The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Residential building momentum in Pasco

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Motorists cruising on major corridors see bulldozers stirring up dirt on open pasture land or crews in hard hats pounding nails into houses, frame by frame.

Billboards are inescapable. They fill the rights of way in clusters along State Road 54, State Road 56 and U.S. 41.

They call out to passersby — inviting prospective homebuyers to seek out the newest in luxury living.

The Moore family moved from Michigan to a new Wiregrass Ranch subdivision to enjoy Florida sunshine and the small-town feel of their new neighborhood. From left: Noah, 2, father Marlo, Kynnedy, 5, and mother Traci. (Courtesy of the Moore Family)
The Moore family moved from Michigan to a new Wiregrass Ranch subdivision to enjoy Florida sunshine and the small-town feel of their new neighborhood. From left: Noah, 2, father Marlo, Kynnedy, 5, and mother Traci.
(Courtesy of the Moore Family)

Long Lake Ranch, Bexley South, Asturia, Connerton and Estancia at Wiregrass are just a few on the expanding list of upscale communities with new homes for sale.

The unmistakable message?

New home construction is taking off in Pasco County.

Homebuyers are touring the market from near and far, in person and online.

Moving day for Traci and Marlo Moore, and their children, Kynnedy 5, and Noah, 2, came on the weekend of the Fourth of July.

They moved into a single-family home in an enclave of Wiregrass Ranch that is so new that construction dirt is still flying.

The Michigan transplants spent more than two years searching for a dream home in Florida, Texas and North Carolina.

They found it in Wesley Chapel, off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, one of the busiest development areas in the county for homes and retail.

Building continues on some houses, but others are ready for residents in a new subdivision at Wiregrass Ranch. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Building continues on some houses, but others are ready for residents in a new subdivision at Wiregrass Ranch.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

The Moores are among a multitude of people in the hunt for new and modern homes, with easy access to jobs, shops, schools and restaurants.

“There is a lot of pent-up demand,” said Steve Seeger, director of sales and marketing for Lennar, one of the home builders at Wiregrass Ranch.

In 2016, Lennar plans to build 116 homes in the Wiregrass subdivision where the Moores now live. The homebuilder is constructing or selling homes in nine communities in Pasco and 46 in the Tampa Bay area.

Other builders including CalAtlantic, M/I Homes, Beazer Homes, Homes by WestBay, David Weekley Homes and the Ryland Group are among the companies signing up for the residential boom in Pasco.

Housing on the rise in Pasco
Business is brisk in Pasco County’s building department.

Contractors pulled more than 1,900 building permits by mid-July. That’s nearly the number that was pulled for the entire year in 2015.

Work crews are building new homes in the Waterford enclave of Concord Station.
Work crews are building new homes in the Waterford enclave of Concord Station.

Construction of single-family homes has been on an upward trend in Pasco County every year since 2012.

The climb back from the Great Recession continues, though there’s still a huge gap between the number of homes being built this year compared to the number that were built in 2005, when the county issued 7,252 permits for single-family homes.

At the same time, the number of permits issued in both 2015 and in 2016, reflect a significant improvement compared to the 884 permits issued in 2011.

People who study housing trends see Pasco’s residential construction continuing to trend upward.

Pasco had four of the top 10 communities, based on new housing starts in the first quarter of 2016, according to Metro Study.

Long Lake topped the list with 264 housing starts in that period. Wiregrass was next, with 229. FishHawk in Hillsborough County took third spot with 225 housing starts. Most on the list are in Hillsborough.

A large sign advertising future construction of the planned master-community of Bexley South seeks to catch the attention of passing motorists on State Road 54.
A large sign advertising future construction of the planned master-community of Bexley South seeks to catch the attention of passing motorists on State Road 54.

But Union Park, with 188 housing starts, and Concord Station, with 175 housing starts, were also in the top 10.

“A year ago, no Pasco community was on the list,” said Tony Polito, regional director for Metro Study.

And, these numbers are not just data collecting in some government computer.

The information for the Metro Study is gleaned by local field teams who drive through the county collecting information on housing trends.

New construction in many communities was just beginning last year, and now Polito said, “Pasco has the biggest supply of lots.”

The one missing product from Pasco’s flurry of home building is starter homes, Polito said.

“Apartment buildings are taking over for people who would be traditional first-time buyers,” he added.

Builders can build on a ‘grand scale’
Others also find good news in Pasco’s housing trends.

The economy in general is looking brighter all across Tampa Bay.

But in the housing arena, Pasco is in what real estate broker Bill Eshenbaugh described as an interesting position. Eshenbaugh publishes the Eshenbaugh Report, which looks at local trends and property listings.

“It’s a pretty clean palette,” he said.

These mailboxes are ready for some future residents in the Waterford enclave at Concord Station.
These mailboxes are ready for some future residents in the Waterford enclave at Concord Station.

Large tracts of open land, especially along State Road 54 and State Road 56, are worthy investments for developers who want to build on a grand scale.

More new development is possible in Pasco in contrast to redevelopment and infill in more urban, built-out counties like Hillsborough and Pinellas, Eshenbaugh said.

“Pasco has a really nice place in the market,” he said. “It’s a desirable area.”

Long Lake is enjoying great success, as is Wiregrass, where a couple of $1 million sales have happened in Estancia, Eshenbaugh said.

Some residential is going up in Lutz around the Veteran’s Expressway and North Dale Mabry Highway. One new subdivision under construction is CalAtlantic’s The Promenade at Lake Park, off North Dale Mabry, near Idlewild Baptist Church.

Some homebuyers in Pasco are purchasing second, or third, homes, Eshenbaugh said.

“They are moving to upscale,” he said.

Those age 55 and older also are interested in Pasco.

Concord Station is on a top-10 list for new housing starts for the first quarter of 2016, according to Metro Study. The master-planned community is off State Road 54.
Concord Station is on a top-10 list for new housing starts for the first quarter of 2016, according to Metro Study. The master-planned community is off State Road 54.

And, Eshenbaugh said some people are skipping South Tampa, where they might have to tear down an existing house to build the new home of their dreams.

“Here, they can buy a lot of house that is nice and modern,” he said.

That is what eventually sold the Moores on their new home, even after checking out Orlando, as well.

They wanted a neighborhood with a small-town feel, but one that was part of new growth.

“We thought it would be nice to get into that process earlier,” said Traci Moore.  “We’re doing this as a family.”

Wesley Chapel fit the mold.

“It’s an extremely diverse area, multicultural and with age diversity. That appeals to me especially,” Traci Moore said. “The Wiregrass area seems to be a good mix of things – business and residential.”

Pasco is a good place to start a new chapter in their lives, she said.

Not far behind will be her parents.

They, too, are in the market for a Pasco County home.

Top ten communities for housing starts first quarter, 2016
Long Lake Ranch – 264
Wiregrass Ranch – 229
FishHawk Ranch – 225
Waterset – 216
Hawks Point – 195
Union Park – 188
Ayesworth Glen – 186
Valencia Lakes – 179
Concord Station – 175
South Fork – 165

Published July 27, 2016

Preserving family history, one Bible at a time

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Andy Smith, who attends Van Dyke Church in Lutz, has an unusual hobby.

It began about eight years ago, sparked, in part, by the Bible he inherited from his grandmother.

The sacred text originally belonged to his great-great grandparents, dating back to the 1870s.

“I believe it was given to them as a wedding gift,” Smith said, and it was passed from generation to generation.

Andy Smith, who attends Van Dyke Church in Lutz, spends part of his free time trying to help reunite families with Bibles that were owned by their ancestors. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
Andy Smith, who attends Van Dyke Church in Lutz, spends part of his free time trying to help reunite families with Bibles that were owned by their ancestors.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

“It is something I had seen in my grandparents’ house when I was a little boy. It was always opened to the family registry pages,” he said.

After inheriting the heirloom, Smith, a longtime newspaper professional, decided to see what he could learn about his own family’s history.

The more he delved into genealogy, the more fascinated he became.

His great-great grandfather, Smith said, had nine brothers and sisters.

“I’ve contacted descendants of every line of that family that had children — from those 10 siblings — and all of them had family Bibles,” Smith said. “I found one guy who had my great-great-great grandfather’s Bible. I went up to St. Louis and met him, and got to see his Bible.”

As Smith learned more about his relatives, he became more aware of how much personal information can be lost, when a Bible is separated from its family.

He decided to do something about that.

He began spending part of his free time helping to reunite family Bibles with their families.

“I look for the Bibles on eBay and, if they have family registry pages in them, I make a list of the names and dates provided, then match that with names and dates on family trees on Ancestry.com,” he explained.

Some Bibles sold on eBay date back to the 1700s. Some are ornately decorated. Others are plain. Some records are detailed in elegant handwriting. Many of the books develop a beautiful patina over time, Smith said. They can sell for anywhere from $50 to $350, or more.

If Smith finds a match, and if there’s contact information available on Ancestry.com, he sends off an email.

Family Bibles often contain hidden gems, notes Andy Smith. In this Bible dating to the 1870s, there’s a flower that pressed between its pages, at the marriage page
Family Bibles often contain hidden gems, notes Andy Smith. In this Bible dating to the 1870s, there’s a flower that pressed between its pages, at the marriage page

It goes something like this: “Greetings. No, we’re not related, but I’ve come across something that I think that might be of interest to you.”

Smith shares what he’s copied from the registry pages, and adds a disclaimer, such as: “I did the best I could, but I’m not 100 percent sure that this is 100 percent accurate.”

Smith makes it clear that he doesn’t own the Bible and doesn’t know the person selling it. He’s merely acting as conduit, passing along information that may be useful to the recipient.

“My primary goal is to salvage this information,” Smith said, noting a family Bible in some cases is the only repository for some records.

For instance, families typically were larger in previous generations, and there also were more childhood deaths from disease.

“A lot of these younger children never show up in censuses,” Smith explained. They may have been born after one census was taken and died before the next one came along.

It would be a shame to have this personal history lost to the ages, Smith said.

Bibles often contain other hidden gems, as well.

“There will be old letters. There may be old family pictures,” Smith said. “In my own Bible, on the marriage page, there’s a flower that’s pressed in there, between the pages. There’s a picture of my grandmother and of my great-grandmother in there.”

Of course, Smith has no way of knowing what Bibles will come up for sale, but when he scans eBay, he keeps an eye out for one that may have a connection to his family.

“For the number of years that I’ve been doing this, I’ve never found even a distant relative that I’m aware of, in any of these Bibles,” he said. “The chances of you finding anything from your own family are pretty close to zero.”

Over the years, he estimates he’s contacted thousands of people to alert them to a Bible that may interest them. Those emails have gone to people living at great distances, as well as people living nearby.

Smith doesn’t know how many Bibles he’s helped to get back to their families, but he guesses it’s between 100 and 150 — based on the emails he’s received.

His favorite response, so far, came from a woman who desperately wanted the family Bible, but said the price of $350 on eBay, was far beyond her family’s means.

She shared, with Smith, what happened next.

She told Smith that she told her husband: “I really, really, really want this Bible.”

Her husband told her: “OK, here’s the deal, I will get it for you, but this is for your birthday, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Mother’s Day. It covers everything for the next year. Are we good with that?”

It turns out, Smith said, “she was very good with that.”

It turns out that Smith was, too.

Published July 27, 2016

A focus on Florida at the 2016 RNC in Cleveland

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By now, the Republican National Convention is “old news” — but to the 99 Florida delegates and their alternates—it will never be forgotten. To them, the convention was serious business, but a lot of fun, too. Here is a brief snapshot of their four days together.

Leaving Tampa: Goals
On the plane headed up to Cleveland, I asked some of the Tampa area delegates what they hoped would happen at the RNC. Leaving the convention as a united party topped their lists. They were well aware that a fractured party makes it difficult to win Florida, and that the presidential race in Florida is already projected to be very close (nothing new).

From left, Steve Graves, Sandy Graves and Dr. Susan A. MacManus, chat during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Steve Graves was an alternate Florida delegate, and Sandy Graves was a delegate. MacManus, is a political scientist who was at the convention as an analyst for ABC Action News. MacManus is a nationally known commentator, with deep knowledge of Florida politics. (Photos courtesy of Dr. Susan A. MacManus)
From left, Steve Graves, Sandy Graves and Dr. Susan A. MacManus, chat during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Steve Graves was an alternate Florida delegate, and Sandy Graves was a delegate. MacManus, is a political scientist who was at the convention as an analyst for ABC Action News. MacManus is a nationally known commentator, with deep knowledge of Florida politics.
(Photos courtesy of Dr. Susan A. MacManus)

They were hopeful that their nominee, Donald J. Trump, would project a more serious tone in his nationally televised acceptance speech to assure wavering Republicans and independents of his readiness to be president.

Many also were anxious to learn more about Trump’s vice presidential pick — Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana — believing it would give them a good indication of the kind of governing team Trump would put in place, if elected.

And, of course, they wanted to enjoy their time together in a city on the move — still high from the NBA Championship brought home by their beloved Cleveland Cavaliers. They knew attending breakfasts and events together throughout the week would be an important step toward creating a strong well-organized statewide network of party activists. It is essential for conducting effective voter registration drives and Get-Out-The-Vote efforts.

Florida delegates get special treatment
Everyone on the political planet knows it is almost impossible for Republicans to win back the White House without winning Florida. It is the nation’s biggest swing state (29 Electoral College votes) and the most competitive. That status translates into some special opportunities:

  • Great seats on the convention floor: Florida delegates sat center-stage, right behind the New York delegation, offering a bird’s eye view of the speakers and terrific photo opportunities. It pays to be a big swing state and one of Trump’s two “home” states!
  • The “A team” of speakers at morning breakfast events: Big names that spoke to and mingled with Florida Republicans included Newt Gingrich, Rudi Giuliani, Sen. Jeff Sessions, Col. Allen West, former Ambassador John Bolton, pollster Frank Luntz, and former Clinton strategist Dick Morris.
  • Prime time speaking slots for two state officials: Both Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi got prime time speaking opportunities. Both endorsed Trump early on — and both are seen as having higher political ambitions once termed out. Some have even speculated they might get plum appointments in a Trump administration.

Remember the best moments
My informal and unscientific “poll” of delegates headed home identified four “best moments”:

  • Roll call of the states: Before officially casting Florida’s 99 delegate votes for Donald J. Trump, state party chair Blaise Ingoglia reminded delegates of the fact that “We are the state that gave LeBron James his first two championships.” James starred with the Miami Heat before returning home to Cleveland to give the Cavaliers the championship this year. Of course, the chair also touted Florida’s role as a vacation paradise, citing Disney World, the state’s beaches, the Keys and the Daytona 500.
  • Speeches by Trump’s adult children — Tiffany, Donald Jr., Eric, and Ivanka: These “fearsome four” won the hearts of the delegates with their speaking talents and stage presence. Delegates see them as powerful surrogates on the campaign trail, particularly useful in reaching millennial (18-34) voters. One delegate circled the venue with an Ivanka for President in 2024 sign.
  • Acceptance speeches by Trump…and Pence: While news media outlets cast the Trump speech as being overly dark and negative, the delegates I spoke to believed he just told it like it is — Americans are worried about security and the economy. As for Pence, he got high marks for bringing experience and a calmer demeanor to the ticket.
  • The balloon (and glitter) drop: Nothing unique here. It is always one of the most memorable moments—for its festive feeling following the official designation of the party’s nominee and for the end of a nearly sleepless four days for many delegates. This is the most photographed event of any convention. This year’s drop of some 125,000 balloons of all sizes and red, white, and blue combinations, made it a spectacular sight.

Another big plus: prayers were answered: Predictions of violence were wrong. Not only did delegates breathe a sigh of relief for their own safety, they were very happy that the City of Cleveland could revel in having been a great host city.

Forget the worst moments
Sadly, from the delegates, there were those troublesome moments they would just as soon forget. Two stand out:

  • The plagiarism charge regarding Melania Trump’s speech: Melania spoke the first night of the convention — a speech that was warmly received. Delegates went to bed on a positive note, but woke to the news that portions of the speech were highly similar to those in Michele Obama’s 2008 speech. It was a story that would not die. To delegates already worried about the seeming lack of organization in the Trump campaign, it was verification.
  • Ted Cruz’s unwillingness to endorse Trump: The boos that began in the New York delegation quickly spread from one delegation to the next much like a “wave” in a football stadium. The episode on night three once again raised concerns about reaching party unity by convention’s end.
A bird’s eye view of the convention hall during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
A bird’s eye view of the convention hall during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

There were also the “lock her up” chants. It is a common tactic at any convention to highlight your opponent’s negatives and contrast them with your candidate’s positives. But, 2016 is a more toxic political year. Constant speaker references to Hillary Clinton’s email and Benghazi actions ultimately resulted in convention-wide chants of “lock her up.” Ironically, it was Trump himself who tried to quell this phrase when it again surfaced during his acceptance speech. He signaled to the delegates to put a halt to it, instead tasking them to “Let’s defeat her in November.”

Bringing home the swag
Florida delegates took home some pretty awesome souvenirs — from a guitar-shaped knick-knack detailing dates and location of 2016 RNC, Make Florida Red Again hats, and large Trump tote bags, to Florida-themed cups and campaign buttons. In the end, what will make these great convention memories ever more long-lasting is a Trump-Pence victory on Nov. 8.

Next week:  A recap of the Florida delegation to the Democratic National Convention.

By Dr. Susan A. MacManus

Dr. Susan A. MacManus is a resident of Land O’ Lakes. She is a political scientist at the University of South Florida and was a political analyst for ABC Action News at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Published July 27, 2016

Reader complaints come with a silver lining

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A few weeks back I announced some changes to our home delivery to better match up our readers’ addresses with the edition of our papers that they receive.

At the same time, I also welcomed new readers in communities we were adding, including Long Lake Ranch in Lutz and Estancia in Wesley Chapel.

My staff and I spent weeks preparing for these changes. We also were mindful of how they would affect the zip code penetration that our national advertisers want to reach with their advertising circulars.

Well, it’s been four weeks since we implemented our changes, and I wish I could tell you it was smooth sailing. Sadly, it was not.

We received many, many calls and complaints from readers who did not receive the correct edition (we have four — Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and East Pasco); did not get their paper delivered by Wednesday; or, who simply did not get their paper at all.

Which is why I am writing this column— to apologize to our readers who have had problems with their home delivery, and to ask your patience as we continue to resolve these issues.

We are very sorry this happened, and are hopeful that this week’s delivery is going much more smoothly. Please accept our apologies for the confusion and delays.

While these distribution problems have been painful, there is a silver lining. If our implementation had gone as planned, we would not have heard from so many readers, who told us how much they look forward to reading our paper, and how upset they were that their paper did not arrive as usual.

Almost every call we’ve received in recent weeks came from people like this. And, as we heard again and again from callers how much they like The Laker or Lutz News, it warmed our hearts and made us feel needed and appreciated.

Understand, the calls we usually get about delivery come from people who do not want the paper. While most are polite, many are surprisingly angry, even foul-mouthed, and insistent we have no right to deliver “our trash” to their home.

Well, we do, thanks to the First Amendment. But we don’t tell them that, or suggest they may enjoy our stories about their neighbors and community. Instead, we politely ask for their address, and add it to our opt-out list.

As a free newspaper, we maintain an opt-out list of addresses from residents who do not want our paper — the opposite of a paid newspaper’s paid-subscriber list.

And, here’s what’s amazing about our opt-out list. Out of a total weekly circulation of 44,800, only 1,295 addresses are on our opt-out list — less than 3 percent of our distribution.

We already knew from our annual audit that most residents in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City read The Laker or Lutz News every week. Our readership score is 81 percent  — which makes us one of the best-read newspapers in the country.

But, hearing directly from readers that we are wanted, and we are missed if their newspaper doesn’t arrive, energizes us to continue our mission to produce a quality community newspaper every week, with stories that matter.

Published July 27, 2016

She goes to bat against cancer

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Pam Ingram was admittedly nervous as she waited to toss out the first pitch at Tropicana Field, when the Tampa Bay Rays took on the Baltimore Orioles.

After all, she knew a big crowd would be watching — including her family and friends, and colleagues from Wesley Chapel High School.

Alex Colome drops by to say hello to Pam Ingram before the game. (Photos courtesy of Pam Ingram)
Alex Colome drops by to say hello to Pam Ingram before the game.
(Photos courtesy of Pam Ingram)

And, the English teacher would be the first to tell you that she doesn’t have substantial experience in throwing baseballs.

But, she was up for it.

Excited even.

After all, she won the Honorary Bat Girl contest sponsored by Major League Baseball, which led to royal treatment by the Tampa Bay Rays.

She and her husband, Keith, and their daughter, Abby, had the chance to spend some time on the field before the 1:10 p.m. game on July 17.

Keith even took a few swings in the batter’s on-deck circle, waving the pink baseball bat engraved with Pam’s name and bearing the signatures of quite a few Rays’ players.

The family also had the chance to pose for photos with players.

The big moment came, when a video played, featuring photos of Pam, along with a narration of her prize-winning essay.

Pam Ingram, of Wesley Chapel, is on the big screen at the Tampa Bay Rays’ game on July 17.
Pam Ingram, of Wesley Chapel, is on the big screen at the Tampa Bay Rays’ game on July 17.

Her name was emblazoned in giant letters on electronic billboards and, as she made her first pitch, she showed up — much larger than life — on the Jumbotron.

And, that was just the beginning.

Following the on-field festivities, Pam and her family went into the stands where they joined up with a crowd of 104 people who had come out to the game to show their support and celebrate with Pam.

The Rays, who are struggling this year, even broke an eight-game losing streak to defeat the Baltimore Orioles.

The whole experience was overwhelming, said Pam, currently in remission from the cancer that began in her breast and spread to her bone.

Her heart is full of gratitude for her family, for her supporters from Wesley Chapel High School where she has taught since 2000, and for her doctors.

She discovered she had breast cancer in 2014, before she turned 40 — the age at which women are recommended to begin breast cancer screenings.

She’d been experiencing intermittent pain, and her husband advised her to get it checked out.

The visit to her doctor’s office led to a mammogram and an ultrasound, which then led to referrals for a surgeon.

One of those referrals was for Dr. Sylvia Campbell, which Pam said was a blessing.

Campbell was “very calming, very nurturing,” Pam said. “She just has a way of giving you bad news, optimistically.

“Her office is a house in Hyde Park, so you feel like you’re going over to your aunt’s house or your grandma’s house. It’s just a very comfortable feeling,” Pam said.

From left, Pam Ingram, her daughter, Abby, and her husband, Keith, show off the new pink Louisville slugger that has Pam’s name engraved on it. It was part of the swag she received by winning the Honorary Bat Girl Contest, representing the Tampa Bay Rays. The national contest is sponsored by Major League Baseball.
From left, Pam Ingram, her daughter, Abby, and her husband, Keith, show off the new pink Louisville slugger that has Pam’s name engraved on it. It was part of the swag she received by winning the Honorary Bat Girl Contest, representing the Tampa Bay Rays. The national contest is sponsored by Major League Baseball.

Campbell put her in touch with Dr. Christopher George, an oncologist at Florida Cancer Specialists.

“The two of them, I guess, have worked a lot of breast cancer cases,” Pam said.

The cancer that began in Pam’s breast had spread to the pelvic bone, lower lumbar and femur, she said.

“That’s what put it at a stage IV,” she said.

“We had set up surgery to take out the lump, so I had a lumpectomy and then they took out the lymph node, and I honestly thought I was going to have to do the whole chemo and radiation,” she said.

She prepared her students at school, telling them on the second day of classes about the cancer and letting them know she didn’t know how long she would need to be out.

She told her students: “AP (Advanced Placement) kids, your goal is to pass the AP exams. Sophomores, your goal is to knock it out of the park with the FSA (Florida Standards Assessment).

“Whether I’m here, or whether I’m not, I’m still your teacher,” she said.

“The kids were amazing. A couple of my former students, who were seniors at the time, the next day showed up with candy and flowers, and a big homemade card,” she said.

In her particular case — because every case is different — the test showed that her breast cancer was positive for estrogen receptors, meaning that estrogen was feeding the cancer.

Instead of going to chemotherapy or radiation, Dr. George put her on estrogen blockers.

And when the pet scan came back, there was no detectable sign of malignancy, she said.

The Wesley Chapel woman believes she won Honorary Bat Girl contest because she believes the judges are primarily interested in choosing someone who is committed to the cause of beating cancer.

“I have participated in Relay for Life, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, for years. I’ve captained teams, student teams, teams with friends. I’ve participated as a volunteer and now I go as a survivor,” she said.

In her essay, she made a point to do a shout-out to her school because every October they hold a “Pink Out” at a football game, painting a pink ribbon on the 50-yard line.

She believes that social media support from her students and colleagues at Wesley Chapel High, as well as friends and family across the country, likely played a role in her selection, too.

While she savored the joys of the day, she appreciates every other day, too.

“I officially reached remission. With bone cancer, there’s really no cure,” she said.

Pam Ingram’s winning essay
I was drafted into this fight in 2014 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer that spread to the bone.
Thanks to aggressive treatment and amazing doctors, I am a Stage 4 cancer survivor. Bone cancer has no cure, which is why I am going to bat against cancer. I’ve worked to raise money for ACS and to help raise awareness.
I’ve been part of Relay for Life for 15 years as a participant, a team captain, and now a survivor.
I celebrate with fellow survivors, support those who are currently battling cancer and remember those who have lost that battle.

I encourage my students and fellow teachers to join the fight at school at events such as our annual “Pink Out” football game.

I share my story in hopes of encouraging others to be vigilant. I was diagnosed before I turned 40, the recommended age for women to start getting mammograms.

If my story helps even one person with early detection (a huge factor in success in fighting cancer), then I know my journey is not in vain.

I’m going to bat against cancer to show that I am a survivor and that a positive mental attitude is key to winning the fight.

Source: 2016 Honorary Bat Girl Contest, Tampa Bay Rays

Published July 27, 2016

False alarms could prompt hefty fines

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Pasco County is considering fines ranging from $50 to $500 to help reduce the volume of false alarm calls that waste deputies’ time.

Figures collected by the sheriff’s office reveal that deputies responded to more than 17,000 alarm calls from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

Most of the calls came from residential alarms.

Of the alarm calls received, nearly 80 percent of total calls to homes and businesses were false alarms, the data showed.

“Most were caused by systems not being maintained,” said Chase Daniels, sheriff’s spokesman.

At a Pasco County Commission meeting on July 12, Daniels told commissioners that Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco agreed with a county initiative to craft an ordinance that creates a registry for alarm systems and approve fines for excessive alarm calls.

Commissioners directed the county’s legal staff to draw up such an ordinance for future consideration.

Of the more than 17,000 calls recorded in 12 months, about 13,500 were false alarms.

Daniels said one business had 187 alarm calls within 12 months.

Most residential calls occur when the owners are not home, and most business calls occur when the business has closed for the day, data showed.

The proposed ordinance would create an annual registry of alarm systems that would be maintained by the sheriff’s office. The registry would include information on the owner of the alarm system, the type of system in use, who monitors the system and individuals to contact when deputies respond to alarm calls.

A $50 fine would be levied for failure to register, and also failure to update registration information. Failure to respond to the premises within two hours of notification would cost $100.

Two warnings would be given for false alarms for those with registered alarm systems, but a $50 fine would apply for a third false alarm call. Fines would increase by $100 for subsequent false alarms to a maximum of $500.

If the sheriff’s office responds to a false alarm at a location with a nonregistered alarm system, no warnings would be issued. Instead, fines would begin at $100 and increase to $500 on the fourth and subsequent offenses.

Published July 27, 2016

Crews busy building schools in Pasco

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Wiregrass Elementary School is set to open this fall in Wesley Chapel.

Construction is well under way on a new high school on Old Pasco Road, which will open initially as a high school and a middle school.

That campus is expected to open in 2017-2018.

Construction also has started on a new elementary school that’s also expected to open in 2017-2018 in Bexley Ranch, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

Construction activity is well under way on a new high school on Old Pasco Road, which will open initially as a high school and a middle school. (Images courtesy of Pasco County Schools)
Construction activity is well under way on a new high school on Old Pasco Road, which will open initially as a high school and a middle school.
(Images courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Meanwhile, a major renovation project is planned for 2017-2018 at Land O’ Lakes High, on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes, said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

In addition to renovating the school, the project calls for adding a wing to increase the school’s capacity.

The district is still considering various options for where Land O’ Lakes High School’s students will be housed during its major renovation.

“Anytime you’re doing construction with students on campus, it gets more expensive. The project takes longer,” Williams said. “It’s harder to do.”

The school district continues to search for a high school site and an elementary site between Sunlake and Mitchell high schools, off of State Road 54.

As the district prepares to open new schools next year, it will begin holding boundary committee meetings in the fall, followed by parent meetings, and then eventually the Pasco County School Board, to determine the boundaries for the new schools.

This is what the new high school being built on Old Pasco Road is expected to look like, at completion. The school initially will be used for a high school and a middle school, because Pasco County Schools needs to accommodate more middle and high school students, but cannot afford to build schools for both.
This is what the new high school being built on Old Pasco Road is expected to look like, at completion. The school initially will be used for a high school and a middle school, because Pasco County Schools needs to accommodate more middle and high school students, but cannot afford to build schools for both.

The new high school is expected to affect the boundaries for Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel and potentially Sunlake high schools, Williams said.

The new middle school is expected to affect the boundaries for Weightman, John Long and potentially Rushe middle schools.

The new elementary in Bexley Ranch is expected to affect the boundaries for Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools. Meanwhile, the district may also consider shifting the boundaries between Oakstead and Lake Myrtle elementary schools, to provide additional relief to Oakstead and to help increase Myrtle’s enrollment, since it can accommodate more students, Williams said.

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 daycare or the ability to be involved in school activities.

Published July 27, 2016

 

Bayonet Point’s medical program hits milestone

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Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has graduated its first physician from its internal medicine education program.

Dr. Katie Groff, an Ohio native, was officially recognized at Bayonet Point’s first commencement ceremony for its Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program in Internal Medicine on June 22.

Dr. Katie Lynn Groff, right, is honored by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point as its first graduate from its internal medicine program. Dr. Michael Strobbe, medical director of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, stands next to Kitty Turner, Groff’s mother. (Photos courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)
Dr. Katie Lynn Groff, right, is honored by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point as its first graduate from its internal medicine program. Dr. Michael Strobbe, medical director of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, stands next to Kitty Turner, Groff’s mother.
(Photos courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

In 2013, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) approved Bayonet Point to start an accredited Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Groff joined Bayonet Point as a second-year internal medicine resident in July 2014; she previously was a resident at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania.

“It was an honor to be the first graduate, and be able to grow and work with all the doctors that were so helpful to me, teaching me everything,” Groff said. “I think that being a part of the new program was a unique experience that not everyone gets.”

Groff, now working as a hospitalist at Bayonet Point, said her middle school anatomy classes first piqued her interest in pursuing a medical career.

While she acknowledged the residency consisted of a demanding work schedule, she pointed out her two years in the program went quickly.

“Even though it was long hours, it wasn’t as terrible as it sounds,” said Groff, who lived in Spring Hill throughout her residency. “There was a bunch of residents that I became really good friends with.”

Adhering to a well-rounded lifestyle helped, too.

“My No. 1 piece of advice would be to keep a balanced life,” Groff said. “You don’t want it to totally be about medicine, because otherwise you’ll start to resent it. Keep your hobbies, and keep your friends and family close.”

Dr. Joseph Pino, chief medical officer at Bayonet Point, referred to the commencement ceremony as a “milestone” for the medical center and its upstart GME program.

“It was the culmination of a lot of effort,” said Pino, a primary care physician for more than 30 years.

Bayonet Point recently announced an incoming class of 16 residents for its three-year GME program. There are now 30 physicians in the program, which began accepting residents in July 2014.
Bayonet Point recently announced an incoming class of 16 residents for its three-year GME program. There are now 30 physicians in the program, which began accepting residents in July 2014.

Six more residents are on track to graduate from the program in 2017, said Pino, who joined Bayonet Point in December of 2013.

Residents train on general medicine teams and specialty services, including the emergency room, which is a Level II trauma center — the only one in Pasco or Hernando counties. Moreover, the hospital has 290 licensed beds, including 70 critical care beds.

According to the Florida Department of Health, there is a critical statewide need for physicians.

A study by the American Medical Association shows nearly 30 percent of Florida’s physicians are at least 60 years old, but roughly only 10 percent of the physicians in the state are under the age of 35. The study suggests that without an influx of younger doctors, the state’s demand for physicians will even further outpace the current supply rate.

“There’s not enough physicians in training programs throughout the state to accommodate residents, and not enough places to accommodate people who need medical care,” Pino said.

The medical center recently announced an incoming class of 16 residents, bringing the GME physician total to 30. Pino said he expects future classes to hover around the same figure, but added Bayonet Point may introduce more specialty graduate programs in the future.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, known for its nationally acclaimed heart institute, has more than 350 physicians, 900 employees and 500 volunteers on its integrated health care delivery team.

Published July 27, 2016

From Dade City, making Gator history

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Stipulated: Father-son combinations are scarcely so rare as to be particularly newsworthy in and of themselves. We’ve had father-son presidents of the United States, twice, and fathers have been handing off everything from international corporations to small family businesses almost since the idea of commerce emerged.

How ancient? The Abraham of Genesis begat the business of building great nations to Isaac and, if unwittingly, Ishmael.

Len Johnson, standing, and Hjalma Johnson are the first father-son presidents of Gators Boosters Inc., the fundraising arm of the University of Florida’s athletic association. (Tom Jackson/Photo)
Len Johnson, standing, and Hjalma Johnson are the first father-son presidents of Gators Boosters Inc., the fundraising arm of the University of Florida’s athletic association.
(Tom Jackson/Photo)

All of that is prelude to establish this: My deep roots in the University of Florida’s Gator Nation notwithstanding, I wouldn’t argue the newsworthiness of the following extension of the father-son tradition unless it were genuinely unique.

And, it is.

A couple of months ago, Len Johnson, 59, the Dade City-reared lawyer, became the 35th president of Gator Boosters Inc., the 14,000-member fundraising arm of The University Athletic Association Inc.

Len’s dad, the peripatetic Hjalma (pronounced “yomma,” rhymes with “comma”), whose reputation for joyful tears has made him the Fountain of Triple J. Ranch, was the group’s president during 2006-07 — undeniably the best year in University of Florida athletic history, if not the best year in the history of any big-college athletic program. And at a buoyant 81, Hjalma has a diamond-encrusted championship ring sandwich— a national football title between back-to-back basketball crowns — to show for it.

Still, we promised uniqueness, and we shall not disappoint: For all the legacy families tied to UF that have been prominent in Florida’s economy, politics and history, the Johnsons of Dade City are the first father-son presidents of Gator Boosters Inc. The absolute first.

And, to think Len’s old man once tried to scuttle this first-of-its-kind legacy. (OK, not really, but it makes an inviting tale.)

When the moment arrived a couple of years back to line up the president for 2016-17, executives and officers polled a key sample of the membership for a slate of candidates. On the appointed day for assembling the electors — most at UF’s athletic offices in Gainesville, some, like Hjalma, joining by speaker phone — then-President Rex Farrior III, the Tampa attorney/investor. Farrior, a one-time New York Yankees minor leaguer and former area youth sports star, declared only one name had been placed in nomination: Double-Gator Leonard H. Johnson, who earned UF degrees in business administration (1978) and law (1980).

At his office-shrine off the U.S. 98 Bypass in Dade City, Hjalma could hear murmurings of cheer accompanied by the approving rapping of knuckles on the boardroom table. Even as his heart swelled and his eyes puddled, Hjalma couldn’t resist playing the imp.

“Before you make a hasty decision,” the old Gator (industrial engineering degree, 1958) interjected with a teasing wink that was almost audible, “I want the board to know I have a lengthy c.v. (curriculum vitae, or life resume) on this Johnson fellow, and I’d like all the members to review it before they take a vote they might come to regret.”

“Hold it right there,” Farrior, 30 years Johnson’s junior, said from Gainesville, his voice crackling over the speaker phone in Dade City. “I’m going to say something to you I’ve been waiting nearly 10 years to say. Hjalma … you’re overruled.”

With that, the deed was done. Len Johnson, son of the weeping orator, became by acclamation president-elect.

Days later, Hjalma rang up Executive Assistant Rebecca Mahony, the group’s unofficial historian, wondering how long it would take to compile a list of all previous father-son Gator Boosters presidents.

“Not long,” Mahony replied. “In fact, I can give it to you right now. You and Len are it. It’s never happened before.”

Cue tears.

The president’s duties are substantially, but not entirely, ceremonial. As president of “The Team Behind the Teams,” Johnson is, in many ways, the head of the UF athletic program’ chamber of commerce. He’ll be part of on-field and on-court ceremonies, such as the one when Florida Field is officially renamed for Len’s first Gator hero, Steve Spurrier, the Heisman Trophy winner and legendary football coach.

Len also will be among the ribbon-cutters when the Stephen C. O’ Connell Center — home to the Gators’ indoor sports — reopens in December after a $64.5 million renovation, two-thirds of it financed by Gator Boosters efforts.

But, his prime directive is spearheading the group’s expansionist ambitions. Not that 14,000 reliable contributors — about 750 of them annual $15,000 “Bull Gators” — is small swamp cabbage. However, says Len, “We need to have 50,000. We need to increase the number who identify with the university at whatever level” they can muster, who will say, with their checkbooks, “Yeah, I’m a Gator.”

It’s an uphill climb, Len concedes, in an era when network contracts broadcast almost every game into the homes of fans where, “they have 70-inch high-def TVs, comfortable couches and the beer’s cheap.

“Support slips, when attendance falls, and that’s across the [Southeastern Conference],” he adds, increasing the challenge for a group that raises about $60 million a year.

While noting the clear differences between the son, known for stoicism and a dry wit, and his ebullient dad, Rex Farrior III is confident about the group’s leader, calling him “solid and methodical.” Len Johnson, Farrior says, sticks to his task even in the midst of upheaval.

Farrior’s confidence is sure to be tested, with two second-year coaches overseeing the university’s highest-profile sports and the pending retirement of long-serving Athletic Director Jeremy Foley.

On the other paw, all that change might herald the approach of opportunity. If it comes, new Gator Boosters President Len Johnson, the arid-cheeked first of his kind, should be uniquely qualified to tackle it.

Tom Jackson, a resident of New Tampa, is interested in your ideas. To reach him, email .

Published July 27, 2016

Grilling up delicious and nutritious foods

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When you think of summer fun and food, you usually think of cooking outside in the backyard, at a campground, or even the beach.

As you know, in Florida, the weather doesn’t always cooperate, so grilling indoors is another good option.

Indoor electric grills have been around for well over a decade.

The first to emerge was the contact grill style, with heat being provided by a top and bottom hinged grill, and so it cooked more quickly. This type of grill can be used to grill Panini sandwiches, too. Some of these grills even flip over to convert to a flat grill, to cook griddle style. As this style of grill evolved, manufacturers realized how important it was for the surfaces to be detachable so they could easily be washed, by hand or in a dishwasher.

The open grill style is more of a mini-version of the outdoor grill that can be used inside, but does not use charcoal or gas. It uses electricity. Some of these come with a lid which gives you more cooking options. Heat comes from the one-sided grilling surface, so foods have to be flipped. It takes longer to cook with this kind of grill than it does with a contact grill.

Whether you cook indoors or out, be sure to keep your food safe.

During these hot summer months, cooking outside on the grill poses some additional challenges.

Remember, when it is 90 degrees out, you have just an hour to eat or store your food, or you’ll need to discard it.

If eating inside, you have a 2-hour window.

Summer grilling provides a great opportunity to enjoy heart-healthy foods, by adding more poultry and seafood into your diet. Think about cooking chicken or shrimp kabobs to add more fresh fruits and veggies in your diet, too.

If you like the flavor combination of lemon and pepper, you should enjoy at least one of the following recipes.

Salmon or chicken? You choose.

Cooking times will need to be adjusted, based on the grilling method you use. Using an instant-read/meat thermometer will tell you exactly when the food is done.

Lemon-Pepper Salmon
Ingredients:
6 (6 oz. each) salmon fillets, about 1-inch thick, with skin
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
6 Tablespoons lemon-pepper butter (recipe below)

Preparation:
Prepare outdoor grill for grilling (medium-hot charcoal or if using gas – moderate heat and covered). If indoor-electric, prepare according to manufacturer’s directions.

Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Grill flesh-side down, on a lightly oiled grill rack or pan/electric grill surface, for approximately 4 minutes. Turn over and repeat grilling for another 4 minutes to 6 minutes, until the salmon is done.

The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked fish is 145°F. Use an instant-read/meat thermometer to check. When it is done, the fish will be opaque and will flake easily with a fork. When using indoor grills, be sure to look for signs of doneness, and check the internal temperature, so you don’t overcook the fish.

Spread 1 Tablespoon prepared butter sauce on each fillet and sprinkle with zest.

Makes 6 servings.

Lemon-Pepper Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
1 clove of garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Preparation:
Add ingredients to blender/food processor. Blend for approximately 30 seconds. This can be made the day before, put into a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator. Stir before using.

Lemon-Pepper Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil (EVO)
½ cup fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt

3 pounds of chicken pieces (legs and thighs work well – remove skin to reduce calories/fat)

Preparation:
In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients (except chicken) until well-blended. Pour marinade into large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken pieces, seal bag, turn to coat. Refrigerate overnight.

Prepare outdoor grill for grilling (medium-hot charcoal or if using gas – moderate heat and covered). If indoor-electric, prepare according to manufacturer’s directions.

Drain chicken, discard marinade. Place chicken on outdoor grill (or use grill rack), skin-side up.  Grill covered, over indirect medium heat for 15 minutes. Turn and grill another 15 minutes to 20 minutes longer until done. The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked poultry is 165°F. Use an instant-read/meat thermometer in the thickest part. For a nice white, fall-off-the-bone finished product, you may want to cook as high as 180F. Using an indoor grill may require shorter cooking times: 10 minutes to 12 minutes each side if using an open electric grill, an even shorter 4 minutes to 6 minutes each side when using a contact grill; so be sure to check the temperature often. Please remember that boneless pieces cook faster than bone-in pieces

Makes 6 servings.

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

Published July 27, 2016