The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Merged chambers to become Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce

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Members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce came together last week to mark a historical milestone.

They are merging effective July 1, and a special gathering was held to announce the new chamber’s name.

Greg Armstrong, chairman of the board for the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and Les Saland, president of the board for the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, both offered remarks during an event that marked a milestone in both chambers’ history. The gathering was held to announce the name of the new chamber being formed to unify both chambers into a single organization. (B.C. Manion)

The new chamber is expected to have more than 1,000 members and will cover an area from Wesley Chapel to the Gulf of Mexico, from county line to county line.

The recent gathering, dubbed the “Come Together Ambassador Mixer” drew a crowd .

So many people streamed to Spring Hill Suites Tampa North Land O’ Lakes in Land O’ Lakes — that parking was at a premium. The hotel’s lot filled up. Cars made their own spaces along the street. And, more parked on a nearby grassy lot.

Meanwhile, inside, the room was buzzing with conversation as members of both chambers networked, lined up for a hot food buffet and listened to live music.

Those attending also had a chance to win numerous prizes — with winners announced periodically during the celebration.

The main event was the announcement of the unified chamber’s new name.

But before that , Les Saland, president of the Central Pasco Chamber board, told the crowd that he believes the merger was meant to happen.

Greg Armstrong, chairman of the board for the West Pasco Chamber, observed that it’s an opportune time for the two groups to come together.

“This new chamber of commerce sits in the center of the fastest-growing county in the United States,” Armstrong said — eliciting cheers, applause and woo-hoos from the crowd.

“What that means for every business and every citizen is unparalleled opportunity — and that’s what this new chamber is going to be all about, is bringing to our businesses unparalleled opportunity to do exactly what? More business,” Armstrong said.

Tim McClain, an executive with the West Pasco Chamber staff, announced the winner for the naming contest for the new chamber.

Tim Hoppes, of Big State Financial of Florida, won the contest with his suggestion: Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

“It overwhelmingly was the No. 1 choice,” McClain said, noting numerous people suggested the name.

Hoppes was declared the winner because he submitted it first — within the first hour of the naming contest. The rules said the winner would be the first person to suggest the selected name, McClain said.

Next up, the two chambers will come together for an awards banquet and installation of the new officers. That event is planned for June 20 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz. For more information, visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Published May 15, 2019

Saint Leo University receives grant to help students

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Saint Leo University’s Career Center has receive a $2,500 grant from Enterprise Holdings to help provide career-related advice to students.

Stephanie Seymour, talent acquisition specialist for Enterprise Holdings, and Felyce Starr, the company’s talent acquisition manager for the region, presented an oversized check to the university, representing the grant. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The grant was presented by Enterprise Holdings Foundation on May 6, according to a university news release, and is a part of the Enterprise partnership with the university.

“Enterprise recruits [employees] heavily at Saint Leo,” said Nancy Cheek, associate director of Career Services for Saint Leo. “And, Enterprise is always willing to send representatives to share career-related advice at both campus workshops and in webinar sessions for our Saint Leo WorldWide population.

“The company is global, and the local recruiting team does a great job of providing contacts in other parts of the country to our students who are interested in a career with Enterprise but are not in this area,” Cheek noted.

Saint Leo not only educates students at its main campus north of Tampa, but also online and at its more than 30 education centers in seven states.

Jen Shaw, vice president of Student Affairs, said Career Services may use the grant to fund an Enterprise-sponsored office dedicated to helping students and employers conduct interviews by Skype and using other technology. This would allow far-away employers to interview local students, and also let Saint Leo students located anywhere to interview with local business recruiters who might come to the new office, the release said.

Published May 15, 2019

Local veterans’ home celebrates 20 years of service

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The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home drew hundreds to a celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the center’s opening in Land O’ Lakes.

The April 30 ceremony was held outside the facility, which has been home to veterans and has been a place where many community organizations have been involved for two decades.

The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home is located on Parkway Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes. (File)

Marlies Sarrett, the facility administrator, opened the program with a warm welcome to all attendees, followed by words from Charlie Reese, the master of ceremony.

Members of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) from Hillsborough High School added to the patriotic atmosphere.

They performed the ‘presentation of colors’ in precision, marching before the crowd, with both the U.S. and Florida flags held high.

Those who were able, stood placing their right hand over their heart. Veterans who remained seated respectfully saluted the waving flags.

Lt. Col. Demetrius Green, the JROTC instructor, then took to the stage to address the audience – especially former servicemen.

“This facility was built to honor those who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation and freedom around the world – that is you,” Green said. “You are the epitome of what we want our nation to be.”

This iconic image was taken of 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez leading troops in an invasion at Inchon during the Korean War. Lopez died minutes after the photo was taken. (File)

The nursing home’s namesake, Baldomero Lopez, was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after sacrificing himself over a live grenade to spare the lives of his comrades during the Korean War.

The nursing home opened during the late 1990s, when Florida experienced a great demand for veterans’ homes.

“We were the second nursing home built from Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” Sarrett explained.

Within the past two decades, six VA nursing homes have been established in the state, with two more on the way, the administrator added.

Al Carter, chief of staff for the VA’s Florida department, was present for the day’s ceremony and acknowledged the facility’s longtime staff members.

Among those singled out were Jackie Gorgen of the dietary department who has served since the building’s opening and Dr. Nancy Miranda, a pharmacist.

As each approached the stage, they were met with cheers and applause.

The 20th anniversary ceremony for Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home was a special occasion bringing family together. Resident Skip Upham, left, was joined by his brother-in-law, Jim Callahan, for a special lunch after the ceremony. Upham, 78, is a veteran who served in the U.S. Marines. (Brian Fernandes)

A moment of laughter erupted when maintenance man John Mitchell left the stage shouting “Go veterans!”

Resident Walter Kochaniec expressed appreciation for the care that he receives at the nursing home.

“I like the way the people treat you,” the Vietnam veteran stated.

Olga, his wife of over 30 years, was also present at the ceremony and noted the cleanliness of the facility.

She had visited 10 nursing homes before settling on Baldomero for her husband.

After three years there, the 72-year-old said he’s made friends. He also boasted about his winning streak in bingo – one of his favorite games.

Chaplain Ruth Ann Nylen offered the opening and closing prayers at the ceremony.

Having served at Baldomero for five years, she, too, could attest to the warm service the home provides.

“This is a very highly rated place,” the chaplain said. “The staff here are so committed to the veterans. It’s not just a job for them.”

The celebration for Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home’s 20th anniversary was an opportunity for former and current servicemen to congregate. Among attendees were, from left: Gerry Clement, Jerry Foray, John Mitchell, Lt. Col. Demetrius Green, Don Meath, Reggie Outlaw, Vince Krasinski and Fred Pflueger. (Brian Fernandes)

After the service, residents and guests were treated with hamburgers and hot dogs off the grill, as well as coleslaw and baked beans.

Nylen and other staff walked around to greet veterans and their family members.

Outside the dining hall, the chaplain spotted John Grenier, a Korean War veteran.

Around the home, he’s known as a “very friendly, happy guy,” Nylen said.

As she approached, Grenier noticed the chaplain’s familiar face as he regularly attends her Monday morning Bible studies.

It is a testament of the relationships that have been built within the walls of the 20-year-old facility.

“It’s a treasure that most people don’t even realize is located in our community,” Sarrett mentioned.

But, the administrator and her staff are committed to helping other veterans discover what the facility has to offer.

Published May 08, 2019

Saint Anthony Catholic School turns 135 years old

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The grounds of Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio are expected to be buzzing with excitement on May 10, when the school celebrates its 135th anniversary.

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, will preside over a 9 a.m. Mass, followed by speeches by dignitaries, a spring concert and lunch.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal said everyone is invited to attend May 10 festivities to celebrate the 135th anniversary of Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio. (B.C. Manion)

It promises to be a festive occasion for the oldest elementary school in Pasco County and the sixth oldest Catholic school in Florida.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal, school principal, said parents, community members, faculty, staff, students and an advisory board have all played a role preparing for the occasion.

The school, at 12155 Joe Hermann Drive, has 210 students, in kindergarten through eighth grade. It emphasizes academic excellence and faith formation, the principal said.

To gear up for the anniversary celebration, each class researched a 15-year period and fashioned posters sharing facts about events in the Catholic Church, and in the world at large.

The community celebration of the school’s anniversary is fitting, in a place that shows such strong support for the school and appreciates its history, Sister Ottapurackal said.

It’s also an expression of gratitude.

“We’re so grateful for this many years of blessings that God has given us.

“We are celebrating the joy and the gratitude of the opportunity to serve the people for 135 years,” the school principal said.

In addition to blessings from God, the school has enjoyed the support of  the community, families with children at the school, the staff, the Franciscan Sisters, the Benedictine Sisters and Monks, and the Diocese of St. Petersburg, she said.

A massive crowd turned out to dedicate the new school building. (File)

“We all just come together,” she said.

“People have a special love toward this school,” she said. “Whenever we ask for help to improve this school, people are ready to help.”

The school initially opened in 1884, in a 12-foot by 24-foot schoolhouse. That was followed by a two-story frame building.

Next, came a three-story brick building, constructed in 1922, which served thousands of students over decades.

A new building was constructed in 2015, designed architecturally to match the 1922 structure. The St. Petersburg Diocese’ Forward in Faith Capital Campaign made the new structure possible. The 1922 structure was renovated in 2016, through the support of the parish community.

One of the special guests invited to the May 10 event is Mary Louise Clift, of San Antonio.

Her family, originally from Germany, came to the area in 1920, and her father helped to build the 1922 brick structure, the principal said.

Anyone who would like to attend the festivities is welcome, Sister Ottapurackal said.

“The people here are so into history and tradition. They value it. We want to celebrate with them,” she said.

Saint Anthony Catholic School turns 135
Where: 12155 Joe Hermann Drive, San Antonio
When: May 10: 9 a.m., Mass; 10:30 a.m., concert, and other festivities
Cost: Free
Details: The Most. Rev. Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg will preside over the Mass. There will be a spring concert following the Mass. Dignitaries will speak and then there will be a family lunch, with everyone treated to lunch.
Info: Call Saint Anthony Catholic School at (352) 588-3041.

Revised May 13, 2019

Published May 08, 2019

Pasco County’s fiscal picture appears bright for 2020

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As budget planning ramps up for fiscal year 2020, Pasco County officials believe the county has bright economic prospects for the coming year.

“We’re now projecting for the fiscal 2020 budget an increase of 9.5 percent of countywide taxable assessed values. That is the same increase as we had in fiscal year 2019,” said Robert Goehig, budget director for Pasco County.

“This 9.5 percent increase is huge. It’s unprecedented. We haven’t seen increases like this, really, at all. At 9.5 percent increase of assessed value, that generates about an additional $18.5 million in property tax revenues,” the budget expert told the Pasco County Commission, during a workshop session on April 30.

He also noted that the expected rate of the increase for the coming year is the same as it was in 2008, before the Great Recession.

Unlike then, however, the underlying economy is much stronger, Goehig said.

“We feel we’re in a better position now than we were in 2008 because, in 2008, a lot of those home values were really hyper-inflated,” Goehig said.

“Those assessed values now are more based on reason, more based on the market supply and demand than they were 11 years ago. Plus, we’ve added $7 billion in new construction to the assessed value base since then,” the budget director said.

Paying close attention to the economy is important, he added, because it has an impact on the county’s operation.

“So, as the economy does well, people are out spending money. They’re investing in their businesses; they’re investing in their homes.

“This increases sales tax. People travel. That increases fuel tax, which allows us to provide the services that our customers have come to expect,” he said.

As the economy cools, however, the county is less able to meet its customers’ expectations, he said.

To stay on top of the economy, the county monitors all of the standard national, regional and state measures, such as inflation, unemployment and gross domestic product, he said.

It also considers building permit activity, half-cent sales tax revenues and the amount of trash taken to the county’s solid waste site, Goehig added. A decline in those three indicators serves as an early warning signal that the local economy is cooling, he explained.

Because of the current strength of these indicators, the county expects its economy to remain strong, whether or not other places experience a downturn, he said.

“Single-family residential permits is just going through the roof,” Goehig said, noting there were nearly 500 single-family housing permits issued in March.

He also noted that half-cent sales tax revenues are growing at a rate of about 4 percent a year.

Gearing up for the fiscal year 2020 budget, the county is using a new approach, the budget official said.

“In a change this year to our budget process, we’ve asked our department directors to give us all of the initiatives they believe they need to operate their business. In the past years, they’ve kind of self-selected and they haven’t brought forth things that they need because they thought, ‘I’m never getting money for this, why should I even bring it up?’

“We’ve asked them: Even if you think you’re not getting the money for it, bring it up and we’ll discuss it.

“As a result, we’ve gotten over a hundred business plan initiatives that address the general fund and the municipal services fund,” he said.

County Administrator Dan Biles said funding decisions on those priorities will be based on prioritizing the list, then matching it with available funds.

“I haven’t looked at the priority list yet,” Biles said, but he assured commissioners that staff will meet with them individually and they’ll have a chance to look at the entire list.

Much of the discussion about priorities that ultimately will make it into the budget is expected at a budget workshop set for June 25.

“That’s when we’ll dive into the details,” Biles said.

Published May 08, 2019

Iconic Zephyrhills business lost to fire

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A sadness looms over 5707 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Caution tape, and charred debris litter the empty, dirt parking lot.

A pungent smell of burnt wood lingers in the air.

The burned-out shell of the Crystal Bar and Package Store, as seen two days after a fire destroyed the popular Zephyrhills bar. (Christine Holtzman)

Such is the aftermath of a May 2 two-alarm fire that destroyed the Crystal Bar and Package store, a Zephyrhills landmark, which has operated at the location since 1954.

Zephyrhills Fire Rescue received a call about a commercial building on fire at the Crystal Bar and Package store on Gall Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., on May 2, according to a report from Pasco County Fire Rescue.

Upon arrival, Zephyrhills fire reported heavy fire through the roof, according to Pasco Fire Rescue’s report.

Pasco County Fire Rescue assisted Zephyrhills Fire Rescue in battling the fire, which was upgraded to a two-alarm fire, and caused the closure of Gall Boulevard at 12th Street, requiring local detours. No injuries were reported. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to respond to the scene.

Two days after the fire, Bob Geddes, one of the establishment’s owners, was in disbelief, as he, family and friends, returned to the site to search for items that may have survived the enormous blaze that raged through the wood-frame building.

Geddes said the fire was electrical in nature. He said it started in the attic and moved swiftly, fueled by old, dry wood. The roof collapsed. He said the building is considered a total loss.

Armed with a cordless drill, bar manager/owner Bob Geddes Jr., walks toward the entrance, to enter the fire-ravaged building.

The establishment, known to be the longest-operating bar in the city, has a rich history within the community.

Geddes’ father, Bob, and his mother, Geraldine — who went by Jerry — bought the bar in 1954. The younger Bob was just 18 months old at the time.

In the early years, the owners, originally from Chicago operated the bar from an old wood structure that sat behind the current building.

The couple went on to have six kids, some of whom worked in the business in some capacity, over the years.

Around 27 years ago, the Geddes siblings formed a corporation and became the current owners. Their mom passed away in 2000, and their dad passed on in 2004.

The loss of the bar has touched a chord with people who have patronized it through the years. Its Facebook page is filled with comments, offering condolences, sharing memories and expressing a sense of loss.

It was a place where lifelong friendships began. Relationships that formed within its walls sometimes led to marriage. Going to the bar for a drink became a rite of passage for generations of families.

Although people have been asking whether the Crystal Bar will be rebuilt, two days after the blaze — as Geddes and loved ones searched through the rubble — the answer remained unclear.

“Who knows what the future holds,” Geddes said.

B.C. Manion contributed to this story.

Published May 08, 2019

Pasco Sheriff’s Office hone crisis intervention skills

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Pasco County Sheriff’s Office deputies recently spent a week learning how to use the power of words to de-escalate situations that have the potential to turn dangerous.

In one role-play scenario, Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies Breanna Chandler and Lindsay Steward intermediated between a mother and her teenage daughter with oppositional defiant disorder.

In another scene, deputies Ricardo Ortiz and Jose Vazquez-Trujillo sought to calm a schizophrenic man who had paranoia and homicidal ideations about a next-door neighbor.

In one mock scenario, Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies Ricardo Ortiz, left, and Jose Vazquez-Trujillo are tasked with calming a schizophrenic man who had paranoia and homicidal ideations about a next-door neighbor. The practice exercise was part of the agency’s crisis intervention training to better equip law enforcement officers with verbal de-escalation techniques in dealing with citizens in various mental states. Crisis intervention instructor Tom Kelley plays the role of the man with schizophrenia disorder. (Kevin Weiss)

Other mock scenarios had deputies and corrections officers encounter inmates or juveniles with suicidal thoughts, or, deal with someone with severe substance abuse. There was even a situation that exposed deputies to someone with low-functioning autism.

There weren’t any takedowns, hands-on combat nor use of nonlethal force.

Rather, this type of police training simply required conversations to resolve problems.

For each participating law enforcement officer, the objective was to have a better understanding of mental health in crisis and to learn how to better respond to de-escalate a situation during a call for service.

It was all part of the agency’s recent Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program at Pasco Safety Town in Shady Hills.

The weeklong, 40-hour CIT program is a collaborative effort between the sheriff’s office and many local behavioral and mental health community partners. It is held four times per year within the agency.

Throughout the week, deputies received instruction on various subjects, such as signs and symptoms of mental illness, co-occurring disorders, addiction, dementia, trauma informed care, and juvenile and veteran response.

De-escalation techniques centered on maintaining positive body language and tone of voice, along with active listening skills to appropriately reflect upon a subject’s feelings.

Deputies then put those techniques to the test with role-play scenes, which were written out by a licensed mental health counselor in collaboration with a law enforcement officer. Volunteer actors played the various roles of persons in crisis.

The mock exercises required deputies to determine whether or not to detain a subject for an involuntary mental health evaluation, otherwise known as the Baker Act; provide a referral to various behavioral health services and resources; or, simply offer someone a shoulder to lean on and to listen to a subject’s personal problems.

One of the instructors and role play actors was Tom Kelley, a former law enforcement and military officer, who operates a consulting firm specializing in crisis intervention and crime prevention.

In traditional law enforcement academies, trainees are taught to enter situations with authority in voice and action.

In the crisis intervention program, however, Kelley instructed deputies to find a softer, more inviting tone when dealing with people undergoing a mental crisis.

Kelley put it this way to a classroom full of deputies: “Let them know that you’re there and you care. At that moment, they need to feel like you’re the most caring person in the world, because they are at their worst.”

In this role-play exercise, Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies Breanna Chandler, left, and Lindsay Steward try to calm a with teenage daughter with oppositional defiant disorder. It was part of the law enforcement agency’s recent weeklong Crisis Intervention Team training program. Volunteer Brittany Graniero, a licensed mental health counselor, plays the role of the defiant teen.

Pasco Sheriff’s Lt. Toni Roach has been the agency’s CIT coordinator since 2016.

She said the objective of crisis intervention is twofold.

First, it’s to reduce potential injury to citizens and responding deputies.

Second, it’s utilized to help divert people with “potentially criminal behavior or disruptive behavior” away from the jail system and into a mental health system where they can get proper diagnosis and treatment.

Roach explained: “The idea is to use your words and de-escalate rather than quickly resorting to force when the people you’re interacting with become nervous or scared, and are apprehensive to do what the deputy asks them to do.”

The training is vital for law enforcement personnel, the lieutenant said.

Roach put it this way: “We want to make sure that we can serve our public and provide them with good resources, and then hopefully we interact with them in a positive manner, so that, especially people with mental illness who have a fear of law enforcement, we can reduce that level of fear and have a good relationship with our community.”

Twenty-nine sheriff’s office personnel graduated from the recent spring class.

Upon graduation, each deputy received a pin for their uniform indicating they’ve had advanced training in crisis intervention.

Roach said about 50 percent of patrol deputies are CIT certified, also noting the public is able to request a CIT trained officer in a call for service. The agency is striving to have all of its deputies CIT certified in the future, she said.

In addition to the sheriff’s office, organizations that assisted in facilitating the CIT program were the National Alliance on Mental Illness, HCA Florida Hospitals, Rogers Behavioral Health, North Tampa Behavioral Health, BayCare Health System, Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, and Veteran’s Affairs clinics.

Published May 08, 2019

Wesley Chapel library to be remodeled this fall

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Community locals gathered at the New River Branch Library to learn of Pasco County’s plans to renovate the building’s interior and exterior.

The April 25 meeting was also an opportunity for the public to voice any questions, concerns or ideas regarding the project.

The library is one of seven branches that will undergo makeovers with funding provided by a general obligation bond overwhelmingly supported by Pasco County voters in November 2018.

Angelo Liranzo explained to a crowd on April 25 the future plans to remodel the New River Branch Library. The library, located near the border of Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, is one of seven branches in Pasco County that will undergo renovations. (Brian Fernandes)

The New River library is situated at 34043 State Road 54, which is near the border of Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

Much of the planning for the improvements was based on feedback received from library patrons, said Angelo Liranzo, regional branch manager for New River and the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City.

Those attending the community meeting saw aerial-view drawings of the library — which will be reconfigured but not expanded.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working along with the county to fulfill the project.

A second entry will be added with a right-turn lane for motorists who are heading west on Old State Road 54.

The entrance will lead to the existing parking lot and will have signage to direct drivers.

Guests inquired about a possible way to turn left onto Old State Road 54 when exiting the library. At present, only right turns can be made when leaving the premises.

“We were hoping for a left-hand turn median, [but] we don’t see that in FDOT’s plans right now,” the branch manager responded.

However, he encouraged the group to take the issue up with county officials.

Linda Harris was relieved when plans were mentioned to incorporate more seating between the parking lot and the entrance.

“My friend is physically challenged and she has a hard time getting from her car all the way into the building,” the Zephyrhills resident said.

She explained that with additional seating, her friend can stop to rest, if needed.

There also are plans to add a book drop-off site in the parking lot, making it more convenient to return books.

A sidewalk also will be added, leading from the parking lot to the library’s community garden on the building’s east side.

This will provide easy access to the garden for those with limited mobility, Liranzo said.

Within the garden, an outdoor classroom will be built and shaded by an aluminum roof.

Alexandra Kotzeva is receptive to the plan. The Wesley Chapel resident volunteers at the library after school hours.

“I’m really glad to hear that the outdoor class(room) is going to be a thing now,” the 17-year-old said.

Attendees also expressed interest when they learned that the outdoor classroom would also serve as a stage for live performances and seminars, and also be equipped with proper lighting.

When a question was raised about security, Liranzo noted that lighting and surveillance cameras around the library’s outer perimeter is a possibility.

Cameras may be placed inside as well, especially at the entrance, he added.

Plans also call for seating in the front lobby, to encourage a social atmosphere, and there will be an art gallery.

The existing meeting room, to the immediate left, also will be enlarged by moving the rear wall back several feet. That room will also have new lighting, that can be dimmed or brightened, depending on the nature of the activity.

In response to a question about the children’s room, Liranzo said that the area will be larger and will be designed as an activities area.

It will feature a variety of amenities for the children, and will be walled off by a glass window so kids can still be supervised from the adult room.

As the largest area in the library, the adult room will be open to all, with computer stations, as well as a reading and seating area.

There will be three new study rooms by patron request and a room for young adults.

Also, there will be new restrooms.

“There will be self-checkout,” Liranzo added. “We’re trying to create more self-service opportunities for people who just want to do something quick, and go.”

These book stations will be located at the front desk and in various areas of the library.

However, he noted, library staff will still be available to help patrons requiring assistance.

New River will be closed during construction, which is set to begin in October, and is expected to take six months to complete.

Staff will be working with community partners to provide library services at other locations.

Published May 08, 2019

MOSI offers a hands-on approach to science

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The Museum of Science and Industry — known as MOSI, for short — has been a staple within the Tampa Bay Area for 30 years.

And, the tourist attraction is showing no signs of slowing down.

Last month, it unveiled its Dinovations Lab exhibit.

This large reptilian is a landmark to help tourists spot where to have a day of fun. (Brian Fernandes)

“The star of our Dinovations Lab is our full-sized Diplodocus dinosaur,” said  Anthony Pelaez, senior director of exhibits and innovation at MOSI.

The exhibit is a new addition, but Diplodocus — the centerpiece of the exhibit — is no stranger to frequent MOSI guests.

In 1998, a replica of the dinosaur’s skeletal frame was built and housed in the museum’s original building. Earlier this year, it was moved to the adjacent building to take its place among other exhibits.

But, the museum also has built an environment with a theme related to Diplodocus.

“The dinosaurs were always something that people kept asking for,” the exhibits director said. “When we made the transition, we decided to use this as an opportunity to create a dinosaur exhibition.”

The 90-foot-long Diplodocus clearly makes a statement — as it towers over everything.

And, inside the Dinovations Lab, fun awaits.

At the Cargo Loader station, guests can sit outside of a large rectangular dome with clear windows.

Ever wonder what it would be like to operate a driverless automobile? MOSI has an instructional video on how this one works.

Using a console, guests guide a hook to lift up the top of crates, which contain roaring dinosaurs.

There’s also a Paleo Lab, where visitors can analyze fossils using a microscope that zooms in and displays its findings on TV monitors.

The same concept is found at the Geo Lab station, where the focus of exploration is prehistoric rocks.

Dinosaur toys are set up for kids who want a little playtime and, behind a clear case, there’s a replica of the size and shape of a Diplodocus egg.

As guests roam from station to station, they can learn from facts that are posted regarding the gigantic reptile.

On any given day, for instance, Diplodocus ate 80 pounds of leaves and plants.

That may help to explain the reptile’s staggering weight of 29,000 pounds.

Pelaez said that the new exhibit has been well-received by the public.

He describes it this way: “It’s a fantastic way for them to get excited about the sciences.”

While an added amenity can be exciting, other existing exhibits continue to offer intrigue and instill awe among spectators.

The Bionic Man, on display at MOSI, shows how modern day technology helps to aid and advance the human body with artificial hearts, prosthetics and silicone.

Beside the Dinovations Labs is the Art Factory.

That’s where paintings galore can be found.

One might spot artist Michael Knapp at his usual spot painting the wonders of astronomy or technological innovations.

When kids feel like being proactive, they can sit at the Idea Zone exhibit.

Here, the youth can work on their own projects, whether they choose arts, crafts or building a customized robot.

The Connectus room gives visitors an opportunity to learn about technology, and provides a chance to imagine what the future may offer.

With touchscreen panels, guests can learn about the history of aviation and new developments that are expected in coming years.

Other touchscreen panels allow people to build their own ‘smart city,’ factoring in environmental needs, education, transportation and recreation.

State-of-the-art drones are on display, as is MOSI’s own driverless automobile — where guests can walk inside and tour.

Mission: Moonbase appeals to those who are fascinated by what lies beyond the Earth.

As one steps into this dim-lit space, a narrator explains the wonders of flying through the galaxy.

Various consoles offer a chance for guests to put their video game skills to work, maneuvering on the moon or other various planets.

With sound effects, the exhibit creates a sense of what it feels like at a launch pad and taking off into space.

As the newest addition to MOSI, the Dinovations Lab gives insight into dinosaurs, especially its comeback attraction – the 90-foot-long Diplodocus.

Slippery Science provides insight regarding how hockey arenas are set up, while the Saunders Planetarium gives guests a simulated tour though the solar system.

While roaming from one exhibit to the next, there are displays and activities that may stir one’s curiosity. Tug-O-War is one example of this.

By using a mechanical device, participants can tug a rope from both ends, trying to draw wooden objects in their direction.

Displayed in a clear, cylinder case, the Bionic Man stands tall showing spectators how modern science has advanced the human body.

His body is made of silicone, an artificial heart, dentures, prosthetics limbs and replaced joints.

The Hurricane Tube incapsulates guests in a chamber, where cranking up a speed dial allows them to experience the intense force of hurricane winds.

The Tesla Coil may seem intimidating at first as it requires the tips of a gloved hand to come in contact with an electrical discharge.

However, once a hand is placed inside, the metal-meshed glove and the start button is pushed, the only shock felt is the awe in what is being witnessed.

And, for those who want to venture outdoors, there is a playground, as well as an obstacle course made of ropes.

MOSI’s location across from the University of South Florida and along a busy main road, make it an easy attraction to spot.

While there have been past discussions about relocating MOSI to downtown Tampa that idea has been dropped, Pelaez said.

And, the museum is busy gearing up for new activities.

This month, it kicks off the ‘One Small Step’ summer exhibit, with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch into space. The exhibit will offer an extensive history on the mission.

With new amenities on the rise, the museum takes pride in using fun and creativity to educate tomorrow’s leaders, Pelaez said.

“There’s a lot to be said for the power of imagination in science,” he said.

Museum of Science and Industry
Where: 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
When: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $12.95 for ages 13 to 59; $10.95 for age 60 and up; $7.95 for ages 3 to 12; free admission for age 2 and under
Details: This historic landmark in the Tampa Bay Area merges science and technology with hands-on fun, whether for a class field trip or an entire family.
Info: Call the museum at (813) 987-6000, or visit MOSI.org.

Published May 08, 2019

Florida aims to stop motorists from texting while driving

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign into law a measure that would allow tickets to be issued to motorists for texting while driving — as a primary offense.

The current law considers texting while driving a secondary offense — meaning motorists can only be cited for the offense, if they are initially pulled over for another violation.

A new Florida statute would constitute texting while driving as a primary offense. Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the measure into law, and if he does, it will take effect on July 1. (Christine Holtzman)

The Florida House passed a bill on April 29 to limit distracted drivers, several days after the Senate version of the bill was passed.

“We’ve been very happy with the Legislature passing the bill,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for the American Automobile Association (AAA). “This shows that lawmakers are dedicated to making the road safer and taking distracted driving very seriously.”

Jenkins said a driver is eight times more likely to be involved in an accident when texting.

If DeSantis signs the measure, motorists will be able to text while stationary, such as at a stoplight, and will be able use their phones for navigation purposes.

Talking on the phone will not be generally prohibited for drivers, but there will be hands-free areas, such as school or work zones. In these areas, devices such as Bluetooth would be acceptable.

In Pasco County, eight citations and 13 warnings regarding texting on the road were issued last year.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco expressed his approval for the bill, mentioning several key lawmakers who sponsored it.

“We thank Sen. (Wilton) Simpson and Rep. (Chris) Sprowls for their leadership in addressing the important issue of distracted driving. We believe this bill will help keep our citizens safe and look forward to it becoming law in the near future,” Nocco said, in a statement.

Florida is set to  join 43 states that have made texting while driving a primary offense.

Once signed by the governor, the law would go into effect on July 1.

The hands-free requirement while talking in zones would take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, following a three-month warning period.

Published May 08, 2019