Local News

Pasco’s tourism sets new record

October 28, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County has posted its best year in tourism, according to county officials.

“This last year has been one for the record books,” Ed Caum Tourism Manager for VisitPasco, said in a news release.

“We surpassed our prediction of 10 percent growth and are up 17 percent over last years collections,” he said.

Specifically, Pasco County posted $968,263 in Tourist Tax collections, in the period between October 2014 and the end of September 2015.

Pasco’s results are in keeping with record numbers of tourists visiting Florida.

That trend is expected to continue, according to VisitFlorida, which is predicting that tourism and the hospitality industries will continue to experience growth.

Counties surrounding Pasco County also have experienced record years in Tourist Tax collection.

“We have expanded our marketing reach in the last two years to reach out to international travelers, as well as North America,” Caum explained. “Last year we focused on Germany and this year we will be reaching out to the United Kingdom and into South America to the Spanish speaking countries.” VisitFlorida trends show that Florida is expected to attract tourists from the emerging markets of Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina and Mexico.

The impact of tourism on Pasco County is captured in a report from the U.S. Travel Association:

Travel spending in Pasco was nearly $466 million, generated from more than 500,000 visitors
Travel created nearly 6,000 full-time employees, with an annual payroll in Pasco County of $106.2 million
Local sales tax generated from those visitors totaled more than $14.9 million

“Tourism continues to be an economic engine in Pasco County,” Caum said.

Caum offered additional details at an breakfast meeting of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.

Caum also talked about bright prospects for a greater number of tourists, as attractions such as Tampa Premium Outlets and Florida Hospital Center Ice open in Wesley Chapel, and people take advantage of the newly opened Tree Hoppers in Dade City and Sunwest Park in Hudson.

The hospitality industry is gearing up for increased tourism.

Pasco County currently has 3,556 hotel rooms, according to Caum. He expects Pasco’s hotel stock to increase by 75 beds a year for the next five years.

Besides the growth generated by new attractions, Pasco has long been a magnet for skydivers and for visitors to the county’s nudist resorts, which attract visitors from throughout Florida and from around the globe.

Caum said healthy tourism figures bode well for people who work directly in the hospitality industry, as well as for all Pasco business owners and residents.

The taxes paid by tourists reduce the tax burden for Florida residents, tourism provides jobs, and the amenities that are created to attract visitors, Caum said, can be enjoyed year-round by local residents.

Published October 28, 2015

Kirk leaves his mark on Saint Leo

October 21, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Whenever students, faculty, staff and visitors walk across the campus of Saint Leo University, they’ll see a permanent reminder of Dr. Arthur Kirk.

Kirk Hall, dedicated in a ceremony on Oct. 15, is the kind of academic space that Kirk, who retired in the summer of 2015, thinks is important for teachers and students to have.

It is equipped with tools designed to prepare teachers to make maximum use of technology, and what’s known about how students learn.

For instance, there’s a lab where education students can interact with avatars, enabling them to practice teaching techniques and receive immediate feedback.

The building is far different than the facilities that Kirk encountered when he arrived 18½ years ago, on the university’s main campus on State Road 52.

Dr. Arthur Kirk speaks at the dedication of Kirk Hall on Oct. 15. (Photos courtesy of Saint Leo University) — Dr. Arthur Kirk speaks at the dedication of Kirk Hall on Oct. 15.
(Photos courtesy of Saint Leo University)

At that time, enrollment was in decline, there were leaking roofs, and air conditioning equipment that was expected to last 20 years, was 37 years old.

In short, the list of challenges was long.

Kirk took the job anyway.

He was attracted to the mission of leading a Catholic, student-centered, university.

And, he said, “I also saw enormous potential, because it had some exceptional people that believed passionately in the institution.

“It looked like the right set of ingredients,” he said.

Kirk Hall is just the latest new building erected during Kirk’s tenure.

All together, the university added more than 1 million square feet of space and completely renovated four buildings, Kirk said.

But, buildings are just one sign of the university’s progress.

“I had an expression that ‘the anthropology was more important than the economics’,” Kirk said.

In other words, “it’s a lot easier to reverse the enrollment problems and financial problems and so forth, than it is to change the culture and build a culture that sustains excellence and success,” he said.

Cindy Brannen, past chair of the Board of Trustees; Beverly Kirk; Dr. Arthur F. Kirk Jr., president emeritus; Dr. Maribeth Durst, retired vice president of Academic Affairs; Charles ‘Chuck’ Fisk, retired economics faculty member (husband of Dr. Durst); Dr. William J. Lennox Jr., president, Saint Leo University; and Dennis Mullen, chairman, Saint Leo University Board of Trustees.

Kirk said he stayed at the university because he enjoyed creating that culture, and he enjoyed working with the university’s staff.

But, as much as he enjoyed that, he also knew there would be a time when it was time to go.

“There is the potential of staying too long. That’s not good for the individual or the organization. That was something that was on my mind for several years,” he said.

Before he left, it was important to him to complete a number of priorities, including the academic building — now called Kirk Hall.

“I really felt that all of the students and all of the faculty deserved that kind of academic facility,” Kirk said.

Over the years, there have been many gratifying moments, Kirk said.

He’s pleased by the results of a survey of the Best Colleges to Work For, conducted by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

“They survey the faculty and staff randomly at the institutions,” he said. “And, if you score in the top 10 percent of more than one of their 12 categories, you are placed on the honor roll for Best Colleges to Work For.

“We scored in the top 10 percent of 10 of the 12 categories,” he said.

Those results are particularly meaningful, he said, because of the progress that has been made.

Kirk Hall, on the University of Saint Leo campus, will serve as a permanent reminder of Dr. Arthur Kirk’s contribution to the university.

“When we started, we had a fractured culture. So, to have that strength of culture, and organization and people that are very committed and happy to work there, was extremely important to me,” Kirk said.

Raising the university’s profile was important, too, Kirk said.

When he arrived at Saint Leo, he was surprised by how little people knew about the university.

“People who live in Dade City and drove by the campus all of the time didn’t know we were on 16 military bases in six states,” Kirk said.

“That was certainly a surprise and increased the challenge a little bit. Support follows understanding. If they don’t know who you are, where you are and what you do, they’re not going to give very much support,” Kirk said.

The retired university president said he would run into people in Tampa who would say: “Saint Leo, I’ve heard of it. Where is it?”

That has changed over time.

Now, for instance, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn mentions Saint Leo University in the same breath as the University of Tampa, the University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College, Kirk said.

Kirk also is pleased that core values adopted by the university in 1998 have become part of the university’s way of life.

Those values — community, respect, responsible stewardship, excellence, personal development and integrity — are taken seriously, Kirk said.

“Each one is defined as a personal expectation of everyone,” he said. “One of those core values is taught very intentionally in every single course in the curriculum, at every level.

The core values, he said, “have become very much part of the (university’s) DNA.

“When I walk around and hear students and faculty talk about the core values, and how important they are, I feel really, really good about that.”

Perhaps one of his most special memories, though, will be the one where, surrounded by family, students, faculty and staff, Kirk saw an academic building named in his honor.

“It was a joyous occasion,” Kirk said.

Published October 21, 2015

Denham Oaks is celebrating 20 years

October 21, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The year was 1995.

Bill Clinton was in the White House.

Forrest Gump won Best Picture.

The San Francisco 49ers won the Super Bowl.

And, Denham Oaks Elementary School opened in Lutz.

The school, which will celebrate its 20th birthday on Oct. 30, has been the home of thousands of school children over the years — and has had six staff members since the beginning.

They stayed because they felt a sense of connection with the school, the staff and the students.

From left, Karen Anair, Kristen Eales, Shannon Presson, Mary Jane Kranendonk, Cathy Cohen and Susan Green have been on Denham Oaks Elementary School’s staff since it opened 20 years ago. The school plans a pep rally and birthday cake on Oct. 30 to celebrate. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — From left, Karen Anair, Kristen Eales, Shannon Presson, Mary Jane Kranendonk, Cathy Cohen and Susan Green have been on Denham Oaks Elementary School’s staff since it opened 20 years ago. The school plans a pep rally and birthday cake on Oct. 30 to celebrate.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“It’s a sense of family. I am comfortable here,” said Kristen Eales, a first-grade teacher, who spent most of her time at the school teaching kindergarten.

“It feels like home to me,” added Susan Green, who is now the school’s bookkeeper.

“I definitely feel a sense of ownership. We put the desks together here. We saw the walls. We came in construction. You always just felt like it was your school,” said Shannon Presson, who teaches fourth grade.

Mary Jane Kranendonk, the school’s physical education teacher, marvels at the beauty of the school’s setting.

“It’s a nature’s paradise out there. We’ve had owls, hawks,” she said.

Cathy Cohen, the school’s custodian, lives in Carpenter’s Run. She enjoys living near enough she can walk or bicycle to school.

“I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else,” said Karen Anair, who teaches children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

All of those staff members, except Green, have had their children educated at Denham Oaks Elementary, at 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz.

“Having my children go to school here, I always knew they were going to get phenomenal teachers,” Kranendonk said.

The elementary school began classes at its Lutz campus on Oct. 31, 1995.

Denham Oaks began the school year on double sessions with Lake Myrtle Elementary because of issues between the school and Mad Hatter Utilities.

The yearbook cover from Denham Oaks' first year, 1995. (Courtesy of Meagan Rathman) — The yearbook cover from Denham Oaks’ first year, 1995.
(Courtesy of Meagan Rathman)

The opening day at the new campus was particularly memorable for Cohen’s twin sons, who were 8 and were going into third grade.

“It was their birthday, Halloween,” she said.

The area around the school has changed enormously, the six women said.

State Road 54 was a two-lane road.

Oak Grove Boulevard didn’t exist.

And, there were no large commercial ventures anywhere nearby.

But, there were cow pastures and plenty of critters.

“The first year, the cows escaped, and they went across our whole campus. Cow poop everywhere!” Kranendonk said.

Snakes slithered into classrooms, and there was even a 5-foot alligator that got into a classroom.

“Not only did we stir up the wildlife with the school being built, but homes started being built,” Eales said.

Many other changes have occurred, as well.

In those early years, the majority of parents would pack their child’s lunch, Cohen recalled.

And Rosie Capehart, the lunchroom manager, was known for her tasty meals and for her bread, which not only tasted delicious, but also filled the campus with the aroma of freshly baked bread.

“I have great memories of Rosie’s lunches,” Kranendonk said.

Over the years, scores of happy memories have been made, the women said.

There have been field trips to Sea World and to the Ford/Edison Estates, and a Renaissance festival at the school.

There are also school traditions, including the annual Fall Festival and the Storybook Parade.

And, there have been changes, too.

The age of accountability has meant more structure and testing.

Technology has made impacts, too.

Now, the school can make automatic calls to parents, and can use Facebook, Twitter and its website to communicate what’s happening.

It was a lot different, when Green was working as a secretary in the school office.

“When there were notes going home, you’d have to make a 1,000 copies for these kids to take home,” she said.

Of course, many students have come and gone, and staff members have changed through the years, too.

When the school opened, Ruth (Biggs) Reilly was the principal.

And, she’s expected to attend the school’s celebration.

She’ll be among hundreds of students, staff members and invited guests for the festivities, which call for a pep rally, a birthday cake, a slide show and most likely, a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

It promises to be a big day.

Published October 21, 2015

Porter Campus hits 3,000-mark

October 21, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch has hit another milestone.

The campus hit the 3,000 mark for enrollment for the coming term. Stan Giannet, provost at Porter Campus, announced the milestone during a town hall session sponsored by the college and the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 14.

The campus opened two years ago, with 1,800, exceeding its expectations at that time, Giannet said, in an interview after the town hall session.

From the beginning, the campus has been entrepreneurial with its scheduling, he said.

Stan Giannet, the provost at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, is enthused about the growing development near the campus, which he sees as future job opportunities for students on his campus. (File Photo) — Stan Giannet, the provost at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, is enthused about the growing development near the campus, which he sees as future job opportunities for students on his campus.
(File Photo)

“We opened very aggressively, with an opportunity for students to take classes from 8 o’clock in the morning until 9:40 at night, Monday through Thursday, and from 8 o’clock until 4:30 on Friday, with a generous opportunity for online sections and hybrid sections,” Giannet said.

“We continued to build on that schedule, with community needs, student needs, student feedback and faculty feedback, of course, in our schedule building – and what our students are telling us they need,” he said.

The college keeps a close eye on projected work force needs, and offers courses designed to help students be prepared for those opportunities, Giannet said.

The college has added a program that helps licensed paramedics make the transition to becoming nurses.

It also is planning to add the CISCO Academy certification courses, a prestigious designation in the Information Technology field.

That program exists at PHSC’s West Campus, but is being brought to the Porter Campus as well, Giannet said. Wiregrass Ranch High School, which is right behind the Porter Campus, has an IT academy.

“You know, with the proliferation of new businesses coming to the Wesley Chapel area, that networking, IT, will be very fruitful for potential graduates,” Giannet said.

Giannet said the college is seeking to prepare students to take advantage of the new opportunities that are coming to Wesley Chapel.

“We’re excited about all these things that are happening – the expansion of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, (the opening of) Tampa Premium Outlets, more and more medical establishments coming to the area, the hotels and hospitality, the hockey rink, the schools, the new subdivisions and the development,” Giannet said.

“Those will just give opportunities for our students to be on the front line of employment opportunity.”

Published October 21, 2015

Shelter pets wait patiently for local families

October 21, 2015 By Michael Murillo

They’re very busy on Dogpatch Lane.

They’re so busy, that they have more business than they can handle.

If this were a regular company, it would be great news.

But at Pasco County Animal Services, it means dogs are coming in faster than they’re being adopted.

That’s not a good situation for the staff, the volunteers or the animals.

Lise Meinke runs the shelter. She relies on her staff and dedicated volunteers to help keep the animals clean and safe. She’s been known to take some of the shelter’s dogs home with her, when the animals require extra attention. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo) — Lise Meinke runs the shelter. She relies on her staff and dedicated volunteers to help keep the animals clean and safe. She’s been known to take some of the shelter’s dogs home with her, when the animals require extra attention.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

“We’re beyond capacity. We have dogs in little crates next door,” said shelter supervisor Lise Meinke. The facility is designed to hold no more than 100 dogs, but it has 150 now and more are coming in every day.

The shelter is desperate to find homes for its current residents.

When dogs get adopted, Meinke said it’s not always happily ever after.

People bring dogs back, sometimes just days later, for reasons ranging from a disapproving landlord to excessive barking or chewing.

While she loves seeing the dogs leave to new homes, it’s heartbreaking to see them brought back.

When people adopt a dog, they need to realize that there is an adjustment period, Meinke said.

“The dog from a shelter doesn’t become a housebroken, trained dog overnight. It takes a lot of time and patience, and it’s a commitment. You need to work with that animal,” she said.

The county wants to see more people work with shelter animals, so they’re reducing some of the costs associated with pet adoption. Through the month of October, which is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, adopting a large dog (over 25 pounds and more than six months old) will cost just $15. The fee includes having them spayed or neutered, vaccines and a microchip.

Meinke hopes the promotion will help increase adoptions and help the facility maintain its “no-kill” philosophy.

No shelter is truly 100 percent no-kill, because some animals have medical or severe behavior issues, Meinke said. But, Pasco County Animal Services strives to maintain a 90 percent save percentage or better. Last year the shelter’s save rate was 94 percent.

If adoptions pick up, it will help reduce some of the overcrowding. But nobody expects it to go away completely.

“When are we not at capacity?” asked volunteer Max Sobel, as he cared for an animal in the small dog room. Max and his wife, Teri, have been volunteering at the facility for six years.

The Sobels help take care of the dogs while they’re waiting for a permanent home. While it’s sad to see them lined up in cages with nowhere to go, Teri said she knows that many of them are in a much better place than the negligent or abusive situation where they were before.

So, when a dog finds a new home, it’s a true cause for celebration, Teri said.

“That’s a really good feeling. That makes it all worthwhile,” Teri said. “We come to make life for the dogs as good as it can be while they’re here, and then the main goal is to get them a forever home.”

That forever home takes time, Meinke said.

Smaller, younger dogs are in greater demand, even though older and bigger dogs can be a great fit for many adoptive families.

Since things are so crowded, it’s not surprising that Meinke, who has dogs, cats, goats and a donkey herself, sometimes takes her work home with her.

She has taken home dogs that are scared or need a period of acclimation and attention. She’s also taken home kittens that need to be bottle-fed.

The shelter’s cat facilities are not overcrowded.

While Meinke admits it can be somewhat depressing to wait for the facility’s animals to find a loving home, she knows Pasco County Animal Services is doing everything it can to save their lives and make them better.

“It’s very rewarding, too, because I feel like I’m making a difference, and the team is making a difference,” Meinke said.

Pasco County Animal Services is located at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. For information about adoption, call (352) 521-5194.

Event:
What: ‘A Purr-fectly Paw-some Howl-o-Ween Party’
Where: Pasco County Animal Services, 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes
When: Oct. 24 from noon to 6:30 p.m.
No Tricks, just treats. Bring in some treats, and adoption fees will be waived. Dogs under 25 pounds, puppies under 6 months, and kittens are excluded. All adoptions include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines.
Info: Call (813) 929-1212

Published October 21, 2015

Art plus wine, creates a perfect picture

October 21, 2015 By Kathy Steele

James Serrano found a new career direction in an unexpected place – a “paint and sip” art studio.

After more than 20 years as a financial advisor and stockbroker, he now is planning “paint parties” at his new business, Pinot’s Palette.

On Oct. 23 at 6 p.m., he will open the doors and cut the ribbon to a new adventure as a first-time business owner of his art studio and bar at The Shoppes in New Tampa, at 1718 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

And, the sign inside Pinot’s Palette gets right to the point on what an art studio and bar are all about – “Paint. Drink. And have fun.”

DSC_0139 rgb — (Photos courtesy of Pinot’s Palette)

Serrano is no artist, but he swirled a paintbrush across canvas at a similar studio owned by a friend. At the time, he was rethinking his career options.

The combination of artwork and wine brought him a “light bulb” moment. With encouragement from his wife, attorney Carol Serrano, he researched what is known as the “paint and sip” industry and found Pinot’s Palette.

A trip to the company’s headquarters in Houston sold him on the franchise. And the social aspects of the business seemed a natural fit for him.

“I love people,” Serrano said. “I love to meet people.”

Pinot’s Palette began as a small, local business in Houston, Texas, in 2009. Soon after, its founders, Craig Ceccanti, Charles Willis and Beth Willis, began franchising their concept nationally. They now have about 100 locations in more than 30 states.

The idea is that anyone, with a little guidance, can discover the “inner” artist waiting to be set free. Dipping into the creative palette with a glass of wine or a craft beer gives it all a party fizz.

Eight local artists will guide two- or three-hour evening sessions at Pinot’s Palette on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The first session will be on Oct. 28.

Pinot’s Palette welcomes anyone who wants to enjoy meeting people or share a night out with friends. There are opportunities for “girls’ night outs,” bachelorette parties and date nights. The studio also can host corporate team-building events, anniversary parties or other special events at appointed times.

Pinot’s Palette provides canvas, easel, brushes, paint and an apron. And, Serrano said, everyone takes away a “masterpiece” drawn from an example set on an easel and also visible on a monitor. Artists take people step-by-step through the process.

Guests are welcome to bring their own appetizers, and Pinot’s will provide plates, silverware and napkins. Beer, wine and soda will be available for purchase.

Evening sessions are adult-oriented, and no children under age 12 will be permitted. But, there will be Little Brushes and Family Day classes.

It will be a family-oriented business, said Serrano.

He and his wife have three sons and a passion for soccer.

In the future, Serrano said he plans to have “drop and shop” opportunities, where parents can sign up their children for art classes and then explore The Shoppes at New Tampa or cross the street to The Shoppes at Wiregrass for a couple hours of shopping. Also, Paint It Forward events will be hosted to benefit local charities.

“I want to give back to the community,” said Serrano.

The Serrano family currently lives in the master-planned community of Westchase in Tampa. But, they will shortly be looking to relocate to the Wesley Chapel area.

Serrano knew he wanted Wesley Chapel for his business. Pinot’s Palette is centrally located at one of Pasco County’s busiest commercial intersections at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. More rooftops also are on the way.

“It is a growing area,” Serrano said.

For information or to enroll in classes, contact Pinot’s Palette at (813) 928-8131, email to , or visit PinotsPalette.com/WesleyChapel.

Published October 21, 2015

Gun issues dominate town hall session

October 21, 2015 By B.C. Manion

It was billed as a town hall session on economic development, but the gun issues facing the Florida Legislature dominated much of the discussion.

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch co-hosted a town hall on Oct. 14 featuring State Sen. John Legg and State Rep. Danny Burgess.

Eugene Williams, executive director for the Coalition for the Homeless, opened the questioning by addressing the issue of concealed weapons on campus.

State Sen. John Legg addressed questions from the audience. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — State Sen. John Legg addressed questions from the audience.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“I was recently in Tallahassee and attended the committee meeting for the bill for campus concealed weapons,” Williams said. “As a PHSC adjunct professor, I just want to let you know that I don’t think that’s a good idea.

“The committee almost voted unanimously to support the representative’s bill. And I just think that that’s just wrong for our schools. It’s scary for our teachers, and most importantly, it’s not going to bring safety, or better safety to our to, you know, our school children,” said Williams, asking legislators to comment on the issue.

Legg, whose district represents everything south of State Road 52 in Pasco County to north of Tampa International Airport in Hillsborough County, told Williams there are four bills facing the Legislature that deal with weapons.

“We have one that basically allows, if you will, concealed weapon permit holders to be on college campus.

“We have another one that says we should allow our teachers to be armed in the k-12 (kindergarten through 12th-grade) system.

“We have another one that has been filed for open carry (to allow people to carry their weapons in plain sight) around the state of Florida.

“You have a fourth one now that says you can bring weapons to political meetings,” Legg said.

The state senator said he believes that people have the right to protect themselves, but not other people.

“That’s why we have law enforcement. That’s why you have trained people to do that,” he said.

“I think universities should have the right to regulate the weapons that are on the campus, but have the caveat that you do have students living on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Legg said.

“I’m not in favor of arming our teachers,” Legg said. “I understand people’s fear,” he added, but noted that law enforcement officers are better trained.

Burgess, whose district covers Dade City, San Antonio, St. Leo and Zephyrhills, said the issues need discussion.

“What we’re doing is not working,” Burgess said. “What can we do?” he asked.

“The debate should be had.”

Legg said he opposes the proposal to allow people to openly carry their weapons.

“People garnishing their weapons is not something I want to be around,” Legg said.

Burgess, who has a concealed weapons permit, said he’s not sure if he would want to openly carry his weapon.”

The legislators also heard concerns from the crowd about growing congestion, particularly near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Interstate 75 and State Road 56.

More needs to be done to synchronize lights better, so traffic can flow more smoothly, an audience member suggested.

A former Florida teacher urged lawmakers to reduce the required amount of testing in schools, noting that current requirements are so restrictive that they stifle teachers from pursuing their passion for teaching and prevent them from doing the work they were trained to do.

Teachers are leaving the profession, the former teacher said, because “they’re frustrating out.”

Published October 21, 2015

Music, barrel train rides, food and fun

October 21, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The old phrase — ‘There’s something for everyone.’ — really rang true at the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival & Run at San Antonio Park.

Betty Burke, the chairwoman of the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival & Run, says the event’s T-shirt is one of its best advertisements. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Betty Burke, the chairwoman of the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival & Run, says the event’s T-shirt is one of its best advertisements.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

There was a man who was eating fire, musicians keeping the crowds entertained, and children riding in a train fashioned from barrels.

Shoppers could peruse booths featuring everything from homemade soaps to honey, to paintings and horseshoe décor.

And, visitors could learn a thing or two, too, or grab a bite to eat.

There were pony rides, bounce houses, wooden gopher tortoises races, face painting and plenty of other options for children to enjoy.

Betty Burke, chairwoman of the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival & Run, was pleased to see people streaming by — obviously enjoying themselves.

Burke was working in the Rattlesnake Festival T-shirt Tent, where patrons were picking up the signature souvenir of the event.

“The T-shirts are our best advertisement,” Burke declared.

Dolores Riego de Dios, of the Rotary Club of San Antonio, and Jack Thies, of the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills-Daybreak, were on hand helping out.

Noah (Royak) the Juggler demonstrates his fire eating and breathing skills in the middle of the San Antonio park during the festival. (Richard Riley/Photo) — Noah (Royak) the Juggler demonstrates his fire eating and breathing skills in the middle of the San Antonio park during the festival.
(Richard Riley/Photo)

Riego de Dios, who performed The National Anthem before the race began, said she’s glad her club decided to take over the event last year to keep it alive.

Next year, the event will be a two-day affair, as the festival marks its 50th anniversary.

“It’s great that it didn’t have to die,” Thies agreed.

He said he was there to help because that’s what Rotary Clubs do, they help each other.

Terrie Grissom also was happy to help, as was her sister, Donna Fichter, who was helping in the T-shirt tent.

Fichter marveled at the weather: “Gorgeous day! Could it not be better?”

Published October 21, 2015

Jim Mendenhall, of Squama Reptiles, who has had a venomous reptile show at the festival for years, is shown symbolically passing on the honors — in the form of a Gila Monster — to Gordon Cates, who will take over the show next year. (Richard Riley/Photo) — Jim Mendenhall, of Squama Reptiles, who has had a venomous reptile show at the festival for years, is shown symbolically passing on the honors — in the form of a Gila Monster — to Gordon Cates, who will take over the show next year.
(Richard Riley/Photo)

Joanna Esposito of Honey Bunch Face Painting, adds the final touches to the face of Leah Maher, of Spring Hill. (Richard Riley/Photo) — Joanna Esposito of Honey Bunch Face Painting, adds the final touches to the face of Leah Maher, of Spring Hill.
(Richard Riley/Photo)

Chamber director ready to move forward

October 21, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Ideas come readily to Rod Mayhew; sometimes they can wake him up in the middle of the night.

The city of Zephyrhills and its future growth are where his thoughts have been focused, day or night, for the past two weeks.

He is the new executive director of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, stepping into the leadership role held by Vonnie Mikkelsen for six years.

Mikkelsen departed in July to accept a similar chamber position in Springfield, Oregon.

Rod Mayhew, the new executive director of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, is focused on the city’s future growth. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Rod Mayhew, the new executive director of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, is focused on the city’s future growth.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Mayhew, 61, is starting at a particularly busy time as the chamber prepares for the Pigz in Z-Hills BBQ & Blues Fest coming up in January. This annual shindig takes thousands of volunteers and months of planning.

“I’m still getting my feet wet,” Mayhew said. “But, I enjoy this. I’m the person who doesn’t like to sit idle.”

Less than one week into his new job, Mayhew woke up in the early morning hours thinking about a Leadership Zephyrhills program.

He is putting his experience in business ownership, marketing and publishing to use, as he sorts through what’s next on his plate, day to day.

The Zephyrhills’ chamber position opened up just as he was rethinking his career options. The opportunity to take the helm of a chamber proved too good to pass up.

“I’ve been working with chambers all my life,” Mayhew said. “I know how the economy works. I know what makes businesses successful. I know what makes communities grow.”

His dual perspectives of business owner and chamber enthusiast makes him a good fit, according to Tim Linville, the chamber’s president and search committee chairman.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for Zephyrhills to continue to move forward with somebody that has previous skills, both in business and working with the chamber on the other side of the fence, as he has in his past other jobs,” said Linville in a press release announcing Mayhew’s selection. “It should be a good move for Zephyrhills in its future.”

Some early ideas from Mayhew include the nine-month leadership program and increasing the number of education programs available for business owners to keep up with technology and resources in the community.

He is excited about the growth potential in Zephyrhills, especially with plans to redesign and widen roads into and out of the city.

“The way to growth is coming,” Mayhew said. “It’s coming in this direction. There is so much that is happening. It’s just primed for growth. It’s a good, central hub.”

He is a believer in teamwork at the chamber and among other chambers in the area.

“I want to see everyone all working together,” he said.

Mayhew has experienced, first-hand, growth in other counties. He moved his mortgage company – Presidential Mortgage – to Brandon when that area was still largely cow pasture.

“There wasn’t too much there,” he said. “I saw the growth coming.”

He also met his wife Cathy when she became office manager at Presidential. They live in Brandon with daughter Danielle who is a mass communications student at Hillsborough Community College. The 20-year-old plans to transfer to the University of South Florida.

The Mayhew family will soon move to Zephyrhills.

Mayhew grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, across from the U.S. Naval Academy. In fact, he was born at the academy during a blizzard.

“It was either give birth at home or go to the Naval Academy,” he said.

Mayhew initially considered journalism as a career but steered toward marketing and public relations. He has an associate’s degree from Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland; a bachelor of science marketing from Towson University in Towson, Maryland; and, a master of business administration from the University of Miami.

It was in 1984 when he headed to Tampa, where he got into banking.

He also did a “financial facts” column for the Tampa Bay Builders Association, and occasionally appeared on Channel 8 with anchor Gayle Sierens, discussing financial matters.

He has worked as a mortgage broker and real estate agent, and owned his mortgage company for about 15 years.

And wherever he has gone, Mayhew has published magazines focused on real estate.

His first magazine went from zero to 100 pages in five months, Mayhew said. He has done magazines in Brandon, Riverview and Apollo Beach.

“This was before the Internet became really popular with real estate companies,” said Mayhew, who also created the hometown magazine website.

He has always been a chamber supporter and served on the board of directors of the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce.

Real estate interests took him to Pennsylvania, where he and his wife have a second home. Mayhew helped with a Main Street initiative in Bedford, Pennsylvania.

For a time, he was marketing director for Pierpont Community & Technical College in West Virginia. He created a campaign to name the school mascot, Montgomery “Monty” the Lion.

In upcoming months, Mayhew will put his marketing and business skills to the test.

With more than 450 businesses enrolled as members, he sees room for growth, as new jobs and development come to Zephyrhills.

“Our membership is ready to take off,” he said.

And then there is the annual barbecue festival, and volunteer recruitment that will keep Mayhew and his staff busy.

“I’m always looking for volunteers,” he said. “We want people who want to participate.”

For information or to volunteer, contact the chamber office at (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Published October 21, 2015

More festivals and fun as Halloween approaches

October 21, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Previously, we published a list of up-and-coming Halloween and fall festival events designed to provide plenty of treats (and a few scares) in October.

Those events were fun, but there are others that also deserve attention. So prepare for more games, rides, costumes and maybe a couple of frights over the next couple of weeks.

Trinity Fest

Generations Christian Church, 1540 Little Road in Trinity, will host its “Trinity Fest” Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. The event will include a variety of activities across four days.

On Thursday, the midway carnival will be open from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Rides are $1 each.

On Friday, from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., there will be a food truck rally, a disc jockey, line dancing, a mechanical bull, a rock-climbing wall and free hay rides. There also will be pumpkin decorating and cornhole tournaments. The rides will be open with a $20 wristband allowing unlimited access.

On Saturday, there will be a Generations on the Go 5K and fun run from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m., and a business and craft expo from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., there will be dancers, music, a petting zoo and a dominoes tournament. Trunk-or-treating will take place from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., and midway rides with $20 unlimited access will be available from noon until 5 p.m., and again from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.

On Sunday, an unlimited wristband will cost $15, and the carnival will be open from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

For more information, call (727) 375-8801 or visit TrinityFest.info. To register for the 5K, visit GenerationsontheGo.org.

A Hillbilly Halloween
Hillbilly Farms, 10325 US Highway 98 in Dade City, will host its fourth annual “Harvest Festival” on Oct. 24. More than 400 people attended last year, and they’re expecting another good turnout.

Children’s activities include bounce houses, mini-train rides and games. There will also be horse riding, face painting and a pumpkin patch.

The Harvest Festival includes an annual pumpkin-painting event, and guests can either purchase a pumpkin on site or bring their own.

The event itself is free and parking is free, but individual activities may incur a separate charge. For $10, parents can purchase a wristband that allows their children to participate in various activities. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

The Harvest Festival runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, call (352) 567-7475 or visit the Hillbilly Farms Facebook page.

Macabre Mall on 41
The Haunted House on 41, an annual tradition at Land O’ Lakes Community Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, is back with a shopping mall theme.

Visitors will walk through the room to visit several creepy “shops” full of monsters, blood and assorted Halloween-themed gore. It only takes a couple of minutes to walk through it, but local students put a lot of time into its construction. In the end, they create a creepy attraction that brings in nearly 1,000 visitors each year. And, at a suggested donation of just $1, it’s an affordable fright.

The mall has a sneak preview evening Oct. 22 from 7:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., and is open Oct. 23 and Oc. 24 from 7:30 p.m. until around 10 p.m.

For more information, call (813) 929-1229.

Spooky Tails means treats for K-9 unit
The ninth annual “Spooky Tails” Halloween party and pet costume contest will be on Oct. 24 at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The annual event benefits the Pasco Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.

Previous fundraisers have assisted in the purchase of a bite suit to help train the dogs, and contributed to the K-9 dog retirement fund. The goal for this year’s event is to contribute to the retirement fund and make other purchases the unit needs during the year.

For Gail Cooper, owner of Parwick Kennels and the founder of Spooky Tails, taking care of canines that serve the community is the right thing to do.

“These dogs are these men’s partners. They have each other’s backs, if you will,” she said. “They’re part of the family.”

Ben Pumo, owner of Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano and a supporter of Spooky Tails since its inception, agrees.

“They’re our officers without a voice,” Pumo said. “I think it’s important that the dogs get taken care of after their retirement.”

Pumo expects 40 to 50 dogs in costumes at the event.

Spooky Tails runs from noon until 4 p.m. The pet costume contests will be at 2:30 p.m. There will be more than a dozen vendors at the event, as well as games, music, food, and a special demonstration from the K-9 unit.

For more information, call (813) 480-0811, or visit Pasco-K9-Fundraiser.com.

Published October 21, 2015