Local News

Arts and crafts festival finds new home

March 2, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival has a new home.

After months of searching, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club found an ideal fit for the festival at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa.

The festival is slated for the first weekend in December.

The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival will take place at Keystone Prep High School on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 this year. Last year’s festival was cancelled at Lake Park after a sinkhole developed in a road. (File Photo) — The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival will take place at Keystone Prep High School on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 this year. Last year’s festival was cancelled at Lake Park after a sinkhole developed in a road.
(File Photo)

According to woman’s club president Cathy Mathes, the two-day festival will be at Keystone Prep for “the next few years.”

Mathes was particularly impressed by the school’s large property, and the school’s enthusiasm in hosting the event.

“They’re getting the students involved. They have a really involved parent club that’s going to be doing a lot of work, too,” the club president said, noting the festival will be mutually beneficial for fundraising purposes.

Last December, the 36th annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival was cancelled at Lake Park due to a sinkhole that was estimated as being around 6 feet wide and 100 feet deep. The club had also encountered some problems with flooding on park roads during previous arts and crafts festivals.

After the cancellation, the woman’s club opted to find a new location to house the popular event, which typically attracts up to 30,000 people.

The festival is the largest yearly fundraiser for the club, which gives back to the community in the form of college scholarships and donations to local charities.

The process of finding a new location was “quite a search,” according to Pat Serio, head of public relations for the woman’s club.

“Finding a new venue is not as easy as it appears,” Serio said. “We can’t just relocate to a (land) parcel. We have to have infrastructure and electricity.”

Serio added it was important to keep the arts and crafts festival near Lutz.

“A lot of people pitched location ideas, but some weren’t practical or weren’t going to work,” Serio said.

“Someone, for instance, suggested the (Florida State) Fairgrounds. We can’t do that; we have to keep it in our area.”

To make up for the dearth of funds caused by cancellation of the festival nearly three months ago, the woman’s club plans to host several smaller events and fundraisers throughout the year.

“We’re trying to take the burden off our club members’ shoulders, because it’s a heavy financial demand on us,” Serio said. “We’re trying to reach our (donation) numbers.”

One new event, titled ‘White Nights,’ is slated for October near the Lutz Branch Library. It will feature music, food and original artwork for sale at reasonable prices.

Published March 2, 2016

Radio system improvements planned

March 2, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County is replacing dinosaur analog with new age digital.

The county is replacing a 26-year-old, outmoded radio communications system.

New radios, antennas and cell towers will enhance Pasco County’s public safety coverage.

In recent years, the existing system has been plagued with complaints by residents about dropped 911 calls.

Todd Bayley, Pasco County’s chief information officer, stated the obvious to Pasco commissioners in February. “The system is at maximum capacity,” he said. “We have coverage issues currently.”

Commissioners approved a $14.5 million contract with Williams Communications Inc., to add seven new cell tower sites for a total of 10 sites countywide. Existing sites are in New Port Richey, Darby and Dade City. The new sites will enhance public safety coverage particularly in new growth areas of Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

In addition, the new system will replace old hand-held and portable radios, add antennas to existing sites, and enhance capabilities at the county’s 911 emergency center. The project will roll out over three years, with completion expected in July 2018.

“It’s giving us total 100 percent coverage everywhere in the county,” Bayley said.

The current system relies on three cell tower sites, 2,500 hand-held and portable radios, and 11 dispatch consoles for 911 calls.

The manufacturer’s expiration date for that system is in 2017.

The upgraded system will support public safety agencies including the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Management, and Pasco Fire Rescue as well as law enforcement agencies that have merged emergency operations with Pasco. Those include Port Richey, Dade City and New Port Richey.

In addition, the county supports communications on board more than 30 percent of Pasco County School District’s buses. Communications among all county agencies also will be enhanced and expanded.

Funding is from the Penny for Pasco tax money collected annually by the county, with 20 percent set aside for public safety projects.

The new system will be compatible with radio systems used by law enforcement and public safety agencies in surrounding counties.

As an added feature, Bayley said certain public safety and fire rescue officers will be able to download an application to a Smartphone, and with the punch of a button, start talking over the radio system.

“So, they don’t always have to have a radio on their hip,” Bayley said.

As the systems are traded out, the transition should be seamless as the new system is compatible with the existing system, Bayley said.

The county plans to fund the project initially by borrowing from the general reserve funds and then securing a loan to reimburse those funds. The loan closing is expected on March 9.

Published March 2, 2016

Nature’s way to have fun, decompress

March 2, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Hillsborough River State Park — just a short drive south of Zephyrhills — is one of Florida’s first state parks.

It’s a place where nature lovers can explore trails, where fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines, where families and friends can host special gatherings, and where campers can call the place home — for up to 14 days at a time.

A variety of events take place at Fort Foster, which is across the street from the Hillsborough River State Park. Despite the fact that roughly a quarter-million people visit the park, perhaps only 10,000 of them are aware of Fort Foster, says Brian Pinson, park manager. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — A variety of events take place at Fort Foster, which is across the street from the Hillsborough River State Park. Despite the fact that roughly a quarter-million people visit the park, perhaps only 10,000 of them are aware of Fort Foster, says Brian Pinson, park manager.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The park opened in 1938, as one of the nation’s original Civilian Conservation Corps parks.

The Hillsborough River — the park’s namesake — was named in the late 1700s for Wills Hills, the British Colonial Secretary and Lord Earl of Hillsborough, according to the park’s website.

The Civilian Conservation Corps established the area surrounding the river rapids as a public park during the 1930s.

The 3,600-acre park is divided by the Hillsborough River.

It features seven miles of nature trails and boasts 15 ecosystems, said Brian Pinson, park manager.

Nature enthusiasts have a chance to explore Florida’s wild side, with its ever-changing seasonal shows of wildflowers. They can also see wildlife such as deer, raccoons and rabbits, and birds such as owls, wood storks, woodpeckers, roseate spoonbills, and painted bunting.

Alligators sunning themselves are a common sight at Hillsborough River State Park. (Courtesy of Florida State Parks) — Alligators sunning themselves are a common sight at Hillsborough River State Park.
(Courtesy of Florida State Parks)

Alligators are a common sight, as they sun themselves along the banks of the Hillsborough River.

Those who enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool can take advantage of the park’s fully accessible pool, which is open seasonally.

The park also has 117 campsites, which are extremely popular with northern visitors during the winter, Pinson said.

The campsites are also a popular draw on weekends during other parts of the year, he said.

The park draws roughly 250,000 visitors a year, and they come from all over.

During a recent campground coffee, there were visitors from as far away as Switzerland and Nova Scotia, and others from Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Pinson said.

Park manager Brian Pinson describes what life was like for inhabitants at Fort Foster, a reconstructed fort on the east side of U.S. 301, across the road from the Hillsborough River State Park.

The park also includes the Fort Foster State Historic Site, which is not widely known — even to visitors at the park, Pinson said.

The fort is on the east side of U.S. 301, and is only opened for guided tours on weekends and special events.

Fort Foster is a reconstructed fort from the Second Seminole War. Rangers lead tours of the site on the weekends, for $2 per person.

Despite its long-time presence at the park, Fort Foster is little-known, said Brian Pinson, park manager.

“Our annual attendance is about 250,000 people a year. Of that 250,000 a year, I’ll bet 240,000 of them have never heard of Fort Foster,” he said.

But, he’s trying to change that.

“We’re trying to get the word out on Fort Foster,” he said.

“What we’ve recently started doing is a dinner at the fort. We do it once a month. We sell tickets online. It’s like a four-star dining experience. We light the entire fort up with candles. We have re-enactors that come over, on the Seminole side, as well as the military side. And, you sit at a picnic table with a couple of strangers, but you get to sit down with somebody who is playing the part of a military lieutenant from 1835. It’s $25 per person.

“We do it the third Saturday of every month through the winter. (November through April).

The dinners are limited to 25 people.

Visitors have plenty of places to picnic at the park.

People who want to learn more about Fort Foster and the Second Seminole War also can visit the Interpretive Center, which was the park’s original ranger station. There, visitors can see more than 100 artifacts from the Fort Foster site.

Pinson, who became the park manager just months ago, is working to increase the number of reasons for people to come to the park, and to help visitors take full advantage of what it has to offer.

For instance, every other Wednesday at 6 p.m., the park holds a potluck supper.

“It’s like loaves and fishes. We just eat and eat, and there’s always enough food,” Pinson said. “We’ve got meals from all over the country, sometimes all over the world.”

On March 19, the park is having a community yard sale. Anyone who wants to sell their items can rent out a table for $10, he said.

Pinson also plans to add a stage, to accommodate music in the park.

While there’s plenty to do, the park also is a great place to unplug, relax and recharge, Pinson said.

For some, the park is a sanctuary; for others, a meditation room, he said.

“This is an outlet for people to just do nothing,” Pinson said.

What: Hillsborough River State Park, a state park with nature trails, campsites, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, picnicking, fishing and special events.
Where: 15402 US 301 N., Thonotosassa, FL 33592
How much: Admission is $6 per vehicle (2 to 8 people); $4 for single occupant; $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers. Separate charges for camping, equipment rentals and event rentals.
More information: (813) 987-6771, or visit FloridaStateParks.org.

Published March 2, 2016

New Dade City Hall ready for debut

March 2, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Dade City residents will get their first official peek inside their new City Hall at a ribbon cutting on March 11 at 10:30 a.m.

City employees and law enforcement officers, however, are already getting accustomed to the new, 22,000-square-foot building. They moved in about three weeks ago.

“We’ve gotten settled in,” said Gordon Onderdonk, the city’s public works director.

(Courtesy of Wannemacher Jensen Architects)

Now, it’s the public’s turn to explore the new seat of city government, and the headquarters for the Dade City police department.

Ribbon-cutting festivities will include a performance by the Pasco High School Band, as well as speeches by guest speakers, a flag raising and a rendition of the national anthem. Those attending will be able to go on guided tours of the complex, and refreshments will be served.

Wannemacher Jensen Architects created a design for two separate buildings that are joined by an entryway canopy and a courtyard. One side of the complex houses city offices; the other is headquarters for the Dade City police force.

In preparation of the celebration, the Dade City Commission approved the temporary closure of Meridian Avenue from Fifth Street to the U.S. 98 Bypass from 8 a.m. to noon on March 11.

Construction on the new City Hall began in March 2015 on the site of the old building.

In the 1920s, developers planned a hotel at the location, but that was never completed.

During the Depression, the building found new life as a federal work project and served as the hub of city government for decades.

Through the years, city agencies outgrew the space and moved into other buildings.

During construction, some City Hall employees were relocated to an annex building and to the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot on U.S. 98 at U.S. 301.

Consolidating offices in one building will make it easier for people to do business with the city, Onderdonk said.

“This is one-stop shopping for them to take care of everything. It’s all in the same building and will be convenient,” he said.

The city’s police department vacated its previous location on Pasco Avenue.

The new facility has typical features of a police department, including interview rooms, holding cells, a booking area, a special area for the K-9 unit and a conference room. But, there also is new and upgraded technology.

The city commission chamber also will benefit from technology upgrades, including a projector screen that will make it easier to observe meetings.

The approximately $5.9 million budget for the building’s construction came from the countywide Penny for Pasco program and the city’s reserve fund.

Published March 2, 2016

Parent input sought for grant application

March 2, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Schools is seeking federal grant money for a before- and after-school program for some students at Cox and Quail Hollow elementary schools, and wants to hear from parents during the process.

The application requires community input, said Tony Harroun, a senior grant writer for Pasco County Schools.

So, a community night is planned for March 3 at 6 p.m., at R.B. Cox Elementary School, at 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City.

Quail Hollow’s community night was set for earlier in the week, on March 1.

The idea is to give parents a chance to weigh in on what they would like to see offered as part of the program, Harroun said.

The emphasis of the before- and after-school program will be on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics, he said.

But, children may be interested in specific topics in science or other subjects, and the district would like to hear parents’ suggestions, Harroun said.

If the district receives the grant, he estimates that the program at Cox and at Quail Hollow possibly could accommodate about 50 children each.

The district hopes to receive funding for both schools, so it can provide additional ways to engage children in learning and make it more interesting and fun for them, Harroun said.

The district already has this program at one elementary school and at an afternoon program at three middle schools, including Stewart Middle School, Harroun said.

The application will be submitted for a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.

The program it would fund is called STAR, which stands for Success Through Academic Readiness.

Children from private schools also are eligible for the before- and after-school program, but the school district would not be able to transport them, Harroun said.

Parents of private school children who are interested in learning more about the program and who would like to offer suggestions about the programming are invited to the community meeting, he said.

What: Community meeting
Why: To solicit parent input on a potential before- and after-school program.
Where: Cox Elementary School, 37615 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City
When: March 3 at 6 p.m.

Published March 2, 2016

CrossFit En Fuego part of growing fitness movement

March 2, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Peter and Jennifer Abreut have been operating a CrossFit gym even before the fitness movement became mainstream just a few years ago.

They have witnessed the rapid growth of CrossFit firsthand since they opened a 1,200-square-foot fitness warehouse — near the Tire Kingdom in Lutz — over six years ago.

Peter and Jennifer Abreut opened the 8,500-square-foot CrossFit gym a little over four years ago. (Photos courtesy of Peter and Jennifer Abreut) — Peter and Jennifer Abreut opened the 8,500-square-foot CrossFit gym a little over four years ago.
(Photos courtesy of Peter and Jennifer Abreut)

At that time, their gym’s membership totaled about 20 members, essentially consisting of close friends and family members.

A lot has changed relatively quickly.

The Abreuts now operate CrossFit En Fuego, a CrossFit Inc. affiliate, which is housed in an 8,500-square-foot facility, at 3320 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

CrossFit En Fuego, a play off Peter’s Cuban roots and past experience as a firefighter, has nearly 200 members, and also includes a kids’ program for ages 4 to 17.

According to a report by the Harvard Business School, CrossFit Inc., is the fastest growing community of fitness service businesses ever.

In 2005, there were 13 CrossFit affiliates. That figure rose to over 12,000 in 2015, according to that report.

“When we started, not many people knew about CrossFit,” Peter said. “It wasn’t on ESPN. We just had to go out there and tell people. Now, we get people all the time that say, ‘I saw that on TV, and I think I want to do it.’”

CrossFit En Fuego incorporates a broad range of ages, body types and levels of fitness.

On weekdays, several classes are held from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturdays, the Abreuts offer a free class at 9 a.m.

CrossFit En Fuego includes members of all ages, body types and fitness levels. Workouts can be scaled down or suited to match each participant’s abilities.

The combination of a group (usually eight to 12 people) setting and hands-on instruction has made the fitness craze an attractive option, compared to the typical workout experience.

“You make friends when you come in and build a community…so you motivate each other through that, and you’re held accountable through your peers,” Jennifer said. “People are always together within a group and with a coach, so it’s almost like personal training.”

With new workouts plastered across a dry erase board each day, members can walk in without the worry of planning out an exercise routine.

“People love it because they don’t have to think. They come in, look at the workout of the day, and we guide them through it and work with them,” Peter said. “We’re going to teach you how to do all the movements correctly and make sure you’re moving safely, and getting the right kind of workout for your level.”

While some current or prospective members may have certain aesthetic goals — leaner build, more defined muscles — CrossFit’s focus is more about completing the workouts, and building off that progress to get faster, stronger and more flexible.

“It’s much more fun to take the focus off of trying to do something because you want to tone up, and then just try to do something because you want to get better or be competitive with somebody in your class,” Peter explained. “In doing that, I tell everybody, ‘Your body is going to respond, and it’s going to start changing. Your body has no option but to get in shape.’”

As opposed to running on a treadmill or gliding on an elliptical machine, CrossFit workouts are often based around Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics movements and traditional plyometric exercises, which involve jumping movements.

CrossFit En Fuego is located at 3320 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It is owned and operated by Peter and Jennifer Abreut.

Everything from squat racks, monkey bar rigs, gymnastic rings, box jumps, rowing machines, medicine balls, kettle bells and barbells are used in the workout routines, which typically last an hour.

“We don’t use very many machines,” Peter said. “What we’re teaching is for you to move well. Putting something overhead is a lot different compared to if (a machine) just goes up and down.”

Every day, the routine changes. One day, members may find themselves using a jump rope and doing pull-ups. The next, they may run a 5K outdoors.

Not having the same exercise everyday helps keep members interested and on their toes, Peter said.

“We’re trying to be as balanced as we can. It’s called GPP—General Physical Preparedness, where you’re trying to hit everything at once,” he said. “That’s one of the cool things about it—you’re hitting all the fitness domains. You’re getting stronger, you’re getting faster, and you’re getting more aerobic endurance. You’re developing all that together, instead of specifying one thing.”

According to Jennifer, members have seen noticeable results—both body and mind— in as little as six weeks.

“Your body realizes how to recover from (the workouts),” she said. “With the interval training, your body releases the happy hormones (endorphins.) Within a couple hours after the workout…your body feels that extra burst of energy.

“I always tell them, ‘We’re keeping you out of that nursing home.’”

After several months, more substantial results begin to kick in, Peter said.

“I can’t even count how many members — after six to 12 months — have said, ‘My doctor just took me off three medications,’ or ‘I’m down 10 percent body fat.’ And that’s awesome to hear,” he said.

“The bottom line is, it does work,” he said.

Depending on the length of commitment, membership costs range from $135 to $165 a month.

Jennifer said some prospective members may initially be “scared” by some of the CrossFit exercises and movements, but they quickly realize the environment isn’t as intimidating as they perceived.

“The hardest part is walking through that door,” she said.

CrossFit En Fuego
What: Family-owned and operated facility featuring group workouts based on functional movements, reflecting the aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running and rowing
Where: 3320 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes
Hours: Weekdays from 5:15 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: $135 to $165 a month
More information: CrossFitEnFuego.com, call (813) 601-4183, or email .

Published March 2, 2016

Zephyrhills man turns trash into art

March 2, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

From crafting hand drawings to designing T-shirts, Steven Spittka loves art.

The 51-year-old Zephyrhills resident and Navy veteran still recalls getting “straight A’s” in his high school art classes in Michigan.

Inside his workshop, Steven Spittka trims the edges of a soda can to make his art sculptures. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos) — Inside his workshop, Steven Spittka trims the edges of a soda can to make his art sculptures.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

Having that creative mindset sparked the idea that he could make art sculptures “out of trash” — about five years ago, when he saw empty cans littering the yard near the now-defunct Crosslight Baptist Church in Zephyrhills.

“I was cutting grass one day, and I saw trash all over the church’s yard and ditches. …I picked up an empty soda can, I looked at it, and I said, ‘You know what? You can make something out of this trash and give it away to other people,’ and that’s’ where I got started,” Spittka said.

“I can make somebody else happy out of trash and cans, basically.”

For Spittka, the projects are a fun hobby, and a way to give back to the local community.

He’s made soda can replicas for Woodland Elementary, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, and the Zephyrhills police and fire departments, without any charge.

Spittka even met with Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, and presented him with a soda can sculpture that included two guns and a pair of handcuffs.

“He loved it,” Spittka said.

Steven Spittka creates everything from classic cars to musical instruments out of empty soda cans, hot glue and paint.

Most of Spittka’s artwork is given away for free, though some recipients insist on giving him “a few dollars.”

“Everybody says, ‘You are so kind-hearted that you give all your things away,’ and I say, ‘Well, that’s my nature,’ he said.

“I just enjoy doing things for other people,” he said.

With a combination of soda cans, hot glue, and paint, Spittka can design anything from classic cars and motorcycles to animals and musical instruments.

He noted he’s gotten “better and better” at creating figures from soda cans over the past few years.

Depending on the scope of the project, Spittka may use anywhere from a few soda cans to more than 50.

Some pieces may take less than an hour to several hours over multiple days.

His ideas for the art pieces come at a whim inside his personal workshop.

Spittka used recycled cans to create the patriotic image of a flag.

“I’ll go out there and think, ‘What can I make?’ So, I’ll start twiddling and cutting and molding the cans,” said Spittka, who also works at a local clothing store. “It’s all out of my head. I don’t look at anything.”

To find enough supplies to make all of his art, Spittka rides his bicycle around Zephyrhills searching out all sorts of empty soda cans. He also recycles the cans that his family has emptied to make sculptures.

“People just give me ideas. They’ll slip and give me a hint, like, ‘Oh, I like butterflies, and it triggers,’” Spittka said.

While Spittka could likely turn his skill into a side business, he prefers to just keep it as a hobby, and give away his works for free.

“I just enjoy doing things for other people,” he said. “It’s something different.”

Published March 2, 2016

Serving seasonal sweetness

March 2, 2016 By Betsy Crisp

This time of year is particularly good for fresh Florida strawberries.

The sweet, red, and juicy heart-shaped little fruit is packed full of vitamins and minerals, but low in calories.

Strawberries make a healthy snack by themselves, or can enhance the flavors of all kinds salads, desserts and other recipes. (Courtesy of Betsy Crisp) — Strawberries make a healthy snack by themselves, or can enhance the flavors of all kinds salads, desserts and other recipes.
(Courtesy of Betsy Crisp)

Those who’ve attended the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City are likely aware of how delicious the berries taste in strawberry shortcake — served to festival-goers on sponge cake or a biscuit, whichever they prefer. This year’s festival runs from March 3 through March 13.

Food trend predictions for 2016 from researchers at University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences say that a premium-flavored/sweeter variety strawberry could be coming to a supermarket near you this year. This is the second year the UF/IFAS is marketing “Sweet Sensation,” a medium-sized, moderately firm and juicy strawberry.

March is National Nutrition Month, but you can celebrate with strawberries all year long: for breakfast in a yogurt parfait; for lunch on a spinach salad with cooked chicken and almonds; for an afternoon snack, just as they are; and, in assorted recipes for dinner and dessert.

Strawberries are very healthy, too. Just eight of them provide more vitamin C than an orange.

By Betsy Crisp

Betsy Crisp is an Extension Family & Consumer Sciences agent and a licensed dietitian for the University of Florida/IFAS. She is based in Pasco County and can be reached at

Recipes

Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup 1 percent or nonfat milk
½ cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

1 cup frozen strawberries (Note: you can make your own from fresh berries by removing green cap, rinsing, and freezing on a cookie sheet until firm and store in a freezer zip-top bag)

1 medium banana, broken into 4-6 pieces

8 ice cubes

Directions:
Add all ingredients in a blender. Cover and process for 30-45 seconds until smooth. Pour into four glasses and serve immediately.

Simply Wonderful Strawberry Breakfast Parfait
Layer into clear glass:
½ cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
½ cup sliced strawberries
½ cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
Top with 2 Tablespoons granola

Makes one serving.

Strawberry-Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
Salad
4 cups Romaine lettuce, torn
4 cups fresh spinach
2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
1/3 cup red onion, sliced
12 ounces cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast, sliced (Note: Leftover rotisserie chicken works well)
2 Tablespoons sliced almonds
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ cup (2 ounces) crumbled blue cheese

Salad Dressing (In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together.)
2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVO)
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon water
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
To prepare salad, add first 5 ingredients to bowl and toss gently. Divide salad mixture into four salad bowls. Layer with sliced chicken in each, followed by dried cranberries, blue cheese, and almonds. Drizzle top with dressing.

Published March 2, 2016

Zephyrhills chamber names new director

February 24, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Zephyrhills native Melonie Monson has been named as the new executive director for the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

She was appointed to the post on Feb. 16 and will begin work on Feb. 29.

She replaces Rod Mayhew, who held the job about three months before stepping down in January.

Monson, 54, spent the past year working as assistant city clerk for the city of Zephyrhills.

The Zephyrhills High graduate previously was the chamber’s member services coordinator for about a year, where she worked alongside former chamber director Vonnie Mikkelsen.

Mikkelsen left the position in July 2015 to take on a similar role in Springfield, Oregon.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce hired Melonie Monson to serve the role as executive director, effective Feb. 29. She will be the chamber’s third executive director in nine months, following Rod Mayhew and Vonnie Mikkelsen. (Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce) — The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce hired Melonie Monson to serve the role as executive director, effective Feb. 29. She will be the chamber’s third executive director in nine months, following Rod Mayhew and Vonnie Mikkelsen.
(Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Monson stood out during the hiring process because she’s a local resident, is familiar with the inner workings of the city and is a former chamber employee, said Tim Linville, chamber president and search committee chairman.

Another bonus for the selection committee was Monson’s business experience, Linville said. She owned and operated a hair salon business in Utah for more than 30 years.

Her background gives her perspective that will help in her new role, the chamber president said, noting, “our chamber is made up of mostly small business owners, so that makes it easier to understand their concerns.”

Linville said Monson’s familiarity with the city’s business and political leaders makes her an ideal fit for the position.

“Her starting point is so much quicker as compared to if we hired someone from the outside, where it would take six months to a year to get somewhat familiar with who the different players are and understand the (city’s) makeup,” he explained.

“We really haven’t had an official leader for about nine months. It’s about…making sure things are running correctly and then…make sure we’re on our strategic plan which we have set up for March.”

Monson, who’s been living in Zephyrhills for the past five years, said she’s “excited to get back in the community and make a difference.”

One of Monson’s main objectives is to facilitate the development of downtown Zephyrhills.

“The nice thing about me being over here at the city for the last several months is I now see the vision the city has, and the direction they’re trying to go with form-based code and “reimagine” Gall Boulevard. I also understand the direction the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) is going in our downtown corridor… so I really think we can work together and find some businesses that will do great here,” Monson explained.

“The Zephyrhills Brewing Co., is going to be coming downtown. I’d love to be in on that, and help find a couple other businesses to come in and bring more people downtown,” she said.

Monson acknowledged that it will be a “bit of an adjustment” to go from being a member on the chamber’s staff, to assuming the leadership role.

“There’s always a challenge when you were working with people side-by-side and then you go back in, and now you’re over them,” Monson said. “But the (staff) is amazing, and we work well together, so I don’t anticipate too much of a challenge.

“I’m not sure if any confidence has been lost with things being changed so quickly, so I’ll watch for that and see if that needs to be addressed when I get in there,” she said.

In addition to her own ideas, Monson wants to garner feedback from fellow chamber employees on additional programming.

“It’s a team effort. It’s not a one-person job,” she said. “We all have to work together with the same type of goals.”

When she worked as the chamber’s membership services coordinator, Monson said she “learned a lot” from Mikkelsen about the duties of the executive director position.

“I learned how she interacted with people…and understood that relationships are far more important than anything monetary. …Most of the executive director position is being out there in the community and seeing what’s needed,” Monson explained.

“I learned a lot about understanding the role of a nonprofit, which was new to me and a little bit different,” she said.

Monson will make her own daily agenda.

Her first plans in office include completing the new chamber directory and locking in a permanent venue for the chamber’s annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival.

Published February 24, 2016

Mansfield Boulevard and Kinnan Street could meet in the middle

February 24, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Discussions on opening up Mansfield Boulevard in Pasco County’s Meadow Pointe community and linking it to Kinnan Street in New Tampa’s K Bar Ranch hit dead-end after dead-end for years.

Pasco County and the City of Tampa sparred over how to divvy up road improvements and pay the costs.

So, the two roadways that cut through expensive subdivisions on either side of the county line still don’t connect. Instead, they end at a barricade that has become a magnet for illegal dumping.

Kinnan Street in New Tampa’s K Bar Ranch is on the other side of a barricade where Mansfield Boulevard dead ends in Pasco County’s Meadow Pointe subdivision. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Kinnan Street in New Tampa’s K Bar Ranch is on the other side of a barricade where Mansfield Boulevard dead ends in Pasco County’s Meadow Pointe subdivision.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

In a recent medical emergency, one K Bar Ranch resident learned just how unsafe the divide could get. Confusion over which agency should respond and the lack of road access left him waiting 45 minutes for medical attention.

There is renewed hope, however, that opposing sides can find common ground.

“It’s like the stars are in alignment,” said Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione.

Just as she was nearly ready to hit send on an email to Pasco County commissioners, she got a call from Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

Both wanted to restart discussions on connecting the roads.

“He didn’t know I was even sending the letter,” Montelione said.

And, the developer of Meadow Pointe had scheduled a meeting with Pasco officials to discuss the same topic.

On March 9, Moore, Montelione, Pasco staff members and Tampa staff members will meet to consider options.

Moore reported to fellow commissioners last month of his conversation with Montelione.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey quickly offered her support.

“I’m all about connectivity,” she said.

Lack of connections kept K Bar Ranch resident, Otto Schloeter, in agony for 45 minutes after a neighbor made a 911 call for him.

Schloeter suffered third degree burns on his arm due to an accident while cooking lunch. Outmoded 911 technology contributed to confusion regarding which rescue unit from which county should respond, but Montelione’s letter cited another culprit as well – the barrier between Mansfield and Kinnan.

It took nearly two hours for Schloeter finally to reach Tampa General Hospital for a severe injury that required skin grafts, according to Montelione’s letter.

“What I’m hoping to get from this is a road map to move forward,” said Montelione. “It’s not about everybody getting everything they want. It’s about getting to some mutual benefit agreement.”

Nearly three years ago, efforts to address the issue fell apart when the City of Tampa rejected Pasco’s request for city taxpayers or the developer to fund traffic calming devices on Mansfield, which is in Hillsborough County.

At the time, Pasco officials were hearing from Meadow Pointe residents who were concerned about increased traffic on Mansfield, if the roads were opened.

Mansfield is located off State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, just beyond The Shops at Wiregrass.

The boulevard winds past Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, several subdivisions within Meadow Pointe, the construction site for the county’s elementary school “W,” and Dr. John Long Middle School before dead-ending at Kinnan and K Bar Ranch.

Tampa and Pasco officials also tried unsuccessfully to negotiate other grid improvements to improve circulation via Beardsley Drive and Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

Some contentious issues could be smoothed over by a 2015 agreement between the City of Tampa and MI/Homes, the current homebuilder for K Bar Ranch.

The company is open to paying for turn lanes, traffic signals, sidewalks and striping of lanes on Mansfield and Kinnan.

Traffic calming devices on Mansfield, however, are still at issue.

But, Moore said he is hopeful about an agreement.

Opening access for residents to move back and forth between counties is going to be vital, as both counties proceed with new development and expanding populations, he said.

“We want to think responsibly. You’re going to need these connections,” Moore said.

Published February 24, 2016