The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Guv’na incumbent looks to defend ‘sash’

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With three weeks remaining in the Lutz Guv’na race, incumbent candidate Greg Gilbert is looking to defend the ‘sash.’

Gilbert, the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s in Lutz, became last year’s honorary mayor of Lutz, raising more than $1,500.

But, with two formidable challengers this year — Jessica Sherman, of Pinch A Penny, and Kori Rankin, of Kori Rankin Photography — winning again won’t likely come easy, he admits.

Gilbert readies to toss a cow patty, during last month’s Lutz Guv’na Debate, at the Old Lutz School. (Kevin Weiss)

“Those girls seem very impressive with being involved with the community, so I don’t feel like I have any advantage over anybody,” Gilbert said. “I think it’s all going to be work, work, work to stay in the race.”

Gilbert and his family moved to Spring Hill in 2013.

Before moving to Florida, he spent 20-plus years in Michigan working as a general manager for both T.G.I. Fridays and Ruby Tuesday.

Though he doesn’t live in Lutz, Gilbert has tried to ingrain himself within the area, since taking over the local restaurant in December 2015.

“I know most of the regulars now; I’ve been out in the community a little bit more,” he said.

Gilbert decided to re-enter the Guv’na race to provide “a challenge” to the other contenders.

“It’s all for fun, so I thought it’d be a fun thing to do,” Gilbert said. “Last year I was afraid to do it, because I am not the public speaker kind of guy, and I had enough fun last year that I thought I’d try again.”

He’s stayed busy on the campaign trail, organizing various donations and raffles.

He also plans to host a classic car show July 1, and designate a percent of restaurant sales to the Guv’na campaign.

While he didn’t win the May 20 Guv’na debate, Gilbert arguably had the top slogan: “Hang up your boots in Lutz.”

Last year’s slogan — “Beef it up at Brady’s” — was equally catchy.

Additionally, many of Gilbert’s platform answers during the tongue-in-cheek event still resonate.

The Guv’na hopeful advocated for a motorcycle ban in Lutz, to make roads safer and less noisy. He, too, endeared himself to the women of Lutz by proposing free massages “at least once a week.”

“The first year I spent a couple days thinking about the things I wanted to say, and then this year it seemed to have come a little bit faster and easier,” Gilbert said of his debate answers.

Greg Gilbert is the incumbent candidate for the annual Lutz Guv’na race. Gilbert is the managing owner of Beef O’ Brady’s, 18421 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz.

When he’s not working or dedicating time to fundraising efforts, the Guv’na incumbent has a passion for brainteasers — he previously described himself as a “crossword and Sudoku junkie.”

No matter the outcome of this year’s Guv’na race, Gilbert is just content to raise money for a good cause.

“I’ll be happy with whoever wins, I really will,” he said.

The Guv’na race continues through the Fourth of July weekend.

The winner will be announced after the community’s traditional parade.

The annual charity event— which started in 1991— is sponsored by the Lutz Civic Association, and benefits about 20 local causes, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Old Lutz School and the Friends of the Library.

More than $100,000 has been raised in the past decade alone.

The winner of the Guv’na race may also earmark 10 percent of what they raise to the organization of their choice.

If you’d like to contribute to Gilbert’s campaign, visit Beef ’O’ Brady’s Lutz, or call (813) 909-2300.

Published June 14, 2017

Lutz robotics team ranks eighth at international event

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The Lutz-based Trinity Dragons ended the robotics season on a high note, with another top-10 showing at worlds.

Team 6430 ranked eighth among more than 500 teams, during the 2017 VEX World Competition in Louisville, Kentucky; they finished ninth last year.

The Lutz-based Trinity Dragons Team 6430 finished eighth among more than 500 teams, during the 2017 VEX World Competition in Louisville, Kentucky. (Courtesy of Ray Carr)

They also earned the Teamwork Award in the event’s Research Division, and were recognized as competition finalists.

The world championships, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, drew over 16,000 participants from across 37 nations; it marks the fourth consecutive season Team 6430 has received an invitation.

Throughout the weeklong event, Team 6430 joined forces with clubs from Galveston, Texas; Glen Allen, Virginia; Carrollton, Georgia; and Sichaun, China.

The VEX robotics challenge, titled “Starstruck,” is played on a 12-by-12 square field, in which two alliances consisting of two robotics teams each, square off in matches comprising of a 15-fifteen second autonomous period, followed by 1 minute and 45 seconds of driver-controlled play.

The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing alliance by having each robot place “stars” and “cubes” in designated zones, and remotely hang robots onto a hanging pole.

It otherwise was a fruitful 2016-2017 robotics campaign for the local club.

Team 6430 won the Florida State High School VEX Robotics Championship in February, outscoring 56 other high school teams at the Florida State Fairgrounds; the team also went undefeated in each of its regular season tournaments.

And, at one point this season, Team 6430 ranked fourth internationally, of 8,500 teams worldwide, in autonomous programming skills.

Next year’s VEX robotics challenge, titled “In The Zone,” requires robots to essentially stack as many “cones” as possible.

The Trinity Dragons, coached by Ray Carr, was formed about six years ago.

The team is sponsored by Occam Technology Group, Pharmaworks and Broten Garage Doors.

Published June 14, 2017

Pasco names new assistant county administrator

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The Pasco County Commission has named Kevin Guthrie as an assistant county administrator for public safety.

The appointment took effect on June 12, and Guthrie will receive an annual salary of $135,000.

Guthrie had been serving as the county’s emergency services director.

Pasco County Assistant County Administrator for Public Safety Kevin Guthrie (File)

Commissioners promoted Guthrie during their June 6 meeting in Dade City, acting on a recommendation by County Administrator Dan Biles.

Since 2015, Pasco County Fire Chief Scott Cassin has served as acting assistant county administrator for public safety. Cassin now will return full-time to his position as fire chief.

Pasco County Emergency Manager Laura Black will be in charge of the Division of Emergency Management during non-disaster operations. Capt. Dan Olds, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, will lead the Division of Public Safety Communications.

Former Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker hired Guthrie in 2016 as the county’s emergency management director. Within months, he was promoted to emergency services director.

“I’m excited about what we’ve accomplished in the emergency services department over the past year, and I look forward to leading the entire public safety team,” Guthrie said.

Guthrie served for 24 years as a law enforcement officer for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in Duval County. He also served seven years as emergency preparedness coordinator.

He retired from law enforcement, but was Flagler County’s emergency management director for three years before his hire in Pasco.

Published June 14, 2017

Quail Hollow vote delayed again

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The Pasco County Commission agreed to a third delay on a vote regarding a proposal to redevelop the land occupied by the Quail Hollow Golf Course.

Commissioners agreed to the delay at the request of representatives of the golf course’s owner, who would like all five commissioners to be present when the vote is taken on the proposal to build houses on the golf course land.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey (File)

Andre Carollo, of Pasco Office Park LLC, wants to close the unprofitable golf course and build up to 400 single-family houses, 30,000 square feet of office/retail and 10,000 square feet of day care.

Commissioners had been scheduled to consider the issue on June 6. Now, they are set to consider it on July 11, at 1:30 p.m., at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The absence of Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells was known in advance. He announced in May that he would not be attending the June meeting.

As the June 6 meeting got underway, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she would have to leave early for an appointment, and might not be present for the entire meeting.

The proposed project has met stiff resistance from Quail Hollow residents who have expressed concerns about issues such as flooding, water quality and property values. They also worry about increased traffic that the development would generate on roads they already deem as being inadequate.

Opponents have hired an attorney, and a court reporter has been at meetings to document the proceedings.

The golf course owner’s attorney, Barbara Wilhite, has highlighted the owner’s property rights, and has detailed changes to the proposed development to address flooding and traffic concerns.

Published June 14, 2017

A theme park without a roller coaster?

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Check out Dinosaur World

There’s something about dinosaurs that captures the human imagination. Perhaps that’s why, in a time when many theme parks beckon their guests with towering roller coasters and thrill rides, Dinosaur World reels them in with a pair of life-size Tyrannosaurus rex sculptures looming off the north shoulder of Interstate 4, near Plant City.

Visitors to Dinosaur World on the outskirts of Plant City find themselves surrounded by towering dinosaur statues as soon as they set foot in the park. There are more than 200 sculptures on the 20-acre property, according to park staff. (Susan Green)

The T-rexes don’t move or roar, and neither do the 200 or so life-size dinosaur statues inside the park. But, for thousands of dinosaur fans who visit the park each year, they certainly do enthrall.

Myrta Figueroa, of Tampa, is one of the many passing motorists who just couldn’t pass up the chance to peek behind the walls of Dinosaur World. After three years of eyeing the imposing display from the highway, she decided to take her 4-year-old grandson, Ethan Ortiz, who is already a bit of a dinosaur expert, to see the park.

As soon as the pair stepped inside on a sunny spring afternoon, they found themselves surrounded by life-size replicas of prehistoric beasts. Without even glancing at the identification signs in front of each statue, Ethan began rattling off the dinosaur names to his grandmother.

“My favorite dinosaur is the T-rex,” the preschooler declared, uttering a preference that would be echoed over and over by young visitors interviewed at Dinosaur World on the same day. For Ethan, though, it wasn’t a totally unwavering decision.

“I like the T-rex,” he said, then whirled and pointed at one dinosaur replica after another, meat- and plant-eaters alike, “and that one, and that one, and that one, and that one.”

Just as enthusiastic were Isaiah, 11, Elijah, 3, and Noah, 2, who were visiting Dinosaur World with their parents, Aracely and Bobby Chavarria of Dallas, Texas. Aracely said the family was happy to take a break from the Walt Disney World trip that had brought them to Central Florida on vacation.

The T-rex sculptures at Dinosaur World may look fearsome, but they’re actually formed from fiberglass, putty and concrete, according to park staff.

“We actually went to Disney World, and we didn’t like it that much,” she said, noting that the lines were so long at Florida’s best-known theme park that her sons were able to experience only two rides. When the family saw the giant roadside dinosaur statues between Orlando and Tampa, they decided to give Dinosaur World a try.

“They love dinosaurs,” Aracely said of her sons. “They’re having a blast.”

Dinosaur World is the brainchild of Christer Svensson and his family, who had been frequent winter visitors to the area from Sweden before developing the park. In 1997, the Svenssons bought the swampy site where Dinosaur World is located with plans to develop the dinosaur-themed attraction, according to published reports.

Prehistoric dinosaurs never traversed this spot – or any place in Florida, which was underwater when the giant reptiles roamed the earth. But, the lush acreage of ferns and palm trees once teemed with alligators, widely considered living relics of the dinosaur age. The alligators were part of a tourist attraction known as Gator Jungle that previously occupied the property.

Noah Chavarria, 2, of Dallas, Texas, poses for a photo in the mouth of a meticulously sculpted head of a Tyrannosaurus rex, the boy’s favorite dinosaur.

Gator Jungle had been closed for years, but hundreds of alligators still roamed the property until shortly before Dinosaur World opened in late 1998, said Angelica Roque, the park’s assistant manager. Over the years, she said, adjacent land purchases have brought the size of the park to 20 acres, to make room for more and more dinosaur statues crafted from fiberglass, putty and concrete.

The park features a lengthy walking path lined with replicas of dinosaurs, many accompanied by signs detailing where the species’ fossils were discovered. The park also includes a large sand pit where children can dig for fossils and another sandy expanse dubbed the “Boneyard,” where they can dig to expose the skeleton of a dinosaur buried in the sand.

In the Exploration Cave, visitors can listen to tour guides describe the painstaking methods that paleontologists use to uncover and preserve the remnants of dinosaurs that are often millions of years old. In addition, there’s a walkway called “Mammoths, Giants of the Ice Age” that includes several statues and educational information about the prehistoric elephant-like beasts that once inhabited the forests of Florida.

There’s also a museum with exhibits of authentic relics discovered by paleontologists, including oviraptor eggs, a woolly mammoth’s teeth and a triceratops toe.

And, just for fun, there’s a dinosaur-themed playground and a mock mining sluice where guests can try their luck at panning for gemstones.

Families with small children are among the biggest fans of Dinosaur World near Plant City, but the park sees its fair share of adult dinosaur lovers as well, according to park staff.

Families will also find dozens of sheltered picnic tables where they are welcome to bring food and drink from home, and enjoy eating together or just take a break from strolling through the exhibits. Dinosaur World does not offer food for sale, other than what’s available from a few vending machines.

Although toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school students make up a large segment of the Dinosaur World fan base, they’re not the only age group to find something to love about the park.

“We have a lot of little ones that come,” Roque said. “But, we also have a lot of adults. … It depends on their passion for the dinosaurs.”

About 110,000 people visited the Plant City attraction last year, she said, adding that tourists have come from Europe, Canada, South America and Australia, as well as from all over the U.S.

“A lot of them say they were commuting on I-4 and they saw the big dinosaurs,” Roque said. “They come back and check it out.”

The park’s spacious gift shop includes a tribute to the living dinosaur descendants that once inhabited the spot. In one corner, visitors can view a replica of Toyo, a former Gator Jungle resident that died at age 81.

If you go
Where: Dinosaur World, 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, FL 33565 (Exit 17, off Interstate 4)
When: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Cost: Adults, $16.95; children 3-12, $11.95; children 2 and younger, free. Tickets that include gem mining cost extra.
Information: (813) 717-9865 or DinosaurWorld.com.

By Susan Green

Published June 14, 2017

Father’s Day – A perfect time to grill

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Sometimes food just needs a little extra something — besides just the usual salt and pepper —before going onto the grill.

Indeed, marinades and rubs can be just the thing to enhance a cut of meat.

With that in mind, here are some recipes for marinades and rubs that may help add some flavor to this Father’s Day cookout.

Marinades
Marinades are a combination of ingredients — herbs, spices and so on — in a liquid base that can add considerable flavor to any cut of meat before grilling.

Add cola to caramelize the outside of the meat to produce a crisp coating. (Betsy Crisp)

Usually the base is an oil or acid, such as citrus/lemon juice, wine, vinegar, and sometimes it is even dairy. Often a sweet ingredient — brown sugar or cola — is added to help caramelize on the outside of the meat to produce a crisp coating.

To marinade, seal the meat in an airtight container or plastic freezer zipper top bag.  Allow the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. But, letting the meat marinate for 2 hours to 4 hours is generally recommended. To allow the spices to permeate the meat even more, you can let it marinate overnight.

So as not to spoil your Father’s Day celebration, there are a few food safety tips worth mentioning:

  • If you plan to use some of the marinade as a dip or basting sauce later, set aside a portion before adding raw meat/poultry.
  • Always marinate in the refrigerator.
  • Do not reuse any of the marinade from the raw meat unless you boil it for several minutes to destroy any bacteria from the raw meat juices.
  • Throw away any leftover marinade that contains raw meat juices.

Rubs
Rubs are a mixture of dry seasonings rubbed onto the food surface before grilling to add flavor.

Meats such as ribs, chops, and roasts are most commonly treated in this manner, but cut potatoes also do nicely.

The best rubs enhance the flavor of the meat without being overbearing. Rubs are usually a blend of strong and mild herbs and spices.

This mixture applied directly on the meat is called a “dry” rub, but when a wet substance is included, it is called a “wet” rub. A little moisture such as oil or honey helps the rub adhere to the meat.

Once coated with the rub, let the meat rest 15 minutes before placing on the grill. For any longer than that, rubbed meats must be held in the refrigerator and can be kept as long as overnight to allow the spices to better permeate the meat and increase flavor.

Marinade recipes
Lemon Juice base: Add oil and herbs to season and tenderize meat. Also add mixture to vegetables before grilling.

Soy Sauce base: Combine Soy sauce with honey, garlic and herbs. This is sometimes called teriyaki marinade and is used on meat or fish.

Tomato base: Use tomato juice or sauce as the acid, and combine with soy sauce, garlic, oil and seasonings. This will tenderize tough meat and even wild game before cooking.

Vinegar base: Add oil with herbs to make a vinaigrette marinade or simply substitute bottled oil and vinegar-based salad dressing (Italian, French, etc.) to flavor meat and vegetables to grill.

Wine Base (usually red): Combine wine with oil, spices and garlic to season and tenderize meats (less tender steaks: sirloin, flank, etc.).

Yogurt base: Yogurt can be used alone or combined with lemon juice and other seasonings (dill) to flavor and tenderize chicken before grilling or baking.

Once you have prepared the marinade you’d like, be sure to follow the directions provided above.

Now, moving on to rubs.

Rub recipes
Barbecue:
2 Tablespoons salt
4 Tablespoons sugar
4 Tablespoons ground black pepper
2 Tablespoons chili powder
4 Tablespoons paprika

Cajun:
3 Tablespoons paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed
2 teaspoons dried thyme, crushed
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Herb: (no salt)
1 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves, crushed
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
½ teaspoon dried marjoram leaves, crushed
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

Mediterranean: (no salt)
1 Tablespoon dill weed
1 Tablespoon fennel seed
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Pepper-Sage: (no salt)
1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 Tablespoon seasoned pepper
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 teaspoon onion powder

Savory Orange: (no salt, but has sugar)
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon grated orange peel
1 Tablespoon dried thyme, crushed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Spicy Herb:
1 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves, crushed
1 teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions: Simply mix all the seasonings together in a bowl or plastic zip-top storage bag.

To apply a rub, pat the surface of the food dry with a paper towel and rub with the desired amount of seasoning mixture. Once rubbed, either cook immediately (roast, broil, grill or pan fry) or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to increase the flavor.

Note:  If after trying all these you find a particular favorite, you may want to make it in quantity and keep handy in an air-tight container. These mixes also make great gifts when neatly packaged in a decorative, tightly sealed container and labeled.

Betsy Crisp is a Professor Emeritus, UF/IFAS Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences.

Published June 14, 2017

They took on the world — and they won

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Wesley Chapel Elementary’s “Catch Us If You Can” team has returned as champions from the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, which took place at Michigan State University.

Front row, from left, Jake Piller, Rowan Heyman, Justin Acosta, Jason Sherman, Mina Melaika, Isabell Barrios and Sam Cappelluti. Back row, from left, Veronica Acosta, Matt Whaley and Janet Heyman. (Courtesy of  Joelisa Sherman)

The victory thrilled the team’s members — Jake Piller, Sam Cappelluti, Isabell Barrios, Mina Melaika, Rowan Heyman, Jason Sherman and Justin Acosta, and the team’s coaches — Janet Heyman and Veronica Acosta.

Before heading to the international competition, the fourth- and fifth-graders had already demonstrated that they were contenders.

They won first place at the Gulf Coast Regional competition, and wowed the judges so much that they won the “Ranatra Fusca Award” for their exceptional creativity.

They also won first place at the state tournament at the University of Central Florida on April 8.

Still, it was the team’s first appearance on the world stage, so team members were hopeful, but also realistic.

“It was our first time going,” explained Jason Sherman, 10. “Most people on our team — like me and my friend, Jake — we knew we’d be OK if we didn’t win.

“When I was pin trading, I overheard people talking, saying, that they’d been there for over seven straight years, and they hadn’t won anything.

Coaches Veronica Acosta, left, and Janet Heyman pose with the trophy their team won at the Odyssey of the Mind World finals. The team scored 340.62 points, which is 22.55 points higher than the second-place team

“I was OK, knowing this was our first time, and we probably weren’t going to win anything,” he said.

Odyssey of the Mind is a competition that encourages students to use creative approaches to solving problems. The program emphasizes the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Ten-year-old Justin Acosta said he thinks the team succeeded because of its experience in working together and continual efforts to improve.

“The first year, we practiced. The second year, we practiced some more,” he said, and the third year, it all came together.

Ten-year-old Jake Piller said winning the competition is a pretty big deal.

“I definitely think it’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened in our school, and in our county,” he said, adding it’s “pretty big for Florida,” too.

Ten-year-old Sam Cappelluti said he was really nervous, as they awaited the results.

When they found out they had defeated China to win first place, they all screamed, he said.

“It was crazy,” said 11-year-old Isabell Barrios. “We all started crying.”

Barrios thinks the team stepped up its game for the competition.

“In the World performance, I think we did our best. We talked a lot louder and clearer,” Barrios said.

The ‘Catch Us If You Can’ team from Wesley Chapel Elementary School celebrates as it comes out of the spontaneous portion of their competition. During this part of the competition, the team enters alone without coaches and/or parents, and no spectators are allowed. The team excelled, scoring 98.16 percent from a possible 100 percent.

Barrios also noted that team members made sure they had all of their bases covered.

“This year, after we had everything done, we went through a checklist to make sure we had everything,” she said.

Sherman said the team turned it up a notch for the world competition.

“Right before we went on, we were all talking about adding more drama to it,” Sherman said.

Ten-year-old Mina Melaika thinks that the team’s ability to work well together, and to recover quickly when things didn’t go exactly as planned contributed to its victory.

“We all know each other really well,” Melaika added. Besides being teammates, many of them share the same classes.

Ten-year-old Rowan Heyman thinks a strong performance in the spontaneous portion of the competition was an important element in winning. “We worked as a team.”

As the winners were announced, the coaches kept hearing names of other countries and weren’t sure if their team would take home anything beyond the great experience it had at the competition.

So, they were ecstatic when they heard that they had won.

“I was crying,” Janet Heyman said, adding she’s proud of the team’s hard work and perseverance.

Coach Veronica Acosta said the kids have worked so closely together that “they’ve become one family.”

They’ve learned from mistakes, too, she said.

“That’s what Odyssey is about: Failing and picking up the pieces, and moving forward and going onto the next step. Not giving up —because these problems are not easy,” Coach Acosta said.

The coaches also thanked Freda Abercrombie, regional director for Odyssey of the Mind.

Without her, they said, their program wouldn’t exist.

Published June 6, 2017

Artist wins contest with her portrait of unknown soldier

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When Clare Hernandez set about to create her award-winning piece of art, she wasn’t thinking of entering it into a contest.

“I didn’t do it for this competition. I was actually working on it for my brother. I was doing it for a graduation present for him, but then I just decided I was going to enter it into the contest,” said Hernandez, who just won the 2017 Congressional Art Competition sponsored by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Being one of nine children, Clare Hernandez said she has grown accustomed to working while there’s a fair amount of background noise. In fact, she said, she prefers it. She’s shown here in a schoolroom in her family’s Dade City home. (B.C. Manion)

The winning art was selected by a panel of judges with the Pasco Fine Arts Council, according to a news release from Bilirakis’ office. There were more than 30 entries from high school students across Florida’s 12th congressional district.

Hernandez entered a pencil drawing of an unknown Confederate soldier. It was based on a photograph of an 1860s tin-type that the young woman from Dade City found through an online search.

The portrait combines two of her interests.

“I’m really interested in history; that’s what I want to study in college, particularly U.S. History, particularly war history — like the (U.S.) Civil War, the Revolutionary War,” Hernandez said.

And, she loves art, too — enjoying it since she was around 5 years old.

Hernandez said it took about 15 hours to complete the portrait of the soldier.

Clare Hernandez drew this portrait of an unknown Confederate soldier based on an image of an 1860s tin-type she found while doing a search online.
(Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis)

“I tend to be a perfectionist. Even though I feel like something is finished, I’ll come back the next day and I’ll be like, ‘No.’ And, I’ll work on it some more,” she said.

Getting the shading on the Civil War soldier’s coat was particularly challenging, she said.

“I love to do faces and portraits, but I have a harder time with fabrics — in the folds and things like that,” Hernandez said.

The portrait is “pretty much an exact drawing of the photograph. It’s a little awkward in some places because tin-types often are awkward in the way the people in the photos are positioned,” Hernandez said.

“When you look at my drawing, it doesn’t seem to be completely realistic — his form. But, that’s really because that’s what that looks like. It looks awkward,” she said.

She was taught at home through her early years by her mother, Cheryl, who also happens to be an artist. Beginning in her middle school years, Hernandez has increasingly studied more independently, and in recent years she has taken some dual enrollment classes at Pasco-Hernando State College.

Next, she plans to attend the University of Dallas, in Texas.

Hernandez said she feels ready and is excited about what lies ahead.

Clare Hernandez holds a plaque and a blue ribbon, while standing with U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Hernandez won first place in the 2017 Congressional Art Competition in Bilirakis’ 12th congressional district

She chose the University of Dallas after falling in love with the college during several visits to see her sister, who recently graduated from there.

“It’s a good size. I love the students, and it’s got a really good history program,” Hernandez said.  Plus, “It’s a Catholic school. That’s important to me, too.”

Hernandez plans to pursue a degree in history, with a possible minor in art. She also will be part of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) program, which provides a four-year scholarship, and she’ll be entering the U.S. Army when she finishes college.

Because her portrait was the winning entry, it will be displayed for a year along with outstanding work by other students around the nation in the U.S. Capitol, often referred to as the Capitol Building.

There will be an awards ceremony, but she won’t be able to attend because she’ll be on a mission trip to Ecuador.

However, she will receive two airline tickets, and she’s hoping she and her mom can make the trip together to view the portrait on display.

Having her work on exhibit in such an important building is an honor, Hernandez said.

And, for those who were wondering — she still plans to give the portrait to her brother.

Indeed, she already has. He just hasn’t seen it yet.

Published June 6, 2017

Retirement ‘bittersweet’ for Zephyrhills police chief

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After 25 years of service, former Zephyrhills Police Chief David Shears is settling into retirement life.

Throughout a respected career, Shears at some point worked every hour of the day, every day of the week and every day of the year.

Now, he gets to relax.

His last day in uniform was May 31.

To Shears, stepping away from law enforcement altogether is “bittersweet.”

David Shears retired as Zephyrhills Police Chief on May 31. He spent 25 years in the department, moving up the ranks from patrol officer to detective, sergeant and captain. (Kevin Weiss)

“You enjoy the job, and enjoy doing the work and everything,” he said, “but, also I think with veteran officers there comes a point it’s time to move on and let the next generation come in.

“For me personally, my goal was to get my 25 years in here at the police department.”

He’ll most cherish memories of his time on patrol.

“The biggest thing I am going to miss is actually being out there working with the community as a cop on the street; that was something I enjoyed,” he said.

Shears, 54, exits the department satisfied, with what he considers a job well done.

“I can walk out with my head up high, feeling good about the agency and everything that we did here,” he said.

Zephyrhills leaders agree.

City Manager Steve Spina shared his appreciation for Shears’ service, during a May 22 city council meeting.

Spina said, “Chief Shears led his department — and the men and women working there — with quiet resolve, moral integrity and high ethical standards. While every department and every organization experiences turbulence and some level of discord, never in his tenure as chief were there any ethical or moral lapses that compromised or embarrassed his coworkers, the city of Zephyrhills or his community.”

Other councilmen expressed similar sentiments.

A portion of Eighth Street—from North Avenue to Henry Drive—has been renamed Chief Shears Way, an honorary designation for the outgoing Zephyrhills Police Chief. The council unanimously approved the measure May 22.

“He has been a leader, and he has taken this city and molded it into a safe, protected city,” Council president Alan Knight said. “He’s really just somebody that I want to tip my hat to.”

“He’s just been a tremendous part of this city,” Councilman Charles Proctor said. “He’s helped transform our police department into the modern police department that it is today; he’s left it in great hands.”

Shears is often described as ‘a cop’s cop.’

A native of Flint, Michigan, Shears relocated to Florida in 1982.

Prior to joining the force, Shears worked in internal security, and then became an electrician.

Law enforcement, however, was his true passion.

“I always wanted to be a police officer,” Shears said. “I was blessed that my parents paid for my academy.”

Shears joined the Zephyrhills Police Department in 1992 as a patrol officer.

He wasn’t the only one in his family to don the badge, either.
His older brother served in the Tampa Police Department, while his younger brother was an officer at the New Smyrna Beach Police Department.

In Zephyrhills, Shears moved up the ranks to detective, sergeant and captain, before being named the city’s ninth police chief in 2008. He replaced former chief Russell Barnes, who resigned after accusations he created a “flex time” policy that allowed employees to receive time off instead of overtime pay for extra hours worked.

Over the years, Shears worked with and trained scores of numerous veteran officers; supervised patrols and actions; oversaw the civilian side of the department; provided for records and evidence, communications and dispatch, volunteer services and operating equipment; and equipping the department.

His first year as acting chief was a “learning experience,” he acknowledged.

“It was a little bit more of a difficult process for myself,” Shears said. “I had to learn the administrative side rather quickly, and also I had to put together a budget, which is very tough on someone that’s never done one before.”

But, the most challenging aspect, he said, “was getting a mindset that you’re responsible for everybody in (the) police department. Decision-making that affects not only the police department, but the community — that was something that you better learn real quick.”

He preserved two key citywide streaks: all of the city’s homicides were solved, and no Zephyrhills police officer was killed in the line of duty.

There were other highlights, too.

In 2015, starting officer wages increased to $43,000.

Training opportunities, such as in-house de-escalation instruction, also ramped up.

Shears also helped modernize the department’s property room, instituting bar coding.

“I believe that we have made this a better agency than it was when I took over,” Shears said. “We have made improvements throughout the years that had really bettered this police department.”

Shears also emphasized high standards in ethics and integrity.

“Transparency has got to be a big thing in this line of work,” he said. “Whether we’ve made a mistake or we’ve done good, it needs to be out there so people understand that you’re doing the right thing, and sometimes the right thing isn’t always the most pleasant.”

Meanwhile, efforts to make Zephyrhills safer are still needed, Shears said.

Addressing the city’s drug problem is one approach.

“The majority of crimes that are committed—in any community—is generally drug-related,” Shears explained. “I think combating that situation, but also having the backing of our State Attorney’s Office, is something that needs to be looked into and firmed up, because that’s what’s going to deter a lot of crime that is committed here with thefts and all the burglaries and property crimes that are being committed by people addicted to drugs.”

In hindsight, the police chief role was burdensome, at times.
Besides navigating the city’s budget crunches around 2010 and 2011, Shears prepared for countless retirements and defections inside the police department –often to higher-paying agencies.

Around that period, he battled two bouts of colon cancer, and underwent an assortment of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation.

Dealing with cancer, Shears said, was “very difficult.

“I had to keep a positive mindset that we could handle anything, and that’s the way I looked at it. I’m just thankful that I had a staff to step up.”

He’s been cancer-free since 2012.

With new-found free time — and less stress — Shears plans to take a family vacation, with visits to North Carolina and West Virginia.
House repairs and fishing are on his initial retirement agenda, too.

“I’ve got to learn how to fish again,” Shears said, jokingly.

Zephyrhills police Capt. Derek Brewer is serving as interim chief, until the city fills the position permanently.

Besides losing Shears to retirement, the department is also losing another long-time veteran. Zephyrhills police Capt. Robert McKinney, a member of the department for 15 years, retired, effective June 2. He had been in law enforcement for 25 years.

Published June 6, 2017

Pasco launches new alert system

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Pasco County has launched a new system called Alert Pasco, which allows residents to be notified of emergencies, such as wildfires and hurricanes.

Residents can sign up for the alerts by using the county’s mobile application, MyPasco.

Kevin Guthrie, Pasco County director of emergency services, gave a storm update at a press conference in 2016. (File)

Pasco County officials introduced this new “mass notification tool” at a press conference in New Port Richey on May 31, one day before the start of hurricane season.

“This allows us to put out information in real-time,” said Kevin Guthrie, the county’s director of emergency services.

It is a huge benefit in notifying residents about what is happening and what they need to do, he said.

Alert Pasco can send alerts through phone calls, texts and/or email.

In addition to severe weather alerts, the system can send notifications on flooding, gas leaks and police activity.

Pasco County began testing the service about two months ago.

“This is going to be a regional element that starts moving through all the counties in the (Tampa Bay) region,” said Guthrie.

The hurricane season officially started on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a busier than usual season with the number of named storms ranging from 11 to 17, including April’s Tropical Storm Arlene.

Five to nine of those storms could become hurricanes; two to four of those could be major hurricanes.

The MyPasco app is designed for Android, Apple and Blackberry mobile devices, and can be downloaded for free from Google Play Store or Apple Store.

The Alert Pasco link can be found on the MyPasco homepage. The county’s website also has information on hurricane evacuation zones, the Pasco County Special Needs Program, and a guide to “plan, prepare, and survive” potential disasters.

For information, also visit PascoEmergencyManagement.com.

Published June 6, 2017