The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

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

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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

Seeking a sensory room to serve students with autism

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Dan Reyes has often witnessed the benefits of a sensory environment for his 13-year-old son, Jacob, who has autism.

Each Sunday, his family attends LifePoint Church in New Tampa, which has a sensory room devoted to children with special needs.

“He absolutely loves going into that room,” Reyes said. “He’s happy in there. He’s active, and it’s a very engaging room when sometimes other environments are not.”

Weightman Middle School seventh-grader Jacob Reyes is one of many students with autism who could benefit from a sensory room. (Courtesy of Dan Reyes)

The caring parent also wants a similar setting made available for Jacob and his fellow classmates at Weightman Middle School, in Wesley Chapel.

So, earlier this month, Reyes launched a GoFundMe page to build a sensory room at the school, where his son is a seventh-grader.

Throughout the school year, Reyes worked closely with school administration and teachers to develop a budget plan for a fully equipped sensory room — something he hopes “will have a lasting impact for years to come.”

A sensory room is a specially designed room that combines a range of stimuli to help individuals develop and engage their senses. These can include lights, colors, sounds, sensory soft play objects, and aromas within a safe environment that allows the person using it to explore and interact without risk.

These rooms are credited with helping those who have learning difficulties, such as   developmental disabilities or sensory impairments, to learn to interact with the world around them, and build up their confidence.

Such rooms often include a variety of items with vestibular input (items that allow users to spin, swing or hang), visual input and lighting, olfactory (smell), proprioception (items that allow the user to be squished or hugged), tactile, touch, feel, and auditory output.

Some examples include swings, bouncing chairs, lava lamps, fluorescent light filters, scented oils, scented playdoh, therapy balls, mini trampolines, textured puzzles, vibrating kids toys, sound pillows, and indoor wind chimes.

Several of those items will be purchased to meet the needs of current, as well as incoming, students.

As of April 16, nearly $4,000 of the $35,000 goal has been raised on the GoFundMe page.

Additionally, the school has held a beanie baby sale, sponsored dinners and set up other fundraisers at local restaurants to make the sensory room project a reality.

Weightman Middle has about 30 students in its Access Points Social Behavior Communication Program, geared toward students with severe and continuous behavioral needs, communication and sensory needs associated with autism spectrum disorder.

For the time being, the school is utilizing a makeshift sensory space that accommodates just one student at a time. It includes a handful of donated and purchased sensory items like a piano mat, drumsticks and tumble balls, along with some other handmade playthings.

But, Weightman staff hopes to have a full-size sensory room ready by the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

This is an image of a sensory room, which is specially designed to combine a range of stimuli to help individuals develop and engage their senses. The rooms are credited with helping those who have learning difficulties, such as developmental disabilities or sensory impairments, to learn how to interact with the world around them, and build up their confidence. (Courtesy of Edutopia)

The designated room would take the place of a regular-size classroom situated in the school’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) unit, where it’s expected to exhibit a “nature theme” on walls and carpeting.

Teachers would have the possibility of scheduling classes in the sensory room, or could take students there, as needed. The room could also be utilized at the beginning of the school day or in 30-minute break periods.

Assistant Principal Laurie Johnson, who supervises the school’s ESE department, said such a space would allow special-needs students to self-explore and find items that best meet their sensory needs to calm their behaviors.

For instance, one student may relax by spinning. Another may enjoy a swinging motion. Others, moreover, may utilize a punching bag to release frustration.

“If their sensory needs are not met, then often they can start to experience behavioral problems,” Johnson said.

Without that sensory input and output, students with autism may exhibit aggressive behaviors, such as biting and self-harm, educators explained. Others may resort to crying or the inability to stop moving.

“It’s not that they’re acting out ‘just because.’ They are acting out because they have a need and it’s not being met,” said varying exceptionalities teacher Loretta Seekins.

Having those sensory needs met helps those students become more attentive during lessons, Seekins said.

“You’re not going to get any educational benefit by a student that can’t focus,” she said.

The teacher added a sensory room would also reinforce and enhance communication and socialization skills among the school’s autistic population.

Seekins said the idea is to help students become more acclimated to being in environments where others are doing things, talking and socializing.

“It’s not something that will happen overnight, but you’re building toward that,” she said.

School behavioral specialist Leslie Monticco agrees such a room is imperative for nonverbal students to better express themselves and self-regulate. “To have somewhere to go as an escape is huge,” she said. “It is a need.”

Weightman Middle Principal Rachel Fowler has fully endorsed the sensory room.

She stressed the importance for students to receive support for all their needs, not just academically.

“We do a lot for social interaction and having that space outside of a regular classroom is essential, so they can remove themselves and truly use those other senses to help their brain,” Fowler said.

To donate to the sensory room project, visit GoFundMe.com/sensory-room-for-children-wautism.

Published April 18, 2018

Approval recommended for TECO solar farm

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Opponents are disappointed

A proposed solar farm in northeast Pasco County cleared the first hurdle needed for approval — despite impassioned pleas and even tears from area residents who oppose it.

The Pasco County Planning Commission recently voted 6-3 to recommend approval of the project to the Pasco County Commission, which has the final say.

Tampa Electric Company, or TECO, needs a special exception permit to build the solar farm on about 350 acres on two sides of Blanton Road. Portions of the site are bordered by Frazee Hill and Platt roads. The site is north and west of Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus.

It’s not clear when the county commissioners will take up the issue.

There is a 30-day appeal period for challenges to be filed against the planning commission’s decision.

Additional delays would come if an appeal is filed.

Nearly 240 people crowded into West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey on April 9 for a five-hour public hearing on the proposed project.

Tampa Electric Company operates a solar farm in Big Bend. (File)

Opponents objected to the loss of unique scenic views in a gateway area into Dade City, which is known for its rolling hills.

“This is by no means something that fits in this area,” said Gregory Ostovich, who lives near the proposed site.

“This is clean energy,” he said. “However, there is a term called visual pollution. This is spewing huge amounts of visual pollution in our area that trees will not hide, shrubs will not hide.”

About 250 acres of the proposed solar farm site are owned by State Sen. Wilton Simpson and his wife, Kathryn Simpson. Additional acreage is owned by James Gross & Ranch Inc., according to county records.

If built, TECO officials propose investing about $75 million and anticipate production of about 53 megawatts of power. About 464,000 photovoltaic panels would be installed that would track the sun daily from east to west, and feed power to TECO’s electric grid.

Over the next decade, TECO plans to invest $850 million in 10 solar projects that would provide energy to about 100,000 homes in Florida.

The electric company has about 20,000 customers in Pasco County, but company officials said the solar farm’s energy production would be shared by all of TECO’s service-area customers.

Consultants and TECO officials laid out a site plan that they said would produce clean energy and protect wildlife.

They provided renderings of a buffer of trees and shrubs along the roadway that would largely block views of the panels, and maintain Dade City’s rural character. They also emphasized cost efficiencies of solar compared to other fuels.

“Photovoltaic is going to be a good neighbor,” said Mark Ward, TECO’s director of renewables.

The project had some supporters at the hearing, including Charles Lee, director of advocacy for Audubon Florida.

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.

In testimony during the hearing, a TECO representative committed to keeping that corner undeveloped “in perpetuity.”

“I understand that neighbors would like things to remain the same,” Audubon’s Lee said. “Renewable energy is important. We believe it is a good site. We believe the impacts have been well taken care of. We think the applicants have done an exemplary job of setting aside an area (for an eagle’s nest). This is not normally what we see.”

Landowners who would sell to TECO, if the project is approved, also supported it.

Members of the Jordan family, which harvested citrus groves for decades, described years of struggle to hold onto their way of life. But, the citrus greening disease has devastated Florida’s citrus industry, they said.

“It is not viable,” said Alice Jordan. “We can’t do it anymore, folks.”

But, opponents kept coming back to what they and Dade City would lose.

Laura Myers described the beautiful views she and her family had in a new home they bought on top of the hill overlooking the solar farm site.

“That’s not going to be covered by their buffering,” she said. “Instead of God’s sunrise, we are going to be looking at solar panels.”

Property owner Gordon Comer and his attorney, Gordon Schiff, contend the project doesn’t meet the county’s land use regulations including a northeast rural protection plan.

Comer said he was a real estate developer with 20 years of experience in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties.

“I am not opposed to appropriate development moving in,” he said. But, the solar project, he added, would substantially diminish the quality of life and property values.

Schiff declined to comment if an appeal would be filed.

The matter produced sharp differences among the planning commissioners as well.

“This is just the wrong place,” said Art Woodworth Jr. “There are plenty of other places TECO can site solar. I can’t understand why TECO is so intent on jamming this down the throats of northeast Pasco (residents).”

Planning Commission Charles Grey, who supported the solar farm proposal, acknowledged that perhaps a better location could be found.

But, Grey said: “Every time you find a location, someone will say ‘that is not a great spot. You need to put it over there.’

“It’s a beautiful area,” Grey said. “I want to see it preserved.”

But, Grey continued: “Everyone has rights. Not just you. Property owners have rights too.”

Published April 28, 2018

Selena Schulz is Everyday Hero protecting Pasco animals

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Selena Schulz is growing up in a family that includes two dogs, and a guinea pig named Desmond.

Once in a while, there also are the stray dogs, cats and unexpected critters that her father brings home.

Selena Schulz, center, received the Everyday Hero Award from the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon for her volunteer service for animal welfare. Rotary club president Kent Ross and club member Shari Mokhtari presented the award.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary)

One time it was a chicken. But, more likely, it’s a friendless dog or cat that Kurt Schulz found on the side of the road. They are all in need of tender loving care.

“He’s a plumber, so he’s out and about,” said Selena’s mother, Jomary Schulz. “He brings them home and rehabilitates them. He and Selena give them baths. We call whatever rescue groups that can help.”

Loving animals is an embedded value for this Hudson family.

Selena, age 12, takes that to heart. She devotes hours of volunteer service to collect donations of supplies and money for animal shelters and animal welfare groups. She is also the author of three books. Donations for the books are split between various animal charities and the costs of printing more books to get more donations.

She will be at the Fourth Annual Oxford Exchange Book Fair in Tampa on April 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon recognized Selena in March as an “Everyday Hero” for her efforts on behalf of animal welfare.

“I’ve always been around animals,” Selena said. “There was never a time I didn’t have a dog. I’ve bonded with them. They’re my friends.”

There is Snowy, a Labrador/German shepherd; Cici, a Shar-Pei/boxer; and Desmond.

The sixth grader is a student at Countryside Montessori Charter School in Land O’ Lakes.

“My future goal is to be a CEO (chief executive officer),” said Selena.

And, to continue helping animals who need a friend and a home, she said.

It was on her eighth birthday that Selena found a way to combine her passion with volunteer service.

She celebrated with a party at Pasco County Animal Services. Instead of gifts, she asked for donations for the animal shelter.

People delivered.

Selena Schulz is the author of three books, including ‘A Bed A Buck A Buddy: Cici’s Amazing Adventure.’ She donates sales of her books to animal welfare organizations. (Courtesy of Selene Schulz)

The shelter received more than 120 pounds of dry dog food, 62 pounds of dry cat food, lots of toys and treats, towels, bedding, blankets and one leash.

Selena got the idea during a shelter visit.

“I saw that they weren’t having beds to sleep in,” she said. “They had newspaper piles.”

Birthday presents can be nice, but helping a dog or cat in need seemed more important, Selena said.

Selena has kept up with her volunteer efforts and found new ways to help out.

She has a website, Abedabuckabuddy.com, with links to the nonprofits that receive donations. She has written three books including “Cici’s Amazing Birthday.” Cats got equal time in her next book, “Purr-fect Friends Forever.”

Selena also wrote a song and created a music video.

For her 10th birthday, Selena hosted a community pet adoption event, again at Pasco County Animal Services.

Local businesses donated balloons and refreshments, including cupcakes. Her goal was for 20 dogs and cats (10 of each) to be adopted that day. She got her wish.

At the book fair, Selena will have her newest book, “The Squeaky Surprise,” on display. Desmond gets credit for this one.

She wanted to increase awareness that cats and dogs aren’t the only ones needing adoption from shelters.

One of her favorite charities is Cindy’s Pets. The nonprofit provides pet food to seniors who get meals delivered through Meals on Wheels.

Selena gives donations to the charity. She also helps package and deliver food for the seniors, and their pets.

Some seniors don’t have the means to buy or travel to get pet supplies, so Selena said, “some of the food for the seniors went to their animals.”

Since her eighth birthday, Selena has visited animal shelters across the country and in Canada. She also has been guest speaker at several schools.

“We’ve gone from looking for events to people asking her to be part of their events,” said Jomary Schulz.

What: Fourth Annual Oxford Exchange Book Fair
When: April 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
Cost: Free
Details: More than 40 local authors will participate
Info: (813) 253-0222; ; or OxfordExchange.com

Published April 18, 2018