The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Why you don’t find political endorsements in our papers

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It’s less than a month before the November elections, and nowhere in The Laker/Lutz News will you find a political endorsement of any kind for any party, candidate or issue.

By design, our papers don’t have an editorial page spouting the opinions of my staff, guest columnists or myself.  In fact, our papers have not taken a political position on any topic or candidate in the 14 years I have owned the papers.

Which is why I am always surprised to receive comments or emails from readers asserting that our news coverage is party to the “liberal media bias” or, as a recent writer wrote, of being a “Republican rag.”

So I thought I’d go on record and make it clear that as owner of The Laker/Lutz News, I do not view the papers as a mouthpiece pushing causes and candidates that I personally endorse.

I never direct my staff to cover a political candidate or controversial issue, nor do I ask them to write a story with any political slant or pre-determined outcome. It makes no difference to my reporters whether I’m Democrat, Republican or independent; pro-growth or environmentalist; pro-life or pro-choice; member of the National Rifle Association or supporter of the anti-gun lobby; Christian, Jewish or Muslim.

My only agenda is to make sure my editorial staff writes about topics you want to read about. To give you stories about your neighbors and community that make you proud to call Pasco and north Hillsborough counties your home.

Perhaps because we do not stake out political positions, we receive few letters to the editor. And the authors of the emails we get charging us as being too liberal or too conservative almost never provide their name and phone number.

This is not to say, however, that we don’t hear from our readers. We do. Just about every week we receive accolades from people telling us how much they appreciate our objective news coverage and what a difference it makes to their organization.

Here’s a recent example from Jennifer Medeiros, media manager of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida:

“I just wanted to take a moment and thank you, on behalf of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, for all your help spreading the word about our need for Girl Scout volunteers. The Laker has gone above and beyond by helping us share this need all summer (since the end of May!) and now through the fall — we could not be more grateful!

“It’s because of news outlets like The Laker that we’re able to share our needs with the community, and generate the awareness we need to continue building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”

This email makes me incredibly proud — I even admit to goose bumps when my staff forwarded Jennifer’s email to me. And I’m proud to report we’re getting more comments like this since increasing the size of our paper in August.

Our new format is 30 percent bigger, which obviously gives us more room for more stories. But it’s our new B Section that gives us a second front page that really is getting attention.

Here’s what the co-owner of Haslam’s Book Store, Ray Hinst, wrote after B.C. Manion profiled this Tampa Bay institution on the front of a recent B Section:

“What a terrific article, B.C.!  Photos look great, the quotes exact, and the volume of information you massaged into the narrative is simply outstanding. You have probably offered more insights into the book business than many folks who are doing it full time.

“Thank you for considering us and exercising such expertise in the process. Again, the paper is lucky to have you.”

I believe The Laker/Lutz News is a reflection of the communities we serve. Letters like these tell the story of the good people we write about who want the most for their neighbors and neighborhoods.

So I hope you don’t think it self-serving to share some of these letters with you in a new section we’re starting called “Noteworthy … Kudos From Our Readers.”

Our first “Noteworthy” follows this column (you can find it online in our e-edition by clicking here). We invite you to send us your comments on stories that move you, and encourage you to be on the lookout for this new feature so you, too, can be proud of the difference your community paper makes in the lives of your neighbors.

Published October 15, 2014

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Left Behind: Bus service screeches to a halt on Monday

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He leaned back on the bench, allowing just bits of a pizza delivery store advertisement to peek through for motorists to see as they sped past the New River Branch Library on State Road 54.

The skies were a clear blue, and the morning coolness was quickly giving way to what would soon be a noontime Florida heat. Yet, hints of sweat formed on his forehead, under a tattered ball cap where the letters “TB” were joined by a stingray — a not-so-happy reminder of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of the past.

There were no riders at bus stops on Monday. Although Pasco County was technically open on Columbus Day, many departments — including Pasco County Public Transportation — were closed for employee training. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
There were no riders at bus stops on Monday. Although Pasco County was technically open on Columbus Day, many departments — including Pasco County Public Transportation — were closed for employee training.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

The man, who would not give his name, had walked from The Columns at Cypress Point, a small apartment community behind the library. He was hoping to catch the bus to the new Walmart in Wesley Chapel to replenish his food pantry and refrigerator.

Except no bus was coming.

“What do you mean?” he said. “It’s Monday. Where is it?”

Monday was Columbus Day, a holiday with federal status, but one that’s not recognized by many employers, including state and even Pasco County officials. Yet, many offices in the county were closed, including Pasco County Public Transportation, while the employees from those departments attended a daylong retreat and appreciation day. It’s something the county does twice a year — on President’s Day in February and on Columbus Day — County Administrator Michele Baker said. It comes during a time when bus ridership is “significantly reduced.”

“We don’t have the opportunity to train our work units as a team,” Baker said. “The only way to give good training and to improve our customer service, and improve the level of service to our customers, is to do a timeout.”

That timeout closed many county offices the same time banks and federal offices also were shuttered. So-called “constitutional offices,” like the tax collector’s office and supervisor of elections office, remained open, however.

The New River library was closed Monday, but budget cutbacks forced all county libraries to be closed Mondays. Yet, employees from New River and others also took part in the retreat, and they will make up for the extra day by closing down all libraries on Friday.

Baker’s administration got the green light to shut down the county twice a year for these training sessions when her predecessor, John Gallagher, was still in office three years ago, she said. The training has taken place ever since, but has not needed additional approvals from the commission.

“It is difficult to choose the right day,” Commissioner Pat Mulieri told The Laker/Lutz News, in an email. “I think that bringing staff together is a great idea. We are growing, and there are many departments that could assist one another and integrate services. It always helps if it is on a personal basis.”

But one of the people who wants to replace Mulieri on the commission agrees that training is good, but only with minimal impact to people who depend on county services. Erika Remsberg, a Democrat who faces Mike Moore in the upcoming Nov. 4 election, said her first thought after learning bus service was cancelled on Monday was wondering how some people were going to get to work.

“This will mean lower-income folks who depend on our transit system to access health care, employment, shopping or otherwise, will not be able to do so on that day,” Remsberg said, in an email. “The extent of those consequences may not be realized or assessed. My hope is this is such a critical training event that it will increase productivity (and) customer service more than it will hurt the folks who will lose a day’s pay, delay their treatment, or prevent them from getting groceries for their families.”

Six miles away from the man in front of the library, a woman sporting a bright orange bag leaned against a bus stop sign near Vandine Road. She had a dollar bill in her hand, as well as a voucher, and looked with concern down State Road 54, waiting for a bus to arrive.

When she was told buses were not running that day, her face turned disgusted, and she walked off down the sidewalk.

“When those drivers are at work, they are out driving a bus,” Baker said. “The only time we could meet with them is after hours and on overtime, and this is a way we didn’t have to do that and save money. We have really not gotten any complaints.”

For anyone who has been inconvenienced, the rewards from Monday’s meetings would make it worth it, she said.

“Our people come out of this with refreshed customer service skills and new technical skills,” Baker said. “The whole idea is to give us an opportunity provide all this necessary training, and to ensure it’s very cost-affordable.”

Did you work on Columbus Day?
It’s been called one of the nation’s most inconsistently celebrated holidays by the Pew Research Center. And while federal and bank employees might have Columbus Day off, state workers in Florida do not, nor do a vast majority of private company employees.

In fact, The Council of State Governments says just 23 states even recognize Columbus Day as a paid holiday. And while banks might be closed, the stock market isn’t, so the gavel still fell on Wall Street on Monday.

Pasco County Schools and Pasco-Hernando State College both remained open on Monday — meaning students, faculty and administrators were on the job.

The holiday first appeared in Colorado in 1906 to celebrate the landing of explorer Christopher Columbus to what would later become American soil in 1492.

– Michael Hinman

Published October 15, 2014

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‘The Monuments Men’ author to speak at Saint Leo

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The author of the book that formed the basis of the movie “The Monuments Men” will speak at Saint Leo University on Oct. 21.

The 7 p.m. talk by Robert Edsel kicks off the 2014-15 University Speaker Series for the school.

Robert Edsel
Robert Edsel

The presentation will take place at the Greenfelder-Denlinger boardrooms of the student community center. It is free, and the public is welcome.

Edsel’s nonfiction account of a World War II military unit that saved European art treasures from Nazi looting became the basis of the film directed by George Clooney.

The motion picture, released last December, stars Clooney, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville and Bob Balaban.

In addition to “The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History,” Edsel also authored “Rescuing Da Vinci and Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a Nation’s Treasures from the Nazis.”

He also co-produced the documentary film, “The Rape of Europa.”

Edsel is the founder and president of the Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art. Besides his literary and film work, Edsel also was a nationally ranked tennis player and an entrepreneur in the gasoline and oil exploration industry.

After his successful career, Edsel and his family moved to Europe during the 1990s, first living in Paris, and later in Florence. While in Florence, he developed a passion for art and architecture, according to the “Monuments Men” film website. He was curious about how so many monuments and great works of art survived the thefts and devastation of World War II.

Edsel spent 12 years researching the story of the Monuments Men, which resulted in the publication of “Rescuing Da Vinci.” His second book, which actually used the term “Monuments Men,” was published in 2009.

In January 2012, Clooney announced he would write, direct and star in the film adaptation of the book.

Saint Leo University is at 33701 State Road 52, in east Pasco County, about four miles east of Interstate 75. Free parking is available in surface lots and the campus garage.

For more information about the historical Monuments Men, visit MonumentsMen.com.

Published October 15, 2014

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Sunlake wary of Land O’ Lakes ahead of rivalry game

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The Sunlake Seahawks have had a strong start to the 2014 season. They’ve given up a total of just 26 points in seven games, including four shutouts.

Their 6-1 record includes a district loss, but the team is still in good position to capture a playoff berth if they take care of business the rest of the way.

If the Gators want to take this year’s rivalry game from the Seahawks, they’ll have to find a way to stop running back Nathan Johnson. (Fred Bellett/Photo)
If the Gators want to take this year’s rivalry game from the Seahawks, they’ll have to find a way to stop running back Nathan Johnson.
(Fred Bellett/Photo)

Toward the bottom of the Class 6A-District 6 standings is Land O’ Lakes. The Gators are just 3-3, including an 0-1 district record. They have given up the second-most points in the district. In fact, in three of their contests, they’ve surrendered more points than Sunlake has given up all year.

But if you think those statistics mean the Seahawks will have an easy time when they visit the Gators on Oct. 17, you should probably keep that opinion to yourself. That’s because Sunlake head coach Bill Browning doesn’t want to hear any talk about taking games for granted.

“Oh, no. Absolutely not,” Browning said. “Land O’ Lakes has a good football team. They obviously have a very good throwing game, so we have to be able to get lined up right and be able to defend the pass against them.”

Browning recognizes there’s more to the Gators than a .500 record. Their quarterback, James Pensyl, already has thrown for more than 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns. They’ve scored 192 points, which is more than Sunlake and everyone else in the district. And while they’ve lost three times, two of those defeats were by a touchdown or less.

Sunlake might be catching the Gators at a bad time, too. Their running game — supposedly a weak spot of their offense — came alive for nearly 300 yards versus Hudson on Oct. 10 in a convincing 55-30 victory that snapped a two-game losing streak.

Sunlake boasts its own offensive weapons, of course. Running back Nathan Johnson paces the offense, and receiver Naejaun Jackson has been a reliable receiver for the passing game while mixing in several carries as well.

And road games haven’t been a problem for Sunlake this year: They’re a perfect 4-0 so far when playing in hostile territory.

But records don’t mean much when you’re talking about Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes, according to Browning. There’s another word that begins with an “R” that means a lot more.

“It’s a rivalry game, so you can throw the records out of the book when it’s a big rival,” he said.

The rivalry wasn’t much of a competition when it first started. Browning has been with the Seahawks since its program began in 2007, and admits his teams had a “little brother” mentality when it came to the Gators in those early years. They didn’t even score the first two times the teams played, and didn’t register a victory until their fourth meeting.

But Sunlake hasn’t lost since, and now holds a 4-3 edge over their rival.

When two schools are less than 10 miles from each other, both teams can expect fans in the stands and an opponent who is ready to play hard regardless of record. But throw in an important district contest with playoff implications on the line, and it’s easy to predict a hard-fought contest with both schools doing everything they can to come out ahead Friday night.

“All the players know each other,” Browning said. “We’re right in each other’s backyard. It makes for a great rivalry game.

“You approach it the same way as any other game, but it always means a little bit more when you face your rival … for both sides.”

Published October 15, 2014

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Business Digest 10-15-14

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New hotel coming to Wiregrass Ranch
Developers at Wiregrass Ranch want to build a 92-room Fairfield Inn & Suites on State Road 56, on a 91-acre parcel east of The Shops at Wiregrass.

It would be located less than a mile off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, and be close not only to the mall, but also to Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

Pasco County officials will meet with developers in a non-public meeting this week to hash out some details of the project, but it will be located on land that has been used for decades for grazing at Wiregrass Ranch.

It’s not clear if developers plan to subdivide the tract of land on State Road 56, or to provide other outparcel amenities, since 91 acres is far more than the typical 2 acres or so a hotel of this size would need.

The developer, who was not identified in documents filed with the county, has hired Hardeman-Kempton & Associates of Tampa to manage the project, which will include 54,500 square feet of commercial space.

It would be just the second Fairfield Inn in Pasco County, joining a 78-room hotel in Holiday. The chain is considered one of the lower-cost brands operated by the Marriott chain, and locations typically are franchised out.

Chamber business breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will host a business breakfast Oct. 21 at 7 a.m., in the Hornbuckle Room of the Dade City Business Center, 15486 U.S. 301, in Dade City.

Guest speaker is Danielle Albritton, and is sponsored by Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.

Cost is $5.

PHHCC Business & Career Expo
The Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Business & Career Expo featuring the Taste of the Chapel Oct. 17 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

It will feature business exhibitors, live entertainment, free food samples and door prizes. It’s free and open to the public.

For information on attending or sponsoring a booth, visit PHHChamber.com.

HCA donates to help Ebola fight
HCA, which operates 164 hospitals and 114 surgery centers across the nation — including Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and Medical Center of Trinity — has donated $1 million to the CDC Foundation to help support international Ebola epidemic response efforts.

The funds will help the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its work with other groups on the ground in West Africa.

Since the CDC ramped up its Ebola response in early July, more than 700 staff members from the organization have provided logistics, staffing, communication, analytics, management and other support functions, according to a release.

The number of people infected with the Ebola virus doubles approximately every three weeks, officials said, with more than 5,800 cases. The number of deaths has increased as well, from 1,500 to more than 2,800 in the same period.

Samaritan Project Harvest Festival and Business Expo
The Harvest Festival and Business Expo will take place Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Zephyr Park on Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills.

The event — presented by The Samaritan Project, Zephyrhills-Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills — will feature live entertainment, business exhibitors, community yard sale, car show, crafts and more.

Proceeds from the event support The Samaritan Project, which works to prevent homelessness.

Admission is free.

For information, call (813) 810-8670, or visit SamaritanProject.net.

Grand opening for bariatric surgeon
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and Bayfront Health Dade City recently hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting for Dr. Naga Thatimatla in his new practice location at 13993 17th St., Suite 200 in Dade City.

Thatimatla is a general and bariatric surgeon who also offers services like anti-reflux surgery, endoscopy, gall bladder removal, and more.

For information on the practice, call (352) 437-5971.

Dade City business expo
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will host its 2014 Community & Business Expo Nov. 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Pasco County Fairground’s Dan Cannon Auditorium, on State Road 52, in Dade City.

For information, call John Moors at (352) 567-3769, or email him at .

Open house for Restored Hope
Restored Hope will host a community open house Nov. 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 13703 17th St., in Dade City.

Restored Hope is a Christian organization that helps people in need or at risk in the community by providing food, and the means to become self-sufficient.

To RSVP, call (325) 437-4815.

Political Agenda 10-15-14

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)
(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Getting out the vote
Pasco County supervisor of elections Brian Corley visited Sunlake High School recently to encourage seniors there to get out and vote. The mid-term elections are Nov. 4, which includes several local races, and Corley shared how important it is to vote in all elections.

Can Moore raise too much money?
A huge $22,500 haul from developers and real estate professionals over the last two weeks has given Pasco County Commission candidate Mike Moore his best fundraising week of the campaign, raising a whopping $34,250.

It easily dwarfed the $600 his Democratic opponent Erika Remsberg raised during the same period, bringing Moore’s total for the campaign over $166,000.

However, more than 65 percent of that total came from individuals and companies involved in real estate, development and related industries — something that made Moore a target during his primary campaign from opponents who said they refused to take any money from companies who might be looking for a vote on the commission.

Moore also has paid out more than $123,000 — outspending Remsberg 19-to-1.

Moore has raised the most money since Ronald Oakley’s failed attempt to unseat Ted Schrader in the 2012 commissioner race brought in just under $243,000. He’s closing in on John Nicolette, who collected $170,500 to battle Schrader in 2008, and passed Michael Cox, who raised $162,600 against Henry Wilson Jr. in 2010.

However, despite all that money raised, Moore may not necessarily want to be included in that elite club: Oakley, Nicolette and Cox all lost to candidates who raised less than they did.

Schrader had two of those wins, but Wilson’s in 2010 was significant, because he had raised just $8,700 — just 5 percent of Cox’s total.

Remsberg so far has raised just 5 percent of Moore’s total.

Voters will make the final decision between the two on Nov. 4, with the winner set to replace the retiring Pat Mulieri.

Candidates at Republican Club
The Republican Club of Central Pasco will meet Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Speakers will include state House District 38 candidate Danny Burgess, as well as Pasco County Commission candidate Mike Moore. Burgess faces Beverly Ledbetter in his race, while Moore is up against Erika Remsberg.

For information, call Steve Graves at (813) 996-3011.

Swiftmud lowers tax rate
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board adopted its millage rate for the coming year at 0.3658 mills, down 4 percent lower than the previous year.

That means the owner of a $150,000 house with a $50,000 homestead exemption would pay $36.58 a year. The total budget for the year is $166.3 million.

The budget, according to officials, is designed to protect the state’s water resources and to improve Florida’s economic vitality.

The agency, commonly known as Swiftmud, also will leverage $75 million of its funds through cooperative partnership, as well as public and private partners. The funds are matched to make $150 million available for alternative water supply development, and other water resource management projects.

On top of that, $12 million is budgeted for springs initiatives, and another $6.4 million in state funding is designated for water supply activities to reduce groundwater withdrawals and improve water quality.

Doing spiritual work, using talent and a pair of shears

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Mayra Santiago has devoted more than half her lifetime styling people’s hair to help them look good.

Normally, she uses her expertise to tend to customers at Ulta Beauty, a products retailer with salon services in The Grove at Wesley Chapel.

Mayra Santiago poses with a young child during the Wesley Chapel woman’s trip to the Amazon. The hairstylist went with her church on a mission trip because she heard there was a need for someone who could cut hair. (Courtesy of Mayra Santiago)
Mayra Santiago poses with a young child during the Wesley Chapel woman’s trip to the Amazon. The hairstylist went with her church on a mission trip because she heard there was a need for someone who could cut hair. (Courtesy of Mayra Santiago)

But over the summer, Santiago joined a group from Vida Community Church on a mission trip to Colombia to cut hair for people living in a rural village there.

“I never, never, never in my life expected to cut hair in the Amazon,” the 43-year-old said.

Vida is a bilingual church temporarily based in Land O’ Lakes, with members primarily joining it from Lutz and Land O’ Lakes. Pastors Dwight and Lizania Miranda lead the church, which has a heart for missions. Vida aims to help people meet their needs, both here and in other countries, said Mayra and her husband, Eddie, who have belonged to the church for seven years.

When she heard there was a need for someone who could cut hair, Santiago felt compelled to go. She was pleased to put her talents to use for others because she loves being a hairstylist.

“It’s my passion,” she said.

Joining the mission trip, she said, was a blessing. The experience didn’t just help others, it helped her, too.

“I appreciate everything better now,” Santiago said.

She now has a deeper understanding of just how fortunate she and others are for the everyday comforts and conveniences that most residents of the United States take for granted, she said.

Santiago traveled to Colombia on July 16, and returned July 28. The 18-member church group flew to Bogota, then caught a connecting flight to Leticia. From there, they rode on a boat — which broke down during their trip — to arrive near the remote village where they stayed.

Once the boat landed, Santiago’s group walked the rest of the way, lugging their stuff for a 20-minute trek. Santiago marveled at the way the villagers — members of the Yagua tribe — function in the 21st century.

“The people live simple lives,” she said.

They have few connections with the outside world, aside from three hours of television during the day and three hours at night. They gather at a hut-style building to watch the programs together.

They sleep on the ground without mattresses. They eat fish they catch from the river.

They use a barrel to catch water for bathing and other uses.

The bugs are horrendous.

“I’ve never seen so many mosquitoes in my life,” said Santiago, who kept the bugs away with repellant.

She slept in a tent on an inflatable mattress, using a battery-powered fan to keep cool.

Santiago and other members of her group drank the bottled water they brought to avoid the potential of becoming ill from the local water.

Her days were busy. They ate meals that mostly consisted of rice, fish, yucca, plantains and oranges.

Santiago awoke daily around 5:30 a.m., ate breakfast, and then began giving haircuts usually between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. She generally finished working around 5 p.m.

Santiago couldn’t keep up with the demand, so she asked fellow missionary Mahalie Rivera to help give the haircuts. Rivera had no experience, so Santiago taught her the basics.

They gave haircuts to young boys and young girls, old men and old women, and everyone else in between.

As they worked, a line formed outside. At some points, there were as many as 20 people waiting, Santiago said.

Women typically wanted layered looks. The young boys wanted short cuts, although some boys wanted their hair to have the same style of some popular soccer stars. However, Santiago wasn’t able to grant their request because she was unfamiliar with the players’ hairstyles.

Santiago and her husband live in Wesley Chapel and have three children: Lucas, 19 — who attends Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch — as well as Esteban, 15, and Bianca, 14, who attend Wesley Chapel High School.

The kids weren’t wild about the idea of their mom making the trip, Eddie Santiago said.

“They think it’s too extreme,” he said. “We keep telling them that they have to go with us one day, on one of these trips. It’s good for the young people to see how other people live, and all of the things they can live without and be happy.”

The experience was rewarding, said Santiago, who was not dissuaded by the humble living conditions.

“I’ll do it again,” she said.

Published October 8, 2014

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Estabrook’s knack for collaboration receives honor

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As an educator, Dave Estabrook was known for his ability to look at issues from various vantage points and collaborate with others to solve problems and help people thrive.

On Oct. 2, his contributions to education and to the Land O’ Lakes community were honored at a ceremony to dedicate the first phase of the David R. Estabrook Center for Collaboration at Charles S. Rushe Middle School on Mentmore Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes.

Dave Estabrook, an educator for 35 years, is honored for his many contributions to Pasco County Schools and the Land O’ Lakes community. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)
Dave Estabrook, an educator for 35 years, is honored for his many contributions to Pasco County Schools and the Land O’ Lakes community. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Rushe principal David Salerno, who followed in Estabrook’s footsteps at two points in his career, described Estabrook’s leadership style.

“Immediately, I observed a leader who made it his mission to seek input from many stakeholders — as many stakeholders as possible — when making decisions,” he said. “Not only that, he specifically sought out people that he thought may have a different point of view. He believed in the importance of considering all aspects of problems before recommending a solution.”

Estabrook hired Salerno to be an assistant principal at Pine View Middle School after Estabrook moved up to become the school’s principal. Salerno would later follow Estabrook as principal of Rushe.

“I learned from him that the best way to effectively collaborate, to bring about a meaningful change, is to build strong relationships centered on both communications and trust,” Salerno said.

The ceremony to honor Estabrook was carried over the school’s closed-circuit television. Superintendent Kurt Browning, Assistant Superintendent Ray Gadd and Chief Financial Officer Olga Swinson were there. So was school board member Joanne Hurley.

Estabrook’s wife Lori, his daughter and son-in-law Mallory and Chris Mullis, and Lori’s daughter and son Amy Harris and Geoff Hartwig, were there, too.

The ceremony marked the dedication of the David R. Estabrook Center for Collaboration.

“This is quite an honor,” Estabrook said. “It was quite an honor to be the first principal of Rushe Middle School, too. It was truly significant serving in a school that was named after someone who was just an outstanding leader — Chuck Rushe — and a friend of mine, as well.”

Opening and managing a school presents many kinds of challenges, Estabrook noted.

“We worked through them and worked collaboratively, and made this a great school. And it continues to be a great school under Principal Salerno’s leadership,” he said. “Collaboration, to me, is not exclusive to just adults. It should be incorporated into the teaching and learning process.”

Salerno said it is fitting that Rushe’s media center be renamed in Estabrook’s honor because the retired educator was a master at collaboration.

In keeping with his desire to help others to grow and thrive, Estabrook and his family donated $19,000 to help create the center for collaboration that now bears his name. The Pasco Education Foundation matched that gift.

Helping students collaborate with each other is precisely what the new center aims to do, Salerno said.

“About a year ago, we decided we wanted to do something with collaboration and technology,” he said. “We received input from teachers, students and parents, and the overwhelming consensus is that we wanted to make sure that we increased technology and made sure that we have students collaborate.”

Many people remember the old school library, Salerno said.

“In those school libraries, it often was forbidden to utter a sound,” he said. “You were hushed and sent to the principal’s office. You found yourself sent back to class.

“Fast-forward to today, where our goal is to see places like this, and it’s alive with learning.”

The goal is for students to lead study groups, Salerno said, and use technology to help them research real-world issues. The center now has collaboration stations that are equipped for students to work together to tackle a variety of challenges.

They can go to websites and use different apps to develop various skills. For instance, there’s a Crime and Puzzle app that aims to help them learn to make inferences, to form a hypothesis, and to analyze evidence.

Other learning opportunities focus on improving vocabulary and grammar skills, and becoming skillful of supporting each other’s efforts. They also are given opportunities to develop their research skills through challenges that go beyond reading from a single source.

The center is just in its first phase, Salerno said. He expects to add more equipment later, as funding allows.

He envisions a place where students want to visit, not just during class, but before and after school.

He pictures it as being a place that welcomes students to gather — kind of like having a Starbucks or a Barnes & Noble on campus — but without the snacks and coffee.

Published October 8, 2014

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Burgess won’t defend Duke Energy, despite donation

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A state regulatory agency ordered the company to refund $54 million to customers last week, yet many Duke Energy customers remain unhappy about being charged for $3.2 billion in failed nuclear power plant projects.

And one candidate for the Florida House is feeling the heat.

Danny Burgess, left, and Beverly Ledbetter are campaigning to replace Will Weatherford in state House District 38. Both shared their views at a recent forum hosted by Lexington Oaks. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
Danny Burgess, left, and Beverly Ledbetter are campaigning to replace Will Weatherford in state House District 38. Both shared their views at a recent forum hosted by Lexington Oaks. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

Danny Burgess, the former Zephyrhills mayor looking to replace Will Weatherford in Tallahassee, had to answer some tough questions from a crowd during a forum at Lexington Oaks last week about accepting a campaign contribution from Duke, and how that might affect his stance on what the nation’s largest utility is charging Florida residents.

“The answer is very simple: nobody can buy my vote,” Burgess said. “I have been very fortunate to receive a lot of local support, and I have to be able to lay down my head at night. When I make a decision, it’s for every single person in this room.”

Burgess, like other Legislature candidates from both parties, accepted a $1,000 contribution from Duke on July 25. He also received indirect support from Duke through a $2,000 contribution from the Republican Party of Florida, according to state campaign finance records, an organization that has received $100,000 from Duke this year, as well as in-kind donations of $32,250.

Duke customers pay a $3.45 surcharge on their bills each month to help fund the company’s closed nuclear power plant in Crystal River, as well as the cancelled nuclear power plant project in Levy County.

“Duke Energy donated to my campaign,” Burgess said. “Does that mean I support their decisions? Absolutely not. And I believe that we should repeal the Nuclear Cost Recovery clause.”

Beverly Ledbetter, the Democratic challenger for House District 38 against Burgess, said she has not taken any money from Duke. She also acknowledges, however, she has an uphill climb against Burgess, raising just $24,000 compared to his $119,000 haul.

“I didn’t take money from utilities, and I don’t take money from those who do not have the same values that I have,” Ledbetter said at the forum. “I am not as well funded as Danny, but I am proud of what we’ve done at the end of day. You have to look at yourself in the mirror, and you have to be proud of who you are and what you represent.”

Ledbetter, a retired educator with Pasco County Schools, says she supports a controversial version of the Common Core school curriculum that is being integrated into Florida schools. Setting standards is exactly what educators need, with some of what she called political pressures removed from testing.

“Every teacher believes in testing,” she said. “They want to assess where our students are so that we know what they have learned. The problem is that these tests are being used for things that tests should not be used for. Too much is riding on the outcome — school grades, teacher pay, graduation and promotion for our students.”

And it comes with a $250 million price tag, money that could be spent on vocational education instead, Ledbetter said.

But Common Core takes away from the ability of local schools to tailor educational needs to their specific students, Burgess said.

“I am not in favor of putting more of our education decisions in the hands of Washington bureaucrats,” he said. “We need to focus on local autonomy and local control, and nobody knows the needs of our students here locally better than the teachers in our classrooms, and the administrators at the local level.”

Based on his experience as a small city mayor, Burgess said he saw firsthand how important local control can be.

“It is the most important form of government, and nobody knows the needs of the community more than the people on the ground,” he said.

But the federal government did not develop Common Core, Ledbetter said. Instead, the National Governors Association — a bipartisan organization consisting of state governors — created the standardized education system.

Once kids get out of school and into the work force, Burgess says he’s optimistic about their chances. And while raising wages should be considered, he’s not convinced it’s something the government should mandate.

“What we also need to take into consideration is small businesses in our communities that create jobs,” Burgess said. “If you raise the minimum wage, you have to be careful that it may, in turn, have unintended consequences. It may cause employers to have to lay people off, and even may cause employers to shut their doors.”

Yet, raising the minimum wage could, in itself, provide a boost in the economy, Ledbetter said.

“This talk about the living wage is because people who are working these minimum wage jobs now can’t afford to buy a home, and they don’t have a lot of disposable income,” Ledbetter said. “Demand creates jobs, and when you have money to spend, you can buy goods and services.”

Low pay can also burden taxpayers, too, Ledbetter said. She cited a study about Walmart employees, who have to seek public assistance for basic needs because their low-wage jobs won’t cover it.

Burgess said he wouldn’t completely discount the possibility of a state minimum wage, just that it be thought through thoroughly.

“It’s a serious issue,” he said, “and something that needs to be seriously evaluated.”

Published October 8, 2014

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New bus stop at Porter campus adds transportation options

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A new bus stop at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch has provided another transportation option for students attending the Pasco-Hernando State College, and staff members working there.

This sign lets potential passengers know there’s a bus stop nearby. Pasco County Public Transportation has added a stop at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, giving students and faculty at Pasco-Hernando State College another transportation option. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
This sign lets potential passengers know there’s a bus stop nearby. Pasco County Public Transportation has added a stop at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, giving students and faculty at Pasco-Hernando State College another transportation option. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Pasco County Public Transportation added the stop, effective Sept. 29, in a loop near the college’s parking garage. The satellite campus opened in Wesley Chapel last January.

The bus route runs along the State Road 54 corridor. Buses stop at the campus every two hours, from 8:07 a.m. to 6:07 p.m. Students riding the bus are eligible for discount fares and passes when they produce a valid PCPT photo identification card.

The bus stop features a covered shelter where riders can wait.

“This is a wonderful addition to the Pasco County Public Transportation system,” PCPT director Mike Carroll said, in a release. “I encourage students who use the campus to consider using the bus service as their main way to commute to school.”

Students who catch the bus will save money on gas and transportation costs, he said.

Cross County Route 54 also includes stops in Zephyrhills, Shops at Wiregrass, The Grove, the Target Shopping Center and Medical Center of Trinity.

Porter Campus provost Stan Giannet said the college appreciates PCPT’s decision to include a bus stop there.

“We have received inquiries from students about the bus stop, and based on these inquiries, current enrollment and future enrollment projections, we believe that the location will be utilized by a good number of students,” Giannet said.

The campus began its fall semester with an enrollment topping 2,100 students, an increase of nearly 300 students over its initial enrollment in January.

Published October 8, 2014

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