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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Tentative tax rate set in Zephyrhills

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The property tax rate in Zephyrhills won’t increase this year.

The Zephyrhills city council voted unanimously to set the tentative millage rate at 6.35 mills, the same figure set for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

Under state law, now that the millage rate has been set, the council has the option to reduce it prior to the start of the fiscal year on Oct. 1, but cannot increase it.

The property tax rate for the city of Zephyrhills has been set at 6.35 mills, the same as it was for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. The city council has the option to reduce it prior to the start of the fiscal year on Oct. 1, but cannot increase it. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)
The property tax rate for the city of Zephyrhills has been set at 6.35 mills, the same as it was for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. The city council has the option to reduce it prior to the start of the fiscal year on Oct. 1, but cannot increase it.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

City records show that maintaining a rate of 6.35 mills will generate about $3.71 million in property taxes, an increase of nearly $84,000 over last year. The figures are based on the proposed total city property value of about $622 million.

Councilman Lance Smith was adamant about not increasing the property tax rates, noting the city already has accumulated about $6.3 million in unallocated reserves.

“I know sometimes when we raise it, it doesn’t seem to come back down,” Smith said about the city’s millage rates.

Councilman Charles Proctor was in favor of setting a higher tentative millage rate until more “exact numbers” for the city’s draft budget become available.

“If we find out that we’re going to need more, we can’t go back and set it higher,” Proctor said. “I would personally rather set it higher…and if everything’s good, go back. …I understand about the reserves…but, it’s nice to have something for a rainy day.”

The councilman added that increasing the tentative property tax rate may become beneficial should a city emergency or natural disaster, such as a hurricane, arise.

“I’m not a doom and gloomer by any means, but if we have a bad storm or something like that, we may need that (reserve) money, and I’d much rather have it when we really need it than to not have enough to cover what we need,” Proctor said.

Council Vice President Alan Knight said he was comfortable setting the tentative rate at 6.35 mills, based on figures presented by Steven Spina, the city manager and Brian Williams, the city’s finance director.

In the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the tax rate was 6.1415 mills. Last year, the council opted to raise the rate to 6.35 mills to “accommodate operational improvements.”

The council also approved a motion to enter into a contract with Burton & Associates to conduct a financial sustainability modeling study for the city.

The report will analyze the city’s general fund and provide a 10-year financial forecast to help city officials unearth “different avenues of revenue enhancements,” beginning in fiscal year 2018.

The city manager said the sustainability model is ultimately designed “to make the city more financially secure in the future.”

“We think this would be a very viable opportunity for us to look at…how we spend money and help us with some new revenue sources,” Spina said. “It gives us an idea of how our reserves are kept and protected, and we might use it to look at debt and bond processes.”

The cost of the study is about $36,000, but the city plans to negotiate with Burton & Associates for a lower fee.

“I think the study is needed, but I think we should negotiate with them a little bit more,” Knight said.

The consulting firm performed a similar study for the city of Cocoa for about $28,000 in 2014.

Published August 3, 2016

Surveys reveal varied results

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It’s a tale of two surveys.

One of the surveys was mailed to a select number of residents.

The other was an online version, available to all Pasco County residents.

Some of the results were at odds.

The mailed survey showed a 4 percent increase in the number of people who like the overall quality of life in Pasco in 2016 as compared to 2015, and the same percentage of  improvement relating to the quality of Pasco services.

“The economy has a lot to do with that,” said Mark Bellas, the county’s organizational performance management administrator.

Online survey results reveal a less rosy picture. That showed an 8 percent decline in approval of the overall quality of life between 2015 and 2016, and nearly a 7 percent decline in the quality of county services, during the same period.

Bellas presented the results of the two surveys to the Pasco County Commission at its July 12 meeting in Dade City. The survey is a guide for local governments in setting planning agendas and making budget decisions.

More than 300 communities across the country participated in the National Citizen Survey.

In Pasco County, the National Research Center Inc., mailed 1,500 copies of the survey to randomly selected addresses. Of those, 284 surveys were completed. The margin of error was plus or minus 5 percent.

Online, more than 4,600 residents – 250 percent more than last year – completed a survey with the same questions posed in the national survey.

Though the surveys are linked, county officials noted only the results from the mailed surveys are scientifically valid. People online typically are focused on addressing specific areas of concern, they said.

Pasco has done the online survey every year since 2009. The first national survey also was done in 2009, and then each year from 2012 through 2016.

Safety is a top priority among survey respondents, along with mobility and the economy. But, people are feeling less safe than they did in 2015, the survey showed.

The survey found a slight increase in people who believe they get good return for their tax dollars. And in 2016, more people thought Pasco’s leaders were honest and treated residents fairly.

However, fewer people liked the overall direction of Pasco County and more people had less confidence in its government.

Road maintenance and code enforcement topped the list of “most important services” provided by government other than law enforcement, fire rescue and emergency medical services. But most survey responders, online and by mail, ranked the quality of those services last.

“We’ve got some work to do, and we know that,” said Bellas.

On the good side, ratings for overall economic health are trending up.

Some survey questions sought to define how Pasco can become a “premier” county.

Again, mailed surveys painted a better picture of Pasco’s qualities than the online survey.

For instance, nearly 80 percent from the national survey said Pasco has outstanding government services, compared to only 70 percent online. While 60 percent from the national survey said the county adequately maintains infrastructure, about 52 percent agreed with that online.

Overall, Bellas said the message from the survey results show residents want the county to focus on the “big picture” for Pasco.

Despite an economic recovery, Bellas said funding remains an issue for many of the problems Pasco faces.

But he said, “I think we could get to premier now if the funding was available.”

Published August 3, 2016

Zephyrhills is looking for a new city attorney

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For the first time in more than a decade, the City of Zephyrhills needs to find a new city attorney.

Joseph A. Poblick, 41, stepped down from the position after Gov. Rick Scott appointed the attorney to the Pasco County Court.

Poblick replaces retiring judge Mark H. Salton, who presided over misdemeanors, driving under the influence and criminal traffic cases.

Poblick’s last city council meeting as the council’s attorney was July 27.

Joseph A. Poblick, 41, stepped down from his position as city attorney for the city of Zephyrhills after Gov. Rick Scott appointed the attorney to the Pasco County Court. The Zephyrhills City Council meeting on July 27 was Poblick’s last as city attorney. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)
Joseph A. Poblick, 41, stepped down from his position as city attorney for the city of Zephyrhills after Gov. Rick Scott appointed the attorney to the Pasco County Court. The Zephyrhills City Council meeting on July 27 was Poblick’s last as city attorney.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

“It’s been a wonderful decade,” said Poblick, who’s had the role since 2006. “I remember not too long ago I did a tally of all the council meetings I’ve attended…and it’s a rather large number.”

Poblick said he didn’t have much notice of his appointment to the bench, which prevented the city from finding an immediate successor.

“We’re kind of caught between a rock and a hard place,” Council Vice President Alan Knight said, during the council meeting. “We need to get somebody on board.”

Poblick recommended the city should hire an interim attorney, as the search continues for his permanent replacement.

“I think it’s important to have somebody in place now,” Poblick said. “To the best of my knowledge (the council) has nothing that’s critical coming up, but I still think it’s important to have somebody on call should something arise.”

Poblick told the council that candidates for the permanent position don’t necessarily need to have a great breadth of municipal experience to handle city attorney duties.

“I think if you can find a qualified attorney, there’s things they can pick up and things they can look into,” he said. “I don’t think you need to limit yourself to someone who has prior government experience. I think a lot of it is you’ve just got to find somebody you’re comfortable with.”

Poblick also served as city attorney for both Port Richey and New Port Richey, leaving all three Pasco County municipalities in similar predicaments.

City Manager Dr. Steven Spina said New Port Richey’s city manager, Debbie Manns, reached out to him about the possibility of creating an inter-local agreement to share an attorney.

However, the Zephyrhills council decided that it would be preferable to hire its own city attorney, ideally from a law firm based in East Pasco.

“If they can be a Zephyrhills or Dade City firm, I think that would be best,” Councilman Lance Smith said. “It doesn’t have to be, but you get somebody out of Tampa or Land O’ Lakes, I think we’re kind of going to be a little bit forgotten.”

Poblick, who ran his own private practice in Dade City since 2005, concurred: “If there’s one thing that made it easier in my representation, it was being close by.”

Two of the more recent high-profile cases Poblick oversaw as Zephyrhills’ city attorney: the 2015 firing of a Zephyrhills Police officer for unlawful use of a taser, and the 2012 ouster of former Zephyrhills Mayor Steve Van Gorden, in the wake of sexual harassment allegations.

Poblick previously served as an assistant state attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit.

He received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida and his law degree from Loyola University.

In 2012, Poblick ran unsuccessfully in a four-way primary to replace retiring judge Robert P. Cole.

Published August 3, 2016

Code enforcement crack down in Pasco

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A code enforcement sweep along U.S. 41 produced a slew of warnings, citations and three building condemnations.

Code enforcement officers with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, county code enforcement inspectors, county building inspectors, and employees of animal control joined for a two-day sweep of the Land O’ Lakes corridor from State Road 54 to State Road 52.

The sweep — conducted on July 5 and July 6 — resulted in 70 warnings and seven citations. Three buildings were condemned, and one residence failed to meet minimum housing standards.

County officials said many of the warnings and citations were for junk and debris, illegal signs and banners, and inoperable vehicles.

The sweep prompted a half-dozen phone calls to Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader, with callers complaining of unfair treatment. They told Schrader citations were handed out, without prior warnings.

Last year, commissioners adopted an ordinance to enforce minimum standards for the upkeep of commercial buildings on corridors such as U.S. 41, U.S. 301 and U.S. 19.

Some Land O’ Lakes business owners lobbied against the ordinance, citing excessive government regulations.

Property owners who might need to repair their buildings were given until May 1 to bring them up to code.

“I thought they were going to be giving out warnings,” Schrader said during a recent Pasco County Commission meeting.

 

But, county officials said the recent sweep on U.S. 41 was a general sweep and not solely focused on commercial buildings.

“They are sweeping for everything,” said Don Rosenthal, assistant county administrator for development services.

Tharpe said residences and businesses were included in the sweep. To date in 2016 more than 45 sweeps have been completed including ones on Moon Lake Road and U.S. 19.

During the U.S. 41 sweep, the sheriff’s office participated for one day only and issued citations.

More than a year ago, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco created a code enforcement unit.

“It’s a new mission that the sheriff wanted to do to improve the quality of life,” said sheriff’s spokesman Kevin Doll.

Law enforcement officers can issue citations for code violations on the spot, said Doll.

That is a tool that county code enforcement inspectors don’t have, said Micah Tharpe, the county’s code compliance manager. “We are not law enforcement officers,” he said.

Instead, county inspectors first issue warnings and give people up to 30 days to correct problems prior to a reinspection.

“We expect full compliance,” Tharpe said.

On this sweep, county inspectors only handed out warnings, Tharpe said.

The next step would be to issue citations.

Published August 3, 2016

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