The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

This guy ‘put out fires,’ literally

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Mark Spudie, a former battalion chief for Pasco County Fire Rescue, dedicated 30 years of his life in the work of fighting fires.

He hung up his gear on May 30 — walking the corridors of Wesley Chapel’s Fire Station 13 for the last time as part of the county’s team.

“I wasn’t ready to go,” Spudie said. “I would have worked a few more years if I could have, and mainly because of the people there.”

Battalion Chief Mark Spudie stands near a fire engine at Wesley Chapel’s Fire Station 13, where he served before recently wrapping up his 30-year career. (Courtesy of Mark Spudie)

He said his grandfather was a volunteer firefighter, but that didn’t spur him to dream about working in the field, while he was growing up in New York.

Indeed, it wasn’t until he had moved to Florida in 1984, and had worked in construction for five years, that he decided to pursue a career in firefighting.

He attributes the interest to a desire to find a line of work that was more stable than construction. A friend recommended he pursue firefighting.

So, in 1989, he joined Fire Station 19 in New Port Richey.

Over the years, he worked at stations in New Port Richey, the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes area, Hudson and, finally, in Wesley Chapel.

As he made his moves, he climbed through the ranks, taking on titles as driver engineer and lieutenant.

He also witnessed the county’s transformation over time.

“Back when I first started, there was very few structures out there on State Road 54,” Spudie said. “Now, it’s all commercialized and very populated.”

By 2001, he was serving at Lutz Station 23 where he spent the bulk of his career. And, like the rest, this station had a major positive impact on him, he noted.

He moved to the Lutz station during the same year as the Sept. 11 attacks.

While thousands of miles away from the devastation, Spudie said he felt a sense of “brotherhood” among all firefighters during the nation’s ordeal.

While local citizens had already been in the habit of swinging by the station to offer cookies, or a simple “thank you,” Spudie said the community’s support ramped up even more after 9/11.

“It gave the community a new appreciation on what we [do] on a regular basis — how you risk your life to save somebody else’s,” he said.

Spudie doesn’t view himself as a hero.

But, he acknowledged there were times during his career when he dealt with issues of life and death.

There are some calls he will never forget.

In one instance, he rushed into a burning building and pulled out a young boy, but despite those efforts, the boy passed away.

Part of the job meant being able to console victims, who are faced with the prospect of putting the pieces of their lives back together.

But, Spudie said he was glad to be part of a fire rescue community that found ways to respond quickly to community needs, and who enjoyed a sense of camaraderie with each other.

“I’m impressed with our guys and personnel because we’ve been doing so much with so little for so long,” Spudie said. “It is like a family after a while. You just get real close and look out for each other. It’s a bond you never lose.”

Like many seasoned firefighters, Spudie took advantage of the Deferred Retirement Option Plan after being promoted to battalion chief.

The program allowed him to work five additional years before retiring and this year marked the end of his service.

On his last day of duty, in fact, he joined dignitaries in the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new Station 13.

“It was very bittersweet,” Spudie said. “I knew the day I walked out that door, it was going to be totally different from then on.”

Published July 17, 2019

Vets Healing Vets program debuts at library

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Vets Healing Vets is a new no-cost, therapeutic craft program being offered at the New River Branch Library, for veterans of all ages and their families.

Meg Schmelz, of High Springs, left, and William E. Lee Jr., of Wesley Chapel, show attendees a leather purse craft kit, and the completed project. Schmelz hosts the Vets Healing Vets program in Alachua County, where Lee was a member before he moved to Pasco County three months ago. (Christine Holtzman)

The program meets on the last Friday of the month at 10:30 a.m. It made its debut on June 28.

During the session, veterans put together craft kits and, at the same time, they’re able to socialize and build relationship with other veterans and their families.

The activity also can help improve veterans’ mental and physical well-being, and can help boost their self-esteem.

Nine-year-old Melody Darby, of Crystal Springs, left, and her siblings, 9-year-old Aiden Miles, 15-year-old Destinee Darby and 12-year-old Lacienna Darby, work on a project using pipe cleaners and beads. Melody met the program host, William E. Lee Jr., at the library when she saw him in uniform and thanked him for his service. In return, he invited the family to the inaugural meeting.

The craft kits are assembled by the nonprofit group, Help Heal Veterans, in Winchester, California. They’re distributed by the National Sons of AMVETS.

Kits range in various degrees of difficulty. Categories include leather making, woodworking, paint-by-number projects, and jewelry making.

U.S. Army veteran William E. Lee Jr., of Wesley Chapel, leads the program at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

Lee is the recipient of numerous medals, including four Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star.

Ultimately, he’d like to see the program offered at every Pasco County library, and for every veteran to receive a kit.

To find out more about the program, call (813) 788-6375.

Published July 17, 2019

Extension office kicks off wellness program

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Start stepping toward a healthier future with UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, which is now offering a 12-week walking program called Let’s Walk Florida.

The program is designed to encourage community members to team up in pursuit of a lifelong walking habit.

Avid walkers Christa Lusk, left, and her husband, Roy Gilmore, take an evening stroll through their Land O’ Lakes neighborhood. (Christine Holtzman)

Anyone can participate in the program aimed at promoting physical wellness.

Walking reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers, improves blood pressure, blood sugar levels, energy, mood and more.

Walkers can choose from health, fitness and performance tracks.

And, participants can work toward goals at their own time and pace, reporting their results to the Pasco County Extension Office.

Registration for the program is $10 per person, and all ages are welcome.

Participants can sign up as teams or individually, or request to be assigned to a team.

The first 50 registrants will receive a pedometer and water bottle.

UF/IFAS will host a Let’s Walk Florida Kickoff Event on July 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

To register and reserve your spot by July 28, visit bit.ly/LetsWalkFL.

Published July 17, 2019

Creating safe and compassionate schools

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When you ask an open-ended question, there’s no telling what the responses will be.

But that’s the point, actually, in a process that Pasco County Schools used to gather different perspectives, regarding the emotional and physical safety of district students and staff.

District officials conducted a ThoughtExchange that allows participants to use technology to share their thoughts and ideas, which are then rated by participants on a five-star scale.

Assistant superintendents Betsy Kuhn and David Scanga led the efforts for the district, and they shared results of the exchange with the Pasco County School Board at a workshop in June.

Steve LaVare, an armed school safety guard, monitors the parking lot area at Sanders Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes, as parents drop off kids on the second day of school last fall. In a ThoughtExchange on school safety, Pasco County parents said they like to see armed guards in visible spots on campus. (File)

The ThoughtExchange attracted 3,416 participants who shared 2,290 thoughts.

Because of the nature of an open-ended question, participants touched on a wide range of topics, said Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services.

“Some people viewed it very much on the building hardening topic, that I work mostly with —  and then a lot of other folks took it as the mental health type of approach,” Kuhn said.

One of the top thoughts overall was this: “Do not arm teachers. We cannot expect teachers to make the ‘right decision’ in the heat of the  moment.”

But that thought wasn’t universally shared, according to the ThoughtExchange. Another comment from community was this: “Allow the teachers to carry a gun. Not all teachers are cut out for it, but some are. Require training and qualifications, but it should be allowed, if the teacher wants it.”

A thought that resonated with parents was this one: “We need to take more action when bullying is reported. We need to listen to students and teachers. Bullying is at the core of many issues of mental health and violence.”

Another top thought in the parents’ category: “Keep the resource officer in a high visibility spot.”

Among students, improved bandwidth and longer lunch periods were among the most highly rated comments.

Staff comments gaining traction dealt with providing more support for teachers dealing with disruptive, disrespectful or potentially dangerous students.

And, this staff comment was rated highly, too: “The pay scales for staff need a major overhaul.”

Besides being broken down by stakeholder category, the ThoughtExchange was analyzed by region.

In West Pasco, for instance, a key concern related to traffic safety at River Ridge High School.

In East Pasco, concerns were raised about securing open campuses.

And, in Central Pasco, there were calls to increase the ways to report concerns anonymously, and for greater support of teachers.

When it comes to student safety, the district was encouraged to include bus drivers in those discussions.

“Bus drivers many times are the first people students see in the morning. Include them in all discussions regarding student safety, as well,” says a comment in the exchange.

The ThoughtExchange is intended to help inform the district’s work, provide feedback from the community and gather information to help the district advocate for additional support from the state legislature for safety improvements.

Kuhn told board members that the district is continuing to take action aimed at creating safer and more secure campuses.

On the facilities side, work on front office hardening continues. The district also is installing additional security cameras and is doing safety projects at strategic locations across the county, Kuhn said.

The work on door locks at all schools is expected to be completed before school starts in August, Kuhn said. The district also continues to collaborate with the sheriff’s office and municipal police departments.

On the mental health side, a theme that emerged in the ThoughtExchange was the request “for more people, more psychologists, more social workers, more assistance,” said Scanga, who is assistant superintendent for elementary schools.

“We know that’s something we need to explore and talk about. We know where that’s coming from, but it also runs up against our budget and what we can afford,” Scanga said.

Still, he added, “there’s room for us to consider how we utilize the people we already have in the system. What gap or what void can they fill to make sure we’re addressing student needs and family needs?”

The school board will explore that topic in deeper detail, when it has its workshop on mental health on July 23.

Published July 10, 2019

Under Construction

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Tractor Supply store coming
Construction is underway for a Tractor Supply store that will offer agricultural and home improvement supplies. It is located on the east side of North Dale Mabry Highway – south of its apex with Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. The 18,800-square-foot is near the Lutz Walmart Supercenter. Construction started in June and is expected to be completed by October.

Grace Family Church
Grace Family Church is renovating a plaza that once housed a K-Mart store at 22920 State Road 54 in Lutz. The roof, on the western end of the 48,000-square-foot building, will be raised 12 feet to accommodate the church sanctuary. Plans call for multiple classrooms, a café and a 3-foot baptism pool. The church is expected to open this August.

Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar
A Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar is under construction in the Cypress Creek Town Center at 25372 Sierra Center Blvd. The 10,438-square-foot restaurant, which will offer Louisiana-style cuisine, will be able to accommodate 325 patrons. A grand opening is planned for July 29. The restaurant is expected to have 180 employees, and applications are being accepted on site now. For more information, contact Gyorgy Tamcsu at (636) 259-0902 or .

Medical Office
A two-story medical office is expected to be completed in October at 27800 Summergate Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Project plans call for a medical and administrative office, clinics on both floors and a dialysis treatment center. Construction started in June. The dialysis center may open as soon as December.

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 .

Compiled by Brian Fernandes

Editor’s Note:

Keeping you better informed
It’s obvious that growth is happening all around The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

It seems like every time you turn around ,there’s a new place to eat, to shop, to worship or have fun. Health care options are expanding, schools are being built and new employers are moving in.

And, as we travel through our region, it begs the question: What’s being built there?

Our new “Under Construction” column — debuting today — is our way to help satisfy your curiosity.

As we see new projects under construction in our community, we’ll share that with you through this column, or stories.

But, you can help, too. if you see something popping up in your neighborhood and you wonder what it is, please send us an email with the location — and address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out.

Please send your emails to .

B.C. Manion, editor of The Laker/Lutz News

 

 

Zephyrhills considers fire department merger

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After nearly 60 years of operation and tradition, the Zephyrhills Fire Department may soon be absorbed by Pasco County Fire Rescue.

As funding and staffing issues mount within the city’s fire department, the Zephyrhills City Council on July 1 unanimously directed city staff to begin formal negotiations to consolidate the local agency with Pasco County Fire Rescue.

The City of Zephyrhills will enter formal negotiations with Pasco County to merge Zephyrhills Fire Department into Pasco County Fire Rescue. Any consolidation agreement would need to be approved by the Zephyrhills City Council. (Kevin Weiss)

If the merger occurs, Pasco County Fire Rescue would operate the city’s two fire stations and would absorb the city’s fire department personnel at their proper pay step, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said. The county would ensure and maintain additional staffing needs at both stations and place an ambulance within the city limits.

The merger is anticipated to be “revenue neutral,” meaning it would not cost either entity any money, Poe said. The county can operate at lower costs because of economies of scale, Poe explained.

The merger negotiations follow attempts by Zephyrhills leaders to find ways to address the fire department’s rising costs.

The fire department budget this year is $3.3 million — up nearly $900,000 from 2016, according to a city manager memo to the city council. Those costs are expected to rise over time.

One option would be to levy a fire fee assessment through annual property tax bills — affecting commercial and residential properties, and churches and nonprofits. But, Zephyrhills residents and business leaders vehemently opposed that idea during public comment .

“We have to look at what is the best for overall,” said Kevin Bahr, owner of Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C in Zephyrhills. “I work for a few nonprofits, to sit there and say they’re going to pay…and we’re going to have every one of the churches in town (pay), I don’t think they have any earthly idea that they’re fixing to start paying a fire assessment fee.”

With a merger, Zephyrhills property owners would pay for county fire rescue services through a Municipal Service Taxing Unit, or MSTU. Generally, an MSTU for fire services would have less financial impact on city residents and commercial entities than a fire assessment fee, city officials say.

Bingham Realty president Will Bingham represents owners of about 250 residential multi-unit properties in Zephyrhills. He said a fire assessment would have a significant impact, and appears unreasonable. “You’re looking at rents going up.”

Sunlight Realty real estate agent Sam Turgeon also opposes the idea of a fire assessment fee.

“I don’t think that’s sustainable. It’s definitely not fair and it’s definitely unaffordable for the city,” Turgeon said.

He supports the proposed merger.

“You’re going to have more people able to go on more calls that are going to serve our community better,” he said. “We’ve heard repeatedly that this fire department is understaffed, which also means that it’s underfunded. Our community is growing rapidly and, because of that, our city does not have enough money to sustain the fire department in its current form. If we leave our fire department understaffed, that’s dangerous for our citizens and it’s dangerous for our firefighters.”

Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce director Melonie Monson also weighed in regarding the potential impact a fire assessment fee would have on the nearly 500 businesses she represents.

Monson warned the council: “There will be many that will not be able to take on the cost, so you may lose businesses with the fee. Think about how much it’s going to tax our businesses.”
The Zephyrhills Fire Department deferred public comment to firefighter union leader Travis Geiger.

Geiger pleaded the council to find a way to maintain the city’s fire department. He expressed concern about the loss of local control and predicted a difficult transition in merging the two departments because the positions are not equivalent.

“If you look at it from our perspective, we feel that we’re being pushed out. We’re not choosing to go over there,” Geiger said.

City manager Poe told council members: “If the decision is to keep the department, we have to charge a fire assessment fee, and we have to hire additional staff to meet the minimum safety standards. If we don’t do that, the only other option is to merge with Pasco County and do the very best that we can to make sure the (city fire department) employees that are transferring over are not adversely impacted.”

Zephyrhills city attorney Matthew Maggard concurred with Poe’s assessment.

“I don’t think anybody wants to see our fire department go away from an emotional or pride standpoint, but financially you have to look at it. We can’t sustain going forward, and I don’t think there’s any dispute with that,” Maggard said.

City Council member Lance Smith voiced concerns about the city fire department’s “long-term viability,” and added, “the logical conclusion is we’ve got to merge with the county.”

Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield agreed: “I think we have to look at sustainability.”

Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson put it like this: “If it were only up to me, I would spend the money in a heartbeat. But, I’m representing all of these people who have reservations about the cost. None of them want to lose our firefighters. It is the question, ‘Can we afford it?’”

City Council member Alan Knight was the most vocal about trying to find a way to keep the department. One possibility would be to increase the millage rate, he said.

“Once we lose our fire department, we aren’t getting it back,” Knight said.

Published July 10, 2019

Foundation helps foster kids develop ‘wings’

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As its name implies, Caterpillars to Butterflies is all about transformation — but this organization isn’t about insects — it’s all about helping Pasco County foster children to develop their “wings.”

After Guardian ad Litem children are placed within a foster home, Caterpillars to Butterflies, a Dade City nonprofit, sets about trying to discern the children’s desires and to help fulfill them.

It does this by working with the foster families, who seek to find out the child’s dreams and desires — and by helping the foster families find ways to fulfill them.

Under the Caterpillars to Butterflies program, foster kids not only get to go on fun adventures of their choosing, but they also participate in annual events where they create and showcase their own artwork. (Courtesy of Tracy Hanson)

It’s a way to help these youth have a more well-rounded childhood, explained Tracy Hanson, president and founder of the nonprofit foundation.

Hanson has been a Guardian ad Litem volunteer for the past five years – a position that inspired her to create Caterpillars to Butterflies.

As a volunteer, she has the opportunity to mentor and befriend kids who are taken out of unsuitable households. She also gets to advocate for their best interest within the judicial system.

However, the volunteer said, the outcome for many of these kids can be heart-wrenching.

“One thing I noticed in the court system is these children would be taken from their homes and CPI (Child Protective Investigations) hands them a garbage bag and says, ‘Put your life in this bag. Then we’re going to remove you from the only home you’ve ever known.’ That’s very defeating to these children,” Hanson said.

In response, she began providing the youths with duffel bags for more durability – and Caterpillars to Butterflies was born.

The idea is to give these children a chance to have experiences they enjoy, and to bring some joy into their lives.

The organization began in January 2018.

Caterpillars to Butterflies covers expenses that foster families incur, when helping the children take part in camps or other programs.

This summer, the foundation will be funding foster kids for sports camps, as well as karate, swimming and dance classes.

“We want them to see that we believe in them, that they can have dreams [and] we’re going to help them fulfill their dreams,” Hanson said.

The foundation gathers kids and their new families to Hanson’s farm for two main events each year: Easter and Christmas celebrations.

At those events, kids get to make and showcase their own art crafts to the public. They even get special visits from the Easter bunny and Santa.

Events, such as the Christmas program, raise money to support the kids’ adventures.

With no government assistance, the foundation relies solely on community support for monetary needs.

“We always need sponsors, we always need funding for these camps,” Hanson stated. “Every nickel that comes in, goes to these children.”

Hanson does speaking engagements to increase public awareness of the program and to raise money.

The organization also is a partner with the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, which enables it to reach out for help.

Hanson said Caterpillars to Butterflies understands that the foster parents often face financial constraints.

“The stipend that the government gives the foster parents is not enough to go beyond your basic food – maybe a little bit of clothing,” she said.

For instance, there was a case last December when seven youths were placed in homes that did not have adequate bedding.

The foundation stepped in and provided mattresses, sheet sets and comforters.

It also provides clothing and shoes, in some cases.

As a new school year approaches, efforts are underway to collect new backpacks for foster kids and to fill them with essential school supplies.

“It’s not just the children in the system that need the help, it’s the entire family,” Hanson explained.

Besides lessening the financial burden on foster parents, Caterpillars to Butterflies gives foster parents a chance to take a break and have some leisure time for themselves.

During Foster Parent Night Out, for instance, kids do crafts, and enjoy food and movies, while their parents get some time off.

Hanson and her staff’s long-term goal is to expand their program.

They’ve been using social media, such as Facebook, to get their name out, and Hanson is eyeing a vacant building across from her office, in hopes that she might one day use it for the program.

She sees possibilities.

With additional space, for instance, former foster kids who are now of legal age, could mentor current foster kids.

With more space, the program could offer cooking classes and provide an area that could be used for visitation time with their biological parents, and counseling services.

Hanson also would like to provide tutoring services for the children and to raise scholarship funds for them.

“So many of these children see no future, no hope, and the butterfly represents transformation,” she explained. “They can live a wonderful life. They can fly.”

To learn more about Caterpillars to Butterflies or offer a donation, visit Caterflies.org.

Published July 10, 2019

Commercial kitchen incubator to open in East Pasco

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An incubator commercial kitchen is expected to begin operating in September at 15029 14th St., in Dade City.

The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Pasco Extension Office, which is part of the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, Pasco County and the Pasco County Economic Development Council Inc., with assistance from Welbilt.

Welbilt, a global manufacturer of commercial restaurant equipment, has provided equipment for the kitchen. It contributed a six-burner range, a single-door refrigerator, a single-door freezer, an under-the-counter ice machine, shelving, and stainless steel work tables.

Welbilt Inc., has delivered the kitchen equipment for a commercial kitchen incubator at the One Stop Shop, in the UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension One Stop Shop Stallings Building at 15029 14th St., in Dade City. From left: Mick Hughes, Welbilt; Elizabeth Urquiola, UF/IFAS; Steve Flook, Welbilt; Dan Mitchell, Pasco EDC; and, Michael Anderson, Welbilt. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

“They have been working with us, very closely, as an excellent partner, and we do appreciate that donation of equipment from them,” Dr. Whitney C. Elmore, director of the Pasco County Extension Office, told members of the Pasco County Commission at a meeting last month.

“They’ve worked closely with us, with facilities from Pasco County, to retrofit an older commercial kitchen space in that building, which has been actually fantastic,” Elmore added.

The new kitchen “is going to open up a lot of opportunities for us and the community,” Elmore added. It will be operating out of the One Stop Shop, located within the Stallings Building in East Pasco.

Dan Mitchell, program manager for Pasco EDC’s SMARTstart Incubator Program, said the updated commercial kitchen will be used for community classes and by SMARTstart.

“It will be used for our members who might need to use it to launch their food businesses,” Mitchell said. “They’ll be able to do a little bit of production out of there, if they’re one of our incubator members, as well as collaborate with local growers, local chefs, other food entrepreneurs.

“So, it will really be a space that will hopefully foster some food innovation, some excitement around food business in Pasco County. There’s a lot of that bubbling under the surface,” he said.

For instance, the kitchen makes it possible for a family living in the area to lease a garden plot for free, grow some vegetables and make a product they could sell at a farmer’s market.

“Once a business needs to grow beyond a farmer’s market, we have all of our SMARTstart programs, like co-starters, our microloan program, and everything else to support entrepreneurs,” Mitchell said.

The Pasco EDC offers a host of programs aimed at helping businesses grow, at whatever stage they happen to be in, Mitchell noted. And, Pasco County has incentives aimed to attract high-wage jobs to the county.

The idea of creating the incubator kitchen resulted from talks involving a variety of stakeholders, including the Pasco EDC, the Extension Office and others, Mitchell said.

“What we noticed is there’s a lot interest in food businesses. There’s a lot of agriculture in Pasco County. There’s citrus, beef, kumquats, blueberries out East. Then out West we have some breweries and some seafood production. And, one of the things that we don’t have, however, is a good local distribution model, where food can get from these different producers to our local restaurants,” Mitchell said.

But, he added, “there’s not a good easy way for these people to connect.”

“It became apparent that it would be nice if we had some kind of food hub. So, the Pasco EDC decided to go ahead and host what’s called its Food Hub Task Force.”

The group meets monthly, with the aim of creating a model that will encourage food-related partnerships and generate jobs, he said.

The commercial kitchen opens the door to new possibilities, Mitchell said.

“If you produce the food in your own home, you’re not allowed to sell other than direct to consumer. If you produce in a commercial kitchen, you’re suddenly allowed to do a lot more,” he explained.

A ribbon cutting to celebrate the incubator kitchen is planned for Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m.

Another event has been planned, as well, to help explore the possibilities the new kitchen is creating. That event is set for Nov. 20 and has been dubbed, “Food is the Biggest Business.”

“We’re going to have four or five food entrepreneurs that are already successful. Maybe a successful restaurateur, maybe a food truck guy, maybe a celebrity chef. Those types of people,” Mitchell said.

“It will be open to anyone interested in those types of businesses, from any direction,” he said, and, it will give people a chance to know others who share an interest in the food industry — from a variety of perspectives.

From there, who knows?

“It really comes down to each individual entrepreneur and what their dreams are,” Mitchell said.

But, whatever path they choose to pursue, chances are Pasco EDC will be able to help them along the way, Mitchell said.

Published July 10, 2019

Scout seeks to help others understand their tech tools

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Holly Roberts is one tech-savvy kid, and she wants to help others who may struggle in using their everyday devices.

In fact, the young woman is so adept at using technology, she has initiated an effort to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award by sharing her skills.

Her mother, Carrie, sparked the idea earlier this year, as she witnessed Holly’s expertise in using phones and computers.

Fourteen-year-old Holly Roberts is side by side with her Girl Scout troop leader Tammy Whitworth, left, and her mother, Carrie. As part of her scout task, Holly wants to help those in the community to better understand their smartphones and other devices. (Courtesy of Gina Granger)

“She knew that I was good with technology, so she recommended, ‘Hey, why don’t you do workshops?’” the 14-year-old said.

So, the member of Zephyrhills Troop 148 decided to do just that.

She and other members of her troop had to come up with their own ideas for pursuing the coveted Silver Award.

Holly had her first tech workshop on June 27 at the GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club building.

She came prepared: She had surveys ready in order to get community feedback, and there were light refreshments available.

She was joined by several others, including her mother and Tammy Whitworth, her troop leader.

For additional support, she also recruited Desmond Gadson, the director of a network operation center.

Gadson has committed himself to Holly’s project, helping to assist in breaking down technical jargon and giving those attending, guidance on using their phones.

Holly said she wants to tailor her teaching skills to what people want to know, or have not yet discovered.

That can include everything from downloading apps, taking photos, texting, using emojis or understanding the meaning of technical terms.

She’s thinking about using feedback she gets on her surveys to help her create a presentation on struggles that people have with technology and how they can address them, said the young woman who will be entering high school this year.

Her mom said that Holly also is “looking at doing a Facebook page once it’s approved through our council, so people can use that as a reference.”

That council represents the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF), and requires that the surveys and project be completed by this October before having a social media presence.

The council also will analyze whether the project is “sustainable” in helping the community and can continue to be of service long after the project is completed, Whitworth noted.

Holly said she’s confident that her task will meet those requirements because people will always need help in better understanding technology.

Holly is open to assisting people of all ages.

She first received her Bronze Award working with her fellow scouts to build and paint a bench that was donated to the Humane Society in Brooksville.

While the Silver Award doesn’t require a team effort, Holly said she’s ready to become a teacher and exercise the patience that comes along with the job.

In fact, she’d already taken on that role before the project began.

The teen has been helping her grandmother discover new features on her smartphone.

For instance, she taught her how to enhance text messages through the use of emojis.

Carrie has learned a few lessons, too.

“I took a picture, and I put words on it,” Holly said. “She didn’t know how to do it.”

So, the teen gave her mother a step-by-step tutorial.

“I was blown away,” Carrie said, adding that Holly is still teaching her new things because technology is constantly evolving.

That’s the kind of feedback Holly is hoping to get with her project — that it’s helpful and it’s needed.

Holly also has her eyes set on achieving a Gold Award in the future, but for now her No. 1 priority is to help people use technology to make their lives easier.

She will have her next workshop on July 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be at the GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club building at 38535 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

For more information, call Holly at (813) 312-5345.

Tech workshop
Where: GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club, 38535 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills
When: July 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Girl Scout Holly Roberts, will be handing out surveys to gauge what respondents would like to learn about their phones or other tech devices.
Info: Call Holly Roberts at (813) 312-5345.

Published July 10, 2019

Panel sheds light on youth drug use in Pasco

By

Speaking before a roomful of adults, a panel of teens offered their insights and observations about drug use among youths in Pasco County.

Marijuana use appears to be the biggest drug-related issue among youth across Pasco County, said the panelists, who are members of Safe Teens Against Drugs (STAND).

They said kids are increasingly turning to marijuana as a way to escape their personal problems.

From left: Maddie Horn, 12; Destiny Winter, 17; Jocelyn Meriwether, 14; Christos Loupis, 17; Austin Vaughan, 13; Ashley Dew, 19; Jeromy Vaughan, 14; and, Yahkaira Barbosa, 14. (Kevin Weiss)

“They’re not happy, they feel depressed, they have anxiety, so they smoke,” said panelist Destiny Winter. “They’re constantly trying to solve these problems by self-medicating instead of seeking help,” said the 17-year-old Anclote High student.

The group of youth leaders who make up STAND are determined to end youth substance abuse in Pasco County by educating teachers, police, business owners and other community members about their observations, and offering suggestions for solutions. The youth group is organized by the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP).

This is the fourth year that members of STAND have addressed members of numerous community stakeholder groups — in a forum arranged by ASAP — to talk about various health and safety issues facing Pasco youths.

Marijuana has become prevalent among teens because of peer pressure and relatively easy access to the substance, panelists told the audience.

And, the way it’s sensationalized in pop culture and social media hasn’t helped, either.

”It’s being influenced as cool, so they’re trying it out,” 14-year-old Land O’ Lakes High student Jocelyn Meriwether said.

“I believe it’s happening because of its popularization online by many celebrities, many singers or rappers that kids listen to,” added 14-year-old Gulf High student Jeromy Vaughan.

Moreover, the teens said the legalization of medical marijuana in Florida and throughout the country has contributed to the impression that it’s is OK to use, and a quick fix to cope with anxiety, boredom, sadness, depression and so on.

Winter pointed out that her peers aren’t adequately warned about marijuana’s side effects, such as withdrawals that can result from abusing the substance.

“They’re misled about how good it is for you,” said Winter, an Anclote varsity basketball player. “They’re told constantly about all these benefits from their peers and from social media, but they’re not told enough about what might not be good,” she said. “It’s just misinformation.”

The panelists also told those gathered at the Land O’ Lakes session that e-cigarettes and vaping, as well as vaping marijuana, are growing issues among teens.

They said it’s perceived as both cool to do and safer than smoking because it’s electronic and so prevalent in public spaces, such as parks and beaches.

Vaughan called vaping “the norm among this generation.”

“It’s become a very big problem,” the teen said. “Everyone believes it’s OK. Everyone does it. Everyone knows someone that does it, and still no one says anything about it.”

Added Winter: “I feel like many kids don’t understand the effects, they don’t understand we’re not quite sure yet what vaping is doing to our bodies and that there’s still research being done.”

Aside from drug use, 12-year-old Maddie Horn said youth violence is another issue in her community.

“A lot of kids are generally angry,” said Horn, “and it could come from things that are happening at home, and they don’t know how to cope with that.”

Besides talking about issues, STAND members offered some possible solutions.

They advocated for more mentorship programs, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as more free afterschool programs, in general.

“I think partially just having safe spaces (would be good), places where kids can go after school that might not be home,” Winter said. “A lot of kids, especially in the area that we live in, don’t live in homes that are very supportive or leading them in the right direction.

“Where I live, the rec center is the only free place I can go to hang out and feel safe, really,” she said.

More robust education programs and awareness campaigns on the negative side effects of drug use might be another step in the right direction, panelists agreed.

“I remember last year we had three school assemblies and not a single one was about health or anything,” Vaughan said. “Just informing people about what happens when you do this kind of stuff and how your brain is affected, and how monumental it is compared to someone that doesn’t do it.”

Other STAND panelists present were: Ashley Dew, 19; Yahkaira Barbosa, 14; Christos Loupis, 17; Moriah Morales, 15; and, Austin Vaughan, 13.

STAND’s mission is to:

  • Change youth perspectives of drugs
  • Reduce accessibility of drugs
  • Reduce marketing of drugs to young people
  • Create an environment where young people in recovery can thrive

To learn more about STAND, contact .

Published July 10, 2019