Local News

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

Taking the labor out of cooking

September 7, 2016 By Betsy Crisp

With school back in session, many families are looking for ways to save time.

One simple kitchen appliance can help save time, reduce work and also produce delicious meals for the family.

That miracle worker is the electric slow cooker. The device is quite commonly called a Crock-Pot, which is the brand name of one of the early models available on the market.

The slow cooker can be a busy cook’s best friend. Assemble the ingredients, cook on high for one hour, then turn the dial to low and let the ingredients cook the day away — combining flavors for a delicious meal. (Courtesy of Betsy Crisp) — The slow cooker can be a busy cook’s best friend. Assemble the ingredients, cook on high for one hour, then turn the dial to low and let the ingredients cook the day away — combining flavors for a delicious meal.
(Courtesy of Betsy Crisp)

The device, invented in 1970, now comes in several brands, shapes and sizes, and often boasts many features.

As with any food preparation, there are some precautions to follow when you use a slow cooker, to keep your food safe.

Start with a clean crock/stoneware bowl, clean utensils, and a clean work area.

Be sure to wash your hands before you begin preparation and also between steps, to avoid the potential for cross-contamination.

Keep all perishable ingredients in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.

Do not use the crock or stoneware bowl to store uncooked meat or poultry in the refrigerator before cooking. That will slow down the cooking process.

You can prep in advance, but be sure to package your raw meats and vegetables separately. Assemble and mix them together in the crock when you are ready to cook.

Do not partially cook your meat and poultry, then finish cooking later.

If you defrost ingredients in the microwave or sauté meat and vegetables, do that just prior to adding them to the slow cooker.

Most slow cookers heat from the sides. By comparison, food cooked on the stovetop is heated from the bottom up.

For best results, the slow cooker should be half- to three-quarters full.

Do not use the slow cooker for large cuts of meat, such as a roast or whole chicken. Instead, cut large pieces of meat into smaller ones so that the heat can penetrate the meat more quickly.

Cutting the meat also helps speed the cooking process.

For most recipes, you should start cooking on high for the first hour to allow the ingredients to heat rapidly and move to above 140 degrees Fahrenheit — which is out of the “danger zone,” where bacteria thrive. After an hour, turn the dial down to low for extended slow cooking.

If you are leaving the cooker unattended, it is best to set the dial on low.

If you are home and want to speed the process, you can turn the pot on high for the last one hour to two hours.

Generally, one hour on high is equivalent to two hours on low.

Stirring is not required for slow cooking, so avoid the temptation to lift the lid during the cooking process. Lifting the lid releases heat. It takes approximately 20 minutes to recover lost heat, which extends the required cooking time and also increases food safety risks.

As with all cooking, check to doneness using a quick-read thermometer. Poultry and leftovers that are being reheated should be at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, when you test them.

It’s also a good idea to avoid using large quantities of frozen foods. For instance, don’t add more than one cup of frozen vegetables for a soup recipe. It is better to defrost or cook frozen food items before adding them to the crock.

Refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of serving. Break down large amounts into smaller containers before placing into the refrigerator. Do not store leftovers in the crock.

Never use a slow cooker to reheat foods. Reheating should be done on top of the stove or in a microwave oven to make sure food reaches a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, to reduce food safety risks or recipe should be brought to a boil before cooking/holding in a slow cooker.

Be sure to preheat the slow cooker before adding hot foods or liquids, to avoid breakage.

Always read and follow the instructions in the manufacturer’s “use and care” guide that came with your particular brand/model.

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 .

Confetti Chili for “Meatless Mondays”

Ingredients:
Three cans (16-ounce) dark red kidney beans (reduced sodium) drained and rinsed. For more variety, use one can dark red beans, one can light red beans and one can black beans.

Three cans (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes (no sodium added)

One package (1.25-ounces) reduced chili seasoning mix (reduced sodium)

One bag (12-ounce) soy crumbles/granules (Can substitute one pound of ground turkey or lean ground beef, drain fat and rinse off excess fat, then pat dry)

One cup finely grated cheddar cheese

The confetti is made from chopped veggies:

One-half cup diced carrots

One-half cup diced onion

One-half cup diced green pepper (and/or yellow)

Top each serving with one Tablespoon or two Tablespoons of grated sharp, cheddar cheese.

Makes 8 servings

Seasoning mix recipe

One Tablespoon chili powder

One teaspoon ground cumin

One-fourth teaspoon cayenne pepper

One-fourth teaspoon garlic powder

One-half teaspoon onion powder

One-half teaspoon salt

One-fourth teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Published September 7, 2016

Kids share kindness, through cookies, around Tampa Bay

August 31, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Eleven-year-old Angel Rosas and her 6-year-old brother, Ronaldo engaged in a somewhat unusual project over the summer.

They baked 1,500 cookies and delivered them around the Tampa Bay area.

It was their way of spreading kindness, and unconditional love, to those they encountered.

Their mom, Christine, came up with the idea for the project.

Christine Rosas and her children, Rolando and Angel, dispensed kindness, unconditional love and 1,500 cookies across Tampa Bay this summer. Here, they are making a stop at Trinity Café, which feeds homeless people. (Photos courtesy of Christine Ross) — Christine Rosas and her children, Rolando and Angel, dispensed kindness, unconditional love and 1,500 cookies across Tampa Bay this summer. Here, they are making a stop at Trinity Café, which feeds homeless people.
(Photos courtesy of Christine Rosas)

But, the kids were involved in everything from coming up with a tagline, designing a graphic and shooting a YouTube video.

They called the project Kookies 4 Kindness.

They wore T-shirts emblazoned with the logo.

They created a label for the plastic bag holding the cookies. It read: “We baked these cookies with love. It it is our hope that you share the same unconditional love with at least one person. Love, Angel and Ronaldo Rosas.”

The kids also baked the cookies, made from store-bought dough, in the kitchen of their Seven Oaks home in Wesley Chapel.

That’s where they bagged them up, too.

Then, they made deliveries to Tarpon Springs, to the Waffle House in Wesley Chapel and to Ybor City and the fire station there.

They also visited two Trinity Cafés, the Dade City Police Station, The Well, Corpus Christi School, and recruiting stations for the Navy, Air Force and the Marines.

They dropped by a Hillary Clinton campaign office. They tried to visit a Donald Trump campaign office, but they couldn’t find it.

They gave cookies to all kinds of people. Some were young; others, old.

Some wore military uniforms; others, tank tops.

One wore a cowboy hat; another, a baseball cap.

They gave cookies to men, women and children. Some were white, others black, Hispanic or Asian.

As the kids approached people, some were friendly and readily accepted their offering.

Others were warier.

Some thought there was some sort of catch, Angel said.

She attributes their suspicion to the clipboard her mom was carrying around.

These cookies are ready to pack into plastic bags and deliver across Tampa Bay.

Christine had the clipboard because she wanted to get the email address for anyone wanting a link to the YouTube video they planned to post about the project.

Once the clipboard was kept out of sight, people dropped their guard, Angel said.

There were some that turned down the cookies, Angel said. “Some people said they had allergies,” she said.

“Some people thought they had to pay for them,” Angel added. “We said, ‘No. No. We’re just passing them out. Their faces just kind of lit up, and they said, ‘Oh, thanks.’”

While they didn’t come up with the project themselves, the kids had ideas about where they should go.

Rolando wanted to help the poor and to make a stop at Corpus Christi, where he’s in first grade.

Angel, a sixth-grader who attends the same school, wanted to be sure to deliver the chocolate chip cookies to people who serve in the military and work in law enforcement.

“To find police officers was tricky. They were all out,” Christine said. Finally, they just dropped off some cookies at the Dade City Police Department.

And, the department acknowledged the kindness by sending a thank you note.

Christine hopes that the project will leave an impression on her kids.

She knows, in some ways, it already has.

“After the first day we went out, she (Angel) said, ‘You know mom, the people with all of those tattoos and piercings — they’re softies.’”

The whole idea is to introduce some kindness into a world that obviously needs it, Christine said.

“We have traveled a lot. We’ve lived in Australia and Saudi Arabia. We just came back to the U.S., in January,” she said.

She didn’t realize how many places in public continually play the news, she said.

“They’re constantly seeing all of this violence on the news and on the TV, and it makes them fearful,” Christine said.

“I just feel that there’s so much noise going on with a lot of different situations. We don’t need to be treating each other this way.

“I wanted them to see and experience positivity,” she said.

See the YouTube video of two kids sharing 1,500 cookies to spread kindness in Tampa Bay at tinyurl.com/hmlbuhl.

Published August 31, 2016

Various issues surface during town hall meeting

August 31, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

East Pasco residents flocked to the Dade City Courthouse to meet face-to-face with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12); State Rep. Danny Burgess, R-San Antonio; and State Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby.

About 100 residents gathered inside the Board of County Commissioners meeting room on Aug. 22 to voice their thoughts and concerns with their local representatives via a question-and-answer style town hall meeting.

One topic broached extensively throughout the nearly three-hour session: greater veteran care.

A town hall meeting was held on Aug. 22 at the Dade City Courthouse. From left to right: State Sen. Wilton Simpson, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and State Rep. Danny Burgess. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos) — A town hall meeting was held on Aug. 22 at the Dade City Courthouse.
From left to right: State Sen. Wilton Simpson, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and State Rep. Danny Burgess.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

One speaker voiced his concern about the increasing suicide rate amongst veterans, and the steps being taken to combat the epidemic.

The issue is a serious one, according to an August 2016 report by the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department that revealed a 32 percent increase in veteran suicides between 2001 and 2014. In 2014, veterans accounted for 18 percent of all adult suicides in the United States, with an average of 20 veteran suicides per day, according to the report.

Burgess suggested a possible solution is to have the state collaborate with federal partners to help fund more alternative therapeutic methods — hyperbaric oxygen therapy, yoga, and service dogs — for vets.

“It’s a staggering number of veterans that commit suicide regularly,” Burgess said. “They’re in combat, they’re overseas, they’re in horrible conditions, and then they come back home and that adjustment period, sometimes, is very difficult to make.”

Providing more jobs for veterans, too, is another prong to combat mental health issues, Burgess said.

“We have highly skilled, highly trained warriors coming back from overseas — let’s bridge the gap between their skills in the military and what they can do in the state of Florida,” he said.

About 100 constituents attended the question-and-answer style town hall, which lasted about three hours.

“We should make it easier for them to get licensed in the same skills that they’ve been trained for in the military,” Burgess said.

Bilirakis, vice chair of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, said funding needs to be better allocated toward high quality medical care for vets.

“We’ve got to make the VA stronger, but we’ve got to give our veterans options to seek private care if they wish,” Bilirakis said. “We need more veterans who are mental health counselors, and we need more diversified therapies within the VA. “Not one size fits all — that’s the problem with the VA,” he said.

Bilirakis noted there are still significant issues within the VA’s leadership structure, and its spending habits.

“We need to hold the VA accountable,” Bilirakis said. “We passed legislation to give the secretary the authority to fire individuals for not doing a good job — most of them are on the executive level.”

Another topic presented during the gathering were failures within the criminal justice system.

One speaker, a former inmate and drug user, shared her personal struggles within the prison system. She said that increasing diversionary and rehabilitation programs are, in some cases, more impactful than long-term incarceration in reducing recidivism rates.

The three politicians agreed that programs such as PACE Center for Girls and Bridges of America are examples of ways to help decrease the rate of repeat criminal behavior.

“Rehabilitation—we need to do more there,” Burgess said. “Some of the key factors to reducing recidivism is family and being close-knit within the community that you live in. We have a lot of lower-level, nonviolent offenders who are stuck in state prisons along with some very violent offenders, and sometimes that only puts them deeper within the criminal justice system.”

Simpson concurred: “You have to have that transition opportunity — to stop the cycle.”

He believes most people can be rehabilitated, especially youth.

Texting while driving was another area of focus during the meeting.

One speaker said the law, a secondary offense, needs to be harsher, especially in school zones.

Burgess agreed, but noted the initial passing of the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving” was already a major hurdle, and bumping it up to a primary offense would be a significant challenge.

“We just need to keep plugging along,” Burgess said. “There needs to be something more done to curb that behavior. Texting while driving is becoming a growing problem.”

The problem is prolific, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report that revealed there were more than 45,000 crashes caused by distracted drivers in the state during 2015.

One of the most animated moments during the town hall occurred when one speaker, representing the group Save Southern Heritage, lambasted Simpson for endorsing the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the state’s official seal.

The state senator was unapologetic for his decision-making.

“I don’t make excuses for my votes,” Simpson said.

“I’m not going to support a symbol that is meant from such hatred to such a large part of our population,” Simpson added.

The Save Southern Heritage speaker also scolded Burgess for supporting the removal of the Confederate Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith’s statue in the U.S. Capitol.

The state representative buoyantly defended his action to remove Smith from the National Statuary Hall in Washington D.C.

“I respect our history, I respect our past,” Burgess said, but he added, “I don’t believe Gen. Kirby Smith represents the third-most populous state in our union,” Burgess said. “I believe there are so many other people that should represent us in our nation’s capitol.

Burgess said he stands by his vote and is excited to see who will be chosen, because the state has many great representatives, ranging from Henry Flagler, to Mary McLeod Bethune, to Walt Disney.

Published August 31, 2016

Swiss manufacturer will relocate, bring 500 jobs to Pasco

August 31, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Mettler Toledo plans to build a new, 250,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Lutz that will bring as many as 500 jobs to Pasco County.

The company will hire 185 new employees and transfer another 320 jobs from operations in Ithaca, New York, and from 6005 Benjamin Road, in the Town ‘N Country area of Hillsborough County.

Viggo Nielsen, general manager of Mettler Toledo Safeline, (center in blue coat), announced plans for his company to build a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and bring 500 jobs to Pasco County. Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and Pasco Economic Development Council President Bill Cronin, flanking Nielsen, were among nearly 20 local and state officials at the Aug. 23 press conference. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council) — Viggo Nielsen, general manager of Mettler Toledo Safeline, (center in blue coat), announced plans for his company to build a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and bring 500 jobs to Pasco County. Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and Pasco Economic Development Council President Bill Cronin, flanking Nielsen, were among nearly 20 local and state officials at the Aug. 23 press conference.
(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The announcement was made at an Aug. 23 press conference at the West Pasco County Government Center in New Port Richey. Nearly 20 local and state elected officials and government leaders attended.

Mettler Toledo plans to invest more than $30 million in the project.

The plant will be located within Northpointe Village, off State Road 54 at the Suncoast Parkway.

Securing the manufacturer is seen as a boon for Pasco in its efforts to lure new, diversified industry to the county. It also keeps jobs in the Tampa Bay region. Company officials said they had looked at sites in Georgia and near Orlando.

“It was very important we keep this company in Tampa Bay,” said Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey. “We have available land for this company to expand. We play an important role in that, for the region.”

Indeed, Mettler Toledo Safeline’s general manager, Viggo Nielsen said no other area had suitable sites large enough for a building that will more than double the size of its current facility.

After 15 years of growth as a company, Nielsen said, “We really need more space. This actually is quite a central location and also a very nice place for our customers to come visit.”

Some of Mettler Toledo’s current employees live in Pasco, Nielsen added.

The Switzerland-based manufacturer is a global supplier of precision scales and services used in research, and the packaging and production of food and pharmaceuticals.

The company’s American headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.

The new facility will be part of the product inspection division for Mettler Toledo Safeline.

A groundbreaking is anticipated as early as October, with an opening in 2017.

The search for a new location began about a year ago when Mettler Toledo officials contacted Enterprise Florida Inc., the state agency tasked with bringing jobs to Florida.

The Pasco Economic Development Council, the county’s marketing and strategic development partner, was among agencies that responded to inquiries about potential sites for an unidentified manufacturer, later revealed as Mettler Toledo.

“It really is a regional win,” said Bill Cronin, president of Pasco EDC.

Partners in the efforts to attract Mettler Toledo included Pasco EDC, Enterprise Florida, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, CareerSource and Duke Energy.

Having available land was important, said Cronin, but a skilled labor pool also was essential.

“Workforce is big and the most important asset,” he said. “We also showed that we have an understanding of their business.”

Mettler Toledo is expected to receive monetary incentives, based on job creation. The Pasco County Commission is expected to receive an agreement detailing those incentives in coming weeks.

However, Nielsen said the incentives weren’t the major driver behind the company’s relocation to Pasco.

“It is about value creation in a broader sense,” Nielsen said.

Company officials looked for a pro-business environment and access to a diverse, skilled workforce.

“We will make this place a great place to work,” he said.

Published August 31, 2016

Student loan debt is affecting housing market

August 31, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Student loan debt nationally is a staggering $1.3 trillion dollars, or about 10 percent of all outstanding debt.

For seven out of 10 students, repaying student loans can be a nearly insurmountable obstacle that is altering career decisions and delaying the milestone of buying a home.

Nationally, the average student loan debt is about $30,000.

Across Florida, the average is about $25,000.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, wearing an orange dress, along with student leaders and members of the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS, held a press conference to highlight problem of student loan debt. (Courtesy of the office of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor) — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, wearing an orange dress, along with student leaders and members of the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS, held a press conference to highlight problem of student loan debt.
(Courtesy of the office of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor)

At the University of South Florida, about 60 percent of students have an average loan debt of $22,600. At the University of Tampa, about 60 percent of students owe about $34,000.

Unlike most debt, however, students by law are prevented from refinancing those loans.

It is a dilemma that is highlighted in a survey released by the National Association of REALTORS Research Department and American Student Assistance, also known as Salt.

The home ownership rate is falling, and younger generations saddled with student debt are part of the reason, the survey found.

“That (student) debt is thrown into the mix with any other debt they have,” said Jack Rodriguez, a Tampa real estate broker. “It affects the amount of loan they could get. With the ability to refinance into a lower interest rate…they would bring down their payment which would allow them to purchase more house.”

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Rodriguez and other real estate agents held a press conference on Aug. 22 at the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS to highlight the problem, and show support for a bill on refinancing student loans. They were joined by student leaders from USF, UT and Hillsborough Community College.

“If we really want to make a change, and want to protect our nation’s youth and generations to come, we need to focus on our assets, college affordability and how we’re going to fix this,” said James Scudero, student body president at UT.

Student loan debt is crippling, said Chris Griffin, peer advisor leader for USF New Student Connections.

Food banks can now be found on student campuses, and student homelessness is happening, Griffin said.

“The scary thing is the food banks are used,” said Alec Waid, student body vice president at USF.

The pending bill, known as the Bank on Student Emergency Loan Refinancing Act – has about 170 sponsors. But, efforts to pass the bill have stalled for at least two years.

“It’s something of a partisan issue. It shouldn’t be,” said Castor.

If approved, student graduates could refinance private school loans issued before July 1, 2015.

“A citizen can refinance their car loan, boat loan and their credit card debt,” Castor said. “But, students are not allowed to refinance their student loans. This would be a very good time to do this, because interest rates are very low.”

According to the survey, at least a quarter of all students have a typical loan debt of about $25,000. And, 71 percent of non-homebuyers say student loan debt is delaying the decision to buy a home. In some cases, the delay is about five years.

About 42 percent of students with loan debt delayed moving out of the family home. Millennials born between 1990 and 1998, and who made less than $25,000 in 2015, were most likely to stay at home longer.

But, younger generations aren’t alone in struggling with student debt.

Tampa real estate broker Alma Alexander said her daughter earned a degree in graphic arts in the 1990s and left school owing nearly $35,000. The debt wasn’t paid off until two years ago.

“She worked at paying it when she could,” Alexander said.

Published August 31, 2016

Conservation work yields statewide award

August 31, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Kaitlyn Greenough has nurtured a curiosity about nature and love of the outdoors since she was very young.

She also began her lifelong relationship with girl scouting at an early age. As a matter of fact, she was in kindergarten when she became a Daisy scout.

Kaitlyn Greenough is the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year for 2016. (Photos courtesy of Kaitlyn Greenough) — Kaitlyn Greenough is the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year for 2016.
(Photos courtesy of Kaitlyn Greenough)

Her love of nature and of scouting both have shaped her life, and offered her opportunities to get involved in volunteer work in the community.

Greenough recently received accolades for the work she has done, as a Girl Scout and a conservationist, to teach elementary-age children about water conservation.

The 20-year-old spent about 130 hours, over three years, researching and designing a water conservation course in her quest for a Gold Award, the highest honor bestowed on a Girl Scout.

She taught the course at Crystal Springs Preserve, a 525-acre sanctuary in Pasco County. For years, she attended summer camps at the preserve. She began volunteering there when she was 8.

In July, the Florida Wildlife Federation name Greenough the Youth Conservationist of the Year. The award was bestowed on July 15 in Bradenton.

“It’s the coolest award I’ve ever gotten,” said Greenough, the Zephyrhills High graduate who is now a junior at the University of South Florida.

A few months earlier, Greenough and other area Girl Scouts received their Gold awards from the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.

The Gold Award honors extraordinary leadership and community involvement by scouts in ninth through 12th grades.

Greenough also received a lifetime membership in the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

The young woman treasures the experiences she had through the Girl Scout program.

Kaitlyn Greenough, the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year for 2016, taught a class on water conservation at Crystal Springs Preserve.

“It’s about empowering women, and I really like that the exposure is generational,” she said. “You want to have women with power, and give them opportunities to just bond and grow.”

Friends and family sat in the audience at the banquet in Bradenton, as she received the state award from the wildlife federation.

Zephyrhills’ Mayor Gene Whitfield also surprised her with a proclamation from the City of Zephyrhills.

Diane Hines, spokeswoman for the federation, said Greenough imparted her knowledge to young people. “She was able to teach others about the importance of protecting our rare, fresh water springs.”

Located near the city of Zephyrhills, Crystal Springs Preserve allows visitors to step back into old Florida, and enjoy wooded trails, butterfly gardens, a wildlife pavilion and educational programs on preservation of the natural environment.

Crystal Springs is the source for Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water, which is bottled and sold nationwide.

Greenough began researching the springs at the preserve nearly three years ago. She then crafted a course where students could build their own small watersheds in a sandbox. They also toured the preserve and learned about its history, plants and wildlife.

She is working on her studio arts major at USF, but Greenough still thinks about a future with Girl Scouts.

“In the future, I’m definitely going to volunteer,” she said.

Published August 31, 2016