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Sharing a meal, supporting each other

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The Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes began with a simple premise: Why not start a group where women could meet to have lunch and support one another?

And, that’s exactly what happened.

The club has no membership fees or mandatory attendance.

Karla Arita, who came up with the idea for the group along with her friend Kim Smith, said the group’s goal is for members to promote themselves and support each other. (B.C. Manion)

Women come, have lunch and talk for a minute about their business, upcoming events or anything else they want to share.

The club has its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at  Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

Power Gals was the brainchild of Karla Arita, a real estate agent with People’s Choice Realty Services, and Kim Smith, a loan officer with Fairway Independent Loan Corporation.

It launched more than a year ago.

Ten women showed up to the first meeting.

Now, the club has 300 members, with chapters in Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Spring Hill, Boca Raton, Miami and in Forney, Texas, Arita said.

“We’re here, not just to promote ourselves; we’re here to support each other,” Arita said, during the club’s March 21 meeting in Land O’ Lakes. “That’s what sisterhood is all about. We are more than just a regular networking group. We are an extended family. We support each other.”

Maxine Rosen, a financial advisor, said belonging to Power Gals is like being a member of a sorority, without the hazing.

Then, women began introducing themselves.

On this particular day, there were two hair stylists, two travel agents, a financial advisor, a handmade soap maker, a banker, an etiquette expert, an insurance agent, a relocation specialist, a coffee saleswoman, a pet sitter, a life coach, an inspirational speaker, a jewelry saleswoman and a credit card processing expert — among those gathered.

As they made their way around the room, it didn’t take long for one woman to ask for the group’s support. Her husband has just been diagnosed with cancer, and she asked for the group’s prayers.

Without missing a beat, the group immediately responded by joining together to pray for him.

As the women spoke, they talked of upcoming events, job openings and other free networking opportunities.

When the luncheon wrapped up, several women lingered in the restaurant, chatting with each other about business ventures, or just catching up.

Erica Torres-Grubbs said Power Gals share information and build personal relationships.

Erica Torres-Grubbs, who owns Brightway, The Torres-Grubbs Agency, with her husband, said she enjoys belonging to Power Gals.

“The whole group has been great for me,” Torres-Grubb said, noting she’s been a member for eight months.

“We exchange information, but we also build personal relationships,” she said, also noting she’s made business connections and has grown personally.

Lori Judd, a travel agent, was attending her first Power Gals meeting. She was impressed.

“What a blessing. This is the only group that I’ve been in that didn’t say, ‘Hey, we need you to pay for this. Or, ‘Here’s a membership.’

“It’s just: We want to support each other,” Judd said.

Lyzbeth Piper said Power Gals share such a tight bond, they feel like family members.

Lyzbeth Piper, who has a cleaning company, runs the Power Gals with a Latin Twist that meets on the first Friday of each month at Bahama Breeze, at Cypress Creek Town Center. The meetings are from noon to 2 p.m.

Piper was at the inaugural meeting of Power Gals, and Arita is her real estate agent.

“Everybody is really professional and everybody helps everybody here. It feels like family here,” Piper said.

Ashley Jennings, a travel agent, said she enjoys chatting with club members who come from diverse occupations, have a wealth of experience and are helpful.

“It’s nice to have somebody to talk to, and just bounce things off of,” Jennings said.

“It’s women empowering women,” Jennings said. “Whether it’s business or personal, these ladies have your back.”

Ashley Jennings said the women in Power Gals have each other’s backs, professionally and personally.

Maxine Rosen, a financial advisor, has been with the club since Day 1, and is completely sold on its value.

“It’s truly a sisterhood. It’s like a sorority, without the hazing,” Rosen said.

She has tremendous regard for Arita.

“I’ve met a lot of wonderful people in my life — I have never met anybody like Karla, the most giving, kind, generous, empathetic, warm, loving individual.”

Rosen offers this advice to women who want to know more about Power Gals: “Please come and join us, and make new friends.”

Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes
When: Meets on the third Thursday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive, Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Buy your own lunch.
Details: This networking group is about women from diverse occupational backgrounds supporting and promoting each other.
Info: Call Karla Arita at (813) 408-2038; or, visit PowerGals.net.

Published April 3, 2019

Grieving parents want to offer comfort to others

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Months after losing their infant son, Alissa Rodriguez and Ryan Mellor have donated to AdventHealth Zephyrhills the same kind of device that helped provide them comfort in the hours immediately following Collin’s death.

During a March 26 ceremony at the hospital, the Wesley Chapel couple provided a CuddleCot to be used by other families that are going through the same tragic circumstances that they experienced.

Amanda Maggard, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills, left, accompanied family members of Collin Sebastian Mellor as the hospital received a CuddleCot donation on March 26. Next to the hospital executive is Alessandra Mellor, her parents Ryan and Alissa, sister Carolina, as well as grandparents Migdoel Rodriguez and Sonia Garcia. (Courtesy of Ashley Jeffery/AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Chaplains, medical staff and family gathered in a hospital room at AdventHealth Zephyrhills, as the couple presented their gift.

The CuddleCot is a device which uses flowing water to cool a pad, which can be placed in a basket, or in the arms of a parent, to provide extra time with the baby.

“We’re so grateful to be able to have this donation of the CuddleCot, because it gives those moms (and dads) the opportunity (to hold the baby) before they say goodbye,” said Sonia Yaksich, nurse manager of the Women’s Health Center at AdventHealth Zephyrhills. “This is a beautiful and perfect way for families to provide a memory for their child.”

As the couple made their donation, they were bestowed with a plaque honoring the memory of Collin Sebastian Mellor.

Although little Collin was delivered stillborn, he was safely cushioned by the pad as family members said their farewell in September of last year.

Sharing the story of their loss was difficult, as Alissa and Ryan read a letter they had prepared for the gathering.

For support, Christina Stamper was at the couple’s side, and when they were overcome by emotion, she finished reading the letter on their behalf.

“Due to the CuddleCot, we were able to stay with our son in our room,” Stamper read. “During the first few hours of absolute shock, there was no time, clarity to say, do, or express all that you would like to.”

Stamper could resonate with the parents’ struggle as she, too, lost her daughter, who was delivered stillborn.

Through the pain, she and her husband founded Madison’s Miracles – an organization named after their late daughter.

This CuddleCot device was donated to AdventHealth Zephyrhills in memory of Collin Sebastian Mellor on March 26.

Its purpose is to offer support groups to parents who have lost an infant, as well as raise funds to help pay for funerals and private counseling.

After discovering the CuddleCots – based in the United Kingdom – Stamper decided to have one brought to Florida.

“I needed to bring it here because nobody in the state had them,” she recalled.

In October 2016, she donated the first one to the Martin Health System, the hospital in Stuart, Florida, where Madison was delivered.

She has since teamed up with Ryan and Alissa with the goal of donating six CuddleCots to various hospitals in the U.S., and Puerto Rico.

AdventHealth Zephyrhills was their first stop, with Stanford University and Tampa General Hospital as next destinations.

Ryan is a cardiac surgeon at AdventHealth Tampa where he is acutely aware of the concept of mortality.

However, after he and his wife experienced the loss personally, they felt compelled to help others in need.

“We want to raise awareness that they’re (CuddleCots) there,” the doctor explained. “They should be available to people who are going through this.”

Even with his busy schedule, he said he wants to be present when each hospital receives their gift.

As for the staff at AdventHealth Zephyrhills, they will be reminded of the priceless value of their gift, as it has been imprinted with Collin’s full name.

Stamper stated that, “every family that walks through this door and has a loss, whether stillbirth or shortly after infant loss, will be guided by the arms open wide of Collin Sebastian.”

Published April 03, 2019

Pasco youth to perform in ‘Aladdin’ musical

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Get ready to experience the theatrical version of an iconic film, as the New Tampa Players host the performance of “Aladdin Jr.”

In addition to being an adaptation of the motion picture “Aladdin,” the play also draws from the Broadway musical.

The performances are set for April 5 at 8 p.m.; April 6 at 7 p.m.; and April 7 at 3 p.m.

Accompanied by his peer mentor Olivia Carr, left, Connor Olsen practices for his upcoming role as the Genie in ‘Aladdin Jr.’ The performance will take place at the University Area Cultural Development Center from April 5 to April 7. (Courtesy of New Tampa Players)

New Tampa Players has worked with the Penguin Project organization in casting youth with special needs for all the roles.

These stars will also be accompanied on stage with peer mentors for support.

Many of the actors, ranging from ages 7 to 24, will be representing the communities of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

Some performers from these areas will also play principal characters, including Jaden Figueroa as Aladdin and Zoe DeJoseph as Jasmine.

The play will also be a musical, performing popular “Aladdin” songs, such as “Friend Like Me,” “Prince Ali” and “A Whole New World.”

Each ticket can be purchased at a $15 flat fee online or at the door on performance day.

Proceeds benefit the New Tampa Players to help support future productions.

The play will be held at the University Area Cultural Development Center on 14013 N. 22nd St., in Tampa.

To purchase tickets online, visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

For additional information, contact Nora Paine at (443) 850-8997 or at .

Aladdin Jr.
Where: University Area Cultural Development Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa
When: April 5 at 8 p.m.; April 6 at 7 p.m.; and April 7 at 3 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $15 each
Details: An all-cast of youth with special needs will present a theatrical version of the film “Aladdin” with a musical performance.
Info: For tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.org. For inquiries, contact Nora Paine at (443) 850-8997 or at .

Published April 03, 2019

 

Primary election coming soon for District 38

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Randy Maggard and David ‘Mac” Macallister will face off in a primary on April 9 to determine who will represent the Republicans in a special election to fill the vacancy in District 38 House seat in the Florida Legislature.

The seat was vacated by Danny Burgess, who accepted an offer from Gov. Ron DeSantis to become the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Early voting for the special election began on March 30 and ends on April 6.

Only registered Republicans can vote in the special primary election, said Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley. The district’s boundaries stretch roughly from East Pasco over to U.S. 41 in Central Pasco.

Voters casting a ballot in that election have the option of voting early at the Central Pasco Government Center, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, or at the East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., in Dade City.

The early voting sites will be open during the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The winner of the special primary election will face Democrat Kelly Smith in a general election for District 38 on June 18.

Besides the special election on April 9, there’s also an election the same day for City Council Seat 1 in the City of Zephyrhills.

Manny Funes is facing Lance Smith for that seat. That election is open to all of Zephyrhills’ electorate, regardless of party.

There are no early voting days in Zephyrhills.

Published April 03, 2019

Old State Road 54 widening will ease East Pasco congestion

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Work is underway to widen Old State Road 54, from Wesley Chapel to Zephyrhills, from a two-lane road to four lanes.

The 4.5-mile widening, which started in November 2017, will ease congestion between Curley and Morris Bridge roads.

The project will create a more consistent flow of traffic, as Old State Road 54 is a six-lane road, west of Curley Road.

Efforts to expand a portion of Old State Road 54 from Wesley Chapel into Zephyrhills, can be seen from this aerial view. What is now a two-lane road, will become four lanes – east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

“You have multiple lanes, multiple directions to the west,” said Zach Stringer, project administrator for the Florida Department of Transportation. “Where it’s previously reduced down to two lanes, that’s where we’re continuing multi-lanes with divided medians.”

Stringer added that the expansion will also accommodate increased traffic on Morris Bridge Road with the extension of State Road 56, which is another project that is also underway now.

The construction on Old State Road 54 will first prioritize the completion of two south-end lanes heading eastbound, two north-end lanes heading westbound and then incorporating a median in between.

The median will offer several openings to allow motorists to make necessary turns.

In addition, a north-end sidewalk and a 10-foot-wide multipurpose trail on the south end, will be built along the project’s entire stretch on Old State Road 54.

The project administrator said currently “we’re doing Phase 1A, which is constructing temporary asphalt to the south and short portions of temporary asphalt to the north for drainage crossovers.”

Short-term asphalt placement allows space for traffic diversion.

With additional space, workers can install and connect drainage pipelines from the north end to the south end of Old State Road 54.

The second phase is also in the works, as well, Stringer said.

On the evening of March 19, eastbound and westbound traffic was shifted further south to construct the two-lane expansion of the north end.

Future lane closures will be scheduled at nights and early mornings to avoid conflicting with heavy traffic hours.

The closures on open stretches of road will be from 8 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., while those at signalized intersections will be between 10:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

The $42.5-million development is slated for completion during the summer of 2021.

Published April 03, 2019

International music composer calls Wesley Chapel home

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When it comes to music, Wesley Chapel’s Nick Coetzee does a little bit of everything.

He’s a songwriter. He’s a composer. He’s a producer. He’s a worship leader.

“I love being creative,” Coetzee said. “I love doing something different every day.”

An ear for melodies has led to a lasting 30-year career that’s taken him pretty far — literally.

International music composer Nick Coetzee operates his own recording studio from his Wesley Chapel home. He’s noted for producing more than 150 contemporary Christian and worship albums. (Courtesy of Nick Coetzee)

Born and raised in South Africa, Coetzee’s first big break came in Australia in the early 1990s, when he was tasked with helping churches craft contemporary style music programs.

“I started getting into programming music for songwriters, and I started writing my own songs and creating my own albums,” Coetzee explained.

Opportunities followed for Coetzee while in the land Down Under.

He scored music for more than 250 episodes of an Australian television drama series called, ‘Paradise Beach.’ He used a guitar to score the five-night-a-week soap opera, which also aired in several European countries in the early 1990s.

Coetzee is modest about the TV project, though.

“It was like a low-budget ‘Baywatch,’” Coetzee said, but added, “the residuals were really good.”

Meanwhile, Coetzee wrote the halftime music for an international rugby final between South Africa and Australia in 1993, at Ballymore Stadium.

The match was significant, as it marked the first tour of a South African team to Australia since 1971, when the former was subjected to a variety of international boycotts due to its apartheid policy.

“It was a big event with 35,000 people. I was on the stage there with my band and we performed the song,” Coetzee recalled.

Coetzee started reaching into America shortly thereafter, in the mid-1990s.

He first landed in South Carolina, then Florida, orchestrating music training workshops for community churches, steering them from classical hymns and choirs to more contemporary “kind of rock band” style.

“I’ve always traveled, I’ve always recorded, and I’ve always led worship in churches. Like those three things have been constant,” Coetzee explained.

While in the States, Coetzee also wrote and composed a theme song for the RP International Vision Awards in Los Angeles, which celebrates some of the most prolific actors, directors and producers in the world.

Coetzee would go on to perform at the event for more than a decade, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Josh Groban, Phil Collins, Hans Zimmer and other celebrities.

Said Coetzee: “It was a really interesting sort of angle that I had writing songs. I became this sort of songwriter for big themes; I’ve written quite a lot of songs.”

That he has — mainly through his work with multiple Christian-based record labels.

He’s produced more than 150 contemporary Christian and worship albums, including an instrumental jazz album, Reflections, which sold over 300,000 copies worldwide.

One of his most noted works came in 1995.

That’s when he was hired to produce the first U.S. release of Darlene Zschech’s ‘Shout to the Lord,’ at the time one of the world’s top gospel songs.

Being the first person to ever produce the song for the U.S. market, Coetzee calls it his “claim to fame.”

“It’s kind of helped me get work. I mean, it’s become prestigious,” Coetzee said.

He also said of the song: “It’s been recorded probably 500 times or more by artists all around the world. ‘Shout to the Lord’ it’s kind of like (the Beatles’) ‘Let it Be’ in the world. I mean, it’s the most famous (gospel) song in the world.”

Over the years, Coetzee has gone on to work with and produce for other big names in the music industry, including Abraham Laboriel, Pedro Eustache and Genesis’ Chester Thompson.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of interesting kind of projects over the years,” he said. “Sometimes I forget all the things that I’ve done.”

However, these days, at 58 years old, Coetzee keeps a bit of a lower profile.

He does much of his work from his own recording studio, conveniently located on the second floor of his Watergrass home.

The soundproof room is equipped with all sorts of instruments, from guitars to banjos to keyboards, along with various recording hardware and software, nestled into a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.

“I don’t know if there’s many home studios like this in Wesley Chapel,” Coetzee said with a chuckle.

It’s where he goes to work on his next major project — co-writing songs for Netflix original programming, building up an action sequence or a dramatic moment.

It’s also where the South African works with local songwriters and musicians of all genres.

Developing local talent and maximizing their musical gifts, has become one of his most enjoyable initiatives.

He most recently helped record some tracks with Phase III, a Dade City-based folk band that frequently performs live shows at local hot spots like Ukulele Brand’s, Zephyrhills Brewing Company and Prime 19.

“I really love to help people that maybe have got something to say with their music,” Coetzee said. “I enjoy being able to pour into people and see their results. That’s part of who I am, is really like a coach and a mentor to see the next generation raised up.”

And, it’s something he foresees doing for years to come in the East Pasco community he and his wife have lived since 2014.

“We like Wesley Chapel,” he said. “Part of my goal is to help unlock people’s creativity. There’s a huge creative community here in Pasco.”

Published April 03, 2019

Get ‘uncorked’ and sample wines

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Wine enthusiasts are invited to sample various wines at ‘Uncorked,’ an event set for April 7 in Dade City.

The Dade City Garden Club will host the function from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The April 7 ‘Uncorked’ event will allow guests to wine, dine and socialize with others. (Courtesy of Joan Hepscher)

Various tables will offer an assortment of red and white wines for guests to sample from.

And, craft beer will be this year’s new feature provided by Barley’s Angels.

Each table will also include appetizers selected to complement the drinks.

As patrons enjoy food and wine outdoors, the Dennis Alfonso Combo band will once again perform live throughout the event.

Inside the garden clubhouse, guests can learn how to prepare new treats as they partake in several cooking demonstrations hosted by Chef R.J. Webb.

And, some lucky attendees won’t need to leave empty-handed because a raffle drawing will take place for a gift basket.

Tickets for the drawing can be purchased for $2 each or $5 for three.

Tickets for sampling are $40 each and parking is free.

Guests must be 21 years old or above, and no pets are permitted.

Proceeds will go toward preserving the club’s historic building, as well as garden maintenance.

The event will take place at The Dade City Garden Club at 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance.

For advance tickets or for additional information, call Debbie Parks at (352) 567-9003 or (813) 714-5591, or email her at .

Uncorked event
Where: The Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., Dade City
When: April 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $40 a ticket
Details: The ‘Uncorked’ event allows guests to sample various wines, craft beer and appetizers while enjoying a live performance. Cooking demos will be offered, as well as a chance to win a gift basket.
Info: For tickets or further inquiries, contact Debbie Parks by calling (352) 567-9003 or (813) 714-5591, or by emailing .

Published April 03, 2019

Florida Aquarium showcases wildlife in a fun way

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The diverse beauty of sea life can be marveled up-close when visiting The Florida Aquarium.

Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, is all about educating the public on aquatic life with lots of exciting activities. (Courtesy of The Florida Aquarium)

Since its opening in 1995, the Downtown Tampa attraction has given tourists a glimpse into the aquatic world, while offering them a chance to learn and have fun at the same time.

The venue attracts 800,000 visitors annually.

“The aquarium is set up to take you on a water journey,” explained Brian Gallaher, digital media manager at the aquarium. “We want to educate, inspire and entertain all at the same time.”

Home to an estimated 8,000 plant and animal species, the facility is divided into seven main galleries:

  • Wetlands Trail
  • Journey to Madagascar
  • Bays and Beaches
  • No Bones Zone
  • Coral Reef
  • Dragons Down Under
  • Waves of Wonder

Native Floridian wildlife can be explored while strolling through the Wetlands Trail.

“A lot of animals here are rescues, especially the birds,” Gallaher said.

The Florida Aquarium’s Mosaic Center features an array of bird portraits by photographer Jim Gray. Here a roseate spoonbill is seen ascending from a pond in Sarasota. (Brian Fernandes)

One such bird is the Great Blue Heron in the trail’s Mangrove Forest.

The aquarium serves as a rehabilitation center for animals such as one heron who was transferred from an animal sanctuary after suffering an injured wing.

The furry North American river otters can also be spotted above water. During winter season, kids can interact with them in an open area layered with snow to provide even more fun.

A White Gar shark, with its protruding teeth, as well as the red drum and snook fish, also can be viewed, too.

If visitors hear a rustling in the leaves, perhaps it’s the spotted Burmese python, slithering from limb to limb.

While the python is not native to the Sunshine State, it has adapted and thrived, growing as long as 13 feet.

For those looking for a sample of African wildlife, check out the aquarium’s Journey to Madagascar. That offers a glimpse of animals that are indigenous to the region.

Why observe wildlife from outside the tank, when you can swim alongside it? The Florida Aquarium grants tourists the chance to get a more up-close view of the sea’s inhabitants. (Courtesy of The Florida Aquarium)

Geckos, reef fish and giant clams can be viewed in that gallery.

And, if you’ve never heard a cockroach hiss before, you’ll have your opportunity here.

This gallery also brings awareness to such endangered species as lemurs, radiated tortoises – and even coral reefs.

“Coral is an animal,” Gallaher explained. “A lot of people don’t realize that.”

A small-scale nursery houses diverse coral, which are threatened by pollution and rising water temperatures in their native seas.

The No. 1 priority there is to provide a safe environment to allow the reproduction of more coral – which eventually will be integrated back into the wild.

The Bays and Beaches area is home to one of the aquarium’s eldest members – Cleatus, the Goliath grouper.

His namesake serves him well: He is 5-foot-10 and weighs nearly 300 pounds.

Cleatus is not only one of the eldest members of The Florida Aquarium, but one of the largest as well. This goliath grouper weighs almost 300 pounds – and is said to be continually growing. (Brian Fernandes)

And, Cleatus is still growing, Gallaher said.

Other expert swimmers found in this gallery include stingrays, spiny lobsters and upside down jellyfish, to name a few.

More colorful marine life with elongated, prickly bodies can be found in the No Bone Zone.

Often associated with clownfish, sea anemones can be mesmerizing to watch — as their numerous tentacles float about.

Diverse color also illuminates the water with the presence of sea cucumbers, sea urchins and sea stars.

In addition to more turtles and stingrays, the Coral Reef gallery showcases various sharks, barracudas and eels, while Dragons Down Under has some of the smallest sea creatures – sea dragons, seahorses and pipefish.

The aquarium’s newest gallery, Waves of Wonder was unveiled last year. It houses the center’s second largest exhibit – Heart of the Sea.

The Splash Pad is one of the outdoor amenities at The Florida Aquarium where kids can soak themselves with water on a hot day. (Brian Fernandes)

The exhibit offers guests a chance to learn about the aquarium’s conservation efforts to rehabilitate endangered sea life — using multi-camera technology and live programs to explain that work.

And, if looking through a glass window doesn’t satisfy your curiousity, you can even swim with sea life.

Under the supervision of a trained diver, guests can view animals up-close and be apart of the exhibit, too.

Roger Germann, president of the aquarium, said these offerings bring more awareness to the plight facing aqautic life — and aim to motivate people to be more conscious about keeping oceans litter-free.

With an educational tutorial, guests can sit in the 4-D theater room wearing three-dimensional glasses, feeling just inches away from underwater spectacles.

The newly renovated Mosaic Center has several ballrooms, which can be used for meetings, birthday parties and other special events.

The diverse color of sea life can add to the awe of the ocean, as seen here with blue jellyfish floating by. (Brian Fernandes)

It also houses an art gallery showcasing images of various birds by photographer Jim Gray.

There’s also a gift shop, a café and an outdoor bar, where adult beverages can be purchased.

Kids can get soaked at the Splash Pad water park, and there’s a Wild Dolphin Cruise available, too.

The aquarium aims to promote recreation and education, Germann said.

“We think that one of the best ways to get people to make change is through inspiration and entertainment,” the aquarium president said.

“Animals here serve as ambassadors, educators and as science.”

To learn more on the aquarium or to purchase tickets, call (813) 273-4000, or visit FLAquarium.org.

The Florida Aquarium
Where: 701 Channelside Drive in Tampa
When: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Ticket prices vary daily
Details: As one of Tampa’s hotspots, The Florida Aquarium has several galleries featuring aquatic wildlife to view and even swim with. A theater, diner, gift shop and water park also add to the entertainment factor.
Info: To learn more about the aquarium, call (813) 273-4000, or visit FLAquarium.org.

New turtle rehab opens in Apollo Beach
The Bay Area has a new, safe haven to nurse wounded and malnourished turtles from various coasts off the United States.

The Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center officially opened on Jan. 23, taking in its first batch of turtles two weeks later.

The Apollo Beach rehab is a branch of The Florida Aquarium, and has been at least a decade in the making.

“There was a moment where we started seeing more and more turtles that needed helped,” said Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium.

Once a plan was set in motion for the $4.1 million center, the project received funding from the state, as well as donors, Germann said.

The first group of sea critters arrived on Feb. 4. It included a half-dozen green turtles and one loggerhead turtle.

They were rescued off the U.S. East Coast from freezing waters due to the harsh weather of this past winter.

Physical therapy also plays an important role in regaining health, as the two-story center offers several rehabilitation pools. One of those pools is an 11-foot turtle dive tank, the deepest one in Florida.

While the rehab is in full operation, a date has not been set to open it for public viewing.

Published April 03, 2019

Pasco lifts ban on dock roofs on freshwater lakes

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Debate goes on over allowing dock roofs in coastal communities

A longstanding quest to permit roofs on docks on Pasco County’s inland lakes succeeded last week, when the Pasco County Commission voted unanimously to lift the ban.

It remains, uncertain though, whether that same privilege will be extended to owners of waterfront property in coastal communities. The issue will be coming back for additional discussion at a future board workshop.

A look at Bell Lake that has some docks with roofs, which were a part of life in Central Pasco, until they were banned in the county. Now, they’re allowed again on freshwater lakes. The debate continues over whether roofs should be allowed over docks in coastal communities. (File)

Meanwhile, people such as Joe Steffens, who lives on Bell Lake in Land O’ Lakes, can build a roof over his dock.

Steffens, who is in the marine construction business, also will be able to build them for other lakefront property owners, too. He had been forced to work in Hillsborough County because of Pasco’s ban.

The owners of Ukulele Brand’s restaurant, in Land O’ Lakes, also can proceed if they want to replace their waterfront dock without having to worry about whether they can replace the roof.

County Commissioner Mike Moore made the motion to amend the county ordinance to remove the restriction, seconded by Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

“I’ve been in office since 2014,” Moore said, noting that’s pretty much how long he’s been working with people in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes who wanted to put roofs on their docks.

“I have not had one person on a lake in that area say they’re against it, so I would obviously like to see this move forward,”  Moore said.  “It doesn’t impede the neighbors’ views at all.”

But, commissioners are split on whether waterfront property owners in coastal communities should be allowed to put roofs over their docks.

Some waterfront property owners asked commissioners to allow them to have roofs over their docks, to protect their boats.

“Most people have a significant investment that is sitting behind them on their waterfront property and they would like to have a dock to protect their vessel,” said Nicholas Mudry, who lives at 5415 JoBeth Drive in Gulf Landings, in New Port Richey. Some vessels cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, he said.

Jeromy Gamble, 7309 Islander Lane in Sea Pines in Hudson, said he owns Coastline Boatlift Covers.

“Since the beginning of the year, we’ve sold over $100,000 worth of boatlift covers in Pasco County. I’ve got 78 people who want to order boatlift covers, right now. There’s a massive demand.

“People all over Pasco County on the waterfront — fresh and saltwater — want to be able to protect their investments. As new people move into the waterfront communities — both fresh and salt, they’re investing in their dream of living on the water. Part of that is owning a vessel. “We offer a solution that doesn’t block the neighbors’ views. It has a removable top. It does not impede the boatlift whatsoever. It’s a clamp-on design,” he said.

“There are ways to solve this problem, if looked at properly,” he added.

But, Skip Geiger, director of public relations for the Gulf Harbors Civic Association, urged commissioners to keep the prohibition intact.

“Gulf Harbors prohibits covered docks, covered boatlifts and other covered structures on the water,” he said.

“This ordinance was originally passed to ensure that no hazards to navigation are constructed along the canals, that would interfere with the boaters’ view of the canals and docks, and allow a mix of boats, of all sizes, from kayaks to baby yachts to operate and remain clear of each other,” he said.

He told commissioners he doesn’t object to dock roofs on lakes. But, he went on: “What we do have a problem with is slipping in any sort of covered docks in that area again. It’s a safety hazard, it’s an issue not only for views but for safety of residents, and we do not want it.”

Commissioner Starkey, who lives in Gulf Harbors and is also a boat owner, opposes allowing dock roofs in coastal communities.

“We don’t want a roof. My neighbors don’t want a roof. The majority of folks there don’t want a roof. We don’t want our views to be impeded.

“You can put a cover on your boat.

“I do a lot of boating on the East Coast of Florida. Those are very, very expensive boats and there are no roofs,” she said.

County Commissioner Jack Mariano asked County Attorney Jeff Steinsnyder if the county could allow the roofs in some communities, but allow other communities to use deed restrictions to ban them.

Steinsnyder responded: “If you’re going to allow it, you’re going to have to allow it along the entire Gulf front. Your land development regulation needs to treat everybody the same.”

“You can’t carve out neighborhoods that are similar in fashion.”

Ultimately, the board agreed to lift the ban on lakefront properties, and to have a workshop regarding the issue in coastal communities. That workshop is expected in May.

On a related issues, the board approved changes to county regulations that include docks and seawalls in building permit requirements, require maintenances of docks and seawalls; and provides a provision for when the county can make repairs when the condition of the dock or seawall presents a threat to public safety.

Published April 03, 2019

Saint Leo offers new scholarship program

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Saint Leo University has launched a new scholarship program to make higher education more accessible to Catholic high school students in Florida.

Available for students beginning in the fall, the Catholic Promise Scholarship will award Florida students, who have attended four years at a Catholic high school, with an annual scholarship of $14,000 toward their tuition at Saint Leo’s University Campus.

The scholarship will be renewable each year, for up to four years — amounting to a cumulative total of up to $56,000 in financial aid by the time the student graduates.

When combined with the Florida Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) grant of $3,500 per year and an annual $5,500 to $7,500 in Stafford Loans, Saint Leo University’s annual tuition will be significantly reduced for recipients of the Catholic Promise Scholarship every year.

“As the first of its kind in Saint Leo history, the Catholic Promise Scholarship will effectively bring the cost of a high-quality, private, liberal arts education within the reach of many Catholic high school students across the state of Florida,” said Dr. Senthil Kumar, Saint Leo University vice president for University Campus Admissions & Center for Global Engagement, in a release.

Students must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete four years at a Catholic high school
  • Have an unweighted 3.0 GPA
  • Be a U.S. Citizen and Florida resident
  • Attend Saint Leo at University Campus
  • Live on campus all four years
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA and full-time status while earning a degree

This commitment to promoting accessibility and affordability of Catholic higher education demonstrates Saint Leo’s Benedictine core values, both as an institution and pillar of the Catholic community, according to university officials.

Saint Leo University will host a Catholic Promise Scholarship Open House on April 7 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on its main campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo. Prospective students and their families, school counselors, and the public can attend, at no cost. Mass will be celebrated as part of the open house events at the Saint Leo Abbey Church at 10 a.m.

To register for the open house, call (352) 588-8283.

Published April 3, 2019