Local News

Pasco County Commission denies solar farm appeals

September 12, 2018 By B.C. Manion

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

September 12, 2018 By Brian Fernandes

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

September 12, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

September 5, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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, 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.

“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.”

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.”

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.

“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.”

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

September 5, 2018 By B.C. Manion

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

September 5, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

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

September 5, 2018 By Brian Fernandes

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

Wesley Chapel church aims to extend God’s grace to others

September 5, 2018 By B.C. Manion

If there’s one thing that Jeff Olsen, pastor of Grace Community Church, knows for certain it’s this — the church that he leads is physical proof that God is “able to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond all that we ask or imagine.”

Indeed, that’s part of a Bible verse that Olsen said summarizes the church’s entire quest to build a permanent home at 7107 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel.

Jeff Olsen, pastor of Grace Community Church, said the building project has been blessed abundantly. He estimates that volunteers completed 50 percent of the labor, saving the church between $500,000 and $600,000. (B.C. Manion)

“This project was beyond us. It took more resources, more help, more finances than we could do on our own. But, we’re doing it because we want to reach beyond ourself to others — a church that’s for others,” Olsen said.

The church moved into its new home in July, but is hosting its grand opening celebration on Sept. 9, with services planned at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., a free barbecue lunch at noon and a pizza night for its teen ministry starting at 6 p.m.

Olsen describes the church as a contemporary church, with some traditional elements.

“We’re a Good News church, not just good advice. The good news is that God loves you,” Olsen said, and that’s the central message of its ministry.

Building the 7,760-square-foot church required an army of volunteers, and, Olsen said, adding that by God’s grace, they showed up.

The property was acquired in 2014, the plans were done in 2015, the site preparations were completed in 2016. The ground-breaking service was on July 1, 2017.

“In most churches, a traditional groundbreaking is some gold shovels, a couple of pictures and everyone walks away. That was not this project,” Olsen said.

Volunteers from Carpenters for Christ help to build Grace Community Church in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Grace Community Church)

“We dug all of the footers on groundbreaking day. We had dozens of volunteers over the Fourth of July weekend. One of the church members had an excavator. Others brought shovels,” he said.

It took about 50 volunteers about six weeks to complete the footers, rebar and concrete forms, the pastor said.

Over the course of the entire project, about 250 volunteers pitched in, doing everything they were allowed and able to do, the pastor said.

He estimated that the volunteers completed about 50 percent of the labor on the project, saving the church between $500,000 and $600,000.

“We didn’t do mechanical, electrical, plumbing or even erection of the steel structure,” Olsen said.

Besides a core group of church volunteers, other helpers came from far and wide.

Crews from Carpenters for Christ, based in Auburn, Alabama, showed up twice to help.

Other groups of volunteers came from Minnesota and Pennsylvania.

A group of pastors helped. Boy Scout Troop 177 helped. And, a volunteer crew chief came down from Connecticut to provide guidance to volunteers from early January through late March, Olsen said.

“So many people did so much,” Olsen said.

Robert Whorley used an excavator to help dig footers.

“Just when we’d done all we thought we were able to do, somebody else would come, (and) somebody else was able to come – until it was finished.

“It was exciting. It was tiring. It was wonderful to see that God could do something beyond what we asked or imagined. What a joy to be part of something like that,” Olsen said.

The church building features a foyer that can be used for small gatherings, a sanctuary that can accommodate 200, a preschool classroom, the pastor’s office and other rooms.

Olsen’s wife, Heather, oversees the preschool that began operations in August.

“When I think of Grace Community, I think of a community of people who come from diverse backgrounds, but are committed to building a better community by God’s grace.

“We are not here trying to convince anybody that our church is more amazing than anybody else’s in town,” Olsen said.

“We’ve seen an amazing God do something amazing things, and we believe he can do that in their lives.

“There’s a tendency, right now in churches, on sermons that are success-based and that are good advice.

“We are a Good News church. We declare the historical Christian faith, God’s love. The gospel is central. Grace is what we are about.

“You can come here weary or broken and find help or find hope, find people who care,” Olsen said.

As the church moves forward, it intends to look for ways to extend God’s grace to others, through a variety of programs at the church and through outreach ministries.

And, while the church celebrates its grand opening, it also has plenty of space to accommodate future growth.

When that might happen isn’t yet clear, Olsen said.

That’s a matter of “God’s timing,” the pastor said.

Grace Community Church grand opening
When: Sept. 9, with services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., followed by a free barbecue lunch at noon. The Walk Student Ministries, for teenagers, will kick off its fall season with a pizza party from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 7107 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
Info: Visit ExploreGrace.com, or call (813) 994-9363.

Published September 5, 2018

Townhomes approved off Willow Bend Parkway

September 5, 2018 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning to allow a townhome development on the north side of Willow Bend Parkway, about a half-mile east of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, in Lutz.

The rezoning allows up to 70 units.

Technically, the new zoning classification would allow apartments, said Denise B. Hernandez, zoning administrator/special projects manager for Pasco County.

However, that won’t occur in this case because, Hernandez said, “the applicant is proposing single-family attached homes that will be on fee-simple lots,” and “the applicant has agreed to record a deed restriction on the property for that to be the only principal permitted use on the property.”

The zoning change will not take effect until that deed restriction is recorded, the zoning administrator said.

Two area residents spoke against the request.

They cited concerns about adding traffic to Willow Bend Parkway, which they said already has so much traffic that it’s hard to get onto or off of the road.

They also objected to allowing townhomes to be built in an area where the predominant development pattern is single-family homes on single lots.

Commissioner Mike Moore said he’d heard from opponents to the project, but said they thought that apartments were being proposed on the site. He said he would have opposed apartments.

Michael Horner, a planning and land use consultant, represented the applicant, Dorothy Dahm Bard Trust, and the contract purchaser, Town Homes of Willow Bend LLC.

“My client wants to build high-end, single-family attached townhomes. These are three-bedroom, two-bath, two-story, 2,000 square feet, high-end furnishing,” Horner told commissioners.

The site has fragmented wetlands, providing the ideal opportunity to have clustered single-family homes with individual views of the wetlands, Horner said. The townhomes are expected to start at $300,000.

“They want views. They want the double-car garage. They want the tray ceilings. They want the quartz countertops,” Horner told commissioners. “They do not want to cut grass, maintain lots, on the weekend.”

Moore noted that the current zoning allows 70 homes to be built, and the rezoning will allow 70 townhomes. “It’s a wash,” he said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, agreed, noting the rezoning is not “a big change.”

Starkey made a motion for approval, which carried unanimously.

Published September 5, 2018

They jam on ukuleles — making music and new friends

September 5, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bob Grindey provides vocals, as his wife, Gayle Grindey, strums her ukulele at the jam. Kent Linder of Carrollwood, far left, plays along as members jam on the back porch of the restaurant. (Fred Bellet)

You don’t have to be a skilled ukulele player, or a professional singer, to take part in the Ukulele Club that meets twice a month at Ukulele Brand’s restaurant, at 4805 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Just bring your ukulele, your music stand and a singing voice to join in the jams on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

First-time players are welcome to join the club, which is a mix of seasoned ukulele players and newbies. Those who know the ropes help those who are just learning the instrument.

A recent jam brought together players of all experience levels, coming from Lutz, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Carrollwood, Hudson, Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

To find out more about the club, email Dennis Pashouk at .