The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco County brings back bus service for Veterans Day

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People looking to board Pasco County’s public buses on Veterans Day are in luck.

Routes will be in operation on the holiday for the first time in nearly seven years.

Pasco County commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to authorize the Nov. 11 bus service, at a cost of about $17,000. According to a county memorandum, potential ridership could be about 3,200 trips on that day.

Many of those expected to board buses that day work in the retail sector, said Philip Pumphrey, the county’s public transportation director.

Public buses will be on the road in Pasco County on Nov. 11. (Courtesy of Pasco County)
Public buses will be on the road in Pasco County on Nov. 11.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

Bus drivers will operate on a Saturday schedule from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., on what Pumphrey describes as a “pilot” program. Administrative offices will be closed on Nov. 11.

Based on ridership, Pumphrey said the county would gauge the need to add more “non-major holidays,” such as Columbus Day and Good Friday, to its bus schedules.

Budget cuts during the economic downturn have kept public buses off the road on minor holidays since 2008.

But an improving financial outlook, and some back and forth between Pasco County commissioners, county staff members and the local Teamsters Union 79, put the buses back on the road.

At least they’ll be there on Nov. 11.

But, stay tuned for Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving. The commissioners would need to authorize an additional $17,000 to cover one more holiday bus service. That likely would happen only if enough bus drivers agreed to work that day.

For 2015, the county didn’t set a designated county holiday schedule that included “non-major” holidays.

Riders were alerted to that via posters displayed inside the buses, according to James Boucher, union steward for Teamsters Union 79.

He spoke to commissioners during public comment.

“This late in the year, drivers have planned vacation time, family time around those days,” Boucher said. “It would inconvenience them.”

Commissioners initially sought to approve service for both holidays, as long as enough bus drivers agreed to work.

They were disappointed at the response. Though Pumphrey anticipated bus drivers would volunteer for extra pay, he said, “I think there was some changes of the mind going on.”

On Nov. 11, bus drivers will be paid overtime or have the option of taking a floating holiday to be used at a later date in lieu of holiday pay, according to an email from Kara Deniz, press secretary for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who was responding to an inquiry from The Laker/Lutz News.

The back and forth negotiations on the holiday bus service rankled some commissioners.

While he agreed that the county could have acted sooner, Pasco Chairman Ted Schrader said the union was politicizing the matter. “It’s wrong,” he said.” It’s part of their job.”

He pointed out an appreciation award the county had just presented to dozens of county employees for their extra work during the recent flooding.

County officials said the lack of bus service on the non-major holidays has been a source for ongoing complaints over the years. Columbus day prompted numerous phone calls and emails.

“There’s no doubt for public transit, we’ve got to get back to a level of service we had,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.

For information on routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

Published November 11, 2015

Community rallies to help Mark Smith

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Years ago, Tammy Hunt periodically would put together charity events.

And, whenever she did, the Smith family would step up and offer their business, San Ann Liquor & Lounge (also known as Ralph’s), as a location for the fundraisers.

As a result, the Smith’s generosity became widely known in the community.

So, when Mark Smith, the son of Ralph’s owners, Grace and Jimmy, needed help, it was a no-brainer for Hunt to get involved.

“This one was a hands-down easy decision to make to help this family,” Hunt said.

Mark Smith has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, and the community is coming together to help with his expenses. Events to be held Nov. 14 include a golf tournament, a barbecue lunch, a corn toss tournament, entertainment and auctions. (Courtesy of Sharon Perkins-Van Pelt)
Mark Smith has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, and the community is coming together to help with his expenses. Events to be held Nov. 14 include a golf tournament, a barbecue lunch, a corn toss tournament, entertainment and auctions.
(Courtesy of Sharon Perkins-Van Pelt)

The 36-year-old Smith has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, and while he battles the disease, a number of fundraising events are planned on Nov. 14 to help raise money for his treatment.

The events will be at his parents’ business, at 33625 State Road 52 in San Antonio.

It is unusual for someone as young as Smith to be affected by bile duct cancer.

Normally, the disease affects senior citizens. The average age of a bile duct cancer patient is between 70 and 72, depending upon the type of bile duct affected, according to the American Cancer Society’s website.

In a way, that works to Smith’s advantage. His body should be better able to handle the long and painful treatment, giving him a stronger chance of success, Hunt explained.

But, that still leaves the “long and painful” part to endure. He’s already spent weeks in the hospital, requires muscle relaxers to ease the pain, and has more procedures and chemotherapy ahead of him.

Not surprisingly, the treatment is expensive. The Smiths have been able to find generic options for some prescriptions, but without catching cost-cutting breaks, the medications alone could eventually bankrupt someone without health insurance.

And, Smith doesn’t have health insurance.

He does, however, have a supportive family and a community that is pulling together to help the Smiths in their time of need.

The outpouring of support has been noted and appreciated.

“We can’t say enough about the community,” said Mark’s brother, Jimmy Smith II. “Anytime something goes wrong and we give back to the community, the community gives back just as hard, if not harder.”

There will be plenty of ways the community can help on Nov. 14.

A golf tournament begins at 8 a.m., at The Abbey golf course at Saint Leo University, 33640 State Road 52.

Barbecue chicken dinners will be sold, starting at noon, at San Ann Liquor & Lounge.

That’s followed by a cornhole tournament at 2 p.m.

There will be a firearm raffle at 6 p.m., silent and live auctions, a 50/50 drawing and other raffles and giveaways.

Live music and beer specials also are planned as part of the day’s events.

While it’s going to be a long treatment process, Jimmy Smith II said his brother has the personality to endure hardships and work his way toward recovery.

“He’s very outgoing. He’s a go-getter. He’s a very hard worker when he’s got his mind into anything,” he said.

Hunt has put in a considerable amount of work to organize a full day of events to help the Smiths.

Her old fundraising skills are being put to good use, and she admits that this one is personal for her.

“It’s been a little emotional, just because it’s close to my heart,” Hunt said. “But I’m glad that I can do it.”

The golf event costs $50 per player, or $200 per team, and includes dinner.

The cornhole tournament costs $25 per player.

Auction items include a guitar autographed by Joe Walsh, member of the iconic rock band The Eagles.

Donations also can be made directly to San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union by referencing Mark Smith Benefit Fund account number 5587-001.

For more information, contact Hunt at (352) 206-5543 or Jimmy Smith II at (813) 714-9937.

Published November 11, 2015

A four-legged friendship tale

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As a professional writer for 25 years, Grace Maselli has penned everything from philanthropist features to executive summaries for advisory boards. She’s garnered compliments from CEOs, and praise from audiences when she reads her poetry.

But, her upcoming audience has her a little nervous.

It’s a gathering of elementary school children.

“They’re a tough bunch, man,” Maselli observed.

The real Francis and the real Coco do live together with author Grace Maselli and her family in their Land O' Lakes home. And, just like in her children's book, they're good friends. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
The real Francis and the real Coco do live together with author Grace Maselli and her family in their Land O’ Lakes home. And, just like in her children’s book, they’re good friends.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Fortunately, Maselli isn’t bringing a business profile or a PowerPoint presentation. Instead, she’ll read her first children’s book, “Francis and Coco: A Tale of Two Unlikely Friends,” on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m., at the Wilderness Lake Preserve Lodge, 21320 Wilderness Lake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Like her other nonfiction writing, the story of Francis, the poodle/Pekingese dog, and Coco the guinea pig, is real. They live with Maselli’s two other dogs, her two children and her husband. And, the story takes place in conjunction with their frequent moves before settling in Land O’ Lakes.

And yes, Francis and Coco really are friends.

“Francis will let her scramble all over his body. He’ll roll back. She curls up with him,” Maselli said. “They honestly get along.”

She wanted their story to be both authentic and relatable. Adults will recognize the familiar struggle parents feel when they allow a child to have a new pet, worrying how they’ll assimilate and interact with other pets. And she wants children to see the story as an example of very different beings coexisting and forging a special friendship.

“To me, this is universal because animals accept one another, and they don’t care if you’re a kangaroo or a lion,” Maselli said. “And, I think that, metaphorically, life would be a lot different for us if we didn’t judge people by their surfaces.”

“Francis and Coco” is a story for third-graders, but Maselli didn’t want to limit herself to simple words and phrases. The story contains words like “persistent,” “bluster,” and even “falderal” — which means trivial or nonsensical behavior.

Maselli wanted to tell a story and expose children to bigger words, acclimating them to some elevated language without making it difficult to follow the story. Parents might read the story to them, giving them the experience of hearing the language. If they end up learning new words, she considers that a bonus.

To accommodate the children who will be in attendance, Maselli plans to have assistants holding up the pages as she reads, making it easier to follow along. She wants the auditory experience to be a positive one, and the story easy to follow.

That story begins with Francis as a nervous puppy, and ends with a new friendship when another animal joins the fold. In between, the family disagrees on how things will turn out, and some members come around to the idea of new pets and how they’ll get along together.

Maselli hopes the realistic elements of the story appeals to children and those who might read it to them.

So far, the feedback has been very positive, she said.

In fact, one family member, who has a 2-year-old son, told her that he’s been captivated by the story.

“She sent me a picture of him thumbing through it, and he’s talking about the characters in the book,” Maselli said.

While it’s a different type of writing for her, it wasn’t an easy project.

Much of the story came to her at once, but she put it away for a while before returning to it.

Now that the work is done, she wants to not only entertain young children and teach them about getting along with someone different, but also have something for her teenage children to remember as a memento of a certain point in their lives.

“To me, this is more like something I want to leave for my kids as a gift from me after I’m gone,” Maselli said.

For information about Maselli’s book, visit TatePublishing.com or GraceMaselli.com.

Published November 11, 2015

 

School for grades six through 12, under way

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Drive down Old Pasco Road, and there’s not a lot of traffic to contend with — yet.

That’s likely to change when the combination high school-middle school being built by Pasco County Schools opens, slated for August 2017.

Crews have cleared the trees and prepped the land for a school now known as High School GGG, but it will actually serve students in grades six through 12.

Crews are doing earthwork at the new site, which will be home to a Pasco County school for grades six through 12. (B.C.Manion/Staff Photo)
Crews are doing earthwork at the new site, which will be home to a Pasco County school for grades six through 12.
(B.C.Manion/Staff Photo)

The district needs to relieve crowding at Wiregrass Ranch High School and Wesley Chapel High School, and may even send some students from Pasco High School to the new high school, once it opens, said Ray Bonti, assistant superintendent of support services.

But, it also needs to reduce crowding at John Long and Weightman middle schools.

Since the district can’t afford to build a new high school and a new middle school, it has decided to share the facilities at the new school, which will be located on the west side of Old Pasco Road, near Overpass Road.

The school is being built for 1,900 students and carries a price tag of $62 million.

A committee will be meeting in about a year to recommend boundaries for the new school.

The district has a couple of hundreds of acres at the site, so it has plenty of room to build a middle school there, once it has the money.

Crowding is so significant at Wiregrass Ranch High that it went to a 10-period day this year, to manage the number of students who are on campus at the same time.

Published November 11, 2015

 

Traditions on the Green needs vendors

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The Heritage Park Foundation and the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce are gearing up for this year’s “Traditions on the Green.”

The event will feature a pancake breakfast with Santa, concerts on “the green” by local high school and middle school bands, and performances by elementary school choirs.

It also will offer crafts for kids and cookie decorating.

The award-winning teen puppet team from Van Dyke United Methodist Church will perform, too.

Live musical entertainment always plays a big role in the annual ‘Traditions on the Green’ event at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center. This year, the event is planned for Dec. 12. Sponsors and vendors are needed. (File Photo)
Live musical entertainment always plays a big role in the annual ‘Traditions on the Green’ event at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center. This year, the event is planned for Dec. 12. Sponsors and vendors are needed.
(File Photo)

Vendors will sponsor a Holiday Scavenger Hunt, with the winner receiving a $50 Walmart gift card, said Sandy Graves, of the Heritage Park Foundation.

The event is slated for Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will be at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5402 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

While planning efforts are in full gear, organizers are looking for vendors and sponsors to help pull it off, Graves said.

This is the first year the event will be able to take advantage of the upgraded park, which has undergone a $2.4 million renovation.

Next year, Graves hopes that the planned outdoor stage at the park will be available for the annual event’s performing groups.

“Traditions on the Green” aims to be fun, inexpensive, community event, said Graves, who wants to revive the old-fashioned fun she had while growing up in Land O’ Lakes.

Anyone would like to participate in “Traditions on the Green” should call Tina Gibbons at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722 or Sandy Graves, with the Heritage Park Foundation, at (813) 817-3011.

Published November 11, 2015 

Garden club seeks moratorium on fracking

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The Dade City Garden Club is pushing for a resolution that urges state lawmakers to enact a statewide ban on hydraulic fracking.

Pasco County commissioners will vote on the matter, likely on Nov. 17, but the resolution to ban fracking also will include a request for a study commission to look at the pros and cons of the controversial practice.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano is the resolution’s sponsor.

During fracking, chemically treated, high-pressure water is pumped into a drilled pipeline to break apart rock formations to extract oil or natural gas.

An opt-out clause is recommended in the resolution to give counties the right to ban fracking even if there’s no statewide ban.

“We do want to have some local control,” Mariano said.

Jack Mariano
Commissioner Jack Mariano

In October, a similar resolution was pulled from the commissioners’ agenda. It was tweaked in the interim with the addition of more specific language regarding sinkholes, the chemicals used in fracking, water quality, and the addition of the study commission.

State legislators are expected to take up the issue during the 2016 session, which begins in January. A bill already is winding its way through subcommittees in Tallahassee.

The bill designates the state’s Department of Environmental Protection as the agency that would investigate and issue permits for fracking.

“That’s the scary part,” said Mariano.

Under the proposed bill, permits may be issued for construction of fracking structures a mile or more from the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, bays, estuaries, or fresh water lakes, streams and rivers. And the state environmental protection agency must be satisfied of adequate protection of natural resources in the event of an accident or blowout.

Supporters of fracking say natural gas is a cleaner source of fuel than coal, and extraction through fracking has fewer safety issues. Opponents say the practice is environmentally harmful, leading to water contamination, public health threats and sinkholes.

The Dade City Garden Club earlier this year went on record against fracking, mirroring a decision by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs Inc., made in January.

“Water quality has long been a concern of garden clubs, said Pat Carver, environmental chairwoman of the garden club, and also water and wetlands District 8 chairwoman.

She cites studies that have shown about 20 percent of the wastewater in fracking migrates underground, and can pollute wells and aquifers.

A bill last year for an outright ban on fracking didn’t make it out of committee, Carver said.

“We hope to see the bill again come up and be heard,” she said.

Carver said Pasco commissioners were shown a video on fracking prior to the anticipated vote on the initial resolution, which was later pulled.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she needed more information.

“My issue is, I’ve heard from one side. I’ve not heard from the other side,” she said. “I’d want to be more educated before I did something.”

The issue is catching the attention of county residents, also.

“I continue to get calls and letters from concerned constituents about fracking,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader, who serves as chairman of Tampa Bay Water. The regional nonprofit supplies Tampa Bay area municipalities with drinking water.

He noted that the water board recently approved a similar resolution.

“I don’t see what the harm would be in having a resolution,” Schrader said.

Published November 11, 2015

Tampa Premium Outlets enjoys smooth opening

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The early morning fog was thick, but a steady stream of vehicles turned into the entrance as the sun was rising at Tampa Premium Outlets.

There were plenty of police and mall security on hand to guide cars, as they pulled into the mall’s massive parking lots.

Cars were arriving two hours or more before the shopping destination opened its doors to shoppers on Oct. 29 at 10 a.m.

With every grand opening comes a ribbon cutting. Here, left to right, Danielle De Vita, senior vice-president of development, Pasco County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader and Stephen Yalof, Simon’s chief executive officer of Premium Outlets, cut the ribbon signaling the opening of Tampa Premium Outlets. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
With every grand opening comes a ribbon cutting. Here, left to right, Danielle De Vita, senior vice-president of development, Pasco County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader and Stephen Yalof, Simon’s chief executive officer of Premium Outlets, cut the ribbon signaling the opening of Tampa Premium Outlets.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

Even those who came to see the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which took place 20 minutes before official opening, found that cars were nestled close to the entrance long before any speeches began.

By the looks of the cars, the opening attracted a diverse group. Sports cars and SUVs shared the lot with pickup trucks and foreign compacts. Luxury vehicles were parked next to simple economy cars. Some looked brand new; others, a bit past their prime. A little rust here, a new paintjob there, and child-of-the-month bumper stickers were all part of the parking lot decor on opening day.

Before long, good spaces were at a premium.

As the mall officially opened, drivers continued making the slow crawl toward empty lots, which filled quickly. Less than an hour after the mall opened, valet parking was full, and cars were directed to an overflow lot.

From the outset, the outdoor mall was ready for the crowds.

Police were directing traffic trying to get to the entrance, which competed with the typical morning rush on State Road 56 on a limited-visibility morning. But, there were no delays or gridlock on the roads surrounding the mall. Overall it was a smooth experience, and didn’t get in the way of what people came to see.

Beth McDonald, left, of Odessa, and her daughter, Karen Jenkins, of Land O’ Lakes, look over the schedule of events planned for the grand opening of the new Tampa Premium Outlets.
Beth McDonald, left, of Odessa, and her daughter, Karen Jenkins, of Land O’ Lakes, look over the schedule of events planned for the grand opening of the new Tampa Premium Outlets.

Despite the music and fanfare, the biggest draw was the stores.

Nearly stores were open, and they were well staffed, and ready to welcome patrons into their stores.

Some drew plenty of interest, while foot traffic was more modest at others.

People lined up at Coach, waiting to get in.

Overall, it wasn’t a mad rush of determined bargain hunters like you might find on Black Friday. Instead, it was an interested, patient group, appreciating the spectacle and celebration of a new venue, and taking the time to appreciate the details while they surveyed their new shopping options.

The outdoor areas were at least as busy as the shops themselves. Visitors took photos by the mall’s elaborate fountains. They relaxed on benches and chairs. Or, they strolled throughout the mall, getting a feel for the lay of the land.

They did plenty of shopping, too.

Those scoring opening-day deals became walking billboards for stores like Disney Store Outlet and Under Armour, carrying bags that advertised their morning haul.

Published November 4, 2015

The sweet sound of savings

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Hernando Music Fest

Music festivals can be fun. You get to experience an entire day (or weekend) of diverse musical styles and groups, enjoy the atmosphere and do something different outside. It’s a fun way to spend a weekend.

It’s not really a cheap way, though. Festivals can be expensive. It’s not unusual to spend $20 or $30 to get in. And that’s just one day. A festival that runs two or three days can cost $50 to $80.

And that’s just for one person. Oh, you weren’t planning on going by yourself? Better empty your wallet.

Or, find a better festival. Let me suggest the Hernando Music Fest, which will take place this weekend at Tom Varn Park, 306 Darby Lane in Brooksville. It’s the first year for the festival, and the schedule includes a lot of music, some extra activities for children, and a price point that will make your heart sing.

But, first things first.

Jenny Rimmer performed at last year’s Pasco Music Fest, where she was an opener for the Marshall Tucker Band. She’ll bring her country songbook to the Hernando Music Fest on Saturday and Sunday. (Courtesy of Jenny Rimmer)

A music festival, naturally, will feature music. And the Hernando Music Fest will have nearly 15 acts spread out over two days, representing talent from area counties.

It’s not just one music style, either. Whether you like jazz, rhythm and blues, country, or swing, there’s someone for you scheduled to perform. And, even if you prefer one style to another, an event like this is made for experiencing different genres and appreciating an array of musical talents. You might surprise yourself and find you like something different, after all.

So, there are plenty of performances to enjoy, but the music theme isn’t limited to the stage. A music activities tent will feature an instrument “petting zoo” for children, meaning they’ll get some hands-on experience with instruments they might have never even seen before, including the keyboard, harmonica and saxophone. There also will be art projects, giving them something to take home.

The focus on educating and inspiring youth isn’t surprising, since the event is presented by the Hernando County Arts Council, the Hernando Jazz Society, and Stir Up The Gift Talent Organization.

There also will be a food court at the festival, with wine and beer available to purchase. Coolers aren’t allowed, so that’s where you’ll go for refreshments throughout the day.

So, it seems like a full day of entertainment. Two days, actually. And that’s exactly what the Hernando County Fine Arts Council had in mind.

“Our whole goal is to give back to the community what they give to us, and in the meantime to spread the arts,” explained Jan Knowles, project coordinator for the council. If this festival goes well — like their annual Art in the Park that has been a success for many years and draws thousands — they’d like to make it an annual event, she said.

There is one thing missing, though: A famous name.

That’s what usually anchors a music festival, and that’s what accounts for a festival’s high cost.

Neither exists at the Hernando Music Fest, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a lot of great sounds coming from the stage. They’re locally based acts with a lot of talent and some pretty impressive resumes as well.

One of those artists, Jenny Rimmer, performed at last year’s Pasco Music festival, where she served as an opener for the Marshall Tucker Band. If you like country music, from Patsy Cline to Carrie Underwood, you’ll recognize a lot of Rimmer’s songs. She represents several eras in country music, and will perform both days at the festival.

So the variety is there, and the talent is there. What’s not there is the price.

The Hernando Music Fest is absolutely free. That’s no admission cost either day.

The way the sponsoring organizations make money is through the parking fee, which is a paltry $5 donation. Throw in whatever you choose to eat and drink, and it’s still a pretty cheap way to enjoy a couple of days full of music. Just look at what other music festivals are charging, and you’ll see what I mean. This one isn’t too far from home, provides more than a dozen acts, features various styles and like, I said, there’s no admission charge. That’s music to my ears, and my bank account.

So, bring a chair or blanket, and have a great time.

The Hernando Music Fest runs Nov. 7 from noon until 8 p.m., and Nov. 8 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. No dogs or coolers are allowed on the premises. For more information and for a lineup of music acts, visit HernandoArts.org, or call Knowles at (352) 279-5182.

What: Music in the Park/Hernando Music Fest
Where: Tom Varn Park, 306 Darby Lane, in Brooksville
When: Nov. 7 from noon until 8 p.m.; Nov. 8, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Who: The public is welcome
How much: No admission charge, parking is $5
More info: Visit HernandoArts.org, or call Jan Knowles at (352) 279-5182.

Published November 4,  2015

Cybersecurity opportunities expand at Saint Leo

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In a world where new cyber threats constantly emerge, a new agreement between Saint Leo University and (ISC)2 will expand opportunities at the university in the arena of cybersecurity.

(ISC)2 is a nonprofit organization that primarily focuses on education and certification in the field of cybersecurity.

Saint Leo University has recently joined (ISC)2 in a Global Academic Partnership.

USF and Polk State College are other institutions in the region that also joined (ISC)2’s Global Academic Partnership.

Students are busy during a cybersecurity class at Saint Leo University. The field of cybersecurity requires technical skills, but is both financially and professionally rewarding, said Dr. Vyas Krishnan, of Saint Leo University. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Students are busy during a cybersecurity class at Saint Leo University. The field of cybersecurity requires technical skills, but is both financially and professionally rewarding, said Dr. Vyas Krishnan, of Saint Leo University.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“This is one of the largest and most respected organizations that operates in this field,” said Dr. Vyas Krishnan, assistant professor of computer science at Saint Leo University.

“It’s sort of a gold standard,” he added, noting the organization boasts a membership of more than 110,000 cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

“They also offer some of the most highly respected certifications in the field of cybersecurity,” Krishnan said.

The university benefits because the partnership provides Saint Leo students access to educational modules and certification opportunities that (ISC)2 provides for professionals, he said.

“Since we are a Global Academic Partner, our faculty, ourselves would be providing workshops, seminars and training for some of those certifications,” Krishnan said.

That will enable Saint Leo students to work with the same faculty that they’ve been taking classes from at the university, he noted.

Additionally, the partnership will give students a chance to interact with working professionals, Krishnan said.

The cybersecurity field is constantly evolving, and it’s a field that offers significant employment opportunities, Krishnan said.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 37 percent increase in demand for cybersecurity specialists in the next 10 years, he added.

Jobs in this field pay well. Experts can earn from $75,000 to $125,000, with five to 10 years of experience, and the proper certifications, Krishnan said.

Many of the certifications required in job postings are certifications provided by (ISC)2, he noted.

Through the agreement, (ISC)2 will provide thousands of students and professionals across the states of Florida, Virginia and Georgia, and online students from across the country with the opportunity to gain knowledge, skills and certifications.

(ISC)2 also sees a benefit by partnering with Saint Leo, because working professionals must earn continuing professional education credits to keep their certifications current.

Another benefit is that through interactions between the university, the working professionals and the (ISC)2 consortium, knowledge can be shared in the evolving field, Krishnan said.

The interactions will provide a broad view, and raise awareness about emerging threats and new ways to mitigate them.

Cyber criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to steal data or stymie systems.

“The frequency is going up. Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated,” Krishnan said.

At the same time, companies and organizations recognize that steps must be taken to ensure that data is protected.

“Upper management has fully realized the gravity of the situation, how important it is to protect the assets because there could be legal implications and there could be financial implications, reputation hits, things of that nature,” Krishnan said. “The ramifications are huge.”

The cybersecurity profession is highly technical, Krishnan said. But he added: “It’s also challenging and exciting.

“It’s a lot of cat-and-mouse kind of games.

“You can see the tracks that they leave behind. You can see how they’re impacting your network, but you cannot see the person. A lot of times, you may not even know where they’re located.”

Published November 4, 2015

Pasco Upcycle Festival is eco-friendly

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Hauling recyclable cans, bottles and paper to the curb is a habit that is second nature to many people who worry about the environment.

But, how about getting creative and upcycling a few items?

Take a pair of jeans and repurpose them as aprons. Or take costume jewelry and fabric scraps, and use them to make bookmarks.

Upcycling is defined as the process of transforming a recyclable item in to a new product of better quality or better environmental value, according to Pasco Upcycle Festival organizers.

Items such as a drawer, forks or wire wisks can be repurposed to make a couch, wall hangers or candle holders. (Photos courtesy of Keep Pasco Beautiful)
Items such as a drawer, forks or wire wisks can be repurposed to make a couch, wall hangers or candle holders.
(Photos courtesy of Keep Pasco Beautiful)

The festival aims to get people as interested in upcycling as they are in recycling.

“What can you do with these items before they ever get to the curb?” asked Kristen King, coordinator for Keep Pasco Beautiful.

The first-time festival will be on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Little Everglades Ranch, at 17951 Hamilton Road in Dade City. About 2,500 people are expected to attend.

There is no admission charge, but there will be a $5 parking fee collected by the venue to offset some of its costs.

As a first time event, there will be no fees collected from vendors. More environmentally friendly vendors are being sought, including those with fresh produce typically sold at farmers’ markets.

The festival will feature numerous upcycle vendors, including makers of pallet furniture and jewelry from recycled household items.

Vendors also will sell items such as homemade soaps and pepper jellies.

Many individual vendors who upcycle as a hobby will offer items including bracelets and pendants from utensils, or aprons made from jeans.

A hands-on demonstration will show children how to make bookmarks from recyclable items around the house.

Food trucks, including Hillbilly Farms and Philou’s Cajun on the Geaux, will be on site.

Bluegrass bands, the Michigan Misfits and Mean Mary, will provide entertainment.

drawer rgb“We are so excited to launch this new event,” King said, in a press release announcing the festival. “It gives us the opportunity to show individuals how they can not only reduce their waste, but also release their creative genius at the same time.”

Nov. 15 is National America Recycles Day, a national initiative of Keep America Beautiful. Everyone is encouraged to participate in “doing one thing” to recycle and reduce waste.

Event sponsors of Pasco Upcycle Festival are Keep Pasco Beautiful and Pasco County.

Organizers plan to make this festival an annual event.

For more information, email , or call (727) 856-7252.

For more information on Keep Pasco Beautiful, visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org. For information on recycling in Pasco County, visit PascoCountyFL.net.

Published November 4, 2015