Local News

Zephyrhills’ website getting upgrade

October 12, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Zephyrhills City Council has approved a considerable upgrade to the city’s website.

Council members unanimously approved a $22,848 contract with CivicPlus — a
government website design company— to revamp the city’s website. Ongoing maintenance costs for the new website will be $10,000 per year.

The contract also includes a 3 percent maximum increase to the annual maintenance cost over 10 years.

The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved a $22,848 contract with CivicPlus to revamp the city’s website. (Courtesy of Civic Plus) — The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved a $22,848 contract with CivicPlus to revamp the city’s website.
(Courtesy of CivicPlus)

“In today’s society, it’s just more and more demanding with technology at the forefront,” said Kenneth Compton, the council’s president.

“A website is a gateway for the city,” he said, during the council’s Sept. 26 meeting. “If someone wants to see what’s going on…they’re going to look at the website first.”

CivicPlus works with over 2,000 local governments nationwide, including Pasco County and the City of Safety Harbor in Pinellas County.

The refurbished website is expected to be easier to use and more technologically current.

Key features will include greater storage capacity, faster upload times and enhanced security.

“It’ll be much more reliable,” said Mike Panak, IT director for the City of Zephyrhills.

The CivicPlus-hosted site, Panak added, should also be easier for city employees to use.

“Each department will be able to update their portion of the website. If they have an issue, they can call CivicPlus,” explained Panak. “They will help us with the content, whereas right now we’re on our own to do it.”

Panak acknowledged in his 10-plus years working for Zephyrhills, the city’s website hasn’t received much attention.

“What I’m (currently) using is an off-the-shelf program that’s basically free,” Panak said. The CivicPlus website will allow the city to integrate with social media and expand the city’s capabilities of interacting with citizens.

City staff including Panak, Gail Hamilton and Sandra Amerson reviewed several website designs and interviewed other cities, before determining that CivicPlus had the best designers and training program for Zephyrhills.

Published October 12, 2016

Independent Catholic church forms

October 12, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

An independent Catholic church is forming in Wesley Chapel.

Services at Spirit of Light Synodal Catholic Church will begin Oct. 23.

A Mass will be celebrated every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m., inside the meeting room at the Rodeway Inn, 5642 Oakley Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

A typical communion Mass is expected to last about an hour.

Lionel Repasky is the pastor at Spirit of Light Synodal Catholic Church. Masses will be held each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., inside the meeting room at the Rodeway Inn, 5642 Oakley Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Lionel Repasky) — Lionel Repasky is the pastor at Spirit of Light Synodal Catholic Church. Masses will be held each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., inside the meeting room at the Rodeway Inn, 5642 Oakley Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
(Courtesy of Lionel Repasky)

According to the church’s website, synodal Catholicism strives to express the Catholic faith in a more accepting manner.

Lionel Repasky, the pastor at Spirit of Light, said the church is “all-embracing” and “inclusive to all.”

“The easiest thing to say is that we’re a Catholic church that’s not Roman,” said Repasky, who was ordained last November. “We have both male and female priests — married and single.”

The Mass, the pastor said, will be quite similar to that of other Catholic churches.

“We have the same seven sacraments, the same saints, essentially the same history,” he said, “it’s just we’re approaching it with a more modern interpretation of welcoming all.”

The synodal church believes the sacraments “are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ to the Church.”

It recognizes the following sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, marriage, holy orders, reconciliation and anointing of the sick.

According to the church’s doctrine, “sacraments are not restricted to any individual or group, by gender, sexual orientation, marital state or other conditions.”

Repasky serves at the discretion of the church’s community. “If they don’t like me, they can fire me,” he said.

He said the traditional Catholic church has become “bound up in their own rules and regulations” over the past 2,000-plus years.

“We’ve gone back and looked at how the ancient church was much more community oriented…as opposed to simply following and doing whatever the clergy members said,” Repasky explained.

The Communion of Synodal Catholic Churches operates in Florida, California, Pennsylvania and Washington.

The Diocese of Florida is headed by Bishop Steven Rosczewski.

Including Spirit of Light, there are three other synodal Catholic churches in the Tampa Bay area: Christ the Servant Catholic Church, 12703 N. Florida Ave., in Tampa; Community of Divine Mercy in Riverview; and Holy Spirit Synodal Catholic Church in Safety Harbor.

The church welcomes former Catholics or those who have been hurt by the church.

Repasky expects the church will have a core group of “six to eight” members to start.

“We would hope that you would give us a chance,” Repasky said. “We want to be a trusting, open community, and we want to feel mercy to all…”

Additional Masses may be scheduled, as Spirit of Light’s congregation grows, Repasky said.

“As we expand out and get into the Christmas season, we’ll have other Masses,” he said.

By next year, the pastor hopes to at least include a schedule of holy day Masses.

For more information on Spirit of Light, contact Repasky at (813) 679-1883 or .

Published October 12, 2016

A gesture’s worth a thousand words

October 12, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Just the way you walk into a room can speak volumes about you — at least in the eyes of the beholders.

And, if you make a bad first impression, it’s very hard to undo.

Jackie Eden, of Pasco-Hernando State College, recently gave a presentation on ‘The Secrets of Body Language’ at a SMARTstart session in Dade City. When it comes to creating a good first impression, appearance counts, including what you are wearing, your facial expression, the tone of your voice and the quality of your handshake, she said. SMARTstart is program offered through the Pasco Economic Development Council. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Jackie Eden, of Pasco-Hernando State College, recently gave a presentation on ‘The Secrets of Body Language’ at a SMARTstart session in Dade City. When it comes to creating a good first impression, appearance counts, including what you are wearing, your facial expression, the tone of your voice and the quality of your handshake, she said. SMARTstart is program offered through the Pasco Economic Development Council.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

That was a key message delivered by Jackie Eden, of Pasco-Hernando State College, in a presentation she calls “The Secrets of Body Language.”

“Your first impression is the first five seconds of anytime you meet somebody. A lot of times, this is subconscious,” she said. “They’re going to make those split-second decisions about you. About your health, about your educational level, about your social status, about your intelligence, about your ambition — in just those first few seconds.”

While acknowledging she’s not an expert on body language, Eden noted she’s done a fair amount of research on the topic.

Being aware of your body language and knowing the signals you’re sending can help you become a more effective communicator — even when you’re not saying a word, she said.

She thinks the topic is so important that she gives talks about it to various groups. Recently, she shared her knowledge to a group in Dade City, meeting under the auspices of SMARTstart, a program supported by the Pasco Economic Development Council.

Body language includes gestures, body movements, facial expressions and tone of voice, she said. “Only 7 percent of communication is actually words.”

A good handshake helps to make a positive first impression. Avoid offering a ‘limp fish’ handshake or a bone-crushing grip. (Photos courtesy of Jackie Eden/Pasco-Hernando State College) — A good handshake helps to make a positive first impression. Avoid offering a ‘limp fish’ handshake or a bone-crushing grip.
(Photos courtesy of Jackie Eden/Pasco-Hernando State College)

Research shows it can take 21 times of a repeated good experience to blank out a bad first impression, Eden said.

So, she asked: “What makes a good first impression?”

Then, she answered: How you enter a room is important.

Be sure to pay attention to your posture and about the image you’re projecting, she said. For instance, looking down at the floor can signal a lack of self-confidence, while looking ahead conveys confidence.

When meeting someone new, be sure to smile, make eye contact and offer your hand for a handshake.

Be sure your handshake is firm, but not too firm. In other words, avoid limp fish handshakes or bone-crushing grips.

Your face has nearly 100 muscles, and every part of it can be expressive.

Also, be sure to “really pay attention” during the introduction, she said.

Do your best to remember the person’s name and a detail or two, about him or her.

Whether you’re going into an interview, attending a business meeting or networking, think positive, Eden said.

“What’s going on in your head really does come out in your body language,” and can show up in your facial expressions or gestures, she said.

When your words and body language don’t match, people put more stock in your body language and question if you’re trustworthy, she said.

Be sure to respect personal space, she added.

“If you ever see somebody backing away, even a couple of inches, that’s your cue that you’re too close,” she said.

While body language can provide useful information, keep in mind that it’s not infallible.

Everyone has bad days.

“Give people that benefit of the doubt. You really don’t know what’s going on with them,” she said.

Things to remember when speaking:

When meeting someone new, be sure to introduce yourself.
Use a welcoming, warm tone (If you’re not sure how you sound, tape yourself and listen. If you don’t like the way you sound, work on it.)
Try to remember the names of the people you meet and a detail or two about them.
Learn to make conversation, avoiding topics that are likely to spark controversy.
Let the speaker know you’re listening by leaning in and nodding periodically. Avoid nodding too much — it can be distracting.

Source: Jackie Eden

Making a good first impression

Smile.
Extend your hand for a handshake. (Avoid a limp fish handshake, or bone-crushing grip)
Make good eye contact.
Pay attention to your posture, what you’re wearing and your personal grooming.
Lean in, to signal you’re listening.
Respect the other person’s personal space. If the other person takes a step back, you’re too close.

Things to avoid:

Pointing (it’s considered aggressive)
Shrugging your shoulders
Texting or answering your phone
Twirling your hair
Chewing gum
Excessive fidgeting
Clicking your pen

Source: Jackie Eden

Body language mistakes that ruin job interviews

Failing to make eye contact: 65 percent
Failing to smile: 36 percent
Playing with something on the table: 33 percent
Having bad posture: 30 percent
Fidgeting too much in seat: 29 percent
Crossing arms over chest: 26 percent
Playing with hair or touching face: 25 percent
Having a weak handshake: 22 percent
Using too many hand gestures: 11 percent
Having a handshake that’s too strong: 7 percent

Source: Jackie Eden

Published October 12, 2016

Connected city concept draws mixed reviews

October 5, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County is the epicenter for a 10-year state-approved pilot program to create a “connected city” corridor of master-planned communities — built from the ground up with technology innovations.

State lawmakers carved out about 7,800 acres in central and eastern Pasco as a special development district that will foster residential and commercial projects.

The district’s development plans will be locally controlled, with a minimum of state or regional oversight.

The anticipation is that the district during the 10-year pilot program, and another 40 years of build-out, will be a national model for how to spark job creation, reduce urban sprawl, enhance environmental protection, provide alternative transportation, and interconnect neighborhoods through cutting edge technology.

At build-out, the district could have 96,000 employees, and about 37,000 homes and apartments.

But, some residents within the district are pushing back.

They prefer “rural enclaves” to the more urban development of a connected city.

“At best it’s the same sprawl most of us moved out here to escape,” said Tim Dolan, who lives within the district. “What’s gone is gone for good.”

Dolan spoke at a Sept. 15 public hearing in Dade City where the Development Review Committee considered approval of a land use amendment establishing an overlay district for the connected city.

The borders are Interstate 75, State Road 52, Overpass Road and Curley Road.

Committee members postponed a vote on the amendment until Oct. 13.

In addition to the land use amendment, approval is also needed for transportation, financial and utilities plans.

The Pasco County Commission has the final word.

At the hearing, committee members listened to presentations from county staff members, and participated in a tele-conference with Ken Hays, president of the Enterprise Center of Chattanooga.

Hays discussed that city’s experience as the first gigabit city in the nation, and technology’s role in reviving its downtown.

Pasco County officials are looking to the connected city corridor as a major economic driver for the county, and potentially for the 4.5 million residents of the Tampa Bay area.

It could be a northern gateway for Tampa Bay, and a second alternative to the shops, restaurants and jobs being generated in Wiregrass Ranch and Wesley Chapel, said Richard Gehring, Pasco County’s strategic policy administrator.

To push projects along, the county would boost mobility fee credits to developers willing to create about 272 acres of “service-ready” land, within 660 feet of a constructed road. The goal is job creation and economic development that is innovative and technology driven.

An estimated 7.2 million square-feet could be generated for job creation, Gehring said.

That is about half the size of Westshore, which has about 13 million square feet of office space and about 93,000 employees.

“This could be a second Westshore,” he said.

Dirt within the connected city corridor already is flying.

Metro Development Group is partnering with Heidt Design and the county to shepherd initial development projects from vision to building permits.

Among Metro’s initial projects are a mixed-use community at Epperson Ranch with about 2,000 homes, and another at Cannon Ranch, known as Mirada, that will have about 4,000 homes.

Metro’s newest communities, including Union Park, Waterleaf and Sereno, feature UltraFi, a broadband system capable of delivering gigabit-fast Internet connections.

But, a conceptual map by Heidt Design that sketched what might happen in the connected city corridor within the next 40 to 50 years raised concerns among some residents at a neighborhood meeting.

“My property was going to be a parking lot in 50 years,” said Jennifer McCarthy.

Tonya Riddlesworth doesn’t want to be crowded out by urban development.

“We want to keep our neighborhood as quiet and rural as possible,” she said.

Representatives of Metro Development Group emphasized the map was visionary and long-range, not a true representation of any building plans.

Others at the meeting understood that and expressed support for connected city, said Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations with Metro Development Group.

One concern about the Epperson Ranch project, raised by an attorney representing residents of Palm Cove of Wesley Chapel, appears resolved.

Construction is underway on the Crystal Lagoon, a 7-acre man-made lake with about 16 million gallons of crystal blue water. The lagoon will be the first in North America.

But, the lagoon’s initial need for massive amounts of water has some Palm Cove residents worried about sinkholes on their properties.

It is unlikely that would happen, said Goyani. But, Metro has agreed not to pump well water for the lagoon even though permits were approved by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Instead, water will be purchased from the county’s existing resources.

“It costs us more to do that, but we think it’s the responsible thing to do,” Goyani said.

Published October 5, 2016

Jewish community prepares for Yom Kippur

October 5, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Yom Kippur, considered to the most important holiday in the Jewish faith, runs from sunset on Oct. 11 until nightfall on Oct. 12.

Yom Kippur runs from sunset on Oct. 11 to nightfall on Oct. 12. It’s considered to be the most important holiday in the Jewish faith, and is observed with a 25-hour fast and a special religious service. (Courtesy of Chabad.org.) — Yom Kippur runs from sunset on Oct. 11 to nightfall on Oct. 12. It’s considered to be the most important holiday in the Jewish faith, and is observed with a 25-hour fast and a special religious service.
(Courtesy of Chabad.org.)

Yom Kippur, meaning “Day of Atonement,” marks the culmination of the 10 Days of Awe, a period of introspection and repentance that follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Yom Kippur is observed with a 25-hour fast and a special religious service.

Observance: The Torah (Jewish bible) commands all Jewish adults (apart from the sick, the elderly and women who have just given birth) to abstain from eating and drinking between sundown on the evening before Yom Kippur and nightfall the following day. The fast is believed to cleanse the body and spirit, not to serve as a punishment. Religious Jews observe additional restrictions on bathing, washing, using cosmetics and wearing leather shoes. The prohibitions are intended to prevent worshippers from focusing on material possessions and superficial comforts.

Traditions & Symbols of Yom Kippur:

Pre-Yom Kippur feast: On the eve of Yom Kippur, families and friends gather for a bountiful feast that must be finished before sunset. The idea is to generate strength for 25 hours of fasting.
Breaking of the fast: After the final Yom Kippur service, many people return home for a festive meal. It traditionally consists of breakfast-like comfort foods such as blintzes (pancakes), noodle pudding and various baked goods.
Wearing white: It is customary for religious Jews to dress in white — a symbol of purity — on Yom Kippur. Some married men wear kittels — white burial shrouds — to signify repentance.
Charity: Some Jews make donations or volunteer their time in the days leading up to Yom Kippur. This is seen as a way to atone and seek God’s forgiveness. One ancient custom known as kapparot involves swinging a live chicken or bundle of coins over one’s head while reciting a prayer. The chicken or money is then given to the poor.

Yom Kippur services

Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa
Services:
Oct 11: Kol Nidre at 7 p.m.
Oct. 12: Yom Kippur/Yizkor at 9 a.m.; Mincha at 5:45 p.m.; and, Neilah at 6:45 p.m.
For information, call (813) 962-6338, or visit KolAmi.org.

Where: Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway
Services:
Oct. 11: Kol Nidrei at 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 12: Yom Kippur at 9 a.m.; and, Minha, Ma’ariv, Neilah & Shofar Blast at 7:45 p.m.
For information, call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.

Where: Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave.
Services:
Oct 11: Kol Nidre at 8 p.m.
Oct. 12: Yom Kippur morning service at 10 a.m.; and, Yom Kippur afternoon, Yizkor, N’eila Final Shofar at 4:30 p.m.
For information, call (813) 968-8511, or visit BethAmTampa.org.

Where: Chabad at Wiregrass, 2124 Ashley Oaks Circle in Wesley Chapel
Services:
Oct 11: Yom Kippur at 7 p.m.
Oct. 12: Yom Kippur morning service at 10 a.m.; Yizkor memorial service at 12 p.m.; Afternoon & Neilah closing service at 5:30 p.m.; and, Shofar Blast at 7:38 p.m.
For information, call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadAtWiregrass.com.

Published October 5, 2016

School shooting threats now a felony

October 5, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The consequences just got tougher for Florida students who threaten to shoot up a school.

The Anti-Terroristic Threat and Public Servant Protection Law. The law, which went into effect Oct. 1, makes false reports about using firearms in a violent manner a second-degree felony. Bomb threats have carried a second-degree felony, but only charges of “disrupting a school function”—a second-degree misdemeanor — could have been brought against someone making a gun threat.

Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning address the new Anti-Terroristic Threat Law during a Sept. 30 press conference. The law, which took effect Oct. 1, makes false reports about using firearms in a violent manner a second-degree felony. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo) — Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning address the new Anti-Terroristic Threat Law during a Sept. 30 press conference. The law, which took effect Oct. 1, makes false reports about using firearms in a violent manner a second-degree felony.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

The law also makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to threaten with death or serious harm a law enforcement officer, state attorney or assistant state attorney, firefighter, judge, elected official or any of their family members.

In the Pasco County School District, there already have been three incidents of students making gun threats through the first six weeks of the 2016-2017 school year.

Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning described such threats — regardless of the degree of seriousness — as being “incredibly disruptive” to the community.

“When someone makes what they consider a joke to shoot up the school, people panic,” Browning said during a Sept. 30 press conference. “I’ve pleaded with students, and I’ve asked their parents to plead with them, to think before posting an idle threat on social media, or to make any kind of verbal threat to carry out a shooting at any of our schools.”

He added: “When kids and their parents see these things, the fears spread quickly.”

Such threats, Browning said, often cause Pasco schools to become “half-empty” the following day.

“Students and parents are not going to take any chances when they hear rumors or see the posts on social media,” the superintendent said.

“It means that students who do show up are not going to learn much that day. It means that some teachers may decide not to teach the lesson that they had planned, because half the class will miss it,” Browning said.

Ava Cahoon, a junior at Land O’ Lakes High, said fellow classmates oftentimes become “very scared” when they hear such threats.

“We have to go into lockdown, and we don’t learn at all,” Cahoon said. “We have to sit in the dark, and the teachers don’t get to teach at all.”

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said many of the threats are discovered via social media, including Twitter and Facebook.

“The sad reality,” Nocco said, “is a lot of times these are kids that are just playing a game or just messing around.

“If the kids in our own community realize they’re now going to have a felony charge…they’re not going to play with this game anymore.”

State Rep. Jimmie Smith, the house sponsor of Senate Bill 436, said the rise of social media has created a “sad state of affairs” for making terroristic threats.

“This legislation is going to ensure that those people who make these threats are properly punished,” Smith said.

Browning’s message to students: “Think before you act.”

“It has long-term consequences,” Browning said. “Your chances of getting into college almost disappear, chances of getting jobs almost disappear.”

“It can ruin your future,” Nocco agreed.

Published October 5, 2016

Pasco property tax rates holding steady

October 5, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Property tax rates won’t go up in fiscal year 2017, though a more robust trend in property values could bring a slight boost in property taxes for some homeowners.

At a final hearing on Sept. 27, Pasco County commissioners approved a $1.3 billion operating budget that includes increases for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and 16 new business initiatives that give residents more services.

The fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Mike Fasano

The final budget is about $80 million less than what was proposed in July, partly due to accounting adjustments in how unspent funds for capital projects are counted.

Tax rates remain the same as last year. A homeowner will be assessed about $7.61 for each $1,000 in property value for the county’s general fund, and about $1.81 per $1,000 for the fire district.

However, as the economy has improved, property values in the past year have increased. Tax bills also could tick up slightly.

On average, county officials anticipate an additional $6.89 on a tax bill for a home valued at about $106,000.

“Hopefully, most citizens are going to see some reductions in their taxes,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader.

A request weeks earlier from Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano resulted in a one-time allocation of $100,000 to the elderly nutrition program.

The money will be held in a reserve account while county staff members provide details on how the money will be spent. Fasano told county commissioners he wanted the funds to reduce the waiting list of elderly residents who want to participate in the free meal program.

The money is from additional funds returned to the county from the tax collector’s office.

Dade City resident Amy Gant made a plea for money to repair the Dade City Little League concession stand at John S. Burks Memorial Park.

The 30-year-old structure is in dire need of repairs, she said.

Code violations include a leaking roof and broken plumbing.

An electrical fire happened recently, and critters crawl through broken windows, Gant said.

“The concession stand for our league is one of the biggest moneymakers,” she said. “I know that it’s expensive, and you probably can’t afford it, but I’m going to ask anyway.”

As a youngster, Gant said the Dade City Little League was a lifeline for her. She told commissioners she would be dropped off at the ballpark by her drug addicted mother, and picked up at the end of the day.

But, she said, “A lot of the character I learned was on that field from coaches that mentored me.”

While the county set aside about $1.5 million for park upkeep, the concession stand isn’t on the list. Gant did get some encouragement.

County officials will look into repairing the electrical outlets.

A 2015 parks’ master plan that included an overall needs assessment is in early stages of implementation.

“This is a story that is repeated all over our parks’ system,” said Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey. “We just don’t fund them enough.”

Budget highlights include:

A bus circulator route for Land O’ Lakes
A $6.3 million increase for the sheriff’s office to fund a second year of salary raises, 24 additional fulltime employees, and new patrol laptops
A fire rescue ambulance and crew for Fire Station 37 on State Road 54 at Ballantrae
A code enforcement initiative to clean up major corridors, such as U.S. 41 and U.S. 19

Published October 5, 2016

Zephyrhills opts to build new City Hall

October 5, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The city of Zephyrhills is getting a brand-new City Hall after all.

Following several weeks of dialogue, the Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved a motion to build a new structure at the existing City Hall site, at 5335 Eighth St.

The new facility is expected be about 5,000-square-feet larger than the current 11,000-square-foot building,

It likely will have a modernized brick and stone exterior.

The interior may feature more open workspaces and multifunctional meeting rooms, which can flexibly be used to accommodate public events.

The council had considered the feasibility of housing the city’s headquarters at the 20,000-square-foot SunTrust bank building, at 5435 Gall Blvd.

This is the current City Hall building, at 5335 Eighth St.(File Photo) — This is the current City Hall building, at 5335 Eighth St. (File Photo)

But, council members decided a new building was the best option after cost estimates showed the two projects have roughly the same price tag of $6 million.

Additional costs—including architect and contractor fees—could bring the entire project’s price tag to about $7.7 million.

Councilman Lance Smith said evaluating the two options was a “good exercise,” but noted the 44-year-old SunTrust building had too many red flags.

“Obviously, we can’t have cost overruns, but on an unknown building like that, you just don’t know what they’re going to be. That scares me quite a bit,” Smith said during the Sept. 26. council meeting.

Smith added a new City Hall building is more likely to “last the test of time,” compared to an older, refurbished building.

“I think a civic building should be something that you build…for a lifetime,” Smith said. “I think there’s something to be said for having a civic building the community looks to and has pride in.”

Councilman Ken Burgess concurred with Smith, echoing additional concerns about the substantial costs of preliminary overhauls such as a new roof and air conditioning for the bank building.

“With the new building, you’re going to get the latest in ‘green’ building technology, and energy efficiency,” Burgess said. “We could probably do some things to the old building, but it would probably not be as energy efficient as the new building would be.”

Councilman Charles Proctor said he was, at one point, convinced the SunTrust building was the best option, but later felt “uneasy” as more information about the site was presented.

“I just feel more comfortable with giving the people a brand-new building versus a ‘brand-new’ 50-year-old building,” Proctor said.

On a related note, the council also approved an agreement with A.D. Morgan to serve as construction manager for the city hall project.

The Tampa-based contractor will work closely with architectural firm Harvard Jolly.

The project is expected to take about 20 months to complete, which incorporates about eight months of design and 12 months of construction.

It marks the second major Zephyrhills project in recent years for both firms.

In 2013, both firms were hired to design and build the Zephyrhills Public Library. They later faced scrutiny over the project’s escalating costs.

At the time, Harvard Jolly and A.D. Morgan presented the council with an 8,500-square-foot facility for $1.7 million, but overall costs ended up totaling $2.26 million, a 33 percent increase from what the council originally agreed upon.

Councilman Smith warned the two firms, who were both in attendance, not to make the same mistake twice.

“All of us up here are going to be really, really cost conscience because of prior experience. I don’t think we’ll be cheap, but if we come in at some significant overruns, we’ll have to do something different,” said Smith.

Council vice president Alan Knight added: “I want them to be very accountable.”

City Manager Steve Spina doubled down on previous statements that the council will be included “in every step” of the design-build process.

“You’ll be much more in the loop,” Spina said, addressing the council. “If there’s anything that comes along that could be a potential change in cost, you’ll know about it immediately.”

Published October 5, 2016

Weatherford makes PHSC’s hall of fame

October 5, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Will Weatherford, the former Speaker of the House of the Florida Legislature, was inducted into Pasco-Hernando State College’s Legislative Hall of Fame on Sept. 20.

The ceremony was at the state college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., according to a news release from the college.

From left, Pasco-Hernando State College Trustees Ardian Zika, Morris Porton, and Marilyn Pearson-Adams, former Speaker of the House Will Weatherford, PHSC President Tim Beard, PHSC trustee Robin Schneider and PHSC Board Chair Ed Blommel. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College) — From left, Pasco-Hernando State College Trustees Ardian Zika, Morris Porton, and Marilyn Pearson-Adams, former Speaker of the House Will Weatherford, PHSC President Tim Beard, PHSC trustee Robin Schneider and PHSC Board Chair Ed Blommel.
(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Ed Blommel, chairman of PHSC’s District Board of Trustees, officiated over the ceremony, which included the unveiling of a plaque to be displayed in perpetuity in the Legislative Hall of Fame.

Weatherford received an identical plaque.

“We recognize Will Weatherford, who has proved to be an unwavering champion for PHSC,” Blommel said, according to the release.

“Speaker Weatherford assisted the college in getting the funding for the construction of the beautiful Porter Campus ($52.2 million), including fighting off a veto and legislative resistance to get the final installment after construction was underway and nearly complete,” he added.

Timothy Beard, the college’s president, also recognized the former speaker’s efforts to provide equity in funding for the Florida College System, leading to a $7.7 million funding increase for the college and for securing more support for PHSC from the State Board of Education.

A number of special guests were at the event, including Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega, Rep. Danny Burgess, Pasco County Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning, Pasco County School Board Member Alan Altman, Bill and J.D. Porter and Quinn Porter-Miller.

Weatherford’s induction makes him the second member of the Legislative Hall of Fame, which is a new tradition at PHSC. The honor recognizes legislators for supporting the college and higher education opportunities for their constituents.

Sen. Jack Latvala, who was inducted in July, was the first to receive the honor.

Weatherford and Latvala are both members of the inaugural class of 2016.

Published October 5, 2016

Sowing new seeds of inspiration

October 5, 2016 By B.C. Manion

For gardeners who are looking for some new ideas, the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden in Seffner provides inspiration — and information.

Nicole Pinson is an Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Nicole Pinson is an Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The garden, at the Hillsborough County Extension office, gives growing enthusiasts a chance to see the variety of plants that will thrive in a Florida landscape.

It also showcases the various ways plants will grow — in raised beds, on trellises, in containers, or in the ground.

And, it demonstrates how to essentially create “garden rooms” through the selection of plant materials, mulch, garden furniture and other features, such as waterfalls, bridges and stages.

If that’s not enough to stir your imagination, check out the pollinator and perennial gardens out back.

In the pollinator garden, visitors can see plants that attract butterflies, bees and flies.

This fuzzy flower is a magnet for pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Select the dwarf form for most yards, as the non-dwarf plant can grow to be very large. The dwarf powder puff grows best in sun to partial shade. It is about a 5-foot shrub. Be sure to protect it from freeze when the temperatures dip. It is a great perennial plant and makes a nice specimen in the garden. — This fuzzy flower is a magnet for pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Select the dwarf form for most yards, as the non-dwarf plant can grow to be very large.
The dwarf powder puff grows best in sun to partial shade. It is about a 5-foot shrub. Be sure to protect it from freeze when the temperatures dip. It is a great perennial plant and makes a nice specimen in the garden.

The perennial garden is filled with thriving plants of different shapes, sizes and colors.

“What we’re doing is demonstrating to people that you can plant different kinds of hardy perennials that will last year after year in Florida,” said Nicole Pinson, urban horticulture agent for Hillsborough County.

If you need specific information on when to grow what and where to grow it, ask inside. The extension office staff and volunteers are helpful and knowledgeable and there’s a multitude of informational handouts on a wide array of gardening topics.

Hillsborough County Extension is a partnership between Hillsborough County and the University of Florida. Pasco County Extension operates through a similar partnership between Pasco County and the university.

What: Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden is a great place for gardeners to pick up ideas for rejuvenating their outdoor spaces.
Where: 5339 County Road 579 in Seffner (It’s at the Hillsborough County Extension office)
When: The garden is open week days, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How much: Free
For information: (813) 744-5519

Published October 5, 2016