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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Wiregrass Ranch’s Handman ready for college lacrosse

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If a high school athlete excels at their sport, it’s not unusual for them to continue playing after they graduate.

Jeffrey Handman only started playing lacrosse when Wiregrass Ranch High School started its program a few years ago, but his skills have earned him a scholarship with Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. (Courtesy of Eric Handman)
Jeffrey Handman only started playing lacrosse when Wiregrass Ranch High School started its program a few years ago, but his skills have earned him a scholarship with Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee.
(Courtesy of Eric Handman)

Players do their best to find a place in the college ranks, perhaps even with a school affiliated with the National College Athletic Association. At local schools it happens with athletes in many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and others.

Wiregrass Ranch High School can now add lacrosse to that list.

Although the lacrosse program at the school is just four years old, Wiregrass Ranch now has its first player recruited by an NCAA school.

Senior Jeffrey Handman is a goalie for the Bulls’ lacrosse team, and has committed to play for Lincoln Memorial University, a Division II school located in Harrogate, Tenn. He’ll head up there with an athletic scholarship and a desire to be part of the new lacrosse program for the Railsplitters.

But if he had been a little better at a different sport, none of it would have happened.

“I decided that I wasn’t good enough to play high school baseball, so I decided to give lacrosse a try,” Handman said. “If I could hit a baseball I probably never would have played lacrosse.”

Fortunately, he picked up a stick and eventually found himself defending the goal. Now he has a new favorite sport and a desire to make an impact at the next level.

Lacrosse, a sport where teammates use sticks to pass and catch a rubber ball while trying to score on the opponents’ goal, is popular at the collegiate level and up north. It’s also working its way into high schools and local clubs.

Wiregrass Ranch began its own program back in 2011. That’s the same year Handman first entered the school, picked up a lacrosse stick and gave a new sport a try. And at goalie, he found a position that makes the most of his talents and allows him to excel.

Handman isn’t a boastful athlete. He takes honest stock of his abilities, and finds ways to maximize them on the field.

“Being a goalie, you have to be quick,” Handman said. “I’m not fast. I’m not going to dazzle any one with a 40 (yard dash), but I’m quick reaction-wise.”

He might have been late to the game, but once he got involved with lacrosse, Handman enjoyed it so much he found other outlets where he could participate. He’s a member of New Tampa Chill, a club league that participates in the Florida Gulf Coast Lacrosse League as part of New Tampa Lacrosse. He also referees lacrosse games for youth leagues in places like Wesley Chapel, South Tampa and New Tampa.

Handman eventually wants to coach the sport when he’s done playing, but before that happens, he’ll test his skills against Division II competition.

It wasn’t an easy path, however, going from being a first-time player to finding a spot with a college team. Unlike football, Central Florida isn’t known as a magnet for lacrosse scouts.

“Florida’s not a hotbed for the sport. Especially not Tampa,” Handman said.

The sport is growing and the players are enthusiastic and talented, but even a good player can’t afford to just sit back and wait for offers. And according to Wiregrass Ranch lacrosse coach Garrett Linquist, Handman isn’t the type to be passive and hope things go his way.

Handman approached his coaches and asked what he should be doing to give himself a good chance to play at the next level.

“He’s one of those kids who wanted to go and play in college,” Linquist said. “He went to a lot of good recruiting camps, he played for Team Florida (where Linquist also coached), and that was a great opportunity. He had a little bit more drive to go through the process.”

The process included filming his games, making a highlight video, and sending it to around 100 different coaches, Handman said. But his perseverance paid off, and he’ll be both playing lacrosse and studying business at Lincoln Memorial.

While Handman is proud of his accomplishments, he didn’t get this far by resting on his laurels. When he gets to college, he’ll show up with the same drive he used to stand out when tackling a new sport.

“I actually put more pressure on myself than other people. Personally, I feel the pressure to succeed. That’s my goal,” Handman said. “I’m not going to play college athletics up in Tennessee to sit on the bench for four years or not try my hardest to compete.”

Published April 23, 2014

Business Digest 04-23-14

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Central Pasco Chamber orientation
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a new member orientation April 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is open to all new members, and any others who have not attended such a meeting in the past.

Wesley Chapel chamber heading to Tuscany
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce is planning a nine-day trip to Tuscany, Italy.

The trip is planned to begin Oct. 20, and space is limited.

For information, call (813) 994-8534, or email .

Connerton opens new Homes by WestBay model
Homes by WestBay has unveiled its Terracena II model in Connerton’s Rose Pointe in the Arbors neighborhood.

The nearly 4,900-square-foot home will offer five bedrooms, nearly as many bathrooms, theater, and both a two-car and separate one-car garage.

It’s located at 20431 Lace Cascade Road in Land O’ Lakes.

Homes by WestBay was founded in 2009 by Tampa bay-area homebuilders Roger Gatewood and Willy Nunn. Homes in the company’s portfolio typically run from between $150,000 and more than $1 million.

For information, call (813) 438-3838, or visit HomesByWestBay.com.

PEDC looking for Industry Awards nominees
Pasco Economic Development Council is looking for outstanding companies that have made a contribution to the local economy as part of its Industry Awards.

These companies are recognized for job creation, increased capital investment, and for contributions to the community through civic involvement.

Categories include manufacturing, service and distribution, technology and entrepreneurship.

Nominations can be faxed or mailed to the Pasco EDC, but no later than April 30.

For information, call (813) 926-0827, ext. 227.

New location for All-Tech Air
All-Tech Air & Filtration LLC is relocating to 35946 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills beginning May 1.

The air-conditioning and heating company’s phone number will remain the same at (813) 870-6934, as will its website at AllTechAir.com.

CPA students sought for scholarship
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is looking for minority accounting students across the state to apply for the Clay Ford scholarship.

It is awarded each year to minority students looking to become certified public accountants. The program has awarded more than $1 million since it was first implemented in 1999.

A $10 portion from each individual and firm license fee funds the scholarship. Applicants may be eligible for scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 per semester, and awarded for a maximum of two semesters.

Applications must be postmarked by June 1. For information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com/CPAScholarship.

Lutz company earns USF honor
ClearTrust of Lutz was recently recognized as one of the University of South Florida’s Fast 56 — the fastest growing businesses in the world led or owned by a USF alumni.

Run by Juan Osorio and Kara Kennedy, ClearTrust is a leading stock transfer agent serving public and private companies globally, according to a release. To be considered for the list, an organization must have been in business for at least three years, with revenue of $250,000 or more for the most recent 12-month period.

Connerton launches new website
Connerton has launched a new website designed to make it easier for prospective buyers to find various offerings in the community, and connect with the people they need to reach.

Some of the features include a complete database of all new homes available, information about builders and neighborhoods, an interactive trail map and Google area map, a community calendar, and others.

The site can be found at Connerton.com.

The community is located off U.S. 41 in north Land O’ Lakes, and features two miles of nature trails, a clubhouse, and miles of winding roads and walkways.

Lots of visitors to region last quarter
Visit Tampa Bay ended the second quarter of its fiscal year booking five major meetings and conventions, securing more than 43,700 room nights and an $18 million economic impact, according to a release.

Those bookings included a three-year deal for the Florida State Thespian Society Annual Festival, which continues into 2021 that is expected to bring more than 22,000 room nights and an $8.5 million economic impact.

Other bookings include the American Phytopathological Society, as well as Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Both combined for more than 20,000 room nights, and nearly $10 million in economic impact.

Political Agenda 04-23-14

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Corcoran campaign spending drops
Since January 2013, state Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, was spending more than $9,000 a month on a campaign without an opponent — a statistic shared in the March 20 edition of The Laker/Lutz News. But now that spending has slowed significantly.

In March, Corcoran spent just $1,550 — a fraction of the nearly $16,500 expended the month before, and an 83 percent drop from his average, according to state election records.

Corcoran’s biggest bill in March was to his accounting firm, which he paid $1,050. He also attended and bought advertising at an event hosted by LifeChoices Women’s Care in Lutz.

Corcoran defended the fact that he’s spent more money than any other candidate in House races — including those with opponents — because it gives him a chance to connect with constituents.

“If there’s any chance you get where you can communicate with the voters and get their input, we do it,” Corcoran said in March. “Anytime you get input from the voters, that just makes you much more effective.”

Corcoran’s fundraising has not slowed down, however. He raised $21,000 in March, well ahead of his $14,500 monthly average. Some $7,500 of it came from out-of-state, including $1,000 from Pepsico, and $1,000 each from DirecTV LLC and Dish.

Through March, Corcoran has raised just under $207,500, with $87,000 in the bank.

Clay shoot for Mike Moore
Mike Moore is looking to raise more money for his Pasco County Commission campaign with a clay shoot June 21.

It will take place at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. The cost would be $125 per person, or $500 per team of four. All payments would be considered political donations.

For more information, email .

MacManus to speak at PFRWC luncheon
University of South Florida professor Susan MacManus is the guest speaker at the Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club monthly luncheon, May 2 at 11:30 a.m., at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.

MacManus, a distinguished professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at USF, will speak on government and international affairs.

Cost is $15.

For reservations, call Fran Scerbo at (727) 597-3727, or email her at .

Aging group gives Bilirakis award
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc. has given its Distinguished Leadership Award to U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor.

The nonprofit group coordinates services and care for senior citizens, the disabled and caregivers throughout the two-county area.

“I am humbled and inspired by this honor, and remain committed to ensuring older Americans are treated with the dignity they deserve,” Bilirakis said in a release.

Bilirakis, who represents District 12 in Washington, D.C., faces James Denton Jr. in the August primary, and recently pulled another challenger in the form of Lois Duncan, who has no party affiliation.

Coffee with Burgess fundraiser
Danny Burgess, who is seeking to succeed Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, in state House District 38, is hosting a coffee fundraiser April 29 at 9 a.m., at Rose’s Café, 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Suggested political donation is $20.

For information, visit VoteDannyBurgess.com.

 

Future of Pasco lives and dies with municipal airports

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The expansion of State Road 56 into Zephyrhills could be key to a major economic boom for Pasco County, and two candidates seeking to replace state Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, in Tallahassee agree state-level leadership must be in place to make sure it happens.

Former Zephyrhills mayor Danny Burgess, left, joins Republican challenger Minnie Diaz in a political forum at the Wesley Chapel Republican Club hosted by county commission candidate Mike Moore. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
Former Zephyrhills mayor Danny Burgess, left, joins Republican challenger Minnie Diaz in a political forum at the Wesley Chapel Republican Club hosted by county commission candidate Mike Moore.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

Danny Burgess and Minnie Diaz both shared their visions for House District 38 during a meeting last week of the Wesley Chapel Republican Club. The two are seeking the Republican nomination to face Democrat Beverly Ledbetter in the November election, and both flexed their conservative values in front of the small crowd in the training room at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel.

“To have State Road 56 coming all the way to Zephyrhills with our municipal airport sitting right here, we are going to benefit so much as a community, as a district and as an area,” said Burgess, who up until last Monday was mayor of Zephyrhills. “That is such an asset for this area.”

Yet, proposed projects like the private elevated toll road could disrupt plans to start that expansion in the next two to three years, with the Florida Department of Transportation likely going to “hold back” until a final decision can be made on the controversial 33-mile project.

“All they are looking for is a green light or red light by the county to see whether or not they are going to approve it,” Burgess said. But for the elevated road itself? “It is not what we want.”

Diaz said the developers behind the elevated road project, International Infrastructure Partners, have far too many unanswered questions surrounding them for her to support the project.

“We need to look, as a county, at other alternatives,” she said. “Sure, we want to go all the way into Zephyrhills so that the east and west can become more easily accessible. But the original plans are just too big. I think we can probably break it up into smaller pieces and make that work for Pasco County.”

Diaz is a native of California, but has lived in Pasco County for more than a decade after making her career in the U.S. Air Force. She has always been excited about the economic possibilities when it comes to aeronautics, she said, and Pasco County has two airports — Zephyrhills and Tampa North Executive Airport in Lutz — just miles apart that could bookend a major industrial corridor.

“It would be attractive to those in the manufacturing of aerospace and aviation technologies,” Diaz said. “My vision for Pasco is to make Pasco so attractive, it would be a secondary hub for these industries, yet not impact the quality of water and agriculture that is part of our East Pasco makeup.”

While the state should lead the charge, Diaz says she still supports local governments having a final say.

“My role (in the House) should be in advocating economic growth,” she said. “You tell me what you want, and I’ll see that it’s done on the state level.”

One of the key components of listening closely to local city and county governments is that leaders at the state and federal level have a tendency to paint with a broad brush, Burgess said.

“What is best for Broward County is not always best for Pasco County,” he said. “We need to absolutely protect our home rule. That is the doctrine that our state has adopted many years ago, and it allows our local governments to make their own decisions, to adopt their own charters and adopt their own ordinances.”

During the forum, Burgess highlighted his time as both the youngest city councilman in the state (he was first elected in Zephyrhills when he was 18), and later the youngest mayor in the city’s history, fresh out of law school.

Diaz acknowledges she has not held elective office before, but that hasn’t stopped her from trying to make a difference when it comes to making laws. A bill she helped craft was in committee late last week, she said, and is designed to provide funding to jails to help train officials on how to provide services to the mentally ill.

“It will not have cost us any money as taxpayers,” Diaz said. “The initiative was written in such a way that it requires funding from other sources like gambling and lottery. It would not create an increase on our community burden.”

The primary election for House District 38 is Aug. 26, with the winner heading to the general election Nov. 4.

And your most-admired judge is …
House District 38 candidates Danny Burgess and Minnie Diaz were asked during a recent Wesley Chapel Republican Club forum to identify their favorite U.S. Supreme Court justice.

It’s definitely not Elena Kagan or Sonia Sotomayor, two justices appointed by President Obama, Diaz said. Instead, she likes Clarence Thomas.

“He had to go through those (sexual harassment) hearings unfortunately, and I think his time is coming up now,” Diaz said. “He needs to step up and confront the current judges and be more vocal and create more advocacy for conservatism.”

Burgess, himself a lawyer, says he prefers Antonin Scalia.

“You become fascinated by this man’s legal opinions, the way he words his opinions,” Burgess said. “He is really an asset to the Supreme Court, and I just hope that he can stick around for as long as he can muster.”

Published April 16, 2014

Pasco agribusiness teacher wants her knowledge to grow in Korea

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Kelli Hamilton has a condition and she isn’t a bit ashamed to admit it.

“I’m an ‘ag’ nerd,” said the Pasco High School agribusiness and natural resources teacher.

Kelli Hamilton enjoys sharing her knowledge of agriculture in different parts of the world with her students at Pasco High School. She plans to get an up-close look at agriculture in South Korea this summer through an overseas study program. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Kelli Hamilton enjoys sharing her knowledge of agriculture in different parts of the world with her students at Pasco High School. She plans to get an up-close look at agriculture in South Korea this summer through an overseas study program.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

She’s so interested in agriculture that she’s planning to spend a month in South Korea this summer learning about that country’s agricultural education programs. Hamilton already has been to Ireland and to Iowa to get acquainted with agriculture in those parts of the world.

She’s making the trip to South Korea through a University of Florida/Penn State Program for undergraduate, graduate and kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers. Hamilton is among a group of teachers from Florida, Pennsylvania and Connecticut who are making the trip, traveling with eight students from Pennsylvania State University, and four faculty members from the two universities.

While in South Korea, they will see the country’s Future Farmers of Korea program, which is based on FFA. They also will observe various levels of education programs and various agricultural techniques.

The trip begins June 14 and concludes July 13.

“I’m pumped,” Hamilton said. “I definitely want to learn more about how they do their education system.”

She hopes to pick up different teaching techniques and to have a better understanding of the differences between agriculture in South Korea and agriculture here.

“I’m intrigued about the Korean agriculture just because it’s a developing country,” Hamilton said. “They’ve had a lot of strife in the past 50, 60, 70 years, so I want to see how they’re changing and adapting to that.”

The study abroad course and experience is a joint venture between the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida, and the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at Penn State.

In an essay explaining why she wanted to study abroad in Korea, Hamilton wrote, “When traveling overseas, we are able to see the same thing through a different set of lenses.

“Agriculture is in every corner of this planet,” she added. “It is different in some ways, but ultimately the same.”

She also expressed confidence that she could transfer the knowledge she gains into lessons in her Pasco High classroom.

Hamilton already knows how to give students real-world lessons, said Amber Hill, 17, a senior.

“She’s an amazing teacher. She doesn’t just give us facts. She gives us hands-on opportunities. She cares about what you learn,” Hills said.

Besides investing her time in the trip, Hamilton also is investing her money. She’s eager to make the trip.

“I’m pumped,” Hamilton said. “I’m going there to see how they do agriculture education, at all different levels from elementary to high school to college.”

Recently, Hamilton was talking to her students about differences that farmers encounter in different parts of the world. She talked to them about how terrain, equipment, weather, water and soil fertility can influence what crops are produced and where they are marketed.

She talked about some of the strengths and pitfalls of modern machinery and technology that today’s farmers can use.

“I actually went to visit a farm in Iowa. They have this huge sprayer, and it was on a pilot,” Hamilton said. “Basically, they use GPS.”

By using modern technology, farmers can fully utilize the space they have, can reduce manual labor, and can use less fuel, she said.

But there can be a downside.

“There was a lot of rain this past year, so part of the field had fallen down into the river, Hamilton said. “The tractor was on autopilot and it didn’t account for that terrain washing into the river, so he (the farmer) ended up flipping his brand-new sprayer.”

The farmer went into the river with it, and it turns out that it’s not so simple to shut down the computer system, she said. There’s a lot of debate in the United States and internationally about the benefits and risks of new technology, she said.

Hamilton also talked with the students about the economics of agriculture and the rules of supply and demand. If there’s a high supply and a low demand, prices drop, she told them.

Courtney Nathe, 17, said she hopes Hamilton will create a presentation that the teacher can share with students when she returns.

“I definitely think it’s a good opportunity for her, just to see what it’s like in an international market,” Nathe said.

She also thinks Hamilton is a worthy candidate for the program and will be able to convey what she learns to her students.

“She makes class interesting. She communicates well with teenagers,” Nathe. “She’s young enough that she does understand (teenagers), so it makes the class a little bit more interesting and we learn.”

Published April 16, 2014

Outlet mall moves forward, but can Wesley Chapel claim it?

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Now that developers of a proposed outlet mall just off Interstate 75 took a big step forward last week with revised site plans for their 57-acre project, one question remains on the minds of local businesses: Will the new mall include “Wesley Chapel” in its name?

Plans for Tampa Premium Outlets Mall call for nine buildings with 482,000 square feet of retail. It would be the first of seven phases on 57 acres of land off Wesley Chapel Boulevard and State Road 56. (File Photo)
Plans for Tampa Premium Outlets Mall call for nine buildings with 482,000 square feet of retail. It would be the first of seven phases on 57 acres of land off Wesley Chapel Boulevard and State Road 56.
(File Photo)

“I think on one hand, we would love to have our local identity,” said John Hagen, president and chief executive of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. “We would love to see that be more prominent, but we also benefit from our association with Tampa and Tampa Bay. It’s a mixed bag, but I see both things.”

Simon Property Group, part of the development team that’s officially JG Cypress Creek LLC and Tampa Premium Outlets LLC, have named the project on Wesley Chapel Boulevard and State Road 56 “Cypress Creek Town Center Premium Outlets Mall.” However, it’s unclear whether that name is just a working title, or if that is a final decision.

A request for comment from Simon about the name was still pending when The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

Wesley Chapel might be part of the greater Tampa Bay area, but the community has long sought its own identity, and has pushed hard for businesses — especially high-profile ones — to include “Wesley Chapel” in names, and not “Tampa.”

Because this mall will be so prominent for the thousands of travelers that take to I-75 each day, this could very well become a place maker for Pasco.

“Outlet malls draw regionally and nationally with snowbirds and all that sort of thing, and we see it in some respect as a tourism play,” Hagen said. “Once you get things going there, we can leverage some hotel development, and you’ll probably see some office buildings as well as an area like that can really come alive. It should be exciting.”

Hagen points to The Shops at Wiregrass as a prime example of what a major shopping center can do, especially as other businesses come to fill in around it.

The revised plans call for the entire mall property to be constructed in seven phases, beginning with outlet mall itself. The mall calls for nine buildings with 482,000 square feet of retail. Overall, the project is calling for 1.1 million square feet of retail space.

The mall got back on track last November after developers finalized an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about how the project would impact surrounding wetlands and waterways.

Back then, Simon officials said the mall could open as early as the end of this year. However, County Administrator Michele Baker later put that timeframe somewhere around summer 2015.

There are still other questions to answer beyond the mall itself, including what plans are to expand and extend Wesley Chapel Boulevard, and other infrastructure improvements needed to accommodate the mall.

“That particular piece of road, down to State Road 54, is already designed,” Baker told members of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce back in January. “When we balance our capital improvement budget, we look at the needs for the what and where, and we balance that. The road got pushed out because we didn’t have a mall there that needed it.”

Published April 16, 2014

Seminar helps business owners understand Obamacare

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There are supporters and detractors of the Affordable Care Act — better known as Obamacare — but no matter where you stand on the issue, unless you qualify for a subsidy, you’ll pay higher insurance rates.

Insurance agent Jason Greif helps explain some of the ins and outs of health care reform, also known as Obamacare. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Insurance agent Jason Greif helps explain some of the ins and outs of health care reform, also known as Obamacare.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

That’s what Jason Greif, an insurance agent with U.S. Health Group, told members of a health insurance reform class at the SmartStart Dade City incubator April 8.

The insurance agent, who has been in the industry for eight years, explained changes in health care law, talking about the pros and cons of the new requirements, and the different kinds of insurance coverage that are available in the health care marketplace. Greif also explained the penalty for not purchasing health insurance, which is now mandatory, and he talked about the risks that people face when they don’t have insurance.

“A lot of people are misinformed,” Greif said.

Part of Obamacare took effect on March 23, 2010, he said, noting that’s when insurance companies had to begin covering what has been defined as essential health benefits.

“There are 10 of them,” Greif said. They include services ranging from child immunizations to maternity care, mammograms to colonoscopies.

“What do you guys think is going to happen to the rates if the insurance companies have to cover everybody’s colonoscopy? They go up,” he said. “I actually am for Obamacare for a lot of different reasons. But it has increased the rates.”

Another big change happened on Jan. 1. That’s when insurance companies could no longer deny coverage.

“No matter what, anybody can get health insurance,” Greif said.

That’s good news for people who were denied coverage before, but it drives up insurance rates as a result. In the past, people with certain conditions could only get coverage as part of a group.

“It’d really be disheartening for me to say, ‘There’s nothing I can do. You have diabetes, I can’t get you insurance,’” Greif said. “Nobody could do anything for them,” unless they were able to get covered through a group.

“It’s almost more of a socialistic approach to healthcare. But for people that are sick, for people that get a subsidy, it’s actually an amazing program because those people were not able to get insurance,” Greif said.

This year’s open enrollment is over. The only way to enroll through the marketplace outside of the enrollment period is to have a life-changing event such as moving, losing group insurance or having a child, Greif said.

The next enrollment period begins Nov. 15.

Those who want to get an idea of what their rates would be can go to a website, HealthSherpa.com, to get a fairly close estimate of what to expect, Greif said.

“This is a great website. The quotes are usually $5 higher or lower. It’s a way you can get an accurate quote and you don’t have to go on Healthcare.gov and create a profile and give all of your personal information out,” he said.

Now, health insurance rates are based on age, tobacco use and ZIP code, Greif said. Eligibility for subsidies is based on income.

Still, there are choices in the types of coverage and the rates that are attached to those, he said. Some coverage types allow people to choose doctors who are inside or outside of their network, while others allow people to use only doctors within their networks.

Some of the networks have more doctors than others, Greif said. It’s important to find out exactly what the plan includes.

Greif recommends a plan that allows individuals the most latitude when it comes to selecting which doctors and hospitals will treat them.

For those who disregard the law and do not get health insurance, the penalty is either $95 or 1 percent of the individual’s modified gross adjusted income, whichever is higher, Greif said.

Regardless of where people stand on Obamacare, Greif said having coverage is essential. Without it, he said, people who have serious medical emergencies or conditions can go bankrupt in a matter of days.

Published April 16, 2014

Finally! PHSC gets first no-hitter after 23 years

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Steve Winterling has been coaching at Pasco-Hernando State College since the school began its baseball program back in 1992.

Freshman Danny Rodriguez, a Steinbrenner High School graduate, threw Pasco-Hernando State College’s first no-hitter in the 23-year history of the baseball program. (Courtesy of Steve Winterling)
Freshman Danny Rodriguez, a Steinbrenner High School graduate, threw Pasco-Hernando State College’s first no-hitter in the 23-year history of the baseball program.
(Courtesy of Steve Winterling)

He’s seen a lot of things on the field during that time, but on March 26 he saw something he had never seen before: One of his pitchers throw a no-hitter.

Freshman Danny Rodriguez struck out nine batters in seven innings of work in the Conquistadors’ 13-0 victory against Morton College. The game was seven innings long because it was part of a double-header, which is common at the collegiate level.

His efforts however earned Rodriguez National Junior College Athletic Association Pitcher of the Week for Division II baseball.

“It’s always exciting when you get those,” Winterling said. “We’ve had several one-hitters over the years. They (no-hitters) just don’t happen a whole lot.”

While he was excited for his player and team, Winterling isn’t obsessed with game statistics. He had to go back to his office and confirm that it was indeed the first no-hitter in school history.

The no-hitter itself also was special because it was executed so well, Winterling said. Morton College only had two men reach base all game, and both of those were due to PHSC errors. Rodriguez didn’t walk a single batter in the contest.

It also was an impressive accomplishment because the Conquistadors had a large lead, Winterling said, which sometimes allows pitchers to relax and lose focus since the game is likely in hand.

Because the school only gets its athletes for a couple of years, Winterling said he’s used to relying on freshmen for success on the field, and Rodriguez has the characteristics he likes in young players. Specifically, he prefers athletes who are able to keep cool under pressure and not let emotions dominate their play.

“He has a very good baseball mind. He’s got a good temperament,” Winterling said of Rodriguez. “He’s not an emotional kid, really. He’s in control of himself.”

Rodriguez hasn’t let his no-hitter affect that control or his focus on continuing his strong freshman campaign. He said it was a great moment, but he was just doing what he’s supposed to do.

“I wasn’t trying to (throw a no-hitter) at all. I was just trying to do my job and keep the ball down,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez showed prowess as a pitcher, but one interesting fact about his past on the baseball diamond is that he was a starter at Steinbrenner High School — at shortstop.

He didn’t see much time on the mound during his high school campaign. But with a 6-2 record in his freshman year for PHSC, and a no-hitter already under his belt, Rodriguez is feeling comfortable in that role.

However, he hasn’t abandoned his old position entirely.

“Now I think of myself more as a pitcher, but I still think of myself as a middle infielder, too,” he said. “I still practice with them.”

As rewarding as it was to record a no-hitter for the individual, the team and the school, both player and coach are on the same page regarding how long they allowed themselves to bask in the moment: Not long.

“I didn’t forget about it, but I know I have to work on my next start and keep focused on that, Rodriguez said. The no-hitter “was nice, but I have to stay focused.”

That focus paid off in his next start, a win April 4 against Clearwater Christian College.

After the no-hitter, Winterling didn’t spend much time celebrating, either, opting instead to focus on the team’s next game and their effort to reach the postseason. As the only NJCAA Division II school in the state, PHSC has to qualify for a regional tournament in North Carolina by playing at least .500 baseball during the season.

After starting the year 1-6, the Conquistadors found their footing and won 17 of their next 22 games. As a result, the team is on the cusp of the tournament despite a recent cold streak.

So while the accomplishment is one for the record books, both coach and player have moved on to the team’s goals.

“I let the kids enjoy it. That’s something for the kids to enjoy,” Winterling said. “I go back and do my work and get ready for the next game.”

Published April 16, 2014

All on-the-job training for Zephyrhills’ newest councilman

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Zephyrhills doesn’t waste time when it comes to elections.

Jodi Wilkeson
Jodi Wilkeson

Last Monday, less than a week after the election, Alan Knight was installed as the new city councilman following his victory over one-time council president Jodi Wilkeson. And there isn’t even time for Knight to catch his breath.

Moments after the swearing in, Knight was asked to consider two board appointments, donating vehicles to a local college, who should build a new skate park, and, according to the agenda, decide the fate of City Manager Jim Drumm.

Being a council member is not as easy as some make it look, and there’s a steep learning curve that Knight, a former high school principal and football coach, will have to endure, Wilkeson said after the election.

“I know that he’ll do a fine job,” she said. “But there’s still so much to learn once he gets up there.”

Wilkeson was first elected to the council in 2008, and described her loss last week as disappointing.

“I worked as hard as I could, and I can’t imagine another thing I could’ve done to garner more votes,” she said. “I do think I was hurt a little bit by Mr. Knight’s name recognition. He’s impacted the lives of just a tremendous amount of people.”

Yet, it’s the Drumm situation that may be affected the most from the election. Wilkeson essentially delayed the council’s attempt to remove Drumm from the city manager position last month by asking for a third legal opinion on whether the council can do that without a supermajority.

Her perceived support of the embattled city manager may have cost her votes as well, Wilkeson conceded.

“I just feel that it’s imperative that we treat him fairly,” she said. “He didn’t make any really egregious missteps, and he helped get us out of a million-dollar deficit. He had exactly the skills we needed at the time.”

Drumm “did a fine job,” Wilkeson said, but is a bit introverted, which may have worked against him in terms of relationships.

As for Wilkeson’s political future, she’s not sure what might happen next, but she isn’t ruling anything out.

“I never say never,” Wilkeson said. “If a group of concerned citizens came to me and said they wanted me to run again and they would support me, I would consider it. I enjoy being involved in the community and bringing my training and education to the table for the benefit of the city. But I don’t have any aspirations right now.”

Incoming St. Leo commissioner says there’s no interest to dissolve town

Ray Davis says the rumor mill in St. Leo has it all wrong.

Donna DeWitt
Donna DeWitt

Although he’s the third Lake Jovita resident to be elected to the small town’s commission — ousting longtime commissioner Donna DeWitt — he’s focused on making sure his neighborhood is no longer a part of St. Leo, one way or the other. However, Davis says he has no intention of dissolving the Town of St. Leo itself to make that happen.

Yet, how he can help de-annexation along as a commissioner is unclear. The town attorney has cited past legal opinions she says forbids St. Leo from de-annexing the small portion of the Lake Jovita subdivision inside its town limits. Any area that can be annexed by a municipality, based typically on population, cannot be de-annexed, according to the state attorney general’s interpretation of the law.

Because of that, the decision to allow Lake Jovita to de-annex lies with the legislature, in a bill introduced last March by state Rep. Amanda Murphy, D-New Port Richey. It passed its final committee on Friday, and should soon be heading to the House floor.

“They call me ‘Plan B,’” Davis said following the election. “You never know what’s going to happen.”

Davis did not want to speculate on what would happen if the state didn’t open the door for de-annexation. When asked if he would vote to dissolve the town itself in that instance, Davis was non-committal.

“I think it’s wise not to make a statement based on speculation, and I don’t think that’s the smart thing to do,” Davis said.

DeWitt, who expects to get her job back when Lake Jovita is de-annexed and three positions suddenly open on the commission, prays there’s a town to come back to.

“Hopefully, they won’t do anything drastic until they can get de-annexed out of the town,” she said.

Many projects have been put on hold while the Lake Jovita issue has remained hot in recent months, including a request by the Iafrates family to annex 179 acres of land on St. Leo’s south side. Although it’s not directly related to the Lake Jovita issue, commissioners decided to delay that prospect until the de-annexation question is resolved.

Despite the legal opinion, Davis maintains the commission still has the power to vote a de-annexation. The only reason why it didn’t happen before, he said, was because Lake Jovita didn’t have a majority on the commission until this past election.

DeWitt’s support of the de-annexation did not become known until after he had filed to run, Davis added.

“We didn’t know that, and we had only heard that through hearsay,” he said. “Now we’re just waiting to see what happens.”

Published April 16, 2014

Preparations abound for area Easter celebrations

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One will have food trucks, while another is encouraging carpooling.

One plans a lakeside “Sonrise” service, while another will have water baptisms following its early morning services.

Mike Holm releases a dove at a sunrise service at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. Holm lives in Zephyrhills, but leads a church that’s located in Lutz. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)
Mike Holm releases a dove at a sunrise service at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. Holm lives in Zephyrhills, but leads a church that’s located in Lutz. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

And those are just a few of the variations on the theme of Easter expressed through planned celebrations at area churches.

Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church has five celebrations planned this Easter, including food trucks on April 19 and special performances by the orchestra and choir the next day, on Easter morning.

The church’s website poses the question: “Hunting for something more this Easter?” And then it answers that query with an invitation to come and discover more at the Lutz megachurch at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.

The church plans “to celebrate the glorious meaning of the Resurrection” with services set for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on April 19, its website says. Food trucks will be there from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., that day for anyone who wants to grab a bite to eat.

On Easter morning, services are planned at 8, 9:30 and 11, with the orchestra and choir prompting worship. Breakfast treats will be available and photographers will take free family photos in the Gatheria, the church’s large gathering space, following each service.

Mike Holm, a minister who lives in Zephyrhills but who leads a church in Lutz, said Easter is a tremendously important day in the Christian calendar.

“It’s because the Resurrection of Jesus is the central event of all humanity,” said Holm, who is pastor of Calvary Chapel of Tampa in Lutz, and president of the Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association.

Jesus’ death and Resurrection means “that death has been defeated,” Holm said, allowing for “complete reconciliation” with God.

While St. Timothy Catholic Church is welcoming worshippers, it’s advising them that they may want to attend an earlier Mass or to carpool. The church, at 17512 Lakeshore Road, has fewer parking spaces because of a construction project at its campus.

Its Mass schedule includes an Easter Vigil Mass at 8 p.m. on April 19, an Easter Sunrise Mass at 7 a.m., and Easter Masses at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. on April 20.

For those who like to get up with the birds, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church at 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will have a 6 a.m. Easter sunrise service. The church also will have an Easter Vigil Mass at 7:30 p.m. on April 19 and Easter Sunday Masses at 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Its Spanish Mass is at 1:30 p.m.

At First United Methodist Church in Lutz, 960 Lutz Lake Fern Road, worshippers will have plenty of choices. There’s a lakeside Easter “Sonrise” service at 7 a.m., followed by a traditional chapel service at 8 a.m., a blended service at 9:45 a.m., and a contemporary service at 11 a.m.

There’s also a pancake breakfast between services, with a donation box available for diners to make contributions.

On its website, First United Methodist encourages worshippers to bring fresh flowers to adorn the cross, signifying that new life comes through the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Grace Family Church, at 5101 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, is inviting worshippers to Easter Sunday services at 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. A water baptism will follow the 7 a.m. sunrise service.

Some of the highlights of Easter services around the area include:
• Lutz First Baptist, 18116 N. U.S. 41, April 18 at 7 p.m., and April 20 at both 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

• Northpointe Church, 2427 Old Cypress Creed Road in Land O’ Lakes: April 19 at 6:30 p.m., and April 20 at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.

• Benedictine Sisters of Florida, Saint Leo University, 33201 State Road 52 in St. Leo: April 19 Easter Vigil at 8 p.m., and Easter Sunday Mass at 10:30 a.m.

• Heritage Church, 1854 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz: Easter Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

• Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54 in Lutz: Easter Sunday sunrise service at 7 a.m., and late service at 10:30 a.m.

• Messiah Lutheran Church and Preschool, 14920 Hutchison Road in Tampa, Easter Sunday outdoor sunrise service at 7 a.m., and contemporary service at 9:45 a.m.

• Van Dyke Church, 17030 Lakeshore Road in Lutz: Easter services at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on April 19, and at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on April 20.

• St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 12747 Interlaken Road in New Port Richey, Easter Sunrise service at 7:30 a.m. in the church parking lot, but it will move indoors if it is raining. There also will be an Easter Vigil at 7:45 p.m. on April 19 and two Masses on Easter, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., on April 20.

Published April 16, 2014