The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Wiregrass Elementary is gearing up for first year

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Between 400 and 500 people turned out for a parent and community night to find out what lies ahead at Wiregrass Elementary, a new school opening in August.

Principal Steven Williams was delighted by the turnout.

“I love it. It’s wonderful to be part of a community that’s engaged,” Williams said.

During the first half hour of the meeting, Williams said he gave some general information about the school and talked about the vision for the school.

Hundreds of parents turned out to learn more about Wiregrass Elementary, a new school set to open in August. (Photos courtesy of Wiregrass Elementary School)
Hundreds of parents turned out to learn more about Wiregrass Elementary, a new school set to open in August.
(Photos courtesy of Wiregrass Elementary School)

After that, parents were invited to make their way around tables in the room, to seek additional information and to offer their thoughts.

Questions that came in during the meeting were answered within 24 hours on the school’s Q&A that’s posted on its website.

Besides parents, others on hand included representatives of the architect who designed the school, the builder who is constructing the school, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The school is expected to open with 400 students, but is anticipating rapid growth, Williams said. There are residential developments nearby, and houses are sprouting up all around.

“We’re planning the school with change in mind and growth in mind,” he said, noting he’s buying furniture and textbooks for more than 400 kids. He knows he’s going to need more and wouldn’t be surprised to see enrollment topping 500 within 12 months of opening.

The principal is also planning for a school that’s going to grow in other directions.

“Do we have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset?” Williams asked.

Construction is ongoing at Wiregrass Elementary School. The new elementary school is slated to open with about 400 students.
Construction is ongoing at Wiregrass Elementary School. The new elementary school is slated to open with about 400 students.

The school wants to be a place that fosters growth — and that means for everyone, students, staff and leaders, too, Williams said. “None of us has arrived yet,” he said.

Besides inviting community partnerships, the school wants to create ties with John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High, Williams said.

For instance, a culinary student at Wiregrass Ranch High might be able to be involved in an elementary cooking club, Williams said.

Many of the questions raised by parents regarding specific issues are answered on the school’s website.

For instance, the school’s technology will include interactive whiteboards, Apple TVs, small group collaboration stations, iPads, MacBook laptops, 3-D computing stations and additional technological devices.

Each staff member will have a laptop, and students will have access to machines on a 4:1 ratio.

But, the school also is developing a “Bring-Your-Own-Device” program that will allow students to bring their own technology.

“It’s very important to me to have students ‘own’ their own technology,” Williams said, and that means going well beyond the typical uses for communication and entertainment. He wants them to be able to use the devices as resources, to help to elevate their education.

Students who are currently attending kindergarten through fourth grade and who live in the Wiregrass boundaries will be automatically registered. Those who are entering kindergarten or moving into the area must register. Individual appointments can be arranged.

The school will have before and after school care, and there will be clubs, though the types of clubs have not been determined.

Wiregrass will follow the school district’s dress code, so uniforms are not required. However, a line of spirit wear has been developed, and the optional items can be purchased through the school’s PTA.

Wiregrass will have gifted education through an inclusion model, which means the instruction will be embedded in all subjects, rather than delivered in a separate classroom.

“We want our students to be able to walk a learning path that is specific to them,” Williams said, noting the school will subscribe to the philosophy of “student-owned learning.”

There will be intentional outcomes, but different ways to achieve them, the principal explained. The teachers will serve as the guides, working with students as they work toward achieving those outcomes, albeit following different paths.

The school also is planning some special activities, such as the creation of a time capsule, to mark the school’s inaugural year.

For those wishing to reach the school’s staff before the new campus is completed, they can stop by the school’s temporary office at Sand Pine Elementary, 29040 County Line Road in Wesley Chapel, or call (813) 346-0700.

Wiregrass Elementary, 29732 Wiregrass School Road
School starts: Aug. 15
School hours: 9:40 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Childcare: (813) 794-2180
Transportation: (813) 794-0450
Additional information: WRES.pasco.k12.fl.us

Published May 18, 2016

Tourism continues to rise in Pasco

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Pasco County’s tourism figures continue to rise, and the prospects are bright for even more growth, according to Ed Caum, the county’s tourism manager.

Ed Caum, tourism manager for Pasco County, likes to remind people that tourists provide an important source of tax revenues in Pasco County and across Florida. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Ed Caum, tourism manager for Pasco County, likes to remind people that tourists provide an important source of tax revenues in Pasco County and across Florida.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Caum has been making the rounds to share the county’s news about another year of positive growth — following record numbers posted last year. He recently shared the county’s tourism story with members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce during their luncheon meeting at the Heritage Harbor Golf and Country Club.

The county is on track to break its record in tourist tax collections.

It has collected $593,712 in tourist tax collections since October 2015, a 13.5 percent increase over last year, when it set its all-time record.

Caum said the county expects to exceed last year’s total, which exceeded $968,000.

Pasco isn’t known for gigantic theme parks and miles of pristine coastline, but it offers plenty of wide open spaces and lots of “quirky and eclectic attractions,” Caum said.

Just last year, Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 54 and Interstate 75, opened a 441,000-square-foot mall, featuring 110 retailers.

Cyclists from across the country made the trek to Pasco County in March to ride in the Gran Fondo Florida racing event. It is one of eight events across the country that are held as part of the Gran Fondo National Championship Series. (FIle Photos)
Cyclists from across the country made the trek to Pasco County in March to ride in the Gran Fondo Florida racing event. It is one of eight events across the country that are held as part of the Gran Fondo National Championship Series.
(File Photo)

Later this year, Florida Hospital Center Ice is set to open off State Road 56, parallel to Interstate 75, and that’s expected to draw scores of regional tournaments, and vie for national tournaments, too.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions presented by Pasco County draws competitors from the U.S. and Canada to Wesley Chapel every year. And, Gran Fondo Florida draws cyclists from all over the country to East Pasco’s rolling hills.

There’s an assortment of other events and attractions for people who enjoy a bit of adventure. There’s Tree Hoppers, in Dade City, a zip line course designed for aerial adventurers of all ability levels, and there’s SunWest Park, which is expected to attract worldwide attention for its beach volleyball courts and its wakeboard course.

And, there are fun events, such as the annual Kumquat Festival and the Florida Bug Jam in Dade City.

Besides all that, Pasco County has an international reputation for its nudist resorts, which account for about 20 percent of the county’s tourist tax revenues, Caum said.

Giraffe Ranch, in Dade City, gives visitors a chance to witness the lives of giraffes, living under huge live oaks and in open grasslands. (Courtesy of Pasco County)
Giraffe Ranch, in Dade City, gives visitors a chance to witness the lives of giraffes, living under huge live oaks and in open grasslands.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

Plus, the county likes to promote its microbreweries and its Farm to Table restaurants, Caum said.

Tourist attractions do more than just offer people a chance to have fun, Caum said.

“Tourism is economic development,” he said.

Attracting people to the area gives them a chance to see what it has to offer.

Many visitors decide to become permanent residents, and some of their companies come with them, Caum said.

That leads to job growth, which helps propel the economy, he said.

Plus, taxes paid by tourists reduce the tax burden for Florida residents, which benefits everyone who lives here, Caum said.

So, when it comes to promoting the county, that’s everybody’s job, the tourism manager said.

He likes to tell a story about overhearing a young waiter being asked by a visitor what there was to do around Pasco County.

The waiter replied: “I’ve lived here forever. There’s nothing to do in Pasco County.”

That, the tourism manager said, is a missed opportunity.

Published May 18, 2016

Pasco County on a path to create wildlife corridors

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A network of wildlife corridors is closer to reality as landowners concede most of their objections have been resolved.

The ordinance comes nearly 16 years after a lawsuit settlement mandated that Pasco County create the corridors, also known as “critical linkages.”

The linkages function as protected pathways for wildlife as diverse as bears, panthers, salamanders and frogs.

At the first public hearing on May 10, Pasco County commissioners had a presentation from county staff members and took public comment. No vote was held.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore questioned whether a county ordinance to create wildlife corridors did enough to protect property owners’ rights. (Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore questioned whether a county ordinance to create wildlife corridors did enough to protect property owners’ rights.
(Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

Commissioners are scheduled to have their second public hearing and vote on the issue at their June 21 meeting at 10 a.m., in their chambers in New Port Richey.

“It’s been a long road to get here,” said Matt Armstrong, Pasco’s executive planner for the Long Range Planning Group.

The May 10 hearing was postponed from last year when commissioners asked for meetings and discussion on the issue.

The lawsuit was filed in the late 1990s and settled in 2000. Previous county commissions considered, but never approved, an ordinance.

Under the proposed ordinance, landowners could “willingly” sell their land to the county. Otherwise, the ordinance’s regulations would apply only if a landowner sought to rezone property for land uses of greater density or intensity, and had a corridor within the property’s boundaries.

Matt Armstrong, left, Pasco’s executive director for the Long Range Planning Group, and Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein answered questions at a public hearing on creating wildlife corridors.
Matt Armstrong, left, Pasco’s executive director for the Long Range Planning Group, and Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein answered questions at a public hearing on creating wildlife corridors.

Tweaks to the ordinance include a process to negotiate a corridor’s width; potentially rerouting the corridor without filing an expensive rezoning application; allowing a third party appraisal in land sale negotiations and an appeal to the commissioners; and splitting maintenance costs related to the corridors and their easements between the county and landowner.

“I’ve kind of run out of arguments against this ordinance, believe it or not,” said attorney David Smolker. He represents a client who owns about 140 acres that fall within one of seven wildlife corridors.

Mac Davis of the Gulf Coast Conservancy said county staff had listened to landowners and made reasonable changes. Now he said, the ordinance should be “rounding third base and heading for home.”

Determining the width of corridors, however, still gives Smolker and others some pause.

Keith Wiley, the county’s natural resources manager, said, “The staff will have the mechanisms to have the discussion with owners. Every piece along the corridor is different.”

But he added, the science behind how to create viable corridors is sound. “It’s being replicated across the world,” he said.

Minimum width is 500 feet; maximum width is 2,500 feet.

Mac Davis, of the Gulf Coast Conservancy, spoke at a public hearing in support of the county’s plan to create wildlife corridors.
Mac Davis, of the Gulf Coast Conservancy, spoke at a public hearing in support of the county’s plan to create wildlife corridors.

About 7,000 acres is needed to create seven wildlife corridors, but the county already owns some land. Some areas are wetlands that can’t be developed. About 2,500 acres is owned privately and would be regulated through the ordinance, county officials said.

In Central Pasco, corridors would link current and proposed development projects at Starkey Ranch, Crossbar, Connerton and Cypress Creek.

With the spurt of development in Pasco, Janet Howie, of the Nature Coast Florida Native Plant Society, said, “Ecological corridors are even more important to help prevent a total environmental wasteland from happening.”

Some still have concerns, however.

Land use attorney Ethel Hammer told commissioners during public comment that the ordinance would substantially affect property owned by the Bexley family. She plans to meet with county staff to detail their objections.

Landowner Jim McBride said the corridors should be more narrow. He also said there would be problems arising from people seeking access to the corridors.

“Ultimately, I believe the corridors are going to have to be fenced,” he said. “You need to protect wildlife from people.”

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore shared that concern.

“Wildlife corridors are not people corridors,” he said. “We could have people roaming back and forth.”

It’s difficult to write an ordinance that covers every scenario, but Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein said, “There is nothing in the ordinance requiring us to leave it open to the public. It’s best to deal with those on a case by case basis.”

Published May 18, 2016

Check out these local authors

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If you enjoy learning about local history, love to solve mysteries or are in the mood for a bit of romance, a selection of books by local authors may be right up your alley.

More than 20 local authors will gather at Barnes & Noble Booksellers at The Shops at Wiregrass on May 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., to sell their books, field questions on writing and chat with patrons.

Jamie Elizabeth Tingen has a new book for this year’s author fair, ‘Betrayed by a Butterfly.’ The author describes it as a novel of deceit, mystery and romance. (Courtesy of Jamie Elizabeth Tingen)
Jamie Elizabeth Tingen has a new book for this year’s author fair, ‘Betrayed by a Butterfly.’ The author describes it as a novel of deceit, mystery and romance.
(Courtesy of Jamie Elizabeth Tingen)

The bookstore, at 28152 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, hosts the annual event to give local authors a chance to showcase their works.

Local authors get a chance to sell their books, but also have a chance to network with each other and encourage aspiring writers.

The showcase will include a wide selection of titles across many genres including business, quilting, spirituality and romance, to name a few.

Some of the authors have been there before, including Madonna Jervis Wise, who has written several books. Her most recently published book, “Images of America: Wesley Chapel,” shares the community’s story through historic photographs and tales of the families who settled there.

Jamie Elizabeth Tingen, another author who has been at the event before, will be there with a new book this year. She describes her new book, “Betrayed by a Butterfly,” as a novel of deceit, mystery and romance.

John Chaplick, of Lutz, will be making an appearance, too. His titles include “The Rivergrass Legacy,” “Forbidden Chronicles of a Roman Centurion” and “Bridge of The Paper Tiger.”

Other authors expected to be on hand include Barbara Post-Askin, Ben Gold, C. Johnson, Debbie Lum, Dee Segarra, Elizabeth Rivera, Evelyn Taylor, Jeanette Dundas, Jenice Armstead, Jonathan Chateau, Josh McMorrow-Hernandez, Jwan Israil, Kimberly Karalius, Lorelie Dionne Orat, Lucille Rose D’Armi-Riggio and Maria Rooney.

Six tables will be set up on the bookstore’s second floor, with authors grouped together by genre, said Lisa Kuehner, assistant store manager for Barnes & Noble.

The store hosts the annual showcase to give the community a chance to find out about the local writers and their books.

“It’s our way of supporting local authors,” Kuehner said.

Local authors event
What: Meet more than 20 local authors who will be on hand to field questions and sign books.
When: May 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 28152 Paseo Drive, at The Shops at Wiregrass

Published May 18, 2016

Cities to have backup water

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A project to link the water systems of Zephyrhills and Dade City is headed to construction, most likely by this summer.

The Zephyrhills City Council, on May 10, approved a contract for about $1.7 million with Suncoast Development of Pinellas County.

Work can begin after the Florida Department of Transportation completes its resurfacing and trails project on U.S. 301, which could happen within the next month.

Once underway, work on the water systems is expected to take about a month, said John Bostic, utilities director for the City of Zephyrhills.

Last year, the cities of Zephyrhills and Dade City reached a 25-year interlocal agreement to link their water systems. The agreement is seen as a backup plan during water emergencies. Both cities also anticipate greater water needs as more residences and commercial development sprouts along U.S. 301, the federal highway that links the two.

“If one of us ever runs out of water, we can send water on its way to one or the other,” Bostic said.

Each city would pay the going rate at the time, according to the agreement.
The project involves installing about three miles of water pipes and fire hydrants along the east side of U.S. 301, from Phelps Road to near the highway’s intersection with U.S. 98 Bypass in Dade City. Centennial Road will mark the dividing line between the two systems.

Construction costs will be paid through a $2 million grant awarded to the City of Zephyrhills by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Both cities use multiple public wells to supply residents and businesses with drinking water drawn from the Floridan aquifer. Zephyrhills gets most of its water from the Hillsborough River Groundwater Basin, and a portion from the Withlacoochee River Basin. Dade City’s permitted wells are within the Withlacoochee basin.

Published May 18, 2016

Pasco shops for headhunters

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Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker’s departure is more than a year away, but commissioners are taking the first step to hire her replacement.

Baker announced earlier this year that she would not seek to renew her contract, which expires in July 2017.

Pasco County Administrator Michele
Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker

On May 10, commissioners received five proposals from headhunter firms seeking to find the next county administrator.

Two companies are headquartered in Florida; the others are in Minnesota, Texas and Illinois.

The search for a hiring consultant didn’t bear much fruit, said Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader.

“I was a little disappointed we didn’t get more than five,” Schrader said. “It is what it is.”

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore initially suggested that commissioners rank their preferences, and then invite the top three candidates to make presentations.

Instead, invitations will be sent to representatives of all five firms to attend the June 9 commission meeting at 1:30 p.m.

Each applicant will have 30 minutes for a presentation, plus time to answer questions from commissioners.

Schrader dismissed a suggestion that commissioners use Skype to hear from consultants with long distances to travel.

“If they want the job, I want them to stand right in front of me,” he said.

The firms that applied to recruit a new county administrator are: Colin Baenziger & Associates, in Palm Beach County; GovHR USA, in Northbrook, Illinois; Strategic Government Resources, in Keller, Texas; Waters & Company, in St. Paul, Minnesota; and S. Renee Narloch & Associates, in Tallahassee.

Published May 18, 2016

It’s time for a fun, and safe, summer picnic

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It’s that time of year when many families are looking forward to the end of school and the beginning of a nice summer break.

It’s also a great time to think about heading to the beach, to a park or even just out to your own backyard to celebrate with a picnic.

But, don’t let spoiled food ruin your day.

It’s important, especially during hot summer days, to keep your food safe for consumption.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns everyone to plan ahead.

When preparing for your picnic, be sure to have an ice chest or cooler packed with ice packs and ice.

You’ll also need clean utensils, storage containers for leftovers, paper towels, trash bags and a food thermometer.

If you’re going out for a picnic, do a little research to find out if there will be running water, grills, picnic tables and trash receptacles at the site.

Also, if you’re thawing food to take along, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, not on a counter.

Thawing meat or poultry also reduces the needed cooking time. Cooking frozen meat or poultry takes about 50 percent longer than the recommended time for fully thawed/ fresh meat and poultry.

Do not partially cook meat and poultry ahead of time. That can be risky.

Also, be sure to use the food thermometer to cook meat or poultry to a safe internal temperature, before consuming.

To stay on the safe side: Keep your hot foods hot and your cold foods cold.

Place perishable foods, such as hot dogs, burgers, poultry, deviled eggs, and macaroni/potato/pasta salads in a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice/freezer packs. Also be sure to store this in a shady spot and not in a hot car or in direct sunlight.

Also, quickly serve food from the cooler and return it quickly, too.

In really hot weather, above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, food shouldn’t sit out of the cooler for longer than an hour.

Also, don’t forget to unpack that cooler as soon as you return home.

Refrigerate any leftover meats and salads that are still cold, but discard them if they have become warm.

These safety tips will help you, family and friends have a happy and healthy summer!

By Betsy Crisp

Betsy Crisp is an Extension Family & Consumer Sciences agent and a licensed dietitian for the University of Florida/IFAS. She is based in Pasco County and can be reached at .

Some fun summer recipes:

California Avocado Chicken Wraps
Special dressing: ¼-cup light mayonnaise, ¼-cup plain fat-free yogurt, 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, finely chopped (mix well and set aside)

2 large 10”-12” spinach (or whole wheat) tortillas

½-cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach

1 ½-cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 Haas avocado, peeled, pitted, diced

2 Tablespoons real bacon pieces (2 slices, cooked well, crumbled)

¼-cup red onion, finely chopped

1 tomato, chopped

1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped

Spread tortillas with dressing.  Layer ingredients listed above (1/2 on each tortilla). Roll up and cut each in half. Makes 4 servings.

Artichoke Hummus Roll-Ups
2 large 10”-12” whole wheat (or spinach) tortillas

6 Tablespoons prepared hummus

1 jar (4 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, cut into pieces

4 Tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves

Spread tortillas with hummus.  Layer ingredients listed above (1/2 on each tortilla). Roll up and cut each one in half. Makes 4 servings.

Tuna Salad Wraps
4 whole-wheat tortillas 8”

1 cans (6 ounces) chunk light tuna, drained

3 Tablespoons light mayonnaise

1 ½ Tablespoons pickle relish

1 Tablespoon sweet onion, finely chopped

1 Tablespoon celery, chopped

1 teaspoon lemon juice, or to taste

Add all ingredients listed above (except tortillas). Mix well. Spread one-fourth of tuna salad onto each tortilla. Roll up, folding ends in. Serve whole or cut in half and serve. Makes 4 servings.

Peanut Butter Banana Cereal Roll-Ups
(good for breakfast or lunch!)
4 whole-wheat tortillas 8”

4 Tablespoons smooth, natural peanut butter

4 medium bananas, peeled

1/2 cup oat o-shaped cereal, honey flavored, crushed (place in freezer zipper top sandwich bag and use rolling pin or hands to crush)

Spread 1 Tablespoon peanut butter on each tortilla. Place banana in center. Sprinkle about 2 Tablespoons crushed cereal evenly over each banana. Fold ends of tortilla over the two ends of each banana and roll up. Cut each in half and serve. Makes 4 servings.

Published May 18, 2016

 

Tom Jackson’s commentary coming to The Laker/Lutz News

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The most important thing we do at The Laker/Lutz News is to identify and write stories you find interesting and relevant. Our goal is for you to be so engaged with your community newspaper that you read us cover-to-cover every week, and can’t wait for the next issue to come out.

One measure of the job we’re doing is our readership score, which is determined by an independent auditing firm. In an era when most newspapers report continuing circulation losses— and many are shutting their doors — our readership has grown to 81 percent.

The Jackson family during a family vacation in Scotland: Debbie, 17-year-old Chris and Tom. (Courtesy of Tom Jackson)
The Jackson family during a family vacation in Scotland: Debbie, 17-year-old Chris and Tom.
(Courtesy of Tom Jackson)

Simply put, this means if your neighborhood has 100 homes, 81 of your neighbors read our paper every week, just like you.

So why is our newspaper so successful when so many others are failing? Our formula is really pretty simple —we ask you what you want to read, and then our professional journalists go out and write these stories.

While we are certainly proud of our high readership, we don’t take it for granted, and are always open to ideas that add value to our paper. One area that we have not been able to include is commentary and opinion writing.

But that will change next week with the addition of Tom Jackson to The Laker/Lutz News.

Tom is a well-known local columnist who has written about Pasco issues, people and politics for close to 20 years.  His varied journalism career includes working as a business reporter, feature writer, sports columnist and editor. Most recently, he was a conservative political columnist and blogger for The Tampa Tribune.

As a community columnist, Tom writes about the dynamics of Pasco County. He addresses conflicts between metropolitan newcomers and rural traditionalists, and low-tax enthusiasts versus infrastructure needs. His opinions are well researched, and his writing is respected, whether or not one agrees with his position.

Tom’s new column for The Laker/Lutz News will focus 100 percent on issues that impact Pasco and north Hillsborough counties. He will also profile local people with interesting stories, and organizations that make a difference in our community.

With the addition of Tom’s column to our editorial package, we have raised the journalism bar at The Laker/Lutz News. And because his local commentary will only be published here, it gives you one more reason to read us every week.

Whether or not your viewpoint aligns with Tom’s, we know his opinions will get you thinking. Please join me in welcoming Tom to our pages.

Published May 11, 2016

BizGrow2.0 touts business success

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The Pasco Economic Development Council will host its fourth annual BizGrow2.0 conference on May 12 at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

The annual event brings together successful business owners with entrepreneurs looking for inspiration and practical advice.

“The idea is to give them some inspiring stories from CEOs (chief executive officers) who have gone from startups to professional businesses, especially local business owners,” said Jennifer Lachtara, marketing communications coordinator for the economic development council.

Previous conferences have drawn crowds exceeding 90 people.

Keynote speakers will be Jorge Brea, president and chief executive officer of Symphonic Distribution; and Mike Bishop, founder of Big Storm Brewing.

Industry experts will offer advice and knowledge on a range of topics including new laws affecting the marketplace and the value of cyber security.

Information technology security is becoming increasingly important to businesses, said Lachtara.

Saint Leo University and other colleges now offer students cyber security as a major, she said.

Michael Moorman and Joshua Adams, professors of computer science and technology at Saint Leo, will discuss “Information Security Issues: A Conversation on Protecting Your Business.”

On another topic, attorney Michele Hintson of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick will discuss the fine print of contractual terms in business deals.

Attorney Tom Toner will discuss changes in patent laws.

And, Krista Covey and John Walsh, of the PEDC, will offer tips on finding a path to success.

The conference also offers plenty of time networking.

For information or to register call (813) 926-0827, or visit PascoEDC.com/events.

WHAT: BizGrow2.0
WHEN: May 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel
COST: $35 per person, registration is required. A light breakfast and lunch are included.
INFORMATION: (813) 926-0827 or PascoEDC.com/events

Published May 11, 2016

Lutz Guv’na Race Kickoff set for May 14

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Get your checkbooks ready, the annual Lutz Guv’na Race is underway.

Two candidates: Greg Gilbert of Beef O’ Bradys in Lutz and Andre Pamplona of Royal Bowling Lanes, will face off in the 2016 Guv’na Debate on May 14 at the Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41. The debate will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. as both candidates field questions from the audience and partake in quirky activities to raise money for their “campaigns,” with proceeds benefitting local nonprofits and community organizations. The event is free and the public is welcome.

“They’re two very good and solid candidates.” – Suzin Carr on Lutz Guv’na candidates Greg Gilbert and Andre Pamplona. (Courtesy of Suzin Carr)
“They’re two very good and solid candidates.” – Suzin Carr on Lutz Guv’na candidates Greg Gilbert and Andre Pamplona.
(Courtesy of Suzin Carr)

“They’re always very tongue-in-cheek kind of things, and they’re doing those to earn money for their campaigns,” said Suzin Carr, ambassador for the Lutz Guv’na Race. “The whole goal of the Guv’na race is to raise the most money and ‘buy their way into office’ and we proudly admit that in Lutz.”

The annual charity event— which started in 1991— is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association, and typically raises several thousand dollars for about 20 beneficiaries.

The race continues through the Fourth of July weekend, where the winner is announced, and earns the coveted “sash” from the prior year’s winner. Last year’s winner was Jennifer Rankin, who raised more than $9,200 throughout the 2015 race.

“It’s been going on for more than 25 years and it’s just a wonderful event that benefits a lot of nonprofits and community organizations in the area, like the scouts and the Old Lutz School and the Friends of the Library,” Carr said. “They all get a portion of the money that is raised by writing grants for that money once it’s raised by the Lutz Guv’na Association.”

Typically, the race has about three or four candidates, Carr said, adding, there’s still time is anybody wants to step into the race.

The debate emcee will be Paul Vahue of First Baptist Church in Lutz, whom Carr described as “a very funny guy.”

Carr, a former two-time winner of the Guv’na Race, is also seeking additional community involvement and volunteers for the Guv’na festivities.

“We are really encouraging the community to come out,” she said. “We really need community involvement for programs like this to continue.”

For more information, contact Suzin Carr at (813) 453-5256.

Published May 11, 2016