The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Political Agenda 02/20/2019

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House District 38
Two Republicans and a Democrat are vying in a special election to fill the vacant seat in Florida State House District 38. Danny Burgess had been re-elected to the post, but vacated it after Gov. Ron DeSantis offered him the position of executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 

The Republican candidates that have qualified for the race are Randy Maggard and David “Mac” McCallister. Candidate Kelly Smith, a Democrat, also has qualified.

The primary election between the Republicans will be on April 9, the same day as municipal elections in Zephyrhills, St. Leo and San Antonio. The general election for District 38 has been set for June 18.

Municipal elections

  • Two seats are open on the San Antonio City Commission. As of The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline, these candidates had pre-filed: Mark B. Anderson, James Markley and Jody Lazzara.
  • Two seats are open on the St. Leo Town Commission. As of The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline, no candidate had filed for Seat No. 2, and Curtis M. Dwyer has qualified for Seat No. 4.
  • Two seats are open on the Zephyrhills City Council. As of The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline, Lance Smith had qualified for Seat No. 1 and Manny Funes had pre-filed for the seat; and, Kenneth M. Burgess Jr., had qualified for Seat No. 4.

The election is scheduled for April 9.

Other election news

  • James R. Cutting has pre-filed as a candidate for Pasco County Supervisor of Elections, challenging incumbent Brian E. Corley, who also has pre-filed as a candidate.
  • Brandi Geoit has pre-filed as a candidate for Pasco County Commissioner District 5.

Endorsements
Florida State Sen. Joe Gruters has endorsed Randy Maggard in the special election contest to fill the vacancy in State House District 38, according to the Maggard campaign. Gruters is the chairman of the Florida Republican Party and served as co-chairman of the 2016 Trump campaign in Florida.

Glimpse Florida’s ancient past at the Green Swamp

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Living on Florida’s densely populated coast, it’s almost impossible to believe that a 37,350-acre wilderness exists just an hour or so inland.

Giant, old oaks line the main hiking trail in the Green Swamp West Tract, just 5 miles from downtown Dade City. (Karen Haymon Long)

Known as the West Tract of the 110,000-acre Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, this environmentally protected land offers glimpses of what Florida used to look like, and, hopefully, will look like way into the future.

This important natural treasure is a vital recharge area for the Florida Aquifer and contains the headwaters of four Florida rivers – the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee, Peace and a fraction of the Ocklawaha. It reaches into not only Pasco, but Polk, Lake, Sumter and Hernando counties.

Just 5 miles from downtown Dade City, the swamp’s West Tract offers 65 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

On our recent visit on a Monday, we walked a half-hour from the parking lot on an unpaved service road just to get to the hiking trailhead that leads into the woods. This stretch, a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, winds through dense woods overshadowed by giant old oaks, soaring slash and longleaf pines and mature magnolias.

The Green Swamp West Tract is open to hikers, campers, bikers and horseback riders who want to escape into the wilderness.

I’ve hiked all over the country, in many state and national parks, and have never seen so many ancient oaks in one place. For the next hour, we were alone in the peaceful woods, often with ponds and grassy waters on both sides of us.

The Green Swamp is known for its wildlife – white-tailed deer, hogs, bobcats, turtles, turkeys, raccoons, gray squirrels, alligators and all sorts of wading birds, but on our visit, we saw just birds – little blue herons, white ibis, a great blue heron and osprey. We did see evidence of hogs in one stretch of trail, where they had foraged in the muck.

Part of the trail we took is a section of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and, on just about the whole length of our hike, we heard a chorus of birds calling back and forth.

The trail was easy to follow — thanks to orange paint slashes on trees along the way — so we never got lost. Twice, we had to climb over or walk around huge trees that had fallen across our path.

While I called the trail “wild,” my husband described it as “primitive,’’ but we both liked it that way.

The Green Swamp’s West Tract has picnic tables where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch on the edge of the vast wilderness. The tract has no concessions, so come prepared.

We saw cypress domes ghosting from water.

Vast swaths of brown grasses swayed in the breeze.

We watched for snakes in clumps of brilliant green saw palmettos, and admired stately cabbage palms, Florida’s state tree.

And, just around every turn, we saw ponds or pools of water, some of it green, but some tea colored, too.

The Green Swamp is technically not a swamp, but “a mosaic of several different ecosystems,” according to the story anthology, “Rivers of the Green Swamp.”

One of Florida’s two largest wetlands – along with the Everglades – the Green Swamp is managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Much of it is considered an environmentally sensitive habitat, and visitors are urged to stay on designated trails.

A map available at the tract entrance and online left much to be desired, with some roads bisecting the trail not marked or named and no trail lengths. We figured since the Florida Legislature long ago designated the Green Swamp “an area of critical state concern,” the state may not want hordes hiking in the area, so purposely makes maps vague.

Orange paint slashes on tree trunks lead the way through the main hiking trail in the Green Swamp’s West Tract. The trail is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

If that’s true, that’s fine with us. The fewer hikers the better to enjoy the solace of a good, long walk.

By chance, the trail we took was dry the day we went and closed to hog hunters. Dates when it is opened for hunting are posted at the main gate next to the parking lot and on SWFWMD’s website. (See Tips for the Trip).

We had read online that trails are sometimes too boggy to take, and, in the summertime, mosquitoes can be lethal. So we chose a dry, cool day to walk, and we were glad we did.

It was amazing how few people we saw – just one other hiker, two men on bikes, one with a dog on a leash, and a few men in pickup trucks driving on the service roads. We didn’t see anyone on horses. They are not rented out there, but horse owners are welcomed to bring them in if they stay on designated trails and carry proof of their horses’ current negative Coggins test.

The West Tract also has equestrian and primitive campsites, with pit and portable toilets, picnic tables and grills. Free permits are required, and campers are given the front gate lock combination so they can drive their gear into the campgrounds. There are no concession stands, so visitors should go prepared.

We don’t know if we would go back to camp there, but we’d like to return, maybe next time with our bikes.

Even now, I think of the quiet, of the watery beauty, and of those magnificent oaks — some older than our own state of Florida.

This map of the Green Swamp’s West Tract is more detailed than the ones online or available at the tract’s entrance. This one is posted near the tract picnic area.

Tips for the Trip
The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve West Tract is at 13347 Ranch Road (off the U.S. 98 Bypass) about 5 miles from downtown Dade City, in East Pasco County.

  • Admission is free and trails are open daily, except when hunting is permitted. Before going, be sure to check on those hunting dates at tinyurl.com/y6m2wtsa.
  • Hours are sunrise to sunset. Maps are on the above website and at the tract entrance.
  • Picnic tables, portable toilets and campsites are also in the West Tract. Kayakers and boaters can put into a stretch of the Withlacoochee River, just down the road from the West Tract entrance.
  • For tract details, see tinyurl.com/y6m2wtsa, or call (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470.
  • Another place to visit the Green Swamp is Colt Creek State Park, at 16000 State Road 471 in Lakeland. For details, see FloridaStateParks.org.

For details on campgrounds, call 1-800-423-1476 (toll-free, Florida only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470, or email .

By Karen Haymon Long

February 20, 2019

Search reopens for city manager

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The search for a new city manager in Dade City will continue — after city commissioners were unable to come to an agreement with its top candidate for the position.

Contract talks broke down the past several weeks between the commission and Christopher Edwards, a real estate associate in Tallahassee and former deputy director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economy Vitality.

The Dade City Commission has reopened its search for a new city manager, after contract talks broke down between its top interviewed candidate. Applications for the position will be accepted through March 15. (Kevin Weiss)

Edwards declined the city’s base salary final offer of $85,000 on Feb. 8. In his final counter-offer, Edwards had sought a base salary of $94,500.

Both parties remained at odds over other stipulations, including severance pay, terms of resignation and accrued vacation leave, protocols for accrued leave, and pay increases related to the completion of a master’s degree.

With that, the commission voted on Feb. 12 to advertise for the position again.

The application requests Florida local government experience among its requirements, and notes that a master’s degree is preferred.

Applications will be accepted through March 15 at 5 p.m.

Commissioners began the search process for a new city manager in late November, to replace outgoing Dade City Manager Billy Poe, who served in that role for nearly 11 years.

Poe accepted a position with the City of Zephyrhills to become its deputy city manager, at an annual salary of $105,000. He will transition to the city’s top leadership position once Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina retires sometime this summer.

Poe’s contract with Dade City expired on Feb. 7. He exited the city making $99,500 per year.

Dade City finance director Leslie Porter has since been appointed to serve as Dade City manager, until a new hire is made.

The decision to reopen the job search for city manager was preceded by some debate.

Commissioner Jim Shive made a motion to enter negotiations with the commission’s second-ranked candidate, Melanie Romagnoli, a program administrator for the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth.

The motion died for lack of a second.

Shive cited Romagnoli’s experience in local government, planning, construction and economic development, as reasons she is qualified to take over the Dade City manager position.

According to the Pasco County government website, Romagnoli is responsible for the implementation of Pasco’s Economic Development Plan and the administration of the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund (Penny for Pasco).

Additionally, Romagnoli spent more than 20 years working in planning, community development, real estate, and economic development organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, prior to her role with the county.

Shive said the commission would “be foolish” to not consider Romagnoli for a subsequent interview to then enter contract negotiations.

“I would challenge anybody to pick up her resume and say that she’s not qualified to do the work of city manager,” Shive said.

He added, “Let me tell you, this city has been stagnant with growth all around us. We need somebody that can take us to the next level. I believe she is that person. …I think she is well-rounded. I don’t think that we can afford to pass the opportunity up, without taking a look, in fairness.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez concurred proceeding with Romagnoli “would be in the city’s best interest,” provided a contract agreement could be reached.

Said Hernandez, “I think she’s got a wealth of information, wealth of contacts, and I do believe that she can now bring us to the next level, but if she’s not interested, then I would reopen it.”

Other commissioners, however, disagreed.

Commissioner Scott Black acknowledged Romagnoli “does a great job with what she does.” He also said he has “a lot of respect for her.”

However, he said: “I’m looking for somebody that has the breadth of knowledge and the breadth of experience to be able to come in and hit the ground running, and that’s my concern here…”

Black noted that whoever the city hires shouldn’t be on a learning curve in the position. Instead, he suggested they should already have experience with issues such as storm water and wastewater treatment, developing a comprehensive plan and so on.

Said Black, “I feel like, it looks like if we’re going to be paying close to the salary that we were paying our previous city manager, I would want someone that has a firm knowledge of all of the things that come with being a city manager.”

Black also expressed concern the original pool drew only 12 applicants and only two had prior city management experience.

He blamed the time frame for the opening job posting —  Dec. 3 through Dec. 21— for the perceived lack of qualified candidates in the first round.

Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon echoed similar concerns.

She noted that neither Edwards nor Romagnoli were ranked among her top three choices for the position after the commission interviewed seven candidates back on Jan. 18.

“I would like more applicants,” Newlon said. “…I mean, I just want someone to wow me, to come in ready to work, have the ability and strengths that we need, and, I just don’t feel that way about the (current) candidates.”

Following the commission’s decision, the mayor described the search for a new city manager “a bit exhausting,” but added, “it is no need for panic mode.”

“I think we are in good hands between the commission and staff here, and I think we will move forward…and do the very best that we can,” Hernandez said.

Published February 20, 2019

Spotlight is always on Florida, Pasco elections supervisor says

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Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley recently spoke at the East Pasco Networking Group’s breakfast meeting, touching on a number of topics involving elections.

For one thing, Pasco is gearing up for a special election to fill the Florida State House District 38 seat, vacated by Danny Burgess, who was invited by Gov. Ron DeSantis to serve as the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Brian Corley, supervisor of elections in Pasco County, said it will be interesting to see what the turnout is in the special election for State House District 38. (B.C. Manion)

There will be a primary election on April 9 between Republican challengers Randy Maggard and David ‘Mac’ McCallister. The winner will compete in the general election on June 18, against Kelly Smith, the Democratic candidate in the race.

The April 9 special election primary will coincide with Pasco’s municipal elections. A number of seats are up for election in St. Leo, San Antonio and Zephyrhills.

Regarding the special election, Corley said, “the turnout should be interesting. We have about 110,000 voters in that district, and have record numbers of Vote By Mail. They’re going to get them. All they have to do is fill out that oval and shoot it back to us.”

If they do, Corley added: “Turnout would be through the roof.”

He didn’t seem as optimistic about the turnout for the upcoming municipal elections.

“You know, some of our city elections — the turnout is dismal, 5 (percent), 10 percent,” Corley said.

And, that clearly bothers him.

“I can’t help but think about our relatives who crossed oceans to fight for our freedoms — and other people won’t even fill in a simple oval. There’s no excuse for that,” Corley said.

He also touched on Florida’s role in national politics.

“Florida has a perennial spotlight on us. We’re the third-largest in the nation, but when it comes to presidential, we are the show,” Corley said.

“If you go back to 2016, California, Texas, New York, Florida.

“The exact moment we knew who the candidates were, you could have called California and New York for Hillary Clinton, that day.

“Honestly, Texas is always going to vote Republican, the way the demographics are.

“Enter Florida, and it’s always close,” he said.

And, because of the recount, he said, “the system was tested, like never before.

“We’ve never had a statewide recount. Bush-Gore wasn’t. People think it was, but it wasn’t. It was select counties,” he said.

The recount stress-tested the state’s election system, he said, “but it held.”

Now, planning is underway for 2020.

Approval may be needed for some additional early voting sites in Pasco because there’s a possibility that Pasco County could be renovating all of its libraries during 2020, Corley said.

“We use a good chunk of our early voting sites at libraries. We’re limited at where we can have early voting. Not to have South Holiday, New River — ooh, that’ll get the blood pressure rising.

“So, we have to work on some legislation to give us some more wildcard spots,” he said.

“We use the Florida (AdventHealth) Center Ice site in Wesley Chapel, which was very well-received,” Corley said.

He also touched on controversies involving voter registration.

He said there are many ways to register to vote, and he encourages people to take advantage of those options.

“Regardless of your views, 100 percent of those eligible — keyword, eligible — should register to vote, and then 100 percent of those should vote. And, the outcome is between the voters and the candidates,” Corley said.

Published February 20, 2019

Treasure-seekers may discover hidden gems at Lutz Flea Market

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Elaine Pittman is looking forward to the annual flea market at the Old Lutz School.

She’s a staple at the annual event, hosted by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

With her handy magnifying glass, Roseanne Lange carefully analyzes donated jewelry items before deciding a price for them. Lange is one of the volunteers from the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club getting ready for the annual flea market, which will be March 1 and March 2 this year. (Brian Fernandes)

Nicknamed the ‘Plant Lady,’ Pittman will have her signature booth displaying an array of plants and flowers outside.

“Plants have always been my hobby,” the 87-year-old explained. “I had my first garden bed when I was about 11 years old living on Long Island.”

Over the years, she has sold African violets, Christmas cactus, amaryllis and kalanchoes plants of different sorts.

Not far from Pittman’s booth will be the woman’s club ‘juniorettes.’

The teenage girls will be selling baked goods to satisfy hungry patrons.

Rooms throughout the school have been stocked with various goods. Each room has its own theme.

One room displays racks of clothes organized by size, while others offer jewelry,

chinaware and electronic appliances, among others.

Outside, there will be tents showcasing furniture, handbags, shoes, toys and seasonal decors.

Pat Serio, another club member, said “you can’t beat our prices.”

Plus, she noted: “Everything is carefully cleaned, organized and well-priced.”

The club is still accepting donations to help raise money to benefit the woman’s club scholarship program and other local causes. The money that Pittman raises through plant sales is used to benefit Christian Social Services, which, among other things, helps feed the hungry.

Donors who have items they’d like to contribute to the flea market are welcome to drop off items at the school on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. February 27 is the last day to drop off donations.

This year’s flea market will be March 1 and March 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission and parking will be free to the public.

For additional information, call Annette Bellingar at (813) 482-8183.

Flea Market
Where: Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz
When: March 1 and March 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will sell clothes, furniture, kitchen appliances, toys, dishes and other items. Baked goods and drinks will also be available.
Info: Call Annette Bellingar at (813) 482-8183.

Published February 20, 2019

If you want a quick and refreshing meal, try these chicken salad recipes

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Chicken is such a versatile meat, and there are lots of ways to change the flavors in chicken salad. (Betsy Crisp)

Sometimes you just want to make something simple, quick and delicious — and chicken salad is just that thing.

Here’s a little stash of chicken salad recipes to keep on hand for when you need them.

Enjoy!

First, to prepare the chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 2 low-sodium bouillon cubes (granules or liquids can be used), along with water to make 2 cups

Optional: Bay leaves, carrots, garlic, onions, parsley, peppercorns, thyme and salt may be added. (Note, they will change the flavor of the chicken).

Instructions:

  • Place chicken in saucepan.
  • Add enough water with bouillon to cover the chicken by 1-inch.
  • Bring water to boil, on medium high, then reduce heat to medium low and cover.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes to 15 minutes until the chicken’s internal temperature has reached at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Strain the liquid and save for a soup base.
  • Let the chicken breasts cool, then cut as desired (sliced, cubed, shredded).
  • Refrigerate until ready to use. Freeze if chicken won’t be used within three days.

Now, let’s make some chicken salad. Here are three options.

Betsy Crisp is a Professor Emeritus, UF/IFAS Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences.

Southern chicken salad
Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chopped chicken breasts (about four boneless breast halves/12 ounces)
  • ½ cup low-fat mayonnaise
  • 1 Tablespoon dill pickle relish (or finely chopped dill pickles)
  • 3 Tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large hard-cooked egg, peeled and chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir with fork and mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. Refrigerate at least two hours, or overnight, for the flavors to blend.

Each recipe makes approximately four servings, to serve on top of lettuce or mixed greens for a lighter lunch or on plain bread, a croissant or wrap.

Sweet chicken salad
Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped chicken breasts (about four boneless breast halves/12 ounces)
  • ¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1 green/spring onion, including green top, chopped
  • 2/3 cup, thinly sliced celery
  • 16 seedless grapes, cut in half or ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • ¼ cup almonds, sliced or walnuts, chopped

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir with fork and mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. Refrigerate at least two hours, or overnight, for the flavors to blend.

Each recipe makes approximately four servings, to serve on top of lettuce or mixed greens for a lighter lunch or on plain bread, a croissant or wrap.

Savory chicken salad

  • 2 cups chopped chicken breasts (about four boneless breast halves/12 ounces)
  • 2/3 cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup unpeeled red apple, diced and 2 Tablespoons raisins
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon curry powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup pecans, or peanuts, chopped

Directions
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir with fork and mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. Refrigerate at least two hours, or overnight, for the flavors to blend.

Each recipe makes approximately four servings, to serve on top of lettuce or mixed greens for a lighter lunch or on plain bread, a croissant or wrap.

Editor’s Note:
Betsy Crisp has shared her expertise and recipes with readers of The Laker/Lutz News, as a community service.

She retired from her role as food and consumer sciences agent for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences — Pasco Cooperative Extension in February of 2017, but continued to provide a monthly heaping of her knowledge about cooking, food and nutrition.

Here is her final column — featuring chicken salad recipes. It was a bonus column, intended for us to use whenever we might need it.

We thought it appropriate to publish it as we make the transition to our new What’s Cookin’ columnist Shari Bresin, whom Betsy recommended.

Shari has assumed Betsy’s former position, and we looking forward to publishing her columns, beginning in March.

Meanwhile, we’d like to extend our gratitude to Betsy, for so generously providing columns on such a wide range of interesting topics, and for her delicious recipes, too.

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

Published February 20, 2019

Local teen spreads anti-human trafficking awareness

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Walk through any public middle or high school in Pasco County, and you’re bound to come across impactful posters bringing awareness to the issue of human trafficking.

They’re pretty hard to miss.

Displayed in bright pink and green colors, with large fonts in English and Spanish versions, the posters explain that human trafficking is a crime where someone is forced to work or engage in a commercial sex act against their will. They warn that anyone, especially young people, can be a victim, and that it’s happening in Florida.

These posters, which provide awareness about human sex trafficking, have been placed throughout Pasco County middle and high schools. They were created by Priceless Youth Movement, an anti-human trafficking club at Land O’ Lakes High School. (Courtesy of Makayla Hildebrand)

The posters lists warning signs that someone, particularly a friend or another student, may be involved in human trafficking. They may be a victim if she or he:

  • Often runs away and skips school
  • Has bruises, scars, brands or untreated injuries
  • Is distant from family/friends
  • Has a controlling older boyfriend/girlfriend
  • Suddenly has expensive possessions

The posters informs students on ways to help. They can:

  • Be aware and learn to recognize the signs
  • Immediately report suspected trafficking to your school’s Corporal/SRO(School Resource Officer)
  • Encourage anyone you suspect is being trafficked to talk to a school social worker
  • Provide support; remind your friend that help is available and they are not alone

Contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline is listed, too.

The posters were placed in schools this year.

They’re the brainchild of the Priceless Youth Movement, an anti-human trafficking club at Land O’ Lakes High School.

The club also collaborated on the project with the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking and the Pasco County School District.

The club was founded by Makayla Hildebrand, now an 18-year-old freshman at the University of South Florida, studying political science and criminology.

She created the club her senior year of high school, after being moved by the 2016 film, “Priceless,” a drama about human trafficking based on true events.

“I was pretty shocked that I hadn’t known (human trafficking) was something going on,” Hildebrand said. “Before that, I didn’t even know it existed.

“I didn’t know there was something going on this big. That’s when I started looking into it more,” she said.

She figured a poster campaign would be a good way to spread awareness to youth in schools.

Hildebrand and others gathered input from students and youth from the Runaway Alternatives Project (RAP) House in New Port Richey, on designs to best get the messages across.

Something big, bold, and vibrant was suggested.

Makayla Hildebrand founded Priceless Youth Movement her senior year at Land O’ Lakes High School. Now in college, Hildebrand is an active volunteer with the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, serving as a youth-friendly advocate.

“The main idea behind them, is that we want kids to look at these,” Hildebrand said. “I’m getting feedback that kids are actually noticing them and they know that they’re there, and not just something else that’s hanging on their school wall.”

The posters have since reached recreation centers and courthouses in Pasco.

Many other local organizations have also requested posters, Hildebrand said.

“We’ve had a lot of people ask us for them,” Hildebrand said. “They’re getting around, which we’re really happy about.”

Besides the poster initiative, Hildebrand’s club — which had over a dozen members — also participated in a handful of fundraisers.

They assisted with a supplies drive for Redefining Refuge, a Tampa Bay organization that helps young trafficking victims.

They also partnered with the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking, selling T-shirts to raise money for the organization’s safe home for trafficked boys.

And, although Hildebrand has since moved on to college, she remains an active volunteer with the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking.

There, she serves as a youth-friendly voice to what can be sensitive subject matter, human sex trafficking.

“I just want to encourage more kids to get involved and do something about it, that they’re not only priceless, but they’re capable and able to take a stand,” she said.

Human trafficking is a multibillion dollar industry that enslaves approximately 25 million people around the world, according to the Polaris Project, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that works to combat and prevent modern-day slavery and human trafficking.

The United States leads all other countries in the demand for trafficked victims.

Florida ranks No. 3 in the volume of calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Published February 13, 2019

Efforts resurface in quest to widen Old Pasco Road

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The Long Range Transportation Plan now includes a project to widen a 7-mile stretch of Old Pasco Road, from State Road 52 to County Road 54, which is also known as Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The widening had been included in the long-range plan as far back as 2014, but was subsequently dropped.

Now, it’s back in.

The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization board unanimously approved adding the project to its Long Range Transportation Plan, during the MPO’s Jan. 17 meeting. The long-range plan includes projects within a 20-year time frame from 2020 to 2040.

 

Efforts have resurfaced in a quest to get two-lane Old Pasco Road widened to four lanes. No funding for the project has been identified yet. (File)

Ali Atefi, transportation engineer for Pasco’s MPO, explained the thinking behind the potential widening of two-lane Old Pasco Road, to four lanes.

“The benefit is to provide additional capacity for people — for safety mainly and also time-saving,” Atefi said.

The road now primarily serves motorists heading to their homes, or to Cypress Creek Middle High School.

But, future growth on Old Pasco Road includes the construction of a separate school for Cypress Creek Middle School students, a new Instructional Performing Arts Center and a future business park.

The county recently received a $3 million state grant for a county-initiated project known as the Overpass Business Park. The future business  park is less than a half-mile southeast of the intersection of Overpass and Old Pasco.

The next step toward widening Old Pasco would be to include the project within a five-year window for funding, Atefi said.

Construction for expanding Old Pasco Road was passed by MPO board members on Jan. 17. This came as a response to the road’s current traffic, and future plans to build businesses and another school.

Various sources are being explored for financing the project, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said.

“There’s grants that have to do with road construction,” he explained. “We’ll have to look at possibly going to our legislators and FDOT (the Florida Department of Transportation) to see what they can do.”

It’s a challenge, but one worth taking on, the commissioner added – emphasizing that safety is his No. 1 concern.

“There’s increased traffic, including school buses that are going up and down Old Pasco Road,” Moore said.

With this in mind, Moore advocates the addition of sidewalks, bike paths and medians, as part of the road’s improvement.

The commissioner also noted the potential congestion with the county’s plan to build an interchange on Overpass Road.

This separate project will allow motorists to get off of Interstate 75 by way of Overpass Road – intersecting with Old Pasco Road.

The first step toward pursuing the widening project includes the completion of route studies to analyze potential environmental impacts and road alignments. Once schematics are underway, the MPO will determine how much land is needed for the expansion, Atefi said.

It is too early in the process to tell what impacts construction will have on traffic, he added. However, as the project develops, a traffic maintenance plan will be implemented to address any detours.

Published February 13, 2019

TouchPoint Medical’s headquarters to open in 2020

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Construction began last week on TouchPoint Medical Inc.’s global headquarters on South Branch Boulevard in The Preserve, a new residential community off State Road 54, west of the Suncoast Parkway.

Brian McNeill, president and CEO of TouchPoint — the parent company of TouchPoint Medical Inc. — offered remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony at TouchPoint Medical’s new global headquarters in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C. Manion)

The 142,000-square-foot facility in Land O’ Lakes is expected to be completed during 2020. The company will bring a total of 228 jobs to Pasco County, including 116 new jobs and other positions transferred from several locations.

The project represents more than $23 million in capital investment in Pasco County, according to officials with Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., the agency that seeks to attract new businesses and strengthen existing ones to bolster the county’s economy.

Officials from TouchPoint Medical and its parent company, elected leaders, TouchPoint employees and members of the community celebrated the groundbreaking on Feb. 6.

It was a blue sky kind of day, with speeches filled with enthusiasm — regarding the promise and potential that the new project represents.

When TouchPoint Medical Inc. began working with Pasco County officials, it discovered it shared many common values, said Pascal Testeil, the company’s president.

Brian McNeill, president and CEO of TouchPoint Inc., the parent company of TouchPoint Medical, told the crowd that as a private company the focus is “on doing what’s right for the long-term of the business. And, we look to create value over a long period of time.

“The investment that we’re making here in Pasco, Florida, is an example of our long-term commitment to our business, to our people, and to the communities in which we work and live,” McNeill said.

“I think this moment clearly demonstrates the power of aligning shared interests of private and public resources to create something new and exciting,” he added.

Pascal Testeil, president of TouchPoint Medical, said the company began looking for a location about a year ago, to enable its growth and expansion.

When it began working with the Pasco Economic Development Council’s staff and Pasco County, “we quickly discovered that we shared common values, such as growth, diversity, passion for creating value for customers and a strong sense of community.

“For all of those reasons, we were convinced that our new home should be here, in Pasco County,” Testeil said. “We want to be a contribution to the local economy,” he added.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells said he was pleased to see such a strong turnout of TouchPoint Medical employees at the groundbreaking ceremony, at the site where the company will have its new global headquarters.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells marveled at TouchPoint’s commitment to its employees, and at the sizable presence of TouchPoint team members at the event.

The commissioner added: “We are very excited to bring more jobs and economic growth to Pasco County. The new jobs coming to the county will range from product development, business services, customer and technical support, as well as manufacturing.”

Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco EDC, said “this land represents a great foundation to do business. It’s a wonderful location in the middle of the fastest-growing market in the United States, the southeast U.S.

“The foundation here is also strengthened by the community leaders and elected officials,” Cronin said.

The economic development leader also pledged a continuing partnership with the company.

Company and local officials fling shovels of sand to mark the groundbreaking for TouchPoint Medical Inc.’s global headquarters. It is expected to create 116 new jobs in Pasco County.

“We thank you for making the decision to move here,” Cronin said. “We are here for the long-run. We want to see you grow and prosper.”

TouchPoint Medical incentives
The Pasco County Commission previously approved $1.7 million in incentives to attract TouchPoint Medical Inc., to Pasco County.

The packages includes:

  • About $464,000 to be paid over eight years in return for providing new jobs
  • Up to $150,000 in payments or credits for permitting fees
  • An estimated $980,000 in property tax rebates over 10 years
  • $100,000 in reimbursable employee training costs

TouchPoint Medical will partner with AmSkills as part of training and recruitment.

AmSkills is an initiative that helps high school students, adults and veterans learn manufacturing job skills.

Published February 13, 2019

BayCare continues quest for Wesley Chapel hospital

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BayCare Health Systems is pushing forward in its quest to open a new hospital in Wesley Chapel, despite a challenge filed by AdventHealth’s hospitals in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

Speaking on BayCare’s behalf, Todd Jones recently outlined the health care system’s plans for a 60-bed hospital that would be built on a 111-acre site at the northeast quadrant of Interstate 75 and Overpass Road.

He shared BayCare’s vision for the hospital with about 120 businessmen and businesswomen at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast, at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel.

BayCare wants to put a new hospital along the I-75 corridor because of the dramatic population growth, and an increased demand for health services, said Jones, who is vice president of ambulatory experience and operations for BayCare Health System.

Todd Jones, vice president of ambulatory experience and operations for BayCare Health System, outlined the provider’s vision for a new hospital in Wesley Chapel during a breakfast meeting of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. (B.C. Manion)

“Anytime you have population growth, there is going to be an increased demand for health services,” he said.

“We want to recruit new primary care and specialty providers to the community.

“One of things that’s frustrating for patients — and this is the thing that affects your health — is when you can’t gain access to the care that you need in some way.”

Beyond recruiting the professionals to work at the hospital, there will be a ripple effect — with providers opening up offices nearby, Jones predicted.

BayCare also wants to provide additional services that would not be based at the hospital, Jones added.

BayCare also plans to do community outreach, and to provide wellness and education activities, Jones said.

It plans to partner with education providers to help provide a path forward for both high school and college students, Jones added.

The construction of the hospital is expected to create 300 jobs, and once it becomes fully operational, BayCare anticipates needing about 300 team members, Jones said.

The proposed services at the hospital include:

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

Jones told the audience, people often want to know: “What’s it going to look like? How’s it going to function?”

It will be similar in appearance to BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, which opened in Riverview in 2015. That hospital used the template from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, which opened in Lutz in 2010.

“We will use the same architects,” Jones said, using whatever was learned during the St. Joseph’s Hospital-South project, much like that project used what was learned at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

“The goal is, you  always want to improve upon yourself,” he said.

It typically takes about three years from the time a hospital is approved, until the physical structure is operating.

The hospital has received preliminary approval from the state for a Certificate of Need, but that has been challenged, so the process will take some time to work through.

BayCare has received word that a hearing is scheduled Aug. 13 through Aug. 22, according to Tiffany Scalone, media relations coordinator for St. Joseph’s Hospitals.

Jones told the North Tampa Bay Chamber crowd: “We will work through the process for the Certificate of Need. We anticipate it will be resolved by October.”

BayCare understands the value of the state Certificate of Need process, Jones said, noting it is intended “to protect the community, so that you don’t overbuild services and you do something the community actually can afford.

“We support that process. We feel like it challenges us to make sure that all of the things that we thought through actually do support the community,” Jones said.

Beyond its plans for the hospital, BayCare also anticipates bringing in some other services.

“We feel like we can get to the community faster with some of the diagnostic services that are needed in the community,” he said. “We’re looking at another location for our outpatient services. Right now, the things that we have identified immediately are around laboratory and imaging, and also urgent care.”

Licia Tavalaiccio, a real estate broker who lives in the area, said she’s excited about the prospect of the hospital coming into the area.

But, she noted: “My concern is traffic. Do we have a plan?””

Jones said the hospital will reach out in the community to involve them, as the hospital planning progresses.

“We would like you to participate. We want you to have input,” Jones said, noting that community participation also extends to helping to identify the community’s needs.

“We try to provide service for the patients where they need it,” Jones said. “We come to you.”

Published February 13, 2019