Local News

AMIkids Pasco provides update to school board

December 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion

O.B. Stander, president of AMIkids Pasco, recently updated the Pasco County School Board on changes being made to improve the program.

The changes are in response to the board’s Dec. 1 vote to terminate the organization’s contract effective Jan. 29.

When they took the vote, board members made it clear they would revisit the issue and would reinstate AMIkids Pasco, if the organization could demonstrate substantial improvement in its performance by Jan. 12.

The board’s initial action came at the recommendation of Superintendent Kurt Browning, who informed the board that substantial progress would be needed.

At the same time, Browning said he hopes AMIkids Pasco can turn the program around, so it could continue operating it.

AMIkids Pasco serves 46 students, who come from across Pasco County.

The program serves 25 therapeutic emotional/behavior disability students and 21 students in the Department of Juvenile Justice program at a campus of portables on U.S. 41, north of State Road 52 at 18950 Michigan Lane in Spring Hill.

If AMIkids Pasco makes considerable progress, Browning said he will recommend that the board revoke the termination; otherwise, the district will take over operation of the site on Jan. 29.

Browning said discontinuing the district’s relationship with AMIkids Pasco is not the preferable option for him or for Pasco County Schools.

Stander told board members that retired principal Pat Reedy has been helping AMIkids Pasco in the development of an enhanced action plan.

“We changed the school’s leadership team to strengthen both the educational and behavioral modification expertise,” Stander said.

It also has hired additional staff to make sure that class size ratios and mental health needs of the students are being met.

It also has increased staff compensation to a rate that’s higher than the school district’s rate, to improve retention, Stander said.

AMIkids Pasco also has partnered with the University of South Florida’s Department of Applied Behavior Analysis to participate in a pilot program, Stander said. That program includes having a university faculty member, with a doctorate in behavioral analysis, as well as two graduate students on campus, for a total of about 60 hours a week, Stander said.

Published December 23, 2015

Honoring the memory of Jaret Harshman

December 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Members of Wesley Chapel High School’s cross-country teams led a solemn procession around the school’s track on Dec. 11 to honor the memory of Jaret Harshman.

The 15-year-old died from injuries sustained in a Dec. 9 car accident.

Shortly after the accident, his father, Mike Harshman, shared the news of his son’s death on Facebook.

Members of the cross-country teams at Wesley Chapel High School led a solemn procession on Dec. 11 to honor the memory of Jaret Harshman. The 15-year-old was described as a dedicated runner, who was kind to others. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Members of the cross-country teams at Wesley Chapel High School led a solemn procession on Dec. 11 to honor the memory of Jaret Harshman. The 15-year-old was described as a dedicated runner, who was kind to others.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

After first apologizing for the shocking nature of the post, Mike Harshman, of Wesley Chapel, wrote: “This evening on his way to church with friends, our oldest son Jaret was killed in a fatal car accident. He was just shy of his 16th birthday on Dec. 28. Kristi and I are numb and distraught – it seems surreal to us. We love Jaret, and are so proud of him – a terrible hole will be felt in our family forever, and we are still in shock over this. But we take great comfort in our faith, believing he was welcomed home into the arms of Christ.”

In the post, Mike Harshman, who is a preacher, also asked for prayers for the two boys that Jaret was riding with, Ryan and Michael Miller, also of Wesley Chapel.

Michael Miller “was in surgery for hours and appears to have a long recovery from his injuries,” the post says. It also notes that Ryan Miller “will have to deal with the emotions he will face. We love those 2 boys like our own sons, and will continue to embrace them as this will be a difficult road for them as well …”

According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, 18-year-old Ryan Miller was driving a 2006 Chevy Aveo north on Culbreath Road, approaching a stop sign at the intersection County Road 572 (Powell Road) around 6:18 p.m., on Dec. 9.

Jaret Harshman, shown as the lead runner here, was a devoted member of the cross-country team at Wesley Chapel High School. He died from injuries sustained in a Dec. 9 car accident. (Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High School) — Jaret Harshman, shown as the lead runner here, was a devoted member of the cross-country team at Wesley Chapel High School. He died from injuries sustained in a Dec. 9 car accident.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High School)

Meanwhile, Christopher Reed Russell, 25, of Spring Hill was driving his 2014 Dodge Ram on County Road 572.

Miller failed to stop at the stop sign and traveled into the pathway of Russell’s vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report. Charges are pending.

During the memorial at the school, members of the cross-country teams carried a paper banner containing hundreds of tributes to Jaret.

The messages were printed in tiny letters, or scrawled in giant cursive. They were written with markers or pens in green, red, black, blue and pink.

The posts expressed sorrow at Jaret’s death, gratitude for having known him and hope for him to have a new life in heaven.

Here’s how Nicole put it: “Jaret, you always brightened up my day and lit the whole room up with your smile. You were one of the best people I ever got to know. Love you J. Harsh.”

Another friend, Pey, wrote, “I’ve known you for seven years now and I will love you and miss you forever. Doesn’t seem real … You had a heart of gold.”

Mike Harshman thanked everyone who has offered their support, in the aftermath of a Dec. 9 traffic accident that claimed the life of his 15-year-old son, Jaret.

Members of his cross-country team wrote a tribute, too. “I know, we know, that you will be watching us at cross-country meets and cheering us on from up in heaven. Thank you for being an amazing friend, brother to us. We love you so much.” They signed the message: “Love the cross-country team that you will always be a part of.”

Desirae K., added “you were loved by many and had such a kind heart. You will be missed dearly. Rest easy.”

Members of the cross-country team, and the coach, spoke during the memorial, describing Jaret as a devoted runner who inspired others with his dedication to the sport.

Mike Harshman spoke, too, thanking the hundreds gathered at the track, and everyone else who has offered comfort and support in response to Jaret’s death.

Carin Hetzler-Nettles, principal at Wesley Chapel High, characterized Jaret as “an incredible young man who loved school, loved his friends and family, and loved participating in sports here at Wesley Chapel High.”

She also noted: “ He touched many lives with his random acts of kindness and selflessness, and was adored by his Wildcat family. He will be missed greatly and will always be in our hearts.”

Published December 16, 2015

Pasco County is set to go super high-tech

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County could soon be zooming through the 21st century’s technology revolution at lightning speeds as the nation’s first smart gigabit community.

More than 7,800 acres in central and eastern Pasco County are slated to become a state-approved special development district, overseen locally and focusing on a land use plan that will embed state-of-the-art technology into future residential and commercial developments.

Pasco County will become a connected-city corridor, providing the nation’s fastest Internet access within a special development district. A 7-acre, man-made swimming pool, known as a crystal lagoon, will be featured in the Epperson Ranch Town Center, which is within the district. (Courtesy of Crystal Lagoon Corp.) — Pasco County will become a connected-city corridor, providing the nation’s fastest Internet access within a special development district. A 7-acre, man-made swimming pool, known as a crystal lagoon, will be featured in the Epperson Ranch Town Center, which is within the district.
(Courtesy of Crystal Lagoon Corp.)

The district is known as a connected-city corridor. Interstate 75, State Road 52, Curley Road and Overpass Road border the district.

The unifying link would be UltraFi, a Bright House fiber-optic cable network with Internet speeds that can download 100 photos lickety-split in 3 seconds, not the more typical snail-pace of 4 minutes plus.

“We think it is more than a place. It is an engine for ideas…and for community engagement,” said Karik Goyani, vice president of operations for Metro Development Group.

And, its applications go beyond entertainment into areas such as health care, education, public safety, remote surgical training, software lending libraries and job creation.

For example, surgical training can be done remotely with 3-D imaging. Biology students can examine live specimens under a microscope that is set up thousands of miles away. Pollen counts specific to a single neighborhood can be available to asthma patients who need to plan their day.

Residents got a peak at the special district at a presentation in September.

Pasco County commissioners got an overview of the district and its potential as an economic driver for the county at a Dec. 8 workshop. A second workshop on Jan. 19 will focus on financial plans for the district.

Metro Development Group and Heidt Design are partnering with the county on this one-of-a-kind visioning plan. State legislators approved the special district as a 10-year-pilot program, but the plan in total will evolve over 50 years.

The pilot portion of development will bypass the usual state reviews, with approvals made locally by county commissioners.

“The buck stops with you,” said Pat Gassaway, president of Heidt Design.

UltraFi currently can be found in three residential neighborhoods built by Metro Development Group including Union Park in Wesley Chapel. Two others – Park Creek and Waterleaf – are in Hillsborough County.

But, Pasco will be the first community in the nation with technology central to site plans from the start, not simply an add-on amenity.

The company currently is developing Park Place, a master-planned community in Wesley Chapel on the former Epperson Ranch property. A 7-acre man-made swimming pool, known as a crystal lagoon, will be the centerpiece.

Metro Development Group plans a mixed-used development with a business incubator, offices and residential.

Mirada is another of the company’s projects on the former Cannon Ranch.

Pasco is uniquely positioned to foster the connected-city corridor concept, according to William Wallace, executive director of US Ignite, a nonprofit under the umbrella of the National Science Foundation and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

He announced at the workshop that Pasco’s application to join the national Tech Hire Initiative had been approved, and would open up opportunities for the county to apply for $100 million in federal grants.

Pasco is one of about 40 national participants, and the only county in the group.

The Tech Hire program encourages non-traditional opportunities, such as technology boot camps, that offer faster training and new, higher paying jobs for people in the technology industry.

“It takes a leap of faith,” Wallace said. “It seems like you have taken that leap of faith.”

Gassaway went so far as to suggest that Pasco’s reputation as a bedroom community that supplies workers to other counties could change over time.

“Pasco might be the destination for people to come to work,” he said. “That’s amazing.”

Published December 16, 2015

Christmas cheer dispensed here

December 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

If you want to have yourself a merry ‘little’ Christmas, you may want to bypass Bill and Debbie Tuttle’s place.

They’re not into merry ‘little’ Christmases — they prefer presenting a mega-dose of holiday cheer. And, they deliver it through thousands of artfully arranged decorations.

Beyond the mere size and variety of the décor, there are stories behind scores of items in their display.

Bill Tuttle, from left, holds the family’s dog, Bailee, while posing in front of the family’s Christmas tree with his granddaughter, Kalise Mabingnay, and his wife, Debbie. The trio of elves has been busy decorating just about every square inch of their home for the holidays. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Bill Tuttle, from left, holds the family’s dog, Bailee, while posing in front of the family’s Christmas tree with his granddaughter, Kalise Mabingnay, and his wife, Debbie. The trio of elves has been busy decorating just about every square inch of their home for the holidays.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

And, in a true spirit of Christmas, the couple will open their home to the public on Dec. 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., so people can take a peek. The couple’s home is at 2308 Camp Indianhead Road in Land O’ Lakes.

When visitors arrive, they’ll see a lighted display in the front yard, and decorations adorning the house.

But, that’s just a prelude to what lies ahead inside.

Every room in the house is dressed up for the season.

Near the front door, a giant figure of Santa, welcomes those who enter.

There are trees, with various themes, in different rooms of the house.

In the office and crafts room, for instance, there’s a tree with ornaments made from old wooden spools and decorations depicting various crafts.

There’s a Mickey tree and a Minnie tree that Debbie Tuttle made, to complement the animated Disney characters adorning a shelf in the couple’s living room.

There’s also a massive tree illuminated by 5,000 lights and decked out with ornaments depicting moments of the family’s life through the years.

The couple’s zeal for Christmas is on display everywhere.

The sunken tub in the master bath, for instance, is off limits for the holidays because decorations encircle the tub.

Snowmen add to the festive feel at Bill and Debbie Tuttle’s home in Land O’ Lakes.

Even the dog crate, in the couple’s master bedroom, is decked out for the season.

There’s a holiday bedspread that Debbie made, on the couple’s bed.

There’s homage to her late father, too, featuring a miniature John Deere tractor, a small tree decorated with tiny John Deere hats, and a small figure of a fisherman — depicting the things that he loved best.

The dining room features an 11-foot bottle tree that Debbie made this year, using bottles she bought at Dollar Tree stores. “I went to 13 stores in one day,” she said, adding it took 201 bottles to make the tree, and she even picked up some of them in Orlando.

She also made a smaller tabletop tree that’s crafted from bottles of many colors.

In the kitchen, there’s a tree that’s dressed up with miniature gadget ornaments.

There’s also a gingerbread house on one counter, and an oversized ornament, serving as a centerpiece, on a kitchen table.

This 11-foot bottle tree is a new addition to the Tuttles’ holiday décor this year. Debbie Tuttle made the tree using 201 bottles that she bought from Dollar Tree stores. “I went to 13 stores in one day,” she said.

A 6-foot-tall nutcracker stands as a sentry, providing an imposing holiday presence.

There are plenty of snowmen and nativity scenes, Santa clauses, decorated trees and twinkling lights to see in other rooms throughout the house, and in the gathering spaces outdoors.

Holiday music also helps to boost the home’s holiday cheer quotient.

The couple has been opening their home for four years, offering some private tours and a couple of public open houses every holiday season.

More than 400 people turned out for the first open house, the couple said.

Besides giving people a feast for the eyes, they also provide cookies and cider, for those who visit their home.

There is no charge to take the tour, but donations are accepted.

The couple uses the money to provide Christmas for some families in need. This year, they think they’ve received enough donations to provide a Christmas dinner and presents for four families.

This stately Santa Claus offers a warm welcome to visitors to the Land O’ Lakes home of Bill and Debbie Tuttle, who host public open houses a couple of times during the holidays to share the spirit of the season.

Getting ready for the holidays at the Tuttles begins on Oct. 1 and takes considerable work, but the couple enjoys sharing their holiday handiwork.

They also enjoy sharing their enthusiasm with their granddaughter, 9-year-old Kalise Mabingnay, who lives with them and helps provide seasonal cheer.

Making holidays bright is what it’s all about, said Bill Tuttle, who works for Senior Helpers.

“If you can’t be in the spirit after leaving here, then you’re not ever going to be in the spirit,” Bill Tuttle said.

Christmas Open House
What: A Christmas Open House featuring a holiday display including 82 decorated trees, 70 animated characters, and thousands of lights and decoration, indoor and out.
Where: Bill and Debbie Tuttle’s house at 2308 Camp Indianhead Road, Land O’ Lakes.
When: Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
How much: Admission is free. Donations are accepted to help provide a Christmas dinner and presents to families in need.

Published December 16, 2015

Pasco schools planning more construction projects

December 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

As Pasco County Schools gears up to open an elementary school in Wesley Chapel next school year, it’s also planning to open a school for students in grades six through 12 in Wesley Chapel and an elementary school in Land O’ Lakes in the fall of 2017.

It’s also planning to open a kindergarten through eighth-grade school in Starkey Ranch, though no opening date has been yet specified, said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

District officials also are seeking bond money against revenues from Penny for Pasco proceeds so the district can get to work sooner on projects at Land O’ Lakes High School, and Woodland Elementary in Zephyrhills, he said.

Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools, said the district is seeking additional school sites to accommodate increasing enrollments. (File Photo) — Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools, said the district is seeking additional school sites to accommodate increasing enrollments.
(File Photo)

And, those are just a few efforts under way, as the district experiences the most growth it has seen since the housing market flattened during the recession, Williams said.

The Land O’ Lakes High project hasn’t been designed yet, but it will be significant and will involve adding capacity, Williams said.

“We have Connerton and those developments around there, so we definitely want to look to add capacity to Land O’ Lakes (High School),” Williams said. “The biggest issue is going to be: ‘What do we do with all of the kids?’ ”

When Quail Hollow Elementary School was redeveloped, the district could reassign its students to other elementary schools.

“But, that’s a different ballgame when we start talking about Land O’ Lakes High School,” Williams said.

While it’s possible to do construction with students on campus, it’s more complicated and time consuming, Williams said.

A portion of the bond money also would be used for a remodeling at Woodland Elementary, Williams said.

“Woodland is just an older school. It has a really small cafeteria, plus they’re well over capacity,” he said.

The district has to be careful about how much capacity it adds, because it also owns property for an elementary school on the north end of Zephyrhills, Williams said.

In Land O’ Lakes, the district has acquired an elementary school site near the entrance of Tierra del Sol. There’s no timetable yet for building that school, Williams said.

The district also is working to secure another high school site in the State Road 54 corridor, between U.S. 41 and Trinity, he said.

A high school is planned in Bexley Ranch, but an additional high school site is needed in the State Road 54 corridor to accommodate anticipated growth, Williams said.

The high school in Bexley Ranch won’t be accessible for three to five years, because of its location within the development, Williams said.

In addition to the elementary school site planned in Bexley Ranch, the district is looking for an additional elementary school site in the State Road 54 corridor, Williams said.

As the district grows and adds more schools, it will need to draw new boundaries for the schools, a process that tends to arouse controversy.

Superintendent Kurt Browning addressed the issue regarding school boundary shifts in a column he posted on the Pasco County Schools’ website.

“The biggest complaint we get when we have to change school boundaries is from parents who moved into a neighborhood specifically to send their children to the neighborhood school.

“That is why we strongly urge realtors not to use nearby schools as a selling point when they list homes for sale,” Browning writes.

“While we can’t promise parents that the school their home is zoned for when they buy it will continue to be their children’s assigned school, we can promise that it is our mission to provide a world-class education at every Pasco County school,” the superintendent’s column says.

Published December 16, 2015

Land O’ Lakes library opens makerspace

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library officially opens its new “makerspace,” known as the Foundry, at a ribbon cutting on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m., at 2818 Collier Pkwy.

It will be the first dedicated makerspace for a Pasco County library, but likely not the last. The technology and equipment at the Foundry is the future for libraries that are adapting to the 21st century needs of their tech-savvy patrons.

Parents and children with the Lego robotics team talk about their upcoming projects. But yarn and thread, shown in the background, are part of the crafting supplies provided by the new makerspace at the Land O’ Lakes library. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Parents and children with the Lego robotics team talk about their upcoming projects. But yarn and thread, shown in the background, are part of the crafting supplies provided by the new makerspace at the Land O’ Lakes library.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

The Foundry will have two 3-D printers, state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design (CAD) equipment, an Oculus Rift virtual reality system, and an audio recording studio.

However, traditional hand and power tools as well as crafting tools and supplies, including yarn and thread, also will be available.

At the ribbon cutting, there will be tours of the Foundry and demonstrations of the 3-D printer, the virtual reality system, and the recording studio.

Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Land O’ Lakes Library.

The Foundry will be open 15 hours a week, with a librarian available to answer questions and show how the technology works.

A survey was done to find out how people would want to use the makerspace, said Kathleen Rothstein, the library’s branch manager.

The room already is the meeting place for the Edgar Allan Ohms robotics team from Land O’ Lakes High School. The team is unique in being sponsored by the library.

However, Rothstein said the room also would host other activities.

Phoebe Mitchell, 16, shows off a washer made on the 3-D printer for use with a robot made by the Edgar Allan Ohms Robotics team from Land O’ Lakes High School.

“A lot of people want to learn textiles,” she said. “They want sewing basics classes, and to learn how to do small home repairs and woodworking.”

So far, people have used the 3-D printers to do small items, such as figurines, Rothstein said.

The printers can make items as large as 8 inches by 8 inches, she added.

The robotics team already is finding the CAD system and 3-D printers useful in building its robots. In one instance, the team produced a plastic washer.

It took about 10 minutes including prepping and cooling off times, said 16-year-old Phoebe Mitchell, the robotics team’s safety captain.

“It was a lot easier than going to a store to get it,” she said. “It’s cheaper than buying them. And, they seem to hold up really well.”

For information about makerspace, call the library at (813) 929-1214.

Published December 16, 2015

Pearl in the Grove wins ‘Golden Spoon’

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The farm-to-fork menu at the Pearl in the Grove is a winning combination of creativity and freshness that earned the Dade City restaurant a 2015 Golden Spoon award.

Florida Trend magazine highlighted its annual Golden Spoon winners in a 13-page special section of its December edition.

Curtis Beebe, chef and owner of the Pearl in the Grove, said he works with local producers and growers to select the best food to put onto the plate.

“It’s (farm-to-fork) the core of our philosophy,” Beebe said.

Pearl in the Grove won a 2015 Golden Spoon from Florida Trend magazine for its fresh, original take on the farm-to-fork movement. This is one of the restaurant’s meals. (Courtesy of Pasco Count) — Pearl in the Grove won a 2015 Golden Spoon from Florida Trend magazine for its fresh, original take on the farm-to-fork movement. This is one of the restaurant’s meals.
(Courtesy of Pasco Count)

He also noted that the farm-to-fork concept isn’t just a trend.

“It’s a component of dining in Florida now,” Beebe said.

Pearl in the Grove opened in Dade City in 2010 in a small 1950s house at 31936 St. Joe Road. Beebe and his wife, Rebecca, also operate LOCAL Public House in San Antonio, and Rebecca’s at City Market, in downtown Dade City.

In singling out Pearl in the Grove, Florida Trend noted, “Small menu, small place, but a bold idea. Florida farm-to-table in a crossroads far away amid real farming: The kumquat capital of the world. Catfish meuniere and fried okra, Florida chicken and pork are paired with smart wines.”

Florida Trend’s restaurant editor, Chris Sherman, is a well-respected food critic, Beebe said.

Sherman favorably reviewed Pearl in the Grove when it first opened, and Beebe said the critic generally looks to see if a restaurant can maintain standards over four or five years before awarding a Golden Spoon.

“We were very, very happy to hear about the award,” Beebe said.

Another Pasco County restaurant located in New Port Richey – Dulcet – also received a Golden Spoon as best new restaurant.

Dulcet is a high-end restaurant and night club in downtown New Port Richey, praised by Florida Trend for its eclectic menu and fresh ingredients.

Published December 16, 2015

Senior cats retire to the Cats Cradle

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The secluded backyard in a quiet Lutz neighborhood is a make-believe world that once transported the Jenkins’ children into the Wild West.

But Frontierland, with its school house, storefronts and covered wagon, does more these days than entertain giddy children at fantasy-filled birthday parties.

Bruce Jenkins founded Cats Cradle as a nonprofit shelter for senior cats in crisis and in need of homes. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Bruce Jenkins founded Cats Cradle as a nonprofit shelter for senior cats in crisis and in need of homes.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

A menagerie of geese, roosters, chickens, a miniature horse and a goat live in the yard.

But, it is Garfield, Moxie, Bumper, Forrest and a dozen or so of their feline friends that rule this frontier town.

Frontierland is home to the Cats Cradle, a nonprofit sanctuary founded by Bruce Jenkins.

He is a savior of sorts — taking in older cats at his nonprofit that no other shelters will accept.

These are cats in crisis that have run out of options.

“We’re not taking cats that are inconvenient for somebody,” Jenkins said. “They have to be in advanced difficult circumstances, and we’ll consider taking them.”

More than a dozen cats roam the half-acre of the Cats Cradle, lounging or strolling on bridges that crisscross the yard from train depot to a lookout station at the chicken coop to a tall wooden tower.

On a recent morning, Garfield napped mid-way between the tower and a small schoolhouse that contains supplies and a video monitoring system.

Prowler, left, and Garfield hang out in the transition room. Prowler is the newest cat at Cats Cradle

Inside the schoolhouse, the colony’s newest tenant – Prowler – stayed by himself in a “transition” room, also known as the sunroom.

Prowler, a 12-year-old marble Bengal, would hang out there for awhile, Jenkins said, before moving outdoors and claiming his place in the social hierarchy.

“Prowler is getting adjusted,” Jenkins said. “The main thing is to get him used to the sights and smells. There’s a lot to do and see here.”

While Prowler was hanging out in the transition room, Garfield suddenly popped in to share feeding time with him.

Babette, a seal point Himalayan, groomed herself atop the tower. Forrest stretched out on the ground next to half a dozen feeding dishes.

Moxie padded over to Jenkins, side-by-side with the mini-horse and an inquisitive goat.

Jenkins explained the eclectic mix of animals.

“We just like a variety in a farm setting,” said Jenkins, whose property is zoned agricultural.

A row of frontier storefronts houses a senior center with cat beds and train tracks circle a water pond in the Garden Room.

Jenkins hopes in the future to raise about $2,000 to refurbish two more buildings, and open up room for more cats.

Forrest lounges next to feeding bowls at Cats Cradle, a sanctuary for senior cats in Lutz.

He recently began restoring an old train engine that once made appearances at the Lutz Fourth of July parade.

The sanctuary began with Forrest and Bumble (now placed in a forever home), and a plaintive request from Jenkins’ wife. Once the children, Casey and Nikki, grew up, the back yard sort of went to seed – and weed.

“Either tear it down or re-purpose it,” his wife told him.

A neighbor’s two cats and a dog in crisis made up Jenkins’ mind. The dog found a new home but Jenkins’ took in Forrest and temporarily, Bumble.

“It kind of grew from there,” Jenkins said.

Cats range in age from 8 to 18 years. No feral cats are accepted.

Babette’s owner moved from an assisted living facility to a nursing home. Similar stories of life changes, such as financial loss, death and illness, brought Prowler, Bonnie, Daisy, Tucker and Clyde to the sanctuary as well.

The cats have to be in good health and open to joining a cat colony. A local veterinarian provides discounted rates for medical care, and another veterinarian serves on the nonprofit’s board of directors.

“I don’t like to turn people away, but we have to have a balance to keep the community happy,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins does what he can to place his cats. A few have settled in as companion cats at nursing homes. “Sometimes residents are really, really lonely, but they want to care for a pet,” Jenkins said. “They are happy to have a cat to sit on their lap. It’s great for the cat. They get more attention than they’d get here.”

Or Cats Cradle residents have found a new home with individuals willing to take in an older, more settled cat.

“This is a niche we’ve kind of fallen into,” Jenkins said. “It’s a national problem. Everybody wants a cute kitten.”

Jenkins would like to put a spotlight on the problem of older, homeless cats – and dogs – and see more sanctuaries pop up around the country. He also believes pet owners need to think about setting up pet trusts as part of their wills.

“It’s unfortunate they are over age eight and often unadoptable,” he said. “Many (pets) are put down, and they have a lot of love in them.”

For information, call Jenkins at (813) 501-8868, or visit Cats-Cradle.org.

Published December 16, 2015

Have a holly, jolly — safe season

December 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The holidays are meant to be a time of good cheer, but with all of the hustle and bustle, there’s also more opportunity for accidents and crime, too.

Here are some pointers from various local agencies and national websites, intended to help you have a safe and happy season.

Here are some holiday safety tips from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office:

Be Safe While Shopping

Lock your car doors and roll up your windows.
Limit the amount of cash you carry.
If possible, pay for your purchases with a credit or debit card.
Limit how much jewelry you wear.
Keep your purse close to your body and your wallet in an inside jacket pocket if possible.
Place all packages in your trunk, so people walking near your vehicle can’t see them.
Remember where you parked.
Have your keys out when you’re approaching your vehicle.
Don’t leave cellphones, purses or other items in your parked car where they can be seen.
When using ATM machines: use one in a populated area and pay constant attention to your surroundings. If possible, go during daylight hours. If anyone is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another. Remember to retrieve your credit/debit card after the transaction.

Be Safe at Home

Be sure to lock your doors and windows when you leave your home.
Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.
Leave on a light or a television while away, to give the impression that someone is home.
Be wary of strangers who come to your door seeking charitable donations.
Don’t leave boxes from gifts outside for the trash collector. Take them to a dumpster so thieves don’t target your homes for new TVs and other items.

Fire Safety Tips

Here are some pointers from Tampa Fire Rescue to help you stay safe at home, especially during the holidays.

Be sure your batteries are fresh in your smoke detectors, and be sure there are detectors near bedrooms and on every level of your home.
Never leave cooking unattended.
Do not wear loose-fitting clothes near burners.
Keep the cooking area free of grease buildup.
Do not place items near the stove that could catch fire, such as paper towels, cereal boxes and dishtowels.
Turn off the stove and unplug small appliances, when leaving your home.
Never smoke in bed.
Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
Never leave burning cigarettes unattended.
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
Use alternative heaters only in well-ventilated areas.
Do not use space heaters in areas where they can be easily knocked over.
Keep blankets, clothing, furniture and anything that could catch fire away from portable heaters.
Always use a protective screen near fireplaces.

Be Safe While Traveling

If you’re hitting the road during the holidays, these tips from AAA might come in handy.

Be sure your car is roadworthy. Check the air in your tires. (The proper pressure level can be found in the owner’s manual, or on a sticker that’s usually located on the driver’s side doorjamb). Also, get your battery checked, have your car’s fluid levels checked and make sure you have good windshield wipers.
Buckle up. Be sure everyone is buckled up, and be sure that little ones are traveling in the proper type of car seats.
Know the route you’re taking, and make sure someone else knows it, too.
Be sure that you’ve adjusted your seat and your mirrors for maximum safety and comfort before you leave your driveway, or the rental car agency.
Stay focused. Changing the radio, putting on makeup or talking on the phone takes your focus off the road. If a phone call or text can’t wait, have a passenger take the call or send the text.
Be alert to what other drivers are doing. Even good drivers can’t predict what other drivers will do.
Don’t drink and drive. If you’re going to be drinking, have a designated driver.
If you get lost, don’t panic. Often, you can simply take the next exit to turn around to get back on track.
Pay attention to weather conditions and reports, and make any needed route adjustments.

Published December 16, 2015

Downtown Dade City adds to its ‘eclectic mix’

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

New storefronts in downtown Dade City are creating a buzz.

One of the newest additions is Flint Creek Outfitters, which opened nearly three weeks ago at 14129 Seventh St., at the intersection with Pasco Avenue.

The prime retail spot had been vacant more than two years following the closing of Remember When Antiques Mall.

A grand opening is planned for January.

Business owners Gordon and Kathy Comer of Dade City also operate Flint Creek Outfitters in Ocala. A store in the Westshore district in Tampa recently closed.

“We felt like for Dade City this is something that’s not been seen before,” said Ian Baldwin, manager of the Dade City store.

John Moors agrees, and the executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce can point to at least two other new businesses filling a niche in downtown – Truly Mediterranean Grill and Rolando’s Cigar Lounge.

“Those particular businesses are really welcome,” Moors said. “It’s adding to the eclectic mix of historic downtown.”

Moors believes the city, and even new development in Wesley Chapel, set the stage for the retail uptick in Dade City.

“It started with the city,” he said. “The city put its money in a new city hall.”

The 22,000 square-foot building will be completed in early 2016 at a cost of about $5.9 million. It replaces an aging structure dating to the 1920s.

“But, some of it has to do with growth to the south in Wesley Chapel,” Moors added.

The chamber has more than 440 members within the “greater” Dade City area, including businesses from Wesley Chapel to Brooksville. Some Lutz businesses also belong.

The growth is attracting a younger population from the millennial generation that enjoys the live, work, play lifestyle, and Moors said Dade City, with its traditional small town environment, is an option for them.

“They are saying ‘we can live in an authentic community and still be connected with high speed Internet where we live and work’,” he said.

Saint Leo University and Pasco-Hernando State College also are part of the mix. The Dade City Merchants Association has stepped up its marketing and special events.

The Florida Department of Transportation is upgrading U.S. 301, and plans are under way to connect a regional multi-use trail system including Hardy Trail in Dade City.

“One of the reasons Flint Outfitters owners decided to relocate (to Dade City) is that they saw some of the changes happening and saw other businesses opening,” said Moors, who knows the Comers. “They are certainly tailoring to a higher-end clientele.”

According to the company’s website, the family business began in Michigan in the mid-1960s with patriarch, Cecil Comer, who opened Apache Trailer Sales. Comer moved his family to Florida in the 1980s, and with his son Gordon, pursued opportunities in commercial real estate and trailer parks.

Flint Creek Outfitters is named for the creek surrounding a family farm in Antioch.

The store offers men’s and women’s outdoor clothing apparel and accessories. It also has equipment for hunting, fishing, kayaking and camping.

Fly tying lessons and special fly-fishing competitions are planned.

Flint Creek will have a full repair and service department for bicycles, and sell bicycles from the Cannondale Bicycle Corporation.

Guided tours and excursions can be arranged including trips to Costa Rica and Alaska, and trout fishing in Tennessee, according to the website.

“Everyone says a place like this has been needed for awhile,” said Baldwin. “We’re filling a void that was needed here.”

Published December 16, 2015