The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

School boundary changes gain first-round approval

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The Pasco County School Board has given first-round approval of proposed boundaries for Elementary School W, a school under construction in Wesley Chapel.

The unanimous vote came despite objections from parents living in Northwood and in Arbor Woods, who do not want their children moved to Denham Oaks Elementary, which is in Lutz.

“I want another option given to us,” said Amy Bracewell, who lives in Northwood.

“We moved here before we had children because of the area and the school options available to us,” said Bracewell, who now has two children who will be affected by the boundary shifts.

“Our family lives in Wesley Chapel, we shop in Wesley Chapel, and we worship in Wesley Chapel,” she said. “I feel that the changes you have proposed will have negative effects on the students that live in Northwood.”

The impacts go beyond the school day, she explained.

Pasco County School Board members will cast a final vote on proposed school boundaries for Elementary W, a school now being built off Mansfield Boulevard in Wesley Chapel. Some parents oppose the new school’s proposed boundaries because their children would be shifted to Denham Oaks in Lutz. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Pasco County School Board members will cast a final vote on proposed school boundaries for Elementary W, a school now being built off Mansfield Boulevard in Wesley Chapel. Some parents oppose the new school’s proposed boundaries because their children would be shifted to Denham Oaks in Lutz.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“Any parents that use day care in Wesley Chapel will have to change to another day care, because they will not transport our children to Denham Oaks,” she said. So, children who have essentially known each other since birth will no longer be able to attend the same day care, she said.

Kellie Barragan, another Northwood parent, urged board members to reconsider the proposed boundary plan. “I really implore you to find a way for Northwood to go to Sand Pine (Elementary),” she said.

Chris Keller, who lives in Belle Chase, told board members “we understand the need for change. But, we don’t feel that the changes being proposed are in the best interests of our children.”

His chief concern is dealing with transportation issues that will arise — affecting childcare arrangements and after-school activities.

“A lot of the current places within Wesley Chapel will not serve the Lutz area and Denham Oaks,” Keller said.

He asked the board to direct district staff to take another look at the proposed boundaries.

Allen Altman, vice chairman of the school board, said he’s well aware of the area’s traffic issues because he has an office off State Road 54, near Denham Oaks Elementary.

However, he said, “Ultimately, at some point in time, we have to draw a line.”

Whenever a line is drawn, some people are going to be unhappy about where it was drawn, Altman said.

While the board can’t avoid geographic disruptions caused by new boundaries, it can address concerns about educational services, said Altman, noting he’s heard concerns from parents who are worried about losing services for academically gifted students.

Altman said he would support the proposed boundaries with the stipulation that the district comes back with a plan for how it will address that issue.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong and Board Chairwoman Joanne Hurley agreed with Altman.

After the vote, Vincent Iglio, who lives in Arbor Woods, urged the board to consider the consequences of the proposed boundaries.

“We’re not drawing lines based on actuarial tables. We’re drawing lines based on students, communities and families,” Iglio said.

He urged the board to consider “a reasonable option” which he said would allow the children living in Arbor Woods to attend Sand Pine Elementary.

During a recent community meeting at Denham Oaks Elementary, Chris Williams, the director of planning for Pasco County Schools, told those gathered that the boundary committee recommended that the Northwood subdivision, including Arbor Woods, be sent to Denham Oaks Elementary.

Iglio expressed frustration at the district’s process.

“I believed in my heart that these were open for public debate. All I’ve seen so far is a defense of the first option,” Iglio said.

Although she gave first-round approval of the proposed boundaries, Hurley said has not made her final decision yet.

“I’m always open to hearing from the public until right before the second hearing,” Hurley said.

The board will have its second and final hearing on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be in the school district complex, Building No. 3 North, at 7205 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Published December 9, 2015

Russian politics played a role in San Antonio train depot

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The history of a train depot building in San Antonio is rooted in political uncertainty in Russia roughly 135 years ago.

On Feb. 17, 1880, a second assassination attempt on Emperor Alexander II occurred in the imperial dining room of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Terrorists blew up the dining room, killing or maiming 67 people – but the emperor wasn’t present during the attempt on his life.

The Orange Belt No. 203 was the primary locomotive that was used for the tourist line between San Antonio and Blanton in 1976. It was built in 1925 for the Washington & Lincolnton railroad that ran out of Lincolnton, Georgia. When it had mechanical problems, the railroad was able to lease Orange Belt No. 11. (Courtesy Jack Bejna/railroadpictures.net)
The Orange Belt No. 203 was the primary locomotive that was used for the tourist line between San Antonio and Blanton in 1976. It was built in 1925 for the Washington & Lincolnton railroad that ran out of Lincolnton, Georgia. When it had mechanical problems, the railroad was able to lease Orange Belt No. 11.
(Courtesy Jack Bejna/railroadpictures.net)

The previous year, nitroglycerine was used in a failed effort to destroy Alexander II’s train. And, there was the unsuccessful mission to blow up the Kamenny Bridge in St. Petersburg as the tsar was passing over it.

These events, and the political uncertainty that followed them, prompted Piotr Alexandrovitch Dementieff, a Russian nobleman, to flee to Florida as a Russian exile.

Dementieff, who later shortened his name to Peter A. Demens, would go on to become a co-founder of St. Petersburg, Florida.

And, the city would become home to the southern terminus for one of the longest narrow gauge railroads in the United States at the time of its completion in 1888.

The decision to locate a railway line in St. Petersburg was made during the same time that Henry B. Plant was opening up a rail line near Port Tampa, which had a depth of 5 feet.

St. Petersburg, by comparison, had a harbor with a depth of 18 feet, enabling it to import and export more cargo.

With dozens of railroads competing in Florida, Demens saw an advantage in running a railroad north from St. Petersburg to transport the area’s abundant long-leaf yellow pine and its citrus.

Known as the Orange Belt Railway, the mainline was 152 miles long.

It was the first to cross central Pasco County diagonally — through Trilby, San Antonio, Ehren, Drexel and Odessa.

The Orange Belt Railway also played a role in the development of other towns along its route including Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Clearwater and Largo.

San Antonio’s historic depot is the last one remaining on the Orange Belt Railway. The railway crossed Pasco County for 80 years, connecting northern markets in the St. Johns River area with St. Petersburg. The depot was completely restored in 1996 with a $15,600 preservation grant from the state, plus a $25,000 contribution from Pasco County and countless hours of volunteer help. The depot currently serves as railroad museum, a community building and a voting precinct location. (Doug Sanders/Photo)
San Antonio’s historic depot is the last one remaining on the Orange Belt Railway. The railway crossed Pasco County for 80 years, connecting northern markets in the St. Johns River area with St. Petersburg. The depot was completely restored in 1996 with a $15,600 preservation grant from the state, plus a $25,000 contribution from Pasco County and countless hours of volunteer help. The depot currently serves as railroad museum, a community building and a voting precinct location.
(Doug Sanders/Photo)

As a narrow gauge (3 feet) railway company, Demens had arranged for some incredible financing — which left him in debt with angry capitalists in Philadelphia.

“At one time, his creditors chained his locomotives to the tracks,” writes Glen Dill for The Suncoast News in August 1988. “At another time, his unpaid track-laying crew stormed after him on a hand car, planning to lynch him.”

The Orange Belt faced many hardships in its early years due to debt run up during various phases of construction.

Frigid temperatures during the Great Freeze of 1894-1895 killed many citrus groves in Florida.

The freeze also ended Demens’ ownership of the Orange Belt.

Within weeks, he sold the Orange Belt Railway to railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant.

Plant converted most of the railway to standard gauge (4 feet 8 1⁄2 inches), which made it more profitable.

In 1902, the Plant system became part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Passengers would later ride on that railroad in luxury Pullman railcars with sleeper berths during Florida’s land boom in the 1920s.

As cars, buses and planes took more passengers, the Atlantic Coast Line discontinued its train service in 1970.

The depot in San Antonio was left abandoned and forgotten until 1976, when a group of Tampa residents organized under the name of Robert Most and Associates. They took passengers on a round-trip railroad excursion, typically a 90-minute trip, from San Antonio to Blanton on weekends and holidays.

The last ride took place on Feb. 21, 1978.

Sections of the Orange Belt rail line are now part of the Pinellas Trail in Pinellas County, the South Lake Minneola Scenic Trail in Lake County and the West Orange Trail in Orange County.

The depot in San Antonio is a reminder of the vibrant role that railroads played during the early days of Florida’s development.

The historic depot is the last one remaining on the Orange Belt Railway, which crossed Pasco County for 80 years, connecting northern markets in the St. Johns River area with St. Petersburg.

The depot was completely restored in 1996 with a $15,600 preservation grant from the state, plus a $25,000 contribution from Pasco County and countless hours of volunteer help.

With a history that had its roots in politics, the San Antonio depot also has a connection to political life today.

Besides serving as a railroad museum and community building, it’s a voting precinct, too.

Peter Demens won a coin toss, according to a local legend, and named St. Petersburg, Florida, after his hometown in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Demens was selected as a Great Floridian in 2000 by the Florida Department of State and the Florida League of Cities.

By Doug Sanders

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published December 9, 2015

Enjoying the holidays – without the stress

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The idealized version of the holidays involves festive gatherings, enjoyable meals and touching exchanges of special gifts.

In reality, though, many people are completely stressed out by calendars that have too many events and activities to attend, too much food everywhere and too much pressure to choose the perfect gift.

And because of those expectations, self-imposed or otherwise, instead of being a special time, the holidays can become very stressful.

There are strategies, though, to help control holiday stress by simplifying holiday traditions, controlling overindulgence and learning some emotional freedom techniques.

From left, Sandra Miniere, Brenda Cassato and Barb Mahlmeister teamed up to speak at a seminar on reducing holiday stress. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
From left, Sandra Miniere, Brenda Cassato and Barb Mahlmeister teamed up to speak at a seminar on reducing holiday stress.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

A trio of women recently gave a talk on those topics at the Jimmie B Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave.

The talk was presented by Senior Information Resources, an organization that is aimed at “Helping baby boomers and beyond live well in our community.”

Barb M. Mahlmeister, a registered dietitian and nutritionist from Carrollwood, offered strategies for navigating through the holidays, without the weight gain that often accompanies the season.

Brenda Cassato, executive director of Senior Information Resources, offered practical suggestions for reducing the stress that often comes with trying to find the perfect holiday presents.

And, Sandra Miniere, a personal life coach based in Wesley Chapel, demonstrated emotional freedom techniques – which involve tapping specific energy points in the body to gain rapid relief from emotional and physical disturbances.

Senior Information Resources is an organization with about three dozen members, coming from Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Mahlmeister gave the audience numerous practical suggestions for enjoying holiday foods, but reducing impacts that last well beyond the season.

Many people view the holidays as being the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Mahlmeister said. In reality, though, “the holidays start when kids get dressed up for Halloween.”

And, she said, they don’t end until the second week of January.

During that time, she said, people are busier and tend to exercise less. At the same time, they tend to indulge at all sorts of gatherings.

So, she offered pointers to help reduce the impacts.

At buffets, she said, be sure to put whatever you are going to eat on a plate. It’s far too easy to graze, and to consume significant calories.

“The toothpicks are not your friend,” she said. Many people eat much more than they realize, because they’re munching on foods that are presented on toothpicks.

No matter how busy the season is, it’s essential to exercise, she added.

Everyone can find a way to fit 15 to 20 minutes of exercise into their schedule each day, she said.

People should view exercise as a form of building up credits, which are then spent on the foods you eat. If you want ice cream later, exercise more now, she said.

Besides giving you more freedom to indulge, it makes you more mindful, too, she said.

You tend to make more thoughtful choices about eating. Instead of automatically picking up a dessert, people will ask: “Do I really want to eat that or not?”

And, because they’re more aware of the impacts, they’ll make choices on how to indulge. Do they want a calorie-laden casserole dish or a slice of pie, she added.

It’s also important to carry food with you, such as protein bars, nuts and seeds, to avoid getting too hungry, she said.

Before entering a gathering, eat a fat or protein and drink lots of water, she advised.

Portion size is important, too, Mahlmeister said.

Cassato offered suggestions for simplifying gift giving during the holidays.

If you know someone living in an assisted care facility, they might enjoy receiving a hair appointment and lunch, for instance.

Or, perhaps you could create a calendar with family photos. Birthdays can be marked by photos, too, she said.

Audio books, fleece throws and boxes of all occasion cards are other ideas, she said.

Of course, she added, “Everybody loves a gift card.”

Other ideas include helping an older relative to complete some technical chores, such as programming their cellphone or setting up social media accounts.

The key is to simplify and to focus on the essentials of spending time with others, and letting go of the stress, Cassato said.

“Our time is valuable. We have to guard it like gold. But, the time you give away to others is like an investment,” Cassato said.

While Mahlmeister focused on staying healthy through the holidays, and Cassato talked about simplifying gift giving, Miniere talked about a soothing self-care technique that involves the mind and body.

Emotional freedom techniques provide relief from emotional and physical disturbance, by combining principles of acupuncture and acupressure to balance energy flow in the body.

Miniere offered a demonstration, describing the energy points at various locations on the body and tapping them, to change the energy flow in the body.

The technique also involves breathing exercises and the repetition of phrases, as people tap at various energy points.

Over time, people who use this technique can learn how to change the flow of energy through mental tapping, Miniere said.

Published December 9, 2015

 

 

Master yoga at Land O’ Lakes High School

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Christie McClure paces before her students who stretch into warrior poses atop balance boards that, at times, bobble beneath unsteady legs.

The temperature in the yoga classroom is a perfectly regulated 90 degrees. Humidity is 65 percent.

Students expect to sweat and, to sweat a lot.

Master yoga instructor Christie McClure, 15, founded the Land O’ Lakes High School Yoga Club. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Master yoga instructor Christie McClure, 15, founded the Land O’ Lakes High School Yoga Club.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

“The key to being on the board is you always want to have big breaths,” McClure tells her students, who are members of the Land O’ Lakes High School Yoga Club. “You’re going to have to have full trust in me.”

At age 15, McClure is a master yoga teacher, certified nearly three years ago through Live, Love, Teach, a nationally recognized yoga alliance program. It’s an unusual accomplishment for one so young.

She also is founder of the yoga club, a feat she accomplished in her first year at Land O’ Lakes High School.

“It’s really rare for a freshman to do that,” said classmate and yoga club member, 16-year-old Vanessa Toro.

Toro is among more than 60 students in the club. There are no dues. But, once a month, on a Friday, a dozen or so students get their yoga togs on and settle onto the balance boards in the hottest room in Land O’ Lakes.

McClure teaches Baptiste-style yoga at Florida Power Yoga, at 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., directly across from the high school.

McClure’s mother, Denice McClure, owns the studio, which lives up to the motto etched on the studio’s storefront window – “It’s Not Your Grandma’s Yoga.”

Baptiste is very physical, high energy and nonstop motion. Gentle yoga, it is not.

Instead of rolling out a yoga mat, Leah Burch, 15, right, and Justin Cheriyan, 15, both from Land O’ Lakes, move into the chair pose on the patent-pending The Original Power Board.
Instead of rolling out a yoga mat, Leah Burch, 15, right, and Justin Cheriyan, 15, both from Land O’ Lakes, move into the chair pose on the patent-pending The Original Power Board.

And, classes at Florida Power give yoga another twist with boards that test balance and strengthen the body’s core.

Denice McClure, also a master yoga teacher, is co-creator of The Original Power Board. A patent is pending on the sturdy board that is generally yoga mat size with a rocking motion and a paddleboard look.

The boards are used with all classes. Sometimes free weights are added.

“This actually gets you pumped and sweaty,” said 14-year-old Novatana Wheeler.

“This is a different type of yoga,” said Leslie Rabi, age 15.  “You’re constantly sweating and constantly moving.”

The yoga poses are familiar – the downward dog, the chair, warrior one and two, and at the end, a few minutes of meditation, in the dead man’s pose.

“You get to stop time basically,” said Christie McClure.

Yoga is a family passion.

The young woman stretched into her first downward dog at age 5. Her mother had raved about how awesome her yoga class was.

“Well, I wanted to do that,” she told her mother.

Some students test their flexibility and strength with the wheel pose, while balancing on a board.
Some students test their flexibility and strength with the wheel pose, while balancing on a board.

Denice McClure had been a stressed-out parent, living in Ohio, with not enough hours in the day. But, she took yoga at a friend’s suggestion and came away a convert.

“Every piece of my life made sense,” Denice McClure said. “I actually had more time by going there.”

Trained as a chemist, she retired at age 38 and toured the country learning from different yoga teachers and working toward master certification.

Her daughter was right there, undaunted by being a child novice among adults. She has a maturity that is earned.

“She gets acclimated to the adult world,” her mother said,  “and forgets she is 15.”

Christie McClure wanted to start a yoga club at Pine View Middle School. But, she had to wait until freshman year at Land O’ Lakes High School.

“I wanted to have a club where students could find an outlet and get interested in an activity,” she said.

Florida Power Yoga puts a unique spin on power yoga as seen in the studio’s message on the front window.
Florida Power Yoga puts a unique spin on power yoga as seen in the studio’s message on the front window.

The club also focuses on helping other students who need help buying books and other supplies. Special yoga events are held to raise money. The goal is to donate $2,000 to the high school by the end of the year.

One recent Friday afternoon, Justin Cheriyan, 15, took his first power yoga class. He is a yoga club member who plans to be back.

“I was looking for a more aggressive form (of yoga) to relieve stress,” he said.

The appeal of power yoga covers the gamut from weight loss, to meeting up with friends, to becoming a more conditioned athlete, Christie McClure said.

Behind her, an eye-catching mural captures the spirit of power yoga with messages encouraging participants to “challenge your limits,” “get ready to sweat,” “inhale,” and “wring it out.”

Just give it your best and the rewards come, the young yoga teacher said.

“As long as you’re getting messy and feeling great, that’s what our goal is,” she said.

Published December 9, 2015

 

AMIkids Pasco has a second chance

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The Pasco County School Board has terminated its contract with AMIkids Pasco, effective Jan. 29, for services the organization is providing to 46 students, who come from across Pasco County.

While voting to end the contract, the board made it clear that it will consider reinstating it, if AMIkids Pasco can demonstrate substantial improvement in its performance by Jan. 12.

The board’s action came at the recommendation of school district Superintendent Kurt Browning, who informed the board there are “some pretty significant issues” that need to be addressed.

AMIkids Pasco has been given a chance to correct deficiencies, or its contract with Pasco County Schools will end on Jan. 29. The school board voted to terminate the contract, but also indicated that it will revoke that action, if AMIkids Pasco shows substantial improvement by Jan. 12. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
AMIkids Pasco has been given a chance to correct deficiencies, or its contract with Pasco County Schools will end on Jan. 29. The school board voted to terminate the contract, but also indicated that it will revoke that action, if AMIkids Pasco shows substantial improvement by Jan. 12.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“The Jan. 12 date is really kind of the deadline for AMIkids (Pasco) to demonstrate to us that they can turn the ship around and they can provide the quality of service to those students,” Browning said.

The program serves 25 therapeutic emotional/behavior disability students and 21 students in the Department of Juvenile Justice program.

The facility opened this year in a campus of portables on U.S. 41, north of State Road 52 at 18950 Michigan Lane in Spring Hill.

If the organization can demonstrate considerable progress, Browning said he will recommend that the board revoke the termination, allowing AMIkids Pasco to carry on.

If the district isn’t satisfied, nothing else would need to be done, and the district would assume responsibility for the site on Jan. 29, Browning said.

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

But, Browning added: “The bottom line is how the children that we’re responsible for educating are being served. That’s first and foremost my priority.”

While hoping the issues can be resolved, Browning said, “there’s a great deal of work to be done.”

He outlined his concerns in a Nov. 30 letter to AMIkids Pasco.

O.B. Standee, president of AMIkids, urged the board to reject Browning’s recommendation, instead giving the organization time to correct deficiencies.

Standee said AMIkids Pasco was given the opportunity because of its track record.

“We help kids that have struggled in school and in the community, and we help them find and develop their potential,” said Standee, whose organization has worked with Pasco County Schools since 1993.

“Because of our historic success, the school district talked to us about expanding our services to not only the alternative school kids, but kids with disabilities, requiring specialized behavioral and emotional services,” he added.

He acknowledged startup issues.

He said he was willing to forego a 60-day cancellation notice — and would put that in writing — if the board would give him an opportunity to correct the issues.

He voiced concerns about retaining staff, if the board approved Browning’s recommendation.

“We don’t want to just meet the needs of the district. We have a vision of making that a model program,” he added.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong said she knows that AMIkids Pasco has done some good work.

But, she added: “I was very disappointed when I was reading the issues that came up.”

Board member Steve Luikart said he has been impressed by AMIkids Pasco in the past.

“I’m a supporter, but I will tell you that it’s disappointing. I wish you the best of luck in turning that around.”

Board member Alison Crumbley said the current issues are troubling.

“I was dismayed, extremely upset. They’re serious insufficiencies,” Crumbley said.

She also said that Browning’s recommendation offers AMIkids Pasco a chance to work out the problems. “It does give you a second chance,” she said.

Joanne Hurley
Joanne Hurley

Board Chairwoman Joanne Hurley put it like this: “There’s a lot in that that you have to tackle in order to get the board to change any recommendation. But, I think you can do it, based upon your past history with the district. I think it’s within your power to fix both the educational and the financial issues, and get back on track.

“I feel it’s necessary as a board to take the action that we’re taking in the best interest of students, with the idea that it can always be undone if you demonstrate success,” Hurley said.

Armstrong rejected Standee’s idea of allowing to end the contract without notice.

“There’s no way we’re going to come in and lock the doors and say, ‘O.K., you’re out, we’re in.’ That would not be in the best interest of the students to have that type of transition,” Armstrong said.

Published December 9, 2015

 

Pasco County fills leadership jobs

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New hires will step into leadership roles at three Pasco County departments.

Pasco County commissioners approved the hiring choices at their Dec. 1 meeting in New Port Richey.

Brian Head, a former chief deputy with the Pasco County Sheriff’s office, will be assistant county administrator for public safety and administration. He served 12 years with the sheriff’s office before retiring in 2013 with the rank of colonel. Most recently, he has been employed by Pasco-Hernando State College at its law enforcement academy.

Kelley Boree, left, spoke to Paso County commissioners who appointed her the new director of Pasco County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department. Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services, stands next to her. (Courtesy of Pasco County)
Kelley Boree, left, spoke to Paso County commissioners who appointed her the new director of Pasco County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department. Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services, stands next to her.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

In 2011, Head was one of three finalists for the top cop job in Pasco County following the retirement of Bob White. Gov. Rick Scott appointed Chris Nocco as the county’s sheriff and, soon after, Head was promoted to second-in-command as deputy sheriff. He held that position at his retirement in 2013.

He is a graduate of Troy University with a degree in public administration, and also has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Head’s start date is Dec. 14 at an annual salary of $115,000. He will oversee Fire Rescue, emergency management and the county’s new 911 communications center. He replaces Randy TeBeest who left several weeks ago to move out of state.

“I believe he is exactly the right candidate to help us put the cherry on top of the consolidated communications center,” said Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker.

Cloyd “Flip” Mellinger will become assistant county administrator for utility services effective Dec. 9. His start date will overlap by a few weeks the remaining tenure of Bruce Kennedy, who plans to retire at the end of the year.

Mellinger currently is director of utility services in Marion County, a position he has had for about six years. Previously, he also served four years in supervisory positions with the same department.

He served in the U.S. Navy and is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and a master’s degree in science and environmental management.

His annual salary will be $128,000.

Kelley Boree will become director of parks, recreation and natural resources effective Jan. 4. She currently is parks and recreation director in Jacksonville.

She is a graduate of William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri with a degree in business administration. She has served in director level positions with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Her annual salary will be $105,000.

“I look forward to leading an awesome parks team,” said Boree in comments to commissioners prior to her appointment to the job.

Published December 9, 2015

 

Pasco County to add metal detectors?

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Bag searches and metal detectors are routine outside council or commission chambers in most counties including Pinellas, Polk and Hillsborough.

That is especially true on meeting days.

Pasco County is an exception.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey thinks it is time to rethink the county’s policy.

She brought up the topic at the conclusion of the county commission’s meeting on Dec.1.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey (File Photo)
Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey
(File Photo)

“I’ve had a couple incidents with people who might be considered fairly unstable,” Starkey said after the meeting. “It just really makes me concerned.”

County staff plans to report back to commissioners with data on costs and feasibility of installing metal detectors at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey and the Historic Dade City Courthouse.

Other government buildings also could be included in plans to beef up security.

Starkey aired her concerns just a day before a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California left 14 people killed and more than 20 people injured.

It was another in a list of what the Federal Bureau of Investigation now labels as “active-shooter” incidents where an individual or individuals kill or attempt to kill people gathered in a confined area.

According to FBI data, there were 160 such incidents from 2000 to 2013, and the number is on the rise.

“I sure don’t want to see something happen here that happened in California,” said Starkey, in a phone interview on Dec. 3.

There was little enthusiasm for pursuing metal detectors during the commission’s Dec. 1 meeting.

Cost, in part, was an issue.

“It’s the taxpayers’ building,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.

“I think it’s okay to look at what other counties do,” Wells said. “Safety is No. 1. I agree with you there.”

County Administrator Michele Baker said the design of the government center in New Port Richey included room to allow metal detectors. But constitutional officers and commissioners, at the time, didn’t want to pursue that.

Ted Schrader, another commissioner, said he’s not sure the idea will find support now.

“I suspect you’re going to get some pushback from that,” Schrader said. “How do you pick and choose which buildings?”

He noted that security cameras are in use.

“A camera doesn’t stop someone coming in with a gun,” Starkey said. “I can tell you, there are employees here who are not comfortable.”

With its multiple entry points and limited lobby area, the Historic Dade City Courthouse, could pose some logistical challenges.

Tampa City Hall is a historic building similar to Dade City’s courthouse. Instead of using metal detectors there, Tampa police officers search bags and use security wands to screen people.

Outside Hillsborough County Commission chambers, sheriff’s deputies operate a metal detector.

“In this day and age it’s a sad thing, but we want to know if people are bringing guns,” Starkey said.

Published December 9, 2015

Get your pets, and pet supplies, here

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It’s not something that you would think would happen very often, but surprisingly enough, it happens more than you would think.

People show up at Pasco County Animal Services Department ready to adopt a pet, but forget to bring a leash or carrier to take home their new dog or cat.

And, when they forget the pet supplies, it can be problematic, said Animal Services Manager Mike Shumate.

Getting a pit bull from the shelter into a parked car, for instance, can go awry, if the dog decides to bolt, he said.

“We want convenience for our customers when they walk out the door,” Shumate said.

Pasco County commissioners voted on Dec. 1 to allow the agency to sell pet adoption supplies and promotional items to support the agency’s services, and its animal shelter at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes.

Items for sale will include collars, harnesses, leashes, carriers, crates and training items. The supplies are expected to arrive at the shelter by January.

People adopted 699 cats and 1,499 dogs from the agency in fiscal year 2015.

To help encourage more adoptions, the agency is offering special deals through December. The fee for a dog older than eight months is $20; for a cat of any age, it’s $10.

All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines.

In addition to adding adoption supplies, the board also gave the agency permission to sells promotional products with embossed logos including T-shirts, cups, mugs, magnets and bumper stickers.

Those products are already available, Shumate said. The T-shirt in particular is popular, he said.

“We’re not looking at making any profit,” Shumate said. “We’re not in competition with local pet stores or veterinarians.”

The sales prices will be scaled to cover purchasing and handling costs to the county.

The pet adoption supplies are focused solely on providing the transition from shelter to new home.

The promotional items will help market the agency and its logo, Shumate said.

“It’s something people are going to recognize and know more about,” he said.

To adopt from Pasco County Animal Services, visit the shelter at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. Or, for information, email .

Published December 9, 2015

Lake Park closed until further notice

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Lake Park, a popular park in Lutz, has been closed until further notice because of a sinkhole.

At this time, the sinkhole is 6 feet across and approximately 90 feet deep, according to Michelle Van Dyke, a spokeswoman for Hillsborough County.

The county has closed the park, at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in an abundance of caution to protect public safety, Van Dyke said.

Lake Park, a popular regional park in Lutz, is closed until further notice. Hillsborough County, which operates the park, has confirmed the presence of a sinkhole and has closed the park as a matter of public safety. (Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County
Lake Park, a popular regional park in Lutz, is closed until further notice. Hillsborough County, which operates the park, has confirmed the presence of a sinkhole and has closed the park as a matter of public safety.
(Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County

The county hired a geotechnical firm to conduct soil borings after floodwaters receded about four weeks ago, revealing a depression on one of the main roads in the park, according to Van Dyke.

The county notified the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club about a possible sinkhole, which forced cancellation of the club’s annual arts and crafts festival at the park.

The two-day festival, held in early December, typically features around 300 vendors and attracts about 30,000 people. It’s the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and its cancellation will have a ripple effect on the various local organizations it supports.

Lake Park is a 589-acre sanctuary for birds and wildlife. It features five lakes, cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks.

It also has an archery range, a BMX bicycle track, two equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track.

The county closed the park after receiving an engineering report on Dec. 1 confirming the presence of a sinkhole.

The immediate area affected looks like a dip in the road, but tests indicate a sinkhole beneath the surface. The exact footprint is not known, Van Dyke said.

Additional fencing has been installed on the park road leading to the affected area, she added.

County staff will be talking with the engineering firm and the City of St. Petersburg, which owns the land, to determine what the next steps will be. The county leases the property from the City of St. Petersburg.

County staff is contacting event organizers and groups that use the park, to notify them the park is closed until further notice.

Any park usage application fees for cancelled events will be refunded.

Published December 9, 2015

Hanukkah combines history and Jewish holiday spirit

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Most people don’t know a lot about Hanukkah. They know it’s a Jewish holiday. They know that there are candles, and that it goes on for several days. They know it involves presents and usually occurs around Christmas.

But, it’s a lot more than that, said Mitchell Weiss, executive director for Congregation Kol Ami.

“It’s a story of miracle. It’s a story of survival,” he said.

It’s a story that dates back many centuries, when the Maccabees reclaimed a temple that had been defiled by the Syrian Greeks in Jerusalem. There was only one jar of oil, enough to keep the lamps lit for one day. Instead, the oil lasted for eight days, which was enough time to replenish the oil.

This event was hailed as a miracle, and Hanukkah, which can be spelled different ways, is celebrated as the “Festival of Lights.”

Jews acknowledge the holiday by lighting a menorah (a candelabrum, also called a Hanukkiah) for eight nights, adding a candle each day until all eight, plus a head candle, are lit together.

There are other traditions as well.

A spinning top called a dreidel is used to play a game, often with gelt, which are coin-shaped chocolates. Serving latkes, which are potato pancakes, is another tradition.

There are songs and melodies, prayers and a recounting of the miracle, as well.

The sharing of those activities is what makes Hanukkah special, Weiss explained.

“It’s all about the story, it’s all about remembering,” he said.

Hanukkah makes use of a menorah to light candles in observance of the ‘Festival of Lights.’ According to Mitchell Weiss from Congregation Kol Ami, they can be simple, elaborate, decorative or even homemade. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Hanukkah makes use of a menorah to light candles in observance of the ‘Festival of Lights.’ According to Mitchell Weiss from Congregation Kol Ami, they can be simple, elaborate, decorative or even homemade.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Weiss, now 58 and living in Wesley Chapel, has his own memories of Hanukkah. He grew up in Edison, New Jersey, in an area with a large Jewish community. So large, in fact, it was nicknamed “Hanukkah Hill.” Some of his fondest memories include when his grandmother (who was a Holocaust survivor) would make latkes. Hers were a bit different, being made with squash instead of potatoes. He also remembers using a special menorah that he made with his father and brother when he was 10.

Even though those celebrations occurred decades ago, the traditions survive in his family. He still has his grandmother’s recipe, and the Weiss’ enjoy squash latkes each year. And, the menorah he used as a child still resides in his parents’ home. Seeing it brings back special memories, he said.

It’s not unusual for adults to rekindle fond memories of Hanukkah from their own youth, Weiss said.

Kol Ami has a special Hanukkah celebration each year that’s open to the public, on the third night of the holiday. While it’s a time for celebration, it also conjures up a bit of nostalgia.

“We have a lot of seniors here that, in their past when they had their holidays, they remember the good times with their parents,” Weiss explained. “When we have the candle-lighting ceremony, sometimes there are tears, because they remember how good it was when they had Hanukkah.”

Today, children still have it pretty good, with presents usually opened on each of the eight nights. But, like Christmas, the holiday goes beyond material gifts. It’s about fond memories, continuing traditions and spending time with loved ones.

“All Jewish holidays are always about family. No matter what holiday it is, it’s all about family,” Weiss said.

Hanukkah events

Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa
What: Hanukkah Celebration, including a musical program, a pasta dinner, lighting of the Hanukkiah and games.
When: Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
How much: The event is free and open to the public.
For more information or to RSVP, call (813) 962-6338, or email .

Where: Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway
What: Third Annual 4th Night, 3rd Light Hanukkah. The celebration will include latkes and lighting of menorahs. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own Hanukkiah to join in the celebration.
When: Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, in front of Dillard’s.
What: Chabad at Wiregrass will host its Chanukah Street Fair, which includes hot potato latkes, doughnuts and gelt, as well as live entertainment, face-painting, magic, games and a photo booth. They will also light the menorah.
When: Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Who: It’s free and open to the public. For more information, call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Where: Chabad at Wiregrass, 2124 Ashley Oaks Circle
What: Chanukah bash and teen heritage night, which includes a limousine ride to Amalie Arena to see the Tampa Bay Lightning and a menorah lighting at Thunder Alley.
When: Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Published December 2, 2015