Local News

Business Digest 05-27-15

May 27, 2015 By Kathy Steele

New store
Owners Roger and Lorraine Levesque recently opened the R & L Little Red Barn at 14245 Seventh Street in historic downtown Dade City. Their shop features furniture, antiques, jewelry, tools and clothes. The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce sponsored the ribbon cutting.

For information contact the store at (813) 702-2870 or email .

Award winner
IERNA’s Heating & Cooling is the first Florida Factory Authorized Bryant dealer to earn the prestigious Bryant Pinnacle Award, given out by Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems, a leading supplier of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. IERNA earned its fifth consecutive Medal of Excellence award from Bryant in 2014. To win the excellence award dealers must meet a minimum score and then are judged on overall customer satisfaction. IERNA supports community projects including blood drives, sponsoring youth sports leagues and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

In a press release announcing the latest honor for the 12-year-old company, Vice President Charlene Ierna said, “We couldn’t achieve success without our dedicated staff.”

For information visit www.IernaAir.com.

Bank branch closing
Centennial Bank will be closing its Wesley Chapel branch at 28909 State Road 54 on Aug. 7, according to a May 5 letter sent to customers.

The bank branch at 23000 State Road 54 in Lutz is located less than 15 miles from the Wesley Chapel office. It is a full-service facility ready to meet your banking needs. Customers will be able to conduct the same transactions and receive the same customer service that has been provided at the Wesley Chapel branch, according to the letter.

For more information, contact Regional Retail Leader Melissa Wade at (352) 518-1504, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Tampa Bay Jaw and Facial Surgery will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening on May 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 29164 Wesley Chapel Drive. Come and meet the physicians, Michael Barbick and Neeraj Nagella, and the center’s staff at this free event.

For information, call (813) 991-6886, or visit www.TBJAFS.com.

Model home opens
Avalon Park West and Beazer Homes will host a free Grand Opening Carnival to showcase the homebuilder’s new St. Augustine II model on May 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Avalon subdivision off State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

The event will have food and refreshments, a live disc jockey, a rock climbing wall, bungee bounce and pony rides. The model home is located at 5200 Autumn Ridge Drive in the Cypress Village neighborhood of Avalon Park West. Tours will be available.

Beazer’s two-story St. Augustine II has four bedrooms and three bathrooms in about 2,500 square feet. It is priced from about $265,000. Beazer Homes plans to build 55 new three, four and five-bedroom homes, priced from the mid-$200,000 in Avalon Park West, according to a press release from Beazer Homes.

For information call (813) 422-5549 or visit www.beazer.com.

Women of Wesley Chapel
WOW, Women of Wesley Chapel, will host a breakfast meeting on June 3 from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Health and Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, in the second floor conference room.

Guest speaker will be Edie Rhea, a survivor of human trafficking.

The 2015 annual WOW membership cost of $10 is due at the meeting and will cover the entire 2015 calendar year for WOW only. This doesn’t include chamber membership. No credit cards will be accepted at the door. Cash or check only.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534.

Ribbon cutting
Sliding Door Roller Replacement will hold a ribbon cutting and a mixer on June 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 19121 U.S. Hwy 41 in Lutz. The store is on the east side of the highway, south of County Line Road.

For information call Michelle Chomo at (813) 909-ROLL.

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet June 9 at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Krista Covey of the Pasco Economic Development Commission is the guest speaker.

For information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email him at .

Networking
Business Link will meet on June 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, second floor of the Wellness Center in the conference room, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. This monthly meeting offers tools, tips and networking to strengthen businesses. San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union partners with industry experts to provide valuable information each month. A complimentary breakfast is provided.

RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at the credit union at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237 or email to .

Women-in-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge on June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa, for lunch and networking.

The guest speaker will be Ginger Rockey-Johnson, the Original Spice Girl of Tampa Bay who will talk about “The Art of the Pitch.” Group members share their talents, build relationships and share their resources with other women in business.

The cost is $15 for members (Tuesday before the meeting), and $18 for all guests (and members paying after Tuesday).

For information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Lutz Guv’na hopefuls clash in fun-filled debate

May 20, 2015 By Michael Murillo

This past Saturday, three residents went to the Old Lutz School and lied to their neighbors.

One pledged to ban homework for all children.

Another promised to build a giant rainbow.

A third guaranteed everyone beautiful waterfront property.

From left, Cheryl Ayers, KarenSue Molis and Jennifer Rankin faced some silly questions at the Lutz Guv'na debate May 16, and they responded with equally silly answers. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo) — From left, Cheryl Ayers, KarenSue Molis and Jennifer Rankin faced some silly questions at the Lutz Guv’na debate May 16, and they responded with equally silly answers.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Then they tried to hit everyone up for money. And, they’re going to keep doing it all the way up until July 4.

It sounds like a shameless way to treat your neighbors, but that’s what Lutz expects out of their Guv’na candidates.

Those wanting the ceremonial title must prove they’re silly enough to deserve it. And the winner must raise the most money, which goes to local organizations after a new Guv’na is declared.

So, Jennifer Rankin, KarenSue Molis and Cheryl Ayers gathered at the school on May 16 to answer questions, show off unusual talents and prove they have what it takes to claim the coveted winner’s sash.

Their performances impressed the current Guv’na.

“They were good. They were funny. This is something that you don’t take too seriously,” said Dr. Cindy Perkins, who won a close race last year by raising just a little bit more than the other candidates. Together, last year’s candidates raised about $9,000, which went to around 20 different groups.

Perkins has fulfilled her Guv’na duties, which included activities like being a judge at a fair, throwing out a first pitch at a softball game and attending a Boys Scouts’ event.

As outgoing Guv’na, she was able to enjoy the festivities on the other side of the table, and watch the candidates get put through their paces.

The candidates faced such questions as what to do if there’s an alligator infestation (eat them) and how to avoid an invasion from Russia (a giant dome should keep them out).

Then things got a little strange.

Ayers started a conga line while wearing a toilet seat around her neck. The candidates took part in a golf competition where they tried to aim large balls at targets (really toilet seats again). Rankin won, but there was some cheating involved from emcee Paul Vahue. All three put on some crazy costumes in a quick-change competition. And Molis won an award for Biggest Liar at the debate.

While it was a light-hearted event, there was time for a more serious moment. Ayers showed off her singing talent by performing “The Star Spangled Banner,” and everyone spontaneously stood to sing along with her.

Throw in some food and conversation, and it was a complete event for the candidates, their family and other attendees. That included some former Guv’nas, who came by to show support and help out with the event.

Karin D’Amico, who ran two Guv’na campaigns herself and won the sash in 2012, got to experience a debate for the first time.

“Both of my years I did not get to attend,” she said. “It’s very interesting.” As a member of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club, D’Amico supports their candidate, Molis. The group has been supporting Guv’na hopefuls for years, and she believes they have another winner this time around.

The key, D’Amico said, is to schedule a lot of events and let people have so much fun that they start donating to the cause.

“People get to having a good time, and they just give you money,” she said.

Suzin Carr, the only two-time Guv’na, agrees. When it comes to the race, it’s all about raising money for good causes.

“Just keep begging for money,” she advised the candidates. “Keep begging and spreading the word. When I ran, I wore a sign on my back everywhere I went to get people to give me money, and it worked.”

Whichever candidate ends up begging enough to put them over the top, Saturday was a day of embracing absurdity and enjoying the eccentric qualities of the Guv’na race. As someone who’s won the sash twice, Carr knew what she was seeing.

She summed up the annual event this way: “Totally tacky in a classy sort of way, and all in whole-hearted fun.”

Published May 20, 2015

Land O’ Lakes student captures top art prize

May 20, 2015 By B.C. Manion

For the second consecutive year, a Land O’ Lakes High School student has won top honors in U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ Congressional Art Competition.

By winning the competition, Izzie Brown will receive two free airline tickets to Washington D.C., to attend a reception, and her work will be on display at the Capitol building for a year.

Izzie Brown, a sophomore at Land O’ Lakes High School, won Best of Show with this entry in U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ Congressional Art Competition. (Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis) — Izzie Brown, a sophomore at Land O’ Lakes High School, won Best of Show with this entry in U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ Congressional Art Competition.
(Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis)

Last year, Trevor Nichols won the honor for a pencil drawing of Coach Kris Keppel, who was suffering from pancreatic cancer at the time. Keppel died on Jan. 25, and the portrait that Nichols did was on prominent display at the coach’s funeral at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Land O’ Lakes.

The Congressional Art Competition included artworks by students in Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando counties.

Brown won Best of Show for a work entitled “Moods of Izzie.”

Bilirakis commented on the annual contest, in a news release.

“I believe the arts are an important component of a well-rounded education, as they stimulate creativity and innovation while allowing students the opportunity to express themselves in a meaningful way,” he said.

“I am glad to be able to bring this special opportunity to the students in my district,” Bilirakis added.

Besides her artistic pursuits at Land O’ Lakes High, Brown also has her own business called Word Tangles.

That business grew out of an assignment from her eighth-grade art teacher at Rushe Middle School. The teacher asked her to create a portrait of the Jamaican singer Bob Marley, which Brown did — using the titles of Marley’s songs to form his image.

Since then, Brown has created portraits of numerous famous personalities using words or, in the case of Albert Einstein, numbers, to shape the image.

Brown said she hasn’t had much time to devote to her business lately because she’s been quite busy doing the work she needs to complete for her Advanced Placement Art class.

She credits her teacher, Cynthia Smith, for helping her manage her time to meet the Advanced Placement workload requirements.

Brown is looking forward to her trip to Washington D.C.

“My mom will be with me in D.C., for the ceremony,” said the high school sophomore, who plans to spend some additional time in the area for vacation.

After leaving Washington D.C., she’ll travel to the national Future Business Leaders of America competition.

While she still has two years left of high school, Brown is already thinking ahead to college.

At the moment, she’s interested in studying abroad at the University of Oslo.

She thinks that would be her ideal school. However, she knows that the competition will be stiff.

“They only accept 60 international students,” she said.

Published May 20, 2015

Arts in Motion’s new musical is ‘Seussical’

May 20, 2015 By Michael Murillo

When Arts in Motion presents “Seussical” at Pasco Middle School this weekend, the audience will recognize Dr. Seuss’ famous characters and stories that have entertained children for decades.

And they’ll also experience something that sets the play apart from many musicals: A lot more music.

“It is honestly, let’s say, 97 percent music,” said director Craig Hartfield. “There’s very few lines, and even those lines are in verse, because it is Seuss.”

The cast of ‘Seussical’ has been rehearsing at The Alliance Church of Zephyrhills, but performers will bring the production to Pasco Middle School this weekend. From left to right are Josh Corjay, Melanie Kender, Roman Ricardo and Rhett Ricardo. (Courtesy of Arts in Motion) — The cast of ‘Seussical’ has been rehearsing at The Alliance Church of Zephyrhills, but performers will bring the production to Pasco Middle School this weekend. From left to right are Josh Corjay, Melanie Kender, Roman Ricardo and Rhett Ricardo.
(Courtesy of Arts in Motion)

Having that many musical numbers presents challenges from a production standpoint.

But Hartfield brings extensive experience to the job.

He has been directing acting for decades and has directed “Seussical” before, but this is his first play with Arts in Motion.

And, as a play for Arts In Motion — a local nonprofit dedicated to cultivating arts education and youth theater — all the characters are played by actors ranging in age between 5 and 18 years.

In “Seussical,” the age of the average performer is just over 10.

The actors also have a little extra work, too.

“Seussical” is double-casted, meaning the major roles are played by more than one actor. Most actors also perform in more than one role.

That format requires a tight production with actors knowing what role to play and where to be at any given moment,

Hartfield isn’t worried.

He’s happy with his cast and the support he’s received from Arts in Motion.

“They’re very organized. It’s very important to them that there’s a strong level of support for me and the kids in the show,” Hartfield said about Arts in Motion.

Having multiple roles gives the cast a chance to get in a lot of work, rather than learning one character’s lines and waiting around for their speaking role.

Some actors will be speaking or singing as one character and then dancing as another.

When it comes to “Seussical,” there are many moving parts.

The play has nearly 50 cast members playing more than two dozen important roles.

It’s reassuring that the children are all interested in theater and really want to be there, Hartfield said.

The training they get by being in Arts in Motion productions also makes his job easier, he added.

“They’re well-trained. They know what they’re supposed to be doing,” Hartfield said.

Melanie Kender, a senior at Pasco High School, definitely knows what she’s doing. In six years with Arts in Motion, she’s performed in around a dozen productions, and now she’s a Cat In The Hat and a Wickersham Brother in “Seussical.”

As an experienced performer, Kender helps the younger actors get comfortable with the ins and outs of community theater.

“The training that we get through Arts in Motion, we carry on with it, and we grow with it,” Kender said.

That includes beyond high school.

Kender plans to pursue theater opportunities at Pasco-Hernando State College.

For now, she’s getting into her roles.

For the Cat In The Hat, that meant reading the books and watching clips of Mike Myers’ take on the character in the 2003 film.

Kender also spends hours each week rehearsing with the cast at The Alliance Church of Zephyrhills, and will start five-hour days as the show draws near.

The end result should be a unique take on the character, especially if people are expecting a male in the role.

“It’s a whole other level of trying to accomplish this character,” Kender said. “I’m going to be the best Cat I can be.”

Hartfield is expecting all the actors to be at their best, and for the audience to enjoy the unusual take on stories they already know.

Instead of a simple retelling, “Seussical” blends several stories together, providing familiarity and something fresh for those who already love Dr. Seuss.

“The storylines are all in there, but no entire story is told. It’s not about telling one story. It’s about taking all these stories and mixing them into this one musical,” Hartfield said.

Showtimes are May 22 and May 23 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on May 23 and May 24 at 3 p.m. Pasco Middle School is located at 13925 14th St., in Dade City. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for students.

For more information, visit ArtsInMotionPasco.org.

Published May 20, 2015

Giving youths a healthy place to hang out

May 20, 2015 By B.C. Manion

It’s a Saturday morning and the sound of a basketball hitting the court reverberates throughout the gym in the Saint John Paul II Youth Center.

Sneakers squeak, as players race back and forth down the court in a pickup game during the center’s open gym.

It’s quiet outside of the St. John Paul II Youth Center now, but once programming gets into full swing, the foot traffic is expected to pick up. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — It’s quiet outside of the St. John Paul II Youth Center now, but once programming gets into full swing, the foot traffic is expected to pick up.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Located on the campus of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz, the center officially opened on the Feast Day of Saint Timothy in late January.

The 18,000-square-foot facility was built with kids in mind.

Besides basketball, the court can be used for volleyball, kickball and other games.

The youth center also has a café, a recording center, a game room, multiple gathering spaces and a sound system that plays throughout the building.

There’s also a patio area and a green space for outdoor events.

While others were busy playing basketball, 9-year-old Gabe Linder and 10-year-old Aviva Banks were playing a game of Ladder Toss, which involves tossing two balls connected by a string to try to land them on the rung of a ladder.

The kids seemed to be having fun.

The two were good-natured competitors, with Linder coaching Banks, as they went along.

“Try it underhand,” he suggested.

Whenever one of them had a good shot, they were both enthusiastic.

In another room at the center, musicians have a chance to jam and, once it is soundproofed, to record music.

CJ Linder, 10, was in that room — banging out a drum solo.

He paused, briefly, to offer his assessment of the youth center. “I think it’s pretty cool,” he said.

In terms of programming, the center is in its infancy, said Judy Anderson, the youth ministry coordinator.

When its fully up and running, she envisions a place that is teeming with activity.

Besides offering places to play sports and make music, there are also places to play board games, to watch big-screen TVs, to grab a snack, just hang out and chat, or attend Faith Formation classes.

“This is a dream come true,” said Anderson, noting it has been one of St. Timothy’s goals for at least a decade. It’s just an answer to prayer, I tell you.

“We haven’t had a dedicated space for youth only. We’ve had to modify the adult space, over in the parish hall. Now, we have this dedicated space,” Anderson said.

The total cost of the center is about $2.3 million, including furnishings. The cost of the construction is being funded by St. Timothy parishioners via the Forward in Faith Campaign, which is also raising funds for Diocesan projects, including the Mother Teresa of Calcutta school and other projects.

The furnishings for the center have been funded, or donated, by parishioners and through fundraising activities such as the March Madness Auction Dinner and the Family Fall Festival.

The idea was to create a magnet for youths.

“Kids were going other places, and we wanted to figure out, ‘Well, how can we attract them?’ ” Anderson said.

Diane Elsen, a longtime church volunteer, believes the youth center will have a huge impact.

“I just think it’s going to transform youth ministry at St. Timothy’s,” Elsen said.

“It gives them (youths), just the ability to have somewhere to hang — because that is so important to people their age,” Elsen said.

Parents welcome the center, too, Elsen said.

“They know how important it is for kids to have a place to gather,” she said.

The youth center will help with the church’s outreach efforts, too, both Anderson and Elsen said.

“We want to make it available to our community at St. Timothy’s, and we want them to bring their friends,” Anderson said. “Our Pope Francis has made it very clear. We need to be welcoming to everybody.”

Elsen added: “It gives us a chance to evangelize others. Friends can come.”

The youth center’s décor includes posters of saints, so visitors can learn about them and, Anderson hopes, be influenced by their examples.

“We take the time, and we talk about Jesus, in between sports. It’s a great segue to learn about their faith and have fun at the same time in this space,” Anderson said.

The youth center also will provide an indoor gym for students attending the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School.

The school, formerly known as Most Holy Redeemer Catholic School is now located at 302 E. Linebaugh Ave., in Tampa, but is moving this fall to St. Tim’s campus at 17512 Lakeshore Road in Lutz.

Anderson coached at Most Holy Redeemer for 14 years.

She recalls practicing outdoors on 90-degree days, when her players could barely keep hydrated enough to have a decent workout.

There were other issues, too, such as highway noise and court conditions.

“We had to sweep the leaves and the nuts off each time we practiced. We had to haul water out there,” she said.

Anderson is pleased that Mother Teresa of Calcutta teams will have an indoor gym. It’ll also be nice for after-school sports and for indoor gym on rainy days, she said.

But that doesn’t mean the kids will play inside all of the time.

“We want them to still be outside for fresh air,” Anderson said.

Published May 20, 2015

Circle K buys the Land O’ Lakes Plaza

May 20, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Circle K is the new owner of the Land O’ Lakes Plaza, a nearly 50-year-old shopping center along the busy commercial corridor of U.S. 41, at Hale Road.

The plaza, built in 1966, is considered to be Land O’ Lakes’ first shopping center. Today, the approximately 2.4-acre plaza is occupied mostly by mom-and-pop enterprises including a barbershop, a liquor store, a café, a nail salon and an antique shop.

Circle K plans to tear down the Land O’ Lakes Plaza to build a new 5,000-square-foot convenience store with gas pumps and a car wash. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Circle K plans to tear down the Land O’ Lakes Plaza to build a new 5,000-square-foot convenience store with gas pumps and a car wash.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The $1.55 million sale between the plaza’s owner, A & M Somerset Inc., and Circle K closed about two weeks ago, according to Georgia Watson, a broker with Grimaldi Commercial Realty Corp. She represented A & M Somerset in the transaction.

“It was purchased as an investment,” Watson said. “It was purchased strictly to redo the property. The whole shopping center will be demolished.”

Circle K has filed a conceptual plan with Pasco County’s planning department for a 5,000-square-foot Circle K store with gasoline pumps and a car wash. Currently there is an older Circle K and Shell gas station at U.S. 41 and Hale, immediately north of the plaza.

County records show Circle K General Inc., bought that adjacent corner site in 1987. The property was sold in 2004 to RI CS2 LLC, but continued to operate as a Circle K store and gas station. Development plans filed with the county do not show what will happen to the existing Circle K.

Circle K representatives could not be reached for comment.

The trend in recent years is for brands, such as WaWa, Thorntons and Circle K, to build modern, more trendy gas and convenience stores, Watson said.

WaWa representatives had looked at the site, she said, but didn’t pursue a contract. “This (Circle K) seems to be the best fit.”

The new development is a welcome addition, Watson said.

“Land O’ Lakes has kind of been behind Wesley Chapel, Lutz and Odessa. They are growing much faster than we are,” she said. “It’s nice to see some good activity going on.”

Published May 20, 2015

Charter panel’s first meeting sparks controversy

May 20, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Sparks flew at the first meeting of a charter review panel that could recommend major changes in how the county operates.

The meeting was called to take care of housekeeping chores, such as by-laws and scheduling decisions, but it got underway with a jolt.

Clay Colson interrupted Pasco County Chairman Ted Schrader’s introductions to declare a “point of order” and challenge the panel’s right to meet.

Colson argued that the May 11 meeting date failed to satisfy a 30-day deadline set by county commissioners when they approved the panel and appointed its members.

Schrader threatened to have a deputy sheriff remove anyone disrupting the meeting. And Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said the date was chosen by consensus among panel members. He added that a court order would be needed to shut down the meeting.

Former Pasco County Commissioner Michael Cox will lead the charter panel and business owner Randy Maggard will serve as vice-chairman.

“I don’t personally believe county government is broken,” Cox said. “Can we make it better? That is my hope.”

Speaking during the public comment portion of the meeting, Colson said, “I don’t feel represented by a single one of you. None of you has my best interests at heart.”

Colson also told the panel he and others plan to gather the required signatures to establish a charter commission that would include members that reflect Pasco’s diversity.

Since its appointment in April, the panel has come under criticism because all 15 members are white, and only one panel member is a woman. There are five alternates.

Pasco’s five commissioners each made two appointments. The five members of Pasco County’s legislative delegation rounded out the panel, with one appointment each.

Under state law, either a majority of commissioners or a petition signed by 15 percent of the county’s registered voters – about 45,000 signatures – can create a charter commission. Once a commission is created, it must complete a charter that Pasco voters would approve or reject.

However, the Pasco commission created a panel, rather than a commission, to allow an option of recommending no change to Pasco’s government. If a charter were recommended, a vote likely would be scheduled in 2016.

The panel will consider issues such as whether the county should have single-member districts, whether commissioners should have term limits and whether the administrator should be appointed or there should be an elected administrator or mayor.

Panel members briefly introduced themselves and explained why they want to serve.

Real estate broker Patti Spoeth, an alternate, said she wanted only to do “what is best for our county.”

Attorney Robert Eckard said, “If there is a better way to do government, I think it behooves us to look at that.”

Panel members also adopted by-laws and agreed to broadcast future meetings on Pasco TV.

The next meeting will be June 8 with other meetings to follow on the second and fourth Mondays of each month for approximately 18 months.

During public comment, residents expressed concerns and displeasure with the panel.

Published May 20, 2015

Apartments and new retail coming to Wiregrass

May 20, 2015 By Kathy Steele

More retail and a new apartment complex — on vacant land northeast of The Shops at Wiregrass — are on the drawing board at Pasco County’s planning department.

Forest City Enterprises, the developers of The Shops at Wiregrass, and NRP Group are partnering on the next phase of development on the former Wiregrass Ranch property in Wesley Chapel.

Conceptual plans filed with the county show a development of 248 apartments and 127,000 square feet of retail.

Among the retail possibilities are restaurants, a specialty market, a cinema and shops.

Forest City will handle the commercial side of the project. NRP Group will build the apartment complex.

The retail portion likely will fall within 120,000 square feet but could be somewhat larger or smaller depending on the tenants’ needs, said Abbas Hasan, manager of planning and development for the Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises.

The next step is filing an application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the federal agency that would approve a permit for the project.

“The process takes quite a long time,” Hasan said. “We’re trying to get all the pieces together.”

Specifics on tenants and construction schedules are on hold until the Corps of Engineers weighs in, and the project is further along.

“The Shops at Wiregrass are basically a lifestyle center and an open-air mall. This is more a few large anchor type users and more specialty stores,” Hasan said. “It will complement the mall and others in the area.”

The apartments will be linked with the retail, so that residents will be able to walk to the retail part of the development, said Kurt Kehoe, vice president of NRP Group, which has offices in Lake Mary, Florida.

“Being able to have the pedestrian and vehicular connections to both existing and upcoming commercial is key,” Kehoe said. “In a suburban area, this is not normally what you find.”

The project will include three-story and four-story buildings, with upscale apartments. Most of the apartments will be one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts, though some will have three bedrooms, Kehoe said.

Some apartments will have detached garages. There will be a clubhouse, pool and fitness area.

“Generally there is a lot of optimism for the tri-county area, especially Pasco,” he said. “There’s a lot of desire to live, work and play out there.”

Published May 20, 2015

Stacey Nance will lead Tampa Premium Outlets

May 20, 2015 By Kathy Steele

A long-time mall manager with Simon Property Group will be transferring from Indiana to become the general manager at Tampa Premium Outlets.

Stacey Nance has been tapped by Simon to take on management duties at the much-anticipated 441,000-square-foot outlet mall under construction near the State Road 56 and Interstate 75 interchange.

An opening date is slated for October.

Nance’s appointment was effective on May 18.

Stacey Nance, a long-time mall manager in Indiana, will be the general manager for Tampa Premium Outlets. (Courtesy of Simon Property Group) — Stacey Nance, a long-time mall manager in Indiana, will be the general manager for Tampa Premium Outlets.
(Courtesy of Simon Property Group)

“Stacey is a motivated and detail-oriented individual with years of leadership experience,” Regional Vice President Mary Spaulding said in a news release announcing Nance’s selection.

Nance started with Simon 17 years ago as director of marketing at Muncie Mall in Muncie, Indiana. She held that job for nine years before shifting career direction into mall management. She has been in charge of overall operations at Muncie Mall, Muncie Plaza and Northwood Plaza in Indiana.

She is a graduate of Ball State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and management, with a specialization in sales and promotion.

Simon, the mall’s developer, has estimated that the project will yield between 300 and 500 construction jobs and as many as 800 retail jobs. More than 110 retailers are expected to open, though, to date, only the anchor, Saks Off Fifth Fashion Outlet, has been announced. The mall is expected to have regional appeal as a destination for shoppers from Pasco, Hillsborough and surrounding areas.

A job fair likely will take place about 60 days prior to opening date, said Simon spokesman Les Morris.

Simon Property Group has more than 80 Premium Outlets worldwide with upscale retailers such as Banana Republic, DKNY, Dior and J. Crew. The outlet mall is a major feature within the master-planned community known as Cypress Creek Town Center. Three developers, including Simon, are working on different residential and commercial phases of the project.

Published May 20, 2015

Business Digest 05-20-15

May 20, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Grants awarded
Women-n-Charge awarded two $1,000 grants to women in business that it deemed to be deserving. Centennial Bank sponsored both grants, which are awarded annually.

One grant went to Dawn Easter, on behalf of Pasco Mental Health Foundation, which provides mental health services and education to Pasco residents who wouldn’t be able to access evaluation, counseling, therapy or medications any other way. The other grant went to Connie Lindsay of Liberty Manor for Veterans. The organization provides housing to veterans, specifically targeting honorably discharged veterans who have become homeless.

Women-n-Charge supports and assists women in managing their businesses more effectively.

For information, call Amanda Wright at (813) 501-7220, or email her at .

Spring mixer
East Pasco Networking Group will host its annual Spring Mixer May 20 at 6 p.m., at Blackstone Reef & Grill, 38361 County Road 54 in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Bob Hatfield from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office.

This is a family oriented event with prizes and surprises. There will be a 50/50 from the first five months that will benefit the Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills.

For information, call the group’s chairman, Nils Lenz, at (813) 782-9491, or email him at . Or call vice chairwoman, Rosie Paulsen at (813) 909-6965, or email her at .

Open house
Small World Pediatrics will have a ribbon cutting and open house on May 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 2527 Windguard Circle, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. The clinic also is welcoming a new addition to its staff, Dr. Nancy M. Silva.

This free event will have refreshments, prizes, drawings and a special guest for the kids: Mr. Tommy’s Mobile Music Bus, a music classroom on wheels with educational music sessions that are fun. Bring the family, children and neighbors.

To register or RSVP, call (813) 907-8001.

Business forum
The Lunch N’ Learn Business Forum will meet on May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel.

The guest speaker will be Joanie Sigal, director of business development at SJS Marketing. She specializes in email marketing and social media integration with email marketing. She will discuss how to target your market.

The $15 cost includes lunch. RSVP and prepayment are required. No walk-in seating is available.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 994-8534.

Bank branch closing
Centennial Bank will be closing its Wesley Chapel branch at 28909 State Road 54 on Aug. 7, according to a May 5 letter sent to customers.

For more information, contact Regional Retail Leader Melissa Wade at (352) 518-1504, or email .

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet May 26 at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Shahra Anderson, regional director for U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is the guest speaker.

For information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email him at .

Optimist club
The Optimist Club of Dade City will meet on May 26 at 6 p.m., at the First National of Pasco, 13315 U.S. Highway 301 in Dade City.

For information, email .

For information, call (813) 991-6886, or visit TBJAFS.com.

Guest speaker will be Edie Rhea, a survivor of human trafficking.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534.

For information call Michelle Chomo at (813) 909-ROLL.

Women-in-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge on June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa, for lunch and networking.

The cost is $15 for members (Tuesday before the meeting), and $18 for all guests (and members paying after Tuesday).

For information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.