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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Wiregrass Ranch High uses online orientation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published August 07, 2019

Police officers help kids start school year in style

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published August 07, 2019

Pasco Schools budget nearly $1.4 billion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published August 07, 2019

Sister Mildred enjoyed ‘tinkering’ with machinery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That retirement was short-lived.

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

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

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

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

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

Published August 07, 2019

Medical Center of Trinity marks a first in Tampa Bay area

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Medical Center of Trinity is the first medical institution in the Tampa Bay area to use the CorPath GRX system – a robotic-assisted device used in coronary care.

The hospital had a celebration on July 30 to unveil the device to the public.

Dr. Patrick Cambier, an interventional cardiologist at the medical center, has had the opportunity to operate using the new device.

Brandon Davis of Corindus Vascular Robotics Inc., demonstrated how the CorPath GRX system operates during a July 30 ribbon cutting ceremony at Medical Center of Trinity. The device is used to help treat blocked arteries. (Brian Fernandes)

“We’re very excited for the Medical Center of Trinity, that they decided to be the first hospital (in the Bay Area),” Cambier said. “It’s a completely new paradigm.”

The robotic arm handles medical tools that would otherwise be manually used by physicians – including a catheter and stents.

At a console station, the doctor maneuvers the arm using a set of joysticks. A large monitor shows where to guide the catheter, as its inserted into the patient’s artery.

The blockage can be pinpointed, through the use of an X-ray. A stent is inserted into the clogged artery with a balloon catheter. The balloon is inflated and the stent is locked into place, to keep the artery open.

Brandon Davis of Corindus Vascular Robotics Inc., explained the functions of the device, at the event, which took place in the hospital’s lobby.

“This robot can stretch out all the way across the patient and can go to any access point. It’s driving the wires and balloons through your artery, through your arm and all the way up to your heart,” he said.

In addition to being inserted through the forearm, it can also go through the femoral arteries in the thighs.

Although patients have limited exposure to radiation during a stent procedure, medical staff have higher safety risks that are two-fold, Davis added.

Despite wearing lead suits for precaution, staff are still exposed to radiation as they spend time around X-ray equipment.

The weight of the lead suit can also pose risks of spinal injury.

However, with the CorPath GRX, medical staff can work from their console station and keep a safe distance from the X-ray machine, while using the robot to operate.

Dr. Cambier said patients benefit because the machine reduces the chance of a medical error during the procedure.

“This allows us to raise the bar of existing equipment to a more precise fashion,” the cardiologist said. “It takes all of the variables of a human out, in terms of tremors [and] fatigue.”

While this is a new feature in the Bay Area, it has had considerable growth in the United States and abroad after being introduced in 2017.

There are more than 60 devices in use across the U.S., and the device is reaching such countries as Singapore, Japan, China and Brazil, Davis said.

The system also allows doctors to perform remote procedures.

“We’ve already done our first remote case in India where the physician was 20 miles away from the patient,” Davis explained. “That was done all wireless.”

Both Cambier and Davis pointed out that this technology is only advancing as efforts are underway to broaden its use into neurology. This would allow stroke victims to receive treatment from their operating physician, while in another region of the globe.

Last year, Cambier had to travel to Texas to train and acclimate himself to the new device. However, he welcomes other Bay Area physicians to train locally at Medical Center of Trinity and understand the robotic benefits.

“It starts making things much more uniform,” he said. “Uniformity leads to more consistent outcomes and [that’s] good for the patients of the Tampa Bay Area.”

Published August 07, 2019

Paninis help relieve stress on school days

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It’s August — and that means families will be getting back into their school routines.

Besides gearing up in the morning, there’s the evening to think about, too.

As kids get into their extracurricular activities and homework habits, there is usually one part of the day that can get particularly stressful: dinnertime.

As families settle back into school week routines, paninis offer a good choice for quick meals. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)

We all hear that this should be family time, a time for no TV, a chance to talk about our day and, of course, the meal should be a healthy one.

Having dinner together has a positive impact on a child’s development, but cooking often can take too long to fit into a busy evening of helping with homework, and dropping kids off and picking them up from practice, rehearsals or other activities.

This is where paninis can help save the day.

And, it just so happens that besides being back-to-school time, August is also National Panini Month.

Your experience with paninis may be limited to a sandwich shop, but you can easily make them at home.

They are similar to a sandwich, but are not quite the same.

To make a panini, you press or heat the ingredients to make them blend together in a press machine. You want the panini pressed to the point when the bread can’t be removed from the middle ingredients (meat, cheese and veggies).

If you don’t have a press machine, simply grill the panini on the stove (think grilled cheese) and “press” using a spatula, flip to other side, and repeat.

You can also use the lid to a pan instead of a spatula.

Traditionally, you wouldn’t use every day sliced bread for a panini. Instead, use a baguette, rolls or focaccia-style bread.

It just takes a few minutes to make, and the crispier you like it, the longer you’ll want to press it.

Where did the panini originate?
As you might tell from the name, it is Italian and means “small bread.”

According to Grand Voyage Italy, they became popular in Milan in the ’70s and ’80s for a quick option for people on lunch breaks, and then made their way to New York City at upscale restaurants.

Eventually, the popularity of paninis spread to other cities, adding more varieties and becoming more available at family friendly establishments.

In Italy, they have their own “rules” for paninis. They use only one type of meat and only a few slices of it, and no olive oil and vinegar — they save the dressing for salads.

But, here, there aren’t really any rules. There’s no right or wrong way to make a hot sandwich. Just try to get as many food groups into it as you can (fruit, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy).

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Ham and Turkey Panini

Ingredients:
2 slices provolone cheese

1 ciabatta roll, split (or any bread of choice)

2 slices ham

2 slices turkey

½ cup arugula, or spinach

1 medium tomato, sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced

½ small red onion

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Preheat and oil press machine.

Place a slice of cheese on both the top and bottom pieces of bread.

Layer meat slices, arugula, tomato, bell pepper, and onion on bottom slice of bread.

Scatter most of olive oil and vinegar, add salt and pepper to taste.

Place top slice of bread on top and graze with remaining olive oil.

Place sandwich on machine and press shut.

Cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted (about 5 minutes).

You can also make it on the stove and use the spatula (or lid of a pan) to press it down a few minutes on each side.

Yield: Makes one sandwich

Published August 07, 2019

Pasco educator embraces theater again

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During college years and beyond, Patty Smithey has devoted much of her time traveling the globe, and helping kids as an educator.

Earlier this year, though, the Land O’ Lakes resident decided to devote more of her leisure time tapping into her artistic side with acting – a lifelong passion.

“I realized recently that I needed to do something that really, truly made me happy,” Smithey explained. “I need to help other people, but it’s OK to help yourself, too.”

Patty Smithey, of Land O’ Lakes, recently became reacquainted with her love for performing on stage. She recently played Ariel, the lead role in ‘The Little Mermaid’ musical. (Courtesy of Patty Smithey)

The college admissions recruiter made her debut theater performance, as an adult, in June, in Cabaret. And, she just finished starring as the lead role Ariel, in The New Tampa Players’ production of “The Little Mermaid.”

While she just got back into acting this year, her fascination with the craft dates back to her early childhood.

Smithey recalls getting bit by the acting bug when she was just 3 years old.

The Tampa native said she and her younger sister would put on their own performances at home.

These homemade productions often involved acting, dancing and singing.

Smithey described herself as being a shy kid, but said acting provided an outlet for her to comfortably express herself.

“I just really love musical theater,” she said. “It’s always been in the back of my mind burning.”

That passion helped her break out of her shell as she got older, eventually joining the drama club while attending Steinbrenner High School, in Lutz.

The experience granted her the opportunity to venture outside the school auditorium with her group and perform statewide.

She did consider acting as a possible career path, but said her mother encouraged her to pursue other avenues.

Smithey attended Florida State University where she received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years.

“I majored in international affairs, which was an amazing experience,” Smithey stated. “I got to study abroad in Panama, Prague, Croatia – the most beautiful places.”

She credits her travels in helping her to develop a greater appreciation for daily life, and a broader understanding of other people.

“One thing I learned throughout my educational experience, that’s consistent, is about people and human nature,” Smithey added.

Her newly found connection to others compelled her to focus her career on academics and to inspire others in their educational endeavors.

After school, she moved to New York, where she worked as a college recruiter before returning to the Sunshine State.

Back in Florida, Smithey continued a role in academics, but this time catering to a much younger demographic.

At Spring Hill’s Classical Preparatory School, she taught reading, writing, mathematics and science to fourth-graders.

Currently, she’s an admissions recruiter at the Land O’ Lakes branch of Rasmussen College.

She enjoys her work, but she also has felt a tug to return to the stage.

So, instead of thinking about it, she told herself: “Why don’t I just get out there and do it, even if it’s not professional.”

She then took to Facebook to see what local theater productions were available.

Off the heels of her Cabaret performance, the actress didn’t hesitate in auditioning for “The Little Mermaid” musical.

So, once she landed the role, she began sharing her time between work and rehearsals for the production, which just wrapped up at the University Area Cultural Development Center in Tampa.

Playing in the lead role was an honor, and gratifying, too, Smithey said.

“It came [as] a complete shock to me. It was like ‘Wow, these people have faith in me,’” she said.

Even as the experience rekindles her love for acting, the teacher within Smithey can’t help but see her experience as an opportunity teach youths a lesson.

She said it gives her a chance to tell them: “There’s always going to be obstacles, but if you put the work in, it really pays off.”

Published August 07, 2019

Snag a pass to children’s museum

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Pasco County Libraries has your ticket for free, family friendly fun at the Glazer Children’s Museum, a nonprofit, hands-on, interactive learning center.

The museum offers 19 themed areas and 170 exhibits, annually.

And, according to its website, guests can “Play with purpose at the Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa’s interactive, learning laboratory where children play, discover, and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders.”

The pass is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and is good for free admission for up to five guests. It can only be used once within the seven-day checkout period.

Blackout dates at the museum and other restrictions may apply.

The museum is at 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza in downtown Tampa. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit GlaserMuseum.org.

Reserve the Museum Pass in person at any Pasco County Library, or online at bit.ly/GCMPass.

Published August 07, 2019

Project needs outpace funding in Pasco County Schools

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As Pasco County Schools heads into a new school year, the district faces a perennial issue: There’s not enough money to cover district construction and maintenance needs.

“Our current debt is about $525 million,” Chris Williams, director of planning told Pasco County School Board members during a workshop last week.

Pasco’s rapid growth continues to create demand for new or expanded schools, and the district’s list of maintenance needs is lengthy.

There are buildings “that aren’t even on the list, that we can’t even get to,” said Alison Crumbley, school board chairwoman.

“There are lots of projects that need to be done that are not being done,” Williams agreed.

The state reduced its Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) fund for Pasco County Schools to zero for next year, Williams said.

“We received $1.2 million in ’18-’19, but are projected to receive zero this year,” he said.

“Of course, as you can tell with the current debt, our capital needs continue to outpace our revenue.”

School Board member Allen Altman said for people who are unfamiliar with the district’s size and scope, it’s hard to fathom its needs.

“We have, as a district, somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,400 individual buildings.

“You think about that and you look at the dollars that are here for maintenance and repair.

“We are below the estimated needed cost for the maintenance for our facilities. There is no golden pot of money,” Altman said.

So, as district staff deliberates on priorities, there is generally give-and-take between departments, Altman said.

He described how the conversations can go: One employee will say, “‘We can patch up this roof for one more year so you can get this safety thing you need done, over here.”

And, a food and nutrition employee will say: “OK, we’ll give up this serving line, so you all can fix that HVAC over there.”

“I want people to understand these are big dollar numbers we’re looking at, but when you spread over the number of campuses, the number of facilities and the amount of people coming in and out of them every day, just to maintain them — there is no pot of money sitting there,” Altman said.

The district must build new schools, renovate existing schools, fix roofs, paint buildings, provide buses, improve safety, upgrade technology, replace furniture and make myriad repairs, district officials say. The dollars simply don’t stretch far enough, they say.

There is some bright news, Williams said.

“In the tax roll, we’re projecting an 8.67 increase,” he said. This is the second year the county has exceeded the tax roll that was achieved back in 2007-2008.

The Penny for Pasco revenues also are projected to be up.

“Our Penny for Pasco collections continue to be at the highest level of collection since the inception of the Penny (tax).

In 2019-2020, the Penny revenue is projected to be $31.1 million, which Williams characterized as “very good news.”

The planning director also noted that impact fees are expected to come in at $26 million, which is higher than initially anticipated.

Even so, Altman said: “New residential growth never pays for itself. In spite of that impact fee number coming in higher than expected, it still does not cover our cost.”

Published July 31, 2019

Car donation gives veteran smoother path to success

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Chauncey Roberts, a veteran of the U.S. Army, arrived at Lutz Ferman Collision, as a passenger — but when he left, he was driving his own set of wheels.

Roberts was surprised when a silver 2011 Volkswagen Jetta sedan pulled up and was presented to him, during a July 24 event at the collision center.

Geico Auto Insurance and Enterprise were key contributors working in the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program to make this donation.

The teams of Lutz Ferman Collision and Geico Auto Insurance rallied around Chauncey Roberts after he received a donated car from the companies on July 24. Even the Geico Gecko was present to cheer on Roberts during his special occasion. (Brian Fernandes)

“It’s tears of joy,” the New Port Richey resident said, with emotion. “This is going to be so much better for me.”

Behind Roberts, a crowd – mostly made up of business participants – broke out in applause.

Teressa Knab, an attendee, is a public affairs coordinator for Geico Auto Insurance.

“It feels really good,” Knab noted on the occasion. “As the largest auto insurance in the state of Florida, we feel like it’s our obligation to make sure we’re taking care of the people in our state.”

Scott Rippelle, general manager at Ferman Collision, heard about Roberts’ transportation needs and was intrigued by his service in the U.S. Army.

As Rippelle stated: “When I was growing up, the biggest thing I always thought about [was] ‘Who’s our heroes?’ When I got older, I realized our heroes were the high school students coming out of school to give up their lives to fight for our country.”

Rippelle referred Roberts to Geico, who actively donates vehicles to the Recycled Rides program.

After the veteran went through an approval process, his soon-to-be ride was sent to Ferman Collision in Lutz to get a brand new look.

Recycled Rides was established in 2007 to help everyday commuters get around with ease by having their own means of transportation.

In 2018, 90 vehicles were donated nationwide and, this year, that number is expected to exceed 200 vehicles.

For Roberts, the vehicle will make it easier for him to pursue his goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist.

After his honorable discharge from the service, he experienced multiple setbacks.

While working at Tampa General Hospital, Roberts had no immediate family close by and struggled to find stable residency.

Chauncey Roberts, a veteran of the U.S. Army, posed next to his 2011 Volkswagen Jetta sedan on July 24 outside of Ferman Collision in Lutz.

He briefly stayed at a friend’s home while she was hospitalized.

After her unfortunate passing, Roberts reached out to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families and was provided permanent housing.

With a stable home, he is currently working evenings and going to school.

Without a car, he had challenges getting to and from school. He walked, rode a bicycle, caught buses, and used Lyft and Uber.

“We hear that all the time, that customers or recipients will spend like three hours commuting just to their jobs,” Knab said. “With a car, it cuts that commute down and gives them more time to be with their family [and] potentially work a better job.”

As a student at A-1 Healthcare Academy in New Port Richey, that’s precisely what Roberts hopes to achieve.

And, besides making it easier to achieve his own goals, Roberts said he’s now in a position to help others.

“I have coworkers who don’t have cars,” Roberts said. “I can give them a ride home or give them a ride to work. I understand that situation – been there, done that. Now I can bless others.”

So, it turns out that the generosity that Roberts has received will have a spillover effect — spreading that kindness to others.

Published July 31, 2019