The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Wesley Chapel Girl Scouts empower other youths

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Ask members of Girl Scout Troop 473 what they’ve been up to this past year, and they’ll tell you — they’ve been putting smiles on other kids’ faces.

The Wesley Chapel troop, comprised of eight girls, has been working toward getting its Silver Project Award since August of 2017.

The award requires 50 community service hours, and the young ladies decided to focus on charitable work that was near to their hearts.

Wesley Chapel Girl Scout Troop 473, from left (front row): Sofia Marasco, Lauren Erwin, Kate Niehoff and Isabel Poholsky. From left (back row): Hailey Krall, Mia Marasco, Rachel Sutherland and Adrienne Gammage. (Brian Ferndandes)

Initially, the troop chose the theme of childhood reading for its project because of a sense of gratitude for literature.

“We all like to read,” said Mia Marasco, adding, “we all realize how lucky we are.”

The girls then decided that their efforts would be better spent if they divided into two groups, each group focusing on its own topic.

Eighth-grade students Lauren Erwin, Isabel Poholsky, Sofia Marasco and Kate Niehoff remained focused on childhood reading. The girls, who attend Dr. John Long Middle School, partnered with the United Way Children’s Literacy Program.

The ninth-graders — Mia Marasco, Adrienne Gammage, Rachel Sutherland and Hailey Krall — turned their attention toward helping foster kids. The four Wiregrass Ranch High School students partnered with the Eckerd Connects Foster Care Organization.

Both groups had a bake sale and sold popsicles to raise funds. They took the opportunity to display two presentation boards. Each represented their causes, explaining what they were about and offering interesting facts.

“It was really fun to watch them learn something of reality – budgeting and earning money,” said Mindy Gammage, who hosts scout sleepovers at her home. “It was definitely skill-building.”

The ninth-grade girls used proceeds from their fundraisers to buy supplies to make personal care bags. They filled plastic baggies with daily essentials such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and hairbrushes for foster kids.

“With these bags, they can grab it, and it has everything they need for a week,” said Sutherland,  a Girl Scout for 10 years.

The four scouts were able to create care bags for 20 boys and 20 girls, delivered through Eckerd Connects.

Besides hygienic products, each bag included something extra from the heart.

“We also made personalized quotes of inspiration that when they read it, they can feel happy and look at the positive side of a bad situation,” said Mia Marasco, the project communicator.

Members of Troop 473, from left: Sofia Marasco, Lauren Erwin, Kate Niehoff and Isabel Poholsky stand with their presentation board. The board advocates for child literacy and offers interesting facts. (Courtesy of Girl Scout Troop 473)

The girls also were sponsored by the Ernst and Young Company, which gave them a platform to bring awareness to foster care. They set up their presentation board and enlightened listeners on the subject at the company’s office.

Meanwhile, the eighth-graders strategized the best ways to collect books.

The tutoring organization Life Skills in Action sponsored the girls, setting up a book donation bin within its facility.

The girls advocated for donations at local events. They also used their presentation board to inform others about child literacy.

“It was just a very eye-opening experience to see that other people didn’t know our fun facts,” said Isabel Poholsky, social media director.

The scouts ended up collecting well over 400 books, exceeding their goal of 375.

It was an important milestone for the girls who acknowledged that the thought of kids who are struggling to read makes them feel sad.

Although they accomplished their donations to United Way, it didn’t stop there. The girls took it a step further and became ‘reading pals.’ They volunteered their time in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, sitting down with children to read to them.

“We realized how lucky we were that we had a good school and a good family to help us have a good education,” said Erwin, project organizer. “We would have liked to return the favor.

Reading and offering Girl Scout cookies to the kids made quite an impact. The children didn’t want their ‘reading pals’ to leave, but to stay and read some more, the girls explained.

Aside from their projects, the young ladies enjoy camp-outs, selling cookies and visiting nursing homes. They also have made donations to a pet shelter.

They’ve made it a priority, too, to learn the Girl Scout promise in sign language.

“They always rise to the occasion – multitasking between school, social activities,” said Elizabeth Poholsky, leader of Troop 473.

Now, their attention is set toward achieving the Gold Award.

They haven’t settled on a new project yet, but they’re sharing some ideas.

Troop member Isabel Poholsky is considering the topic of self-confidence, reasoning that’s something that many people struggle with.

Sofia Marasco is focusing on a topic that’s personal to her.

“I want to do it on celiac awareness,” she said, as her own mother suffers from the disease.

The scouts recognize that with each award comes more responsibilities, but said they’re ready for new challenges.

Scout volunteer Alycia Erwin sees the impact that Troop 473 is making — both on the girls personally, and also those they reach out to.

“They really are making a difference in the lives of others, which is the Girl Scout way – making the world a better place.”

For more information about the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida please visit, GSWCF.org, or call (813) 281-4475.

Published September 12, 2018

Despite neighbors’ concerns, commissioners OK subdivision

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a 145-home subdivision on the west side of Fort King Road, south of State Road 52 and north of Roberts Road, despite opposition by neighbors.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, representing the applicant, Dade City Fifty LLC, noted that the county’s future land use designation allows a potential of 284 units on the 50-acre property.

Wilhite also noted that flooding historically has been an issue in the area, and that this project will actually help improve drainage.

Neighbors expressed concerns about flooding back in 2005 when the property originally was rezoned to allow 100 homes, Wilhite said.

“The board heard these neighbors’ concerns and put stricter requirements,” Wilhite said, noting that a study of Tank Lake was done and the board adopted a Drainage Basin of Special Concern ordinance in the summer of 2005.

“So, as we come forward now in 2018, this project has to comply with those (stricter) standards,” Wilhite said.

Jeremy Couch, with Tampa Civil Design in Lutz, said he understands neighbors’ concerns.

“We’re higher than them, their fear is that we’re going to dump more water on them.

“We’re going to keep it (the water) there. We’re not going to let it go downstream,” Couch said.

Twenty-nine percent of the property is going to be used for ponds and drainage, Wilhite said.

“One 50-acre project is not going to fix the flooding that happens downstream. But, we are going to do our little part,” Couch said. “And, our little part is to put in infrastructure, trap the water and keep the volume. We are not going to slow-release. We’re just going to hold it.”

Still, neighbors were skeptical.

Once the retention pond fills up, the water will flow downhill, they said.

“What they’re going to do — I can guarantee you, is not going to hold all that,” said Betty Jean Perez, of 12431 Fort King Road. “When that water comes down, off those hills, it comes down like a river — a rushing, rushing river.”

Kathleen Schrimpf, of 12457 Fort King Road, also weighed in: “I understand they’re not responsible for the entire flooding issue in this area, however, I’m not confident that what they’re doing isn’t going to at least exacerbate the problem.”

Marie McLeod, 12524 Green Oak Lane, who said she’s been a flooding victim twice, urged board members to protect the neighbors.

“I would like to place my trust in you, that you will keep us safe and dry,” McLeod told commissioners.

Eddie Schultz, 12510 Fort King Road, noted: “I do think the engineers have done a good job of trying to come up with a solution.”

However, Schultz added, “there is a real concern about the ability of the water to actually be absorbed. The question is, how fast can it be absorbed?”

Cheryl Musgrove, speaking on behalf of her mother, Martha Damron, of 12231 Fort King Road, said there’s standing water on her mother’s property now — just from normal rains.

“Flooding plans are nice, but if they don’t work, real people’s lives and older homes are at risk of flood damage and loss,” Musgrove told commissioners.

Sheila Tomlinson, 12649 Green Oak Lane, said adding more homes will increase the potential for flooding.

“That’s a lot of roof, that’s a lot of cement, that’s a lot of driveways, that’s a lot of sidewalk,” she said.

Tomlinson said she was unaware of the area’s flooding problem when she moved into her home in 2004.

“Within two months, we had hurricanes come in.

“I was the mother of twin daughters. Every day I had to walk with my children on my shoulders in waist-deep water, so we could go to school and work every day for over a month,” Tomlinson said.

Jeff Richey, 12509 Green Oak Lane, cited concerns about increased traffic.

There are no sidewalks in the area, he said.

Plus, “at the wrong time of the day, it’s hard enough to get out of our neighborhood,” Richey added.

Wilhite said the applicant hired a traffic consultant to analyze the situation and that there will be no degradation of traffic standards, even with the project’s traffic.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, former chairman of the board for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, said the area has been plagued by drainage problems and efforts have been underway for years — and still continue — to address the issue.

Meanwhile, Oakley said, “I appreciate this development taking care of as much water as they can going across their property.”

Commissioners approved the rezoning, 5-0.

Published September 12, 2018

Local companies pitch in to help Boy Scouts in Lutz

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It was just 9 a.m., but the humidity was already oppressive, as Jake Smith and Ralph Rodriguez began unloading their truck filled with supplies.

The constant pulling and shifting, however, was not just the sound of a typical construction job, it was also the sound of a generous act.

Terrell King, left, of Westchase Roofing, and assistant scoutmaster Dan Romesburg were at the site of Troop 12’s roof installation on Sept. 7. (Brian Fernandes)

On the morning of Sept. 7, the men were among a number of workers giving back to an organization that gives so much – the Lutz Boy Scout Troop 12.

The scouts’ clubhouse was in need of serious roofing repairs.

Both of its buildings – the main facility and the storage unit – had lost many shingles through the years.

“They (shingles) have a life expectancy of 20 years here in Florida, less maybe,” said Dan Romesburg. “These have gone beyond that.”

There also were soft spots along the roofs, and the sheathing beneath the shingles, that had gone bad.

Ralph Rodriguez, right, sends up new shingles on a conveyor belt to Jake Smith for the roof of Troop 12’s storage unit.

Romesburg, the troop’s assistant scoutmaster, along with his colleagues, decided it was time for new roofs to be installed.

Earlier this year, the 54-member troop set out with a challenge to collect donations from the community.

They reached out to various organizations and finally found two willing participants – Gulfeagle Supply and Westchase Roofing.

Gulfeagle would provide all necessary roofing material on site and Westchase would install it – everything free of charge.

With a project that would have typically cost $9,000 to $10,000, Troop 12 now had two companies volunteering their time and service.

“There’s just not a lot of people these days willing to give up that kind of monetary nut,” said Romesburg. “That’s a lot for a company to take on.”

Gulfeagle Supply workers Ralph Rodriguez, left, and Jake Smith use a conveyor belt to load supplies on Troop 12’s main building.

The staff of Gulfeagle and Westchase both worked hand-in-hand to get the project underway. The roof was stripped to bare wood, and its frame was gradually re-layered with new shingles.

The job in total took several hours and was completed by afternoon.

Despite the intensive labor required, the workers performing the charitable act considered it a simple gesture.

“I was excited when they told me I was coming here,” said Smith, a Gulfeagle associate. “Not many people will give out generosity such as this.”

Terrell King, operations manager for Westchase, was on site to oversee the work.

“We try to do some community outreach. If somebody needs a little help and we can help, then we’re going to try,” King said.

Upon hearing that the companies had stepped forward to handle the job, the scouts were ecstatic.

The news also came at an opportune time, as Sept. 15 marks the troop’s 85th anniversary, and a celebration is planned to mark that occasion.

While the volunteer help lifted the boys’ spirits, Romesburg said he wanted the scouts to take away a deeper lesson from the experience.

“They need to see as they grow older and become responsible adults, that they need to learn to give back,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Lutz Boy Scout 85th Anniversary
Where: 205 Second Ave. S.E., Lutz
When: Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to former scouts, as well as scout sponsors
Details: Celebrating Troop 12’s longevity of 85 years. Refreshments will be served.
Info: Contact Paul Evans at (813) 679-2195 or .

Published September 12, 2018

Pasco County Commission denies solar farm appeals

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The Pasco County Commission has denied two appeals seeking to block the construction of a solar farm on pastureland, outside Dade City.

Gordon and Kathleen Comer, and Sandra Noble, who live near the proposed solar farm site both challenged the Planning Commission’s approval of a special exception permit for the project.

Attorney Gordon Schiff represented the Comers and attorney Rena Frazier represented Noble during the Pasco County Commission’s Sept. 4 hearing on both appeals.

Those living near the proposed Mountain View Solar Farm said the project will destroy the area’s scenic views. (File)

Attorney Cate Wells represented Tampa Electric Company (TECO).

First Solar Electric, which has a contract with TECO, wants to install about 460,000 photovoltaic solar panels on about 205 of 350 acres of pastureland, on both sides of Blanton Road. Portions of the site are bordered by Frazee Hill and Platt roads.

The solar farm, known as the Mountain View Solar Project, would produce power to be fed to  TECO’s power grid.

From the onset, the proposed project has been controversial.

Opponents packed the meeting room during the Planning Commission’s hearing, with speakers contending that the solar farm would destroy one of the county’s best assets – its scenic views.

At the appeals hearing, Frazer said the solar farm is a major utility that should be located within a master-planned development.

Both Schiff and Frazer said the project should be denied because it violates the county’s Northeast Rural Protection plan.

Wells, representing TECO, said the solar farm will be buffered by trees and shrubs, and will have little impact due to traffic or noise.

Charles Lee, director of advocacy for Audubon Florida, who spoke in support of the project during the Planning Commission hearing reiterated that support.

Lee said TECO has been generous in protecting wetlands and creating a 660-foot buffer zone for an eagle’s nest in the southeast corner of the site.

When the Planning Commission approved the special exception permit for the Mountain View solar farm, the county’s ordinances did not directly address solar farms.

County Commissioners subsequently approved an ordinance, in June, relating to the placement of solar farms.

Pasco County now allows solar farms as special exceptions in agricultural zones, and as permitted uses in some commercial and industrial zones. Future decisions on permitting are now decided by county staff and the Planning Commission, with the County Commission involved only when there are appeals.

During the Sept. 4 appeal hearing, both Schiff and Frazer said that Commissioner Ron Oakley should recuse himself.

“There was an article published right after the Planning Commission decision and Commissioner Oakley made a comment, and the comment was substantial enough to show that he exhibits bias in this proceeding,” Schiff said. “He favors approval, in fact he wants approval.

“In this case, Commissioner Oakley should recuse himself, and if not, he should be disqualified,” Schiff added.

Elizabeth Blair, senior assistant county attorney, said the issue had been researched and it was determined that Oakley had no bias and should participate.

Both Schiff and Frazer said the solar plant should be denied because it is inconsistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. Both asked commissioners to reverse the Planning Commission’s decision and deny the application.

Frazer noted the solar farm cannot be adequately buffered because of the area’s terrain.

“The elevation of the land is such that the panels cannot be hidden,” Frazer said.

Wells, representing TECO, cited the County Commission’s June adoption of the ordinance relating to the placement of solar farms.

“The ordinance was intended to be remedial in nature, to clarify existing law and, as such, applied retroactively to all applications or appeals pending as of the effective date of this ordinance,” Wells said.

Noble has filed an appeal, challenging the county’s June ordinance, relating to the placement of solar farms.

Published September 12, 2018

Exhibit proves that ‘selfies’ are not exactly a new thing

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The ‘selfie’ trend of the day has revolutionized how photography is consumed. However, the gap between modern-day self-portraits and those spanning more than 150 years ago, may not be so broad.

St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts is presenting the exhibition, ‘This is Not a Selfie: Photographic Self-Portraits from the Audrey and Sydney Irmas Collection,’ through Nov. 25. (Brian Fernandes)

St. Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is featuring an exhibit that sheds light on how artists have embraced self-portraits long before smartphones and social media became a thing.

The MFA is hosting the “This is Not a Selfie: Photographic Self-Portraits from the Audrey and Sydney Irmas Collection” through Nov. 25.

The exhibition, which came from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), features more than 80 photographs created by 66 artists.

Three themes — performance, identity and reflection — are the focal point of the exhibit, showing various techniques artists have used to create their images.

The gallery is showcasing self-portraiture dating as far back as the 19th century.

The oldest piece in the exhibit, by French artist Alphonse-Louis Poitevin, is from 1853.

“People always want to express themselves in creative ways,” said Robin O’ Dell, curator of photographic collection at St. Pete MFA. “This exhibition does a good job of showing the breadth and depth of how people do that.”

Artist Cindy Sherman poses for the camera in this 1977 portrait. (Courtesy of The Audrey and Sydney Irmas Collection)

While there are self-portraits taken by the artists themselves, there are others in which artists pose for another photographer.

In each image, however, the artist has an agenda – whether it is to entertain or to address social issues, such as family, gender, race or politics.

In his 1988 portrait, Robert Mapplethorpe explores the theme of identity, as he faces the camera holding in hand a cane with a skull on top of it. The image, taken several months before his passing, was his way of addressing his own mortality.

The reflection theme can be seen through a more modern image, 2004’s “Mirror Ball” by Anne Collier. In this portrait, Collier uses a disco ball to reflect parts of her fingers, clothes and hair around one of her eyes – the window into the soul.

Creating connections through art
“This is Not a Selfie” sets out to help newer generations resonate with artwork of past generations and to understand its importance.

In this 2004 piece entitled ‘Mirror Ball,’ Anne Collier’s eye becomes the focal point of a disco ball. (Courtesy of The Audrey and Sydney Irmas Collection)

“One of the things that’s wonderful about this show is it’s incredibly accessible and relatable,” said Kristen Shepherd, executive director of St. Pete MFA. “The way we use pixilation and all the different things that artists have done through time, we’re all doing too. We’re all connected in that way.”

Three ‘selfie stations’ allow visitors to play an interactive role. A turquoise-colored carpet signals each station’s location.

The fun house mirror station is inspired by a 1955 portrait by Imogen Cunningham, where she poses with her granddaughters. Like the image, the mirrors distort the size and shape of whoever stands before it.

The 9-foot disco ball station reflects its subjects in glossy and fragmented pieces. This station was inspired by Anne Collier’s portrait.

This 2009 portrait shows duplicates of Lisa Anne Auerbach in Nottingham Forest, as she tries to recapture the story of Robin Hood. Here Auerbach, known for her political messages, makes a statement on her concerns regarding wealth distribution and health care. (Courtesy of The Audrey and Sydney Irmas Collection)

Then, there is the Jonathan Borofsky-inspired station which has three projections on a bare wall. At this station, subjects can stand with their backs to a projection so it appears to be tattooed on their bodies, such as in Borofsky’s 1980 art piece.

Visitors can post their ‘selfies’ onto Instagram with the hashtag #notaselfieMFA. This hashtag will allow their photos to be uploaded onto an image board at St. Pete MFA for the public to view.

“We want people to be engaged with art,” O’ Dell said. “They’re so inundated with imagery now, that it’s good to see how professional artists use their creativity to express personal things.”

The MFA is the only stop the exhibition will be making on the East Coast of the country. It previously has been showcased at the San Jose Museum of Art and the Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery, both in California.

This is Not a Selfie: Photographic Self-Portraits from the Audrey and Sydney Irmas Collection
Where: St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg
When: The exhibit will be on display daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thursday, when it is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, when hours are noon to 5 p.m. The exhibit runs through Nov. 25.
Cost: $20 for adults; $15 for those 65 and older, Florida educators, college students and military officers; $10 for students age 7 and older, and free for those younger. Admission is $5 after 5 p.m., on Thursdays.
Details: The exhibition showcases more than 80 self-portraits spanning a period of 150 years.
Additional information: The museum has a café, open Tuesdays through Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Valet parking is available at the entrance; there is metered parking on the street.
Info: Call (727) 896-2667, or visit MFAstpete.org.

Published September 12, 2018

Pasco EDC presents annual awards

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Hundreds attended the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 32nd annual Awards and Trade Show on Sept. 6, where Jay B. Starkey Jr., was honored and awards were bestowed in various categories.

Nominees were scored based on company growth, leadership in current business issues, and corporate citizenship, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

Jay B. Starkey Jr., was named the 2018 Leadership Award winner during the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 32nd annual Awards and Trade Show. Shown here, from left: Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president and CEO; Kathryn Starkey, daughter-in-law of Jay B. Starkey Jr., and a Pasco County commissioner; Trey Starkey, Jay B. Starkey Jr.’s son; Jay B. Starkey Jr., 2018 Leadership Award winner; Marsha Starkey, the winner’s wife; and Zachary Starkey, the winner’s grandson. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

“All 15 Award Finalists made great investments in their businesses and community, and that’s why it’s always so hard for the Award Committee to choose the winners. The six winners this year are a great representation of the diverse business climate we have in Pasco,” Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC, said in the news release.

The 2018 Pasco EDC Award Winners are:
• Business of the Year – Start-Up Category: Merrell Bros. Inc. What began as a small family operation now offers services in every state. Their Florida division opened in Pasco County in early 2017.
• Special Contribution: Morton Plant North Bay Hospital
The hospital opened in 1965 with a 50-bed facility and was the first hospital in New Port Richey. It continues to expand and has grown to 154 beds, enabling the hospital to offer more services, improved technology and greater convenience for patients.
• Business of the Year- Small Category: DC Johnson & Associates
Established in 1980 with the goal of providing land surveying services to specifically meet the needs of professionals involved in land acquisition and development.
• Business of the Year – Medium Category: San Antonio Lumber Co.
Over the past 90 years, their ability to adapt to an ever-changing and evolving industry is what has allowed them to weather even the most unstable times.
• Business of the Year – Large Category: Mettler Toledo
Their product inspection systems are used by manufacturers in many industries, including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, plastics and chemicals, to ensure the total quality of their products, and improve the efficiency of their manufacturing and packaging processes.
Starkey, who was honored with the Leadership Award, was recognized for his strong work ethic on the ranch and in his community, where he helped to shape the way for Pasco County.

Starkey served on the Pasco County School Board for eight years during the 1970s and sang in Master Chorale, an affiliate of the Florida Orchestra for more than 20 years, according to the release.

Published September 12, 2018

Pasco and Hillsborough voters express their views

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Voters in Pasco and Hillsborough counties headed to the polls on Aug. 28 to cast their votes in Florida’s midterm primary.

Some shared their thoughts with The Laker/Lutz News at polls in Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Lutz.

Here’s a brief synopsis of what some of them had to say:

Rick Carfi (Brian Fernandes)

Rick Carfi, a customer service representative at Publix, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, put it like this: “You don’t vote, you don’t have a say. I’ve been voting forever.”

Hoyt Davis, a consultant, from Land O’ Lakes, said voting “is one of our rights as American citizens.”

Tami Perdue, a paint contractor from Land O’ Lakes, put it like this: “If you want your voice to be heard, you need to vote for the people you want in office.

“Our veterans fought for us. We should use our rights that we have because of what they’ve done for us,” she added.

Franz Warner, a firefighter from Land O’ Lakes, said “It’s everybody’s fundamental right and obligation to vote.

Franz Warner (Brian Fernandes)

“It’s somewhat sad that people don’t exercise that right. I think with the state of the country and the things going on right now, that everybody needs to exercise that right.”

Robin Ankrom, a stay-at-home mom from Land O’ Lakes, said “I’m really passionate about my voting rights.

“I believe voting for judges and for school board are just as important as other offices,” she said, noting judges are the ones who interpret the law.

Selecting school board members is important, too, because she wants to have a say regarding “who’s making the decision for my child’s education.”

Rick Stevens, 63, of Zephyrhills, said, “I’m not really thrilled about what’s currently going on in Washington. It’s not always in with the new and out with the old. Sometimes we ask for change and we get it, and we don’t realize what we’ve done, in this particular case.

“It’s just the primaries, so we’ll see what happens.

“Hopefully some changes are made and messages sent, maybe.”

Henry Keithley, 44, of Zephyrhills, said, “I’m tired of the Trump rhetoric. I think DeSantis, that commercial he ran was just like completely riding (Trump’s) coattails — I just feel like that stuff has gone far enough. It’s not helpful. It’s certainly not uniting. Putnam’s done a great job as commissioner of agriculture, I thought, so I just think he’s more of a reasonable, level-headed person that can do the job, whereas, I don’t know how I would feel about DeSantis.”

Bruce Hinkle, 72, of Zephyrhills, a Navy veteran and staunch Democrat, expressed the need to find solutions for affordable health care and education for future generations.

“When I got out of the service you could be on minimum wage — working as a mechanic or maybe cleaning cars in a car dealership— and have enough money for college. Not today. I mean, kids are graduating with so much debt. There’s something wrong with that. You look at that and the scenario with our health care, what’s wrong with this country?

“As all these kids in debt get older and they get wiser, they’re going to look back on this and say, ‘There was something wrong there. I had to spend 15 years of my life paying for the rest of my college loan. Well, that’s going to be huge, and they’re going to remember the people that were for them, trying to do something with their costs.”

Adam Racker, 33, Zephyrhills, put it like this: “The real shame of it is that a lot of independents are not voting in this because they think this is just a primary for governor, surprisingly. Independents have no idea that they can even vote in the school board (election). They think, ‘Oh, it’s an Adam Putnam or Rick DeSantis, or a Gwen Graham vs. Andrew Gillum’ and then they’re not heard.”

Tisha Wright, 48, of Zephyrhills, said “education is big to me. I don’t know why more people don’t follow school board elections and what’s going on with schools.”

Eunique Bolton (B.C. Manion)

She also came out to support Joy Gibson for Florida State Senate District 20.

“I think the biggest thing that she says is family over politics. She’s concerned about families. I know she has a good heart and cares for families. That’s what her campaign is all about — family values.”

Irineo Cabreros (B.C. Manion)

Eunique Bolton, of Wesley Chapel, cast her ballot at a precinct at Bridgeway Church on Wells Road. She was particularly interested in the school board races and primary for governor. She said she always votes. “This is my first time here, because I just moved here from Hillsborough County.” And, she brought her 2-week-old, Nicco, along with her to the polling place.

Peggy Jensen, of Wesley Chapel, said “We always vote. It’s important to us that the right person gets in office.” To her, voting “is an obligation, really.”

Irineo Cabreros, of Lutz, said he votes whenever he can. “It’s a right I don’t want to pass up or take for granted.

“It’s my only input I have access to.

Peggy Jensen (B.C. Manion)

“I always will be here. If I have a chance, I’ll vote someone who might shift the scale in terms of better representation. The two-party system is a little bit flawed right now. It’s missing a lot of people that don’t subscribe to either.”

Marguerite LaPunzina, of Lutz, put it like this: “The status quo in the state is unacceptable, and this is the first step in changing the order.”

“I think it’s a shame that people don’t exercise their right as an American to vote. I’m well into my 40s, and I remember the first time I was able to vote when I turned 18. I think it was a school board election, and I went out and voted.”

“It’s the only way you’re going to get your voice heard.”

Marguerite LaPunzina (B.C. Manion)

Wilma Moore, of Lutz, who drove a school bus for 30 years, said she never misses an election. She said she was interested in every race on the ballot. “They’re all really important,” she said.

Craig Cooler, of Lutz, said: “I just think it’s an important civic duty to come out and vote and express your concerns.”

He thinks it’s important to vote in primary elections.

“I don’t like it when they get to the time when it’s the main voting. ‘Basically, they’re like, we’re voting for the lesser of two evils.’ They didn’t voice their opinion at the beginning,” Cooler said.

— Compiled by B.C. Manion, Brian Fernandes and Kevin Weiss

Published September 5, 2018

Results are in for Florida’s primary

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Florida’s voters went to the polls last week in a primary that captured national attention when Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum stunned political prognosticators by defeating the predicted winner Gwen Graham.

If he wins in November, Gillum would become Florida’s first black governor.

On the Republican side of the ledger, Congressman Ron DeSantis — endorsed by President Donald J. Trump — carried the day, defeating Adam Putnam, a longtime Florida politician, who had served as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and five terms in Congress, representing Central Florida.

Locally, 85,907 voters cast their ballots in Pasco County, representing a 24.84 percent turnout of the county’s 345,879 registered voters.

“The turnout was considerably higher than I expected and, in this case, I’m never more happy to be wrong,” Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said, via email.

The 2018 Primary turnout represented a 66 percent increase from the last midterm primary in 2014, Corley said.

“It’s apparent the voters are more engaged than in previous cycles,” the supervisor of elections added.

Hillsborough County experienced a slightly higher turnout, with 219,118 ballots cast, representing a 26.16 percent turnout of the county’s 837,681 registered voters.

DeSantis and Graham garnered the most votes in the governor’s race among Pasco voters, while DeSantis and Gillum were the top vote-getters in that race in Hillsborough County.

While many races on the ballot were true primary choices, with voters deciding which candidate should represent the Democrats and Republicans in the general elections, the races for judges and school board members were nonpartisan, meaning winners could be named if a candidate secured more than 50 percent of the vote.

That happened in two of the three Pasco County School Board races on the ballot.

Allen Altman and Cynthia Armstrong were both re-elected to another term, which the winner of the seat vacated by retiring Steve Luikart will be decided in the general election, with a run-off between Megan Harding and Tara M. O’ Connor.

The Pasco race for the Circuit Judge 6th Judicial Circuit, Group 4, also will require a run-off in November between Davis Ellis and Roxanne Fixsen. In that race, none of the three candidates secured more than 50 percent of the vote.

TOP VOTE-GETTERS IN KEY RACES

Pasco County Republicans
Federal
U.S. Senate: Rick Scott

State
Governor: Ron DeSantis
Attorney General: Ashley Moody
Commissioner of Agriculture: Baxter Troutman
State Representative District 37: Ardian Zika

Pasco County Democrats
Federal
U.S. Rep. District 12: Chris Hunter

State
Governor: Gwen Graham
Attorney General: Sean Shaw
Commissioner of Agriculture: Nicole ‘Nikki’ Fried
State Senator District 20: Kathy Lewis

Local races, No Party Affiliation
Pasco County
Circuit Judge 6th Judicial Circuit
Group 9: Christine Helinger
Group 36: Doneene D. Loar
Group 40: Thomas H. “Tommy” Minkoff
Group 45: Rebecca Hamilton

County Judge
Group 7: Kent Compton

Pasco School Board
District 1: Allen Altman
District 3: Cynthia Armstrong
District 5:  A run-off will be held between Megan Harding and Tara M. O’Connor in the November general election.

Hillsborough County Republicans
State races
Governor: Rick DeSantis
Attorney General: Ashley Moody
Commissioner of Agriculture: Baxter Troutman
State Representative, District 64: James Grant

Local races, Republican
Hillsborough County Commission, District 2: Ken Hagan
Hillsborough County Commission, District 5: Victor Crist
Hillsborough County Commission, District 7: Todd Marks

Hillsborough County Democrats
Federal
U.S. Congress, District 12: Chris Hunter

State races
Governor: Andrew Gillum
Attorney General: Sean Shaw
Commissioner of Agriculture: Nicole ‘Nikki’ Fried
State Senator, District 20: Kathy Lewis

Local races, Democratic
Hillsborough County Commission, District 5: Mariella Smith
Hillsborough County Commission, District 7: Kimberly Overman

Hillsborough County School Board (No political affiliation)
District 1: William Henry Person and Steve Cona will have a run-off in the November general election
District 2: Stacy Hahn
District 4: Melissa Snively
District 6: Karen Perez and Henry “Shake” Washington will have a runoff in the November general election.

Complete results can be found at PascoVotes.com and VoteHillsborough.org.

Published September 5, 2018

Local business, organizations raise awareness on sex trafficking

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In the ongoing fight against human trafficking, several local businesses and organizations have stepped up to raise awareness on the issue.

Fifteen groups, mostly in Pasco County, have been declared “Trafficking Free Zones,” by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking, a nonprofit group based in Tampa:

  • Magnolia Plastic Surgery Center
  • NOW SC Press
  • Design & Construction Innovations
  • Paperjacket
  • Searchwurx
  • Next Machine
  • Pasco Economic Development Council
  • We Love Logos
  • Martinez Law
  • North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce
  • Florida Hospital Center Ice
  • CU Engage
  • Berkeley Search Associates
  • Impact Church
  • Hope Church

To earn the designation, the various groups issued a proclamation stating their organization’s commitment to stand against human sex trafficking; provided awareness training to all employees on human trafficking; and, created a “zero tolerance” handbook policy for employees that engage in sex buying or human trafficking.

The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking has declared several local businesses and organizations ‘Trafficking Free Zones,’ for taking steps to raise awareness on the issue of human sex trafficking. (Courtesy of U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking)

“A business has a certain sphere of influence over the folks they engage with, especially their employee population,” Geoff Rogers, the chief executive officer of the institute against human trafficking said, in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

“The communities where we’ve seen the fight against sex trafficking be most successful are those who have the entire community running after it at the same time,” he explained.

The institute against human trafficking is urging more organizations to participate in the program, which is free.

“Apathy is one of the biggest problems that we face, so we’ve been very focused on how do we get people involved and what can they do,” Rogers said.

The institute’s Trafficking Free Zone program launched in May.

The program establishes a holistic approach – a multisector partnership involving law enforcement, government, businesses, schools and community-based organizations — to try and reduce the demand for sex trafficking.

It also focuses on arresting and prosecuting sex buyers instead of those who are being sold, and educating community members on sex trafficking and implementing other demand reduction techniques, like offering resources for victims, as well as those struggling with sex and/or porn addiction.

Tampa-based U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking works to end human trafficking in the United States through prevention, rescue of victims, combating demand, and providing safe refuge for the restoration of survivors.

Rogers said those techniques are proven practices that have been used across the country. “With all these different sectors of society firing away at the sex trafficking problem, that’s when we begin to see the bottom drop out of demand and real substantive changes and improvement be made in the fight against trafficking within that community.”

Also, through the Trafficking Free Zone program, the institute has partnered with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office on a cyber sting operation that attacks the demand-side of sex trafficking by targeting and identifying online sex buyers through the use of intercept bots. That initiative has been underway since July.

Human sex trafficking has been under the microscope in Florida for some time.

The state has consistently ranked third in the number of cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, behind only California and Texas.

Tampa Bay usually ranks fourth in the state for the number of such calls.

Officials have said the region’s attraction as a tourism destination, along with having international airports and deep-water seaports, increases the likelihood for human sex trafficking. Hosting large sporting events and conventions also lends to the problem.

Pasco County officials have worked to address the issue locally.

In 2014, Pasco County Commissioners formed the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking to promote public awareness about human trafficking, create educational programming opportunities and advocate for strategies to aid survivors of human trafficking.

That commission helped pass an ordinance in 2016 that mandates signage raising awareness of human trafficking to be posted in the restrooms and dressing rooms of sexually oriented businesses, such as adult entertainment establishments and unlicensed massage services.

It also trained more than 3,000 members of the community on human trafficking through its community awareness presentations.

“In many respects, Pasco County is one of the leading counties in the state of Florida in the fight against sex trafficking,” Rogers said.

For information, visit TraffickingFreeZone.com.

Published September 5, 2018

San Antonio Farmers Market makes its return

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The San Antonio Farmers Market is making its return, for its second year, beginning on Sept. 8.

The event runs on the second Saturday of the month, from September through May, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., San Antonio.

The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Antonio.

The market features vendors who set up around the park, offering a variety of products, including jams and jellies, honey, produce, jewelry and quilts.

San Antonio Rotary Club’s Terrie Grissom, left, and Winnie Burke are helping to host the San Antonio Farmers Market. Now in its second year, the monthly event begins this year on Sept. 8. (Brian Fernandes)

One highlight this year will be live music by the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society.

Those wishing to donate blood also will be able to do so, at OneBlood’s Big Red Bus that will be parked at the site to accept donations. Donors will receive both a free T-shirt and a checkup.

Mr. Jim’s hot dog stand is returning to the market this year.

A table also will be set up for kids to give them a chance to create a craft, at no charge. A Rotary Club member will oversee that activity.

“That’s a part of doing what we can for kids,” said Terrie Grissom, treasurer of San Antonio’s Rotary Club. “We are very much a community-focused club, serving the San Antonio area the best we can.”

The park has a playground for children and numerous picnic tables for dining.

In addition to exploring the vendors, patrons are welcome to volunteer their voices for singing performances.

The event is free of charge, and pets are welcome, too.

Proceeds benefit causes supported by the Rotary Club of San Antonio. The club supports scholarships for students and donates food bags to the San Antonio Elementary School, among other things.

“One main thing is to try and improve education and the life of people,” said Winnie Burke, chairwoman of the Rotary Club.

Club members also will be on hand to help vendors set up tents.

San Antonio Farmers Market
Where: San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., in San Antonio
When: The second Saturday of the month, September through May, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Details: The event will hold various vendors, food, live music and a blood drive. Pets are welcome, too.
Info: Contact Winnie Burke at (352) 437-5161 or .

Published September 5, 2018