The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

School to get $33 million renovation

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One of Pasco County’s oldest high schools is set to undergo a major makeover.

Across the next two-plus years, Zephyrhills High School will see a number of upgrades to not only give the school a modern aesthetic, but also to enhance campus safety and the overall learning environment.

The total price tag: $33 million, funded through Penny for Pasco.

Rendering of the campus’ renovated front entrance. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Details about the renovation project were shared by Pasco school district officials and contractors during a May 22 parent meeting.

The project is being completed by Tampa-based Peter Hepner Architects and Clearwater-based Creative Contractors.

An initial phase is set to be complete this summer — a new two-story, 17-classroom building, bringing the school’s capacity to accommodate about 1,950 students.

Other phases of the project will address the school’s existing main campus.

Among the highlights are state-of the-art classrooms and laboratories for the school’s career technical education programs.

For instance, the school’s criminal justice program will feature a 911 communications center, while a health occupations classroom will resemble a hospital setting, equipped with multiple beds, sinks and curtains. The school’s science, agriculture and building construction technology programs will see an enlarged space for better hands-on learning, as well.

Meantime, the media center will be remodeled with flat-screen technology, small group conference rooms and circulation desks, made to resemble “a university-type collaborative space,” architect Peter Hepner said.

Other notable additions include an expanded cafeteria and additional restrooms, plus upgrades to the commons area, teacher’s lounge and administration suites.

Rendering of the schools’ common areas. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Buildings will be overhauled with a new air conditioning system, fire sprinkler system and energy-efficient LED lighting, along with new glass windows and tile flooring planned throughout.

The school’s exterior will experience a facelift, too.

The main entry will be incorporated with more brick elements and a larger canopy to allow for more covered area during drop-offs and pickups in inclement weather. And, a courtyard and a gated perimeter with ornamental fencing will be installed.

Elsewhere, as an effort to enhance safety measures, some entrances to the school will be eliminated and become emergency exits only. Classroom doors will be altered with more secure locks, to prevent break-ins. Also, school visitors will be required to enter a new enclosed reception area to get checked in, before gaining access to the commons area.

The entire renovation project is expected to be complete by December 2021. Work will have to take place during school hours, but Hepner said disruption will be minimal with fences and visual and acoustic barriers, separating construction zones from daily school activity.

“There’s a lot that’s going to go into this project,” said Hepner, who’s firm is also working on the $29 million renovation at Land O’ Lakes High School. “It takes a little while to do it, but as each phase gets done, it just gets more and more exciting.”

Zephyrhills principal Angie Stone said the upgrades “bring this 1970s building back to life.”

“We just can’t wait,” Stone said, of the renovations. “The teachers are excited, we’re excited.”

Pasco Schools superintendent Kurt Browning also expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming enhancements.

“We’re just thrilled to be able to get this project going,” he said. “This school district is really committed to Zephyrhills High School and this community. We want the very best for our students, our teachers, our administrators and the Zephyrhills community.”

Published May 29, 2019

Broadcast club makes friends globally, via the airwaves

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Their introduction to the world of amateur radio came in different ways.

Don Curtis was still quite young when he started tinkering with car radios.

“I was able to take stuff apart and put stuff together,” says Curtis, who went on to develop a fascination for electronics. That preoccupation led to a career in communications, and an avid interest in amateur radio, also called ham radio. That was more than a half-century ago.

His wife, Janice, current president of the Zephyrhills Area Amateur Radio Club, decided to pursue her license so she could talk to Don when he was on the road.

These three couples are active members of the Zephyrhills Area Amateur Radio Club. They are, from left: Charlie and Toni Nelson; Peggy and Rich Kennedy; and, Don and Janice Curtis. (B.C. Manion)

She’s been licensed for 43 years.

Rich Kennedy, another club member, became intrigued in the pursuit when he was a Scout.

“There was a merit badge for learning signaling,” Rich recalls. “One of the things you had to learn for that, at that time, was Morse Code. I learned Morse Code.”

His scoutmaster was a ham radio operator, so Rich went to his house and saw a multitude of radios. He knew then that he wanted to become a radio operator.

Decades later, Rich still prefers to communicate using Morse Code.

His wife, Peggy, is relatively new to the hobby.

“I love talking around the world. It’s wonderful,” she says.

“My first contact was the Netherlands. Then, I reached Australia. I reached France, and I reached Hawaii.

“Then, when I hit Italy, I spoke to them in Italian because my family is from Palermo.

“I had such a backup of Italians wanting to talk to me, it was incredible,” she says, the memory  prompting a smile.

Charlie Nelson, the club’s vice president, has been a ham radio operator for decades.

“My passion is building antennas, primarily because they’re too expensive to buy from the store,” Charlie says.

Much of what he knows has been acquired under the patient tutelage of Don, Charlie adds.

Sharing what they know is a common trait among ham radio operators, club members say.

Don Curtis chats across country with a fellow amateur radio operator from the comfort of a room equipped with radios, in his East Pasco home.

It’s not unusual, either, for the members to share equipment.

“If they come to the club, and they don’t have money or they need help, chances are one of us will give them a radio,” Charlie says.

It’s a pursuit that can cost as little $30, or as much as $30,000, Charlie adds, depending on what the operator wants or is able to spend on it.

And, it’s a hobby that attracts people from all walks of life, including celebrities, members of royalty, or regular Janes and Joes.

It’s also a hobby that can capture the imagination of young and old, alike.

And, the devices can be adapted so that even people who have physical challenges can still enjoy the hobby, Janice says.

Charlie’s wife, Toni, got into ham radio after marrying Charlie.

And, like other club members, she marvels at what ham radio operators can do.

For example, Rich says, “I can wait for a time when the International Space Station is coming over, and I can listen to the communication with the astronauts and, when it’s my turn, I can talk to somebody on the International Space Station.”

They also step in to provide a vital service during times of disaster, club members say.

When the power goes out, or cell towers go down, ham radios continue to operate.

“The radio operators will go there with their pickup trucks, with their equipment and they will contact the fire department, they will contact the police department. They will keep them abreast of the situation that’s going on and where emergency treatment is necessary,” Peggy says.

The use of ham radios “is integrated into the emergency plan of the state of Florida,” Rich says.

When communication systems breakdown, ham radios can plug the gap.

When Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle, there were amateur radio operators riding in fire trucks and ambulances because they could communicate directly, Rich says.

Some amateur radio operators are motivated by a desire to be of service to others. Others enjoy the social aspects. Some are drawn to the technical challenges.

There are no age requirements, and no age limits.

“We have 8- and 9-year-olds that are members of our Lakeland club,” Rich says.

“They get on that radio and run circles around the rest of us. They’re just so talented,” Peggy adds.

Anyone who would like to know more is invited to attend a future Zephyrhills Area Amateur Radio Club. The group meets on the third Monday of the month, at Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Church, 5855 16th St., in Zephyrhills. For more information, visit ZAARC.org.

Zephyrhills Area Amateur Radio Club
Where: Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Church, 5855 16th St., Zephyrhills
When: The third Monday of the month. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.; the board meeting starts at 6 p.m.
Details: These amateur radio operators enjoy sharing their knowledge; they step up to help in times of emergency; they step up during times of need; and, they like to talk with people from all over the world.
The club also has an informal breakfast meeting on Thursdays at 8 a.m., at Village Inn, 4214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.
Info: ZAARC.org

Frequently asked questions about ham radio

Who uses ham radio?
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, attracts people of all ages, income levels, nationalities

and walks of life. They communicate in various ways, such as talking into a microphone, sending Morse code, or interfacing their radio with a tablet and typing out a message.

What’s the appeal of ham radio?
Some people simply enjoy talking with others across the country, or world, without the need for the Internet or a cellphone network. Others are attracted by experimenting with electronics. Some want to serve their community during emergencies, such as hurricanes, tornadoes or floods. Some enjoy making new friends with people they meet over the radio.

How much does ham radio cost?
Basic study materials to obtain an entry-level license cost about $40. You can take a license class sponsored by a local amateur radio club, or use online options. You can generally find a good handheld radio for less than $100, and then go from there.

What is the AARL?
The 165,000-member American Radio Relay League was founded in 1914. It is a national association for Amateur Radio in the United States. The association sponsors on-air operating events, and provides books, news, study material and other types of support for individuals and clubs.

Source: The American Radio Relay League. For more information, visit ARRL.org.

Published May 29, 2019

Lutz students strive to protect wildlife

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Diminishing waste in local oceans is an important mission for third-grader Lilly Kate Paban.

In fact, she has been motivated to start an afterschool program at her Learning Gate Community School, in Lutz, to both educate fellow students and to get them to go outdoors to take action.

She was first inspired when her then-science teacher, Christopher Bell, explained to the class the plight animals face when they mistakenly consume plastic littered in the sea.

Lilly Kate Paban, 9, displays one of the seven laptops donated by the Tribridge tech company for a new club at Learning Gate Community School. The club, conceptualized by Paban and her three schoolmates, will educate other kids on keeping oceans clean for animals, plus going outdoors to take action. (Courtesy of Joelle Paban)

Lilly Kate has always loved animals, especially dolphins. In fact, her dream came true when she got the opportunity to swim alongside one.

Her care for wildlife compelled her to help in some way, and she asked three of her friends at school for support.

“I gathered my friends and was like, ‘we should start a club to help the environment.’

“Our goal is to clean up most of the plastic in the oceans so that none of the animals get extinct,” the 9-year-old explained.

Once the girls devised a plan for an environmental club, they approached their principal with the idea, which was met with approval.

In building support, Lilly Kate recruited her mother, Joelle, as a club volunteer.

Joelle admitted she was shocked at first, unaware of her daughter’s good cause, but willing to help.

“How can I say no to my kid?” Joelle responded with a smile. “I’m going to support any endeavor my child wants to do.”

While the club is in the early stages, plans are already being established.

The girls have decided their target audience to join is second grade to seventh grade students.

They would also like to collect membership fees in order to fund group trips and  further their cause in protecting wildlife.

Lilly Kate attributes her independence and go-getter mindset to her mother, who takes her and her younger sister, Stellie, to school.

Joelle has her own executive assistant business. On their commute, the girls often hear their mother on the phone discussing her company.

That business savvy helped Lilly Kate and her friends form the blueprint for the afterschool program.

“I couldn’t be any more proud,” Joelle stated. “This is something that they want to give back to nature, and do their tiny part in this world.”

However, the girls’ efforts were just beginning. They sent a handwritten letter to the Tampa tech company Tribridge – asking for whatever support it could offer.

The letter reached the company by Friday, May 10 and that following Monday, the girls got quite a surprise while in school.

Pete Loach, IT manager at Tribridge, personally donated seven laptops to help move the club forward.

“Just what a tiny letter can do, can make a big change,” Lilly Kate mentioned.

Joelle and her husband, Mario, also extend gratitude to Bell for helping spark their daughter’s interest in environmental awareness through his class.

Both parents attested to the teacher’s dedication toward his students.

“This guy’s life [is] these children,” Joelle said. “He brought passion.”

Now with new laptops, the group can conduct proper research and track the oceans’ red tide, Lilly Kate said.

She added that there are plans to do summer beach cleanups before the program officially starts next semester.

With the initiative of several third-graders, many kids can learn to carry the mantle for a cleaner and safer tomorrow.

Published May 29, 2019

BayCare’s plans for new Pasco hospital are uncertain

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The Florida Legislature’s decision to drop the requirement for a Certificate of Need review for new hospitals is causing BayCare Health System to reconsider its plans for a hospital in Pasco County.

The hospital chain had received a preliminary OK on its Certificate of Need request for a 60-bed hospital on a 111-acre site at the northeast quadrant of Interstate 75 and Overpass Road.

It was pushing ahead with planning for the new facility, despite a challenge filed by AdventHealth’s hospitals in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

A hearing on the appeal had been set for August.

But, the repeal of the requirement for a Certificate of Need has created a wide open market for the establishment of hospitals.

The repeal is causing BayCare to take another look at its plans, said BayCare spokeswoman Lisa Razler.

It’s still too early to say how the change will affect the health care system’s plans, Razler said.

“We have a whole new lens to look through,” Razler said. “We’re going to have to take a step back and re-evaluate because with that new legislation, anyone can put a hospital anywhere.”

The health care system was disappointed by the Legislature’s action, Razler said.

“We believed in the planning process,” she said.

Proponents for axing the Certificate of Need requirement said the repeal would promote more competition.

Razler said the issue is more complicated.

“It’s not straight up supply and demand, when it comes to health care, because of all of nuances involved,” Razler said.

BayCare will need to review its plans “to determine what’s the best option, given the new landscape,” the hospital spokeswoman said.

BayCare had been pursuing the hospital in Pasco because of the dramatic population growth and increasing demand for health services.

The construction of the hospital was expected to create 300 jobs, and once it became fully operational, it would need about 300 team members, hospital officials told The Laker/Lutz News in previous interviews.

BayCare had planned to provide these services at the new hospital:

  • Emergency services for adults and children
  • Intensive care services
  • Obstetrical care services
  • Diagnostic lab imaging
  • Physical rehabilitation
  • Behavioral support services

Hospital officials previously said it typically takes about three years from the time a hospital is approved until the physical structure is operating.

At this point, it remains unclear, whether those plans will be pursued.

Published May 29, 2019

Complacency kills: Get ready for Hurricane Season 2019

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Researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced their 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season outlook on May 23.

They predicted nine to 15 named storms, including four to eight hurricanes – and, two to four that could become major hurricanes.

Hurricane Michael devastated communities in Florida’s Panhandle. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council)

That compares to Colorado State University’s hurricane research team’s forecast in April, which predicted 13 named storms, including five hurricanes and two which will become major hurricanes.

Remember: No matter what the experts predict — the bottom line is that it just takes one disaster to hit that is so destructive it will have devastating effects for years.

So, if you haven’t already done so, begin making your preparations now — and ramp them up, as the threat level increases.

Remember, as the old saying goes: “Better safe than sorry.”

To help you prepare for Hurricane Season 2019, we’ve put together some checklists. Look through them and use them to improve your personal preparations for the season, which officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

Before a hurricane, protect your property:

  • Keep your trees and shrubs trimmed.
  • Clear out clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Store outdoor furniture, windchimes, garbage cans, decorations, potted plants and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
  • If you have a boat, determine how and where to secure it.
  • Cover windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters.
Pasco County didn’t feel the full fury of Hurricane Irma’s wrath, but some other communities were less fortunate. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council)

Protect yourself

  • Assemble an emergency kit: Be sure it has enough food and water to last at least three days.

It should include 1 gallon of water per day per person for drinking and sanitation.

It also should include nonperishable foods that are easy to store and prepare, including protein bars, dried fruit, canned pastas, soups, canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, raisins, beef jerky. (Be sure to include a can opener in your kit.)

  • Don’t forget the baby formula and baby food.
  • Pack paper cups and plates, plastic utensils, too.

Safety and sanitation

  • Your safety kit should include filter masks to protect your mouth and nose
  • Medications
  • A first aid kit
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • A battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • Moist towelettes for sanitation
  • Garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

Shelter

  • Have a sleeping bag for each family member.
  • Duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting (for shelter-in-place)
  • A wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

Protect important family documents

  • Put valuable documents in a waterproof container and store it on a shelf, or take with you if you evacuate. Those documents should include bank account records, marriage certificates or divorce decrees, driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, titles, deeds, income tax information, trusts, wills and birth certificates.
Generators can keep things running when the power goes out, but be cautious when using them. If used improperly, they can kill. (Courtesy of The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute)

Prepare an emergency kit for your pet

  • Your kit should include: sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or a carrier; pet food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter, a litter pan; pet health records, current photos of your pets, in case they get lost; pet beds and toys.

Have a plan: Should you stay or should go?

  • Know your zone and be prepared to leave, if authorities tell you to do so. Particularly vulnerable areas include mobile homes, high-rise buildings, coastal areas, near rivers or inland waterways and land below sea level. No matter where you live, you should evacuate if you feel unsafe.
  • If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, prepare an evacuation plan that includes transportation routes and destinations, and considers all family members and pets. Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route accept pets. Ask if no-pet policies can be waived in an emergency.
  • If you plan to shelter in place, notify out-of-area contacts of your decision to stay. Be sure you have assembled your emergency kit and have a safe place to stay in your home.
  • If you are staying in place, fill up bathtubs or buckets with water to use for cleaning and toilet flushing.
  • Stay informed. Listen to an NOAA weather radio, or regularly check local forecasts and news reports.
  • Keep your vehicle’s gas tank three-quarters full at all times and have cash on hand.

During the storm

  • Close all interior doors. Secure and brace exterior doors. Take refuge in a small interior closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
  • Stay away from windows and glass doors.
  • Don’t be fooled by a lull in the storm. It could be the eye of the storm and the winds could resume.
It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone and, if you do, what route you will use if evacuation becomes necessary. Make a plan in advance. Can you stay with friends? Will you need a shelter that accepts pets? Do you have any special medical needs? (Courtesy of The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute)

After the hurricane passes

  • Stay aware of threats from flooding and tornadoes.
  • Do not drive into water when you can’t see the bottom of the road; avoid flooded areas.
  • Do not walk in standing water; it may contain contaminants, it might be deeper than it looks; it may have a strong undercurrent; or, it may be electrically charged with a downed wire.
  • Be careful about the foods you eat. If the power is out, your food may be spoiled.

If you have a cooler, be sure to have lots of ice and freezer packs to help foods stay cool longer.

  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning: Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, tents, garage, vehicle or fireplace. Do not use gas-powered generators indoors or in a garage.
  • If you’re using a generator, be sure to give it plenty of room for ventilation. Place it outside and away from windows, doors and vents to prevent poisonous carbon monoxide from coming indoors.

If you have damage

  • Call an agent.
  • Take photos of the damage.
  • Make emergency repairs to avoid more damage and keep receipts for tarps, lumber, etc.
  • Keep alert to potential scams.

Published May 29, 2019

Bay Area writers display their literary works

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library had an even larger volume of books stacked up as it held its annual Authors’ Fair on May 18.

The event featured 20 writers from the Tampa Bay area showcasing their works across many genres.

Author Keith G. Laufenberg, of Hernando Beach, speaks to a small group of people about his previous occupation as a middleweight boxer. The U.S. Marine veteran is the author of 23 books and screenplays. (Christine Holtzman)

It was an opportunity for Pasco County residents to discover local literature, speak with the authors and purchase signed books.

Deborah Cameron had her booth set up just outside the kids’ play area in the library.

It was a suitable location to display her children’s novel, “The Mel Monsta” which she co-authored.

The story features Mel the Monsta whose encounter with a friendly girl, helps Mel become more soft and gentle.

The idea initially came from Cameron’s journey in becoming a better person to herself, and others.

“We thought, ‘what can we do to help children with this?’” she and her co-author thought. “It’s to encourage children and adults to look beyond race, gender [and] who you love in life.”

With the books neatly laid out on the table, Cameron also had a stuffed animal of Mel the Monsta for kids to marvel at.

In the past, she has donated the books to sick youth at Shriners Hospitals for Kids as a way to encourage them.

Cameron said she plans to write literature geared toward helping kids with autism.

Booths like hers is what intrigued Beth Smith to come out to the fair.

Author Gladys Vanesa, of Wesley Chapel, left, holds a copy of her book ‘Historia del Sofrito Puertorriqueño,’ as Deborah Cameron, an author from Land O’ Lakes, hugs a plush version of the title character from her own book, ‘The Mel Monsta.’

She enjoys combing through children’s books she can read to the youngsters in her family.

“I have nieces and nephews, so I deal with them,” Smith said.

Other authors’ works caught her eye as well, especially a book on cats.

“I’m an animal lover,” she explained with a smile. “I picked up a dog off the side road and still have him living with me today.”

She had her hands full as she exited the library with five purchased books.

Some authors present had work that was religiously inspired, such as Mary Perrone Davis.

Among some of her books displayed were “Mary Loves to Sing” and “Mary’s Butterfly Garden.”

“It’s a series of books about a little girl’s growth and her relationship with the Lord,” Perrone Davis explained.

The picture books are geared towards children between ages 2 to 6.

However, the school nurse had no intention of writing until 2002 when she had a unique encounter with a butterfly.

Her relation with nature, coupled with prayer, inspired her series, she said.

“I think that people tend to underestimate a child’s ability to understand the spiritual,” Perrone Davis reasoned.

She added that she wants to use the books to further inspire her seven grandchildren.

“I love to look at local authors’ work,” said attendee Lynn Landseadel. “I think we should buy small and support the community.”

An avid book reader, the Spring Hill resident was present at last year’s fair as well.

This year, she said she was impressed by what writers had to offer.

Author D.A. Plotkin, of New Port Richey, smiles, as she candidly speaks about her journey through years of infertility, detailed in her memoir, ‘Wishbone.’

As a fan of mystery and psychological thrillers, she was attracted to J.C. Gatlin’s booth.

Gatlin is known for his murder-mystery novels and was eager to showcase his most recent project: “Hangman (spelled H_NGM_N): Murder is the Word.”

He attributes other authors of similar genres in sparking his interest.

However, some writers draw from their own trauma to put words to paper.

Loren and Lisa Murfield were present to promote their collaborated efforts as co-authors.

“The R.O.I of Compassion” was published in 2010 and was inspired after the couple’s son, Caleb, took his own life in 2007.

“He was the life of the party,” explained dad Loren. “He had a Robin Williams, razor-sharp wit.”

What added inspiration for the writing was when Caleb’s sister said at his funeral that the family “can’t let his life be for nothing,” Loren recalled.

The book not only opens up about the grief Loren and Lisa were going through, but how they were able to pick up the pieces of their lives to move forward.

While the book is a means of helping those suffering trauma, it is also a guide in helping employers better sympathize with their grieving employees.

This aspect of the book was in response to Lisa being laid off from her job shortly after Caleb’s passing.

She described her subordinates as being insensitive in their approach, given what she had just experienced.

“I started to think ‘how do employees handle it in that type of a situation?’” Lisa contemplated.

In the book, she and Loren address steps that employers should consider in reaching out to their workers, and being more invested in their mental well-being.

“There is a better way,” Loren stated. “We argue that compassion is the best business model.”

The couple added that the book’s title “R.O.I” – Return on Investment- is what employers will see when having a deeper connection with their workers. When an employee feels wanted and respected, it will show through their work ethic.

Their most recent book, “Leading with the Power of Compassion,” also delves deep into appreciating people on a whole and learning to care for an individual on a human level.

The event’s range of genres and personally-inspired writings showed the relevancy of literature for all age groups and backgrounds.

Published May 29, 2019

Moffitt Cancer to open Wesley Chapel treatment center

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Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth have announced they are working together to open an outpatient cancer center on the campus of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, located next to the hospital on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. The outpatient center is expected to open in the fall of 2020.

Rendering of Moffitt Cancer’s planned treatment facility in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

“We strive to provide world-class cancer care close to where people live and work,” said Alan F. List, MD, president and chief executive officer of Moffitt Cancer Center. “Expanding Moffitt’s brand of oncology care, treatment and research in Pasco County helps us accomplish this goal. Moffitt also is responding to the growing incidence of cancer in Florida, as the state’s population continues to grow and age.”

The new Moffitt outpatient center at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel will provide medical and radiation oncology service. It is being designed to accommodate 20 exam rooms, 22 infusion stations and two linear accelerators. Cancer screenings and survivorship programs geared toward patients who are post-treatment and in remission will also be available.

“This is just the beginning of our partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center and our joint commitment to finding new ways to bring innovative cancer care to the Pasco community,”  said Mike Schultz, president and chief executive officer of AdventHealth West Florida Division.

“Our partnership allows us to strengthen our network of care by expanding the type of health care services we can provide to our communities, and gives cancer patients greater access to the country’s leading-edge research, clinical trials and cancer treatments at Moffitt,” he said.

Moffitt Cancer Center is a Tampa-based facility and is one of only 50 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education.

AdventHealth is a faith-based, nonprofit health care system that uses leading edge technology and innovation to deliver its brand of whole-person care. Pasco facilities include AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Central Pasco ER.

Published  May 29, 2019

Hundreds walk for a meaningful cause

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

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

Wesley Chapel sewage repair still in progress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published May 29, 2019

Hurricane supplies sales tax holiday starts May 31

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

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

Items exempted from the sales tax include:

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

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

Published May 29, 2019