The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Election 2018 results

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Note: The outcome of two key races is not yet known

A machine recount has been ordered in the race for U.S. Senate, between Republican challenger Rick Scott and incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson.

A machine recount has been ordered in the race for Florida governor, between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum.

A machine recount has been ordered in the race for Florida Agricultural Commissioner, between Republican Matt Caldwell and Democrat ‘Nikki’ Fried.

These are the outcomes for other key races/ballot issues

Federal
U.S. Rep. District 12: Incumbent Republican Gus Bilirakis defeated Democrat Chris Hunter

State
Attorney General: Republican Ashley Moody defeated Democrat Sean Shaw

Chief Financial Officer: Incumbent Republican Jimmy Petronis defeated Jeremy Ring

State Senate
District 20: Incumbent Republican Tom Lee defeated Democrat Kathy Lewis  

District 10: Incumbent Republican Wilton Simpson defeated Michael Cottrell

State House
District 36: Incumbent Republican Amber Mariano defeated Democrat Linda Jack

District 37: Republican Ardian Zika defeated Democrat Tammy Garcia

District 38: Incumbent Republican Danny Burgess defeated No Party Affiliation David “TK” Hayes

District 63: Democrat Fentrice Driskell defeated incumbent Republican Shawn Harrison

District 64: Incumbent Republican James Grant defeated Jessica Harrington

Constitutional amendments (Requires 60 percent voter approval)
No. 1: Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption (Failed)

No. 2: Limitations on Property Tax Assessments (Passed)

No. 3: Voter Control of Gambling in Florida (Passed)

No. 4: Voting Restoration Amendment (Passed)

No. 5: Supermajority Vote Required to Impose, Authorize or Raise State Taxes or Fees (Passed)

No. 6: Rights of Crime Victims; Judges (Passed)

No. 7: First Responder and Military Member Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges and Universities

(Passed)

No. 9: Prohibits Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling; Prohibits Vaping in Enclosed Indoor Workplaces (Passed)

No. 10: State and Local Government Structure and Operation (Passed)

No. 11: Property Rights; Removal of Obsolete Provision; Criminal Statutes (Passed)

No. 12: Lobbying and Abuse of Office by Public Officers. (Passed)

No. 13: Ends Dog Racing (Passed)

Key Pasco County results
Pasco County CommissionDistrict 2: Incumbent Republican Mike Moore defeated Kelly Smith

District 4: Incumbent Republican Mike Wells defeated Brandi Geoit

Pasco School Board (Nonpartisan election)
District 5: Megan Harding defeated Tara M. O’ Connor

Pasco County General Obligation Bond issues
Jail expansion (Passed)
Fire service (Passed)
Parks (Passed)
Libraries (Passed)

Key Hillsborough County results
Hillsborough County Commission
District 2: Republican Ken Hagan defeated Democrat Angela Birdsong

District 4: Incumbent Republican Stacy White defeated Democrat Andrew Davis

District 5: Democrat Mariella Smith defeated Republican Victor Crist

District 7: Democrat Kimberly Overman defeated Republican Todd Marks

Hillsborough School Board (Nonpartisan Election)
District 1: Steve Cona defeated William Henry Person

District 6: Karen Perez defeated Henry “Shake” Washington

Hillsborough County Sheriff
Incumbent Republican Chad Chronister defeated Democrat Gary Pruitt

Hillsborough County tax issues
1-cent sales tax for transportation (Passed)

½-cent tax for schools (Passed)

Published November 14, 2018

Voters on both sides of the aisle say they want change

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Voters across Pasco and Hillsborough counties turned out in far greater numbers for the 2018 midterms than they did four years ago.

Websites kept by the local supervisor of elections show that 60.64 of Pasco County’s registered voters turned out, while Hillsborough’s turnout — at 61.48 percent — was even higher. Pasco’s turnout in the 2014 general election was 53.38 percent; Hillsborough’s was 49.3 percent.

We caught up with some voters who cast their ballots early, and other voters who got their “I Voted” stickers s on Election Day, Nov. 6 — to hear what they had to say about this year’s election.

By B.C. Manion

Published November 14, 2018

Photos below by Brian Fernandes

Keenly interested in races for governor, U.S. Senate
Forty-eight-year-old Robert Fabregas went to the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library to take advantage of early voting.

The Pasco County bus driver, who has no political party affiliation, said he was most interested in the races for Florida governor and for the U.S. Senate.

“I voted for (Ron) DeSantis for governor, and I voted for Rick Scott for senator,” said the Wesley Chapel man, who was accompanied by his daughter, Arianah, at the early polling place.

His opinion was mixed on four bond issues facing Pasco voters: He was against expanding libraries and the jail, but supported more fire stations and park improvements.

Voting early, on his day off
Forty-one-year-old Chris Eberhard, of Land O’ Lakes, took advantage of having a day off to cast his ballot for the midterms at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, one of numerous early voting places in Pasco County.

The Republican said he was most interested in the governor’s race, and despite his political affiliation, he said he voted for Democrat Andrew Gillum. “I approve of his policies regarding education,” Eberhard said.

 

 

 

Doing what he can to stop Trump
Wesley Chapel resident Col Belimy also took advantage of early voting to cast his ballot in the midterms.

The 57-year-old mortgage writer said he felt compelled to take part in the voting process, so he can “make sure I can eliminate ‘45’ (President Trump) from doing anymore tragedy to this country.”

In the governor’s race, he said he chose Andrew Gillum, noting “I liked his policy and procedures.”

 

 

Early voting is a good way to go
Forty-six-year-old Oscar Pena said he headed to the polls for early voting because he thinks its “quick and efficient” and a good way to avoid Election Day lines.

The Home Depot associate said he was particularly interested in the races for Florida governor and U.S. Senate.

Pena, who has no party affiliation, said he chose Ron DeSantis for governor and Rick Scott for the U.S. Senate.

He also said he favored Pasco County’s bond issues to expand libraries, fire stations and the jail.

 

She supports Republican philosophies
Fifty-five-year-old Stacy Hallman took advantage of early voting to cast her ballot.

The Republican, who works for Tampa Electric Company, said she’s not fond of every GOP candidate, but noted she tends to support their philosophies.

“I’m a person that believes in free enterprise, and low taxes and less government,” Hallman said.

She supported all four of Pasco County’s general obligation bond issues, which will raise money to expand fire/rescue services, improve parks and recreation, upgrade libraries and expand the county’s jail.

 

Photos below by B.C. Manion

Making sure she’s counted
Susan Wilde headed to Precinct 595 in Lutz, early on Election Day, to cast her ballot.

“I wanted to make sure my vote was counted,” said the pediatric nurse. “It’s our right to vote. That’s what brings about change.”

 

 

Wants a more inclusive government
Darrynn Vannasse, a medical assistant, said she was particularly interested in the race for governor.

“It’s going to make an impact. I supported Andrew Gillum. I think he would bring change to our state, which I think we really need, and make inclusiveness for everyone,” she said.

She also was interested in the proposed amendments to the state’s constitution, especially No. 4, which restores voting rights for convicted felons who have served their time.

“I voted yes for it,” she said.

She also supported ballot items calling for additional taxes to support transportation improvements and to pay for air-conditioning and other projects in Hillsborough’s public schools.

“I know everyone is usually against taxing, but it’s got to come from somewhere,” she said.

Wants to set a good example for students
Stacey Roller, a middle school media specialist at Buchanan Middle School, made it a point to cast her ballot on Election Day.

“I had a mail-in vote, but I decided I wanted to come in and vote the day of — so that my students at the school I’m at could see that I voted,” she said, referring to the “I Voted” sticker that voters receive.

She was particularly interested in the races for governor, U.S. Senate and the Hillsborough County School Board.

She had a personal reason to vote in the school board race.

“I supported Henry “Shake” Washington. He was actually my area supervisor when I was at Adams Middle School and Carrollwood Elementary School and teaching in the library there.

“So, I was excited to come out and support him,” she said.

She supported an additional sales tax to pay for air-conditioning and other school projects in Hillsborough’s public schools.

“Our air-conditioning in the media center did not work the first few weeks of school, and we had teachers who were in their classrooms. It was 86 degrees in their classrooms, so they were actually coming to the library to hold their classes in the library because it was so hot in their rooms.”

She thinks people will support the extra money for schools because the district has earmarked how it will be spent.

“They went through and said, ‘Here’s what’s going to happen at every single school,’ ” she said.

Roller also supported an additional tax for transportation improvements.

She previously worked near the University of South Florida and knows firsthand the frustration of being stuck in traffic.

“I would just sit in afternoon traffic around USF and the hospital area. You just knew it was a guaranteed 45 minutes of bumper-to-bumper traffic,” she said.
Voting is important, the school media specialist said.

“Your voice does matter. You can make a difference. No matter who you are voting, whether it’s Republican or Democrat, whatever the case is, you have to actually get out and vote.

“Even if your candidate that you were hoping for doesn’t win, at least you’ll know that you got out and you tried,” she said.

Trying to break the gridlock
Art Frotten, a retired chemical engineer, rode his bicycle to the Meadow Pointe IV Clubhouse in Wesley Chapel to cast his ballot. He said he was there “in hopes of stopping so much of the civil war that’s going on in Washington. It is all-out civil war. The only thing we’re not doing is shooting at each other.”

“I went Republican, even though I think Trump is an ass. He’s got some good ideas, and I’d like to see some of them come about.

“I went straight Republican to give Trump as much support as he can get, so as to swing some strength to one party rather than having such a deadlock in Washington and, also, of course in the state. Anything the state can do to help Washington start to move, the happier I’ll be. We’ve had deadlock for 30 years.”

Frotten also said he supported the four general obligation bond issues on Pasco County’s ballot.

“Pasco keeps expanding and needs money to do the expansion. More people means we all share the taxes more.”

He split his votes on the proposed amendments to Florida’s Constitution.

“I don’t see the felons’ need to be able to vote. I think they did the crime. That’s their problem,” he said. “Oil and gas drilling, I see no reason to disapprove oil and gas drilling,” said the retired chemical engineer.

Would like fewer attack ads
Giancarlo Rodriguez took the day off work, so he could vote. “I wanted to make a difference. We have to try to make things better somehow. This is the way we can actually do it,” he said.

He said he favored Pasco County’s general obligation bond issues.

“We need the infrastructure. Pasco County really doesn’t have as much infrastructure, parks-wise. Our libraries are pretty diminished. The fire department runs pretty thin, as well.

“That’s one of the reasons I came in to vote.”

He said he’d like to hear what politicians would do if they were elected, instead of hearing so many attack ads.

“The problem is, they focus their main ideas on attacking the other person. You don’t get to see what they want to do for the state, itself,” Rodriguez said.

He voted for an increased Homestead Exemption, but not just because it would give him a tax advantage. “If you can lower a little bit of the taxes, we can just pump it right back into the community itself,” said Rodriguez, who grew up in South America, Europe and Asia.

First-time voter
Arcadian Vera’s mom took a photo of him, standing outside Precinct 48, at the Meadow Pointe IV Clubhouse in Wesley Chapel.

Nineteen-year-old Arcadian Vera went to Precinct 48 to take part in his first election.

“I have to. Right now, our government is in a little bit of trouble — well, quite a bit of trouble, actually. I think there has to be a change. I felt that it was my responsibility, as a voter, to make the change.”

Voting is a civic duty
Vietnam veteran Harold Nelson said he makes it a point to take part in the political process.

“It’s very important to vote, being an American,” Nelson said. “I want to vote to put the right people in office.”

He voted a straight Democratic ticket. “I’ve been a Democrat all of my life.”

He also supported Pasco County’s general obligation bond issues, calling them “very important.”

 

 

Wants to help make history happen
Vincent Williams, who works with youths, said he headed to Precinct 6 at the Alice Hall Community Center in Zephyrhills to possibly be part of history.

“I voted for Andrew Gillum,” Williams said, referring to the candidate who had the potential to become Florida’s first black governor. “I understand his upbringing is similar to mine.”

Williams said he also supported Amendment No. 4 to the state’s Constitution, which restores a felon’s voting rights, after the felon has served his or her sentence.

“Once they serve their time, and they pay their debt, it should be clean slate,” Williams said.

Every vote counts
Accounting clerk Misty McClung said she votes on a regular basis.

“It matters,” McClung said. “They need every vote. It may be your one vote that changed the whole election.”

She was particularly interested in the race for Florida governor, casting her vote for Ron DeSantis.

“I’m Republican trying to support Trump. I think the economy is a lot better now, and I’m big on closing the borders,” she said.

She supported three of the four general obligation bond issues that were on the ballot — agreeing to higher taxes for parks, fire protection and libraries. She opposed the tax for the jail expansion.

“I did not vote to improve the jail system. I feel like you’ve committed a crime, why does it need to be so great,” she said.

Not a straight-ticket voter
Melissa Gordon, a full-time housewife and grandmother, said she came to cast her vote at the Alice Hall Community Center in Zephyrhills because she wants “to improve our government.”

She was interested, in particular, in some of the proposed amendments to the state’s Constitution.

She voted to restore a former felon’s right to vote, for instance. “If they’ve served their time, then they all means (they should be allowed to vote),” she said.

She also supported an amendment regarding Victims’ Rights.

She supported Republican Ron DeSantis for governor and Democrat Bill Nelson for the U.S. Senate.

“I’m fed up with Rick Scott,” Gordon said.

It’s important to be heard
Dietary supervisor DeNae Roberts said she believes it’s important to vote, “just to be heard.”

In the governor’s race, she voted for Andrew Gillum.

“He seems to care about the people a lot more, everybody, in general, not any particular race, or any particular gender. He’s very inclusive.”

She also supported Amendment 4: “I think if you did your time, and you’ve learned your lesson and you paid it back to society, why not be able to vote?”

Roberts said she supported three out of four of the county’s general obligation bond issues.

“I did not approve the one for jail, but I did approve everything else — the fire/rescue, the libraries, and parks and recreation.

“Unfortunately, if you’ve done something and you’re in jail, I don’t think our money should be spent on improving it,” Roberts said.

Local 4-H members receive recognition

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Two local members of Pasco County’s 4-H were honored by the Pasco County Commission last month for their achievements in the 4-H organization.

Commissioners passed a resolution on Oct. 9 recognizing Montana Rose Smith and Kata Muellerleile for their statewide leadership positions in 4-H.

Montana Rose Smith and Kata Muellerleile, members of Pasco County’s 4-H, were honored by the Pasco County Commission for being named to statewide leadership positions in the youth organization. They are shown here with members of the Pasco County Commission and Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neil. (Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

The resolution notes that nine young adults in Pasco County have been elected to statewide leadership positions over the past 20 years.

The resolution singled out Smith, who has been elected the 2018-2019 4-H State Council president by her peers and fellow 4-H members.

It also singled out Muellerleile, who has been elected the 2018-2019 4-H State Council reporter.

In congratulating the young women for the honors, Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said: “Girls, to say the least, we’re very proud of you. You’re our homegrown leaders that are going to be out there for 4-H. A lot of people, a lot of your peers will be watching you and hoping you do the job they expect you to do, and I’m sure both of you will.”

Muellerleile told commissioners “4-H holds such a special part in our hearts and lives because if it wasn’t for 4-H and Montana, herself, I would not be able to stand in front of you today.”

She added, “4-H is just so special to us and has changed our lives in many, many ways that we never thought could happen.”

Smith added, “4-H has definitely been a huge part of my life and has definitely helped me to develop who I am today. I used to be a shy little 9-year-old who just wanted to show my dairy goats. But, now I want to be on stage, behind the podium, talking and kind of guiding our youth across the state.”

Published November 14, 2018

The Civil War visits Dade City

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To all history buffs and those curious about learning more on the Civil War, the Pioneer Florida Museum will be recapturing this American era from Nov.16 through Nov. 18.

Entitled the “Living History and Civil War Reenactments,” the event begins with a school field trip on Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Accompanied by a tour guide, students will be able to roam through the museum visiting stations displaying artifacts such as cannons, musical instruments and rifles. They’ll also get a chance to learn about medical hospitals and camps for union soldiers and for confederate soldiers.

Members of the 14th Brooklyn New York State Militia gather in their part of the Union encampment. They are Peter Kalloch, of Hudson; Tom Stanton, of Pinellas Park; Pete Kannenberg, of Seminole; Rick Smith, of Summerfield; and, Bob Gilliland, of Osprey. (File)

Vendors will open on Nov. 17 at 9 a.m., and will offer food, vintage clothing, antiques and other items.

A battlefield reenactment will be followed by a ladies tea party, which begins at 10 a.m. Guests are welcome to attend, but are required to dress in 19th century attire.

Attendees are also asked to wear special attire for The Period Fashion Show at 11:30 a.m.

The following day, like the previous one, will feature concession stands, live performances, battle reenactments and inside tours of the museum.

For the field trip on Nov. 16, there will be a $4 fee for students and chaperones who preregister, and a $5 fee if paying on the day of the event.

Admission on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 is $10 for adults; $5 for students; and, free for those age 5 and younger. The museum will accept cash payment only.

There is free parking, but guests are asked not to bring outside food or beverages. They also are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Pets are not allowed with the exception of service dogs.

For additional information or to preregister for the field trip, contact the Pioneer Florida Museum at (352) 567-0262 or PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Living History and Civil War Reenactments
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City
When: School field trip on Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Reenactments on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $4 for students and chaperones who preregister; $10 for adults; $5 for students; free admission for those age 5 and younger
Details: The Pioneer Florida Museum will host a guided tour of Civil War artifacts, and will have reenactment battle scenes.
Info: Call the Pioneer Florida Museum at (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org for preregistration.

Published November 14, 2018

 

Artistic couple opens home gallery in Wesley Chapel

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Upon entering the front door, various colors seem to emanate from all directions.

The living room and dining room walls are covered with diverse paintings.

The tables are decked with sculptures of different shapes and proportions.

Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks have opened their Wesley Chapel home to the public as an art gallery. (Brian Fernandes)

More artworks can be found in the bedrooms, too.

This is the Wesley Chapel home of Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks, who moved to the area a year ago from Washington D.C., to live closer to their family.

Their residence doubles as their art gallery.

The artists have dedicated their lives to teaching and exposing the world to their craft.

Each grew up around art.

Gwendolyn’s father, a painter, was a curator at Howard University for 33 years before retiring.

She grew up painting and also developed a love for music through the piano.

Although a passionate artist and musician, she felt a stronger calling to creating art.

“I realized that art as well as music are disciplines that require a lot of time and energy,” she said, reflecting on the competing desires. “I couldn’t do both, so I chose art.”

She pursued her education, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from Howard University and a Master of Arts in Education/Counseling from Trinity College.

She spent her career as an art teacher in Washington D.C., and in Gambia, Africa.

In this painting, Bernard Brooks pays homage to legendary blues musician, B.B. King.

Bernard recalled that his uncle was an artist who was quite “comfortable” in his line of work.

His uncle was an art instructor and helped establish the art department at Carver Vocational High School in Baltimore, Maryland.

Bernard noticed and admired his uncle’s contentment, which, in turn, influenced Bernard to pursue a life in the arts.

Bernard received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Howard University, where he remained as the chief medical illustrator for more than 26 years.

It was during this time that he would design the interior of local dentist offices throughout the Washington D.C., area.

His artwork — known for its cotton fabric, metallic mediums and watercolors — began to gain notoriety.

“I was attracting people early on that had influence,” Bernard said, of his art’s growing popularity. “I always had a captive audience.”

His pieces would go on to be featured on national television shows, including “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and “The Parkers.”

Gwendolyn Brooks was inspired to create this piece after taking a trip to Cuba.

After becoming established, Bernard continued to be an advocate for up-and-coming young artists in the nation’s capital.

He often opened his home, giving many a place to stay and hiring some, as interns.

The couple said their art has been inspired by international influences, noting they’ve lived in the Caribbean islands and visited numerous countries.

Recently, a trip to Cuba inspired each of them to create pieces reflecting life on the island.

Hoping to gain a local following
Both feel compelled to create, but their approaches differ.

“I consider myself an intuitive artist,” Gwendolyn said, noting she never plans her work, but instead lets her feelings guide the work.

Bernard, on the other hand, said he needs to set an agenda for himself before putting paint to canvas.

The concept of their work is also what distinguishes their paintings.

Bernard tends to focus on artistry that conveys political or social issues in the world.

This portrait by Bernard Brooks is both a painting and collage of real images paying homage to U.S. Troops.

He doesn’t concern himself with what message viewers takes away, as long as they get a message.

Gwendolyn, on the other hand, avoids controversial issues — focusing instead on positive aspects of humanity.

“I like to brighten the person’s life – take them away from what’s happening in the world,” Gwendolyn said.

In addition to painting, she enjoys creating dolls and handmade quilts.

Stitching quilts by hand can be a tedious process, but it makes her work feel more personal, she said.

The couple has had art shows around the world, and they continue to do so. In some cases, their works go on display even when they can’t be present.

At home, they have two separate rooms they use as galleries for their respective works.

In addition to creating art, they also appreciate work created by other artists.

Their house is a showcase of ethnic diversity, with paintings and sculptures from French, Haitian, Japanese and Jamaican artists among others.

For every piece, the couple can name the creator, and tell the story behind it.

Some works hold a more significant meaning to Gwendolyn because they were painted by her father. He passed on much of his work to her, and those pieces tend to focus on African-American culture and identity.

When they were in Washington D.C., the Brooks had home shows with a cook-out in the back for visitors.

They’re hoping to gain a similar following here, and are trying to make a name for themselves in the Tampa Bay art scene.

Their home gallery in Wesley Chapel is open to the public, with pieces available for purchase.

To find out more, call Bernard or Gwendolyn at (813) 618-0916.

Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks Home Art Show
Where: 5242 Riva Ridge Drive in Wesley Chapel
When: Nov. 10, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Bernard and Gwendolyn Brooks will open their home gallery to the public with paintings for sale.
Info: To RSVP, call the Brooks at (813) 618-0916 or email .

Published November 7, 2018

Florida Hospital Dade City set for upgrades

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A slew of upgrades are coming to Florida Hospital Dade City.

The hospital’s parent company, Adventist Health System, is investing $20 million into various infrastructure and technological improvements to the 120-bed facility located at 13100 Fort King Road.

Florida Hospital Dade City president and CEO Amanda Maggard made the announcement during a recent breakfast meeting hosted by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Florida Hospital Dade City is getting a $20 million makeover over the next 18 months. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Dade City)

The upgrades will include a new lobby and cafeteria, as well as renovated units and spaces, which will see new flooring and automated medical equipment.

Maggard said several of the upgrades will go into effect over the next 18 months, as other capital improvement projects are also being determined.

“We have some really exciting things that are about to happen,” she said.

In addition to facility renovations, Maggard also mentioned the hospital’s first-ever electronic medical records system, Cerner, launches on Dec. 2

The $5 million system is expected to make it easier for network providers to access and share information with the hospital.

“It helps us not just provide a more connected patient experience, but it helps us understand the data,”  Maggard explained.

Those aren’t the only changes coming soon to Florida Hospital Dade City.

Beginning in January, all of Adventist Health System’s wholly owned hospitals and hundreds of care sites across its footprint will adopt the AdventHealth name and logo.

Florida Hospital Dade City president and CEO Amanda Maggard (File)

In east Pasco, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills Health and Rehab Center, and Zephyr Haven Health and Rehab Center will also take on the AdventHealth title.

That announcement was made by the company in August.

The organization said the naming structure was made to better allow consumers to more easily distinguish AdventHealth’s care locations and services; it does not reflect a change in ownership or business structure.

Maggard said of the rebranding: “This is not anything other than we’re trying to be that one unified team providing that same care. We have the same vision, the same mission across all of our facilities.

“You wouldn’t’ know as a consumer that we’re all connected. We’re one large organization with one goal, one purpose: To provide this whole-person care — not just your physical needs, but your mental and your spiritual needs as well.”

Adventist Health System is one of the nation’s largest faith-based health care systems, with more than 80,000 employees across 50 hospital campuses and hundreds of care sites throughout 10 states.

Published November 7, 2018

Construction begins to link recreational trails

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Pasco County’s engineering services had an event on Oct. 30 to celebrate the construction of the new Starkey Gap Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail that will link the Starkey and Suncoast Trails in Pasco County to the Pinellas Trail.

Construction of the new multi-use 2.4 mile-trail is expected to be completed in the summer of 2019.

Some cyclists were among those gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction of the Starkey Gap Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Once the segment is finished, it will provide connectivity to a trail that’s now more than 100 miles and continues to grow.

Construction of the Starkey Gap Trail is being funded and managed by the Florida Department of Transportation. After the trail is built, Pasco County will assume management of the trail.

This section of the trail is the last link of the Coast to Coast Connector Trail to be built in Pasco County. Once the Coast to Coast Connector Trail is completed, the network will stretch approximately 250 miles  — from St. Petersburg to Titusville.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who has played an instrumental role in addressing the need for recreational trails in Pasco, and across Florida, commented on the importance of this and other trail projects during an interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

“Before there ever was a Coast-to-Coast, we had this wonderful trail through Starkey Wilderness Park, which is a real jewel and it connects to the Suncoast Trail, which takes you all of the way up to Citrus County.

“The experiences on both trails are different, but they’re very special to serious cyclists.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has a keen interest in linking Florida’s recreational trails together. She spoke during a recent event to celebrate the beginning of construction for the Starkey Gap Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail that will link the Starkey and Suncoast Trails in Pasco County to the Pinellas Trail.

“And then, you have the Pinellas Trail, which is a real economic driver for communities along that trail. It’s world famous.

“And, it just made so much sense to connect the two,” Starkey said.

She noted that she served on Florida’s Greenways and Trails Council, under governors Jeb Bush, Charlie Crist and Rick Scott.

While serving on that council during Bush’s administration, she said she learned about trails all over the state, and it just made sense to link those trails.

She was involved in linking the Starkey Trail to the Suncoast Trail, which provided a 100-mile trail, she said.

After that, she got started on working on the Starkey Gap link.

The Starkey Gap project will build a new 2.4-mile long multi-use trail from the Pasco/Pinellas County line to the southern end of the Starkey Trail, north of State Road 54 in Pasco County.

The trail will follow the Duke Energy right of way to State Road 54, west along SR 54 to Starkey Boulevard and then north to Starkey Trail.

The construction cost for the project is estimated at $2,615,000, according to a Florida Department of Transportation fact sheet. The work will be done by D.A.B. Constructors Inc., the fact sheet says.

Published November 7, 2018

Fighting child hunger in Pasco, one backpack at a time

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When Amber Chancey and her husband, Paul, moved to Wesley Chapel in 2016, the couple had no idea the impact they would have on their new community.

They did know that they wanted the best education for their children, and they also knew that a healthy, balanced meal played a vital role in this.

Since its founding in 2018, Full Circle Food Outreach has found an advocate in NYE Commercial Advisors — which allows food donations to be dropped off at the company’s office. (Courtesy of Amber Chancey)

Meanwhile, Susan Coffey, a third-grade teacher, and several colleagues at Double Branch Elementary School noticed there were children in classes who were constantly tired, hungry or asking to be allowed to take their school food home.

Double Branch already was collecting food donations to send home to families on a month-to-month basis.

And, when the Chanceys learned about the situation, they began brainstorming on how to better address the needs of hungry children.

That led to the creation of the Full Circle Food Outreach program, which began in February 2018.

“We thought this was an easier, more consistent way to get the food to the kids,” said Amber Chancey, who is the program’s president.

The food outreach works like this: Students either openly express a need, or school staff notices signs — such as a student falling behind academically, or not concentrating in class.

In collaboration with Full Circle Food Outreach, New Tampa Chiropractic was able to collect 80 backpacks worth of nonperishable foods this year. These items are distributed to students in Wesley Chapel schools on Fridays, so they have enough to eat over the weekend.

Once a need is determined, parents must agree to be part of the program, in order to receive a supply of food intended to last through the weekend.

After school on Fridays, each student that is participating receives a food bag with 13 nonperishable items, consisting of two breakfasts, two lunches and snacks.

“We wanted these students to have the same opportunity to benefit from their education,” Chancey said, regarding the intent of Full Circle Food Outreach. “They’re not coming to school hungry, and they’re able to focus.”

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an estimated 6.5 million children live in households with an insufficient food supply, and roughly 16 percent of those homes have children under the age of 6.

Full Circle’s efforts have helped fill that gap at two Wesley Chapel schools, with Double Branch Elementary currently serving 21 students through the program, and Quail Hollow Elementary with 47 students.

One event that helped make this possible was a collaboration between Full Circle and the All Pro Dad organization, in which students’ fathers helped collect food donations on May 4.

The outreach also has received help from the community, when Full Circle hosted a “Stock-the-Pantry” food drive for the entire month of July.

Carmel Friendship Church, which partners with Full Circle Food Outreach, has stacks of nonperishable goodies so Wesley Chapel students won’t go hungry over the weekend while not in school.

Several local businesses volunteered themselves as drop-off locations for food donations, including NYE Commercial Advisors, New Tampa Chiropractic and Injury Center, Carmel Friendship Church, My Gym New Tampa, Faith Baptist Church and Premier Gymnastics.

The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club also has contributed food and money.

A Stock-the-Pantry party was held at the Country Walk Clubhouse in Wesley Chapel on July 28 to showcase the collected food donations, amounting to a value of more than $2,000.

Open to the public with refreshments, the function also raised an additional $250 from raffle tickets for items such as two Chuy’s Dinner certificates, a girl’s cruiser bike and a two-night stay at a Northwest Florida condo.

According to the foundation, $5 is enough to feed one student for a weekend, and it is striving for the goal of collecting $17,000 for the 2018-2019 school year, allocating some 2,720 food bags.

Chancey wants to provide services to more schools in Pasco County, but because Full Circle is a nonprofit organization, it must depend on community and business contributions to expand its work.

Her objective is not only to ensure that students are well-nourished, but that they learn the importance of charitable work and, eventually, will give back to others.

“Potentially, they’re going to make better grades, that’s going to help them progress and end up in a better place as an adult,” she said.

To enroll a student in the program or to make a donation online, visit FullCircleFoodOutreach.org.

For additional information on the foundation, call Full Circle Food Outreach at (813) 619-8009, or email .

Published November 7, 2018

Pasco County Schools helping Hurricane Michael victims

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Pasco County Schools has given 20 school buses to Bay District Schools and is loaning 20 maintenance employees to that district to help it recover from Hurricane Michael.

David Fussell, of Bay District Schools, was among the bus drivers arriving in Pasco County last week to pick up buses that Pasco County is providing to assist the Bay school district, which is in the midst of recovering from Hurricane Michael. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Bay County school bus drivers traveled to New Port Richey on Nov. 1, where they picked up the Pasco school district’s buses to drive them back to Bay County, according to a news release from Pasco County Schools.

When the visiting bus drivers arrived at Fred K. Marchman Technical College, they were served lunch by the school’s culinary students. After lunch, they were escorted to the bus barn at Pinehill Road and Congress Street, to pick up the buses to drive back to Bay County. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office escorted the buses to Interstate 75, according to Linda Cobbe, public information officer for Pasco County Schools.

Bus drivers from Bay County District Schools traveled to Pasco County to pick up some buses to take back to their district, which is recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael.

The schedule called for laborers and experts in site development, tree trimming, heavy equipment, electricity, HVAC, carpentry and mechanics to travel from Pasco County, to help Bay County schools to prepare for students in that district to return to school on Nov. 12, the release said.

The Pasco school district crew was scheduled to depart on Nov. 3 at 6:30 a.m., from the Maintenance Department, 11835 Tree Breeze Drive in New Port Richey.

In the news release, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said, “I can’t imagine what our colleagues are going through in the Panhandle, and we just wanted to give them the same kind of support I know they would give to us if we were in the same situation.”

Published November 7, 2018

Sharing joy through Operation Christmas Child

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Jennifer Hernandez is in the business of spreading love – not just locally, but globally.

For the past two years, she and Bridgeway Church, where she attends in Wesley Chapel, have been coordinating their efforts to help kids worldwide in what is known as “Operation Christmas Child.”

The nondenominational Christian project was first established in 1993 and is based in North Carolina under the Samaritan’s Purse organization.

Children within Fiji are elated as they receive special Christmas gifts from their friends in the U.S. (Courtesy of SamaritansPurse.org)

Samaritan’s Purse is headed by evangelist Franklin Graham who had a vision to help underprivileged youth gain something beneficial from the holidays. Thus was the beginning of Operation Christmas Child.

Since its inception 25 years ago, more than 157 million children across 160 countries have received shoeboxes with school supplies, personal hygiene items and toys.

This year, thousands of other volunteers nationwide are trying to reach 11 million children in need.

From Nov. 12 to Nov. 19, a National Collection Week will take place throughout the U.S., where donations can be handed in at various drop-off locations.

Hernandez, a drop-off team leader, recalled her reaction when a fellow church member initiated the idea to the congregation: “It looked like a worthwhile cause.”

Now in its third year, Bridgeway Church has collected more than 2,000 shoeboxes and hopes this holiday season will not be short of a success.

Bridgeway is one of seven drop-off locations for shoeboxes in Pasco County.

“The entire reason is to demonstrate God’s love through this tangible gift,” explained Dana Williams, assistant manager of media relations for Samaritan’s Purse. “This is an open door to share with a child that they’re loved and not forgotten.”

The manpower of Samaritan’s Purse is spread wide, as they train “local ministry partners” in other countries on how to receive the gifts and distribute them.

They will typically set up outreach events in a town’s church, school or community center and get the word out to parents that there’s a special surprise waiting for their children there.

Oftentimes, foreign pastors who know their communities well are granted the task of handing out shoeboxes to the children whom they know are in great need.

While adults can set up the shoeboxes themselves, youth are strongly encouraged to be involved, to help them learn how privileged they are here in the United States, Hernandez said.

Senders can include a letter in the shoebox, which enables the recipients the opportunity to respond.

“It opens up a relationship between the child that gets the box and the child here who sends the box,” she said.

An online donation of $9 will grant the donor a “follow your box” tracking label. By attaching the label to the shoebox, the donor can track which country it has been sent to.

To make a donation or to look up drop-off locations in your community, visit SamaritansPurse.org.

Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week
Bring donations to help fill shoeboxes to these drop-off locations, from Nov. 12 through Nov. 19 (hours vary by location):

Bridgeway Church, 30660 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel. For information, call (813) 907-1313.

East Pasco Adventist Academy, 38434 Centennial Road, Dade City. For information, call (352) 567-3646.

Fair Haven Baptist Church, 34927 Eiland Blvd., Zephyrhills. For information, call: (813) 782-7115.

Details: Various regions of Pasco County and the U.S. will be collecting and  packaging shoeboxes with gifts to send out to less fortunate children. For other drop-off locations and more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.

Published November 7, 2018