, donating books and reading to children.

In starting read.repeat., Tomasi was simply hoping to help others, not necessarily receive national recognition. He’s humbled by it all.

“I was really, really surprised. I was not expecting that at all,” Tomasi said of being named one the country’s top youth volunteers. “I was never really expecting me to become a national honoree out of all the people that were there.”

The nonprofit isn’t slowing in momentum by any means.

Tomasi said one of his goals this summer is to share more books that celebrate diversity with other children.

Their next big delivery is to Cleveland Elementary School in Tampa, which is set to receive about  3,000 donated books.

For information or interest in donating books, visit readrepeat.org.

Published May 22, 2019

Work by local artists leaves a lasting impression

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It was morning, but the heat was beating down on Caren Stevens, as she stood on a scaffold creating a mural.

It’s the kind of work she’s been doing for years.

Caren Stevens is seen illuminating the side wall of E & W Carpets Inc., in Land O’ Lakes on May 7. She and her sister, Dannie Jean, make up the art company, Art Inherited, which does work locally and abroad. (Brian Fernandes)

As Caren painted, her sister and fellow artist Dannie Jean looked up, to examine their latest art project: A mural at E & W Carpets Inc. –  a Land O’ Lakes landmark.

The colorful scene depicts a dock leading to a deep, blue ocean.

The work, which began just a week before, was approaching completion.

“The real creativity is taking our hands and putting what’s in the client’s mind on their wall,” Caren explained.

For nearly 30 years, the sisters have been part of a family owned business called Art Inherited.

Dannie Jean, left, and Caren Stevens are the sisters who own Art Inherited. For decades, they’ve been creating interior and exterior mural paintings, nationally and internationally. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

The company was initially made up of Caren and Dannie Jean; their two other sisters, Carol and Melody; and their mother, Billie.

The concept for the name came from the ladies adopting their mother’s gift as an artist, as they grew up watching her create oil paintings and pottery.

Before they teamed up, Dannie Jean said, “all of us sisters were doing something in art, but we were all doing different things.”

Collaborating together, the family designed murals, as well as tile and graphic art, among other works.

The business gained recognition, but began to dwindle in size when Melody moved out of state, and both their sister, Carol, and mother, passed away.

Art Inherited’s unique style provides this bathroom with an elegant yet relaxing scenery. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

But, Dannie Jean and Caren continue to put their gifts to use, remembering what their mother used to tell them: “In order to grow, art must be shared.”

The sisters began to shift their focus more on mural paintings and were hired to design artwork in model homes — which gave potential clients a chance to get a glimpse of what the artists had to offer.

Dannie Jean sketches what clients envision for their space and Caren brings the image to life through her colorful, crafted paintings.

So, what began with artwork in Sarasota model homes soon branched out to different areas of Tampa Bay.

Some of their clients have included the Northwest Community Church in Tampa; Larry’s Deli in Land O’ Lakes; and, the children’s emergency wing at the Medical Center of Trinity.

Who says art always has to be serious? In this painting, Caren Stevens uses humor to bring a smile to sick kids at the children’s emergency wing of the Medical Center of Trinity. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

Former baseball player Mariano Rivera was a client, too.

Client requests range from nature scenes, to religious imagery, to paintings of  animals.

The women have also developed an international reputation from work they’ve completed in the Bahamas and France.

Their artistry, Dannie Jean said, begins “with a God-given talent.”

“But, then it has to be nurtured,” she said.

“It’s fun,” she added, explaining “you get into the zone. It’s like reading a book – you’re just into it.”

Of the countless projects that Caren has worked on, her favorite was the interior of the Northwest Community Church.

She worked on the four-year project with her twin sister Carol, which made it special.

“It was so invigorating, so much fun,” Caren recalled. “That was one of my best memories that I had with my sister.”

Dannie Jean and Caren are at the helm of the company now, but occasionally they hire assistants for big assignments.

For this latest project, Caren has been working to give E & W’s bare wall a three-dimensional feel.

As seen here in Tampa’s Northwest Community Church, religious imagery is also in demand by clients of Art Inherited. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

Aside from the company name and contact information, the painting includes  two dogs at the front of a boardwalk, which is surrounded by palms trees and leads to a bay where a boat is docked.

It’s precisely what Chad Walter, the company owner, had envisioned.

“I saw something online that I liked,” Walter said. “It was the water scene.”

Walter said he wanted the mural to draw the attention of motorists as they traveled by — to attract business.

The building’s side wall faces drivers who are heading north on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The new amenity also comes as E & W celebrates its 50th anniversary in business this year.

Kevin Barnes, who handles the company’s sales, said the painting has an advantage that social media ads don’t.

“What I like about it is, it’s concrete,” he said. “It’s going to be there forever.”

The sisters are no strangers to E & W. They’ve done work there before and plan to work there in the future.

While the sisters note that they’re imparting a lasting legacy through their art, they also realize they’re responding to the client’s vision and having an impact on those who view their work.

“I think it’s neat that we leave a little part of ourselves in so many places,” Dannie Jean said. “You don’t know who’s being touched by that.”

To find out more about the company, visit ArtInherited.com.

Published May 22, 2019

Seniors need be wary of scams

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Donna Moses could share stories for hours about the many financial scams that have ensnared local senior citizens.

Moses has seen just about everything in her work as Suncoast Credit Union’s lead member victim advocate in risk management.

Such scams probably aren’t going away anytime soon, Moses said during her talk as the featured guest speaker at the May breakfast meeting of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Donna Moses, Suncoast Credit Union’ lead member victim advocate in risk management, was the featured speaker at the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce May breakfast meeting. Moses discussed various financial scams that have affected local seniors. (Kevin Weiss)

In fact, financial scams that prey on the elderly is the “No. 1 consumer fraud issue growing today,” Moses said.

Nationwide, seniors lose about $36.5 billion every year related to financial scams and fraud, Moses said.

She believes that the problem is even bigger than that.

For every case reported, there’s about 14 others that aren’t, the banking professional said.

She advised seniors to be aware that it could happen to them.

“I’ve had cases right here in Zephyrhills, so don’t think it’s not happening in your community,” Moses said. “It is happening in every county that we serve, and the community. It’s just awful the money that people are losing.”

Romance scams are one of the most common scams her office encounters, she said.

In such scams, a con artist typically pretends to have romantic intentions to gain affection and trust. The con artist often claims to be from another state or country, or deployed in the military and so on. Then, the scammer begins asking for money, claiming it’s for airplane tickets, medical bills or other expenses.

Moses said she’s had clients from 50 years old to over 90 years old who have been victimized by romance scams. They have been exploited for hundreds and thousands of dollars at a time, she said, and in most cases, the scammer is 10 years to 30 years younger than their victim.

“They haven’t even met the person. They’re always behind the scenes, but they’re just reeling (seniors) in,” Moses said.

The speaker made clear that she’s not disparaging online dating with seniors, but she warned them to watch for this red flag: “When they start asking for money, it’s a problem.”

Aside from the romance scam, Moses said other common scams include sweepstakes scams, the IRS scam and grandparent scam.

As a general rule, the speaker advised seniors to not engage with strangers online or on the phone. “Hang up, don’t talk to people,” said Moses.

As with most scams, Moses said any stolen money is very rarely ever recovered.

“You’re sending it to people you don’t really know. The money usually winds up out of the country,” Moses said, adding scammers will also ask victims to send them gift cards and expensive electronics, such as cellphones and laptops.

“Family members are like, ‘You’ve got to get the money back’ but you can’t. It’s very hard. Law enforcement is overwhelmed with these types of cases, even the ones that are not being reported,” Moses said.

To help prevent such crimes, seniors need to become educated about the various types of scams, Moses said. It’s also important for people who have been scammed to share their stories, to help prevent others from being victimized.

And, it’s important to report incidents to the Florida Department of Children and Families, and local law enforcement, she said.

Published May 22, 2019