The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Zephyrhills prepares for its 108th Founder’s Day

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Zephyrhills’ Main Street is rallying merchants, community activists and citizens for its 108th Founder’s Day celebration on March 10.

Gail Hamilton, of Zephyrhills Community Development, and Anna K. Stutzriem, Main Street coordinator for Main Street Zephyrhills, are in the midst of planning festivities for the daylong event.

Stutzriem hopes this year’s event will help restore the glory of the community’s time-honored Founder’s Day event.

The goal is to provide hands-on opportunities, so visitors can see how the city got to where it is today. This year’s theme is “Moonshine, Turpentine & Timber.”

Model T Fords rolled down the road in a previous Founder’s Day celebration in Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Madonna Jervis Wise)

Plans include a morning race to kick off festivities. People of all ages are encouraged to take part. They can choose from a one-mile run/walk; a 5K race or a 10K race.

An old-fashioned Florida parade is planned as well, with Greg First serving as the master of ceremonies.

The parade will take place on Fifth Avenue at 10 a.m. A number of awards will be given for categories, including best costumes, best walking/marching unit, best of theme, and more.

Warren Earle, who was named citizen of the year by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, will be the grand marshal for the parade.

The 90-year-old volunteer is known for bringing fresh doughnuts and a bouquet of flowers on Monday morning for the workers at City Hall, when he arrives to make preparations for City Council meetings. He’s been volunteering in Zephyrhills for 15 years, and has worked tirelessly in supporting the Zephyrhills Little League, the Zephyrhills High School band, the Zephyrhills Color Guard, the Zephyrhills ROTC, the Zephyrhills Fire Rescue Cadets, the Elks Lodge Project, and the renovation of the historic Howard B. Jeffries House.

Following the parade, there will be a ‘Community Picnic Table,’ similar to the old-time “Dinner on the Ground,” available from the south side of Eighth Street, extending along Fifth Avenue.

The elongated table will be adorned in a classic red gingham cloth where folks can converse, savor the local food from area restaurants and vendors, and enjoy entertainment provided by local dance studios on the nearby Eiland Band Stage.

New this year, vendors will be placed near the median along Fifth Avenue. To facilitate safety and comfort for the anticipated crowds, a police officer will be stationed on each city block of the parade.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office’s mounted patrol took part in a previous Founder’s Day celebration in Zephyrhills.

Hayrides will be available from the New Era 4-H Club of Zephyrhills, pulled by draft horses with a host narrator in vintage costume who relates accounts of Zephyrhills history, including a few morsels from the past.

New Era 4-H will host a downtown petting zoo for children and families, as well.

Zephyrhills Brewing Company will blend a pre-prohibition beer recipe for Founder’s Day. Proprietors Terry Hilferding said that she and her husband, Robert, have collected recipes throughout the years and will concoct a batch reminiscent of the 1911 timeframe.

An Open House at the Howard B. Jeffries Home at 38537 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills, will include “Tales on the Porch” from noon until 4 p.m.

The Hopkins Family Porch was recently renovated by Dwight Hopkins who donated materials and volunteered labor to replace the porch.

Speakers will deliver informal anecdotes about pioneer life starting at noon, and guided tours will be available of the historic home.

Arts and crafts booths, as well as food and merchandise vendors, will be stationed along Fifth Avenue.

Old-fashioned kids’ carnival games also will be offered by Boy Scout Pack 72.

And, the Women’s Club of Zephyrhills will host an open house.

In addition, there will be a Beard and Moustache Competition at 2 p.m. Categories include: natural beard, styled beard, longest beard and mustache.

Numerous other activities are planned, including a Master Gardener Booth, where you can learn more about Florida plants and ask gardening questions. Master Gardeners Diana Williams and Jeannine Thompson will be on hand.

Meanwhile, at the Zephyrhills Airport, Zephyrhills Noon Rotary, with Mike Fike coordinating, will host a Skydive Exhibition beginning at 4 p.m.

T.K. Hayes, of Skydive City, will facilitate a multi-person jump to be followed by a flag ceremony. Subsequently, a concert series will culminate in fireworks at the airport at 7:45 p.m.

Planning to attend the parade?
Be sure to arrive well before 10 a.m. to find parking. Bring a folding chair and place it along Fifth Avenue, or nearby.

After enjoying festivities downtown, you can go to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, at 39450 South Avenue, around 4 p.m., to see a Skydive exhibition, enjoy music and watch fireworks to cap off the day.

Want to run or walk?
People of all ages are encouraged to take part in the one-mile run/walk, 5K or 10K. Those interested can sign up at FoundersDayRace.com.

‘Ryals ’n Shine’
Sip a taste of the vintage recipe entitled ‘Ryals n’ Shine,’ on March 10 at the 108th Founder’s Day in Zephyrhills. Robert and Terry Hilferding of Zephyrhills Brewing Company, who collect recipes and brew up signature beers that date back to colonial times, will salute the community’s past with a pre-prohibition ‘recipe’ they have coined for Stanley Ryals, a Zephyrhills businessman who was recognized for citrus, ranching, building, lumbering and moonshining.

By Madonna Jervis Wise

Published February 28, 2018

Women’s commission sets goals

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The goals for the Commission on the Status of Women are coming into focus, after nearly a year of research, discussion and goal-setting.

The 15-member volunteer group has created committees on health and safety, education and economic prosperity.

Members of the Commission on the Status of Women presented their goals to the Pasco County Commission. Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, front row center, headed up efforts to establish the commission, along with attorney Michele Hintson (not shown). (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Issues that will be pursued in coming months include domestic violence, affordable child care, and women’s entrepreneurship, financial education and literacy.

Amanda Colon, chairwoman of the woman’s commission, gave Pasco County commissioners an update on the group’s activities over the past year.

Several of the group’s members joined her at the Feb. 20 meeting of the Pasco County Commission in New Port Richey.

“I truly cannot think of a more relevant time to be talking to you about women,” said Colon. “As the status of women goes in Pasco, so goes Pasco. Having women in crisis negatively affects our schools, our courts and our commerce.”

Raising the status of women will positively affect schools, courts and the local economy, Colon said.

The women’s status commission began its work in May 2017. Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and attorney Michele Hintson worked together to establish the group, which has five appointees by county commissioners.

Other members are from 10 area agencies, schools and nonprofits. They are African-American Club of Pasco County Inc., Hispanic Professional Women’s Association Inc., Metropolitan Ministries, Pasco Economic Development Council, Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University, Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., the United Way of Pasco County Inc., Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and Women Lawyers of Pasco Inc.

“I know you’re off to a great start,” Starkey said.

In the next months, the women’s commission will continue its work through goals set by each committee.

The health and safety committee members plan to distribute a community survey to complete a needs assessment. The goal is to launch an action plan within six months.

Committee members also gathered data from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Calls regarding domestic abuse were lowest in February, and the highest in September, October and November.

On April 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be a free Women’s Symposium on harassment prevention at the Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus, at 10230 Ridge Road, in New Port Richey.

“We’d like to look forward to see what we can do to prevent harassment in business, and focus on our young girls going into business, but also raising up girls who have a voice and know how to use it,” said Suzanne Legg, a member of the women’s commission.

This will be an ongoing discussion, not a one-time event, she added. “We’d like to change #metoo to #notme,” Legg said.

The education committee members plan to focus efforts on affordable child care, as well as career guidance and training for single mothers, empty-nesters and seniors.

Seniors include grandparents who often are caregivers for their grandchildren, Colon said.

A third goal is to provide mentoring and education for at-risk youth.

“We’re focusing immediately on identifying and utilizing resources we have in Pasco,” Colon said.

The economic prosperity committee plans to help women entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on their financial education and literacy.

“Women earn less, save less and live longer, but are responsible for the same living expenses as those of men,” Colon said.

Women often pay higher interest rates on home loans, for instance. And, many divorced women don’t receive full child support payments, Colon added.

“One in five divorced women slide into the poverty line,” she said.

To register for the free women’s symposium, visit FTGIsymposium.eventbrite.com.

Published February 28, 2018

Candidates file for local, state and federal races

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Beginning this week, The Laker/Lutz News will revive Political Agenda — a column that runs only during election years.

It is the newspaper’s goal to give candidates a place where they can announce they are running for office, let voters know of upcoming Meet the Candidate nights or political forums, or update voters on any news that may be pertinent to them in the coming elections.

This column also will announce upcoming meetings of political parties, if they are submitted in a timely manner and there is space available.

This column is not a forum for posting fundraising events.

The column will run periodically, depending on the volume of submissions.

There is never a guarantee of publication, but we do consider each item we receive.

Anyone who would like an item to be considered should email it at least two weeks prior to the desired publication. Our newspaper publishes on Wednesdays. Send your submissions to  .

This week’s column lists the candidates for Pasco County Commission, Pasco County School Board, as well as state and federal races that Pasco voters will vote on, according to websites maintained by the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections and Florida’s Division of Elections.

Future columns will cover other races.

Candidates who have filed for Pasco County Commission seats:
Pasco County Commission, District 2
Mike Moore, Republican
Kelly Smith, Democrat

Pasco County Commission, District 3
Brandi Geoit, Democrat
Mike Wells, Republican

Candidates who have filed for Pasco County School Board:
Pasco School Board, District 1
Allen Altman, No Party Affiliation
Kenneth J. Mathis, No Party Affiliation
Brian Staver, No Party Affiliation

Pasco School Board, District 3
Cynthia Armstrong, No Party Affiliation
Heide R. Janshon, No Party Affiliation

Pasco School Board, District 5
Mike Aday, No Party Affiliation
Megan C. Harding, No Party Affiliation
Kathryn ‘Kassie’ Hutchinson, No Party Affiliation
Tara M. O’ Connor, No Party Affiliation

FEDERAL ELECTIONS
U.S. Rep. District 12
Gus M. Bilirakis, Republican (Incumbent)
Stephen M. Perenich, Democrat
Angelika Purkis, No Party Affiliation
Robert Matthew Tager, Democrat
Sunil Mathew Thomas, Democrat
Kimberly H. Walker, Democrat

STATE RACES
STATE SENATE RACES
District 10
John Legg, Republican
Wilton Simpson, Republican (Incumbent)

District 16
Bernard “Bernie” Fensterwald, Democrat
Ed Hooper, Republican

District 20
John Houman, Republican
Tom Lee, Republican (Incumbent)
Kathy Lynn Lewis, Democrat

STATE HOUSE RACES
District 36
Linda Jack, Democrat
Amber Lynn Mariano, Republican (Incumbent)

District 37
Ryan Patrick Boney, Republican
Tammy Garcia, Democrat
Bill Gunter, Republican
Ellie Rudisill, Republican
Ardian Zika, Republican

District 38
Daniel Wright Burgess Jr., Republican (Incumbent)
John David Hayes, No Party Affiliation

Upcoming meetings and events
Land O’ Lakes Democratic Club : The Land O’ Lakes Democratic Club will have its next meeting on March 7 at 6:30 p.m., at Brick City Eatery, 16540 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 108, in Lutz.

The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet March 8 at 6:30 pm at Lexus of Wesley Chapel, 5350 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The guest speaker will be Baxter Troutman, former state representative from Polk County and candidate for Florida Agriculture Commissioner. For more information, contact Peter Cracchiolo at (813) 360-9813 or .

 

David TK Hayes, candidate for the Florida State House District 38, is hosting a meet and greet March 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Brass Tap, 37916 Pasco Ave., in Dade City.

 

On March 17, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Pasco will have a Democratic candidates’ forum with Stephen Perenich, Robert Tiger, Kimberly Walker and Kathy Lewis. The public is invited but due to limited space, please RSVP at tinyurl.com/ybsx6cvv.

Published February 28, 2018

Updated March 7, 2018

New school emphasizes ‘student-centered’ learning

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When the North Tampa Christian Academy opens this fall in Wesley Chapel, it will be offering an approach to education that sets it apart from others, said Sandra Doran, Head of School.

“When you look at a traditional classroom, time is the constant and mastery of content is the variable,” Doran said. “In our school, we want to make mastery of content the constant and time more of the variable.

Sandra Doran, head of school at North Tampa Christian Academy, wears a hard hat at the 43-acre construction site in Wesley Chapel. The new school is slated to open on Aug. 20.

“Why am I going to punish a student who says, ‘I need more time.’ Because what they are saying is, ‘I want to do this work.’

“What is your ultimate goal? Your ultimate goal is for the child to learn this material,” she said.

That means taking accountability, the head of school said.

“We shouldn’t be asking the question: ‘Am I mean, if I don’t accept late work?’

“We should be asking the question: ‘Why am I not creating a context that’s motivating students … who care about producing quality work in a timely manner?’ — and take some of that ownership upon ourselves.

“We’re creating a context. All behavior occurs in a context.

“If students are not engaged, that’s on us,” Doran said.

North Tampa Christian Academy will put the student at the center, she said.

“We will work to individualize programs for each individual student,” Doran said.

So, if a student needs more time to master rigorous reading skills, the student will receive it.

“On the flip side, if your child is advanced in reading or math, we will not be holding them back,” she said.

“Is this someone who is sitting around bored because they’re being put in a box, and they’re not able to reach their full potential?” she asked.

“Our entire goal is to say: ‘How can we best tailor a program for your child?’

“That’s really all parents want to know,” Doran said.

The school’s mission is to create an environment where students “think, choose, create and solve for God’s glory,” Doran said.

“The question is: ‘Are you creating beauty in the world or are you solving a problem?’” she said.

The school will have online curriculum, hands-on learning, peer tutoring, books, technology, small group instruction, large-group instruction and team teaching.

The school’s design also sets it apart from others.

Now rising at 5619 E. County Line Road, North Tampa Christian Academy was designed by Fielding Nair International, a globally acclaimed architectural firm, with the specific intention to support research-based teaching practices, Doran said.

Buildings have flexible spaces, which can be easily be reconfigured to meet instructional needs.

The school day also has been designed to provide an hour each day for common planning time for teachers, she added.

“That’s huge in the research. If teachers work together and bounce ideas off each other, research shows that they are far more effective,” she said.

The school’s planned opening date is Aug. 20. It will serve children as young as age 2, all the way through senior year of high school.

Tuition is $11,900 for kindergarten through grade four; $13,900 for grades five through eight; and $15,900 for grades nine through 12.

The school will have a music program, as well as afterschool athletics, which will likely include volleyball, basketball and soccer.

“We have 43 acres here, and we left woods on both sides of the campus. There will be trails in those woods. There will be science explorations going on in those woods,” she said.

The school’s educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of taking actions in a purposeful way.

The school will use project-based learning, she said.

“Every project has to have a real-world result. You either have to be adding beauty to the planet or solving a problem,” Doran said.

A project, for instance, could focus on chronicling the story of a group of marginalized people and the completed work could “help increase community and global awareness of community needs,” she added.

Along those lines, the school doesn’t expect to operate in isolation.

“In terms of the community, we want to give and take with the community,” Doran said. “We feel like we have something to offer the community, but the community has something to offer to us.

“We want to help, and be a resource and a source of light and joy for the community, whether their children come to our school or not. We want to avail ourselves of the rich resources that we’re finding in the community,” she said.

For more information about the school, call (813) 591-0309. To read answers to frequently asked questions or to take a virtual tour, visit NorthTampaChristian.org.

Published February 28, 2018

Reenactment offers living history lesson

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Re-enactors displayed the mighty force used to fight the enemy during the Civil War Reenactment on the grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. (Richard K. Riley)

The grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City stepped back in time over the weekend for Civil War Reenactments and a Living History Encampment.

Skirmishes emerged from the village and battles took place on the afternoons of Feb. 24 and Feb. 25.

Spectators enjoyed the demonstration, as re-enactors advanced on the battlefield during the skirmishes.

Some in attendance really got into the spirit by wearing period-style clothing to the event.

The conclusion of the battle was signaled by the playing of “Taps,” while war casualties remained strewn about the battlefield.

Members of the 14th Brooklyn New York State Militia gather in their part of the Union encampment. They are Peter Kalloch, of Hudson; Tom Stanton, of Pinellas Park; Pete Kannenberg, of Seminole; Rick Smith, of Summerfield; and Bob Gilliland, of Osprey.
Members of the Alabama Artillery crew drill with their 12-pound howitzer before the afternoon skirmishes. From left: John Butler, of Hudson; Jeff Young, of Apopka; Darin Kerwin, of Fort Myers; and, Rosalind Wheeler, of Valrico.
Some of the attendees for the Pioneer Florida Museum Civil War Reenactment came in their own period clothing to enjoy the day. Doug and LuAnne Taylor, of Zephyrhills, sit in front of Ted Johnson, of Dade City, and Matt DiPalma, of Tampa.
Infantrymen of the H Company of the 37th Alabama infantry ‘stack rifles’ on command for battlefield storage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episcopal Church has first Wesley Chapel home

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While it’s a long way from having the permanent worship space and congregation it intends to have, the Episcopal Church has found an initial home at a business park in Wesley Chapel.

The church, at 3758 Maryweather Lane in Wesley Chapel, is now having monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month, which begins with evening prayer at 6:30 p.m., and then is followed by a core group meeting.

The Rev. Adrienne Hymes is busy in the process of planting an Episcopal Church in Wesley Chapel. Core team members are working to prepare the way. A soft launch is expected in June, with the aim for an official launch in November. (B.C. Manion)

It currently has four core group members, but needs a dozen to create the various teams needed to launch the church, said the Rev. Adrienne Hymes, whose official title is Diocesan Missioner for Church Extension.

The core group is focusing on the areas of theological and spiritual formation; discipleship, evangelism and mission. Efforts continue to recruit additional core group members.

Members of that group need to be people with vision — who can see things that are not yet there, Hymes said.

While much work remains to be done, Hymes is encouraged by the progress so far.

“The Holy Spirt has really been active in this ministry,” she said. “It (the church planting) is moving faster than the plan on paper.”

The church is planning a soft launch in June, when it will transition to weekly Wednesday evening prayer meetings and core group meetings. It also will begin Sunday 9 a.m. services.

The hope is for an official launch of the church in November, Hymes said.

The church opened at its current location during the week of Ash Wednesday, allowing it to have its first Ash Wednesday service there. Fourteen people attended.

These milestones are important, Hymes said, noting they provide encouragement to the people who are working to help establish the Episcopal Church in Wesley Chapel.

Hymes said she knows there is a need for the church in the community.

“There are Episcopalians here. They don’t want to drive. They want to go to church where they live,” she said.

She also knows that having a church in Wesley Chapel makes it possible for people to be more involved in their community.

“Discipleship is determined by distance,” she said. She said she’s heard from Episcopalians, “‘Yeah, we’d love Sunday service, but I’d also like to be able to do Bible Study during the week. I also want to be able to learn more about the Book of Common Prayer during the week,’” she said.

But, that’s difficult to do, if your church is 20 miles away, she said.

When people reach out to her to let her know that they’re interested in attending an Episcopal Church in Wesley Chapel, she makes it clear that this church is still in its formative stages.

She tells people when they come: “Don’t have any expectations other than: ‘We’re here to be present for God’s people.’”

Some things that need to be done before the church can have a formal launch include coming up with a name for the church, establishing child care provisions and setting up its music program, Hymes said.

While the church continues to plan and work toward its future, it continues moving forward.

For instance, it is hosting a six-week Lenten Series, which began on Feb. 21 and concludes on March 28.

The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, which has 77 churches, has been wanting to establish a presence in Wesley Chapel for many years.

If you’d like to get involved or would like to know more, contact Hymes at (813) 418-1281 or .

Lenten series
Here is the schedule for the rest of the Lenten Series being hosted by the Episcopal Church in Wesley Chapel.

The sessions begin with a simple supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The next two sessions will be led by Brother Eric Mukasa, a former Benedictine Monk:

Feb. 28: Christian Charity
March 7: Ministering with Meaning

The last three sessions will be led by The Rev. Adrienne Hymes
March 14: Developing Your Spiritual Toolbox
March 21: Practicing Theological Reflection
March 28: Pastoral Care for the Faith Community

Published February 28, 2018

‘Mr. Don’ provides safety and encouragement

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On weekday mornings and afternoons, Don Niles ushers students to safety at Double Branch Elementary School in Wesley Chapel.

Officially, Niles is the school’s crossing guard.

But, the 76-year-old is much, much more to students and faculty.

Known as ‘Mr. Don’ to the Double Branch community, Niles is known for going the extra mile to forge relationships and lend an ear to students.

Don Niles works his post intersection of Chancey Road and Meadow Point Boulevard in Wesley Chapel. Besides ushering students to safety each day, Niles also tries to serve as a mentor and encourager to the Double Branch community. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

He’s been known to tell others that he has upwards of “900 grandkids” — a reference to the enrollment at Double Branch Elementary.

“I’m a BFF (Best Friend Forever). I’m a person that these kids can come and talk to about anything that’s bothering them,” Niles said.

“If there’s a bullying situation taking place, these kids can come talk to me,” he added.

Niles recently was named 2017 Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation.

He was chosen from 4,100 school crossing guards in Florida’s 67 counties.

Niles is humbled by the honor, especially for doing something he loves.

“I don’t do this for money or anything else,” Niles said. “I do it because I want to make a difference in these kids’ lives. I want to have an impact on them. I want to help build their self-esteem, their character. It’s all about the kids.”

Double Branch principal Vaughnette Chandler isn’t surprised that Niles was singled out.

She describes him as an “encourager,” who offers daily pep talks to students.

He views his role as going far beyond telling students to look both ways and helping them to negotiate a crossing, she explained.

“Don is a one-of-a kind,” Chandler said.

“He’s that guy that’s talking to the kids every day. He knows them by name, he knows what they like, what they’re doing — in a lot of cases what classroom they’re in — and he’s encouraging them to have a really great day and really just like reach for the stars,” she said.

Niles also makes it a point to reach out to students who may be experiencing personal troubles, the principal added.

“If a child looks like they need somebody to talk to, he’s going to take minute to check with them and see what’s going on,” Chandler said. “If it’s something we need to know about, he’s going to be right here in the school after the kids are on campus to let us know, ‘Hey, we need to check in with this student to see how things are going, or they might need an extra word of encouragement for the day.’”

Ken Mizerek, who is the crossing guard supervisor in District 2, has witnessed Niles’ caring and observant nature, when he has visited Niles’ post at the intersection of Chancey Road and Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

“All our crossing guards do a great job, but Don is the kind of person that goes beyond his schedule of hours,” Mizerek said.

“He shows a lot of interest in the children so they think, ‘Wow, somebody’s listening to me,’ and I think when somebody listens to them then they can them tell their problems; they open up to him,” Mizerek said.

The supervisor also noted Niles frequently introduces students to him, heaping praise on their respective accomplishments.

“He’ll go on and on about the child to me, and that child has got a gleam in his eye because now they feel important also. It’s really exciting to come out to this post and see what goes on here,” Mizerek said.

Niles has been a crossing guard for about eight years. Initially, he worked at Sand Pine Elementary and then moved to Double Branch Elementary seven years ago.

Before becoming a crossing guard, Niles was a probation officer with the Florida Department of Corrections. He handled pre-sentencing investigations for adult felony defenders throughout East Pasco and Central Pasco.

Niles grew up in a poor, single-parent home after his father abandoned him and his mother. He said his upbringing helps him understand the plight of some youths coming from challenging family situations.

He grew up in dangerous neighborhoods and often struggled to find a hearty meal.

“I know what it’s like to come from a defective home and life was not good. The circumstances were really trying at times,” Niles said.

But, despite those hardships, he understood the value of getting an education.

He graduated from Plant High School and went on to earn an honors diploma from the University of South Florida, in criminal justice.

He tries to mentor children in the same way that pastors, teachers and law enforcement officers did for him when he was young.

“These guys made a difference in my life,” Niles said of adult role models. “They were my surrogate parents in a sense. It really gave you a sense of security and safety, and I got a lot of attention from them.”

Besides his crossing guard duties, Niles sponsors four kindergarten classes each year, providing Double Branch teachers with an account to help them buy school supplies. He also donates gifts for Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Valentine’s Day.

“When I go through these classes,” Niles said, “it gives me a chance to talk to these kids: ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ Listen guys, I want you to work with your teachers. ‘The teachers are building a foundation for your life, and they need your cooperation,’” Niles said.

Published February 21, 2018

Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition dishes healthy meals

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Life and retirement don’t always work out as expected.

John Richardson packed his belongings and left behind more than 20 years as a firefighter in New Rochelle, New York, and headed for the warm paradise of Florida

“I thought I was going to come down here and go to the beach every day,” he said.

Richardson pictured himself in a convertible, top down, tooling off to the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

John Richardson makes healthy, fresh menu items daily, including this wrap whipped up at Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition in Land O’ Lakes. (Kathy Steele)

His beach dreams are gone now, but his cooking career is taking off.

In November, Richardson opened Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition in a small plaza, at 6745 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The restaurant’s name is no misspelling. It draws attention in a way no traditional name spelling would do.

“Jon is more gourmet,” Richardson elaborated. “It’s worked out good.”

His menu features healthy, fresh recipes, including Buffalo chicken spread, jerk smoked salmon spread, honey jerk smoked turkey spread, guacamole, and pasta. He recently added wraps.

Almost all items are “jerk smoked,” a combination that Richardson said makes his recipes unique. Other restaurants offer jerk or smoked meals, but not both together, he said.

“It’s a little longer process to do it, but it’s worth it,” Richardson said.

Customers can dine in or order meals, with free delivery. Richardson also does catering.

Cooking wasn’t totally off Richardson’s radar as a firefighter. But, he hadn’t considered owning a restaurant.

He picked up culinary skills at the New Rochelle fire station.

Mealtime was a group activity.

Richardson did much of the prep work. He chopped carrots, celery, onions and other vegetables. Along the way, he also picked up a few recipes.

“I watched the (other) guys and that’s how I learned to cook,” he said.

For years, his kitchen activity stayed strictly inside his home, or at the fire station. He would try recipes on his daughter and ask for her opinions.

When Richardson left New Rochelle, he relocated to New Tampa, and eventually took a job as medical lab technician at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. It was a similar job to one he had in New York.

Richardson said it was typical for firefighters to have a second job on their days off.

He worked at the veteran’s hospital for two years.

All the while, he was developing his signature recipes for jerk smoked spreads.

For his going away party, Richardson brought a salad, with jerk turkey breast, that was a big crowd pleaser.

Friends encouraged him to go into business.

Next, he signed up with the Entrepreneurs Collaborative Center in Hillsborough County. The nonprofit helps start-up businesses with resources, training and mentoring.

Richardson’s initially sold his products at area salons and gymnasiums.

He also began selling HerbaLife products, which are available for purchase at his restaurant.

By focusing on nutritious foods, he dropped about 30 pounds.

Richardson also caters and delivers daily meals.

Last year he decided it was time for the next step of opening a brick-and-mortar, Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition.

He found a former computer store, did some renovations, and opened in November.

He makes meals daily at a professional kitchen, and brings them to his restaurant.

His days are split between the restaurant and catering.

He continues to offer free meal deliveries.

In the future, he aims to have a large enough location to accommodate both a kitchen and restaurant seating.

He wants to sell his spreads, and other menu items, at area grocery stores, such as Whole Foods and Publix.

He marvels at how his life took a turn, setting him off in a new direction.

“It’s God, but it’s also a whole bunch of things that fell into place,” Richardson said. “It’s overwhelming. It’s a humbling experience.”

For more information, call (813) 495-2130,  or visit Facebook.com/jonsgourmetproducts.com.

Published February 21, 2018

If you enjoy eating and reading, this club is for you

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They came in carrying plates, casserole dishes and plastic containers holding an assortment of food — inspired by books they had read.

One brought in a chocolate cake, inspired by “The Help.”

Another brought a platter of corn dogs and a bottle of lemonade — an homage to “State Fair.”

John Flack and Debbie Lopez serve themselves some of the goodies that members of the Zephyrhills Library’s Cookbook Club brought to the January meeting. (B.C. Manion)

A third had a plate of chocolate chip cookies, a tip of the hat to “Murder She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery.”

There were other items, too, including a casserole of bread pudding, a butterscotch cake, and a container of spring rolls.

As they arrived, members of the Cookbook Club at Zephyrhills Public Library began chatting, as if they’d just seen each other the day before — even though the club only meets once a month.

And, they wasted little time in getting themselves down to the business — and pleasure — of tasting each other’s offerings.

The club, formed slightly over a year ago, was the idea of Andi Figart, the library’s former director.

Club meetings are on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the community meeting room at the library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills. (Please note, the time sometimes changes, so it’s a good idea to call ahead).

Essentially, it’s a club made up of people who enjoy reading and cooking, or at the very least enjoy sampling different foods.

Each month, the club convenes and club members share food they have made, or have purchased, to reflect a particular theme they selected during the previous gathering.

January’s theme for the Zephyrhills Public Library’s Cookbook Club was recipes inspired by books you have read.

In January, for instance, the theme was foods based on books that members have read.

For February, club members chose a “Red, White and Blue” theme, so they’ll bring foods reflecting those three colors.

Generally, around a half-dozen or so club members come to the meeting.

There are no culinary or literary credentials needed to belong to this club.

Club members said they welcome anyone who would like to join them.

Dave Domino, who acknowledges he’s not a cook, comes regularly, with a container of freshly cooked spring rolls.

He shared his recipe for the spring rolls once: “Go over to Best Thai. You put out your credit card and you bring them (spring rolls) back here.”

Domino said the sessions are a great way for the community to use the library. It also gives library patrons a chance to mingle with library staff, he said.

“Everybody’s nice,” added Diana Flack, a club regular, who was there with her husband, John.

This bread pudding casserole was inspired by The Outlander books by Diana Galbadon.

Club members said they enjoy socializing and sharing their food.

“It’s fun,” Flack said. Plus, she picks up some good recipes.

“Somebody made a really awesome enchilada casserole, and I got that recipe and I made it last night, actually. I make it a couple of times a month,” she said.

Over the months, the club has had Italian, chocolate, Greek and vegan themes, to name a few.

“We’ll have to do Portuguese sometime,” Flack said. “I make a wicked Portuguese kale soup.

“A lot of my friends I went to school with were Portuguese.”

Allyson Schmitt, who has been a member for about six months, came up with the idea for January’s theme. She made a butterscotch cake, inspired by the Butterbeer in the Harry Potter series of books.

People share recipes they have from a variety of sources, said Debbie Lopez, senior circulation clerk at the library. Some bring in recipes from their personal cookbooks, or that they have found online. Some find recipes in cookbooks at the library, too, she said.

For more information about the club or other library activities, call (813) 780-0064.

Zephyrhills Public Library Cookbook Club
Where: The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 12:30 p.m. (but, call ahead to make sure there hasn’t been a change in schedule)
Details: This group meets once a month to share their love of reading and eating. They bring dishes to share, based on a specific theme.
Cost: Attendance is free; participants are asked to bring a dish to share
Info: Call the Zephyrhills Public Library for more information, at (813) 780-0064

Published February 21, 2018

Pasco crafting conservative 2019 budget

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It’s still early in 2018, but Pasco County is taking the first steps toward planning its fiscal year budget for 2019.

Pasco County officials are looking to hold the line on expenses, even as property values are expected to increase between 7 percent and 8 percent.

Essentially, they want a flat balanced budget that has no increase in the millage rate.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles

The Pasco County Commission received an update on anticipated revenues and expenses at a Feb. 13 workshop in New Port Richey.

The county is taking a conservative approach to the 2019 budget because of the potential for a referendum on the November ballot that could cost the county between $10 million and $12 million.

The fire rescue fund also could lose as much as $3 million.

The outcome on the referendum will be crucial.

Voters will have the chance to approve a $25,000 increase in the homestead exemption. County officials expect the referendum to pass. Revenue loss will be felt beginning in 2020.

Other revenue sources will grow, including tourism taxes and stormwater fees. Both of those were boosted by the Pasco County Commission in 2017.

County officials say increasing population means more services are needed for residents, including parks and libraries, roads and stormwater.

Those costs cut into the revenue increases.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles believes that Pasco will be able to offset the revenue shrinkage better than most Florida counties.

“I don’t expect a hiring freeze or layoffs, just yet,” Biles said.

But, the county will proceed with caution.

“We don’t want to take on any new expenditures that we can’t sustain the next year,” said Bob Goehrig, the county’s budget director. “That’s sort of our marching order.”

Initial county projections for property taxes estimate about $13 million in new revenues. But, about $4.1 million will be paid out to community development areas that receive set-aside tax dollars to support various projects.

The remaining $9.2 million will be split evenly between the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s other departments and offices, with each receiving about $4.6 million.

Other factors impacting the 2019 budget include a slower rate of increase in the half-cent sales tax revenues and increased costs for pension contributions, health care, worker’s compensation, and property/casualty insurance.

The county also anticipates paying $3 million to $6 million annually for temporary housing for jail inmates on site at the detention center in Land O’ Lakes, or at jails in other counties.

Plans are underway to build a 1,000-bed expansion at the overcrowded facility.

Potential funding for that project would come from a bond issue, not general revenues. The bond issue requires voter approval.

The county’s tourism tax revenues are increasing, as a result of an increased tourism tax, from 2 percent up to 4 percent last year, and a general increase in tourism.

Six new hotels are either open or under construction.

The increased tourism tax is expected to boost revenues from slightly more than $1 million last year to about $3.3 million by 2019.

Another sign of Pasco’s growing population and improving economy is the increase in building permits.

In 2016, the county received a little more than $6 million in fees. That increased to about $8.5 million in 2017, and is expected to be more than $9 million in 2019.

But, Goehrig said, “The fees are designed to recover expenses. This isn’t money we’re putting into the bank.”

Published February 21, 2018