Local News

Next up: competing at internationals

April 20, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Nine students from Torchbearer’s Christian Academy, in Dade City, have qualified for the 2016 International Student Convention (ISC), sponsored by Accelerated Christian Education.

The convention, held at the University of Central Missouri from May 21 to May 26, typically draws more than 4,000 youth worldwide to face off in approximately 150 events in the categories of music, oratory, art, athletics and academics.

Nine students from Torchbearers’ Christian Academy qualified for the 2016 International Student Convention, sponsored by Accelerated Christian Education. From left, Assistant Sun Coast Regional Coordinator Todd Smith, students Joshua Piankowski, students Kevin Hernandez, Jonathan Garza, Jose Hernandez, Gavin Womack, Savannah Jones, Roberto Garza, Rebeka Torres and Jesus Avila, and Sun Coast Regional Coordinator Tim Smith. (Photos courtesy of Torchbearers' Christian Academy) — Nine students from Torchbearers’ Christian Academy qualified for the 2016 International Student Convention, sponsored by Accelerated Christian Education.
From left, Assistant Sun Coast Regional Coordinator Todd Smith, students Joshua Piankowski, students Kevin Hernandez, Jonathan Garza, Jose Hernandez, Gavin Womack, Savannah Jones, Roberto Garza, Rebeka Torres and Jesus Avila, and Sun Coast Regional Coordinator Tim Smith.
(Photos courtesy of Torchbearers’ Christian Academy)

The event is deemed to be the highlight of the school year for hundreds of schools and home-schools who follow the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum.

To qualify for the international convention, Torchbearers’ students had to place in the top six in at least one event category at the Sun Coast Regional Student Convention, held from March 28 to April 1 in Hudson. They competed against hundreds of 13-and-older students from 23 other schools across the state.

Ninth-grader Rebeka Torres fared particularly well at regionals, placing first in four individual categories: Social Studies Research, Website Design, Watercolor Art and Vocal Female Solo. She also placed second in the Scrapbooking category

“I had a great time,” Torres said. “I think it was a really good experience, and it creates a lot of responsibility for what you’re doing, and it builds your character in what you can do…for the future.”

Torres competed in regionals two years ago, recently becoming more comfortable in the art events.

Ninth-grader Rebeka Torres placed first in four individual events at the Sun Coast Regional Student Convention in Hudson.

“In the beginning, you’re sort of hesitant in the art,” she said. “I actually messed up once, so I had to do it all over again. I think once you start laying out the colors and matching them, I think it’s easier.”

Another Torchbearers’ student, 11th-grader Roberto Garza, stood out at regionals. Garza placed first in two individual categories: Science Exhibit Research, and Pen and Ink Art. He also finished second in the Vocal Male Solo.

“It was my first time, and I was pretty nervous,” Garza said. “It makes you overcome your fear of being on a stage in front of people. It pushes you to your limits, because you don’t know you’re able to do (something) until you start.”

Despite being a small school with an enrollment of about 70 students, Torchbearers’ puts a “big spotlight” on the fine arts, according to Principal Jan Yarbrough.

“The greatest importance is sometimes they carry this through,” Yarbrough said. “They’ll find that they’re good in art and they can go into commercial art, or they find out they’re good with singing.”

In preparing for regionals, Yarbrough said many of the students would practice at nights, balancing busy schedules to keep up their academics.

“It’s a lot of pressure,” she said. “You find out those that have integrity and are going to stick with it.”

Eleventh-grader Roberto Garza placed first in two individual events, including the Science Exhibit Research category.

Torchbearers’ elementary teacher Natalie Ocampo, who participated at both conventions a decade ago, guided the students in their projects throughout the school year.

“I did it when I was their age…and it was wonderful to see them develop their talents,” Ocampo said. The competitions also let students meet others who share the same interests, she said.

“I think it helps with their confidence—a lot of them come in very shy and into themselves not thinking they can do it,” she said.

The International Student Convention brings students together from several different countries, including the Philippines, South Africa and Canada.

Assistant principal Shalom Ocampo noted it’s encouraging for Torchbearers’ students to meet and compete with others who come from different backgrounds, yet follow a similar curriculum.

“This curriculum, because it’s so individualistic and unconventional, sometimes you tend to feel like, ‘Oh, I’m the only one,’ but thousands of students are using the same curriculum,” he said. “It opens up your mind …and you feel the camaraderie and that same desire to make sure you do excellent work.”

Even though nine students qualified, the school officials are unsure if they’ll actually make the trip to Missouri this year due to the expenses involved.

In 2014, they sent three students to ISC, which was held at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Torchbearers’ Christian Academy
Nine students qualified for the 2016 International Student Convention, held in Warrensburg, Missouri, from May 21 to May 26. They recently competed at the 13-and-over Sun Coast Regional Student Convention in Hudson.
The winners were: Jesus Avila, Jonathan Garza, Roberto Garza, Jose Hernandez, Kevin Hernandez, Savannah Jones, Joshua Piankowski, Rebeka Torres and Gavin Womack.

Published April 20, 2016

Preparations underway for EcoFest 2016

April 20, 2016 By B.C. Manion

An effort that began seven years ago on the Hanna Road campus of Learning Gate Community School, in Lutz, has morphed into an event expected to draw thousands to Tampa’s Lowry Park on April 23 in a festival that pays homage to protecting Mother Earth.

EcoFest is an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the principles of sustainability — ecology, equity and economy.

Lots of people did a double take when they saw Amanda Renaud, of Topsy Turvy — an entertainment troupe — towering above them on stilts at the 2015 EcoFest at Lowry Park. (File Photos) — Lots of people did a double take when they saw Amanda Renaud, of Topsy Turvy — an entertainment troupe — towering above them on stilts at the 2015 EcoFest at Lowry Park.
(File Photos)

Learning Gate Community School, the University of South Florida’s Patel College of Global Sustainability and the City of Tampa have joined forces to present the festival, also dubbed as Earth Day Tampa Bay, near the park’s band shell at 7525 North Blvd., in Tampa.

Michele Northrup, who has been event coordinator of EcoFest since its inception, has watched it grow and evolve.

There were 40 vendors and about 500 attendees at the first EcoFest, she said. This year, there are 158 vendors, plus a waiting list of 20. More than 4,000 people are expected to attend.

Parking and admission are free, and there are plenty of free activities, too, Northrup said.

There are plenty of opportunities to learn and have fun, too, she said.

There will be live music, workshops, costumed superheroes, demonstrations, informational booths, green living products and services.

Local artists, green businesses, environmental organizations, alternative health practitioners, renewable energy specialists, and people from organic farms and gardens will be there, too.

“We have some unique vendors. We’ve got some really cool artisans, craftsmen,” Northrup said.

Most of the vendors are local, coming from such communities as Tampa, North Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Carrollwood and South Tampa.

Last year, the festival was set up deliberately to mimic a marketplace, and it’s going to be set up the same way this year, Northrup said.

“Everybody loved that,” Northrup said.

Another highlight will be an agility course, designed by a competitor from the popular television show “American Ninja Warrior.”

The seventh annual EcoFest, like the one last year, will be presented at Tampa’s Lowry Park. The moss-draped oaks provide a lovely backdrop to the event that aims to promote earth-friendly living

There also will be a yoga zone, with different yoga themes throughout the day. And, there will be a drum circle, too.

All four of Tampa’s big attractions — Busch Gardens, Lowry Park, The Florida Aquarium, and MOSI — will be there, Northrup said.

The City of Tampa’s Solid Waste department will be demonstrating how to use plastic bags to make crafts.

Some members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will be getting into the act, too. Northrup has invited them to show how plastic grocery store bags can be converted into mats.

To say Northrup is enthused about the event would be an enormous understatement.

“It’s going to be phenomenal,” she said.

Seventh annual EcoFest
Where: Lowry Park, 7525 North Blvd., in Tampa (in the band shell area and across the street)
When: April 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More than 150 vendors, speakers and activities, in a festival aimed at promoting earth-friendly living.

Published April 20, 2016

Sharing strategies to prevent substance abuse

April 20, 2016 By B.C. Manion

While there are no easy ways to stop substance abuse, there are steps that can be taken to reduce it.

Those strategies will be the focus of discussion during the fifth annual Substance Abuse Prevention Conference planned for April 29 at Saddlebrook Resort.

The event is being presented by BayCare Behavioral Health and Pasco ASAP. The conference is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.

Lt. Commander Michael Muni, who served on President Obama’s Task Force on Heroin, will address the need for local heroes to help reduce substance abuse. (Photos courtesy of PascoAsap.com) — Lt. Commander Michael Muni, who served on President Obama’s Task Force on Heroin, will address the need for local heroes to help reduce substance abuse.
(Photos courtesy of PascoAsap.com)

“It’s a community conference, so it’s really our opportunity to get new people to take a stake in the coalition and the work of the coalition,” said Monica Rousseau, Pasco County ASAP Coordinator and conference co-chair.

The conference theme is “Strengthening Our Community: Creating Healthy Solutions.”

Throughout the day, speakers and presenters will share their expertise, solutions and tools. There also will be more than 20 vendors representing behavioral health providers and businesses. There will be panel discussions and breakout sessions, as well as keynote speakers.

“From my perspective, the main goal is to get people pumped about tackling substance abuse disorders and substance misuse in Pasco County, and getting people to realize that everybody has a stake in this, and everybody can do something,” Rousseau said.

Substance abuse is a problem that has wide-ranging impacts and can’t simply be left to “others” to resolve, she said.

“These are not just issues that need to be solved by politicians. They’re not just issues that need to be solved by community leaders. Regular, everyday, community members — parents, teachers, people without kids. Everybody has a role,” Rousseau said.

“It’s not just people that are abusing or misusing drugs that are affected. Everybody is affected,” she added.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano, a former Florida lawmaker who spearheaded the state’s prescription drug monitoring program, will open the conference.

BayCare Health System’s CEO Stephen R. Mason will talk about wellness and health care integration at the conference.

Other speakers include BayCare Healthcare System’s CEO Stephen R. Mason, who will talk about wellness and health care integration and Lt. Commander Michael Muni, who served on President Obama’s Task Force on Heroin.

“The real takeaway from this conference is that people will learn strategies,” Rousseau said.

“You will come and be inspired to take home solutions to apply to where you live, work and play,” she added.

One panel will feature Kurt Browning, superintendent, Pasco County Schools; Doug Leonardo, executive director, BayCare Behavioral Health; Kelly Mothershead, owner, A Focus on Fitness Transformation Studio and Salon; Michael J. Napier, administrator, Florida Department of Health Pasco County; Chris Nocco, Pasco County Sheriff, and Kathryn Starkey, Pasco County Commissioner. Panelists will address the community’s response to substance abuse in Pasco County.

“Each of them are tackling substance abuse, in one way or another,” Rousseau said.

Young people will be moderating the Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s panel, and will be raising questions on a number of issues, Rousseau said.

The conference also will address an effort that’s underway to respond to substance abuse differently than in the past, she said.

Previously, she said, “substance abuse has been treated as a separate entity. We’re really trying to move toward integrating it into general health and wellness conversations.

“By treating it as something separate, we’re only facilitating that stigma,” she said.

Rousseau said the community also needs to change its mindset about the issue.

“When I moved here, people asked me: ‘Why would you move here? This is the pill capital of the world, and it’s never going to change.’ And, I would look at them and go, ‘No, I’m here to change that.’’’

People need to realize: “You’re making it worse by saying that,” Rousseau said.

She hopes the conference will help inspire more people to get involved in her coalition, which is made up of volunteers.

“We know anecdotally that teachers really need help. They don’t know how to de-escalate the situation. They don’t know what to do with students who are presenting with behavioral problems. And, it’s burning them out.

“We need to teach them (teachers) strategies. We need to teach parents strategies.

“In order to do that and have a big impact, we need community members who are interested enough and passionate enough to learn this information, and share it,” Rousseau said.

Fifth annual Substance Abuse Conference
Speakers will talk about strategies to reduce substance abuse
When: April 29, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Saddlebrook Resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel
Cost: $15 until April 20; $25 after that. Lunch is included.
To learn more about the conference and to register, visit PascoAsap.com.

Published April 20, 2016

Road renaming remains in limbo

April 20, 2016 By Kathy Steele

No decision has been reached on whether to rename a portion of Wesley Chapel Boulevard in honor of its historical ties to the King family ranch.

At the April 12 Pasco County Commission meeting, county officials did not give a date for rescheduling a public hearing that had been postponed in February to “a date uncertain.”

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Sandy Graves, a member of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, asked that the commissioners settle on boundaries for Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes at their April 26 meeting. That decision is central to the dispute over the road’s naming.

“We will live with the decision you make,” she said.

The southern half of Wesley Chapel Boulevard is a short section of paved road that intersects with Grand Cypress Drive, an entry road into the Tampa Premium Outlets. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — The southern half of Wesley Chapel Boulevard is a short section of paved road that intersects with Grand Cypress Drive, an entry road into the Tampa Premium Outlets.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

After the meeting, Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker said it was unlikely that the issue would be considered, at least in 2016.

In December 2015, the Central Pasco Chamber proposed renaming the road to Circle O Ranch Parkway.

The renaming would apply only to the portion of the road that is south of State Road 56, running beside the Tampa Premium Outlets. Plans call for linking this segment of the road with County Line Road in the future.

On Feb. 17, commissioners voted to postpone the public hearing on renaming the road while county staff members met with people in the Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel communities. Representatives of Sierra Properties, which is developing a portion of the Cypress Creek Town Center on State Road 56, also were included in discussions.

According to the agenda item, the renaming would be put off until “after the community boundaries are established.”

Chamber members and others were asked to submit oral histories, videos, news articles or other documentation about the histories of Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes.

If anyone wants legal boundaries, Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said they would have to incorporate as a city. That procedure involves seeking state legislative approval.

“The board really can’t establish a boundary for these unincorporated areas,” Steinsnyder said.

Wesley Chapel Boulevard, south of State Road 56, dead-ends at a grove of trees. The roadway, in the future, will be linked to County Line Road. Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce wants to rename the boulevard as Circle O Ranch Parkway to honor the history of the former King ranch

“This board doesn’t have anything that it can do to settle a boundary dispute between two unincorporated areas, which are really chambers of commerce as to what’s in this area,” the county attorney added.

“The county isn’t interested in creating boundaries,” said Kristen Hughes, the county’s planning and development administrator. “We’re interested in helping everyone succeed.”

A staff member did research on the histories of both areas, and Hughes said, “There is no clearly defined boundary.”

The Circle O Ranch Parkway name, supported by the Central Pasco Chamber, would recognize the King family, whose former ranch is now the site for Tampa Premium Outlets and Cypress Creek Town Center.

Others have said changing the name would add to confusion at an intersection that has multiple roads linking up including State Road 54, State Road 56 and the northern half of Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

Graves told commissioners she had heard the issue wouldn’t come up again because no one wants “to make anyone mad” during an election year.

Baker said Graves’ comment surprised her.

The county administrator said if commissioners wished to have a presentation to receive information on the issue that one could be scheduled.

Matt Armstrong, the county’s executive planner for long range planning, previously had told commissioners he anticipated providing a staff report in March or April.

Published April 20, 2016

Land O’ Lakes in line for bus service

April 20, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Land O’ Lakes is experiencing unprecedented growth as more residential and commercial ventures pop up, especially northward along U.S. 41. But, one item that isn’t seen in the area is public bus transit.

Pasco County commissioners are preparing to change that by adding a circulator bus route to its list of capital improvement projects for fiscal year 2017.

On April 12, commissioners directed staff members to craft a business plan for operating the route.

A circulator public bus route on U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes will be considered for funding in fiscal year 2017. (Courtesy of Pasco County) — A circulator public bus route on U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes will be considered for funding in fiscal year 2017.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

Commissioners will review the proposal, along with other projects, when they begin discussions in summer for the 2017 budget.

Estimated costs for the route include an annual operating budget of about $300,000, plus a one-time purchase of a bus at a cost of about $110,000.

The circulator route currently is on the county’s unfunded capital improvement list. Funding for the circulator route could come from the county’s tax increment financing, which directs a portion of property tax revenues to community-based projects.

“We are getting a lot of requests from Land O’ Lakes,” said Philip Pumphrey, the county’s public transportation manager.

The proposed route would have stops on North Dale Mabry Highway at Target and Walmart.

Moving north along U.S. 41, bus stops would include the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Department of Health, Land O’ Lakes Community Center, the post office, Wilderness Commons Plaza, Land O’ Lakes High School, the Pasco County school district headquarters, and the detention center.

Buses also would follow a loop east on State Road 54 to Collier Commons and the Land O’ Lakes library.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore suggested adding as many stops as possible at government buildings.

“I think about how this is a major corridor, and we don’t have services there. The area is growing by leaps and bounds. Now we have a chance to correct that and make something happen,” he said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader likes the concept, but he wants to see cost data on this and other proposed projects.

“Before I support this, I want to know exactly what is going to be impacted,” he said. “I just want to make it clear this commissioner has concerns about where the money is going to come from. I do have concerns when we start talking about cutting other capital concerns.”

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano looked ahead to the potential for the route to connect to bus service in Hernando County. “I think that’s a huge opportunity as well,” he said. “This line is so important to the future.”

Bus routes along State Road 54, and in the Moon Lake area of New Port Richey, will see more immediate improvements with the arrival of new buses.

Two-hour waits between buses will drop to one hour on State Road 54 on July 18. The Moon Lake area also will get expanded service on Dec. 5.

Published April 20, 2016

Pasco County resolves call center dispute

April 20, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County commissioners have reorganized the leadership chart at county’s emergency call center — settling an ongoing dispute between Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker.

Commissioners approved a plan on April 12 to create a new emergency services department with a communications division and emergency management division.

Newly-appointed Emergency Services Director Kevin Guthrie talked with reporters after Pasco County commissioners approved a plan to improve operations at the 911 call center. (Courtesy of Pasco County) — Newly-appointed Emergency Services Director Kevin Guthrie talked with reporters after Pasco County commissioners approved a plan to improve operations at the 911 call center.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

They promoted newly hired Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie to the new job of emergency services director. He will oversee both the 911 center’s operations and emergency management.

Lt. Dan Olds, of the sheriff’s office, will serve as assistant director of the communications division, a role he had before the reorganization.

The county will advertise for the new position of assistant director of emergency management.

Nocco favored the plan.

“Everyone seems to have hit the ground running. I look forward to seeing in the next 30 days what their evaluations are,” Nocco said. “I have full confidence in these two men.”

Nearly three weeks ago operations at the center came under renewed scrutiny due to a mishandled emergency call for a wrong-way driver and other dropped or unanswered calls.

It led to a testy commission meeting when Nocco recommended that Olds be appointed permanent director, and the county’s fire and rescue department name an assistant director.

Commissioners put off a decision for two weeks.

In the interim, Baker and Nocco sent letters to Pasco County Chairman Kathryn Starkey outlining their proposals to resolve the center’s leadership dilemma.

Baker also removed Jody Kenyon as acting director of the 911 center and placed Guthrie in that role. Guthrie previously served in Flagler County where he was in charge of both public safety communications and emergency management.

The county and sheriff’s office consolidated the center’s emergency operations in 2013.

Kenyon stepped in as acting director in 2014, when the director resigned. He remains as technical services manager.

Nocco has cited trust issues as reasons for not speaking with Baker, and leaving discussions to his staff members.

Baker has cited what she described as “half truths and inaccuracies” in Nocco’s statements.

Baker said Nocco still doesn’t speak to her.

But, there were no fireworks at the April 12 meeting.

Instead, there was a presentation and quick vote to approve the new leadership.

“I’m looking forward to seeing improvements,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

Guthrie told commissioners in the past two weeks he already has seen faster response times on calls to the center. He plans to update commissioners on progress in 60 days.

“There’s nothing more important than having a quick response on a 911 call,” Starkey said.

The resolution was “a long time coming,” said Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano. But, he added, “I think we’re on the right path.”

Published April 20, 2016

Brunchies set to open this summer in Lutz

April 20, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A new brunch restaurant is expected to open this summer in Lutz.

Bill Kranich and Janet Folsom, owners of Brunchies of Tampa, at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway, are opening a second location of the popular eatery, at 24400 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Kranich hopes to open the brunch spot by Aug. 1, adding the timing depends on the completion of Pasco County’s building permit process.

The owners of Brunchies of Tampa are opening a second location in Lutz. The restaurant will replace the former Stage Left Bar & Kitchen, at 24400 State Road 54 in Lutz, shown here. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo) — The owners of Brunchies of Tampa are opening a second location in Lutz. The restaurant will replace the former Stage Left Bar & Kitchen, at 24400 State Road 54 in Lutz, shown here.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

The restaurant will replace the now-closed Stage Left Bar & Kitchen, across the street from Ferman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Tampa.

Brunchies, which prides itself on “good food and good service,” will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Catering services will be available, too.

With relatively sparse brunch options in Lutz, Kranich believes the area is an ideal fit for opening the eatery’s second location.

“One thing is, we live out there,” the restaurateur said. “There’s just upside potential with all the growth, and plus, there’s a definite need for a really quality breakfast place up there.”

According to Kranich, the 3,500-square-foot restaurant will have about 120 seats, smaller than the 190 seats at the original Carrollwood-based location, which opened in 2004. However, the Lutz location will have a pet-friendly patio, which expects to seat up to 30 patrons.

Deemed as serving “upscale quality breakfast, brunch and lunch,” Brunchies of Tampa offers wide-ranging breakfast options such as eggs benedict, omelets, waffles and pancakes. Lunch fare consists of an assortment of sandwiches and salads.

The restaurant’s specialties include its Guava-Stuffed French Toast, Blueberry Crunch Pancakes, Chorizo & Eggs, Corned Beef Hash Skillet, and Shrimp & Grits, Kranich said.

The restaurant owner has already hired a few employees for the Lutz location, and plans to have a total staff of about 25.

The possibility for even more Brunchies popping up around the Bay area isn’t out of the question, Kranich said.

“Everything is wide open,” he said.

Published April 20, 2016

Cox Elementary is turning 90

April 20, 2016 By B.C. Manion

R.B. Cox Elementary School is turning 90 and the school wants the community’s help to help detail its history.

The school is preparing a 90th Year Celebration for alumni, current students, current and former staff, families with connections to the school and members of the Dade City community.

R.B. Cox Elementary School, formerly known as Dade City Grammar School, is turning 90 this year. To celebrate, the school is asking alumni, current students, current and former staff, families and members of the Dade City community to help collect photos, anecdotes and memorabilia to help detail the school’s past. (Courtesy of Fivay.org) — R.B. Cox Elementary School, formerly known as Dade City Grammar School, is turning 90 this year. To celebrate, the school is asking alumni, current students, current and former staff, families and members of the Dade City community to help collect photos, anecdotes and memorabilia to help detail the school’s past.
(Courtesy of Fivay.org)

To help get ready for a series of celebrations that will begin in September, efforts are underway to collect photographs and other mementoes that will be used to help provide a glimpse of the past.

The school also is seeking alumni that are interested in being interviewed to be part of the school’s montage video, according to a news release.

Founded in 1926 as Dade City Grammar School, the school was renamed to honor Superintendent and former Principal Rodney B. Cox after he lost his battle with cancer in 1973.

The first event is set for Sept. 30 at the elementary school, 37615 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., in Dade City.

Anyone who would like to share photos or memories, or who would like to be interviewed, is asked to email .

For additional information, visit their Facebook page, or call Margaret “Megan” Fortunato at (352) 524-5100.

Published April 20, 2016

Local author’s ‘life beneath the shield’

April 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Land O’ Lakes resident Lawrence Hoffman wants people to understand that cops are “just like everybody else.”

Hoffman, a retired New York Police Department detective, recently released the book “Turning Blue: A Life Beneath the Shield.”

The title reflects the progression that happens in the life of a police officer, Hoffman said.

Lawrence Hoffman worked for the NYPD from 1984 to 2004. It took him approximately 12 years to write ‘Turning Blue.’
(Photos courtesy of Lawrence Hoffman)

“It’s just like if you become a doctor, and you get a stethoscope and a jacket, does that make you a doctor? Not really,” he said. “It’s a process, and I call it ‘turning blue,’ where you learn through your experiences.”

After 20 years on the force, Hoffman retired in 2004, and started writing about his vast experiences.

“It took me a good 12 years to write,” he said. “It didn’t start out as a book; it just kind of morphed into it.”

“I wanted to let people know that there’s a life beneath the shield. The book is not really about me, although it is.

“I didn’t think that my life was so great that people needed to know about me. I used what I knew—what God gave me—which was my life,” he said.

Hoffman grew up as a fun-loving, middle-class kid from Long Island. His infatuation with being in a uniform and being a part of an organization gravitated him toward work for the NYPD.

Hoffman, left, worked on several major drug cases. He patrolled the New York streets during the crack epidemic of the 1980s.

“I just thought how amazing that job must be; that’s really what I was fascinated with,” he said.

Patrolling the New York streets as a young officer was a culture shock, especially with the crack epidemic of the 1980s, Hoffman said.

“When I became a cop, I was thrown into this totally different world,” he said. ”I was working in Brooklyn back in the ‘80s when crack was so prevalent, and I felt a lot of resentment toward me for no reason, other than that I wore a uniform; that kind of bothered me.”

The resentment he felt was one reason Hoffman decided to write the book. He wanted to help readers understand the person behind the uniform.

“People form either their own opinion or they form opinions from friends who’ve had experiences with the police,” Hoffman said. “I wanted to show that there’s a different side. Underneath the uniform, we’re all pretty much the same. We all go through loss, we cry, we bleed. …I wanted to put a face to the uniform.”

In the book, Hoffman details several of his experiences, including his very first day on the job as a 24-year-old rookie officer.

‘Turning Blue: A Life Beneath the Shield’ was released in December. It can be picked up at Barnes & Noble, checked out at Hillsborough County libraries, or ordered online through Amazon.com, Google Books and iTunes.

“I wanted you to know what it’s like the first day you actually go on a foot post,” the retired detective said. “What is it like being a cop to get a four-block post and …you’re responsible for anything that happens in those four blocks. Anybody that lives there, walks there, drives through there, I’m responsible for, for eight hours. I have to protect and care for those people, and it’s a lot of responsibility,” he said.

“I found myself just standing there, like, ‘What do I do?’ Then the training starts to kick in,” Hoffman said.

In “Turning Blue,” he recollects his first citation, his first arrest, a deadly shootout and what’s it like to cope with death— of both civilians and fellow officers.

“It’s not all running and gunning. I wanted people to know a realistic view of what being a cop is like,” Hoffman said, noting that 90 percent of police work is calm and reactive, while the other 10 percent is chaotic.

“This book is not, ‘Look at me, look at how great of a cop I am.’ It’s actually not that at all,” Hoffman explained. “I put a little history in the book, so you learn. But, I wrote it as if you were there standing next to me. I want you to see what I saw, feel what I felt and smell what I smelt.”

That includes bringing readers into the events of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

“That was a horrific day, and I try to describe it as best as I could,” he said. “The smell was…I couldn’t compare it to anything. I just imagine that’s what the devil’s breath must smell like, which is what I named that chapter.”

After two decades of police work, Hoffman knew when it was time to retire while he was working a major drug case in the Dominican Republic.

“I remember sitting in an interview… and my mind was wandering,” he said. “I went home and looked at myself in the mirror, and got a good look at my face, and I could see the lines, my hair was getting gray… and thought, ‘It’s time; I’m ready to go.’ I had enough.”

If he could do it all over again, Hoffman said he’d still pursue law enforcement, but probably would have tried to work for the federal government, such as the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“I loved the job, but I think maybe working with the feds would be very interesting,” he said, noting they get to travel abroad and work on enthralling cases.

“I miss the clowns, but not the circus. I was very fortunate to work with some of the greatest detectives and cops,” Hoffman said.

He noted the dynamics of being a cop in 2016 is vastly different than when he was working in the ’80s and ’90s.

“Nowadays, with everybody having a phone and a camera…I find it’s very difficult for officers,” he said. “They have to be very careful what they do, because people will take a clip and cut it down, and you’ve got 30 seconds of a clip — they get judged by that.”

For those considering a career in law enforcement, Hoffman has a piece of advice.

“If you find one gun, look for two. If you find two guns, you look for three,” he said.

Hoffman bio
Lawrence Hoffman worked for the New York Police Department from 1984 to 2004. After retiring, he moved to Land O’ Lakes with his wife, Jeanette. He now works in the public safety field, and is also pursuing his dreams of being an actor. He’s already been featured in several feature films and television shows such as Law and Order, Life on Mars, A Beautiful Mind and The Bounty Hunter.

Published April 13, 2016

Band trailer gets a whole new look

April 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Land O’Lakes High School band trailer was in desperate need of repair.

Not only was it wearing down after 25 years of continual use, but there was also a gaping hole in the trailer’s side panel — the result of a parking lot accident last October.

In simple terms, the beaten-up trailer was an eyesore and in dire need of a paint job.

While a new trailer would have been great, there wasn’t $6,000 in the school’s budget to buy one.

Riley Batts, in his first year instructing the band, found the situation a bit perplexing.

The trailer was involved in a parking lot accident last October, creating a gash in the side panel. The exterior’s paint was wearing off, too. (Courtesy of Jeanine Womack) — The trailer was involved in a parking lot accident last October, creating a gash in the side panel. The exterior’s paint was wearing off, too.
(Courtesy of Jeanine Womack)

“I never expected my trailer to get into an accident the first year I’ve been teaching here,” Batts said with a chuckle. “I had no idea what to do. I wasn’t sure how or when it was going to get fixed.”

Then, a band member’s parent stepped in to help solve the problem.

John Womack — whose daughter, Morgan is a freshman alto saxophone player — offered to try to repair the decrepit trailer.

Initially, Womack and his father-in-law, John Jones, were planning to repair the side panel and add a fresh coat of paint.

But then, they went a step further.

“I just kind of started off with the idea of redoing it,” said Womack, a sergeant with the Tampa Police Department. “The idea was just to fix what it was, and try to repaint it. I wasn’t going to go and do nearly the stuff that we did.”

But, with several connections in the community, Womack was able to secure material and service donations from local businesses including Eddie’s Auto Paint and Body, Meredith Tire and Auto, and Sign Parrot.

Besides the priority repairs, other improvements were made, too. New lights were installed, both inside and outside the trailer. Carpet, shelving and netting for instruments also were installed in the trailer’s interior. A spare tire mount was built, too.

Though Womack helped coordinate the trailer’s massive overhaul, he is quick to deflect the credit to the three businesses.

The refurbished trailer has new, bold decals and sparkling blue paint. (Courtesy of Riley Batts) — The refurbished trailer has new, bold decals and sparkling blue paint.
(Photos courtesy of Riley Batts)

“Most of it was done by the outside,” he said. “The only thing I did that was super intensive was we couldn’t find anything to take those old decals off, so we had to pressure-wash all of those decals off; I got like 17 hours of pressure-washing under me.”

The Land O’ Lakes band instructor was awestruck by all the improvements, calling them “mind-blowing.”

“I didn’t expect that. They said they were just going to take it in to get the side fixed from the crash,” said Batts, who oversees about 85 band members.

They also improved the trailer’s security, Batts said.

“They put new locks on everything, which is awesome, because anyone probably could’ve broken into the old one, and we have thousands of dollars’ worth of instruments on that (trailer).”

Batts is especially impressed by the trailer’s exterior, which features fresh, extravagant school decals to complement the surrounding sparkling blue coloring.

“The whole outside looks amazing. People seeing that on the road are going to be like, ‘Wow, Land O’ Lakes Band is awesome,’” she said.

Perhaps the most critical new feature is the interior lighting that was installed so band members, especially percussion students, can safely load heavy equipment after a nighttime event.

The inside of the trailer features new lighting, shelving, carpeting and netting.

“After football games at midnight, these kids were putting away instruments and trying to play Tetris,” she said, comparing it to the video game about creating order. They were moving large instruments, without the benefit of lights, she said, forcing students to rely on the lights on their cellphones to maneuver the equipment.

When band students were first introduced to the revamped trailer, many thought the school had purchased a new one — considering its pristine appearance.

“It came out as a surprise, and my jaw literally dropped,” said sophomore Jacob Barber, who’s in the drum line. “It was just so nice.”

Phoebe Dunne, a sophomore snare player, said the refurbishments have made fellow members more eager to start the next marching season.

“I think it just shows off more of what the band is,” Dunne said. “We’re more cheerful.”

Sophomore marimba player Sydney Crino said band members appreciate the overhaul.

“It really means a lot to my section, because we have really big instruments, and we have to use the trailer; it’s so hard to load it when you can’t see what you’re doing or the walls are falling off and everything,” she said. “I really think it’s going to help with our school spirit, because we’re not going to be embarrassed about it anymore.”

Published April 13, 2016