Local News

Pasco Economic Development Council honors businesses

September 14, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The Pasco Economic Development Council honored eight businesses at its 30th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards on Sept. 8.

More than 600 community and business leaders attended the event at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

Shauna McKinnon, center, of Bayfront Health Dade City, accepts a special recognition award during the 30th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards presented by Pasco Economic Development Council. Bill Cronin is to her left and Barbara Wilhite is to her right. (Photos courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council) — Shauna McKinnon, center, of Bayfront Health Dade City, accepts a special recognition award during the 30th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards presented by Pasco Economic Development Council. Bill Cronin is to her left and Barbara Wilhite is to her right.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

Courtney Robinson, 10News WTSP anchor, emceed the event.

The winners, according to information provided by Pasco EDC, were:

Ortho Technologies Inc. – New Business Award
Crestmark Pharmacy Services LLC – Manufacturing Industry of the Year (one to 25 employees)
Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group – Manufacturing Industry of the Year (26 or more employees)
Optimum Plumbing LLC – Service/Distribution Industry of the Year (one to 25 employees)
Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning – Service/Distribution of the Year Award (26 or more employees)
Global Electronics Testing Services LLC – Technology Award
Bayfront Health Dade City – Special Recognition Award
Marjorie’s Hope – Special Contribution Award

Companies were nominated in the spring and then interviewed by members of the Pasco EDC awards committee.

Vladimir Breton, of Optimum Plumbing, addresses the audience. His company won Service/Distribution Company of the Year.

Winners are selected based on exemplary growth in job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation and community service.

Other finalists this year were:

Compark 75, Dixie Belle Paint Company, First National Bank of Pasco, Nicopure Labs LLC, Premier Community Healthcare Group, Rogers Tower P.A., Southeast Bottling & Beverage Co., Southeast Personnel Leasing Inc., Trxade Inc., and USA Underwriting Solutions of America.

In addition to the announcement of the awards, the banquet featured a keynote address by Attorney Barbara Wilhite, the Pasco EDC’s chairwoman.

Those pictured here represent the companies which won awards during the 30th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council.

It has been a year of transition for the council, including the hiring of Bill Cronin as the group’s president and chief operating officer, according to the Pasco EDC release.

Wilhite noted the approval by Pasco County commissioners of a cooperative agreement with the Pasco EDC to direct about $3.2 million from Penny for Pasco dollars toward job growth and economic development.

Wilhite also touched on the recent announcement that Mettler Toledo, a Swiss-based manufacturer, planned to relocate from Tampa to Pasco, and also build a new facility at Northpointe Village, near the Suncoast Parkway.

The Pasco EDC helped bring another 14 projects to fruition.

Wilhite said these efforts are expected to result in nearly 850 new jobs and more than $145 million in Pasco investment, according to the release.

Published September 14, 2016

Zephyrhills company offers EpiPen at no upcharge

September 7, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

In lieu of the soaring costs for an EpiPen, one local pharmacy chain is offering the life saving, anti-allergic reaction device at no upcharge.

The Canadian Medstore, based out of Zephyrhills, says their cost for an EpiPen Twin Pack is $180, compared to the over $700 being retailed at traditional area pharmacies.

Mylan, the makers of the EpiPen, recently announced it would produce a generic version that it would sell for $300 a two-pack. That move came after intense criticism following the company’s announcement that it was increasing the price of the product by nearly 400 percent. The device, which was sold at a wholesale price of just under $60 in 2007, has risen to $600 for a two-pack in 2016. It marks the product’s 15th price hike over the past seven years. (Courtesy of Mylan) — Mylan, the makers of the EpiPen, recently announced it would produce a generic version that it would sell for $300 a two-pack. That move came after intense criticism following the company’s announcement that it was increasing the price of the product by nearly 400 percent. The device, which was sold at a wholesale price of just under $60 in 2007, has risen to $600 for a two-pack in 2016. It marks the product’s 15th price hike over the past seven years.
(Courtesy of Mylan)

Mylan, the makers of the EpiPen, recently announced it would offer a generic version that would sell for $300 a two-pack. That move came after the company drew intense criticism for increasing its product price by nearly 400 percent.

The device, which was sold at a wholesale price of just under $60 in 2007, has risen to $600 for a two-pack in 2016. It marks the product’s 15th price hike over the past seven years.

The Canadian Medstore, which opened in 2003, has international contracts with pharmacies based in Australia, Canada, England and New Zealand.

In those countries, medications are often 60 percent to 70 percent less expensive than in the United States.

Bill Hepscher, director and founder of the Canadian Medstore, said the company typically “averaged one or two orders in a month” for the EpiPen, but is now seeing a surge in calls from more families requesting the anti-anaphylaxis device.

“We’re literally getting five or 10 calls a day now,” Hepscher said, noting that most of his clientele are seniors on fixed incomes, and families that are uninsured or have high deductible health plans.

Hepscher often witnesses the costs of prescriptions “being a huge issue for families.” But, the EpiPen is a unique situation, he said, because it can mean “life or death for a child.”

“It’s literally the definition of holding a gun to the head because there’s not another option,” he said. “I think that’s why there’s so much outrage.”

Nut and bee allergies are oftentimes hereditary, leading to multiple children or parents needing the product, Hepscher explained.

“Sometimes it’s two or three kids that have the same allergies, and the parent is not only going in and paying $600, but $1,800,” he said. “It’s pretty crazy when you think about a family having to spend that kind of money on a prescription.”

The Canadian Medstore, based out of Zephyrhills, says their cost for an EpiPen Twin Pack is $180, compared to the over $700 being retailed at traditional area pharmacies. (Courtesy of Bill Hepscher) — The Canadian Medstore, based out of Zephyrhills, says their cost for an EpiPen Twin Pack is $180, compared to the over $700 being retailed at traditional area pharmacies.
(Courtesy of Bill Hepscher)

The Medstore, which has six locations throughout central Florida, doesn’t hold any medications on its shelves. Instead, via its customer service center, the company sends prescriptions — which must be filled by an American doctor — to licensed pharmacies in one of those aforementioned four countries. Medications are then mailed directly to patients.

According to a recent report by Bloomberg Businessweek, an EpiPen costs “just several dollars to make,” and contains about “$1 or so worth of epinephrine.”

Hepscher believes the pricing should be in “a more reasonable range,” but also understands the pricing structures of some pharmaceutical giants.

“Of course the argument could be made that it costs so much money to come up with these products,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of family members that if it wasn’t for modern pharmacology, we probably wouldn’t be here anymore. I think the pharmacy industry, in general…is a super innovative industry, and I really believe that there’s a lot of really good, smart people working hard…to make our lives better.

“All I do know is that we can get the same exact medication in Canada or England for a third of the price, so I think that speaks volumes.”

The Canadian Medstore is located at 38176 Medical Center Ave. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit its website at DrugstoreUnlimited.com.

Published September 7, 2016

Ideas sought for Pasco school names

September 7, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County School Board is seeking suggestions from the public for names for two schools the district plans to open in the fall of 2017.

One school, now known as Elementary B, is being built in Bexley Ranch, north of State Road 54 and east of the Suncoast Parkway.

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

The new elementary school is expected to help reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools.

The other school needing a name is now known as High School GGG. It is currently under construction on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

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

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

Before any decisions are reached on the boundaries for the new schools, boundary committees will meet, parent meetings will be held and the school board will make the final vote.

Meanwhile, the school board has begun the naming process for the schools.

In its school naming policy, the board welcomes suggestions from the public, students and educators.

The board prefers to name schools after the general location, features of the area, or historical information about the school’s location. The suggested name must be brief and descriptive.

The board will consider naming schools after individuals, but those individuals should be of a person of prominence recognized for his or her outstanding civic or educational contribution. The board also will consider naming a school after an elected official or a school district employee, but only after that person has been deceased for two or more years, or has left public office or employment with the district two or more years ago.

Once the name is adopted, it is considered permanent, unless the facility or its use changes.

Those wishing to submit a suggestion should do so by Oct. 1. Suggestions can be emailed, along with a brief explanation supporting the proposed name. Submissions can be emailed to .

Please type “Elementary B” or “High School GGG” in the subject line. Submissions also can be faxed to (813) 794-2716.

Suggestions also can be mailed to: Deborah Hebert, Pasco County Schools Communications & Government Relations Department, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, Florida, 34638.

Published September 7, 2016

Union Park offers super-fast Internet speeds

September 7, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Union Park is delivering the lickety-split Internet connections that homebuilders say homebuyers are increasingly putting at the top, or near the top, of their desired list of amenities.

Along with the clubhouse, swimming pool, trails and green space, homebuyers are putting greater emphasis on new technology and what it adds to quality of life, homebuilders say.

Mike Lawson, right, director of operations for Metro Development Group, and Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore discuss the unique features of Union Park, including the one-gigabit Internet connections available at the Wesley Chapel community. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Mike Lawson, right, director of operations for Metro Development Group, and Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore discuss the unique features of Union Park, including the one-gigabit Internet connections available at the Wesley Chapel community.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

From Day 1, Union Park residents are connected to UltraFi, a fiber-based delivery system with connecting speeds as fast as one gigabit. Starting speeds generally are 100/100 megabits per second as part of a standard package included in homeowner association fees.

But, Bright House Networks, in partnership with Metro Development Group, is ready to boost speeds to the maximum.

Turning lights on and off, cooling or heating the house and setting alarms — is a tap away, at home or remotely.

Besides that, videos, photos, data can be downloaded in seconds, not minutes, and uploads are just as fast.

“It’s a requirement if you are building here,” said Mike Lawson, director of operations for Metro Development Group. “You contract to prewire. Every builder is embracing this.”

In the future, Metro developers expect other developers to consider this new technology as a staple of homebuilding, the same as water, utilities and electricity. For now, they feel like pioneers in a cutting-edge concept to provide these connections from the ground up, not as an add-on after move-in day.

“We’re trying something radically different,” said Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations for Metro Development Group.

At build-out, Union Park could have a maximum of 1,800 homes. Home prices range from $200,000 to $500,000.

When construction began there in 2014, Union Park was the first Metro development to install UltraFi. Since then, three more UltraFi communities have opened in Hillsborough County — Park Creek, Waterleaf and Sereno.

But, Union Park also has been a testing ground for an even grander vision for a master-planned “Connected City” development within about 7,800 acres in central and eastern Pasco County. The site is designated as a state-approved special district, bordered by Interstate 75, State Road 52, Curley Road and Overpass Road.

The district is a 10-year pilot program, but the plan, in total, will evolve over 50 years as several mixed-use development projects emerge.

“This (Union Park) is the platform that will help launch Connected City and take the development of its technology to the next level,” Lawson said. “We were the first in the nation to come up with this idea.”

UltraFi is what sold Russ Griggs and his family on Union Park.

Griggs, his wife, Donna, and their three children moved into Union Park nearly a year ago.

They had checked out other Wesley Chapel area subdivisions first before making their choice.

Turtle statues squirt water at a splash pad outside the Florida-style open-air clubhouse at Union Park.

“I work from home. I have a software company, so a high speed connection is very important,” said Russ Griggs, product development manager for Osprey Compliance Software. “I do a lot of video conferences with people around the world.”

People often comment on the download speed and crisp screen shots, he said.

The super connectivity also is a plus for leisure streaming on tablets, computers or televisions for the Griggs and their three children, ages 7 to 13.

In addition to its Internet connectivity, Union Park also boasts outdoor common areas; miles of multi-use trails; a dog park; a Florida-style, open-air clubhouse; a birdhouse village; a zen garden; and, a shaded “tot lot.”

This is all part of creating a sense of community at Union Park, with technology as the common unifier, Goyani said.

In most cases, urban areas are the focus of companies seeking to deliver faster Internet speed and WiFi connections, but Pasco is proving to be the exception to the rule.

Pasco has an advantage with its large swaths of rural landscape where retrofitting isn’t required, and costs for new infrastructure are less expensive, Lawson said.

Google Fiber, for instance, has a 30-city initiative with plans to provide one-gigabit speeds. Recently, the company announced a delay in moving forward, including a project in Tampa.

“It is extremely expensive to retrofit, dense urban environments,” Lawson said.

The next step for Connected City is a public hearing of the county’s Local Planning Agency on Sept. 15 at 1:30 p.m., at the Pasco County Historic Courthouse in Dade City.

For information on Union Park, visit UnionPark.metroplaces.com.

Published September 7, 2016

New commission on women forms in Pasco

September 7, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Two years ago Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and attorney Michele Hintson met by chance at a symposium on empowering women in politics and leadership.

They were the only two women at WeWill Tampa Bay from Pasco, but quickly bonded around a singular goal: To form a Commission on the Status of Women.

Hintson joined county staff members on Aug. 23 in presenting a plan to launch the commission.

The Pasco County Commission unanimously approved the concept.

“This is a historical day for women in Pasco County,” Starkey said.

The final vote and nominations to the 15-member commission are expected on Sept. 13.

Each county commissioner will appoint a member to the women’s commission.

Other community organizations, mostly nonprofits, will recommend nominees to fill out the remaining 10 slots. The county commission will make the final selections.

Participating organizations include Metropolitan Ministries, Sunrise of Pasco, Pasco-Hernando State College and Saint Leo University.

“The commission hopefully will be able to provide research and resources to develop opinions and make recommendations to (Pasco County) commissioners about certain needs in the community for women,” said Hintson, a Land O’ Lakes resident and an attorney with the Tampa-based law firm, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick.

Issues might include equal pay, human trafficking, affordable housing, women’s health care and the needs of children.

Research by Pasco County’s legal staff revealed that the commission organizers aren’t reinventing the wheel.

An ordinance establishing a commission on women’s status won the approval of county commissioners on Oct. 16, 1979.

However, except for that one document, there is scant evidence of what happened afterward. It appears the commission was never fully activated, Hintson said.

Hintson said many women participated in two years of meetings to finalize plans to reactivate the Pasco women’s commission.

They included community activists, educators, county staff and business leaders, such as Rosie Paulson, Kelly Mothershead, Suzanne Legg, Elizabeth Blair, Krista Covey and Stephanie Pontlitz.

More than 200 commissions on the status of women are operating nationally. About 20 such commissions are in Florida, including one in Hillsborough County that began in the 1990s, and a Florida Commission on the Status of Women.

President John F. Kennedy formed the first women’s commission in 1961, with former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as chairwoman.

Published September 7, 2016

Primary elections over, now onto November

September 7, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Fewer than one-fifth of the registered voters in Hillsborough and Pasco counties decided the outcome of the primary elections on Aug. 30.

Some of the more notable races had Pat Frank defeating Kevin Beckner for the Democratic primary for Clerk of the Circuit Court in Hillsborough County, and Gary Joiner defeating Ted Schrader in the race for property appraiser in Pasco County.

Claude D. Brown, a Land O’ Lakes resident and poll deputy, has worked 22 elections at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — Claude D. Brown, a Land O’ Lakes resident and poll deputy, has worked 22 elections at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

In other high-interest races, Marco Rubio handily defeated Carlos Beruff and other challengers in the Republican race for U.S. Senate, while Patrick Murphy won by a substantial margin on the Democratic side of the ticket in both counties.

Voters in both counties, and across Florida, overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that extends to commercial and industrial properties a renewable energy tax break already enjoyed by residential property owners. The amendment also exempts all renewable-energy equipment from state tangible personal property taxes.

The amendment needed 60 percent approval from voters and still requires action by the Legislature to enact the changes.

Mary Deeny, of Lutz, was among the early-bird voters who trickled in between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., on Aug. 30, at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, to cast their ballots.

Overall, voters in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties chose to stay home from the polls.

In Hillsborough County, of 812,359 registered voters, just 153,626 cast ballots, representing a turnout of 18.91 percent.

Hillsborough voters who showed up early at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library seemed to share a singular motivation, while not always agreeing on candidates.

Lutz resident Mary Deeny said she hasn’t missed an election since age 18. Not voting is never an option, even if outcomes don’t always go her way.

The 51-year-old is puzzled about why more people don’t vote. Maybe she said, “They are not tapped in. It’s tunnel vision. I think they don’t understand the importance of local government.”

Carrollwood resident Jeff Jenkins, 63, considers voting a responsibility. He cast his first ballot at age 18.

“I think it’s an obligation to vote, plain and simple, whether it’s a primary or a general election,” Jenkins said.

One reason some might stay away from the polls is a belief that their vote won’t count, he said. “I think it’s a lack of engagement and a disconnect.”

Lewis Gray, husband of school board candidate, Lynn Gray, sets up a ‘Lynn Gray for School Board’ sign near the entrance to Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library.

Donna Trask was motivated to vote in a particular political contest.

“I definitely wanted to vote for Marco Rubio,” said Trask, 68, of Carrollwood.

Rubio also collected a vote from Kristen Mayer, who lives in the Lake Magdalene area.

Mayer thinks voting gives people a chance to choose who serves their communities. “We may not always like the choices, but we are the ones who are going to change the choices (by voting).”

Local races, especially for the Hillsborough County School Board, motivated Sherry Knox to go to the polls.

She arrived before 8 a.m., prepared to wait in line. It turned out she didn’t have to, because only a handful of voters were there. It took Knox just minutes to vote.

“I thought it would be more today,” Knox said. “To me, it’s important because it’s local government. It affects us directly. I don’t know why people don’t vote.”

She supported school board candidate Lynn Gray in the District 7, at-large race.

Meanwhile, in Pasco County, of 326, 937 registered voters, 60,943 cast ballots. That represents an 18.64 percent turnout.

Sherry Knox, who lives in the Lake Magdalene area, was especially interested in voting for her candidates in the school board races.

Voters trickled in at Alice Hall at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills.

Those arriving felt a civic obligation, or wanted to support a particular candidate.

Sixty-one-year Laura Cotty, a retired insurance processor, wouldn’t miss an election.

“I always vote. Your voice doesn’t matter if you don’t vote. …The main reason I came out is to vote on the property tax (Amendment 4), so that renewable energy is not taxable,” Cotty said.

Fifty-four-year-old Susan Woods, who is self-employed, said she was mostly interested in that issue, too.

Eighty-three-year-old Robert Merchant also felt compelled to vote. “It’s our duty,” he said.

Seventy-seven-year-old Mary Merchant wanted to show her support for a candidate in the race for District 1 of the Pasco County Commission.

“I happen to like Mr. (Ron) Oakley. Out of all of the (stuff) on television, he was about the nicest and the most honest,” she said.

For for full results, visit PascoVotes.com and VoteHillsborough.org.

–Staff writers Kathy Steele and Kevin Weiss contributed to this report.

Published September 7, 2016

Hillsborough County needs volunteers

September 7, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Hillsborough County is sending out a call for residents who want to serve their community on citizen advisory boards.

Volunteers are needed to fill positions on these boards: Affordable Housing Advisory Board; Building Board of Adjustment, Appeals & Examiners; Child Care Facilities Advisory Board; Child Care Licensing Hearing Officer; Children’s Services Advisory Board; Council on Aging; Family Child Care Home Advisory Board; Health Care Advisory Board; Health Council of West Central Florida Inc.; Historic Resources Review Board; Historical Advisory Council; Hospital Authority; Land Use Appeals Board; and, Mechanical Board of Adjustment, Appeals & Examiners.

Board members are not paid.

Applicants may apply for more than one board but may only serve on one board at a time, unless specifically approved by the Hillsborough County Commission.

Deadline for applications is Sept. 15.

County commissioners are expected to vote on board appointments at a meeting in October or November.

Applications are available in the reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., or by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator at (813) 272-5826.

Applications also can be found on the county’s website, HillsboroughCounty.org by clicking on “Government” and then “Boards and Committees.”

There is an Application Questionnaire for County Appointments and a Standards of Conduct Form.

To be eligible for appointment, all applicants must sign, date and complete each form. Additional directions for submission are listed on the questionnaire.

If you apply to a board that requires a background check, a Background Investigation Disclosure and Authorization Form also is required.

For information, contact Luann Finley, director of board services, at (813) 272-5826.

Published September 7, 2016

Dale Mabry wastewater enters final installation phase

September 7, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Motorists tooling around the North Tampa area may have to take a few detours in coming weeks, as Hillsborough County completes the pipeline installation on the Dale Mabry Wastewater Diversion project.

The project requires the closures of both lanes and roads in portions of Carrollwood Village. The works is expected to be completed by early October.

These areas will be affected:

Salem Street will be closed between Waltham Avenue and Four Oaks Road, until Sept. 16.
Salem Street will be closed between Four Oaks Road and Pittsfield Avenue, from Sept. 19 through Oct. 7.
Pittsfield Avenue, from Salem Street to Lowell Road, will be closed Sept. 19 through Sept. 30.

Detours and lane closures will be clearly marked, and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., flag crews will help direct motorists and pedestrians who reside within the closure zones.

Approximately 6 miles of 24-inch and 36-inch diameter reclaimed water pipeline is being installed to transfer wastewater flows from the Dale Mabry Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility. (File Photo) — Approximately 6 miles of 24-inch and 36-inch diameter reclaimed water pipeline is being installed to transfer wastewater flows from the Dale Mabry Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility.
(File Photo)

The pipeline construction is being done by traditional open cut installation, which involves dewatering the area, digging trenches, installing the pipeline, backfilling and restoring the area.

The work marks the final phase of the $35 million diversion project, which will consolidate wastewater flow operations in northern Hillsborough.

Once the 24-inch and 36-inch reclaimed water pipeline transmission mains are installed, the 40-year-old Dale Mabry Wastewater Treatment Plant in Carrollwood Village will be retired, and wastewater will flow directly to the Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility, 10890 South Mobley Road in Odessa.

A pump station, as well as reclaimed water tanks, will replace the Dale Mabry plant, which will be demolished, likely in early 2017.

The Dale Mabry Wastewater Diversion Project is one of three components of the larger, $240 million Northwest Hillsborough Wastewater Consolidation Project.

The other phases involve expanding the Northwest facility to accept and treat additional wastewater flows, as well as retiring the River Oaks Wastewater Treatment Plant, where construction is expected to begin next spring.

Officials say the entire program will improve treatment efficiency, reduce power costs and minimize future rate impacts.

“It’s kind of like an old air conditioner. When you replace your old air conditioner, it’s like, ‘Wow, I really saved a lot of money,’” Thomas Rawls, program manager of the Northwest Hillsborough Wastewater Consolidation Project, said in February. “When we transfer that flow to the new plant, it’s like you’re getting better motors, better energy savings.

“Everything’s more efficient.”

The county expects the entire Northwest Wastewater program to save the county approximately $80 million over the next 20 years. Water rates will not rise for residents, officials say.

“As soon as we start transferring that (water flow), the county’s saving money,” Rawls said.

Once the wastewater facilities at the Dale Mabry site are removed, it will leave a majority of the site as a green space, which is likely to become a county park.

Published September 7, 2016

Accomplishing dreams is within our reach, author says

September 7, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Former insurance professional Barbara Brekke didn’t have an ideal childhood.

The Land O’ Lakes woman said she grew up in a small town outside of Chicago in a household rocked by domestic violence.

Barbara Brekke left a job she loved to pursue her dream of public speaking and writing. The Land O’ Lakes woman has written a book, ‘Dream Weaver, Goal Achiever,’ which provides inspiration and practical advice for people who want to change their lives. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Barbara Brekke left a job she loved to pursue her dream of public speaking and writing. The Land O’ Lakes woman has written a book, ‘Dream Weaver, Goal Achiever,’ which provides inspiration and practical advice for people who want to change their lives.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

When Brekke was 15, her mother suddenly announced that in two days she would be leaving the family to go live with another family in Chicago.

The teenager felt heartbroken.

In retrospect, however, “that really was a good change,” Brekke said. “It just didn’t feel like it.”

She went on to secure a high-ranking position in the insurance industry, overseeing large projects. For the last 10 years of her job, she commuted between Florida, Chicago and other places — overseeing employees and projects.

It was a job she loved and didn’t want to leave.

But, she knew she would never be able to pursue her other dreams, if she stayed in that job.

So, she spent a year finishing projects and training her replacement, then she set off to pursue new ventures in Florida.

Namely, she wanted to be a public speaker and a published author.

But as time went on, she also discovered the desire to become a certified life coach.

Brekke, who lives with husband Mark Dewlow, is already a public speaker.

She has written one book, “Dream Weaver, Goal Achiever,” and still aims to write a memoir and children’s books.

Her “Dream Weaver” book offers a step-by-step approach to help people convert their dreams into reality.

But, it’s not just about helping people’s dreams come true, Brekke said. It’s also about helping people who feel stuck to dislodge themselves from whatever is weighing them down.

This is the cover of Barbara Brekke’s book. The Land O’ Lakes woman said writing the book turned out to be a lot harder than she thought it would be.

Throughout her 15-chapter book, Brekke combines inspiring thoughts along with practical suggestions.

For instance, she urges readers to be true to themselves: “Honor and respect your dreams, regardless of the thoughts and opinions of others,” she writes.

She also helps them to set their priorities.

“If you only had six months to live, what would you spend those six months doing? What if it was one month? Even just a day? Make a list of everything that you would do and who you would spend time with. This will give you a picture of what is important to you right now — it will tell you what your priorities are today. You will also want to think further into the future at least three years.

“Be sure the things most important to you are respected in your planning and addressed in your goals, to ensure the most positive outcome,” she writes.

She also urges readers to take a page from the corporate handbook, and to write a mission statement for themselves.

“Creating a personal mission statement will help you organize your thoughts, priorities, direction and time. Make your mission statement short, clear and important so that is easy to focus on,” she writes.

It’s also wise to be realistic in setting a new direction, according to Brekke.

“Explore the risks, challenges, and obstacles that are currently interfering with your dream of living the life you want to live. Write all these down honestly. Include fears you haven’t faced and obstacles you haven’t overcome.

“Could a negative attitude be holding you back? Do you need to work on enhancing your health and getting rid of bad habits?”

“List specifically everything you want to be, have, do and share over the next three years. This will help you create goals, large and small,” she writes.

It’s also important to recognize that change often means giving up one thing, to pursue something else — like she did, when she left the job she loved to pursue desires she’d had for years.

“Sometimes, in order to grow, there are people, habits and things we must leave behind,” Brekke said.

For more information about Brekke’s book, or to line her up for a speaking engagement, call (813) 751-5420, or visit GoBeyondYourDreams.com.

Barbara Brekke’s tip for handling papers
Handle papers only once:

Read it.
If it’s not important, put it in the recycling immediately.
If action is required, put it in your Action Folder to keep for the time you scheduled to work on those items.
Determine if someone else can handle it, and if so, delegate.
Consider the information. If it’s important, file it appropriately for later reference when you will be easily able to access it when needed. Keep in mind the majority of things filed for reference are later never looked at again. Do you really need it for future reference? If so, maybe it’s best to keep it in an online file. Scan it in, if necessary.

Published September 7, 2016

Twice the love for Land O’ Lakes

September 7, 2016 By Diane Kortus

In early August, my family spent a week in a log cabin in northern Wisconsin. Two things were remarkable about this vacation — one that’s reflective about family transitions; the other that speaks to unexpected coincidences.

Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News, at rear, enjoys a boat ride with her daughter, Rachel Mathes, and her grandson, Connor Mathes, on a lake in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin. (Photos courtesy of Diane Kortus) — Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News, at rear, enjoys a boat ride with her daughter, Rachel Mathes, and her grandson, Connor Mathes, on a lake in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin.
(Photos courtesy of Diane Kortus)

This was the first time my adult children and I spent time together that was not centered on a major occasion — graduation, wedding, birth, Baptism or sadly, a funeral. We looked forward to being together without the hoopla of a special event, and reconnecting with no agenda to follow or emotional ups and downs.

This gathering included my son, Andy, my daughter-in-law, Erin, my 1-year-old grandson, Connor, my daughter, Rachel, my longtime boyfriend Vic, and our family dogs Buddy, Travis and Patch.

It was a glorious week on Lac Vieux Desert, a beautiful 4,200-acre lake whose southern shore is in Wisconsin, and northern banks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The lake, famous for giant muskies and a proliferation of bald eagles, was perfect for idly exploring with a pontoon boat powered by a 50 horsepower Mercury.

With Andy’s family living in Appleton, Wisconsin, and Rachel attending graduate school in Tallahassee, it is only once or twice a year that we’re all together under the same roof. So, in addition to getting away from the office and Florida’s miserable August heat, I looked forward to observing the evolution of my children’s adult relationships.

One-year-old Connor Mathes and his dad, Andy Mathes, enjoy some time out on the water.

Those of you who have raised children know what I’m talking about — kids do not automatically leave behind their childhood conflicts and competition for their mother’s attention when they turn 18. Their childhood dynamics continue until the seeds of maturity take firm root in adult responsibilities.

In my family’s case, my kids are four years apart, which meant Andy grew up with a little sister who was always in the way, and Rachel grew up with a big brother who was forever picking on her.

Now that they’re 28 and 24, they’re finally settling into a sibling relationship of mutual respect, patience and support. Sure, they still pick on each other, and at times leverage to be Mom’s favorite, but overall I was proud to observe their relationship evolving into one of adult sibling love.

Another Land O’ Lakes

When I began my search for a log cabin, I looked in areas within three hours of my son’s home in Appleton. This led me to the Eagle River resort area, and ultimately the cabin we found 20 miles north on Lac Vieux Desert.

When I booked the cabin in May, I did not pay attention to the surrounding communities. But, as our week in August got closer and I began looking for things, I discovered that the closest town to our cabin was Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin.

That coincidence stopped me in my tracks. Land O’ Lakes is my home here in Pasco County. Of course I knew about the Land O’ Lakes butter made in Minnesota, but had no idea there was another unincorporated town in the U.S., also named Land O’ Lakes.

The chamber of commerce for Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin, is housed in a charming log building.

Except for an abundance of lakes in both communities, the name is about the only thing the two Land O’ Lakes have in common.

According to Wikipedia, the Wisconsin town has just 861 residents, compared to 31,145 here. The town’s geographic size in Wisconsin is huge, at 95 square miles. Here in Pasco, Land O’ Lakes encompasses just 18 square miles. Of course, the weather is dramatically different, and we’re much younger, more affluent and better educated here in the Land O’ Lakes where I live.

While I marveled at the coincidence, when I told people I met in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin, that I lived in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, they smiled politely, but were not overly impressed or even surprised. So I gathered that over the years, a lot of us local Lakers have made the trek to our sister city in the north woods.

And, that reminds me of another difference between our two towns. Here, we call ourselves Lakers, which is where this newspaper took its name when it was founded in 1981. In Wisconsin, Land O’ Lakes residents call themselves Landos.

But, we both use the acronym LOL when writing about our town, which for residents of both communities, will never mean “lots of laughs,” despite what everyone else in the world of text believes.

Published September 7, 2016