The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Zephyrhills man turns trash into art

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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.
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.
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

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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

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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

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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

Human trafficking often unseen problem

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Edie Rhea said she was just 10, when her mother’s boyfriend began sexually abusing her and selling her to strangers for sex.

Others may have never suspected what was going on, because Rhea said she lived in a four-bedroom, two-bath house in a nice neighborhood. She also went to school, like other kids, she said.

Even though there were opportunities to tell someone else, Rhea said she was too frightened, because the man who was trafficking her had threatened to kill her.

And, she believed he would.

Edie Rhea said she spent several years of her life as a victim of human trafficking, being sold for sex, from the time she was 10 until she was 17. She now leads Healing Root Ministry, based at First Baptist Church of Lutz. The ministry is striving to raise money to build a transitional house for women rescued from human trafficking. Rhea wants to help those women reclaim their lives. A fundraiser is planned on March 5 to help raise money for the house, which will be called The Gate. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Edie Rhea said she spent several years of her life as a victim of human trafficking, being sold for sex, from the time she was 10 until she was 17. She now leads Healing Root Ministry, based at First Baptist Church of Lutz. The ministry is striving to raise money to build a transitional house for women rescued from human trafficking. Rhea wants to help those women reclaim their lives. A fundraiser is planned on March 5 to help raise money for the house, which will be called The Gate.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

She finally escaped the situation when she was 17, and her mom kicked the boyfriend out of the house, but Rhea was kicked out, too.

She then found a boyfriend, got pregnant and the couple married, she said.

But, the problems didn’t end there.

“The first 10 years of our marriage was bad news,” she said, noting she was using drugs and alcohol, and was involved in marital affairs.

At one point, she was hooked on prescription drugs, she said. And, she attempted suicide several times.

Rhea said her husband wanted a divorce after 10 years of marriage, but gave her another chance.

One of her turning points came when her husband’s mother invited them to church.

“We accepted the Lord. The pastor told me, ‘You know, Edie, you really need to seek some counseling,’” she said.

She began counseling sessions to work on guilt, shame and trust issues, she said.

“The big doozy was when she (the counselor) told me we were going to start working on forgiveness. I told her, ‘I’ll never do that. I’m not going to do that.’’’

The counselor told her: “You need to learn to forgive yourself before you can forgive others,” Rhea said.

“That was a huge, huge, piece,” she said.

Six years ago, the man who had trafficked Rhea was in the hospital and asked to see her, she said.

She said she did go to see him, and told him she had forgiven him.

She also shared the gospel with him, she said.

“He accepted the Lord, and a couple of weeks later, he passed away,” Rhea said.

Four years ago, she launched Healing Root Ministry, a survivor-founded, survivor-run organization aimed at preventing human trafficking and advocating for survivors.

“We originally started, just bringing awareness and prevention,” she said.

But, then she felt called to share her story, and to open a home for rescued women.

The ministry aims to build a house, to provide a transitional home for rescued women.

The house, which will be called The Gate, is intended to serve women from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, said Rhea, who is a member of First Baptist Church of Lutz, where the ministry is based.

“It’s an 18-month program, for women 18 and older. Once they come in, they can pursue their G.E.D. (General Educational Development exam), life skills, job skills,” she said.

The idea is to help these women to reclaim their lives, Rhea said.

“We want restoration. We want them to see that there is hope and that we believe in them,” Rhea said.

Human trafficking is a real problem, that is often unseen, she said.

People have the false notion that the problem is limited to other countries, she said.

They can’t imagine the problem happening to their daughter, or to the daughter of someone they know, she added.

They have no idea that Florida ranks third in the nation for human trafficking, and that Tampa ranks No. 1 in Florida, she added.

Rhea wants to change those statistics.

She also wants the ministry she leads to live up to the words that are written on her business card: “Empowering Women to Live the Lives that God Chose for Them.”

If you would like to help the ministry, or would like more information about it, call Rhea at (813) 458-5970, or visit HealingRootMinistry.com.

2016 Somebody’s Daughter fundraiser
When: March 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
What: A gala including a dinner, dancing, exhibits at MOSI, a 50/50, and a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, vacation packages and other items. Christopher Gregory, of Homeland Security, will be the keynote speaker.
Why: The event will raise money for Healing Root Ministry, a nonprofit organization seeking to raise money to build a transition house for women rescued from human trafficking.
For more information, or to register, go to HealingRootMinistry.com.

To report a case or suspected case of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at (888) 373-7888.
To find out more about human trafficking, visit TraffickingResourceCenter.org.

Published February 24, 2016

Hockey complex making progress

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After a few setbacks, the Florida Hospital Center Ice complex may open sometime before Labor Day.

Initially, the opening for the $20 million project, at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., had been slated for last October.

However, weather and installation of the refrigeration system pushed back the timetable for the 150,000-square foot complex.

The construction of Florida Hospital Center Ice has undergone a few setbacks, due to weather and technological hurdles. Initially slated to open in October 2015, the target date for completion is now late summer of this year. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Center Ice)
The construction of Florida Hospital Center Ice has undergone a few setbacks, due to weather and technological hurdles. Initially slated to open in October 2015, the target date for completion is now late summer of this year.
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Center Ice)

Developer Gordie Zimmerman, of Z Mitch, said the facility’s opening is currently “at the mercy of the refrigeration company.”

“It’s not your average double-ice rink that you see in this area,” said Zimmerman, who helped develop the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon. “To build five rinks in one building under one system, it really is a technological challenge — like going to the moon.

“We have (the issue) resolved. We just don’t know exactly the timeframe.”

Once complete, the complex will have four full-size ice rinks, and a mini-rink for ice hockey and figure skating — making it the largest ice rink complex in the Southeast.

Additionally, the facility will be multipurpose for other sports like basketball, soccer, lacrosse and volleyball.

“We can do a lot of other different things that other facilities— whether they’re a single sheet or a double sheet— can’t do. We have the ability to do more programming at the same time,” Zimmerman explained

“This facility is going to open up a lot of avenues, not just for hockey, but for figure skating, street hockey and multiple sports,” he said.

Zimmerman isn’t quite sure yet what membership costs or membership totals will be, but he said “we’ll probably double the size of USA Hockey membership in the Bay Area once we come on line.”

The facility expects to staff “somewhere in the area” of 20 full-time and 30 part-time employees, Zimmerman said.

“We have taken in probably 100 resumes…from people of interest,” he said. “We’re really looking for ice maintenance (employees)…because of all the new technology.”

Zimmerman already has a hockey department staff in place, and recently hired Shari Trotter, the figure skating director at the Ashburn Ice House in Washington D.C., to serve as the executive figure skating director for Center Ice.

Pasco County tourism manager Ed Caum said the sprawling facility will increase tourism and have a “major economic impact” for the Tampa area.

He believes it will “create a buzz,” from Pasco County to Bradenton.

“People will start calling us the ‘Ice-75’ corridor. From all the way up here to the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon, there’s going to be a massive, massive need for time on the ice,” Caum said.

The tourism manager noted the facility will draw regional events, and perhaps, down the line, will attract national and international events, too.

“You can go after the USA Curling Championships. You can go after your artistic and dance-type events, and you can go after your big events like the NCAA Frozen Four.

“I know that (Zimmerman) does have a lot of friends up in Canada from when he played professionally, so I think we’ll see some international-type tournaments held in there, because people in the business know Gordie.”

While Caum doesn’t have a dollar figure on the amount of revenue Center Ice is expected to bring to Pasco County, he knows there’s already significant interest, because the county has five hotels in development.

“We don’t have the room stock that Hillsborough County does, so the economic impact is going to be shared with Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, because it’s going to be a regional draw,” Caum explained. “We’ve got good partners, and everybody’s going to benefit from this. …Even if people come here to skate at the ice center, they may want to stay on the beach or they may want to stay in Channelside.

However the tourists come, he said, “everybody wins.”

Published February 24, 2016

Easy Business Software wins regional award

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A  company that was born out of the necessity to help a sick 2-year-old in the family recently won third place in Bright House Networks Regional Business Awards.

This recognition comes in addition to the Land O’ Lakes’ company’s top honors in Business Technology from the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., last year, and its recent placement on the semifinalist list in the statewide Florida Companies to Watch program.

From left, Gary Gorsline, his wife, Mary Lynn, and their daughter, Leana, are shown during a Bright House Networks Regional Business Awards celebration. Their company, Easy Business Solutions, captured third place honors. (Courtesy of Gary Gorsline)
From left, Gary Gorsline, his wife, Mary Lynn, and their daughter, Leana, are shown during a Bright House Networks Regional Business Awards celebration. Their company, Easy Business Software, captured third place honors.
(Courtesy of Gary Gorsline)

Gary Gorsline is CEO, and his wife, Mary Lynn, is vice president of the company called Easy Business Software.

The software product that the company is known best for was inspired by their daughter Chelsea’s illness.

She was born with skin allergies that were so severe that they were life-threatening, Mary Lynn said.

As a result, the young girl’s medical chart was loaded with information, Mary Lynn said.

But, one day, when she took her daughter to the doctor’s office, the chart was flat — the records had been misplaced.

In addition to dealing with the missing information, Mary Lynn found herself feeling frustrated as she constantly repeated the story about her daughter’s illness to about 40 different doctors. She was worried she might give doctors inaccurate information, as the family pursued an effective treatment for Chelsea.

Mary Lynn said she turned to Gary to see if he could use his technology know-how to figure out a way that the information could be shared.

Gary, who developed an expertise in computer programming while working for the government, took on the challenge.

The goal of interoperability is to connect different clinical and health care IT systems, so they can exchange and use a patient’s medical history to create better care at lower costs, he said.

The result of his efforts was X-link Medical Software, an interfacing technology that pulls systems and data together. X-link provides the capability to bi-directionally exchange data.

Easy Business Software, which goes by EBS for short, also provides consulting services to health care organizations.

That information can help the providers reduce costs and improve patient care, Gary said.

Leana Gorsline, director of business development, said the company’s prospects are bright, as both medical technology and health care gain greater public attention.

Gary said he sees enormous potential for the collection and analysis of data to lead to improved health care.

“The connectivity that we dreamed of so many years ago is finally on the verge of mass adoption,” he said.

Gary and Mary Lynn, who live in Lutz, also are the owners of Copperstone Executive Suites, a Land O’ Lakes office complex, at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The office complex has full-time tenants, part-time tenants, and a room that can be rented for luncheons, business meetings, parties, church services or other events. The Laker/Lutz News is among the companies leasing space at Copperstone.

Gary is the president of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers, Suncoast Chapter and serves on a number of advisory boards.

Mary Lynn has been actively involved in the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce for years, and also serves on the Heritage Park Foundation, an organization that is working to get a stage for the arts built at Land O’ Lakes Community Park.

Published February 24, 2016

Editor Note: The name of the company was incorrect in the print edition on 2/24/2016. The correct company name is Easy Business Software.

Culver’s ready for custard day on Feb. 29

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The countdown is less than a week away for the opening of Culver’s restaurant.

The aqua building with the royal blue highlights is a visible sign of the growth under way near the Tampa Premium Outlets.

“There is such development in this area,” said franchise owner Marty Roeske. “There’s going to be nothing but growth. We’re excited.”

Construction crews are pulling together last-minute details to prepare for the Feb. 29 opening. A grand opening will be scheduled, probably in March, when Culver’s founder, Craig Culver, is expected to attend.

The pastel blue of Culver’s restaurant, off State Road 56, matches the Florida Key West style of Tampa Premium Outlets. The sign is counting down to the Feb. 29 opening. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
The pastel blue of Culver’s restaurant, off State Road 56, matches the Florida Key West style of Tampa Premium Outlets. The sign is counting down to the Feb. 29 opening.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

Next door, Cheddar’s Casual Café is under construction, also fronting the outlet mall along State Road 56.

Other anticipated restaurants include BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Starbucks, On the Border, Panda Express and Chick-Fil-A, according to Pasco County records.

The Roeskes are establishing some firsts for Culver’s.

“It’s the first Culver’s to say ‘baby blue’,” said Lucas Roeske, who is assisting his father in restaurant operations.

The official color is a shade of aqua. The royal blue is the signature Culver’s color.

This restaurant also has patio seating, another first for Culver’s.

The fast-food chain’s menu serves up Culver’s signature, “Butterburgers,” as well as fried chicken, sandwiches and salads.

And, for desserts, there are Culver’s frozen custard treats, made fresh daily and scooped into waffle cones, dishes, sundaes, shakes and malts.

The Roeskes aren’t newcomers to restaurants or to Culver’s.

They own a franchise in Wisconsin, which is operated by another of Roeske’s sons.

That franchise opened in 2000 as Culver’s 97th restaurant.

Lucas Roeske, left, and his father, Marty Roeske, stand beside the menu board at the drive-through at Culver’s restaurant.
Lucas Roeske, left, and his father, Marty Roeske, stand beside the menu board at the drive-through at Culver’s restaurant.

The Roeskes initially looked in Hillsborough County for locations, but eventually landed at the site that is one of Pasco’s hottest development areas.

In addition to restaurants, Costco and Kohl’s are among future retail headed to the junction of State Road 56 and Interstate 75, as part of the Cypress Creek Town Center.

On the north side of State Road 56, more retail, offices and potentially a hotel also are coming to the town center.

With five high schools close by, Marty Roeske said there is a good employment base.

More than 80 people have been hired, and the number could go as high as 100, he said.

The family moved to Pasco more than a year ago, leaving behind the cold and snow of Wisconsin.

“We love Wesley Chapel,” said Marty Roeske. “It’s very much home to us. It’s a community-based area.”

Culver’s is located at 2303 Sun Vista Drive, off State Road 56 and Grand Cypress Drive. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

For information, visit Culvers.com.

Published February 24, 2016

Town hall covers myriad topics

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A local church was packed with more than 100 residents during a town hall meeting held by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, and county staff.

Those attending had a chance to get a primer on how Pasco County departments function, and to get snapshots of what’s happening across the county and in their neighborhood.

They also got a chance to speak face-to-face with county staff members on issues, including the proposed Ridge Road extension, flood prevention efforts, and the future of the State Road 54 and U.S 41 intersection.

The meeting, which lasted around three hours, was held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz.

County staff members gave presentations about planning and growth, stormwater, code enforcement, parks and recreation, crime prevention, capital projects and transportation.

More than 100 residents came to a town hall meeting at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz. The meeting was hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County staff members. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
More than 100 residents came to a town hall meeting at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz. The meeting was hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County staff members.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Residents had a chance to ask a few questions at the end of each presentation, and could meet privately with staff members, too.

“We tried to think of things that are of concern to you,” Starkey said, in her opening remarks.

Richard Gehring, the county’s strategic policy administrator, gave residents a picture of the county’s population growth.

The census pegged the county’s population at about 467,000 in 2010. Even during the recession, the county grew by about 20,000 residents a year, Gehring said.

And by 2040, the population could increase to about 905,000 countywide.

“This will be the predominant growth area,” Gehring said of central Pasco especially along the State Road 54 corridor.

Residents from Sierra Pines, in Lutz, raised concerns about flooding. Their neighborhood suffered during the summer rainfalls and they worry that enough isn’t being done to address stormwater problems.

The county has identified about $300 million in stormwater projects, but has no funding source as yet.

“That will be an issue with the county commission this year,” said Starkey. “We’re trying to figure out how to do that.”

One resident asked about completion of the Ridge Road extension.

The 8-mile long project is a high priority for the county as a link connecting east and west Pasco, and as an evacuation route in hurricanes and other emergencies.

It has been delayed for more than 15 years, as the county awaits a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Starkey said the application is the longest standing permit request in the country.

Pasco hired a consultant several months ago to help with the process.

“We’re going to try to get louder and louder, and get this squeaky wheel done,” Starkey said.

Finding a solution to the increasing traffic congestion, especially at State Road 54 and U.S. 41, is another issue that has stirred controversy.

Two volunteer task forces created by Pasco County are currently reviewing a set of road projects to improve traffic flow. The Florida Department of Transportation also is reviewing options that could include a flyover that would elevate State Road 54 over U.S. 41 and potentially set aside toll lanes.

But, a range of transportation options will be needed to deal with traffic, as growth and development proceed, said James Edwards, director of Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Transit and even passenger rail along the CSX rail line that crosses U.S. 41 at State Road 54 are possibilities, he said. The rail line is a back door to the Tampa International Airport, the University of South Florida, and into Pinellas County and Clearwater, he said.

“It is a line that absolutely connects us,” he said. “It’s an underutilized asset that may come into play in the future.”

Published February 24, 2016

Pasco master plan seeks to improve parks and recreation

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A proposed master plan for Pasco County’s parks and recreation facilities would cost an estimated $222 million over 10 years, according to a needs assessment from consultants at AECOM.

About $112 million of that amount would be targeted at new amenities for the county’s growing population.

A 2001 master plan projected about 51,000 more people over 10 years.

The actual number was closer to 119,000.

As more people move into Pasco County, the amount of parkland shrinks, in proportion to its population. (File Photos)
As more people move into Pasco County, the amount of parkland shrinks, in proportion to its population.
(File Photos)

New projections peg population growth at about 204,000 more residents, also over 10 years.

How much of the master plan realistically can be implemented and where the funding will come from has yet to be determined. Pasco County commissioners, on Feb. 16, got an overview of the issues confronting the county’s parks and recreation — now and in the future.

Commissioners were asked to consider potential funding options through increased impact fees, user fees, matching grants, assessments, taxes, or through combining multiple sources.

One option could be taking the issue to voters seeking additional funding through a 2018 referendum.

“We really think it’s going to take a combination of a lot of these things,” said Matt Armstrong, the county’s executive planner for long-range planning.

County staff presented the information to commissioners to seek direction before scheduling public meetings to map out various scenarios for the county’s master plan for parks and recreation.

Inadequate parks funding is posing a challenge for Pasco County to keep up its parks.
Inadequate parks funding is posing a challenge for Pasco County to keep up its parks.

However, commissioners requested a follow-up presentation, with additional details, as well as illustrations of potential projects.

“We’ll draft a community-engaged road show and bring it back to you,” said Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker. “Then, you can try it on for size.”

After years of sharp budget cuts during the economy’s downturn, the parks and recreation department lacks funds just to maintain and operate existing parks.

The current budget falls short by about $14 million a year to cover existing needs, according to AECOM’s assessment.

The county now has about five acres per 1,000 people for parks and recreation activities. As the population grows over the next decade, the acreage per 1,000 people likely will shrink by half, if the county does nothing to expand parks and recreation, according to AECOM’s assessment.

In a survey, about 80 percent of 621 residents put repairs and upkeep as one of the county’s priorities. They also wanted more trails and sidewalks, more boat ramps, ball fields, community centers and a more equal distribution of facilities countywide.

About $15 million in new construction proposed in the county’s 2001 master plan went unbuilt, largely due to budget cuts.

AECOM consultants looked at five market areas in the county. While all areas need additional ball fields or recreational facilities, the market areas in south, north and central Pasco had the greatest needs.

One possible solution to address the shortage of funding for Pasco County’s parks and recreation could be to ask voters to approve additional funding through a referendum.
One possible solution to address the shortage of funding for Pasco County’s parks and recreation could be to ask voters to approve additional funding through a referendum.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey cited 2009 data from the nonprofit Florida Taxwatch, which placed Pasco near the bottom in per capita spending on cultural and recreation facilities.

Residents might want to pay more to see improvements, she said.

“There is no money for parks and recreation in our budget,” Starkey said. “Their budget has been slashed, and the current parks they have are falling apart. We’ll have to close parks if we don’t find a budget source. And, if you think we have it now in our general revenues, where? In the sheriff’s budget?”

On revenues for parks and recreation, commissioners appeared to have a consensus that voters should decide what they want, and have a say in how to pay.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore stressed a “think outside the box” approach that includes public/private partnerships. Past efforts seemed to rely too much on taxes, he said.

It comes down to what residents want and a referendum, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.

“If the residents want it and want to pay a little more on it, that’s what they need to do.”

Published February 24,  2016