Local News

Lake Park reopens; sinkhole remains

October 12, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A popular 589-acre park in Lutz has reopened, despite the existence of a sinkhole that opened about a year ago and remains unfilled.

Lake Park, at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, officially reopened on Oct. 8.

The park, which annually draws about 300,000 users, was closed on Dec. 2 because of a sinkhole that spans 6-feet wide and 90-feet deep.

Lake Park reopened on Oct. 8. It had been closed since last December after a sinkhole formed. (File Photo) — Lake Park reopened on Oct. 8. It had been closed since last December after a sinkhole formed.
(File Photo)

The sinkhole, which formed along a park roadway last October, has since been secured with $4,900 worth of heavy fencing and locked gates.

Forest Turbiville, Hillsborough County’s director of conservation and environmental lands management, said there are no immediate plans to fix the sinkhole.

“We’re going to continue to monitor it,” he said, “and, if we see there’s a change of conditions in that area, then we’ll potentially revaluate it at that time.

He said the area is “more than adequately secured.”

A recent geophysical study by Ardaman & Associates Inc., found the overall risk of future sinkhole activity to be “low” at the park. However, the report did not definitively rule out possible future sinkhole activity.

“We’ve monitored the entire park now since December,” Turbiville said, “and there’s been nothing at all that’s popped up. Our park staff is out there on a daily basis, so if we see any change in the area, we’ll get the county’s consultant back out there.”

While most normal park activities have resumed, the sinkhole “might potentially affect” the park’s archery range, Turbiville said. As a precaution, the range may be temporarily relocated to the Northwest Equestrian Park, 9400 South Mobley Road in Odessa.

Beyond the sinkhole, other issues, too, persist at Lake Park.

Recent heavy rains have created high watermarks, which has limited access in some areas of the park, including its central road.

The sinkhole, which spans 6-feet wide and 90-feet deep, has been secured with $4,900 worth of heavy fencing and locked gates. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County) — The sinkhole, which spans 6-feet wide and 90-feet deep, has been secured with $4,900 worth of heavy fencing and locked gates.
(Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

The three-quarter-mile stretch of road — which Turbiville said is currently under a few feet of water — links the park’s front and back entrances. “It almost divides the park into two halves,” Turbiville said.

To access the park’s front picnic area and main playground, park-goers now have to enter via Dale Mabry Highway. Conversely, users will have to enter off Worley Road in order to access the park’s BMX and radio-controlled car tracks.

“We’re basically having two entrances into the park,” said Turbiville.

The road—which typically experiences flooding issues most of the year—will eventually have to be repaved and elevated, Turbiville said.

That undertaking, he said, may take several years.

“That is honestly going to be a long-term project,” said Turbiville. “You can’t just go in and build up the road — you’ve got to have design plans; you have to have permits. Of course, you have to have the money to pay for that work…so it’s not a small project by any means.”

Turbiville noted the county wouldn’t repair the main road until another long-term lease agreement is reached with the City of St. Petersburg, the owners of the park.

The existing lease agreement for Lake Park expires on June 3, 2019. Under that deal, Hillsborough County pays just $1 per year to the City of St. Petersburg to operate the park.

In a third draft of a new 10-year lease agreement, the City of St. Petersburg is requesting $3,000 per month, or $36,000 per year from Hillsborough County.

If approved, county staff expects to bring a recommendation to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners sometime in 2017. Meanwhile, Lake Park will operate under the current lease agreement.

Based on figures from 2014-2015, the park typically nets about $10,000 per month in revenue from park-goers.

Also of note, St. Petersburg is requesting $2,000 per month from the county to lease Lake Rogers Park, 6016 Gunn Hwy in Odessa. The most recent lease agreement expired on Sept. 30, but the city has extended it through Dec. 31, as negotiations continue.

Lake Park
Where: 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz
Fall hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Entrance fee: $2 per vehicle. Up to 8 people per vehicle. Rentals are extra.
Facilities: Rodeo, BMX track, playground, youth group campsite
Activities: Biking, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing/kayaking
Other features: Five lakes, cypress swamps, pine flat woods and hardwood hammocks
For information, call (813) 264-3806.

Published October 12, 2016

Committee works on school boundaries

October 12, 2016 By B.C. Manion

A committee is scheduled to meet on the morning of Oct. 13 at Oakstead Elementary School to work on a recommendation for boundaries for a new Pasco County elementary school being built in the Bexley Ranch subdivision in Land O’ Lakes.

The new school, scheduled to open in the fall of 2017, is now under construction at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd.

It is intended to relieve crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools.

A new elementary school, now known as Elementary B, is under construction in the Bexley Ranch subdivision in Land O’ Lakes. It is intended to relieve overcrowding of Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools) — A new elementary school, now known as Elementary B, is under construction in the Bexley Ranch subdivision in Land O’ Lakes. It is intended to relieve overcrowding of Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

During boundary deliberations, the district may also consider recommending a shift in the boundaries between Oakstead and Lake Myrtle elementary schools, to provide additional relief to Oakstead and to help increase Lake Myrtle’s enrollment. Lake Myrtle is operating below capacity and can accommodate more students.

Oakstead Elementary, at 19925 Lake Patience Road in Land O’ Lakes, has a permanent capacity of 762 students, with an enrollment of 1,095 students, and a total of 1,457 students living within its boundaries. That puts the school at 705 students over its capacity.

Odessa Elementary, at 12810 Interlaken Road in New Port Richey, has a permanent capacity of 762 students, but had 1,000 students enrolled last year, and a total of 1,058 students living within its boundaries. That puts the school at 296 students over its capacity.

Lake Myrtle Elementary, at 22844 Weeks Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, on the other hand, has room to grow. Its permanent capacity is 736. It had 587 enrolled students, with 570 of those living within its boundaries. So, it is operating at 166 students below capacity.

While the district needs new schools to provide a place for students to learn, the practice of drawing boundaries for them always sparks controversy. Passions run high, as parents outline the various problems they envision if their child is reassigned to a new school, or — in some cases — is not. Sometimes the complaints are about academic opportunities, but often they involve day care or the ability to be involved in school activities.

Under district policy, when making recommendations, the school boundary committee should propose boundaries that:

Provide a balance of racial and economic diversity among populations served
Maintain school feeder patterns to the greatest extent possible
Provide room for future growth and the optimum use of schools within the proposed boundaries
Provide for safe and efficient transportations for students, to and from school
To the extent possible, incorporate complete neighborhood communities within the boundaries
To the extent possible, consider long-term construction plans to create as much stability as possible to areas affected by the proposed boundary changes

Anyone is welcome to attend the boundary committee meetings, but only committee members are permitted to take part in the discussions.

A parent meeting regarding the proposed boundaries has been scheduled for Nov. 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Oakstead Elementary School, 19925 Lake Patience Road in Land O’ Lakes.

The meeting will be in the school’s cafeteria.

Those interested are invited to hear the presentation, offer input and ask questions at that meeting.

School boundary committee meeting
When: Oct. 13 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Oakstead Elementary, 19925 Lake Patience Road, Land O’ Lakes
All are welcome. Only committee members are allowed to participate in the discussion.

Parent meeting on proposed boundaries
When: Nov. 1, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Oakstead Elementary School, 19925 Lake Patience Road, Land O’ Lakes. The meeting will be in the cafeteria.
Those interested are invited to hear the presentation, offer input and ask questions.

Published October 12, 2016

Keeping an educator’s legacy alive

October 12, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Luis E. Torres spent much of his life battling medical problems, but he never gave up on his education.

It took him 10 years to get his bachelor’s degree, but he persisted because that mattered to him, according to Iris Torres, his mother, who lives in Lutz.

He took occasional medical withdrawals, but carried on.

This is the last photograph taken of Luis E. Torres and his mother, Iris. His family keeps the educator’s spirit alive through an annual golf tournament to raise money for scholarships. (Courtesy of Iris Torres) — This is the last photograph taken of Luis E. Torres and his mother, Iris. His family keeps the educator’s spirit alive through an annual golf tournament to raise money for scholarships.
(Courtesy of Iris Torres)

“Education was very important to him,” Iris said, and in 1997, he obtained his diploma.

Luis went on to teach seventh-grade mathematics at Shields Middle School in Hillsborough County.

“That was one of his goals that he was able to accomplish,” his mother said.

But, the teacher’s medical problems weren’t over, and he died on July 2, 2011, at the age of 41.

His family refuses to let that be the end of his story.

At the time of his death, his sister-in-law, Genevieve, suggested that the family establish a scholarship fund, in lieu of receiving flowers.

Now, the Luis E. Torres Scholarship Fund is supported by an annual golf tournament, organized by Iris Torres, Luis’ mom.

She handles the planning and logistics of the tournaments, but other family members and friends step up to help on the actual day of the event.

The family wants to keep his spirit alive through the annual scholarship.

Luis was diagnosed with Lupus when he was just 9 years old, Iris said.

“Lupus can affect any vital organ, and in his case, it affected his kidneys,” she said.

He experienced complete renal failure when he was 21, and was on dialysis for 10 years. He underwent two kidney transplants, but rejected both.

Iris and her husband were not good transplant candidates.

Iris developed breast cancer, and her husband had suffered a heart attack.

Meanwhile, Luis was getting weaker.

His brother, Eric, stepped forward in 2000 to be a kidney donor for Luis.

Luis was 30 when he received the transplant. Eric was 26.

At the time, Eric said, the choice was clear: Donate a kidney or watch his brother die.

“It was scary. I never even had a cavity. So, to go from that to donating an organ, it was significant,” Eric said.

Iris added: “It was very difficult, me as a mother, seeing both of them in gurneys.”

The transplant was done at John Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland.

The family went there because, at the time, Johns Hopkins was offering a surgical approach not yet available locally.

“In Florida, they were doing what they call a cadaver incision, which is essentially from the sternum to the small of the back,” Eric said. “Johns Hopkins actually pioneered the organ harvestation through the laparoscopic.”

It was a difference of “being almost cut in half” to a procedure which used tiny incisions, he said.

“If I would have done a cadaver incision, it would have been about a two-week hospital stay,” Eric said. Instead, he went in on a Friday and was released on Sunday.

But, it wasn’t smooth sailing for Luis.

“We stayed at Johns Hopkins for four months because of complications,” Iris said. “He had a really tough road.”

Within four days of returning to Tampa, Luis had fevers reaching 104.

It turned out that Luis had an abdominal infection, and had to be opened up again and cleaned up, Iris said. He was in Tampa General Hospital for another 40 days.

Throughout it all, Luis refused to give in, she said.

What kept him going, she said, was “the love that he had for life.”

In addition to his previous medical issues, he also developed diabetes as a side effect from the medication he took after the transplant, she said.

He had several good years after the transplant, but then he developed stomach cancer, which was not detected until it was too late for treatment.

During the first year of the scholarship fund, the family raised $3,800.

This will be the fourth year the family has organized the charity golf tournament. Last year, it raised $4,500.

“The whole mission is to help anybody who is looking to overcome medical obstacles,” Eric said, noting every dollar that is raised goes directly into scholarships.

“We have given out scholarships to people who have suffered from cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, lupus, seizures, diabetes, birth defects, paralysis,” Iris said.

The goal is to get 60 golfers to participate in the tournament. It costs $475 for a foursome and $125 for a single player.

The fee includes breakfast, lunch and prizes for various categories, such as hole-in-one, longest drive, closest to the pin and a putting contest.

This year, Buddy Shelton, a celebrity trick golfer will be performing at the event, which Iris hopes will help attract more people to the tournament.

Putting on the event and gathering items for the silent auction requires a lot of effort, but the family thinks it’s worthwhile.

“We do it out of love for my brother’s memory,” Eric said.

The proceeds help provide opportunities for students who need help, Iris said.

“One thing I want to relate to the students out there is not to give up,” she said.

Luis never gave up, she adding, noting that one of his favorite quotations was: “At the end of hope, is the start of perseverance.”

What: Luis E. Torres Scholarship Fund
Fourth annual Golf Scramble
When: Oct. 21 at 9a.m., golf scramble; trick golfer Buddy Shelton performs at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Lexington Oaks Golf Club, 26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel
How much: $475 for a foursome; $125 for individuals; donations accepted for those just wanting to watch Buddy Shelton’s trick golf show.
For more information, visit www.luisetorresscholarshipfund.org, or call (813) 417-3021.

Published October 12, 2016

Zephyrhills’ website getting upgrade

October 12, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 12, 2016

Independent Catholic church forms

October 12, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

An independent Catholic church is forming in Wesley Chapel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Diocese of Florida is headed by Bishop Steven Rosczewski.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 12, 2016

A gesture’s worth a thousand words

October 12, 2016 By B.C. Manion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be sure to respect personal space, she added.

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

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

Everyone has bad days.

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

Things to remember when speaking:

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

Source: Jackie Eden

Making a good first impression

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

Things to avoid:

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

Source: Jackie Eden

Body language mistakes that ruin job interviews

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

Source: Jackie Eden

Published October 12, 2016

Connected city concept draws mixed reviews

October 5, 2016 By Kathy Steele

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

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

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

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

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

But, some residents within the district are pushing back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pasco County Commission has the final word.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dirt within the connected city corridor already is flying.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 5, 2016

Jewish community prepares for Yom Kippur

October 5, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

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

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

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

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

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

Traditions & Symbols of Yom Kippur:

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

Yom Kippur services

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

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

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

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

Published October 5, 2016

School shooting threats now a felony

October 5, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It can ruin your future,” Nocco agreed.

Published October 5, 2016

Pasco property tax rates holding steady

October 5, 2016 By Kathy Steele

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

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

The fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Mike Fasano

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Code violations include a leaking roof and broken plumbing.

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

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

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

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

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

County officials will look into repairing the electrical outlets.

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

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

Budget highlights include:

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

Published October 5, 2016