Local News

Bell Lake and Collier to get turn lanes

September 2, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Road crews will start work within the next month to construct new turn lanes at Bell Lake Road and Collier Parkway.

County officials say the redesign will ease traffic congestion.

But, area residents are more than a little skeptical that anything short of a traffic light will solve congestion problems.

About 50 people brought their concerns to an Aug. 25 public meeting at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center.

Phil Chang, branch manager of Johnson Engineering Inc., in white shirt, explains the county’s project to add turn lanes at Bell Lake Road and Collier Parkway. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Phil Chang, branch manager of Johnson Engineering Inc., in white shirt, explains the county’s project to add turn lanes at Bell Lake Road and Collier Parkway.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

New turn lanes will help, but don’t go far enough, residents said.

“They need a light to go with it,” said Brenda Theisen. “It should be a package deal, not something five years down the road.”

A traffic signal is expected with the widening of Collier, which is part of Pasco County’s five-year transportation plan.

The approximately $534,000 project to adjust the Bell Lake and Collier intersection is set to start in late September or early October, and to be completed by January.

The work will add new left-turn lanes on Collier at Bell Lake, and a right-turn lane on Bell Lake at Collier. Sidewalk and drainage improvements also are planned.

“This will improve traffic operations in this neighborhood,” said Margaret Smith, Pasco County’s engineering services director.

County engineers will review the redesign’s effect on traffic once work is done.

“Every time you put in something new, you monitor it,” Smith said.

Pasco County officials brought a map to a public meeting at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center to give residents a preview of where turn lanes would be added to Bell Lake Road and Collier Parkway.

Residents at the meeting recounted daily headaches of getting out of their subdivisions as traffic stacks up in both directions on Collier, and on Bell Lake and Whittner Drive.

The worst is during morning rush hour, as motorists navigate left turns onto or off of Collier.

According to county traffic counts, the annual average daily traffic along Collier, near Bell Lake, is about 10,000 vehicles a day.

“At certain times of the day, you can’t get out of your house,” said Howard Rubin. Cars stack up in both directions on Collier, and others wait to turn left from Whittner Drive — which is the only way in and out of Rubin’s subdivision.

Some give up, take a right turn down to Richardson Lane and make a U-turn. Or like Rubin, they wait for a gap and zip across Collier onto Bell Lake. That can be a dangerous choice, Rubin said.

In the mornings and afternoons, a dozen or more Pasco County school buses travel Collier.

There is a school bus stop at Whittner and Collier.

For Bob Castellano, his grandson’s safety is paramount.

“I’m always scared of when he crosses Collier,” he said.

Flashing lights alert motorists to slow down, but Castellano said he sees vehicles speeding through all the time.

A traffic light is what’s needed, residents said.

“This is the dumbest thing they could ever do,” Rubin said, of the plan to install turn lanes without a traffic light.

The intersection work is only the first phase of a Bell Lake makeover.

In early 2016, work will begin to upgrade Bell Lake from U.S. 41 to Alpine Road.

County records peg the cost at about $3.9 million to widen travel lanes and add sidewalks, curbing and drainage.

A second public meeting will be held prior to this second phase to give area residents a preview.

Bell Lake began as a winding two-lane road that dead-ended at Alpine Road to the east, and Banjo Lake Road to the west. The developers of Sable Ridge subdivision built the western segment.

Nearly a decade ago, the county connected the two halves, opening up one of two east-west connections between U.S. 41 and Collier. Hale Road is the other one.

East-west links are often what are missing in Pasco’s traffic pattern, county officials say.

Upgrading Bell Lake offers one more option that could ease some traffic off more major corridors, including State Road 54.

“We’re trying to get the east-west connections,” said Smith. “You try to create grids.”

Published September 2, 2015

Town hall touches on wide range of issues

September 2, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Residents turned out in droves to a town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, State Sen. Wilton Simpson and State Rep. Danny Burgess.

People filled every seat of the Pasco County Commission’s chambers at the Historic Courthouse in Dade City.

The chambers at the Historic Courthouse in Dade City were packed, as people turned out to share their concerns with U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, State Sen. Wilton Simpson and State Rep. Danny Burgess. (Richard Riley/Photos) — The chambers at the Historic Courthouse in Dade City were packed, as people turned out to share their concerns with U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, State Sen. Wilton Simpson and State Rep. Danny Burgess.
(Richard Riley/Photos)

They sat on extra chairs set up along the aisles. Some stood in the back. And, there were even people sitting in chairs on the dais that are normally reserved for county officials and Pasco County Commission members.

The speakers at the Aug. 25 session had plenty to say at the meeting, which lasted more than three hours.

In the education arena, lawmakers heard complaints about unfunded state mandates, excessive testing in schools and onerous requirements for operators of voluntary pre-kindergarten programs.

One speaker urged elected leaders to find a way to reopen Moore Mickens Educational Center, a school closed by Pasco County Schools.

Simpson said he is willing to work with the community, once it comes forward with a plan regarding the school.

Other speakers complained about the lack of services for veterans.

Bilirakis told the crowd that improving services for veterans is one of his top priorities.

He touched on the idea of creating a Veterans Village, similar to the Veterans Village of San Diego.

It would be have to be some sort of public-private partnership, Bilirakis said, and it would deliver a wide range of services to veterans.

The Veterans Village of San Diego provides services including housing, counseling, employment training and other services.

State Sen. Wilton Simpson, State Rep. Danny Burgess and U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis interact before a town hall session begins in Dade City. The meeting lasted more than three hours, and those turning out talked out myriad issues.

The issue of cyber security was on another speaker’s mind.

He urged Congress to address the gaping holes that put the nation at great risk.

Bilirakis said he has sat in on briefings and understands the gravity of the situation.

“This is a very, very serious issue,” Bilirakis said.

One speaker asked Bilirakis to respond to the nation’s soaring debt.

“An $18 trillion debt is inexcusable,” Bilirakis said. “We need to set priorities. We need a balanced budget amendment.”

Simpson noted that when he was elected three years ago, Florida had a debt of $3 billion. Now, the state has $3 billion in reserves, and that’s after cutting a billion dollars in taxes, he said.

Florida also is poised to grow at a faster rate than other places around the country, Simpson said, noting that it has invested in infrastructure.

The state’s ports, for instance, are preparing to help Florida become a major import-export hub, he said.

In the arena of education, Simpson said he favors spending more money on educating prekindergarten through fifth-grade students. He also wants to strengthen vocational training.

On some issues, Burgess, Simpson and Bilirakis invited speakers to get in touch with their office so they can delve more deeply into particular concerns.

Burgess told the crowd that his background as a city council member and mayor in Zephyrhills makes him fully aware of the issues facing local governments. In his new role, he attempted to secure funding for a storm water project in Dade City. The budget included the project, but Gov. Rick Scott vetoed it.

Burgess told the crowd that he, Simpson and Bilirakis want to be accessible and are willing to make inquiries with government agencies regarding issues of concern.

Along those lines, Bilirakis told those gathered that efforts are under way to obtain federal help for people whose properties have been damaged by recent flooding.

The governor has requested that President Barack Obama issue a federal disaster declaration for multiple counties in Florida, including Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough, Bilirakis said.

If approved, this measure will enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide financial assistance to the individuals whose homes have sustained serious flood damage, Bilirakis said.

Published September 2, 2015

Enrollment growth in Pasco highest since recession

September 2, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Drive through Pasco County and it’s easy to see the signs of growth.

New houses are popping up in subdivisions. New apartment complexes are being built, and land is being cleared for more development.

And now that school is back in session, some of that growth is beginning to show up in classrooms, too.

These children are among the 718 students who arrived at Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet Elementary School on the first day of classes in the 2015-2016 school year. This is the Pasco County school district’s first magnet school. (Courtesy of Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School) — These children are among the 718 students who arrived at Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet Elementary School on the first day of classes in the 2015-2016 school year. This is the Pasco County school district’s first magnet school.
(Courtesy of Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School)

For the first time since 2007, the enrollment figures for the first day of school in Pasco County Schools increased by more than 1,000 students compared to the first day of school during the previous year.

Countywide, the district’s enrollment was 66,059, on the first day of classes, not counting four schools that had not yet submitted enrollment figures.

District schools gained a total of 1,138 students, while charter schools operating in the county picked up 441 — bringing the total to 1,579.

The increased enrollment exceeded the district’s expectations. Officials had projected an increase of 1,490.

Elementary schools experienced the biggest gain, picking up 672 more than last year. Middle schools experienced a slight decline, tallying seven fewer students than the previous year, and high schools gained 526.

The district’s education centers also saw a slight decrease, dropping by 53 students.

Some schools experienced increases, while others saw declines across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The opening of Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School, with 718 students, in Land O’ Lakes had an impact on enrollments at several area schools.

Connerton Elementary School’s first day enrollment was 770, down from last year’s first-day count of 890.

Oakstead Elementary also experienced a decline from its enrollment of 1,123 on the first day of school last year, compared with 1,000 this year.

Pine View Elementary, also in Land O’ Lakes, reported an opening day enrollment of 530, down 100 students from the prior year.

Lake Myrtle Elementary, also located in Land O’ Lakes, had a decline of 73 students, going from 639 last year to 566 this year.

Denham Oaks Elementary, in Lutz, saw its enrollment drop by 56 students, going from 669 last year to 613 this year.

Other schools experienced enrollment declines as Quail Hollow Elementary reopened in Wesley Chapel, with 380 students on its first day.

Watergrass Elementary School’s first-day enrollment of 592 reflects a decrease of 114 students from its first-day figure last year.

Wesley Chapel Elementary’s first-day enrollment dropped by 191 students, as compared to last year.

Two elementary schools reported enrollment gains of 50 students or more. Sand Pine Elementary, in Wesley Chapel, increased by 51 students and Woodland Elementary, in Zephyrhills, experienced an uptick of 83 students.

Most of the middle schools in the central and east portions of Pasco County saw changes that were within 25 students of last year, plus or minus.

Pine View Middle School was the only school that experiencing a bigger change. Its first-day enrollment decreased by 65 students, compared to last year.

Among high schools in central and east Pasco, those charting the largest gains were Land O’ Lakes High, with an increase of 155 students, Zephyrhills High, with a boost of 119 students, and Sunlake High, with an uptick of 78 students.

Charter schools in the newspaper’s coverage area also reported gains. Academy at the Farm picked up 119 students, Imagine School in Land O’ Lakes reported 50 additional students, and Countryside Montessori, also in Land O’ Lakes, increased its first-day enrollment by 29.

The largest elementary schools in the newspaper’s coverage area are Oakstead, with an enrollment of 1,000; Seven Oaks, with an enrollment of 1,065; and Woodland, with an enrollment of 929.

The largest middle schools in central and east Pasco are John Long, with an enrollment of 1,665; Rushe, with an enrollment of 1,299; and Weightman, with an enrollment of 1,102.

All of the high schools in east and central portions of the county having enrollments exceeding 1,450, with Wiregrass Ranch High topping the list, with an opening day count of 2,272.

Published September 2, 2015

Fish fry and Florida’s history mix on Sept. 11

September 2, 2015 By Michael Murillo

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, is situated on 16 acres and has an old schoolhouse, church and general store as part of its attractions.

Now, it would like more people to come and see what it has to offer.

Those Unscrupulous Sunspots will entertain the hungry crowd with live music at the museum. (Courtesy of Those Unscrupulous Sunspots) — Those Unscrupulous Sunspots will entertain the hungry crowd with live music at the museum.
(Courtesy of Those Unscrupulous Sunspots)

“One of the issues that we have here is that a lot of people don’t know about the museum,” said Brenda Minton, event coordinator for the museum. “It’s kind of like Dade City’s best kept secret.”

Minton hopes the secret will be out with the museum’s Old-Fashioned Family Style Fish Fry, which will take place Sept. 11 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

The Kiwanis Club of Dade City is co-sponsoring the event.

The fish fry replaces their Pioneer Days event in an effort to offer something new to the community. It includes live music by Those Unscrupulous Sunspots, a six-piece band that performs covers of rock and roll classics from The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Neil Young, as well as playing original tunes.

In addition to the fish, dinner includes items such as cheese grits, hushpuppies, cole slaw and baked beans. Food can be ordered to go, and is available by delivery to businesses that order 10 or more dinners during that time.

The museum hopes most people will choose to eat there and take a fresh look at the area, and the dozen or so buildings that have been collected over its history.

The museum had popular fish frys several years ago, and they hope its return will reacquaint people to their attraction. (Courtesy of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village) — The museum had popular fish frys several years ago, and they hope its return will reacquaint people to their attraction.
(Courtesy of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village)

The Pioneer Florida Museum began at the Pasco County Fairgrounds before moving to its current location more than 40 years ago. Many of the buildings were renovated and relocated to their new home, and they come from different parts of the state. A shoe repair shop from downtown Dade City shares the grounds with a steam engine from Trilby, and a Lacoochee school and general store. There’s also a cane syrup mill, a quilt building and a barn.

Those Unscrupulous Sunspots will be performing on the front porch of another structure, the Overstreet House, which is a two-story farm home made of pine.

The main museum features a sample bedroom, doctor’s office and dentist’s office. There are also authentic examples of clothes, tools, toys, pottery and other artifacts from Florida’s pioneer era that began in the 1800s.

Minton believes that people will be interested in returning once they see the history on display.

Some come back for more than a tour, she said. The Enterprise Church, built in 1878 and replaced in 1903, is still available for weddings.

In addition to the music, the museum will set up picnic tables and hold games during the event.

Visitors who stay to eat will enjoy free lemonade and iced tea as well.

The museum’s goal is to sell 500 tickets for the event, and Minton said feedback has been good so far.

“It’s kind of bringing the community together for a fun afternoon and also showing off the museum,” she said. “I think we’re going to have a nice crowd.”

Tickets for the fish fry are $8 and can be purchased at the museum, the Dade City Chamber of Commerce or by calling (352) 206-8889. For more information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Published September 2, 2015

Wesley Chapel business adds a little fun at the doctor’s office

September 2, 2015 By Michael Murillo

A child’s trip to a doctor’s office often includes anxiety, frustration and tears. And if the child refuses to behave, that can be the parent’s reaction as well.

“I’ve been exposed to the long wait times, and the distress of the patients and the parents while they’re waiting for the doctor,” said Wesley Chapel resident Katy Gabriel.

Gabriel has experienced that distress from both sides of the pediatric office. As a mother, she knows what it’s like to wait with upset or bored children who don’t want to be there in the first place. And as a nurse for more than 20 years, she’s seen pediatric doctors try to heal unhappy children and deal with unhappy families.

Katy Gabriel came up with the idea for Squirrely Scrolls after a frustrating office experience with her son, Christian. He now helps design the activities, which come in rain forest and Caribbean themes. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photos) — Katy Gabriel came up with the idea for Squirrely Scrolls after a frustrating office experience with her son, Christian. He now helps design the activities, which come in rain forest and Caribbean themes.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photos)

It’s a setting that could use a little creativity and fun. And, Gabriel has invented something she thinks will provide just that.

Her company, Squirrely Scrolls, provides a different type of exam table paper, the crinkly sheets that get replaced with each new patient. Normally a simple white, Gabriel’s paper includes games, puzzles and coloring opportunities. With a series of six panels that repeat throughout the roll, the exam table becomes an activity center for patients and their siblings.

“When the doctor comes in, not only are the kids occupied and entertained, they’re in better moods. and it also keeps them on the table where the doctor wants them,” Gabriel said.

The inspiration for the product came from her family. When her 10-year-old son, Christian, sustained a football injury, he had to sit in the room while the office dealt with a malfunctioning x-ray machine.

“It took forever. It was driving me crazy. I was peeking out the door waiting for the doctor to come,” recalled Christian, now 11 and an assistant in designing the Squirrely Scrolls. After testing out his mother’s idea, he agrees it would make long waits more tolerable and improve the exam room setting.

While there are obvious benefits for the patients, the advantages for the office are just as significant, Gabriel said. Calmer, happier children make for an improved office visit experience, which improves patient satisfaction and client retention.

Jillian Stephens, left, and her sister, Jocelyn, take their crayons to the Squirrely Scrolls activity paper. The new exam table paper is designed to keep children occupied and create a better office visit experience.

Plus, the crayons are easy to clean, and the doctor can tear off more sheets, as needed.

And, since the children want to be on the table, exams can be completed more efficiently and with less negativity.

More than 50 doctors — working in around two dozen offices — currently use Squirrely Scrolls in their exam rooms, Gabriel said, and there have been frequent re-orders.

The addition of activities has benefits that even the doctors notice.

“Our patients and their parents love Squirrely Scrolls,” said Dr. Samir Douidar from

Night Owl Pediatrics Urgent Care in Tampa, via email. “The activities on the paper help to keep the children occupied while I perform my exams, making the visit more productive and beneficial for all.”

Those activities get refreshed every so often, with hangman giving way to a maze in the most recent theme.

Currently, the paper comes in Amazon Rain Forest and Calypso Caribbean, with dinosaurs and outer space themes being considered for the future.

For now, the business has become so successful that Gabriel has cut back on her nursing duties to tend to its growth, and she’s recruited the family to help.

In addition to Christian, her other son, Mike, has worked on the outlines of the animals. And, husband Michael handles the computer design. They now have a warehouse in Wesley Chapel to store the scrolls, and hope to find a sponsor on the paper and a distributor to expand nationally as well.

For now, Gabriel is motivated by the feedback she’s getting from the offices that use her product, and the knowledge that she’s helping families make a necessary appointment a little more bearable while doctors give patients a better office experience.

“I hear the same thing over and over again (from participating offices). ‘We love it.’ They all use the ‘L’ word,” Gabriel said. “They can’t get enough of it, and they won’t go back to white. I promise you that.”

For more information about Squirrely Scrolls, email , or visit SquirrelyScrolls.com.

Published September 2, 2015

Panel says no to charter in Pasco County

September 2, 2015 By Kathy Steele

With a one-vote margin, opponents of a charter-style government in Pasco County killed a proposal that had the backing of the county’s legislative delegation.

In an 8-7 vote, a 15-member appointed panel opted not to write a charter that could have significantly changed the way Pasco County’s government operates.

The vote came after the county’s five-member legislative delegation – State Rep. Richard Corcoran, State Rep. Amanda Murphy, State Rep. Danny Burgess, State Sen. Wilton Simpson, and State Sen. John Legg – had presented their case for pursuing a charter form of government. The charter could have included term limits, single member districts and a recall procedure to oust elected officials.

About 30 people attended the Aug. 24 committee meeting in New Port Richey.

After the vote, Corcoran expressed disappointment. He said he would prefer that voters had the final say on a charter.

Still, he said, “I’m glad we had the conversation. We had a good vetting. I’m happy.”

The seven votes favoring a charter came from panel members appointed by the delegation and two members appointed by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

Corcoran had urged the Pasco County Commission to create a charter commission earlier this year that would have been required, under state law, to produce a charter.

Under that scenario, commissioners would not have been able to amend the charter document and voters would have the final say.

Commissioners resisted that approach, instead opting for a nonbinding panel which had the option of recommending a charter or not.

If the panel had approved a charter with a super-majority vote, commissioners had said they would present the matter to voters, without change, in a 2016 referendum.

But for a majority on the panel, the case for a charter didn’t pass muster despite assertions that other counties with charters were better off than Pasco.

“Where is this fantasy, premier, preeminent county?” asked panel member Chuck Grey. “What are we aspiring to be? Tell me a county we’re aspiring to be like.”

Delegation members repeatedly hit on the theme of voter accountability and empowering voters.

“There’s nothing bad when we talk about accountability,” Burgess said. “I believe a lot in autonomy.”
However, as a former Zephyrhills’ mayor, Burgess had one caveat, if a charter were adopted.

“I would prefer that we preserve local governments’ ability to determine their own destiny,” he said.

Simpson dismissed the notion of an elected county mayor, an idea initially raised by Corcoran when he presented the charter idea to Pasco County commissioners.

“My personal opinion is that would be a dreadful idea,” he said.

He did, however, find single member districts “not a bad idea.”

Corcoran urged the committee to include ideas they liked and let others alone. “If the county mayor is controversial, chuck it out the window,” he said.

Committee members Randy Maggard and Mike Ryan felt the committee’s vote was premature, and wanted to explore individual items, such as term limits and single member districts.

“We have not looked at all the issues in any depth to know right now,” said Ryan.

During public comment, only one speaker supported a charter.

“We have seen many county commissioners who have stayed on an enormously long time,” said New Port Richey resident Hugh Townsend. “I think turnover would be a good idea.”

Former Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri said many unanswered questions remained about why Corcoran and others were pursuing a charter.

“You don’t want turmoil in Pasco County,” she said. “These changes could cause turmoil with government, when this is a time for stability with our economic growth.”

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano wondered why all the focus was on accountability at the local level.

“It concerns me that those who just left Tallahassee and didn’t do what they needed to are concerned about accountability,” he said.

Legislators recently ended a special session to redraw the state’s district maps under order from the Florida Supreme Court. They recessed without agreeing on a map, making it likely that the court will redraw the map.

At least for now, the charter issue in Pasco seems moot.

A grassroots group, the Pasco County Citizens Charter Coalition, has expressed interest in a petition drive to collect 45,000 signatures required by state law to establish the charter commission that Corcoran wanted. Coalition members had anticipated that Corcoran would partner with them.

However, the lawmaker said he had no plans to join in their efforts.

“We’ll see. I’ll keep working for ways to make all levels of government accountable,” Corcoran said.

Published September 2, 2015

Getting an early taste of the artistic life

September 2, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Patrons perusing the shelves of the children’s section at the Hugh Embry Branch Library got a bonus over the last several weeks.

But they’ve had to look up to see it.

Student artwork is displayed above the bookshelves in the Saint Anthony Art Show at the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City. (Courtesy of LInda Whitman) — Student artwork is displayed above the bookshelves in the Saint Anthony Art Show at the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City.
(Courtesy of LInda Whitman)

On the top ledge of the shelves, there’s an exhibit of artworks created by students from Saint Anthony Catholic School.

The works demonstrate the broad range of artistic instruction these young students experience under the guidance of Linda Whitman, the art teacher at Saint Anthony since 1987.

There’s a linoleum block piece featuring a blue cat, created by Effie Tillack, a fourth-grader at the time.

There are icons, by Aneesha Joshy and Gabriel Quinn, made through the technique of tooling metal.

Destiny Li, who was just in kindergarten, has two pieces on display. One is a painting and the other, a collage.

Other examples of interesting work include mixed media, yarn painting and colored pencil drawing.

The exhibit went up in August and is expected to come down around Sept. 10.

Aneesha Joshy tooled metal to create this icon image of Saint Peter. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Aneesha Joshy tooled metal to create this icon image of Saint Peter.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“Miss (Linda) Whitman, she does this every year. This has been going on for about four years now, and every year, there is very impressive art,” said Mary Keesling, Librarian 1 at the Hugh Embry Branch Library.

“People have come in to visit,” Keesling added, noting she thinks most of those coming to see the exhibit are parents of the artists.

The display showcases Whitman’s effort to give her students a broad exposure to art.

“I try to give the kids a taste of everything,” she said. “So, that they’re aware of different styles and different artists.”

She also encourages her 218 students to explore their creative side and remain open to their artistic spirit.

“The younger they are, the more open-minded they are,” Whitman said. “They are absolutely open to anything and everything.”

Around third-grade, though, a lot of children lose their enthusiasm and begin to doubt their artistic abilities, she said.

At that point, Whitman said, “they’re beginning to say, ‘I can’t draw.’

“Usually by third grade, some adult has made the mistake of saying, ‘What is that?’

And that stymies them. That will discourage them,” the art teacher said.

Instead of asking what an artwork portrays, Whitman said it’s better to say, “Tell me about it.”

Emily Vizcarra created a collage of vases, include some real-life or lifelike ferns. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Emily Vizcarra created a collage of vases, include some real-life or lifelike ferns.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Asking the student how he or she created a piece of art also helps to encourage the artist to stay interested in the creative process, she said.

Beyond learning how to work with various media, the students learn art history and about various styles of art.

Whitman said student works are exhibited each year at the library, at CenterState Bank and at the Pasco County Fair.

She chooses the pieces to display based on merit.

“I intentionally have their kids write their names on the back of their artwork, so I don’t know who it is. If I choose to show two of one student’s or three or one student’s in an art exhibit, then so be it.

“I had a principal years ago say, ‘Well, I noticed you had three pieces by this one little girl in the exhibit. If you limited her to one, then two other students could have shown. I said, ‘Yeah, but that’s like telling the fastest runner on the track team, ‘Can you slow down, and let somebody else win?’ ”

Staging an exhibit requires work, but it is worth it, Whitman said, because of the thrill it provides for the students who have their work on display.

“They enjoy exhibiting. They like the limelight,” she said.

That is, except perhaps for kindergartners.

Jose Trevino demonstrates his artistic skills through this colored pencil drawing. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Jose Trevino demonstrates his artistic skills through this colored pencil drawing.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“The kindergartners are funny. When I ask them, ‘Can I keep your artwork for an art show?’ (They respond) ‘Well, no.’

“They don’t like that idea,” she said, noting they want to take their work home and have it hung on their refrigerator door.

But, the teacher or an older brother or sister will talk to the child to assure them the work is just on loan, and the kindergartners typically change their minds.

Once a student has had a work on display, they will often ask Whitman if a work they’ve completed is good enough to exhibit.

The whole idea is to encourage children to develop and use their talents, said Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal.

“It’s mainly to encourage children to do their best. We want to make sure that they know that we appreciate them, and to give them a chance to shine,” she said.

“They’re so excited when they see their work displayed,” she added.

“We try to embrace whatever talent God has given them, and to show that to others and to share with others.”

Plus, the principal noted, such displays reflect well on the school.

Published September 2, 2015

Businesses fight ‘cotton-pickin government’

August 26, 2015 By Kathy Steele

When he was running for office, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore heard a recurring theme: Do something about the blight.

The county, like many other Tampa Bay communities, suffered from the recession, and voters told Moore they wanted something done about neglected buildings.

But a proposed ordinance that would set minimum standards for maintaining commercial buildings is stirring controversy in at least one community – Land O’ Lakes.

About 50 Land O’ Lakes’ business owners and residents met on Aug. 19 with Moore and Assistant County Attorney Kristi Sims to air out their concerns about what they see as government overreach.

“This just feels like more cotton-pickin government, and I’m tired of that,” said Russell Adams, owner of Russell Adams Realty Inc.

The ordinance came up during a recent workshop where Pasco County commissioners met publicly to discuss the 2016 fiscal year budget. A public hearing and a vote by commissioners on the ordinance will be scheduled in the future.

The ordinance is similar to one adopted in Hillsborough County nearly six years ago, and mirrors codes currently applied to residences. It also reflects the best-practice standards recommended by the International Property Maintenance Code.

County code currently defines a blighted structure and criteria for ordering an owner to tear it down unless repairs are done. Or, the county can tear down structures and place liens on properties.

What’s new about the proposed ordinance is that it introduces citations and fines for failure to maintain commercial structures to public safety standards. Examples include weather-tight windows and exterior doors, properly anchored awnings, and peeling or flaking paint. After 30 days, buildings with boarded up windows or doors must be repaired, or fines will be levied.

“Ninety percent of the proposed ordinance is safety-related,” said Sims. “Ten percent is aesthetics-related.”

Current code allows a maximum of $500 per violation plus costs. Jail time, not to exceed 60 days, also can be imposed, or both a fine and jail can be levied.

The process can be lengthy and includes warning notices prior to issuing citations. There also is an appeals process.

According to Moore, the ordinance is intended to fill in gaps in the county’s code enforcement toolbox.

Moore is pushing for additional money in the 2016 budget to hire more code enforcement officers. An initial suggestion of four new hires is now down to two, but an expanded staff would begin to address code enforcement issues along major corridors such as U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and possibly U.S. 301.

Fines imposed on property owners on these state-maintained roadways, however, would go to the state, not the county.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, who came to the meeting to give a crime update, said the ordinance could be an additional tool for his deputies in clearing abandoned buildings, which attract criminal activity. He cited U.S. 19 as an example.

“We’re constantly going back,” he said. “You arrest them, and somebody takes their spot. We need this tool to get the blighted areas in U.S. 19. It’s not a (U.S.) 41 issue. It’s a county ordinance.”

Moore also reassured those at the meeting that the measure would be countywide and not solely focused on Land O’ Lakes.

“Everybody’s business looks great to me,” he said.

Moore said area Realtors were among those who asked for assistance in ridding blight on the county’s major corridors including U.S. 41.

“I have people in the real estate business who have trouble selling their properties,” he said. “They think this (ordinance) will help.”

He also cited a petition maintained by the Land O’ Lakes Beautification Effort, which on Facebook gathered nearly 600 signatures. The petition, addressed to Moore and Pasco County Code Enforcement, seeks tree plantings and a cleanup of blight from the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 up to the community of Connerton.

The list on the group’s Facebook page includes Land O’ Lakes’ residents as well as a few from Lutz. Some on the list are “anonymous.”

The petition rankled many at the meeting. They said it was not representative of Land O’ Lakes residents or business owners. When asked, no one at the meeting raised a hand to show they had signed the petition.

People at the meeting were local residents and many were long-time business owners, said Casie Holloway of the family-owned Holloway’s Farm Supply. She organized the meeting.

“We are a tight community,” she said. “Many of us have been here forever. This road is steeped in history.”

Preserving history, and also holding on to their businesses, was a major concern. Many expressed fear that if a fire or hurricane destroyed their businesses, the county would hinder rebuilding, and impose current building codes.

That would either be too costly or impossible to meet, they said.

Maryann Bishop of Bishop Construction said she dealt with rebuilding issues after a fire “and went through this with the county for three years.”

Others also expressed dismay with similar county experiences.

Sims and Moore explained that those were building code issues unrelated to the proposed new code enforcement rules. But no one seemed swayed.

Some said they saw signs of rebirth along U.S. 41, citing the recent purchase of Land O’ Lakes Plaza by Circle K. The fuel and convenience store chain plans to build a new store.

“Land O’ Lakes Boulevard is coming back,” said Harry Wright, owner of Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que. The meeting took place under a tent on his property.

He said other developers in coming months could begin buying up vacant properties for redevelopment.

“Ya’ll (should) maybe look at taking it a little slower…I think we could naturally work out of it,” Wright said.

Published August 26, 2015

Sunlake grad earns AP distinction

August 26, 2015 By Michael Murillo

When Alex Minnick was a senior at Sunlake High School back in June, he had to submit a 24-piece portfolio for his Advanced Placement Drawing class. They were on display at a scoring event in Salt Lake City, Utah, where judges determined an overall score of one through six.

As it turns out, no sixes were awarded, and only around 15.5 percent of the approximately 18,000 entries earned a 5, which was the highest score awarded by the judges.

Alex Minnick's favorite piece is the one he drew of his sister, Michelle. (Photos courtesy of Alex Minnick) — Alex Minnick’s favorite piece is the one he drew of his sister, Michelle.
(Photos courtesy of Alex Minnick)

Minnick was surprised when he learned his score.

“I thought I would get a three or a four,” he said.

The Lutz resident tends to be critical of his own work, but he devotes considerable time and effort to each piece.

He estimates that it typically takes eight hours or more to complete a piece, and he generally prefers the quiet of his room, so he can focus on his work.

When he finishes, he often feels more relieved, than satisfied.

“Most of the time, I’m just exhausted because I’m really critical of what I do. So when I look at the final piece, it’s not exactly how I planned it originally, but it still turns out fine,” Minnick said.

One piece that turned out fine involves hands, which Minnick said was a challenge. They’re easy to get wrong, he explained, because people know when they don’t look right. And, he noted, they need to be expressive and convey strength.

Another difficult piece shows Minnick looking at his reflection in a mirror. That one took closer to 14 hours to complete. He said he had to work hard to get the face in the reflection just right.

Still, he doesn’t think it’s perfect.

“I feel like it’s a good starting point, but I don’t feel like it’s one of my stronger pieces,” Minnick said.

Hands are difficult to draw, Alex Minnick said. They need to look realistic and convey the appropriate emotion at the same time. After significant practice, he’s improved his technique.

If the artist sounds like an unforgiving critic, it’s because he specializes in a type of art with little room for error. Realistic pieces are supposed to look like the subject. Any deviation is noticed and detracts from the goal, which is to represent the subject in an authentic manner. Other subjects, such as a depiction of a reflection in a chrome faucet, are actually easier for Minnick to create. Because those images are supposed to look distorted, a viewer can be more forgiving — the eye doesn’t expect the image to be normal.

As a fan of art, Minnick’s preferences deviate from his own talents. His favorite artist is M.C. Escher, known for his famous and challenging works that often depict physically impossible images. The viewer sees staircases and other visuals, and tries to reconcile them with the physical world, but they don’t match up, creating an optical illusion of sorts.

In fact, departures from realistic depictions of subjects tend to interest Minnick.

“I like surrealist art, because I’m not too good at that. So, it’s something I like because it’s different from what I do,” Minnick said.

He’ll continue his own style at Pasco-Hernando State College, where he’ll continue to study art.

His teacher from Sunlake High School’s 2D AP Studio, Carolyn Frances, is impressed by Minnick’s talents.

“The AP Studio process challenges the student to reach expressive and artistic milestones that match the rigor and skills required of college-level studio art students,” Frances said, in a news release. “Alex is definitely ready for the college studio experience.”

While Minnick acknowledged that he’s not perfectly happy with his Advanced Placement submissions, his friends and family were excited about his score.

He has learned to accept that, even though he still sees aspects in his art that didn’t come out the way he wanted, he’s been recognized for excellence with a score that the vast majority of students won’t achieve.

“I still see the things I don’t like, but now that I know that I got a five, I’m more accepting of those things,” Minnick said.

This piece, depicting his reflection in a mirror, took Alex Minnick nearly 14 hours to complete. Minnick spent a lot of time on getting the reflection image correct.

Published August 26, 2015

Audit finds deficiencies in Pasco’s water billing

August 26, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Louise Gritmon still is in disbelief over a one-month water bill for more than $3,300.

Pasco County charged Gritmon for using more than 614,000 gallons of water over 18 days in the July 2014 billing period when her house was vacant.

That never happened, Gritmon said.

And she has two plumbers, an engineer and a manufacturer who can back up her assertion that the amount of water measured by the county couldn’t physically go through her pipes in the time they say.

The county has disputed her claims.

“I just want my bill zeroed out to what it should be,” Gritmon said.

She will have to wait a bit longer to find out if the county will do that, but on Aug. 18, Gritmon had reason to hope.

An eight-month audit ordered by Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’Neil, and completed by her inspector general’s office, found deficiencies in the county’s meter reading and billing procedures. Software glitches in the county’s automated system, inaccessible meters, inconsistent readings and alerts that were ignored got most of the blame.

When the meters were tested, however, they were found to be functioning properly.

Gritmon took her complaint to the media last summer, and soon after, the county was deluged by other customers who had similar complaints about overbilling.

The audit began in October 2014 and looked at water bills issued between June 1, 2014, and April 15, 2015.

An audit has found deficiencies in billing at Pasco County’s water department. (Photos courtesy of Paula O'Neil) — An audit has found deficiencies in billing at Pasco County’s water department.
(Photos courtesy of Paula O’Neil)

As a result, the county will give closer scrutiny to 317 of 337 customer complaints among its more than 93,000 accounts. The audit found those accounts, including Gritmon’s, had from one to six bills that exceeded 120 percent of the annual average.

Some residents could receive credits or have outstanding charges removed from their bills. Or, the county could determine that the fees are correct.

In some cases, customers already have received credits, said Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker.

In a press release issued Aug. 21, county officials said the goal is to apply credits, if needed, by mid-September.

The county will hire a consultant to assist in correcting overall problems. Temporary staff members will be hired as well. Baker has given the department until March 25 to implement the audit’s recommendations.

“We’re recommending that they (accounts) be reviewed individually to determine if constant flow is the problem, or what the problem is,” said O’Neil.

Some recommended changes in operations at the water department have been implemented, and more are on the way.

One recommendation is to flag accounts with exceptionally high charges for reviews before bills are mailed to customers.

The issues raised in the audit are “glaring and concerning,” said Pasco County Chairman Ted Schrader. “We can do better, and we’re going to make every attempt to do better for our utility customers.”

Published August 26, 2015