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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Sunlake High student named Foot Locker scholar-athlete

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Sunlake High School’s Andrea Wallace is more than just a star basketball player who can score and rebound at will, and dazzle in the post, with her 6-foot-1 frame.

She’s also a standout in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average all through high school.

Besides athletics and academics, Wallace, too, strives to make an impact in the community. It’s why she founded a school club her junior year called Pass It Forward, which focuses on empowering young girls in Land O’ Lakes to use their voice, display their strengths and encourage one another.

“She’s that kid that wants to be great,” said Reesa Hendrix-Pledge, Sunlake athletic director and girls head basketball coach.

Sunlake High’s Andrea Wallace was one of just 20 student-athletes nationwide honored this year in the Foot Locker Scholar-Athletes Program, selected from a competitive pool of over 13,000 applicants. Wallace was recognized for her academic and athletic excellence, along with her service to the community. She will play basketball next season at St. Petersburg College, with plans to transfer to a university in a year or two. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School)

In her seven-plus years at Sunlake, Hendrix-Pledge says no student-athlete better exemplifies “excellence” in all aspects of life than the senior forward.

“She’s kind of the model student,” the coach said.

Wallace’s leadership skills, too, “are like no other” — evidenced in being a three-time team captain on the girls varsity hoops team.

“A coach couldn’t ask for somebody else that can actually talk it then back it up at the same time,” Hendrix-Pledge said.

To other Sunlake teachers and administrators meanwhile, Wallace is simply “an awesome kid.”

To those who know her, it’s not far-fetched that Wallace recently became one of just 20 student-athletes nationwide honored this year in the Foot Locker Scholar-Athletes Program. She was selected from a competitive pool of over 13,000 applicants.

As a Foot Locker Scholar Athlete, Wallace was awarded a $20,000 scholarship in a surprise lunchtime ceremony on April 18 at the high school.

Wallace was told she’d be giving a presentation to district board members on her school club, Pass It Forward. However, while giving her speech in an administration room, Wallace was abruptly overcome with emotion when a pair of Foot Locker representatives entered the room and diverted her attention with a large check — literally — that read “Twenty Thousand (dollars.)”

Wallace recalled the eventful moment afterwards: “It was actually pretty funny, because when I walked in everybody had their cameras out. I was like, ‘I’m not anybody. I’m not that special.’ But, because I thought it was for the district board — that’s what I was told — so I came in and gave the speech, but when they brought the check I almost started crying. …It’s amazing. I didn’t even think that I’d be able to get that.”

Wallace’s mother, Anne-Marie, was also in attendance at the ceremony and was likewise shocked by the scholarship reveal. She used her lunch break to visit the school even though she wasn’t given the reason.

“I was completely caught off guard,” Wallace’s mother said. “This is going to be so much of a big help for her, because with (college) loans, at least it’ll be less on her.  I am very grateful; very grateful. I was not expecting this…”

Though remaining humble about her daughter’s accomplishments, Anne-Marie noted her academically and athletically gifted daughter has always displayed strong work ethic and leadership qualities.

“She’s a pretty good girl,” Anne-Marie said. “Andrea, she just works very hard, and she’s disciplined, and she has such a good attitude.”

Wallace applied for the scholarship in mid-November at the behest of Hendrix-Pledge. Her coach received a call from Foot Locker on a random Friday evening, five months later.

“It was kind of out of sight, out of mind, and then she had been chosen,” said Hendrix-Pledge, who noted she wasn’t totally taken aback, as her star pupil met all the qualifications to win the prestigious scholarship.

Wallace will play basketball next season at St. Petersburg College, with intentions to transfer to a university in a year or two. She plans to study pre-law with hopes of becoming a lawyer and a judge someday.

It all follows what’s been a momentous four-year varsity career, including her senior campaign, where she averaged a double-double (13.3 points, 10.6 rebounds) en route to Sunlake’s first 20-win season and the 7A regional finals. After the season, Wallace was awarded the Sunshine Athletic Conference East Girls Basketball Player of the Year, along with first team All-Conference honors.

Wallace made major strides on the court after her freshman season, motivated to improve after the team lost in the first round of the district playoffs.

“I was upset that we lost…so I was like, ‘I really like playing basketball, and I like being on the team, so what is a good way for me to get better?’ So, I just kind of worked that whole summer just to get better and be in a position to play.”

That she did — developing into one of the Bay Area’s top post players, and leading the Seahawks to three straight winning seasons and regional appearances.

Of her 81 career games played, one she’ll never forget is defeating Land O’ Lakes High her sophomore year in the district semifinals, 54-20. (Sunlake later defeated Springstead to capture the Class 6A district title). Said Wallace, “That was like a moment that I’ll always remember forever because we’d never, ever won anything like that. …To win our district championship and beat Land O’ Lakes High School was like really, really big.”

Meanwhile, Wallace said balancing all her commitments and responsibilities—academically, athletically, socially — at times “gets really, really difficult.”

But, she doesn’t let the pressure rattle her.

“It’s really easy to just say, ‘You know what, I’m not going to do that today.’ Like, it’s super easy to give up, so you just have to stay focused on the bigger goal,” she said.

It’s a message she often bestows on others, including her fellow teammates on achieving their dreams: “If you want to be the best, then you have to do something about it. …What can you do to push yourself to a bigger level?”

The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program began in 2011, which has resulted in

140 total scholarship recipients over that time.

Published April 25, 2018

Apartments on the rise at Brightwork Crossing

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Brightwork Crossing is going vertical.

Brick-and-mortar tower-like structures are rising on the 32-acre site, off State Road 54, west of Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

These are early signs of an apartment complex approved for up to 350 units. The complex will be a series of four-story buildings with more than 60 apartments per building, according to county records.

Permits also have been approved for a WaWa convenience store, a Burger King and the apartment’s clubhouse. Internal roads include Tapestry Way, Maren Way, Ashley Creek Trail and Canopy Creek Way.

Construction crews are building apartments at Brightwork Crossing, a mixed-use project at Wesley Chapel Boulevard and State Road 54. This view is from Old Cypress Creek Road. (Kathy Steele)

Alabama-based Arlington Properties and BW 54 56 Holdings LLC are partners in the development. Representatives for the companies weren’t available for comment.

Pasco County commissioners approved the mixed-use, commercial and residential project in August 2017. It’s been on the drawing board since 2015.

Brightwork Crossing is approved for the apartments, as well as 250,000 square feet of offices, retail and a 150-room hotel.

Firestone Complete Auto Care store has been named as a potential retail store.

Construction began in summer 2017 as bulldozers cleared and leveled the vacant land, located directly behind the Shell gas station and Walgreen’s drugstore.

Traffic spills into the area from all directions, off State Road 54, State Road 56, Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Interstate 75.

Brightwork Crossing will fill out a prime corner at this major juncture for new development, which already includes Tampa Premium Outlets, Cypress Creek Town Center, and Florida Hospital Center Ice.

The site where apartments are being built was bisected by Old State Road 54, and often used as a cut-through by motorists seeking to avoid long waits at Wesley Chapel and State Road 54 and State Road 56.

Old State Road 54 became part of a land swap that gave the county green space for its wildlife corridor, as well as room for a future park-and-ride facility.

Recent and future road projects are on tap to improve traffic flow along the area’s major corridors.

Brightwork Crossing will have access via Wesley Chapel Boulevard to Cypress Creek Town Center, at the center’s Pondside Drive entrance.

Wesley Chapel is partially widened, near State Road 56, and the county plans eventually to widen the boulevard to six lanes to just north of Magnolia Boulevard. There will be 4-foot bicycle lanes, a median, 5-foot sidewalks on the eastern side, and an 8-foot multi-use trail on the western side.

Construction is expected to begin in 2018 on a diverging diamond interchange at I-75 to improve traffic flow.

Published April 25, 2018

Wiregrass sports complex will be hurricane-ready

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Pasco County received a $2 million federal grant to make the future Wiregrass Sports Arena hurricane-resistant, according to a news release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Pasco’s emergency management department applied for the grant, which will pay for 75 percent of the approximately $2.7 million total cost of hurricane preparedness.

“We’re very excited for this opportunity,” said Laura Black, assistant director of emergency management. “It’s one of our top projects.”

This is a rendering of how the Wiregrass Sports complex will look. The complex is expected to open in 2019. (File)

The federal agency awards these grants through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The grants are provided to states, and tribal and local governments, to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters, including hurricanes.

The 98,000-square-foot sports arena will be built and hardened to withstand up to 170-mph winds. That exceeds Florida’s standard requirement of 142 mph.

In addition, the floors will be elevated by 1-foot to reduce the risk of flooding. Also, a 1000-kilowatt generator will be installed to provide backup power.

All of this will be done from the ground up, during construction. Doing that will result in substantial savings, Black said, adding the cost could be as much as $8 million, if a retrofit was required afterward.

The Pasco County Commission approved the project as a public/private partnership in 2017.

RADD Sports, a private company, will operate and manage the sports complex. Pasco County will own the facility and share in anticipated profits.

The federal application included a cost analysis on economic losses, if the arena suffered hurricane damage and couldn’t operate for a period of time, Black said.

In addition to the indoor sports arena, the complex will have seven outdoor sports fields, an amphitheater with an event lawn, trails, pavilions and a playground. The county also has a ground lease for a Marriott Residence Inn that will be built with private funds at the complex.

Richard Blalock, president of RADD Sports, spoke last year at an economic briefing luncheon sponsored by the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (now known as North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce).

The facility will host sporting and recreational activities, including basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, dancing, wrestling, gymnastics, curling and badminton.

Blalock last year estimated annual economic impact would be about $6.5 million. Over 10 years, about $8 million or more in sales and use taxes would be generated, not including tourism taxes from hotel stays.

A construction date isn’t scheduled as yet, but the arena is expected to open by late summer or early fall of 2019.

Published April 25, 2018

Tails go waggin’ in Pasco County’s parks

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The Tail Wagon Adoption bus rolled into Crews Lake Wilderness Park with a special cargo to unload on a Saturday morning in April.

Volunteer dog handlers hooked leashes to Hercules, Luna, Poe, Prince and Zeus for a daily constitutional that wasn’t the usual routine for these four-legged residents of Pasco County’s animal shelter.

Hercules, a mixed-breed, leads the way as a volunteer holds the leash during the Pasco Park Walk at Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Spring Hill. (Fred Bellett)

Once a month, however, selected canines get to go on a field trip — when Pasco County Animal Services and the county’s parks, recreation and natural resources department team up for Pasco Park Walks.

A handful of adoptable dogs trot and stroll through one of four Pasco parks beginning at 9 a.m., on the first Saturday of every month.

The public is invited to bring their dogs for the “pack walk.”

Or, visitors can come without a dog to simply enjoy a community walk in the park.

And, those who are so inclined can adopt a dog on the spot.

Sometimes, people are visiting a park they’ve never seen before.

So, in addition to finding some permanent homes for pets that need them, the walks also help showcase county parks.

“I see a lot of bright new faces,” said Rachel Stever, education coordinator for Pasco County Animal Services. “This is awesome.”

During the recent event, roughly a dozen people pulled into Crews Lake in Spring Hill bringing along all sorts of dogs.

Land O’ Lakes residents, Amanda and Melvin White, took Amelia, their 6-year-old Papillon, on the Pasco Park Walks event in April at Crews Lake Wilderness Park.

The dogs were big and small, and medium size. Some had long hair. Others, short hairs. There were short legs or long legs.

They had one thing in common, though: Their tails were wagging.

Shady Hills’ resident Teresa Simmons brought her long-haired dachshund, Shelby. “I wish there was one (walk) every weekend. It’s nice to get out and be with others.”

Besides showing off their personalities to possible future owners, the shelter dogs have a chance to hone their pack walk manners.

Stever said the dogs selected for the walks are usually larger and older dogs that are less socialized, and harder to place.

“There’s a place they fit in,” said Stever. “But, these dogs are skipped over because they don’t look great in the shelter.”

On the walks, she added, “They’re learning how to better manage their issues.”

Palm Harbor resident Libby Bryant works as a veterinarian’s technician. She brought her 9-year-old black Labrador, Apollo.

The park walks are for a good cause, she said.

“It gets (the dogs) out of the cubicle setting. It’s kind of making a different mentality and lets them know it’s OK to be around other dogs,” she said. “Most are rescue situations.”

This was Bryant’s first visit to Crews Lake.

“I didn’t even know where it was located,” she said.

Tarpon Springs’ resident Nancy Boyce volunteers at Pasco’s animal shelter. Without volunteers, she said there are dogs that don’t get a daily walk.

Pasco Park Walks are held once a month, on a rotating basis, at four Pasco County parks. The walks showcase the county’s parks, while homeowners walk their pet dogs and animal shelter volunteers walk adoptable dogs.

She has three dogs, including one she is fostering.

At Crews Lake, she started the walk with Zeus, a young, mixed breed dog that tugged at his leash, full of eager energy.

“I love dogs,” Boyce said. “We need volunteers so badly.”

Hercules is a mixed breed that has been at the shelter the longest, and is a favorite of volunteers and county staff members. He was adopted and returned to the shelter when he didn’t get along with the adopter’s other dog. He isn’t fond of cats.

He probably would do best in a home as the only dog, Stever said.

On the walk, he is friendly and very approachable, pausing to sniff plants and flowers along the trail.

“He’ll cuddle with you like a couch potato,” Stever said. But, she added, “It’s hard to find someone who wants an only pet.”

Lutz resident Alba Parise walked 4-year-old Poe, a mixed breed stray that came to the shelter in December. “She’s shy,” said Parise.

She enjoys volunteering as a dog handler.

“I can spend quality time with the dogs at the shelter and let them see what it’s like to be loved,” Parise said.

There are happy stories that come from the shelter when dogs are adopted, said volunteer Brenda Gale.

There are other benefits as well.

“I’ve made dozens of friends with people who share the same passion, a passion for the pups,” she said.

One dog on the Crews Lake walk was an international rescue.

Kathy Jeffers saved 16-month-old Piper from a South Korean meat market. The country has about 17,000 dog farms that supply meat to restaurants and groceries.

Piper, a Jindo breed, was days from going to the slaughterhouse. Jeffers picked him up in Atlanta in February through the South Korean nonprofit Save Korean Dogs.

The dog walk event benefits both dogs and potential owners, said Jeffers, who is fostering Piper.

“It’s a good thing to get him socialized with other dogs and people,” she said.

It also gave her a preview of what Piper will be like when he is adopted.

“I’m really proud of him. He did really good,” Jeffers said.

What: Pasco Park Walks
When: May 5 at 9 a.m.
Where: Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City
Cost: Free
Details: Walks last 45 minutes to an hour. Park locations are rotated monthly.
Info: PascoCountyFl.net

Park Walk Rules and Guidelines

  • Bring secure 6-foot leashes with collars. (Note: No retractable leashes are permitted).
  • No prong or electrical collars are permitted.
  • Respect everyone’s space. No face-to-face contact permitted among dogs.
  • One handler per pet is required.
  • Be sure to bring poop bags.
  • Be sure to bring water.

Published April 25, 2018

Tunnel under U.S. 41 could cost half-billion dollars

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It could cost more than a half-billion dollars to build a tunnel under U.S. 41 to tackle the traffic gridlock at that juncture with State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

A study recently completed for the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization put the estimated cost at more than $550 million.

That’s significantly more than the $134 million estimated to build elevated lanes over the state highway.

Pasco County commissioners are considering a tunnel under U.S. 41 to relieve traffic gridlock at State Road 54. This shot was taken during a recent rush hour, looking east on State Road 54, at U.S. 41.
(Randy Underhill)

The estimate was presented to the MPO board at an April meeting in New Port Richey. The board, which reviews transportation matters, includes Pasco County commissioners and elected officials of the county’s cities. David Gwynn, secretary of District 7 for the Florida Department of Transportation, is a nonvoting advisor.

“I was shocked when I saw the numbers,” Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said.

Other findings in the study showed that right of way purchases for the tunnel and the elevated lanes would be $70 million each.

Maintenance costs for elevated lanes would be $7 million through 2040. Costs for the tunnel are uncertain, but maintenance would be more than $7 million in the same time period, the study says.

Moore supported the study that MPO board members requested in January. At the time, many thought the board would make a final decision on four recommendations presented by a volunteer task force.

But, Moore said, “It was important to me, at least, to look at every possible solution, and cross it off if you need to.”

Based on the study’s results, he said, “I would definitely say this would be crossed off my list.”

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano isn’t quite ready to do that, however. He convinced board members to delay its final design selection until the May 10 meeting.

He asked that planning staff members inquire about a tunnel built in downtown Ft. Lauderdale.

That tunnel, he said, appears to be shorter in length than the model considered for U.S. 41.

“Could they have saved a little more if they did it differently?” said Mariano, referring to the study. “I think we should take a closer look. The numbers might come down quite a bit.”

The study considered a tunnel of 6,000 linear feet, with 4,000 linear feet underground. Approaches to the tunnel would be 1,000 feet on either side.

Moore asked Gwynn if the state transportation department would sign on for a project of more than half a billion dollars.

“It’s certainly a lot more difficult to fund than other options,” Gwynn said. He also noted that the tunnel’s design would have to meet certain traffic criteria. “You may find you can’t shorten it a lot,” he added.

The task force, which studied the matter for two years, looked at 11 alternative designs and a no-build option. Among the four designs the volunteer group recommended were elevated lanes at major intersections and a system of parallel frontage roads at-grade level.

The task force never considered a tunnel, which would be built with a “cut and cover” technique.

Workers would cut a large size trench, lined with walls, and then, cover it over.

The intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 sees upwards of 100,000 vehicles a day pass through it.

The MPO will decide on May 10 if they want to add the tunnel to the list of potential designs. If approved, the issue would go back to the task force for review.

If the tunnel is rejected, board members plan to vote on the four recommendations from the task force.

“This needs to get on the docket,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr. “We need to get moving on this. Time is of the essence. This intersection is not getting better.”

Published April 25, 2018

Withlacoochee River Park adds conservation land

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Withlacoochee River Park is larger by about 40 acres, following Pasco County’s purchase of additional conservation land at the park’s entrance.

The county’s Environmental Land Acquisition Management Program, known as ELAMP, recently purchased the property on Auton Road for about $132,000.

Plans for the new acreage aren’t certain, but some ideas are being considered.

Pasco County’s Environmental Land Acquisition Management Program purchased 40 acres to add to the Withlacoochee River Park. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

One possibility is to create an equestrian camp and the use of an existing building on site for 4-H classes.

“All of the uses will be passive in nature,” said Angela Fagan, program manager for Pasco’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department.

A portion of the newly purchased land is within the Withlacoochee River Ecological Planning Unit, which provides buffers to wildlife habitats along the river and in the Green Swamp.

The county’s land conservation program purchases properties with funds partly from the Penny for Pasco taxes. About 25 properties are currently on the program’s acquisition list.

So far, the county has acquired about 2,900 acres in conservation land.

Withlacoochee River Park is a regional park of more than 600 acres, located at 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd. It is near the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.

The park offers campgrounds for tents and recreational vehicles, cabins, bird-watching, canoe and kayak launches, and a fishing pier.

The Florida Trail Association maintains more than five miles of trail within the park.

For information, call Withlacoochee River Park at (352) 567-0264, or visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Published April 25, 2018

She wants to make sure girls’ voices are heard

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Lindsey Turnbull, a former resident of Land O’ Lakes, has been named one of the University of Central Florida’s 30 Under 30 alumni award winners.

Turnbull was recognized for her work as the founder and CEO of MissHeard Media, a platform that offers teen girls the opportunity to elevate their voices and to create community.

MissHeard Media connects girls across the globe by giving them a place to share their stories and experiences, as well as an opportunity to learn new skills that will help them to chart their own course in life.

Lindsey Turnbull, a former resident of Land O’ Lakes, has been honored for her work to give young girls a chance to express themselves.
(Courtesy of Kathy Cabble)

This year’s class of 30 Under 30 award winners includes marketing and communications professionals, entrepreneurs, engineers, software specialists, attorneys, education leaders, doctors, nurses and a football star. Amber Mariano, who represents District 36 of the Florida House of Representatives, which includes a portion of Pasco County, is also on the list, according to a UCF news release.

Turnbull studied history, anthropology and women’s studies at UCF. She also served as the program coordinator for the Young Women Leaders Program.

MissHeard, with its board of teen girls and youth-related professionals, focuses on girl-centered and girl-created content to foster empowered, girl-positive communities.

MissHeard Media seeks “to create a world where all teen girls feel understood, prepared, confident, and most of all, heard,” according to its website.

Turnbull said her parents moved to Land O’ Lakes when she was 7. She attended Sanders Memorial Elementary School, Pine View Middle School and Land O’ Lakes High School.

She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Central Florida before moving to the Washington D.C. area to pursue a career in history and museum studies.

But, a government sequester, which placed a hard cap on government spending, closed off employment opportunities she had hoped to pursue, so she launched MissHeard Media.

MissHeardMedia is an outgrowth of Turnbull’s experience at the University of Central Florida, where she worked closely with teenage girls.

“What I really discovered was that all of these teen girls were really smart and funny, and had all of these really interesting things to say, but nobody was really asking them what they thought,” Turnbull said.

“I thought to myself: One day, I’m going to do something so everyone will know how awesome teen girls are,” she said.

That day came sooner than she expected.

She created MissHeardMedia.com to give girls a platform for girls to share their stories.

But, she also realized that she missed working directly with girls, so she began offering workshops. She also does speaking engagements.

“Most of what I do is in the D.C. area, right now,” she said.

Soon, she’ll be offering a summer workshop, which will focus on mixing creativity with technology, she said.

“We’re going to do an overview of all kinds of different ways to be creative,” she said.

“We still have the blog, which has stories from girls around the world. We have a teen advisory board, and they submit a lot of the writing,” she said.

Turnbull wants to create the opportunity for girls to be heard — both by their peers, but also by society, in general.

“I think what a lot of people may not realize is that teen girls are very aware of what’s going on in the world, and they want to make a difference and see change. I don’t think a lot of adults realize that.

“I know when the Parkland activists started speaking out after the shooting, all of these adults were like, ‘Teenagers don’t care about this. Why should they have a say? Why should we listen to them?

“And, as someone who has been working with girls for 10 years, I was like, ‘Of course they have things to say. You probably had things to say when you were 16,” Turnbull said.

To find out more about Turnbull’s work, visit MissHeardMedia.com.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Turnbull at (727) 491-3922 or email .

Published April 25, 2018

Charter school offers tech-rich, nontraditional approach

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A new charter public school is under construction in the Union Park subdivision, in Wesley Chapel, that will offer a nontraditional approach to education.

For one thing, it will be technology rich.

For another, it won’t have traditional classroom spaces or furniture.

Tracy Ware is principal of the new charter school that will open in the Union Park subdivision, in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

And, even though it encourages the use of technology, students won’t be allowed to bring cellphones to school.

Union Park Charter Academy, being built at 32775 Oldwoods Ave., is set to open for kindergarten through sixth grade this fall. It will add seventh grade the following school year, and eighth grade the year after that, said Tracy Ware, principal.

Because it’s a charter school, it is open to applications from throughout the Pasco County school district, as well as students from adjacent districts.

“We went through the lottery process,” Ware said. Applications are still being accepted for all grades, but there is a wait list for kindergarten and fifth grade.

“We’ve been encouraging parents to get the information in as soon as possible,” she added, so the school can reserve a spot for their child or children.

“What sets us apart is really the design of the school,” she said. “Instead of having separate classrooms, there are learning communities.”

For example, all third-graders are in a single learning community. There also will be learning labs within those learning communities.

Some learning labs will accommodate groups of around 25 students, which allows a teacher to focus on a particular learning standard; others are designed for smaller groups, to encourage collaboration between students.

The furniture is different, too. Instead of traditional desks and chairs, children will have choices.

Union Park Charter Academy, being built at 32775 Oldwoods Ave., will use a technology-rich, nontraditional approach to schooling.

“They can work at high tables, for instance, or can sit with their legs crossed on the floor, with a little stand to use their iPad in front of them. The tables that we have are actually writeable surfaces on their top,” she said.

Teachers in each learning community will work together as a team, sharing the entire group of students. That arrangement fosters the opportunity to tailor instruction to each individual student, Ware said.

Teachers and students work together to create a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). The plans are used at each grade-level and are designed to track an individual student’s strengths, weaknesses and progress in attaining a year’s worth of learning (or more), according to information provided by the school.

This process empowers students to establish and track learning goals, conduct student-led conferences, and make informed decisions as learners. Most importantly, students are challenged with the responsibility of understanding their data and learning needs in meeting or exceeding grade-level standards.

Ware, who spent the past five years in Abu Dhabi, is excited about opening the new school in Wesley Chapel.

Many parents have told her they’re pleased to have a new school within walking distance, she said.

Teachers will help children discover how they learn best, she said. The idea is to identify their learning styles and give them opportunities to embrace it, she said, “versus a more traditional way of doing school.

“There’s one-on-one technology for third grade and up,” she added.

The school will have certified teachers, and students must meet all of Florida’s standards. The school also will follow Pasco County’s school calendar and will use the school district’s meal service.

After school, there will be many options for children, she said, including a variety of clubs which could include theater, music, cooking, karate or other pursuits.

“We’ll send a survey to find out what the children’s interests are,” she said.

“Parents have asked for a little time for homework,” Ware said, so that will happen.

The school day lasts an hour longer than the district’s school day, so children attending Union Park will receive an extra hour of instruction, she said.

The before-care program starts at 6:45 a.m., in response to parent feedback, she said.

Dismissal starts at 2:45 p.m., for kindergarten through second-grade and their siblings. It begins at 3 p.m., for third grade through sixth grade.

“We’ll work with the local day care programs,” she added.

“The ultimate goal is innovation. I want our children to be given the opportunity to create. I also want teachers to be empowered to make decisions based on the children that are in front of them right now, what their needs are, how to best pull from all of this technology,” Ware said.

The school wants to set a tone that encourages parents to be involved in the Parent Teacher Cooperative, Ware said.

The aim is to create a culture that invites a close working relationship between the school and parents, said Ware, who noted that it’s already evident that parents want to be involved.

“Parents are ready. They want to participate,” the principal said.

For more information about the school, visit UnionParkAcademy.org.

Published April 25, 2018

Evening serves up belly dancers, the Macarena, food and prizes

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The Lutz Senior Center was abuzz with activity during its Spring Fling dance.

Members from many of Hillsborough County’s six senior centers put on their dancing shoes and hit the dance floor at the Lutz center on the evening of April 7.

And, this wasn’t your stereotypical senior citizen’s dance.

Dancers show off their Macarena moves on a crowded dance floor. (Christine Holtzman)

There were laser lights projecting on the dance floor, people were getting down to the Macarena and the Bee Gees, and there was even a Tampa fusion belly dance group, called Troupe Khaleda.

The place was jammed with people, who besides dancing, chatting and singing along, enjoyed a shredded pork and rice dinner, and a chance to win prizes.

Girl Scouts from Troop 717 in Lutz circulated through the room, doling out bottles of water to the thirsty crowd.

Frances Duran Brea, the general manager of the six Hillsborough County Senior Centers, shares a laugh with Raul Diaz before she takes the microphone to welcome everyone to the Lutz Senior Center Spring Fling dance.

Raul Diaz, a native of Puerto Rico, who now lives in Lutz, kept things lively — addressing those gathered in both English and Spanish — as the evening’s unofficial emcee.

Volunteer Martie Saxenmeyer, of Lutz, worked the door, having arrivals sign in and making sure they got a raffle ticket to have a chance at a prize.

She estimated the crowd at around 100, and said it was one of the biggest turnouts ever for the spring dance.

Nieves Villamediana, of New Tampa, is a big fan of the gathering place for seniors.

“There are so many beautiful things about the Lutz Senior Center,” she said, noting the most important part is that “It keeps us feeling useful, and it keeps us busy.”

Angela Garcia, of Carrollwood, left, watches as her friend Nieves Villamediana, of New Tampa, reacts with excitement to a question posed by Frances Duran Brea, general manager of the six Hillsborough County Senior Centers. Brea wanted to know who was at the dance representing the Lutz Senior Center.

Her friend, Angela Garcia, of Carrollwood, was at the center for the first time.

“I’ll be back,” she said, with a grin.

Frances Duran Brea, general manager of the Hillsborough County Senior Centers, said the dance is just one of the social events for active older adults that takes place at the centers.

Besides social events, typically held once a quarter, there are also numerous health and wellness programs available throughout the week.

Mike Coleman, manager of the Lutz Senior Center, said there also are weekly field trips and programs that focus on nutrition and safety.

Coleman characterizes the center’s staff and members as “one big family that welcomes everyone.”

The center, he said, makes a real difference in people’s lives.

“Many were not dancing before they joined the center. They would just sit at home, isolated and watching television. The center gives them that family presence they may not otherwise have. And, the activities and programs that we offer keep these seniors mentally and physically healthy,” Coleman said.

Business sponsors, including Walmart and Publix, helped to make the evening of dancing, dinner and door prizes possible.

By Christine Holtzman

B.C. Manion contributed to this report

Published April 25, 2018

Martie Saxenmeyer, of Lutz, and Gordon Christensen, of Brandon, don’t hold back: They do the Macarena, while singing at the same time.

 

Victor Aguilla, left, of Brandon, teaches Girl Scout Avery Michael, 10, of Lutz, some steps from a dance that is not familiar to the younger crowd.

Smoothies can be tasty and nutritious

By

Milkshakes were all the rage back in the 1930s, but they were loaded with calories from fats and sugar.

Consumers have become more health conscious and have been paying attention to the calories they consume, and smoothies have gained popularity — as a healthier alternative.

But, when it comes to smoothies, you have to be careful, or you can pack on the pounds unintentionally.

These smoothies — one strawberry and the other, blueberry — offer a refreshing, healthy delicious drink. (Betsy Crisp)

When made properly, smoothies can be packed with nutrients and yet be lower in fat, sodium and added sugars.

They are a great way to do a “grab and go” out the door for breakfast or lunch. They travel well in an insulated travel mug and allow you to fill up quickly.

Smoothies are easy to make, too. All it takes is a blender or food processor.  You just grab your ingredients and with minor preparation, toss them in, whirr, pour and slurp!

There are many options, when it comes to ingredients, too.

Flavor combinations are fun to experiment with by mixing and matching a few ingredients that complement each other.

Bananas provide a creamy texture. Frozen fruits will make it thick and icy without diluting the flavor.

For the liquid, you can add skim milk, fortified soy/almond/coconut milk, or nonfat yogurt to fortify the drink with calcium.

Ground flaxseeds add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

Spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg add flavor. Even kale and spinach can pack a powerful punch.

If you are heading out the door to school/work, just pour it into an insulated travel mug with a lid and straw, if needed.

If you are serving to family/friends at home, smoothies look elegant in tall, thin glasses – you can even take time to garnish with a sprig of mint, piece of fruit, or just a dusting of baking cocoa, cinnamon or nutmeg.

If you make the proper/healthy choices in creating your smoothie, the average smoothie is just 100 calories per cup, versus maybe 300 calories or even more for ice cream and milkshakes.

Smoothie Recipes

Here are a few suggestions:

  • Calcium Combo: Combine 1 cup fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup low/nonfat milk, 3 Tablespoons ground flax seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  • Energy Booster: 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup low/nonfat milk (or fortified soy/almond/coconut milk), 1/2 banana (sliced), 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/8 cup of wheat germ
  • Go Green: 1/2 cup kale/spinach and 1/2 cup low-fat/nonfat milk (or fortified soy/almond/coconut milk) – blend until smooth and then add 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt, 1/2 medium banana, 1 small apple (cored and cut into pieces), 1 cup frozen fruit (your choice of one or mixed), 1 Tablespoon flax/chia seeds (pick one or combine both – or omit).
  • Very Berry: 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 cup frozen raspberries, 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned), 1 medium banana, 1 cup low-fat/nonfat milk (or fortified soy/almond/coconut milk), and 1 cup ice cubes/crushed
  • Vitamin C for Me: Combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, and 1 cup frozen fruit (strawberries/raspberries/blackberries/blueberries/cherries, etc. – unsweetened)
  • Wow – A Purple Cow: 3/4 cup 100% concord/purple grape juice, 1 cup low-fat/nonfat milk or yogurt, 1 teaspoon vanilla. 10 ice cubes

The instructions are as easy as 1-2-3. Just add all the ingredients into the blender/food processor. Turn it on (be sure to cover it, first) and process until smooth.

Note: If the mixture is too thick, add a little more liquid, a little at a time. If it is too chucky/lumpy for your liking, just process a little longer. If it appears to be too thin, add 1/2 a banana – that should do the trick!

(Note: Each recipe above makes approximately two 8-ounce servings)

Betsy Crisp, MS, LD/N is a professor emeritus for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences

Published April 25, 2018