Local News

Children’s Home benefits from their ‘Champion of Service’

April 1, 2015 By Michael Murillo

When Rachelle Duroseau received the Champion of Service award from Gov. Rick Scott, she didn’t have much advance warning that she was up for the distinction.

“I did not know I was nominated. It was a surprise to me,” said Duroseau, who volunteers for the Children’s Home Society of Florida and lives in Wesley Chapel.

Rachelle Duroseau holds up the Champion of Service award she received on Feb. 5 at Governor Rick Scott’s cabinet meeting. In addition to Gov. Rick Scott, other government officials, her parents and Children's Home representatives were in attendance. (Courtesy of Children's Home Society of Florida) — Rachelle Duroseau holds up the Champion of Service award she received on Feb. 5 at Governor Rick Scott’s cabinet meeting. In addition to Gov. Rick Scott, other government officials, her parents and Children’s Home representatives were in attendance.
(Courtesy of Children’s Home Society of Florida)

She had just a few days to prepare for the presentation at the governor’s cabinet meeting Feb. 5 in Tampa.

Those few days gave her enough time to have her mother and father, Javeline and Serge, present, along with the supervisors who had nominated her.

Duroseau is a volunteer coordinator at the Children’s Home Society, which provides care and resources for abused, neglected and abandoned children.

As part of the Gulf Coast division, she works at the Joshua House in Lutz. Her main duties include managing volunteers and working on larger campaigns, which include an annual back-to-school drive and a toy drive during the holiday season.

If that sounds like a full-time job, it is.

Duroseau works a 40-hour-a-week schedule. She’s in the Americorps VISTA program, a national service program designed to help fight poverty. She receives a living allowance through an Americorps grant.

Since the money she receives is set at the poverty line and works out to around $1,000 a month, the Nazareth College graduate isn’t doing it for the money. She simply sees people suffering and can’t let it continue without doing something about it.

“It honestly doesn’t even feel like service to me. It just feels like a natural thing that needs to be done,” Duroseau said. “I don’t even feel like I’m doing anything special or out of the ordinary.”

But the 26-year-old’s volunteer resume is anything but ordinary.

She said her parents taught her the importance of helping others when she was young, and she’s been following that path.

Duroseau has a long history of service to others.

Before coming to Children’s Home, she took care of hospice patients, traveled to India to help women and orphans, and worked with homeless shelters and foot clinics to provide foot hygiene to the homeless, including efforts with at-risk youth, Habitat For Humanity and emergency shelters.

The volunteer’s experiences appealed to volunteer program manager Meghan Pfleiderer when she interviewed Duroseau for the position at Children’s Home.

Duroseau’s college studies in sociology and community-based youth development were a plus, as well.

The volunteer’s demeanor is another big asset, Pfleiderer said, especially when dealing with volunteers. It’s important to make them feel rewarded and appreciated, since they’re such a big part of the organization. They might have five to seven volunteers for their regular day-to-day operations, but utilize 125 or more for large projects. And Duroseau is able to handle them and their efforts effectively.

“The personality that Rachelle brings to the table is perfect for that sort of relationship, and engaging somebody in service that is truly just 100 percent from the good of their heart,” Pfleiderer said.

Those healthy relationships have translated into tangible results for Children’s Home. They had a successful back-to-school drive just a couple of months after Duroseau began working there last May. And their holiday toy drive, with an ambitious objective of helping between 400 children and 500 children enjoy presents at that time of year, met its goal.

“It couldn’t have been done without Rachelle,” said Michelle Smith, administrative supervisor. She’s not sure how everything got done before Duroseau came on board, but now that she’s here, Smith wanted to make sure she was staying.

Americorps volunteers are only in their positions for one year, though they can extend it another year if both parties agree.

Smith didn’t want to wait until the end of her term to find out if they would get to keep Duroseau.

“I have been asking for the past six months if she was going to renew,” she admitted.

Much to the relief of her supervisors, Duroseau did want to stay.

“The fact that she wanted to do a second year just made us all so happy,” Pfleiderer said.

Duroseau is happy as well, and eager to continue working on projects and advancing the Children’s Home’s many goals throughout the year.

With so many who need assistance, Duroseau believes she’s in the right position to do her part to help.

“I do want to play as active a role as I can to alleviate suffering,” she said. “Even if it’s a small contribution I can make, it makes me feel good to be able to do that.”

Published April 1, 2015

Business Digest 04-01-15

April 1, 2015 By Kathy Steele

New Tampa gym
Come to the ribbon cutting for Crunch Gym Tampa Palms on April 1 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 15313 Amberly Drive in the Shoppes of Amberly in New Tampa. This is the sixth location for the fitness center.

Enjoy free fun, food and adult beverages.

For information, call the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or email .

New web-based company
SymphonicB2B will host a ribbon cutting on April 2 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at 2318 Cypress Lane, Unit 102, in Wesley Chapel.

The company provides assistance with website design, branding, social media, SEO, videos and printing, and is a subsidiary of Tampa-based Symphonic Distribution.

For information, call (866) 471-4749.

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast April 2 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Guest speaker will be Ron Yasurek, general manager of Mosaic’s Plant City facility. He will discuss the company’s phosphate operations in Florida and the mission to help the world grow food it needs.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or email .

New dry cleaners
Pristine Dry Clean & Alterations is open for business, and also is hiring. The family-owned store is at 23388 State Road 54, in Lutz, just down from Panera Bread.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Women-n-charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on April 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive, in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network.

The featured speaker will be Ginger Rockey-Johnson, the Original Spice Girl of Tampa Bay, who will discuss “How to Use Today’s Social Media to Market Your Business.”

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

To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com.

For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Breakfast and ribbon cutting
The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting April 7 from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at the conference center at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd. The breakfast will be on the third floor, Room B-303.

The guest speaker will be Denyse Bales-Chubb, president and CEO of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $15 in advance for chamber members and $20 at the door for members and visitors. Online registration ends by 3 p.m., April 3.

After the breakfast, there will be a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m., for the new student coffee shop on the campus, on the fourth floor next to the library. The shop will be operated by Dash of Salt N’ Pepper.

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

Free business seminar
SMARTstart will offer a free seminar in “Marketing to Grow Your Business” April 7 from 1 p.m. to 3p.m., at the SMARTstart incubator in New Port Richey at 6345 Grand Blvd.

Instruction will include a growth audit and an analysis of factors affecting growth and expansion. There also will be information and resources to make sales, marketing and advertising decisions. Instructional handouts and materials will be distributed.

To register, visit SmartStartPasco.com, and click on “Events,“ or call (727) 478-0670. Emails also can be sent to Krista Covey at .

Grants for businesswomen
Are you a businesswoman who could use $1,000?

Women-n-Charge is offering two $1,000 grants this spring. The grants can be used towards business-related equipment or services and continuing education. The nonprofit’s mission, in part, is to support and assist professional women in managing their businesses more effectively.

Learn more about the grants at Women-n-Charge.com. Applications are available online and are due April 15.

For information, contact Judy Nicolosi, treasurer of Women-n-Charge, at (813) 600-9848, or email .

Two-day career fair
Pasco Hernando State College will host Opportunity 2015 Hernando County Career Fair on April 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and April 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the North Campus, Building B Conference Center, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Brooksville.

On April 9, there will be free seminars on resume writing, interview skills and proper attire and etiquette for interviews.

On April 10, local employers will be present to accept resumes and do on-the-spot interviews. Dress professionally and bring lots of resumes.

The event is free but pre-registration is required at HernandoCountyCareerFair2015.eventbrite.com.

For information, call Nicole Miller at (352) 7907-5174 or Steve Wilson at (352) 293-1123.

Rotary Club needs bee sponsors
The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon needs sponsors for the third annual “BEE Part of the Buzz” adult spelling bee.

The spelling bee will be April 10 at 6:30 p.m., at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive, in San Antonio. The event helps raise funds for the Pasco Education Foundation.

Donations range from $1,500 for a Queen Bee sponsorship to $150 for a four-person team.

For information, email Erin Meyer at .

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet April 14 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.

Jeanette Hall, Pasco Shopper advertising representative, is the guest speaker.

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

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Traffic signals by Lowe’s ready for action

March 25, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Traffic signals outside the new Lowe’s Home Improvement store on State Road 54 are expected to be operational within two to three weeks, according to officials with the Florida Department of Transportation.

The addition of stop lights and turn lanes that will help get motorists in and out of Lowe’s and the Village Lakes Shopping Center is welcome news to area residents and business owners.

Cars and trucks attempting to make a left-hand turn off of State Road 54 into the Village Lakes Shopping Center, east of the intersection of U.S. 41, will find it much easier once a new set of traffic signals are activated. The lights have been installed near the Lowe’s store, on State Road 54, expected to open in April. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Cars and trucks attempting to make a left-hand turn off of State Road 54 into the Village Lakes Shopping Center, east of the intersection of U.S. 41, will find it much easier once a new set of traffic signals are activated. The lights have been installed near the Lowe’s store, on State Road 54, expected to open in April.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Billy Fotopoulos, owner of Pizza Villa, remembers when the shopping center and his restaurant were under construction three decades ago.

“We needed the light there 30 years ago,” Fotopoulos said. But he said state highway officials turned down a request for a traffic signal from Fotopoulos and other business owners.

“Without the light there, you can’t get out of (the parking lot) to go east or even going west, you’re taking your life in your hands,” he said.

Charlene Wingo agreed. She and some friends were leaving the shopping center last week, laden with their purchases. “The light will make it a lot easier to head east on State Road 54,” she said. “I was just thinking now, ‘How am I going to get out of the parking lot?’ ”

Fotopoulos said he loses business due to the lack of traffic signals. Residents living on State Road 54, southeast of the shopping center, are reluctant to try and cross over, he said.

“It will save businesses. It will save lives there,” Fotopoulos said.

The signal will give motorists a green light to turn left, going east on State Road 54. Motorists also can cross over the road to access entrances to either Lowe’s or the Village Lakes Shopping Center.

When the traffic signals are activated, highway officials say they will be synced with signals at the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41 to help ease traffic flow. The signals will be the only ones between U.S. 41 and Collier Parkway about 2 miles away.

The half-mile distance between the signals at the intersection and those by Lowe’s are standard, highway officials said.

The 152,000 square-foot Lowe’s, at 21500 State Road 54, is expected to open in April.

Published March 25, 2015

Competing interests at Sunlake and Lutz Lake Fern

March 25, 2015 By B.C. Manion

James Scarola is deliberating the future of a parcel at the southwest corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and Sunlake Boulevard.

Applicants for a special use permit want to use a 7.4-acre parcel to become the new home of the Tampa Academy of Math and Science, a charter school specializing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Ruth Gimpel Stables is next door to a proposed charter school in Lutz. Ruth Gimpel said the proposed school could destroy her livelihood. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Ruth Gimpel Stables is next door to a proposed charter school in Lutz. Ruth Gimpel said the proposed school could destroy her livelihood.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Ruth Gimpel, who owns a horse stable next door, wants Scarola to deny the request.

So do residents living west of the proposed school.

A number of organizations also have weighed in against the proposed school, including area homeowner associations, the Lutz Citizens Coalition, the Lutz Civic Association and the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Clubs.

Scarola, a land-use hearing officer for Hillsborough County, had a public hearing on the request on March 16. He has 15 working days from that public hearing to issue his ruling.

Scarola has the final word on the request, unless it is challenged to the county’s Appeals Board.

Representatives for the applicants — Charter Schools Properties Inc., and Charter Schools Associates Inc., contend that conditions required by Hillsborough County staff address the proposed project’s impacts.

The applicants scaled down their original request for more than 1,000 students, to a school that now would have no more than 870 kindergarteners through eighth-graders.

As it stands now, the school would be developed in two phases, with 670 students housed in a two-story classroom building with 33 classrooms in phase one. The second phase, which is contingent upon an additional traffic analysis, would serve 200 students, in 11 classrooms, in another two-story building.

Both classroom buildings would have a maximum height of 38 feet and would be situated near Sunlake Boulevard.

The applicants have agreed to spend about $500,000 for transportation improvements, said Michael Horner, a planner representing them.

Conditions for approval also call for substantially greater buffering requirements to protect adjacent properties than is required under the county’s code, Horner said.

Michael Raysor, a traffic engineer representing the applicant, said access to the site would be one driveway on Lutz Lake Fern Road, which would be right in/right out only; and two driveways on Sunlake Boulevard. One would be right in/right out only, and the other would be right out only.

The applicant has agreed to build new right turn lanes and a new U-turn lane in conjunction with the project.

Opponents have objected for months about the traffic the school would generate, as well as expressing concerns about potential flooding, fumes from vehicle exhausts and noise from outdoor activities.

Despite those objections, the proposed use has received a recommendation for approval from county staff and garnered no objections from the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission staff.

The school is an acceptable transitional use, according to Tom Hiznay, a county planner.

The site’s design, along with the conditions for approval, provides “sensitivity to surrounding uses,” Hiznay said.

Jay Bockisch, a traffic engineer, speaking on behalf of the opponents, said the proposed school would create the same traffic impacts as a regional mall, four Publix shopping centers, or the tallest office building in downtown Tampa.

“This is not a transitional land use. This is an intense traffic generator. We have safety concerns,” Bockisch said.

The traffic waiting to get into the school’s site will cause backups on Lutz Lake Fern Road, Sunlake Boulevard and North Dale Mabry Highway, he predicted.

The backups on North Dale Mabry Highway, he said, will pose a safety nightmare.

“This is an adverse impact not only to the local community, but to the motoring public along Dale Mabry Highway.”

But Raysor said, “There are multiple safeguards written into the conditions.”

Joseph Serio, who lives directly west of the proposed school site, is concerned about potential flooding. “Where are you going to put the water from the additional highway lanes?” Serio asked.

In rebuttal, an expert representing the applicant said drainage requirements must be met.

Gimpel, of Ruth Gimpel Stables Inc., urged Scarola to deny the request. The stable, at 18920 Sunlake Blvd., has produced 75 world champions and 63 reserve champions, as well as providing fun and learning experiences for riders.

The charter school would change that, Gimpel said.

“It’ll force me to sell my farm. It would destroy my livelihood.”

Published March 25,2015

See an animated movie for free!

March 25, 2015 By Michael Murillo

An outside movie event can be a great idea, but it depends on when you do it. If it’s too early in the year, you might catch one of our really cold weekends. If it’s closer to summer, you risk rain, sweltering heat and more rain.

Did I mention the rain? You have to time things just right.

The poolside area at Avalon Park West becomes an outdoor movie theater once a month. (Courtesy of Avalon Park West) — The poolside area at Avalon Park West becomes an outdoor movie theater once a month.
(Courtesy of Avalon Park West)

Fortunately, this happens to be the right time. The weather is nice, but it’s not too humid yet. And because it’s the right time, Avalon Park West, a community in Wesley Chapel, has a monthly “Movie Under the Stars” series that’s worth checking out.

On the fourth Friday of each month they show a family friendly movie. Last month, it was “Planes,” and on March 27, it will be “The Boxtrolls,” an animated film that was recently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

So you show up and watch a movie. Is that it? Well, not quite. Not only is the movie free (this is “On the Cheap,” so you might have guessed that part) but they serve free popcorn as well. They also have free lemonade and hot cocoa, too. And since it’s out by their pool, you can grab one of the pool chairs, or bring your own chairs or blanket. You can even bring your own cooler, and enjoy snacks and drinks from home.

In other words, no $5 drinks and $6 popcorn like you’ll find at the regular movie theater. You can enjoy some nice weather with family or friends and not spend a lot of money to do it. Technically, you don’t have to spend any money at all. How often can you take the whole family out to an event and not lose a penny? As most of you know, that’s rare. So we need to take advantage of those evenings when we find them.

In case you were wondering, you don’t have to live in Avalon Park West to go. It’s open to everyone. All you have to do is like movies and free things to do. And that covers a lot of us.

Before the movie starts on the blow-up screen, a disc jockey gets the kids ready for the show with some music and dancing. So you might want to show up a little early to get a good spot and enjoy the entertainment before the movie begins. And it doesn’t end too late, so everyone can make their bedtimes, too.

Finding cheap things to do isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. And it’s nice to come across something local that’s completely free all the way around. For children and adults who like animated films, this is a great way to spend a Friday night.

By the way, there are only a couple of dates left before the event takes a break until later in the year. If you can’t make it on March 27, you can try again on April 24 when they show “Big Hero 6.” That movie beat “The Boxtrolls” for Best Animated Feature. Since the next two films were both nominated for Academy Awards, you might want to attend both. It’s the same price, after all: Nothing.

Avalon Park West is located at 5216 Autumn Ridge Drive in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call (813) 783-1515 or visit AvalonParkWest.com.

Published March 25, 2015

Pasco-Hernando State College chooses new president

March 25, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Timothy Beard has been selected to become Pasco-Hernando State College’s fourth president.

The PHSC District Board of Trustees announced its choice at the conclusion of its presidential search, on March 18.

Timothy Beard has been selected to become the fourth president of Pasco-Hernando State College. In choosing Beard, the college’s board went with someone who already knows the college and is ready to build on its strengths (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College) — Timothy Beard has been selected to become the fourth president of Pasco-Hernando State College. In choosing Beard, the college’s board went with someone who already knows the college and is ready to build on its strengths
(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Beard, vice president of student development and enrollment management at PHSC in New Port Richey, was among a field of four finalists. The other finalists worked at Klamath Community College in Klamath Falls, Oregon; West Virginia University at Parkersburg, Parkersburg, West Virginia; and, St. Petersburg College in St. Petersburg.

They decided to promote Beard to replace Katherine Johnson, who is retiring on June 30.

Beard’s appointment becomes effective July 1, pending the successful outcome of contract negotiations.

“We are pleased to extend an offer for the presidential position to Dr. Beard,” Ed Blommel, PHSC District Board of Trustees and presidential search committee chair, said in a release. “As a senior administrator at PHSC for the past eight years, he is already familiar with the college and has an understanding of its strategic goals and mission.”

Beard is delighted to be stepping into the college’s leadership role.

“This is a surreal opportunity,” said Beard, who has worked for the college since 2007 and expects to build on the good work that has been accomplished there.

Before joining PHSC, Beard was vice president and dean of student affairs at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, and director of student affairs and enrollment management at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

He earned his doctoral degree in rehabilitation counseling, with a special emphasis in higher education administration, from Florida State University in Tallahassee. He also has a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from FSU.

Pasco-Hernando State College has more than 15,000 students and about 700 employees, including adjunct faculty.

Pasco-Hernando State College awards certificates, diplomas, associate degrees and baccalaureate degrees.

The college has campuses in Dade City, Wesley Chapel, New Port Richey, Spring Hill and Brooksville.

Beard said he plans to pursue an initiative that would enlist the help of faith communities and other organizations to help support students, through scholarships and in other ways.

He is looking forward to strengthening the ties between PHSC and the communities it serves.

“I really want to bring the community into the college and the college into the community,” Beard said.

Published March 25, 2015

Farmers market offers fruits, vegetables — and a dance

March 25, 2015 By Kathy Steele

June Wentworth went looking for a pleasant walk around the lake on a sunny morning at Zephyr Park and before she knew it, the 83-year-old found herself in the arms of a dance partner who glided her through the bittersweet memories of Garth Brooks’ “The Dance.”

Gospel singer Kris Pierce had just sold a copy of his CD to Wentworth who was impressed enough to say yes to her surprise of the day – the singer’s invitation to dance.

Amanda Jones (in ball cap) talks with a shopper who is checking out Jones’ array of homemade clutch bags, potholders and accessories. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Amanda Jones (in ball cap) talks with a shopper who is checking out Jones’ array of homemade clutch bags, potholders and accessories.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

“He’s got a great voice,” said Wentworth, a Maine native visiting Zephyrhills for a couple of weeks.

She had stopped at Zephyr Park for that quiet walk and discovered the Zephyrhills Artsy Farmers’ Market, off State Road 54 at 38116 Fifth Ave.

Pierce and his wife, Melissa, were at the market for their second time.

The singer is a frequent entertainer at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and Ralph’s Travel Park, both in Zephyrhills.

During the farmers’ market, Pierce sang covers and original tunes under the gazebo at water’s edge. His wife, Melisssa, sat at a display table covered with her husband’s CDs, collections that range from gospel songs to covers of Elvis Presley.

“I do a little bit of everything,” Pierce said. “Pretty much everything but heavy metal and rap.”

He was among about 15 vendors who set up tents and displays under the cathedral canopy of oak trees near the park’s entrance.

The market got its start downtown in Times Square Park on Fifth Avenue with just a few vendors about a year ago.

In October, the market moved to the larger and more tranquil setting of Zephyr Park.

The event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the second Wednesday and fourth Saturday of each month. Beginning April 25, the market will become a fourth-Saturday-only event.

The market, staged by Largo-based Simply Events, needs more vendors.

Owner Sonya Bradley hopes to eventually have about 30 businesses selling everything from cheese to breads to specialty foods. “We’re going to keep adding to it,” she said.

Ashley Samnani, who sells Rainbow vacuums and cleaning supplies, was among the original group of vendors who launched the market at the downtown location.

Samnani likes the park setting much better.

“Now (the market) is growing expansively,” she said.

On a recent Wednesday, the Brandon resident had a drawing at the park to give away three air purifiers.

“It’s nice that it’s in this location,” Samnani said. “People in the park visit (the market). It’s like a family the way we all interact.”

Keeping it local is Simply Events’ goal, said Andrew Cecere, the company’s vendor consultant.

Owners of Zephyrhills-based Peaceful Pastures Farm were on hand selling free-range eggs. The farm also produces free-range Cornish Cross broilers and turkeys.

Amanda Jones, 30, and her mother-in-law, Phyllis Stonebarger, were selling handmade items including clutches, drawstring bags, coaster sets and potholders. They spread their wares across a folding table. It was their first time at the Zephyrhills’ market.

“I’ve always wanted a sewing machine,” said Jones who lives in Wesley Chapel. “One day I bought one. I’m self-taught, a lot of YouTubes (YouTube videos).”

Natalie Avila, 21, Kornilous Donnell Sr., 25, and their 1-year-old toddler, Kornilous Donnell Jr., all of Zephyrhills, enjoyed a stroll through the park, cool drinks and fruit from Come Under the Yum Yum Tree, a produce company from Brandon.

“It adds to the community,” said Donnell Sr., “I like that they are getting vendors that are able to sell produce. Zephyrhills needs more businesses anyway. This is great.”

Pam Nethers of American Pride sold jewelry and accessories from her home-based business in Fort Myers. Lida Livingston, owner of Livs Coffee Place, sold organic coffee.

Her mobile business is based in Lakeland, but she travels for weddings, corporate events and house parties.

Maryann Hendricks, 67, brought her Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, children’s dresses and accessories from Clearwater. Her grandmother taught her to sew.

“I enjoy it,” she said. “I’m teaching my granddaughter to sew.”

For one family from Zephyrhills, jams and pickles, and baby quilts are a growing business. ITTs Homemade is an intergenerational venture that began as a fun project in the kitchen. They were among the original vendors at the downtown location.

Grandmother Irene Secrest, 80, does some of the preparations, such as peeling the apples. But she said, “I let them do the cooking.”

While her daughter, Teisha Disbrow, and granddaughters, Teresa Hicks and Tabytha Silverman, are busy canning strawberry jams, pumpkin butter, banana peppers and sweet pickles, Secrest settles down to her specialty – making baby quilts.

Their home-based business also was among the original vendors at the downtown location.

“There’s a lot more people coming here,” Hicks said. “It’s just a prettier setting.”

The next farmers’ market at Zephyr Park will be March 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information, contact Simply Events at (727) 674-1464.

Published March 25, 2015

Business Digest 03-25-15

March 25, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Health center grand opening
Premier Community HealthCare Group will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening for the Lacoochee Family Health Center March 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 pm., at 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., in Dade City.

There will be a brief ceremony followed by tours and a reception at the Lacoochee Community Center.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce are co-hosts of the event.

Employ Veterans Seminar
Are you an employer interested in hiring veterans? The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and the office of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will co-host the Employ Veterans Seminar March 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 pm., at the Microtel Inn & Suites, 7839 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

RSVP for this free seminar by March 27. A light lunch will be served.

Representatives from state agencies will be on-hand to answer questions about available incentives and funding for job-specific training.

For information and to make reservations call (813) 782-1913, or email .

Classes in creativity
Studio Twenty8 will host a ribbon cutting March 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 28152 Paseo Drive, within The Shops at Wiregrass, in Wesley Chapel.

The studio offers a range of creative classes in painting, music, photography and graphic design.

For information, call (866) 471-4749.

Meet Zephyrhills physician
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host an open house and ribbon cutting March 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., for Dr. Stacy Taylor-Hunt, a doctor of osteopathy.

She is joining the staff at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Family Medicine, Suite B, 37908 Daughtery Road, in Zephyrhills. Free glucose, blood pressure and/or BMI screenings will be available. Sandwiches, salads, desserts and beverages will be provided.

New web-based company
SymphonicB2B will have a ribbon cutting on April 2 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at 2318 Cypress Lane, Unit 102, in Wesley Chapel.

The company provides assistance with website design, branding, social media, SEO, videos and printing, and is a subsidiary of Tampa-based Symphonic Distribution.

For information, call (866) 471-4749.

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast April 2 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Ron Yasurek, general manager of Mosaic’s Plant City facility. He will discuss the company’s phosphate operations in Florida and the mission to help the world grow the food it needs.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or email .

Women-n-charge
Join the vibrant ladies of Women-n-Charge on April 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network.

The featured speaker will be Ginger Rockey-Johnson, the Original Spice Girl of Tampa Bay, who will discuss “How to Use Today’s Social Media to Market Your Business.”

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

To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com.

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

New mattress shop opens
Mighty Mattresses is open for business at 21126 State Road 54 in Lutz.

The discount mattress retailer had a ribbon cutting on March 3.

The store is on the southwest corner of State Road 54 and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, with an entrance off State Road 54.

Grants for businesswomen
Are you a businesswoman who could use $1,000?

Learn more about the grants at Women-n-Charge.com. Applications are available online and are due April 15.

For information, contact Judy Nicolosi, treasurer of Women-n-Charge, at (813) 600-9848, or email .

Two-day career fair
Pasco-Hernando State College will host Opportunity 2015 Hernando County Career Fair on April 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and April 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the North Campus, Building B Conference Center, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., in Brooksville.

On April 9, there will be free seminars on resume writing, interview skills and proper attire and etiquette for interviews. Keynote speaker will be Steve Wilson of Pasco-Hernando State College.

On April 10, local employers will be present to accept resumes and do on-the-spot interviews. Dress professionally and bring lots of resumes.

The event is free but pre-registration is required at HernandoCountyCareerFair2015.eventbrite.com.

For information, call Nicole Miller at (352) 7907-5174, or Steve Wilson at (352) 293-1123.

Rotary Club needs bee sponsors
The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon needs sponsors for the third annual “BEE Part of the Buzz” adult spelling bee.

The spelling bee will be April 10 at 6:30 p.m., at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive, in San Antonio. Teams compete in three rounds with words progressing in spelling difficulty from easy to intermediate to difficult.

Spectators cheer on their favorite teams in a fun event that helps raise funds for the Pasco Education Foundation. Donations range from $1,500 for a Queen Bee sponsorship to $150 for a four-person team.

For information, email Erin Meyer at .

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet April 14 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.

The guest speaker is Jeanette Hall, Pasco Shopper advertising representative.

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

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

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.

Charter advisory panel all white, mostly male

March 23, 2015 By Kathy Steele

A 15-member charter advisory panel that will decide the future of Pasco County’s governing structure is in place. And Pasco commissioners approved a contract to pay a private Tallahassee consultant $60,000 to guide its efforts during the coming months.

But the panel’s all white, and nearly all-male make-up came under fire at the commissioners regular meeting in Dade City on March 10. Each Pasco County Commissioner appointed two members, plus an alternate to the panel. Pasco’s five state legislators also weighed in, with one appointment each.

Commissioner Mike Moore got some pushback for his selection of a county law enforcement officer supervised by Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco.

“I have concerns with a member of (Nocco’s) team being on the committee,” said Chairman Ted Schrader. “I think it would be appropriate to replace him with someone else.”

Moore defended Pasco Maj. Mel Eakley as the right choice based on Eakley’s credentials in law enforcement and his service as a military veteran.

“I kind of take offense to saying we don’t want anyone on the board who is an everyday average citizen,” he said.

Schrader said he wasn’t questioning Eakley’s qualifications.

Other commissioners and Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano also questioned Moore’s choice of Eakley.

“Perception is everything, ladies and gentlemen,” said Fasano in a public comment to the commission. He questioned the appointment of anyone “associated with constitutional officers.”

But no one made a formal challenge to Eakley’s appointment.

“I respect Mr. Moore,” Schrader said. “I’m really disappointed in his choice. I think it’s a conflict of interest, but it’s your choice.”

The lone woman on the panel will be banker Candace Glewen. She is a replacement for Commissioner Kathryn Starkey’s first choice of Pasco County School Board member Alison Crumbley. Crumbley declined the appointment upon the advice of the school board’s attorney who cited the potential for a conflict of interest.

Commissioner Jack Mariano appointed a woman, Cami Austin, as an alternate.

Former commissioner Pat Mulieri took the commissioners to task for not appointing a more balanced panel to represent the community. “It is ironic,” she said during public comment. “I was supposed to speak at a luncheon (today) celebrating women.”

The panel will tackle critical issues, such as whether Pasco County should have single-member voting districts, term limits and whether the county’s structure should be changed to have an elected administrator rather than one that’s appointed.

Mulieri wondered: ”Why did the board feel only men could make these decisions?”

She also questioned the $60,000 cost “for a consultant you don’t need. I’m standing here today to tell you it will go to $100,000.”

The cost for services from Kurt Spitzer & Associates potentially could exceed $60,000 if the panel requests additional work or travel beyond the flat fee of $5,000 a month, said County Administrator Michele Baker. The fixed rate includes travel for 12 months for approximately 22 to 24 meetings, she said.

Moore suggested panel members might not need a consultant beyond the early organizational meetings. “That’s a pretty large consulting fee in my mind,” he said. “I think you need to leave it up to the committee.”

Baker said the terms of the contract allow Spitzer to terminate his service with a 30-day notice. It also allows the panel to cancel his services immediately upon written notice.

Moore and Commissioner Jack Mariano floated a proposal to allow panel members to approve recommendations based on a simple majority, but Starkey, Schrader and Wells said the requirement of a super-majority vote was essential.

The panel must meet within the next 30 days.

Its recommendations are due to the commission by June 1, 2016. If the panel recommends a charter government, the matter would go to voters in a referendum on the November 2016 general election ballot.

Members of the Pasco County charter advisory panel
Commission Chairman Ted Schrader appointed Billy E. Brown and John J. Gallagher to the panel, with Cliff McDuffie, as alternate

Commissioner Mike Moore appointed Mel Eakley and Gary Bradford, with Joseph Poblick, as alternate

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey appointed Candace Glewen and Dewey Mitchell, with Dominic Scannavino, as alternate

Commissioner Mike Wells Jr., appointed Steve Booth and Tim Holladay, with Jim Driscoll, as alternate

Commissioner Jack Mariano appointed Chuck Grey and Bill Woodard, with Cami Austin, as alternate

Members of the Pasco County legislative delegation appointed Michael Cox, Robert Eckard, John Kinsman, Randy Maggard and Mike Ryan

Published March 18, 2015

Comedy on tap at Zephyrhills pub

March 18, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Entertainment at local bars often includes live music, trivia and special themed events. Now, Cheers 54, at 36616 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills, is adding comedy to the mix.

The pub will host a stand-up comedy night on March 20, the first in a new monthly series, called Next Up.

Other venues in the area aren’t putting regular comedy on the schedule, and that’s exactly why it appealed to owner Kim Beverlin.

Comedian Jared Waters is scheduled to perform at Cheers 54 for a new comedy series beginning March 20. (Courtesy of Jared Waters) — Comedian Jared Waters is scheduled to perform at Cheers 54 for a new comedy series beginning March 20.
(Courtesy of Jared Waters)

“We’ve just been trying to come up with some new ideas for Zephyrhills,” she said. “Something other places don’t do.”

If local residents want to see live comedy, they most likely have to drive to Tampa, Beverlin explained. The comedy night allows the pub’s regulars to enjoy something out of the ordinary, and Beverlin hopes, attract some new business, too.

The show will include sets from four different performers selected by Frankie Lane, a Zephyrhills resident whose entertainment company creates events for Cheers 54.

“Comedy’s been kind of one of the things we always wanted to do,” Lane said.

It took a little work to put the lineup together, which includes comedians Rio Paris, Amanda Jordan, Jared Waters and Antonio Hamilton.

Lane went to see each of them perform before asking them on the show. He wanted to get a feel for how they entertain, and he believes that’s not possible by just reading their credits or watching video.

Each comedian brings something different to the table, so there will be varying styles on display that night.

“I love new, up-and-coming talent, and I figured, what better way to get those guys a platform and get us a great show?” Lane said.

Because Cheers 54 is a venue for adults, the comedy will be adult-oriented as well. And, the performers are looking forward to showing off their wit on a new stage, even if it doesn’t normally have stand-up shows.

“What comedy brings over all other entertainment is joy, the ability for an audience member to take a break from the normal lives and laugh at someone else’s view on the world,” said Jared Waters, one of the performers on the bill.

Waters has been doing comedy for around four years, and performs regularly at local comedy clubs such as Side Splitters in Tampa. He’s also performed at comedy theaters and festivals in North Carolina.

Cheers 54 is able to seat nearly 200 people, so they’re prepared to accommodate a large turnout. And, they’re determined to make the comedy show a regular part of the schedule. The second show is already scheduled for April 17, with a new lineup to be determined.

Initial response has been strong, Beverlin said, noting people are looking forward to comedy night.

She’s expecting strong attendance for their first show.

“I have had very positive feedback. I think we’re going to be packed that night,” Beverlin said. “It sounds like people are interested in having something different in Zephyrhills.”

The show costs $5 and begins at 8:30 p.m. A disc jockey will play music after the comedy sets.

For more information or to reserve tickets, call Cheers 54 at (813) 788-3840.

Piblished March 18, 201u