The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

The Laker and Lutz News brings home 11 statewide honors

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The Laker and Lutz News received 11 honors at the Florida Better Weekly Newspaper Awards luncheon in St. Mary on July 24.

The winning entries were selected from a field of 1,600, in a competition judged by newspaper professionals from New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

B.C. Manion, the editor for The Laker/Lutz News, received six awards for her work, including a first place in obituary writing, and a first place in faith and family writing, for work published in The Laker.

1g Best Original Photo - SportsShe also won second place honors for education reporting, and third place for health-medical and science reporting for work published in The Laker.

And, she won third place in the categories of outdoor, and for arts, entertainment and reviewing reporting for work published in The Lutz News.

Photographer Fred Bellet, whose work is frequently featured in The Laker and in The Lutz News, won three first place awards and two-second place honors.

He won first place in the categories of sport picture, feature photo and photo series in one issue, for work published in The Laker. He also won second place in the categories of photo series in one issue and portfolio photography for work published in The Lutz News.

Manion’s winning entry in the faith and family reporting category detailed a church’s efforts to make the word of God accessible to people with hearing disabilities – through the installation of special equipment.

WWII Vet“The is a very informative article about an important subject. This type of journalism is a service to the community,” the judges wrote.

Her winning obituary detailed the life of Don Porter, whose influence played a significant role in shaping the development of Wesley Chapel.

The judges said the piece was “respectfully written — painted a complete picture of the man.”

Bellet’s winning entry in the feature photo category was of a World War II veteran, which the judges called “the standout photo” in its group, and said it “serves as a reminder that our World War II veterans are dwindling in number.”

Bellet also claimed top honors for a photo series featuring the Festival of Flights. The judges said: “A nice mix of shots, especially the little boy’s reaction and the evening shot of the balloons, that really brings the reader to this event.”

FestivalOfFlight8 copyBellet also captured a first place finish in the sports picture category for a photo capturing the precise instant of a skydiver’s landing. “A nice, tightly composed shot of an unusual sporting activity,” the judges said.

Manion’s other winning entries featured two stories from her Worth the Trip series, showcasing The Tampa Theatre and Bok Tower Gardens. She also was honored for an education story on a prize-winning custodian.

Bellet’s other winning entries featured a photo series featuring skydivers and a portfolio of photos.

Published July 29, 2015

See the Bucs, save a lot of bucks

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Football season is starting. That means a fresh start, new players and optimism for the hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It also means your wallet might get sacked if you want to see the team live. The very cheapest game tickets are $30 — and at that price, you’d better have great eyesight or a good pair of binoculars. For a better view, you could easily pay twice that much, or more. The best sideline seats are nearly $120 each. And it’s the same price for preseason games, which don’t even count.

On select days in August, you can see the Buccaneers practice and not pay a penny. (Courtesy of Buccaneers.com)
On select days in August, you can see the Buccaneers practice and not pay a penny.
(Courtesy of Buccaneers.com)

But your money will be intercepted before you even get to the gate. If you’re lucky, you might find a parking space for $10, assuming you like long walks on Sunday mornings. More likely, it will be $15 or $25 just to leave your car in the sun for several hours.

And are you the type of person who gets hungry and thirsty?

That’s going to hurt, too. It’s great to have a National Football League team to cheer for and support, but there’s nothing cheap about seeing them.

Or is there?

Beginning Aug. 1, the Buccaneers will have 11 open practices during training camp on select dates through Aug. 19. Admission is free, and parking is free. It’s the best way to see the team in action without breaking the bank.

Before the games, and before the preseason, the team goes through challenging workouts on a daily basis in training camp.

The practice field is where the young players get in their reps, the veterans shake off the rust, and utility players fight hard to make the team. It’s where the coaches work on their game plans, and the offensive and defensive schemes that best fit their players.

While it’s not a game situation, it can be fun and educational for football fans.

After all, you’re seeing the team develop its identity before the season starts. You’ll see players earn spots on the roster, and you might see a few wrinkles that get used during the regular season.

And, if you really want to see how the team is progressing, the best way is to see them for yourself.

Best of all, you’ll see the money in your purse stay there. You can go to a practice or two (or all 11, if you want) and not spend a penny. Just find a date and time that works for you, show up and spend a couple of hours watching the team, and enjoy the start of a new football season.

And if you have young fans in the family, the experience is even better. Children under 12 can go on the field and get autographs from players after practice. The Buccaneers also have a special Kids Zone during the open practices, which includes football skills stations, a dunk tank and face painting. You might even see the team’s cheerleaders and mascot, Captain Fear, too.

There’s also discounted concessions, so you can afford to eat or drink something. And you’ll even find the latest merchandise in case you catch a little team spirit and want to spend some of that money you saved watching the team for free.

Unless you know a player or have a rich uncle — or you have a rich uncle who’s also a player — this is the best way to see the team on a budget.

Practice doesn’t count, but it definitely matters. It’s the next best thing to going to a game. And for children, who have a Kids Zone and autographs to enjoy, it might be even better than going to a game.

Plus, it’s free. You can’t get more “On the Cheap” than that. Enjoy.

Practices are at One Buccaneer Place (which is also the address), just off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, near Raymond James Stadium.

For more information, call (813) 870-2700, or visit Buccaneers.com.

What: See the Bucs in action for free during the team’s open practices
Where: One Buccaneer Place, off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, near Raymond James Stadium.
When: The free training camps are scheduled for:

• Aug. 1: 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

• Aug. 2: 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Aug. 3: 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Aug. 4: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Aug. 6: 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Aug. 8: 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Aug. 11: 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Aug. 12: 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Aug. 17: 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Aug. 18: 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Aug. 19: 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call (813) 870-2700, or visit Buccaneers.com.

Published July 29, 2015

Health care reforms pass House, onto Senate next

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The House of Representatives has passed legislation that could pave the way for more treatment options for people who are ill, and the bill’s bipartisan support bodes well for its passage in the Senate, said Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who has taken a leadership role on this issue.

The 21st Century Cures Act passed the House by a vote of 344-77 on July 10.

Ashleigh Pike, left, looks on as her mother, Beth Pike, describes the impacts that Ashleigh’s illness has had on the young woman’s life. (File Photo)
Ashleigh Pike, left, looks on as her mother, Beth Pike, describes the impacts that Ashleigh’s illness has had on the young woman’s life.
(File Photos)

“Now, we’re waiting on the Senate to pass a bill,” Bilirakis said, and he’s confident that will happen, perhaps by the end of the year.

Passage can’t come soon enough, Bilirakis said, noting the legislation offers hope to people who are desperate for new treatment options.

The Senate’s version of the bill will likely have fewer provisions, Bilirakis said.

To help protect provisions he believes are important, Bilirakis has sponsored stand-alone bills, as well.

One of the stand-alone bills he has introduced is called the Orphan Product Extensions Now Accelerating Cures & Treatments Act (OPEN ACT). That calls for giving drug makers and innovators incentives to “repurpose” major market drugs for life-threatening rare diseases and pediatric cancers.

The aim is to open the door to the development of hundreds of safe, effective and affordable treatments for rare disease patients, Bilirakis said.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, of Utah, has co-sponsored that bill in the Senate.

Bilirakis said he doesn’t care whether these provisions are adopted in the overall legislation or his stand-alone bill. He just wants action on these issues.

A panel of health care providers discusses ways to improve health care delivery to patients. Reducing bureaucracy, increasing funding and encouraging innovation are some of their suggestions.
A panel of health care providers discusses ways to improve health care delivery to patients. Reducing bureaucracy, increasing funding and encouraging innovation are some of their suggestions.

While legislators were drafting the 21st Century Cures Act, roundtables were held around the country to give stakeholders a chance to discuss issues being faced by patients and providers.

Bilirakis convened roundtables in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Carrollwood, where he listened to hours of testimony from patients, patient advocates, doctors, researchers, makers of medical devices and other stakeholders.

The settings for the sessions were comfortable meeting rooms, but the testimony delivered dealt with issues of life and death, and was often poignant and dramatic.

At a session in Lutz, patients told Bilirakis about difficulties in getting a proper diagnosis and finding effective treatments.

Ashleigh Pike was one of those patients.

Before she became ill, she was a vibrant young woman who delighted in teaching elementary school children. Now, she lives life from a wheelchair and requires full-time care.

“On the outside, I look fine,” the former teacher told Bilirakis. But, she added: “My quality of life has been greatly compromised.”

Pike suffers from a form of dysautonomia, a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. That system controls automatic functions of the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, kidney function, temperature control, and dilation and constriction of the pupils, according to Dysautonomia International’s website.

At another session, health care providers told Bilirakis about a variety of roadblocks that frustrate their work.

Dr. David Morgan, the chief executive of the University of South Florida’s Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, told Bilirakis the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s patients must improve. About one in five people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s do not have the disease, Morgan said.

The disease can be accurately diagnosed with PET — positron emission tomography — scans, but those are expensive and generally not covered by insurance, Morgan said.

Proper diagnosis is important not only for treatment of patients, but also to ensure that clinical trial results are not skewed by including patients in the trials who do not have the disease.

Reforms also are needed in the way clinical trials are conducted, Morgan said, noting the current approach takes too long and costs too much.

At that same session, Dr. Richard Finkel, chief neurologist at Nemours Children’s Hospital of Orlando, told Bilirakis that the focus must be greater on patient-centered cures.

“Patients are willing to accept different levels of risk. But the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) doesn’t look at it that way,” he said. “They are very risk averse.”

Medical device makers face other obstacles, Lisa Novorska, chief financial officer for Rochester Electro Medical Inc., told Bilirakis.

Her company can know how to improve a device, but can’t pursue those improvements because of the costs to comply with FDA requirements. The FDA plays a valuable role in protecting the public, but it also creates paperwork nightmares for small businesses, she said.

Bilirakis said The 21st Century Cures Act addresses many concerns raised during the roundtable sessions, and provides an $8.5 billion increase for the National Institutes for Health.

Published July 29, 2015

Coming soon: outlet mall’s job fair

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In a sign that Tampa Premium Outlets is gearing up for its October opening, planning is under way for a job fair to fill approximately 800 positions.

The hiring event is scheduled for Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Embassy Suites, at 3705 Spectrum Blvd., in Tampa.

Tampa Premium Outlets Job Fair will help fill more than 800 jobs. (File Photos)
Tampa Premium Outlets Job Fair will help fill more than 800 jobs.
(File Photos)

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and Career Central at Pasco-Hernando State College are event coordinators.

The chamber will invite retailers to a private breakfast before the fair. Members also are helping promote the event.

“It’s so exciting to see this,” said Hope Allen, the chamber’s executive director.

Career Central at Pasco-Hernando State College is preparing for a job fair that’s expected to attract between 1,000 to 2,000 applicants, said Ana Segovia, a business consultant with Career Central.

It proved difficult finding a venue in Pasco large enough to accommodate the event, Segovia said.

“The job fair is really important to us and to our retailers who want to fill all these jobs,” said Les Morris, spokesman for Simon Property Group. “Our motivation is to have a large, centrally located venue that people can get to easily.”

Work is heading into the home stretch at the soon-to-open Tampa Premium Outlets.
Work is heading into the home stretch at the soon-to-open
Tampa Premium Outlets.

Retailers are beginning to send in job descriptions with positions expected in retail, management, security, maintenance and food preparation.

Segovia said fliers and social media are among the various ways the word will be spread about the job fair.

In other news, developers of the outlet mall have released the first official list of stores set to open on Oct. 29.

In a July 22 news release, 14 stores are identified, out of more than 110 stores expected to open at the center.

Stores identified by the mall so far are Adidas, Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Coach, Cole Haan, Disney Store Outlet, Ecco, Express Factory Outlet, Fossil, Gap Factory Outlet, Hartstrings, Nike Factory Store, Puma and Samsonite.

Saks OFF 5th was announced previously as the mall’s anchor.

More announcements are anticipated in coming weeks from Simon, the global real estate company that is building the mall, off State Road 56, at the Interstate 75 interchange.

While store announcements are trickling out, nearly 80 stores have applied with Pasco County for building permits and have been identified in media reports in recent weeks.

Among the newest ones – not included in the news release – are Forever 21, Kitchen Collection, The Cosmetic Company, PacSun, Tillys, Guess, Motherhood Maternity, the Luggage Factory, The Limited and Aldo Shoes.

For information about the job fair, call Career Central at (352) 200-3020.

Published July 29, 2015

Their crime-fighting careers inspire crime novels

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Diane and David Munson, two authors from Tampa Bay, draw from their law enforcement careers to create crime thrillers.

In addition to her private practice work as a lawyer, Diane worked as a federal prosecutor.

David was a special agent with what is now known as NCIS (Naval Crime Investigative Service), and also did undercover work for the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Local authors Diane and David Munson recently gave a talk at a luncheon meeting of the Lutz Rotary Club (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Local authors Diane and David Munson recently gave a talk at a luncheon meeting of the Lutz Rotary Club
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

They are the co-authors of nine novels and are in the midst of writing another.

Their most recent release, “Embers of Courage,” involves Eva Montanna, a federal agent, whose task force teammate is captured by militants during a CIA operation in Egypt.

Montanna risks her life to defeat tyrants oppressing Christians, and is plunged into a daring rescue mission.

The Munsons also wrote “The Camelot Conspiracy,” which deals with John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and “Stolen Legacy,” which involves World War II and the Monuments Men.

The couple recently spoke at the Lutz Rotary Club luncheon meeting at Heritage Harbor.

They shared their backgrounds and talked about how that experience comes in handy, when they were creating fictional accounts that involve courtroom drama and investigations to track clues to unravel mysteries.

“We like to say that Dave nailed them, and I jailed them,” Diane told those gathered.

She said the most popular question the couple gets is: “Is the NCIS show realistic?”

It is, in a lot of ways, she said. But in real life, investigations and convictions occur at a much slower pace.

As she introduced her husband, she talked about the risks he encountered as an undercover agent.

“Dave really did face danger,” she said, noting he worked on undercover operations that yielded high-level arrests.

David talked about the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and about information the couple gleaned in researching their novel, “The Camelot Conspiracy.”

He brought along some props, too, including photographs of Dealey Plaza, in Dallas, Texas, where JFK was shot.

While he didn’t take a position on whether Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, he noted there are many interesting questions involving the case.

It doesn’t take much to create a conspiracy, David said.

Essentially, a conspiracy occurs whenever there are two or more people who agree to commit a crime, and one of the co-conspirators commits an overt act, he said.

“Most of the investigations at the federal level involve conspiracies,” he said, noting he was once involved in a case that had 40 co-conspirators.

The ideal way to crack a conspiracy case is to infiltrate the group as an undercover agent, he said, noting that’s precisely what he did when working for the DEA.

In one case, David arrested four associates of former Panamanian President Manuel Noriega, who then testified against the dictator.

Published July 29, 2015

Compark 75 plans expansion in 2016

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Compark 75 is growing again.

The industrial park, off Wesley Chapel Boulevard, will add a new 65,000-square-foot building to four buildings that are already leased almost to capacity.

The permitting process for the new structure is under way, with construction set for 2016.

Compark 75, which is next to the Tampa North Aero Park and visible to motorists on Interstate 75, has found ways to attract new tenants. It is getting ready to expand again, with a 65,000-square-foot building expected to begin construction in 2016. (File Photo)
Compark 75, which is next to the Tampa North Aero Park and visible to motorists on Interstate 75, has found ways to attract new tenants. It is getting ready to expand again, with a 65,000-square-foot building expected to begin construction in 2016.
(File Photo)

No tenant has signed on yet, but that’s typical for an industrial park that, from the start, has proved that location and the right market conditions will produce results.

“All of our tenants have come after the building was built,” said Heidi Tuttle-Beisner of Commercial Asset Partners Realty, an agent for the property. “They feel confident in the level of activity.”

In October, Compark 75 will welcome two new tenants.

Streetside Classics Cars specializes in the consignment, purchase and sale of classic and collectible cars. Compark 75 is its fourth showroom. Other locations are in Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta.

An orthodontics distribution company also will relocate from Tampa into about 41,000 square feet of space at Compark 75.

The company name has not been announced, but Tuttle-Beisner said, “It’s a high-end, incredible company.”

The office park is strategically located next to Interstate 75 about halfway between the State Road 54 and State Road 56 interchanges.

Suncoast Parkway is 12 miles to the west. The Tampa North Aero Park is along the park’s northern boundary.

A $15 million expansion of Compark 75 broke ground in 2014. It was the first major investment in commercial office construction in Pasco County since the recession.

Ross Kirk, owner of KVR Development LLC, handles the development and design of the park. Larry Morgan, president of HR Pasco LLP, owns the park.

“It’s a collaborative effort,” Tuttle-Beisner said.

The 165-acre site is zoned light industrial and can accommodate warehouse, manufacturing and office uses. About 105 acres is wetlands, which will not be developed.

“It will remain the greenest industrial park in the Tampa Bay area,” she said.

Among tenants at the park are the Pasco County Tax Collector’s office and the U.S. Geological Survey Florida Water Science Center.

Nearly two years ago, J.T.D. Enterprises relocated from Michigan to Compark 75. The company manufactures tubular fabrications and assemblies used in products such as golf ball retrievers and flagpoles. Its products also are applicable to defense technologies.

Companies attracted to Compark 75 generally are looking to expand in locations that offer easy access to the interstate system, and they find that in Pasco, Tuttle-Beisner said.

The area’s attractiveness also is being helped by retail development along the State Road 54 and State Road 56 corridors.

The Shops at Wiregrass and the soon-to-open Tampa Premium Outlets are adding amenities and jobs to the area. But Tuttle-Beisner noted: “All the jobs can’t be retail.”

Compark 75 is helping diversify Pasco’s economy by bringing manufacturing and distribution companies into the mix.

“There is nothing else out there like this,” Tuttle-Beisner said.

Published July 29, 2015

Scout has a sign in mind for Old Lutz School

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Eagle Scout projects are an important part of earning the distinguished designation from the Boy Scouts of America. But because they’re normally completed while a candidate is close to graduating high school, their schedule is pretty full.

In many cases, they might only have a few months to design, present and complete it.

Sam Crawford doesn’t have that problem.

He’s not getting ready to graduate high school. He hasn’t even started it yet.

Sam Crawford's project mentor, Michael Ritchie, made a detailed sketch of the proposed sign. It will need adjustments and an architect's touch before it can get final approval.
Sam Crawford’s project mentor, Michael Ritchie, made a detailed sketch of the proposed sign. It will need adjustments and an architect’s touch before it can get final approval.

Crawford, 13, will start his freshman year at Steinbrenner High School this fall. He’s also working toward his Eagle Scout designation.

The Lutz teenager had the option of either wrapping up his project and becoming a very young Eagle Scout, or spending more time on it and making it something big.

Crawford went big.

“I just really wanted to do a project that, when I was older, I could still see it, and it would still be in use,” Crawford said.

So, as he heads off to his new school, he’ll be doing something for an old one — a very old one.

His project involves the Old Lutz School, at 18819 U.S. Highway 41 N.

The school was built around 1927, and served as a school until the mid-1970s.

Now, the structure serves as a symbol of the community, a gathering place for civic groups and a host for local events.

It is also the beneficiary of Crawford’s Eagle Scout project.

Right now, as drivers on U.S. 41 pass the school, they likely have no idea what’s happening at the school, because the sign is too small to be seen clearly from both sides of the highway.

Crawford’s solution? A bigger sign that’s easy to read.

Scouting is important to Sam Crawford, who will attend Steinbrenner High School this fall. He's also working toward his Eagle Scout designation with a project that benefits the Old Lutz School. Shown here, he is standing next to Scoutmaster Jeff Potvin. Joey Hermes, another scout, is in the background. (Photos courtesy of Sam Crawford)
Scouting is important to Sam Crawford, who will attend Steinbrenner High School this fall. He’s also working toward his Eagle Scout designation with a project that benefits the Old Lutz School. Shown here, he is standing next to Scoutmaster Jeff Potvin. Joey Hermes, another scout, is in the background.
(Photos courtesy of Sam Crawford)

Current plans call for it to be 10 feet long and about 8 feet tall, with removable lettering and a protective cover on the signage.

Plans also call for a shingled roof and brick construction, to make the sign both durable and attractive.

When finished, the sign will be the perfect place to list announcement and events for both the school and local organizations.

Even with quality materials and a sturdy design, it might seem like a simple thing to put up a sign.

But this is no simple sign. Crawford wants it to use electricity so it will be useful at night, and the school only has a couple of outlets.

He’ll also need permits to build it, which will take time to secure.

And, he has to find a way to pay for it, since a sign this elaborate will cost thousands. He’s getting material donations and the Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building are chipping in a good amount, but Crawford still needs to raise money to make up the difference.

In all, his Eagle Scout project will take about a year from start to finish. And, he’s already about halfway there.

He’s fine with taking a little extra time to create something that will be useful for years to come. He also expects to learn quite a bit by the time the project is finished.

“I’m very excited, because I’ve never led something this big,” Crawford said.

“It’ll teach me a lot about leading a group of people, and I think I’ll learn a lot from the experience,” he said.

Crawford’s extra efforts are appreciated by the people who are most involved in the school.

“He’s a very nice guy and working very hard on it. It was a big project for him to take on,” said Phyllis Hoedt, co-chair of the Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building.

The new sign will be oriented so drivers traveling north and south can see it clearly, Hoedt said. It will help promote events at the school, such as yard sales, flea markets and their annual Christmas event. The end result should be better promotion on a busy highway, and better attendance at events.

“We’ll have a nice sign to advertise what’s going on the community,” she said.

For now, that nice sign is still in the planning stages.

Crawford still needs a professional sketch by an architect and must finalize structural details so it can be built once they get the proper permits. But once it’s completed, it will be useful and a point of pride.

“I really enjoy (the project) because I’ve grown up in Lutz all my life. I feel like giving back to the community and putting this sign in, it really will help the community for many years to come,” Crawford said. “Hopefully more people will be showing up at the events — thanks to the sign.

Published July 29, 2015

Higher property taxes appear likely in Pasco County

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Pasco County commissioners have agreed to advertise a tax hike that could fully pay for salary increases for Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco’s deputies.

The increased revenues might also pay for a few other items on a wish list suggested by commissioners, including new fire rescue vehicles, additional code enforcement officers, and more money for libraries.

But the increased tax rate will not become final until commissioners approve the approximately $1.3 billion budget in September, and they can always roll the proposed rate back.

However, commissioners, at the July 21 meeting in New Port Richey, had to approve a tentative millage rate that can be advertised in trim notices sent to property owners.

The vote came before a standing-room-only crowd.

The board has adopted rate of 9.4, which is about half a mill higher than the current rate of 8.9.

For a $150,000 house, with taxable value of $100,000, the increase would mean about $36 a year in additional property tax.

Between now and September there will be workshops and public hearings where commissioners might get an earful from unhappy taxpayers.

Or, they could be greeted with cheers from Nocco and others who say the pay increase is critical to public safety.

“It’s just hard for Republicans to raise taxes. We know we’re going to get hammered,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.  But she said, “I’m not here for a career. I’m here to do what’s best for the county. I’m willing. If we don’t invest in our county, how can we possibly expect anyone else to?”

The crowd packing the commission’s meeting room included deputies, first responders and their family members.

They made it clear, as they have at other commission meetings, that they will not be satisfied with anything less than a full funding of Sheriff Chris Nocco’s requested budget increase of $6.5 million.

Kathleen Stevenson, the wife of a Pasco County deputy, told commissioners she never knows each day if her husband will come home safely.

“I want to say what an impact you can make today by putting yourselves in our shoes,” she said. “How much value do they (deputies) have for you? If you think things are improving in this county, you have blinders on.”

The sheriff’s total budget would be about $104 million for 2016, if fully funded. The increase is largely for salary and benefits to jump-start a three-year plan to make Pasco competitive in hiring and retaining deputies. The increase also includes funds for the jail’s new camera security system and maintenance of the department’s helicopter unit.

The sheriff’s department lost 44 deputies last year, many of them choosing to take higher paying jobs in Tampa. Nocco said he expects to lose about 60 deputies by the end of the year.

Pasco ranks 55 out of all 67 counties in Florida in per capita funding for law enforcement, and dead last among Tampa Bay area counties including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus and Hernando, according to data provided by the sheriff’s department. That data also shows the department’s current budget is the lowest among counties with similar or smaller populations.

For example, Pasco’s 2015 law enforcement budget of about $98 million is significantly lower than Pinellas’ budget of nearly $249 million, even though Pinellas has about 61,000 fewer residents.

“It pains me that political leaders in this county have not made public safety funding a priority that gets us out of last place,” said Gary Bradford, a retired Tampa police detective who is a member of the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association. “I’m ashamed of it. We have to start. We have to start now.”

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano drew a round of applause when he suggested a higher millage rate than the one eventually adopted.

“We need to make a move,” he said. “We’ve got a chance for a giant leap in this area. I don’t think anyone here wants to be at the bottom of any pile.”

Mariano also championed an end to parking fees at county parks, saying it is time for the county to stop pushing off decisions from year to year.

County officials estimate the annual revenues from parking fees are about $341,000.

But Mariano said, “Our tax base is only going to grow. It’s going to get better.”

Commission chairman Ted Schrader took the opposite view.

“It’s not really going to get better,” Schrader said. “It’s going to get worse.”

Schrader asked Assistant County Administrator Heather Grimes to highlight the crisis that could confront county officials in the next years.

The problem, Grimes said, is that recurring revenues aren’t keeping pace with recurring expenses.

Ending parking fees would be a deal breaker for Schrader who said there was a fairness issue in ending those fees while also increasing the annual storm water fee by $10. He also said the county can’t afford, at least in 2016, to increase library funding to its 2008, pre-recession level.

One source of funding that could help offset or reduce a tax increase is a one-time payout of about $7.4 million from BP Oil. Pasco County commissioners recently agreed to accept the funds as settlement against the oil giant for damages related to the 2010 oil spill at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, off the shores of Louisiana.

The funds probably will be received within three months.

Five Gulf States, including Florida, sued BP for its losses, including tourist-related dollars. The state received more than $3.2 billion from more than $18.7 billion in total from BP. Louisiana received the largest settlement of about $6.8 million but Florida received the highest payout for its total economic losses, pegged at about $2 billion.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore suggested giving $2 million of the county’s share to fund the sheriff’s requested budget.

“That will get him one step closer to the volume of raises he needs to keep people here,” Moore said.

He also supported a budget that funds four additional code enforcement officers. “People are concerned about the image and appearance of the county,” he said. “What’s going to take care of that? Code enforcement.”

Commissioner Mike Wells restated his previous desire to give pay increases to every county employee, possibly with the BP settlement.

“It’s all about raises,” he said. “We have to take care of everybody.”

Published July 29, 2015

School supply drives aim to help kids, teachers

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Chambers of commerce, businesses, civic organizations, churches and community groups are busy collecting items that students will need once school begins.

Some efforts are broad outreach programs, and others involve individual churches.

Efforts are underway to help students who need supplies for the coming school year. (File Art)
Efforts are underway to help students who need supplies for the coming school year.
(File Art)

Some seek to help teachers fill their supply cupboards so they won’t have to dig into their own wallets to pay for supplies their students need.

Others give the items directly to children and families in need.

There is an ever-growing list of efforts, but here are some of the ongoing or planned efforts to date:

  • The First National Bank of Pasco is collecting school supply and monetary donations for its Stuff the Backpack Drive, through Aug. 7, at any of its three branches in Zephyrhills and Dade City. Monetary donations will be used to purchase additional school supplies. Items needed include liquid soap, Ziploc bags, crayons, highlighters, backpacks, rulers, folders, index cards and more. For locations, visit FNBPasco.com.
  • Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care is collecting school supplies, through Aug. 8, at all five of its thrift shops. Anyone who donates will receive a voucher for 25 percent off a single item (sale items and furniture excluded) that is valid for one week after the donation, at any thrift shop location. Supplies needed include backpacks, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, folders, glue sticks, markers, notebooks, paper, pencil cases, pens, scissors and yellow pencils. All supplies will be distributed to needy children in Pasco County through the Kiwanis Club of Greater West Pasco. For a list of shop locations, visit GHPPC.org.
  • Children’s Home Society of Florida, 1515 Michelin Court in Lutz, is collecting backpacks and school supplies, through Aug. 11. To arrange a drop-off or pickup, or for information, call Rachelle Duroseau at (813) 428-3832, or email .
  • Sharpline Investigations is hosting a school supply drive, through Aug. 21, with local drop-off locations in Wesley Chapel and Lutz. Supplies needed include backpacks, pencils, pens, spiral notebooks, composition books, binders and notebook paper. The supplies will be distributed to students in Hillsborough and Pasco counties that are at risk in attendance, academics and behavior. For information and locations, visit SharplineInvestigations.com/giving-back-to-the-community/.
  • The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is collecting school supplies, from July 31 to Aug. 2, for the Stuff the Bus for Teachers program. Some of the school items needed include mechanical pencils, pens, scissors, pink erasers, dry erasers, dry erase markers, hand sanitizer, rulers, copy paper (white and colors), spiral notebooks, folders (3-prong and no prong), and colored pencils. For information and donation sites, email .
  • Cobb Theatres Grove 16, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel is hosting its seventh annual Back to School Bash on Aug. 15. The event, themed “Fantastic Four,” will take place from10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Festivities will include activities such as face painting, games, haircuts, health screenings and school supply giveaways.

The theater is still seeking sponsors. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or partner, call Demene Benjamin at (813) 948-5445, or email ">.

  • The United Way of Pasco County will host the 5th Annual Stuff the Bus for Teachers, July 31 to Aug. 2, at various Walmart and Publix locations, and is looking for volunteers.

There are three-hour shifts available: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/stuffthebus2015 or UnitedWayPasco.org.

For information, call (727) 835-2028.

  • C1 Bank and Goin’ Postal are collecting school supplies, and donations will be given to local schools for on-campus personnel to distribute to students in need. Goin’ Postal locations are:
  • 14247 Seventh St., Dade City
  • 27221 State Road 56, Wesley Chapel
  • 28500 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel (inside Walmart)
  • 38439 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
  • 7631 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills (inside Walmart)

C1 Bank, 7435 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, also is collecting supplies and will host the Back-To-School Community Party Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a limited number of drawstring bags with school supplies, and drawings for gift cards, as well as games and puzzles, chalk art, coloring contests, a dance contest and more.

For information, call Shelly Brantman at C1 Bank at (813) 715-4700.

Published July 29, 2015

 

Fresh faces on school campuses

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As students head back to school this fall, they may see a few unfamiliar faces.

Pasco County Schools has transferred or appointed new administrators at several school campuses across the district.

In some cases, administrators are being promoted from another position, are returning to a campus where they worked before or are being elevated where they already work.

So, here’s a rundown on some of the recently appointed principals and assistant principals in schools serving Central Pasco and East Pasco schools:

  • Angie Stone, principal at Zephyrhills High School
  • Jeff Wolff, principal at Pasco Middle School in Dade City
  • Kim Anderson, principal at San Antonio Elementary School
  • Kara Smucker, principal at Quail Hollow Elementary School in Wesley Chapel
  • Jason Petry, principal at Sanders Memorial STEAM Elementary in Land O’ Lakes
  • Phillip Bell, assistant principal at Sunlake High School
  • Deborah Collin, assistant principal at Dr. John Long Middle School
  • Trudy Hartman, assistant principal at Lake Myrtle Elementary School
  • Eric McDermott, assistant principal, Zephyrhills High School
  • Kyle Ritsema, assistant principal at Pine View Middle School
  • Shannon Schultz, assistant principal at Land O’ Lakes High School
  • Scott Davey, assistant principal at Wesley Chapel High School
  • Nena Green, assistant principal at Pasco Elementary School
  • Timothy Light, assistant principal at Wiregrass Ranch High School
  • Heather Ochs, assistant principal at Sunlake High School
  • Pio Rizzo, assistant principal, Pine View Middle School

Students in the Pasco public school district will begin their first day of classes on Aug. 24.

Besides new administrators, there are a few other new things in store.

For one thing, the district is opening its first magnet school, which is located at Sanders Memorial Elementary and will focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. The school building has undergone a massive renovation, which has included remodeling some buildings and constructing new ones. When it opens, the school will feature the latest in technology and will foster a collaborative learning environment for students and teachers.

Wiregrass Ranch High School also will experience some major changes this year, as the school adopts a 10-period day. The arrangement is aimed at managing a student enrollment that is expected to approach 2,500. By having more periods, the school can stagger student starting times to limit the number of periods when the entire student body is on campus.

Quail Hollow also will begin the school year with an entirely remodeled building, complete with classrooms that have doors and windows. It also will be equipped with updated technology.

Published July 29, 2015