The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Planners gearing up for Memorial Day parade

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Plans are in the works for a Memorial Day parade in Land O’ Lakes that will snake past the Baldomero Lopez Memorial Veterans Nursing Home at 6919 Parkway Blvd.

The parade will be on May 26 beginning at 8 a.m.. It will start at Dupree Lakes Boulevard, off Collier Parkway, and end just past the nursing home.

The Knights of Columbus Assembly 2741 and Council 8104 are organizing the parade, which is in its inaugural year.

Bob Barbero, co-chairman of the parade, said he hopes there will be enough interest to have the parade annually. At this point, organizers are looking for individuals, groups and organizations that want to take part.

So far, there are two high school bands and a middle school band that have signed on, and a couple classic car clubs are interested. Some floats are planned, and politicians have been invited. Already, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco is expected to take part.

Barbero said it would be great if veteran organizations, school bands and other types of clubs and organizations want to join the parade. Anyone wishing to drive a vehicle in the parade will be asked to pay a nominal charge.

“Any monies that we raise over and above the cost of the parade will go to the homeless,” Barbero said, mentioning that those donations would be made through the sheriff’s office.

The parade is to honor men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Barbero said. By staging it near the veterans’ nursing home, the hope is that residents there will be able to enjoy the parade.

The parade also will help raise awareness regarding the Knights of Columbus, Barbero said. The group is a Catholic fraternal benefit society that was founded in New Haven, Conn., in 1882. The organization’s founding principles are charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

There are currently 1.8 million members in more than 14,000 councils worldwide.

Barbero’s council is affiliated with Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes.

For additional information on the parade, call Barbero at (813) 995-2736, or email him at .

Published March 12, 2014

Political Agenda 03-12-14

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Wilson more than doubles campaign war chest
Pasco County Commissioner Henry Wilson has yet to draw a challenger for his seat, but it looks like he’ll be ready just in case.

Wilson raised $8,735 in January, more than the previous five months — with a haul of $5,750 — combined.

His biggest donors came from the Farrell companies — Farrell Rescue, Farrell Home Services, Farrell Roofing and Farrell Outdoors — in Port Richey, writing checks for $2,500.

Wilson has spent just $500 since July, and has a $14,000 head start over any potential opponents.

Moore gets conservative women endorsement
The West Florida Women’s Conservative Republican Network has endorsed Mike Moore for Pasco County Commissioner.

Moore is facing Ken Littlefield and Bob Robertson in the Republican primary for the seat currently held by the retiring Pat Mulieri.

“We know that Mike is a true public servant who, as a Pasco County commissioner, will be a constant, reliable advocate serving citizens of his district as well as Pasco County and the state of Florida,” said Ellouise Emke, president of the network, in a release.

Moore also has endorsements from Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, Pasco County Schools superintendent Kurt Browning, and State Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, among others.

Pasco looks to streamline voter registration
Elections are just around the corner, and Pasco County is working to bring as many voters to the polls as possible.

For what both are calling the first time in county history, the supervisor of elections and the tax collector’s office are working together to implement the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 — better known as the Motor Voter law — with joint training on how to get people registered to vote.

Federal law requires offices that provide driver’s license services to also offer opportunities for voter registration. Once a potential voter completes the paperwork at the tax collector’s office, the information is then routed through Florida’s Department of State, and finally to the supervisor of elections office in the appropriate county.

The tax collector’s and elections supervisor’s offices held a series of joint classes, updating on what’s required of each, and how they can streamline the process. Customer service representatives also were trained on the proper way of handling voter registration requests.

The deadline has passed to register to vote for upcoming municipal elections. However, there is still time to register for later elections this year. Deadlines are July 28 for the August primaries, and Oct. 6 for the general November election.

To get more information, visit PascoVotes.com.

Wells, Pilon endorse Burgess
State Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota, and Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells, have endorsed Danny Burgess’ bid to replace Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, in Tallahassee.

Pilon was first elected in 2010, and is a retired law enforcement officer.

Burgess is in a primary against Minerva Diaz that will be decided in August. The winner will face Beverly Anne Ledbetter, or the winner of a Democratic primary if one is needed, in November.

Wells was first elected to his position in 1984, the same year Ronald Reagan won his second term in office.

Business Digest 03-12-14

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Red Hydrant joins Dog Gurus
Red Hydrant Pet Spa, Boutique and Doggie Day Care has joined The Dog Gurus community, offering ongoing education and tools for professional pet care centers for off-leash play.

The Gurus’ goal is to keep dogs and staff safe while dogs are off-leash, looking at more than just whether a dog is getting exhausted.

“We are proud of our focus on safety in our off-leash dog play program, and felt membership with The Dog Gurus would allow us to share in the best practices available to the industry,” said Martin Ellis, owner of Red Hydrant, in a release.

Red Hydrant is located at 21780 State Road 54 in Lutz, and can be found online at TheRedHydrant.com.

Corporation filing fees could drop
A new bill from State Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, would reduce the annual fees small businesses pay to the state.

S.B. 776 would reduce annual filing fees with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations by $25 for corporations and limited partnerships, Simpson said in his regular newsletter. It also would break down late fees into a tiered system beginning with a $125 penalty for business filings made after May 1, gradually increasing to $400 after July 31.

Currently, anyone filing after May 1 would incur a $400 penalty.

The bill also would create a flat fee for corporate document filings from a range of $35 to $87.50, instead to $25.

Simpson’s bill has made it through its first committee, and is still working its way to the Senate floor in Tallahassee.

Community Business Expo March 14-15
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host its 2014 Community Business Expo March 14 and March 15 at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The event runs from 4 p.m. to 7 pm., March 14, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on March 15, with the theme “The Price is Right – Shop Local.”

Sponsorships and booth space remain available, but are limited.

For more information, visit CentralPascoChamber.com, or call (813) 909-2722.

Williams Automotive buys Tampa Honda Land
Williams Automotive Group, the owner of Wesley Chapel Toyota and Wesley Chapel Honda, completed its purchase last week of Tampa Honda Land. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

The dealership at 11000 N. Florida Ave., was owned by the Scott-McRae Group of Jacksonville, and will be renamed Tampa Honda.

“Because of all of our collective hard work and dedication the past five years, we have made the strategic decision to grow,” spokeswoman Therese Bottino said in an email.

Williams Automotive was founded as Southeast Automotive Group in 2000, and once owned several dealerships in Georgia selling Toyota, Kia, Mitsubishi and Hyundai, according to the company’s website.

Wesley Chapel Toyota is located at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., and Wesley Chapel Honda is at 27550 Wesley Chapel Blvd.

Holistic center opens in Lutz area
Suzanne Margolis Gray, a massage therapist who first opened a wellness center in the South Tampa area 20 years ago, has brought her colon hydrotherapy services to Lutz.

Gray recently hosted a grand reopening for ReNew Life Wellness Center at 15511 N. Florida Ave., Suite 2.

The staff includes acupuncturist Dr. Dana Clark McGrady, medical aesthetician Rose D’Amico, wellness coach Tom Stewart, massage therapist Peter Lowden, analyst Brandi Stewart, and kinesiologist Elizabeth O’Neill.

For more information, visit ReNewLifeWellness.com, or call (813) 871-3200.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group has scheduled several speakers for the coming months. The group meets every other week at the Village Inn at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Here’s the group’s slate of upcoming speakers:

• March 25: Cathy Bickham, honorary mayor of Wesley Chapel

• April 8: Danny Burgess, Zephyrhills mayor, candidate for State House District 38

• May 27: Mike Moore, candidate for Pasco County Commission, owner of VR Business Sales

More than 125 years of Benedictine service began with just four nuns

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Construction crews from Creative Contractors Inc., are busily erecting the future home of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida. They are building the new Holy Name Monastery on the south side of State Road 52 near Wichers Road. The project includes a chapel, private living quarters with 20 bedrooms, a library to house archives and spiritual books, and meeting spaces for large and small groups.

The Benedictine Sisters of Florida lived in a three-story, wood-frame hotel building from the time they arrived until a more modern monastery was built in 1960. A team of oxen moved the hotel building on 1911 from San Antonio to the current monastery’s site, west of Saint Leo University. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
The Benedictine Sisters of Florida lived in a three-story, wood-frame hotel building from the time they arrived until a more modern monastery was built in 1960. A team of oxen moved the hotel building on 1911 from San Antonio to the current monastery’s site, west of Saint Leo University. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The funds for the new monastery are coming from $3.4 million in proceeds from the sale of the current monastery and land to Saint Leo University, as well as a $500,000 capital campaign. So far, the capital campaign has raised slightly less than $175,000, which includes a $100,000 one-to-one match challenge grant. The sisters must raise $100,000 by June 30 to receive that grant.

The building, which was designed by Klar & Klar Architects, is well under way.

It’s possible that the sisters may move in as early as this summer, said Sister Roberta Bailey, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida.

The sisters are leaving a massive multi-story structure where they have lived since 1960. That structure has become too large for the sisters and too expensive to operate, maintain and renovate.

The sisters are celebrating their 125th anniversary of living and working in Pasco County.

The original quartet of sisters traveled from Elk County, Pa., to San Antonio, arriving there on Feb. 28, 1889. Another sister joined them a few months later.

“They were called down to be teachers of the children of the German immigrants,” Bailey said.

When they arrived in San Antonio, they lived in a three-story wooden hotel. A team of oxen moved that building in 1911 to the current monastery’s site, west of Saint Leo University.

After arriving, the sisters went straight to work.

By March 11, 1889, the sisters had assumed the administration and staffing of Saint Anthony School. A short time later they began to staff the school in St. Joseph and also opened Holy Name Academy.

The sisters opened St. Benedict’s Preparatory School for young boys in 1920, and that school operated until 1959. Holy Name Academy closed five years later. Both were boarding schools.

After they closed, the sisters directed their energies toward providing services for nearby Saint Leo College.

Over the years, the sisters have had a hand in many organizations.

They have served on boards for such charitable organizations as Sunrise Spouse Abuse Shelter, Saint Leo University Haitian Mission Project, Florida Association for the Education of Young Children, Catholic Charities, Coalition for the Homeless, Hospice, Habitat for Humanity and DayStar Hope Thrift Store and Food Pantry.

They have been town mayors and commissioners. And, they continue to have a hand in a variety of good works.

For instance, they provide a Thanksgiving meal to more than 200 people each year. They also give annual scholarship assistance to a few Saint Leo University students. They open their home to provide lodging and meals for religious women from developing countries who are pursuing their degrees.

The size of the religious community has gone from more than 60 sisters at one point to 13 sisters now, but they continue to play an active role, both in community life and spiritual support.

“We try to respond to what the needs are in the local area. It’s just that right now we’re so few that everyone wears many hats,” Bailey said.

They also call upon the power of prayer to help others in need. Anyone can call with any kind of prayer request, Bailey said, noting the requests often mirror what’s happening in society at large.

A parent might call with a prayer request for a child, or someone who is ill or injured may call in with a request, Bailey said. There are others who are going through a crisis of faith and ask for prayer to help them through it.

Sometimes, it’s a practical request, she said.

“Someone may call in, ‘I have a big test this afternoon, can you pray?’” Bailey said. “We have a book of prayer intentions that sits outside the chapel doors.” Whenever a sister passes by, she looks at the book and says a prayer for the people who have called in their intentions.

Despite their long history in Pasco County, the sisters’ work is not yet done, Bailey said.

“We’ve been here a good long time and we’re here to stay,” Bailey said.

To learn more about the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, visit BenedictineSistersOfFl.org, or call (352) 588-8320.

Published March 5, 2014

Young girl’s cancer touches community’s heart

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Before Natalia Sofia Ricabal began attending Lutz Preparatory School last fall, she worried about how she would fit in with her classmates.

Natalia Ricabal, front, her mom Amy Ricabal, and her grandmother Nydia Torres visit Lutz Preparatory School, discussing the challenges that Ewing’s sarcoma has posed for the 8-year-old and her family. The girl’s grandmother left her missionary work in the Dominican Republic so she could help the family. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Natalia Ricabal, front, her mom Amy Ricabal, and her grandmother Nydia Torres visit Lutz Preparatory School, discussing the challenges that Ewing’s sarcoma has posed for the 8-year-old and her family. The girl’s grandmother left her missionary work in the Dominican Republic so she could help the family.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

It was her first year at the school, and naturally, she wanted to feel welcome.

Now, the 8-year-old’s concerns have become more serious: She’s not sure when she will walk again. She was diagnosed in August with Ewing’s sarcoma, a form of bone cancer.

Her illness came with little warning, Natalia’s Mom, Amy Ricabal, said.

The grade-schooler had been experiencing some leg pain, off and on, then a few days later a huge red bump appeared on her left leg, which came out of her femur and protruded into the soft tissue, Amy said.

Natalia required surgery, and the surgeon had a choice: Amputate the young girl’s leg or do a limb salvage surgery, Amy said. He did the limb salvage surgery, replacing Natalia’s femur bone with a cadaver bone.

“Thank God they were able to keep the growth plates,” Amy said.

Natalia started chemotherapy at the end of August and began radiation treatments in early February. She has lost her hair, has been nauseated and lethargic, has had low white blood counts, and has had blood transfusions, Amy said. She will require substantial physical therapy and it is unclear when she’ll be able to walk.

It has been difficult to see Natalia in pain, and to recall how only months ago she was doing cartwheels and chasing after her 10-year-old brother Gabriel, Amy said. But Natalia’s story isn’t just about illness. It’s also about faith and the community’s outpouring of love and kindness.

The Lutz Citizens Coalition, Lutz Preparatory School and Tampa Bay Food Trucks are combining to host a fundraiser for Natalia at this month’s First Friday Food Truck Rally. It will take place at Lutz Prep, 17951 N. U.S. 41, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., March 7 and will feature a band that has written a song for Natalia.

The Lutz Citizens Coalition is happy to help the Ricabals, said Sam Calco, the coalition’s vice president.

“It’s what Lutz is all about,” he said. “You think about what that family is going through.”

Lutz Prep has demonstrated generosity and warmth at every level, Amy said.

“We’re first-time parents here at the school, and I’m never here because it (Natalia’s health battle) started with the first day of meet and greet,” Amy said. “So, I’m a pretty invisible person.”

The school has embraced the family anyway, and has gone out of its way to support them, using the online voice and video communication service Skype, for instance, to stay in touch when Natalia can’t be in school.

Several students and a teacher also demonstrated their compassion by shaving their heads so Natalia wouldn’t feel conspicuous when returning to school.

The Ricabals have experienced financial challenges, too, as Amy had to step away from her job as an ultrasound sonographer to provide care for Natalia. The family always has relied on both her paycheck and her husband Isaias’s paycheck, Amy said. Her husband is a coach at a charter school.

Amy is not afraid because she knows God will see the family through.

“I just have to focus on my daughter. I can’t worry,” she said. “God is teaching me to just let it go and to rely completely on him, in him — not on my own understanding.”

God’s help has come in many forms, Amy said, like from her mother, who left her missionary work in the Dominican Republic to come help the family.

Natalia’s American Heritage Girl Scouts troop has been an enormous help as well. It was through the troop’s church, Christ Church of Lutz, that Seal Swim School adopted the family for Christmas. The church also provided 40 frozen meals for the family, and bought them a freezer.

Members of the Ricabals’ church — Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church — have stepped up, too. A group of church friends did a makeover on the family’s yard. They also pressure washed the driveway. When they heard the family’s water heater was giving out, they got them a new one.

People have provided gift cards for groceries and have shopped for them, too, Amy said.

One recent day, Natalia was at Lutz Prep with her mom, grandmother Nydia Torres and her Chihuahua, Beatrice. The child was sitting in a wheelchair with a big cast on her leg, but she was smiling and talking about how special she feels because of the kindness of classmates and friends.

Amy said she’s been trying to teach her daughter to see the blessings that are hidden within the challenges they face.

“I tell her, ‘Look, Praise God that we still have a leg. Period,’” she said.

Amy also reminds herself to remain positive, telling herself, “This is something you’re going through. You’re going through the valley right now.”

But with God, she added, “there’s always a purpose and there’s also a plan.”

WHAT: First Friday Food Truck Rally fundraiser for Natalia Sofia Ricabal
WHO: Lutz Preparatory School, Lutz Citizens Coalition, Tampa Bay Food Trucks
First Friday Food Truck Rally
WHEN: March 7, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Lutz Prep, 17951 N. U.S. 41
Lutz Preparatory School, the Lutz Citizens Coalition and Tampa Bay Food Trucks are sponsoring a fundraiser for Natalia Sofia Ricabal on Friday, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the school, 17951 N. U.S. 41.

Published March 5, 2014

Special Olympics athletes shine in Wesley Chapel

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Before any ribbons were handed out. Before any competitions. Before the Special Olympics Summer Games began at Wesley Chapel High School on March 1, every athlete enjoyed rousing cheers and applause.

Athletes at the Special Olympics Summer Games at Wesley Chapel High School wave to the crowd as they take an introductory lap during opening ceremonies. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Athletes at the Special Olympics Summer Games at Wesley Chapel High School wave to the crowd as they take an introductory lap during opening ceremonies.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

The opening ceremonies included a lap around the track for the approximately 475 athletes who participated — walking, waving and proudly representing their respective schools. The actual attendance was much higher, with parking filled to overflow, families and friends in the stands and volunteers helping everyone get organized for the day’s activities.

But it was the athletes who were soaking up the fun and support.

“It feels amazing,” said Carlos Ortiz, who has participated in the Special Olympics since 2008. “You get to have fun and talk to your friends.”

Ortiz also serves as a global messenger for the organization, which enables him to speak to groups and individuals about the benefits of the Special Olympics.

While the athletes were socializing and preparing for their events, their parents were enjoying the moment as well. Denise Peeks, whose daughter Tiffany competes in cycling, said the community support means a lot.

“I’m just glad to know that, not only are the parents supporting them, but they are embraced by the community,” she said. “The business community and the volunteers come out and they get so much support that they so desperately need. I think it’s fantastic.”

Tiffany is a previous gold-medal winner in her event and looks forward to competing and having fun, Peeks added.

Jennifer Lynch agrees about the importance of community support. Her son, Alex, also has won gold in cycling, and said that the Special Olympics is a much-needed day of inclusion for students and parents dealing with intellectual disabilities.

“I think it helps him to feel like he’s part of a community,” she said. “There are so many things he is excluded from and so many activities he can’t do. But this is one that he can, and everyone can rally around and support him.”

In addition to cycling, Lynch said that Alex also participates in basketball when it’s a designated sport. At the Summer Games, athletes compete in cycling, bocce, track and field, soccer skills and tennis.

The volunteers also enjoyed themselves, including Wesley Chapel High freshman John Margetis. A special-needs student himself, Margetis is a high-functioning participant and thought it would be best to volunteer and let others have their moment at the games. He also participates in the school’s Wildcat Wings club, which is a social inclusion group designed to help special needs students interact with other students.

Margetis relates to the athletes and their needs.

“I felt like I should be a part of this,” he said. “I feel like they feel.”

The winners at the events earned ribbons, and many will continue competing in the area games for a chance to participate in the state games. But the goal was for everyone involved to have a good time and give proud parents like Peeks and Lynch an opportunity to cheer while their children show what they can accomplish with some guidance and support.

“It gives us an opportunity to allow our babies to showcase their skills and their talents,” Peeks said.

Published March 5, 2014

Bayonet Point trauma center still fighting for life

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More than two years ago, Pasco County got its first trauma center when Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point expanded its emergency care operations. But how long it will stay is completely up to government officials from the courts, to the Legislature, and especially the Florida Department of Health.

The Bayonet Point hospital, owned by HCA’s West Florida Division, is fighting to keep its trauma center despite the objections of nearby facilities like Tampa General Hospital and BayCare Health System’s St. Joseph’s Hospital. Both already have trauma centers, and believe adding more will dilute a costly service to one that no longer can be sustained financially.

Dr. Scott Norwood, the trauma medical director at Bayonet Point, believes in the exact opposite. To him, it’s not that Florida has too many trauma centers. In fact, it doesn’t have enough — and dealing with traumatic injuries comes down to how quickly a victim can get to a hospital that can treat it.

“Trauma is a time-sensitive disease,” Norwood recently told members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. “It’s just like heart disease or a heart attack, the quicker you can get to a facility to deal with the problem, the more likely you are to survive. And that’s reflective of what’s happening in Florida right now.”

Before the trauma center opened at Bayonet Point, anyone hurt in a fall or accident would have to be transported south to Hillsborough or Pinellas counties, a distance that could exceed 100 miles and tick precious time off the clock.

“We call it the ‘golden hour of trauma,’ that if you can get into a trauma center or to a facility that can manage your problem within 60 minutes of your injury, your likelihood of survival goes way up,” Norwood said. “If you get in a wreck and are out in the middle of nowhere, your odds of surviving are not really good already.”

Since 2011, when Bayonet Point opened its trauma center, mortality rates have dropped across the state — especially in Pasco and Hernando counties, which saw rates plummet 21 percent and 15 percent respectively, Norwood said.

Yet, the more trauma centers there are in the state, the larger the strain on existing resources to serve those people, say representatives from other hospitals with older trauma centers. The more centers there are, the harder it will be to find the best doctors and medical teams trained in trauma.

At the same time, available money for these trauma centers would be spread out, making it difficult for any of them to stay open, opponents said. Although insurance carriers and patients themselves typically fund trauma centers, there are public pools of money available. They include $2 million from a vehicle registration tax, more than $12 million from red-light cameras, and $46 million in federal funds, according to a report last year by the American College of Surgeons.

Lawsuits have flown back and forth, and judges have sided against the new trauma centers like Bayonet Point’s, saying the Department of Health used an invalid rule to green light them, according to published reports. Since then, state health officials have been working around the clock to streamline department rules, and find common ground between the older trauma centers and the new ones.

State health officials started hearings in January and February to work out the trauma center issues, and have developed a plan that would allow at least one trauma center in each of the state’s 19 designated trauma areas, according to published reports. If the rule moves forward as planned, it would keep all of the new trauma centers, including Bayonet Point, in place.

This rule, however, would most likely end up in the courts as well. That’s been made clear by increased lobbying efforts by both sides, including bringing in the conservative-leaning 60 Plus Association to spend $250,000 on television advertising supporting the efforts of hospitals like Bayonet Point.

And now the Florida Legislature is looking to weigh in. State Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring — and a registered nurse — filed S.B. 1276 last week that, among other things, would limit the number of trauma centers in each of the 19 regions.

However, it’s a limit that would be in favor of hospitals like Bayonet Point, since Grimsley is asking that Pasco and Pinellas counties be limited to three centers, while Hillsborough would get only two. It also removes the ability for other hospitals to protest the addition of more trauma centers.

Including pediatrics at All Children’s Hospital, the Pasco and Pinellas region would have three trauma centers, Bayonet Point joining Bayfront Medical Center on the list.

Still, the entire trauma center system would be reviewed each year under the bill, with a final report heading to state officials at the beginning of February. It also sets expectations that trauma centers like Bayonet Point would be able to treat a minimum of up to 1,000 patients each year.

That’s something the hospital already is doing, Norwood said.

“When we started this thing, we thought we would probably get 800 patients each year,” Norwood said. “In my first year, we had 1,456 patients. In our second year, we got 1,685 patients.”

And 65 percent of those patients come right from Pasco County, he said, and nearly 90 percent come from Pasco or points north of Pasco.

“We are not stealing patients from anywhere,” Norwood said. “This is not happening.”

State health officials said they could move the department’s new rule forward later this spring.

By the Numbers
94.66 — Florida’s trauma center survival rate

95.56 — Survival rate of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s trauma center

27 — Number of trauma centers in Florida

715,500 — Average population each Florida trauma center serves

$2.2 million — Average local, state, federal funding for each trauma center

Published March 5, 2014

Gators, Warriors girls hoops teams reach new highs

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When a high school team makes the playoffs, it’s an impressive achievement. But they also know that, unless they win the state title, their entire season and postseason will end with a loss. It’s just a matter of time.

The Steinbrenner Warriors reached the regional finals for the first time, falling to Harmony in a close game. (Photo courtesy of Josee Briere)
The Steinbrenner Warriors reached the regional finals for the first time, falling to Harmony in a close game. (Photo courtesy of Josee Briere)

Often a school measures success not just by reaching the postseason, but how far they get in the tournament.

In that regard, two girls basketball teams are holding their heads very high.

The Steinbrenner Warriors (26-4) and Land O’ Lakes Gators (23-5) both closed out the year on the losing side of a playoff game, but they each went far beyond any other team in school history.

For Steinbrenner, that was the Class 7A regional championship game, where they fell to the Harmony Longhorns, 44-40.

For Land O’ Lakes it was a step farther: The Gators lost in the state semifinals for Class 5A to the Southeast Seminoles, 49-24.

Land O’ Lakes trailed for most of the game in a contest that didn’t turn out to be very close. But Southeast, from Bradenton, lost just one game all year and finished the season with a 27-game win streak and the state title.

Coach Phyllis Crain said her team didn’t play a perfect game, but they played a team they knew would provide a big challenge.

“They’re a very good team,” Crain said about the Seminoles. “Yes, we could have done things differently, but I don’t know if it would have made the result better. Bradenton Southeast is a very good team.”

Land O’ Lakes proved they’re also a good team themselves this season, and Crain attributes the school’s first regional title to a commitment to teamwork and playing well together. The Gators were considered underdogs headed into the postseason — they finished as district runner-up to the Gulf Buccaneers — and had to come from behind in two of their three playoff victories.

But Crain saw their confidence build and is proud of how far their teamwork took them.

“I’m very pleased with the season and I’m very proud of my girls,” she said. “They played well together.”

Steinbrenner also is proud of their accomplishments, but the end of their playoff run is more bittersweet because they were very close to advancing to the state semifinals. The Warriors had a sizeable lead in the second half, but a run by Harmony evaporated that advantage, and they lost by four.

“We had everything you could want for a team that was trying to get to a Final Four: Hosting a regional final, having a nine-point lead going into the fourth quarter and playing a great game for the first 24 minutes,” Coach J.R. Allen said. “Unfortunately, the last eight minutes of the game we weren’t true to who we were the whole season.”

But Allen also admitted that before the season started, he thought Steinbrenner would be hard-pressed to get anywhere close to the regional final. For each of the four years the team has been in existence (led by Allen since the beginning), the Warriors have gotten better. But after last season, the team lost their main offensive weapons and it looked like they might struggle.

Allen challenged the girls to live up to the success of the previous group, even telling them he wasn’t sure they would be as tough as their predecessors. He hoped they would respond in a positive way, and was pleased when he got his answer.

“They bought in. They really bought in and they responded to the challenge well,” he said, noting the team took on a strong defensive identity he plans to carry over into next season. In addition to taking another step forward in the playoffs, Steinbrenner also had their first holiday-season success this year, taking the Indian Rocks Christian tournament back in January.

Both coaches are pleased with their respective campaigns, and can look back on the year with pride. Plus, they understand that the last game has to be put in context of the entire season, since almost all good teams end the year on a sour note.

“The only person who’s not going to hurt at the end of the season is going to be the champion,” Crain said.

Published March 5, 2014

Founders’ Day honors pure water city with rich history

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The annual Founders’ Day celebration is March 8. There will be a parade, a 5-kilometer race and a one-mile fun run. And for some folks, that’s all they need to know.

Parades have been a part of the annual Founders’ Day celebration in Zephyrhills practically from the beginning. It’s a chance to bring the whole community together, celebrating a vision from more than a century ago to provide a relaxing community in Central Florida. (File Photo)
Parades have been a part of the annual Founders’ Day celebration in Zephyrhills practically from the beginning. It’s a chance to bring the whole community together, celebrating a vision from more than a century ago to provide a relaxing community in Central Florida. (File Photo)

And that’s a shame, because Founders’ Day is about more than floats and a race. It’s about history (this is the 104th incarnation of this event, so that should tell you something). It’s about Zephyrhills — not Tampa, not Dade City, and not other areas close to Zephyrhills, although the weekend events will attract people from all over.

Whether you were born here (and a lot of you were) or you moved here (that number is growing all the time, too), you have a stake in this area. Even if you’re one of our seasonal residents, you make this your home. And that means you should dig into its history, because there’s a lot of interesting things to be found.

Before you pack up the family and head out to Founders’ Day and its related events, here are a few things you should know:

• Zephyrhills used to be called Abbott. But that was more than 100 years ago, so no need to worry about updating your address labels or anything.

• Zephyrhills used to be a colony. The Zephyrhills Colony was envisioned as a location for Civil War veterans (on the Union side) to relocate and get involved in farming and manufacturing. In fact, the first newspaper was the Zephyrhills Colonist.

Now, what’s the difference between a small town and a colony? Not too much, but it’s a neat part of history, isn’t it?

• The name was a little unclear in the beginning. Don’t be too hard on your out-of-town family members if they don’t know whether you live in “Zephyrhills” or “Zephyr Hills.” It confused people right from the beginning.

It was called both of those, and occasionally “Zepherhills,” too.

Newspaper articles sometimes referred to the company that purchased the land as the “Zephyr Hills Colony Co.,” and at other times the “Zephyrhills Colony Co.”

• Zephyrhills has always had a rich military history. In addition to attracting Civil War veterans, special land deals were granted to veterans of the Spanish-American War. How’s that for history?

And during World War II, the airport was used as a training base.

Zephyrhills might not have been front and center during wartime, but the military always has been welcomed and honored here. That’s important.

• Zephyrhills celebrates its history. If you’ve lived in several different places during your life, you’ve probably realized that not every city marks its anniversary. Some don’t acknowledge it at all, some have a leader give a short speech, and others slap a plaque on a landmark and are done with it.

But you live in Zephyrhills, there’s a parade. It’s not Mardi Gras, and it’s not even Gasparilla, but it’s a real parade that gets people excited — and it’s ours.

The 5k race is a tradition, too. Even if you don’t run in it (I get tired just driving 5k in my car), it’s a big deal. People go just to show support and cheer.

And really, that’s Founders’ Day in a nutshell. People going to show support and cheer — for the runners, for the city and for its history. It’s a fun time, but it’s more than just your average let’s-have-a-race morning or parade based on fictional history.

It’s Founders’ Day. So enjoy it.

Published March 5, 2014

Local man offers spiritual help at Sochi Olympics

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The 2014 Olympics in Sochi may have been half a world away, but a chaplain from Lutz was there, offering spiritual support to athletes.

Scott Hamilton autographed a sign that Asif Shaikh held up at the ‘Today Show’ set at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Shaikh’s wife Leaha saw the sign on television. (Courtesy of Asif Shaikh)
Scott Hamilton autographed a sign that Asif Shaikh held up at the ‘Today Show’ set at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Shaikh’s wife Leaha saw the sign on television. (Courtesy of Asif Shaikh)

Asif Shaikh, who pronounces his name “Ah-sif Shake,” traveled more than 30 hours, with stops in Chicago, Dusselfdorf, Germany, and Moscow before flying over the opening ceremonies to land in Sochi.

But it wasn’t his first Olympic experience. He and his wife Leaha tended to the spiritual needs of athletes at the Olympic games in London in 2012 as well.

This time, however, Shaikh traveled alone to Sochi and said his ministry work there involved prayer and Bible studies with hockey players and speed skaters. One of the athletes he prayed with was Jessica Lutz, a hockey player who was born in the United States, but because her father was born in Switzerland, was able to play on the Swiss team.

Lutz — who pronounces her name the same way as the northern Hillsborough County community — already was familiar to Shaikh.

He and his wife met the hockey player during a summer program they worked at in Colorado in 2009. Shaikh’s wife was Lutz’s advisor.

As it turns out, Shaikh was able to watch Lutz’s Swiss team play against the American team in a contest where the Swiss were soundly defeated. But he also saw Switzerland defeat Sweden in the bronze medal game, where Lutz scored the winning goal.

The idea of interacting with world-class athletes is nothing new for Shaikh. Besides providing spiritual guidance in London, he also had daily chapel gatherings for athletes competing to be part of the American team during the 2012 U.S. Olympic track team trials in Eugene, Ore.

Before that, he was a chaplain to the U.S. soccer team at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and served in the same capacity at the track and field International Association of Athletics Federations World Championship in Daegu, South Korea and the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Because of those experiences, Shaikh is familiar with the types of security precautions taken at international events. Despite reports of potential security threats leading up to the games, Shaikh said he felt completely safe while there. He rated the quality of the security as “off the charts.”

“There was no issue. They were ready,” Shaikh said.

The hotels, however, were another matter. Although he stayed in a private home, Shaikh said media reports about some of the hotels not being ready were true.

The trains, on the other hand, were fantastic and they were beautiful, he said.

While he was able to pray with some athletes, Shaikh said the most important part of his trip this year was making connections for future Olympics. He got to know people involved with the U.S. Olympics Committee and with people within the Procter & Gamble Co., who sponsored the P&G Family Home in Sochi.

There the company offered moms, Olympians and their families a home away from home during the Olympics. It served as a place to hang out and be pampered, he said.

The USA House also served as a gathering place for members of the U.S. Olympics Committee, for Team USA, for corporate partners, sponsors, suppliers and licensees.

Shaikh hopes the connections he made during his time in Sochi will lay the groundwork for him to volunteer his spiritual help at the USA House, the P&G house or both during a future Olympics.

“I’m trying to get established. I think the next step would be, ‘How can I help, in the sense of volunteering my time,’” Shaikh said. “They don’t have any spiritual leaders. They don’t recognize that as something that’s important.”

The chaplain said he’s found that athletes often welcome spiritual support. Many of them travel to the competitions by themselves and some of them are facing personal crises, even as they prepare to compete on a world stage.

Besides praying with athletes in Sochi, Shaikh said he was lucky enough to get free tickets from Procter & Gamble for several events. He was able to watch American skaters Meryl Davis and Charlie White win the gold medal in ice dancing. He also watched bobsled, ski jumping, speed skating, curling and the half-pipe.

While there, Shaikh also had his own fleeting taste of fame. On Valentine’s Day, he went down to the set for NBC’s “Today Show” onsite at the Olympics carrying a sign that Lutz had made for him to hold, wishing his wife a happy Valentine’s Day.

“Scott Hamilton signed an autograph on it and it was on TV,” Shaikh said. “Leaha saw it, so it was really neat.”