The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

The story behind sticky notes and advertising circulars

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You may have noticed we’ve had a few more advertising circulars in The Laker/Lutz News since the beginning of the year. And, that we’re now selling sticky notes on our front page.

We’ve received a few emails and calls from readers asking about these inserts and notes, and I thought other readers might have similar questions.

So, let’s begin with advertising circulars. New to our papers is the weekly SmartSource coupon book, which has between 28 and 40 pages of manufacturer coupons for mostly grocery, drugstore and household products. SmartSource is included in all of our home delivery routes, which totals 32,000 homes in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills. Coupon clippers love SmartSource for the savings it offers, plus it is a perfect complement to the Publix circular that has been in our papers since 2010.

In January, Walmart started running its circular in our Wesley Chapel edition. For now, Walmart is being delivered to the 3,300 homes we reach in the 33545 zip code, but we anticipate other zips will be added in coming months.

SmartSource and Walmart join several long-time circular advertisers in The Laker/Lutz News. In addition to Publix grocery and liquor, most weeks we have circulars from Michaels Arts and Crafts, Ulta Beauty, JCPenney and Ace Hardware. Plus, we’re anticipating that Lowe’s will be coming on board in March once it’s new Lutz store opens on State Road 54.

As much as we wish otherwise, the paper delivered to your particular home may not include circulars from every one of these stores. And that’s because national merchandisers are experts at analyzing zip codes and use The Laker/Lutz News in combination with daily newspapers to reach the households they are targeting in this market.

I share this with you because readers have complained when a friend or family member gets circulars in their paper, but they don’t get them in their edition. These readers typically think we are intentionally omitting their neighborhood.

If it were up to us, we’d insert the same circulars in all 43,750 papers that we print and deliver every week. That would be good for our readers — most whom do not subscribe to a daily paper — and obviously good for our sales. But the number of circulars we insert is determined by the merchant — we can only deliver as many circulars as we receive.

We believe that, in time, our reader loyalty will persuade these national accounts to add all — or at least more — of our circulation to their buy in The Laker/Lutz News. If you want to help us make that happen sooner, let the local manager of these stores know that you would like to receive their circular in your weekly community paper.

Now let’s talk about the front-page sticky notes. This is something new for us that local businesses have inquired about for many years. New technology has finally made these notes affordable for small businesses. Plus, the minimum order has dropped to 25,000, which is about what one needs to put a sticky note on every front page in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

We had some complaints last week when a sticky note covered up a front-page photo of the Rev. Ron Aubin, accompanying a story about Our Lady of the Rosary Church’s low-gluten communion hosts. We obviously did not intend for this to happen, and we explained that to Father Ron.

We also want you to know too, that we are working with our printer on the placement of these notes so they do not interfere with our photos. However, when they do, these notes are easy to peel off and we hope will not interfere with your reading enjoyment.

We do understand that many people find these front-page notes bothersome. However, they are easy to remove and we, and the businesses that wish to advertise in their local newspaper, recognize that these are a very effective advertising tool.

Industry research shows that sticky notes increase advertising response rates by 45 percent. Obviously, this makes this form of advertising a cost effective way to let people know about a special offer or product.

In addition to helping local businesses market their products and services, sticky notes helps to pay our bills. The Laker/Lutz News are free newspapers, which means advertising is our sole source of revenue. The ability to generate income from sticky notes helps us to produce a quality community newspaper every week that is delivered free to your home.

Published February 4, 2015

Saint Leo University hosts anti-bullying event

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Quinton Aaron doesn’t look as if he could ever have been the target of bullies. After all, at 6-feet-8-inches, he is a sizeable presence.

Actor Quinton Aaron brought his anti-bullying campaign to Saint Leo University on Jan. 27, as the university is founded on a core value of respect—one of six core values. (Courtesy of Jonathan Shoemaker)
Actor Quinton Aaron brought his anti-bullying campaign to Saint Leo University on Jan. 27, as the university is founded on a core value of respect—one of six core values.
(Courtesy of Jonathan Shoemaker)

These days, he also carries the added aura of being a charismatic actor who landed a breakthrough role in “The Blind Side.”

The movie depicted the story of Michael Oher, the Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman who was adopted when he was a homeless teenager and went on to become a first-round draft choice in the National Football League.

Life was different, though, Aaron said, when he was a skinny youth, with a big forehead and “binocular” looking glasses.

At that point, the actor said, other students often physically and verbally abused him.

And now, he’s determined that other students not suffer the way that he did.

In 2012, the actor started the Quinton Aaron Foundation to focus on anti-bullying and childhood obesity.

Last week he took his anti-bullying program to Saint Leo University where he spoke to a standing room only crowd of nearly 300 people at the Student Community Center.

His foundation and the university’s Office of Residence Life, as part of its Bully Prevention Lecture Series, sponsored the event.

Aaron, who lives in Pasco County, plans to take his program into local schools.

He’s also promoting a free mobile application – CensorOut – that can block hateful messages from being seen by students on social media sites. It is available to Instagram users, but within a month will also be usable with Facebook and Twitter.

“We want to blast this out to the country,” Aaron said.

CensorOut monitors for pre-programmed and self-programmed words or phrases. If hateful messages are posted online, repeat messages can be blocked from being posted. Parents can receive email notification and the message also will be saved as proof of what was said and who sent it.

“It allows kids to stop being bullied and parents to see what these kids are saying,” Aaron said.

Aaron asked the crowd to load the app and many audience members took out their smartphones and did.

“Anything with social media is a great way to get through to kids,” said Kayla Bryant, 19, who plans to become a public school teacher.

“I think it is amazing that he is using his popularity for such a cause. Most adults don’t want to talk about it,” said Bryant, a sophomore at Saint Leo, who herself was bullied in second grade through ninth grade.

The bullying stopped, she said, when “I stood up for myself. I encourage other people to do the same.”

Dade City resident Lucy Payne brought her 8-year-old son, Dallas Payne, and five foster children to Aaron’s presentation. She is past president of the Pasco County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association.

Children get bullied for all kinds of reasons, Payne said. The clothes that they wear, their speech, or just the way they look can make them targets for meanness, she added. “I see what goes on: It’s getting them past that.”

David Tyler, the foundation’s executive director, collected contact information from people interested in internships or part-time work with the foundation.

Tyler met Aaron two years ago in Tampa. He previously worked for actor Danny Glover.

Aaron and Tyler kicked off the anti-bullying program more than two years ago with a 45-day national tour to 66 cities and 32 states. They focused on high schools and middle schools.

Aaron was able to get students to open up about their problems by telling them about his experiences.

During his middle school growth spurt, Aaron shot up to 6-feet-4-inches, weighed more than 300 pounds and wore size 17 shoes.

He also had moved from New York to Augusta, Georgia, and didn’t fit in with the popular crowd.

His mother frequently visited his school to complain to administrators and teachers that school bullies beat and verbally abused her son.

She enrolled him in self-defense classes, and she gave him advice.

“There’s nothing that kid can say that can hold anything,” she told him. “What you have to do is show it doesn’t affect you because it shouldn’t affect you.”

Aaron encourages people to be proactive in standing up to bullies.

“Be vocal in your school,” he said. “I don’t care if you are called a tattle-tale. I just want ya’ll to protect yourselves and spread the word.”

Published February 4, 2015

Pasco officials to discuss potential charter government

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The Pasco County Commission is having a workshop to explore whether a charter form of government would be in the best interest of residents.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., on Feb. 12 at the West Pasco Government Center, in the boardroom on the first floor. The government center is at 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader said Pasco County commissioners should be prepared to ask plenty of questions about the charter form of government when the board holds a workshop on the issue on Feb.
Pasco County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader said Pasco County commissioners should be prepared to ask plenty of questions about the charter form of government when the board holds a workshop on the issue on Feb.

Switching to a charter government could lead to massive changes in Pasco County government.

State Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, is advocating that Pasco voters be allowed the option to vote on whether the county should shift to a government governed by a charter.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano thinks shifting to a charter government would lead to higher taxes and more layers of bureaucracy.

Commissioners discussed the idea at their Jan. 13 meeting, then decided to call a workshop for a more detailed look at the issue.

Under state law, either a majority of county commissioners or a petition signed by 15 percent of the county’s registered voters can create a charter commission. In Pasco, that would require more than 46,000 signatures.

Once a panel is formed, it has 18 months to complete a charter that Pasco voters would adopt or reject.

At the Jan. 13 meeting, Pasco County attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said there are 20 charter counties operating across the state’s 67 counties.

The charter dictates the shape that the government will take, he said.

At the board’s Jan. 27 meeting, Schrader reminded commissioners of the upcoming workshop and encouraged them to find out about how charter government works in other jurisdictions.

“We need to make sure we ask as many questions as possible,” Schrader said.

Commissioner Mike Moore said commissioners may benefit from talking with elected officials in jurisdictions using a charter form of government.

Schrader added: “Don’t just stop with the elected officials.”

Constituents served in those jurisdictions may offer a different perspective on the issue, Schrader said.

Schrader said it’s also a good idea to talk with the constituents in those places, to hear how charter government works from their perspective.

The commission has invited representatives from the Florida Association of Counties to provide information and answer questions at the public workshop.

Ginger Delegal, the general counsel for the association of counties, will make a presentation on the charter process. Kurt Sptizer, former executive director of the association of counties and now a private consultant, also will be on hand.

Pasco commissioners also have invited the county’s legislative delegation and the county’s constitutional officers.

Published February 4, 2015

Economic outlook: Steady, but modest growth

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The economic outlook both nationally and locally is for modest, but steady growth, according to Scott Wren, an economics expert for Wells Fargo Advisers, based in St. Louis, Missouri.

Wren, who spoke to a crowd of about 125 people at a luncheon hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council, used two phrases to sum up the forecast for the near future: “good but not great” and “modest growth.”

Economics expert Scott Wren expects economic growth to be modest but steady, both nationally and locally. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Economics expert Scott Wren expects economic growth to be modest but steady, both nationally and locally.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The luncheon on Jan. 29 concluded Business Development Week and was at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club in San Antonio.

Its theme was Equity Strategy Outlook for 2015.

Wren is more bullish than bearish about the 2015 stock market, but global events including the financial outlooks in China and Europe will affect the United States economy broadly, as well as the local level, Wren said.

At home, Congress needs to be more business-friendly, he said.

“I want you to go away optimistic,” Wren told his audience. “I don’t want you to be wildly optimistic.”

Among hopeful signs are modest but steady economic growth of about 3 percent for 2015 and probably for another two years, Wren said.

But Wren cautioned: “Don’t get fooled into thinking we’re going to accelerate. They are truly in a dream world if they think they can get the economy to grow by 5 percent and consistently grow by 5 percent.”

At least for the next couple of years, Wren also expects inflation to remain low and wages to climb only modestly. “People aren’t gaining a lot of buying power,” he said. “I don’t expect that to change anytime soon.”

Even so, consumer confidence is at an all-time high and that, he said, means people are more willing to spend on discretionary items such as furniture and automobiles, or take a cruise.

Business confidence also is increasing and companies are more willing to make purchases that had been put off during the recession, such as technology upgrades.

Trey Starkey, chief executive officer of Starkey Ranch, offered this reaction to Wren’s assessment.

“I think he’s spot on. It’s the way it feels for the real estate end and ag (agriculture) end too,” Starkey said.

Modest but steady growth is much better than the extremes that came with the real estate boom and the economic downturn that followed, Starkey added.

“The slow modest growth model is a lot more sustainable. It will be in place for a long time,” Starkey said.

The number of houses that can be built annually has fallen, but the volume is no longer at the lowest end either, Starkey said. “You’re not going to hit it out of the park in one year,” he added. “But you don’t have the end of the world either.”

In the Tampa Bay area, including Pasco, there are signs that the modest growth described by Wren is taking hold, particularly among larger companies with $25 million to hundreds of millions of annual revenues, said Skip Miller, senior vice president and commercial relationship manager for SunTrust Bank.

“They are reinvesting in themselves, acquiring businesses and buying equipment,” he said. “They’re really seeing a nice impact.”

Small businesses have not rebounded as much, but prospects are improving.

Strip malls that once had 70 percent of storefronts vacant now may have only 30 percent vacancy, Miller said.

“There’s still a way to go, but the last two quarters have shown a pickup on the small business side,” he said. “Confidence is coming back.”

Johnny Wild of Wild Real Estate Investments in Lutz and George Esparza of W & S Auto Center in Zephyrhills agreed that small businesses are doing better. But they want to see fewer business regulations and a banking community more open to lending money to small businesses.

Wild described himself as “conservatively positive.”

Tom and Deni Nihra moved their company, J.T.D. Enterprises, from Michigan to the Wesley Chapel Compark 75 nearly two years ago. The company manufactures tubular assemblies used in products such as golf ball retrievers and flagpoles. Their products also are applicable with defense technologies.

Before relocating, the couple considered sites in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Volusia counties. They also met with Pasco County officials and staff members of the Pasco Economic Development Council.

“By far, they were the group that was the most organized, the most welcoming,” he said. “They went out of their way to help us get information to make a decision.”

Tom Nihra, company vice president, liked Wren’s view that defense spending is likely to go up no matter who resides in the White House in 2016.

The news on consumer spending also is good news.

“That gives me a reason for feeling more optimistic,” he said.

Published February 4, 2015

Land O’ Lakes to get its largest liquor store

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The Pasco County Commission unanimously approved a new liquor store in Land O’ Lakes, despite objections by a competitor.

Party Liquors & Fine Wines plans to open a store in the shopping center at the northeast corner of State Road 54 and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The 11,250-square-foot store will sell package beer, wine and liquor at the location, 2410 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

It would be the company’s third store, according to Nick Tanoukhi, the store’s owner.

Tanoukhi said he expects to hire 10 full-time and 15 part-time employees.

Joseph Nahas, of TJ Liquor, located on U.S. 41, objected to the proposed liquor store.

Nahas noted there are nine liquor stores within a 5-mile radius and said there’s not enough of a market to support the additional store.

Nahas said the new store might not add anything to the community, but could harm his business.

An area resident also questioned the location of the new liquor store, noting it was within 1,000 feet of a school and a church.

But county planners, who recommended approval of the request, said the distance requirement previously had been waived for another business in the shopping center. So, that provision does not apply in this case.

Tanoukhi said Land O’ Lakes residents will benefit from the store because it will offer better prices.

Pasco County attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder told commissioners that the county’s criteria for granting conditional use permits does not address the issue of competition.

“Generally, the way the code works is, it’s a free market system,” Steinsnyder said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she has a bias against big corporations wiping out mom and pop operations. But in this case, she said, the new liquor store is not a large corporation.

Starkey said the best way that competitors can retain their business is to offer excellent customer service.

Published February 4, 2015

Pasco attracts company through incentives

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The Pasco County Commission approved an $85,000 incentive to a Land O’ Lakes company that plans to create 17 jobs, with an average wage exceeding $107,000.

The company Retail Process Engineering LLC operates at 20537 Amberfield Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

It offers a range of strategic, functional and technical retail supply chain consulting focused exclusively on retail.

The company, which is known as RPE, works with leading midsize retailers across the United States and Canada.

Some of its clients include Boy Scouts of America, Dollar Tree, Fifth & Pacific, Francesca’s Collections, It’Sugar, KatzGroup, Kipling, Mark’s, Michael Kors, Newfoundland Labrador Liquor, Papyrus, Rexall, rue21, Spencer’s, The North Face, VF Corp, vineyard vines, and XS Cargo.

In addition to approving the economic incentives for this company, commissioners heard a 2015 progress report from John Hagen, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council

So far, in 2015, the county has attracted five companies and created 154 new jobs.

It also has had 64 new leads so far this year, compared to a total of 205 last year.

Those new opportunities include a plastic injection molding company, a distribution facility and support office, a medical product manufacturer, a medical service provider, a medical product supply and distribution company, and an aerospace technology firm.

The economic development council has made 29 company visits and presentations, attended trade shows and development conferences. and used social media and news releases to traditional media to tell Pasco County’s story.

It also uses contractors’ roundtables and developers’ roundtables to encourage growth and stability, and has several upcoming events planned to help stimulate growth and share information regarding job creation, site selection and other economic topics.

Published February 4, 2015

Riggleman benefit offers display of true community spirit

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Barbecue smoke wafted through the air, musicians sang on the stage, and women sold plants under the shade of an oak tree during a Feb. 1 fundraiser to benefit Lewis and Diane Riggleman of Dade City.

A fire swept through the couple’s home days before Christmas, causing damage that’s so severe the house cannot be repaired.

Donna Messenger and Susan Maesen were at the City of San Antonio Park bright and early on Feb. 1 to help sell plants at a community benefit for Diane and Lewis Riggleman. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Donna Messenger and Susan Maesen were at the City of San Antonio Park bright and early on Feb. 1 to help sell plants at a community benefit for Diane and Lewis Riggleman.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Fire and smoke damage ruined most of the couple’s other belongings, and their dog, Taz and cat, Christopher, perished in the blaze.

Lewis is an ornamental blacksmith and has been involved in blacksmithing in the local community for years. He has participated in many arts and crafts shows, as well as worked as a true crafts demonstrator. As owner and operator of the Ramshead Forge in San Antonio, he offers an introduction to blacksmithing as well as advanced training for more experienced students.

Diane is a storyteller and craftsperson who demonstrates broom making, rope making, and other traditional crafts throughout Florida and the Southeast.

The community event at the City of San Antonio Park was an incredible outpouring of love and generosity — and a bit overwhelming, Diane Riggleman said.

When she and Lewis arrived, they knew a benefit was being held in their honor, but they had no idea how many people would be there.

The crowd was so big that Diane thought there were two events going on at the park.

Diane Riggleman said she and her husband, initially, didn’t want people to go out of their way to help them. There are many other people who have gone through worse trials, she explained.

But many people pitching in at the benefit said it was a pleasure to help the couple.

In many ways, the community festival felt like a giant reunion, Diane Riggleman said.

People showed up that the couple hasn’t seen in years, she said.

She said she and Lewis don’t use the word “awesome” to describe things, but in this case the character of the event truly merits the description.

The benefit ran from noon to 5 p.m., but volunteers began assembling hours before festivities began. They set up folding chairs so spectators could enjoy the bands playing on stage. They lugged plants to sell under the shade tree. They arranged gift baskets and auction items on tables. They prepared food to sell.

Chet Taylor, owner of the Dade City Animal Clinic, spent hours slow-cooking the pulled pork that he transported to the event to be sold to help feed the hungry masses, while raising money to help the Rigglemans.

Once the event got under way, volunteers were busy selling and serving food, pouring beer and selling chances for the drawings.

Everyone seemed happy to be playing a part.

Donna Messenger, a native of Dade City who lives in North Carolina now, was there with Susan Maesen, selling plants.

Both women have known the Rigglemans for decades.

“They’re just a very neat couple,” Maesen said.

“They’re definitely people-people,” Messenger added.

“I think they’re astounded by people doing this.”

“My slogan has been: They need cash now,” Messenger said.

One of the event organizers, Dennis Devine, said he’s known the couple “forever.”

The couple didn’t have insurance, but the community is stepping up, Devine said.

“We’ve got thousands of dollars of donated stuff, beautiful items,” he said.

Wendy Clifford, from St. Joseph, was there helping, too.

Her husband, Joe Clifford, and the Rotary Club played a huge role in putting on the event.

“The both of them are really good people,” Wendy Clifford said. “So, now we’re trying to help them. This is all community.”

Besides helping them, the event was fun, Diane Riggleman said.

“There was great dancing. There was food. It was amazing,” she said.

“We slept last night, like babies.”

Want to help?
The Rotary Club of San Antonio is collecting donations through its 501(3)(c) nonprofit fund to qualify the donations as tax deductible.

Funds raised will be deposited in the Rotary Club of San Antonio, FL Fund Inc., account at the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union prior to full distribution to the Rigglemans.

Online donations may also be made through Go Fund Me at GoFundMe.com/jrxxpg.

Published February 4, 2015

Keeping rural Pasco rural

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After waiting a decade, residents in northeast rural Pasco County are finally embarking on a quest to create development standards for their quiet neck of the woods.

During a Jan. 27 Pasco County Commission meeting, county staff told commissioners that they plan to begin holding stakeholder meetings on the issue in February.

The county’s work plan cites a goal of adopting Northeast Pasco Rural Development Standards in December.

Two residents in the affected area, near Dade City, praised commissioners for getting the ball rolling on the effort.

“This is a banner day for us,” said Nancy Hazelwood.

“Please take into consideration that you have a group that’s been interested in this for 10 years,” she told commissioners.

She also made this request: “Please keep the meetings in the Dade City area.”

Richard Riley offered his gratitude for the inclusion of the issue in the county development department’s work plan.

“It appears our prayers have been answered,” Riley said.

He also urged commissioners to ensure that any voting members in the stakeholder process have a personal stake in the area, not outside influences.

“The Northeast Rural area should be represented by people with a real passion for that area,” Riley said.

Anyone should be allowed to offer input and make presentations to the stakeholder group, but not have a vote on the committee, Riley said.

Published February 4, 2015

Freedom High shocks district with playoff berth

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When a soccer team finishes the regular season with a 2-8-3 record and a seven-game winless streak, most people wouldn’t expect them to advance past their district tournament and into the regional playoffs.

Not even their coach.

Senior Ruben Gutierrez fights to maintain control on the field. In the district tournament, Freedom fought past a tough season to earn a spot in the regional playoffs. (Courtesy of Freedom High School)
Senior Ruben Gutierrez fights to maintain control on the field. In the district tournament, Freedom fought past a tough season to earn a spot in the regional playoffs.
(Courtesy of Freedom High School)

“Realistically, no,” said Freedom High School boys’ soccer coach Charlie Haueter. The team finished a tough early part of their schedule 2-2-2, and he felt like they had a good chance to finish strong with their remaining opponents. But when that didn’t happen and the losses piled up, he thought it just wasn’t their year.

But, the Patriots proved a lot of people wrong.

In the first round of their district tournament, they knocked off Mitchell High School, who had a 17-5-1 record at the time. In the second round, they scored a season-high five goals and defeated Chamberlain High School. That doubled their season win total, put them in the district finals and earned them a berth in the regional tournament.

“I think my seniors realized it was about to end, and they didn’t want it to (end),” Haueter said. Their good play didn’t end there, either: Although they lost in the finals to Wiregrass Ranch, who was 23-1-1 at the time, they took a 1-0 lead in that game and were tied at the half.

Even though the Bulls won the district title by a 3-1 score, Freedom’s effort wasn’t lost on Wiregrass Ranch coach David Wilson.

“They’re one of those teams that put all the pieces together at the right time,” he said. “The coach did a really nice job with them, too.”

Haueter’s job was pretty tough this year, overcoming a number of obstacles on the team’s way to the playoffs. First, their star player, Mohammed Saad, missed most of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He had scored five goals in the first six games, and they missed his skills on the pitch.

He also had disciplinary problems during the season. The better high school players tend to play club level soccer in addition to high school soccer, Haueter explained. With the majority of his players also participating in club soccer, many of them weren’t giving enough attention to their high school team.

So he had them sign a contract, agreeing to give their full effort and participation. And when they failed to live up to that promise, there were consequences.

“We had to bench guys,” Haueter said. “I don’t think they believed that we were going to stick to the rules.” That means benching seniors, playing freshmen, and suffering losses. Throw in more injuries and the negative attitudes that can stem from losing, and a district run seemed out of the question at the end of the year.

But when they bought in to the system, and started being accountable for their participation, they pulled together and earned a berth in the regional tournament. Seeing the players overcome their early struggles was rewarding for the coach, who also teaches Advanced Placement classes at Freedom.

“Anytime you see kids maturing in high school, it is a great and wonderful thing,” he said.

Unfortunately, the regional playoffs didn’t have a great or wonderful ending for the team. They lost to Kathleen on Jan. 29 by a 3-1 score that included several disciplinary cards issued and Haueter being ejected toward the end of the game. The coach said the ejection was unwarranted, there were many complaints about the officiating that day, and he’s writing a letter to the Florida High School Athletic Association.

But regardless of the final outcome, Freedom went from a two-win team in the regular season to playing in the regional tournament. And playing younger players while others were being disciplined means, they’ll have more experience when next season rolls around.

And, since the team knows that full effort is required to participate in Freedom soccer, Haueter thinks next year’s team will be more dedicated and able to focus on winning.

“I’m a pretty firm believer that we’re not going to have any of the same issues,” he said.

Published February 4, 2015

 

Business Digest 02-04-15

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Lennar names new Tampa director of sales
Steve Seeger is new director of sales and marketing for Lennar, responsible for the homebuilder’s 39 communities in Tampa.

Seeger has been involved in sales and marketing for the homebuilding industry since 1995. He has held executive sales and marketing positions with companies in Phoenix, Houston, San Diego and Los Angeles.

He is a graduate of the University of West Florida and also has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.

Pure Health & Fitness Studio opens another location
Pure Health Studios has opened a second location in Wesley Chapel for its women-only personal training, group fitness and weight loss programs.

Located a half mile north of The Shops of Wiregrass at 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 205, Pure Health’s new 3,600 square foot facility includes a custom studio for private and semi-private personal training sessions.

It also has a large area for Fit Body Boot Camp members and an area where children can play while their mothers work out.

The new Wesley Chapel location joins Pure Health & Fitness Studio’s Land O’ Lakes location at 2206 Knight Road.

Samantha Taylor owns and manages both centers. She is a nutrition and health expert, certified personal trainer and professional speaker.

For more information call (813) 377-3739, or visit PureHealthStudios.com.

Ideal Massage opens second location in Lutz
Ideal Massage has opened its second Pasco County location in Lutz at 17749 Hunting Bow Circle, off State Road 54 in the Ballantrae Professional Center. 

Ideal Massage is a wellness center that provides advanced therapeutic and relaxation massage in a safe, comfortable and pleasant environment. All services are customized to aid in the rehabilitation of physical injuries as well as relaxation, and include essential oils and hot towel treatment.

Ideal Massage is open seven days a week and offers services with no contracts.

It is a family owned business that is headed up by Dawn Langley, a licensed massage therapist. It also has a location in Wesley Chapel at 27317 Cashford Circle.

For more information, call (813) 609-0444, or visit MyIdealMassage.com.

Women-N-Charge to meet
A business women’s group called Women-n-Charge will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., on Feb. 6 at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

The meeting includes lunch, a feature speaker and time to network. The cost is $15 for members, paid by the Tuesday before the meeting, and $18 for members paying later, and for guests, too.

February’s speakers will be Rosa Quintela and Shanita D. Jones, who will be speaking on “Business and Personal Tax Tips for Filing your Taxes.”

Register at Women-n-Charge.com.

For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

North Tampa Chamber meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting Feb. 12 at 11 a.m., at Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway.

Guest speaker will be Mary McDonald, director of development with The Spring of Tampa Bay.

Doors open at 11 a.m., for informal networking. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m., and the program starts at 11:45 a.m.

For early bird registration, people should RSVP to the chamber office by 5 p.m., on Feb. 10 to get the discounted rate of $16 (The charge applies, whether or not you eat). Reservations will be accepted after that date on the attendee check-in list for $21 payable online or at the door.

For directions or information, call (813) 908-7023.

NetFest sponsors needed
The Pasco Economic Development Council is hosting its 13th annual NetFest, which is short for Networking Festival, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on March 5 at Starkey Ranch on State Road 54 in Odessa.

The council is seeking sponsorships ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The event is a casual night of food, drink and music — and a great chance to network.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Central Pasco Chamber to host new expo
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is launching a new event this year called the 2015 Community Fun Day and Business Expo.

The event, open to everyone, will spotlight businesses and service providers in the northern area of Hillsborough and the central area of Pasco counties.

There will be fun and games for kids, live entertainment, door prizes and a food truck rally.

The event’s theme is “Keeping It Local — Moving our Businesses Forward.”

The two-day event, free to the public, will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on March 6 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 7. It will be at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Sponsorships and booth spaces are available.

Visit CentralPascoChamber.com for an application.

For more information, call (813) 909-2722, or email .

Jobs on the go
CareerSource Pasco Hernando has reintroduced its Mobile One Stop, a 38-foot bus retrofitted with 13 computer stations. It’s complete with satellite Internet, telecommunications, printing, copying and scanning — everything anyone would need to find a job.

It provides service to more than 100 people every month with stops that include the New River Branch Library in Zephyrhills among others.

For details on where Mobile One Stop will be, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.

Small Business Help
If you’re launching a new business or trying to expand, the Pasco Enterprise Network may have information that can guide and assist you.

The network is a collaborative effort of nonprofit agencies committed to ensuring the success of small businesses in Pasco County. Network partners provide consulting, counseling, education, and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

To find out more, visit PascoEDC.com/pen.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.