Local News

Good grief! New Tampa Players prepare Charlie Brown musical

October 2, 2014 By Michael Murillo

One of the good things about performing the “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” musical is that the audience is familiar the characters. Everybody knows the “Peanuts” gang.

Everybody, that is, except the actress who plays Lucy.

Brooke Stinnett, 21, of Lutz, will play the role of Lucy in the classic Charles Schulz stage production, ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.’ This is Brooke’s first lead part with the New Tampa Players, a stage production company based out of CrossPointe Church. (Fred Bellett/Photo) — Brooke Stinnett, 21, of Lutz, will play the role of Lucy in the classic Charles Schulz stage production, ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.’ This is Brooke’s first lead part with the New Tampa Players, a stage production company based out of CrossPointe Church.
(Fred Bellett/Photo)

“I’m very unfamiliar with Peanuts, unfortunately,” said Brooke Stinnett, who plays the unpopular character in the New Tampa Players production, which runs for two weekends beginning Oct. 10 at CrossPointe Church of the Nazarene, 919 Debuel Road in Lutz. “I’ve seen the Christmas movie, and that’s it.”

To be fair, the Lutz resident is just 21, so she was born well after the comic strip’s heyday in the 1960s, when a series of television specials — and the original version of the musical — began to add to its popularity. Stinnett had to do some catching up for the role, learning Lucy’s bossy attitude and crabby behavior, she said.

But she thinks that not knowing Lucy too well allows her to add something fresh to the character, and the musical gives Stinnett an opportunity to show Lucy’s sensitive side.

According to director G. Frank Meekins, Stinnett brought a lot to the table when she joined the cast.

“She’s a very talented actress with an amazing voice,” he said. The two worked together in the New Tampa Players’ production of “The Sound of Music,” and he thought she’d be a great fit for the Charlie Brown musical.

With just seven cast members, chemistry and camaraderie is important, Meekins said. He feels like everyone fits in properly, with the singing and acting talent necessary to cover the challenges of each role.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is both a familiar and different challenge for Meekins. He performed in the play in high school, and has directed it several times. But in those cases, it was the original 1967 version.

This play is based off the 1999 revival version, and Meekins chose that one because it has more exciting songs with a Broadway feel to them, while retaining the character warmth from the original that people have come to expect from a “Peanuts” production.

Stinnett also brings an acting pedigree to the stage. Her mother, Victoria, has performed for New Tampa Players, and her father, Scott, was in a production as well. Younger sisters Reagan and Eva have had roles with the company, too. In fact, when New Tampa Players performed “The Sound of Music,” grandfather Earl Myers joined Brooke, Victoria and Eva in the production.

“It definitely runs in the family,” Stinnett said.

While singing is almost second nature for her, being outgoing doesn’t come naturally at all. Stinnett admits to being a shy person in her everyday life. But acting and singing allows her to take on a character’s traits and become that persona during the performance.

“I’m a different person when I’m on stage, and it’s always been that way,” she said. “There’s something different about being on stage where I can open up more.”

Stinnett attends the University of South Florida, where she doesn’t do theater but instead studies computer science. While she admits that might sound like a better fit for a shy personality, Stinnett also doesn’t stray too far from her theatrical roots. She volunteers at her alma mater, Wharton High School, where she serves as musical director.

Stinnett will have plenty of scenes to show off her portrayal of Lucy to the audience, and it provides some challenges for her. The hardest part about playing the character is her demeanor. She’s simply not that mean or opinionated in real life.

The best thing about playing Lucy? “I guess it would be the same exact thing,” Stinnett said. “I get to be someone completely different than I normally am, and interact with other actors in different ways than I’m used to.”

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” features the “Peanuts” personalities people know in a series of stories, Meekins said, with musical numbers that add depth to the characters in a way the audience will appreciate.

“They can expect an evening of musical comedy,” he said. “I would say it’s a series of comic strips that are sewn together.”

If you go …
WHAT: ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ from the New Tampa Players
WHEN: Oct. 10-11, Oct. 17-18 at 8 p.m., Oct. 12 and Oct. 19 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: CrossPointe Church, 919 Debuel Road, Lutz
COST: $15 for adults, $14 for senior citizens and students
INFO: (813) 386-6687, or NewTampaPlayers.org

Published October 1, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Federal grant allows improved access to care

October 2, 2014 By B.C. Manion

A federal grant will expand opportunities for Pasco County residents to access health care services offered through Premier Community HealthCare Group Inc, which has offices across the county.

Premier was the only Pasco health care group in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area to receive one of the 48 federal grants awarded across Florida.

The health care provider received a $258,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The money will be spent to hire a new pediatrician at Premier’s New Port Richey Family Heath Center in Trinity, and a full-time dental director at its Dade City Dental Center, 37944 Pasco Ave., Suite B, in Dade City.

Premier has more than 2,500 patients in the Central Pasco area, accessing care at its locations in Dade City, Zephyrhills and West Pasco, said Cheryl Pollack, business development director for the health care provider.

Premier is helping to implement the federal Affordable Care Act by providing care and linking individuals to coverage through outreach and enrollment in the health insurance marketplace.

The health care group provides primary care, behavioral health and dental care at locations throughout Pasco County. It offers services for children and adults.

Premier accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Kidcare and various insurance plans. It also serves people who are not insured, Pollack said. Their payment is determined on a sliding scale, based on income.

“We are designed to meet the needs of the population that may not have health care coverage,” Pollack said.

Published October 1, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Partisan politics infest county commission race

October 2, 2014 By Michael Hinman

It’s been four years since a Democrat has served on the Pasco County Commission, but Erika Remsberg hopes to change that with just one election in November.

However, she has a formidable opponent in the form of Republican Mike Moore, who not only has out-fundraised her 19-to-1, but seems to be the shoo-in to replace the retiring Pat Mulieri in District 2.

However, as the commission’s last Democrat, Mike Cox, learned in 2010 — dollars don’t necessarily equate to votes. Despite a nearly 20-to-1 fundraising advantage, he lost his seat to then newcomer Henry Wilson Jr.

Moore doesn’t want history to repeat itself, so it’s probably no surprise he spent a recent campaign speech distancing himself from Remsberg … by calling her the “L” word.

“We have a person running against me now that is a self-proclaimed liberal,” Moore said. “Typically, I don’t talk about my opponents as we had a very positive campaign in the primary, and we’ll continue to do that. But we are running against a liberal, something she has mentioned in the newspapers and in her talks. That is what we’re up against.”

To be fair to Moore, he was speaking in front of the Conservative Club of East Pasco, so such discourse would likely be welcomed in front of the audience. But what exactly Moore meant by “liberal” he didn’t get into.

Instead, Moore asked the political group during a recent meeting in Zephyrhills to help his campaign by going door-to-door and waving campaign signs.

In an email after the speech, Remsberg found the fact that she was even mentioned at all by a presumed frontrunner to be encouraging.

“Maybe I am getting somewhere if the stones are being thrown,” she said. “I am not interested in divisive politics. Not at all. I am interested in people, their rights, their ability to stay in their homes, retain their property, and as much of their money as possible.”

Although as a Democrat, Remsberg doesn’t deny the “liberal” label, she said her campaign is attracting the attention and support of some voters from across the aisle.

“I am finding more Republicans open to my ideas because they are Pasco resident-friendly ideas,” she said. They are “not politically driven ideas, not ideas motivated by outside interests, but ideas focused on helping our current residents.

“Residents in our county are being asked to pay more for the sake of growth, (and) I am concerned about this.”

Remsberg even included what she said was a dictionary definition of “liberal,” which was defined as “open to new behavior or opinions, and willing to discard traditional values.”

“Yes, I agree I am open to new ideas, seek to broaden my scope of knowledge, and acknowledge different interpretations and perspectives,” she added.

Moore later told The Laker/Lutz News that he didn’t want to get caught up in a label war.

“Our campaign has focused on the issues important to our community, including creating new jobs and new opportunities here in Pasco County,” he said, in a statement. “We’ve run a positive campaign, focusing on the issues which impact all of us, and the solutions which unite us. I am optimistic as each day we continue meeting with voters across our community, sharing our positive message, and working together to bring about a brighter future for Pasco County.”

But Remsberg wasn’t necessarily ready to accept that. She said it’s this kind of politics that have created some of the issues that have prevented good ideas from moving forward in the county.

“The commission should be nonpartisan, because the social issues that divide the (parties) are generally not a factor at the county level,” she said. “We need less divisiveness and more consensus building.”

Voters will decide between Moore and Remsberg in the Nov. 4 elections.

Published October 1, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Take steps to protect yourself against West Nile virus

October 2, 2014 By B.C. Manion

A human case of the West Nile virus has been confirmed in Pasco County, and officials are advising residents to take precautions to avoid becoming ill.

It is important for people to “cover and drain” — meaning they should wear clothing or use repellent to avoid mosquito bites and should drain standing water on their property, said Deanna Krautner, public information officer for the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County.

A human case of the West Nile virus has been confirmed in Pasco County, prompting officials to issue an advisory outlining precautions that residents can take to reduce their chances of being bitten by a mosquito that could make them ill. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Health in Pasco County) — A human case of the West Nile virus has been confirmed in Pasco County, prompting officials to issue an advisory outlining precautions that residents can take to reduce their chances of being bitten by a mosquito that could make them ill.
(Courtesy of Florida Department of Health in Pasco County)

West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, but about one-in-five people infected will develop a fever with other symptoms, the CDC said. Less than 1 percent of those infected will develop a serious and sometimes fatal neurological illness.

The cool weather is drawing more people outdoors, Krautner said, and recent rains have left puddles of standing water on many properties. That can spell greater opportunity for mosquito bites and the illnesses that can accompany them.

To help avoid potential illness, the health department recommends a number of precautions.

To reduce exposure to mosquitoes, residents should:

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.

• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.

• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.

• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.

• Maintain swimming pools in good condition, and appropriately chlorinate them. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

• Cover skin with clothing or repellent. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.

• Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing, and use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months.

When it comes to using repellents, members of the Pasco County division of the health department suggests people read label directions carefully, since some repellents are not suitable for children.

Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other approved repellents from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency including Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.

Repellent should be applied to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing.

Published October 1, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Lutz on fast track to finally developing downtown center

October 2, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Hillsborough County wants to bring parts of the Lutz community — especially land along U.S. 41 — into the 21st century with county water and sewer. But some vocal residents in the community are still giving the idea a big no.

Officials want to make the Lutz Downtown Center Zoning District a reality, which would not change the development pattern or density of parcels along U.S. 41, but instead create the infrastructure necessary that might help business grow more on the popular corridor connecting Pasco County with Tampa.

“It’s the opportunity for parts of that area to receive water and sewer service,” said Yeneka Mills, a community planner for the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission. “We know that people there don’t want this to turn into a Dale Mabry (Highway), with traffic, and water and sewer. They think that this is going to be a lot of growth that will make roads congested.”

What it would likely create instead are amenities like restaurants and coffee shops, the kind of businesses that can’t operate off septic tanks without a huge financial investment, said William Payne, who owns some parcels of land in the proposed downtown district.

“The concept of public utilities brings fear to the local residents,” Payne, the owner of the engineering firm WSP Consultants in Lutz, said. “There is a very, very small group of vocal people, and they are very, very united. They oppose any potential development from County Line Road, all the way (south) to Avila. We could have downtown Lutz as a destination, and not just watch people go by us at 55 mph. Right now, those drivers have no reason to stop, and that’s hurting Lutz.”

However, Lutz has worked hard to maintain its small town atmosphere, despite the population explosion surrounding it. Some of the residents there have fought for decades to maintain the small-town character that has defined Lutz for so long, and feel improvements at this level could turn the community into just another retail district.

“There is this misnomer out there that our coalition is against growth, but we’re not against growth at all,” said Mike White, president of the Lutz Citizens Coalition. “We’re just against unplanned and bad growth that negatively impacts the community.”

Another misnomer, White said, is that it’s the lack of water and sewage infrastructure that’s preventing businesses like restaurants from finding their way into the Lutz downtown area along U.S. 41.

“What’s keeping the chain restaurant from coming into Lutz has nothing to do with infrastructure, and has everything to do with the market,” he said.

Mills and other Planning Commission officials met with a small group of residents in September to explore some of the ideas. But even if they do get approved, Payne says he doesn’t expect to see any actual work being done for at least another decade.

Septic tanks can be problematic beyond just wastewater disposal because it limits the number of parking spaces available on a property, Payne said. For example, his land on First Street Southwest that is currently home to a jazzercise center could be a great spot for the kind of business Lutz rarely sees.

“It’s a perfect spot for a coffee shop and drive-thru,” he said. “We’re in a high-income area, and the demographics suggest something like that can do well. But we can’t open something like that without sewer lines.”

The affected areas, according to Mills, include Lutz’s historic downtown area to Newberger Road, Crystal Lake Road to Sunset Lane, and the Crenshaw Lake Road area.

The way county officials talked, these pending upgrades already are a done deal, White said.

“Well, there isn’t much that we can do about it, to be honest with you,” he said. “Right now, the county is very pro-development, and we’ll just have to wait and see what comes down the pipeline.”

In the meantime, work crews are installing a water pipeline along U.S. 41, with businesses along the line able to connect if they are directly on it. Payne said he would connect his parcels to it as soon as the county allows.

“I look at it as positive development,” he said. “And this is what the zoning and planning commission are here for. They restrict what goes in there, so you can still keep a community protected, but welcome the amenities you need and want, too.”

Published October 1, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Fun to spare: Special Olympics hosts county bowling competition

October 2, 2014 By Michael Murillo

If you wanted to do some bowling in Zephyrhills on Sept. 19, you probably had a long wait.

Around 200 Special Olympics bowlers were knocking down pins, laughing and showing off hard-earned ribbons at Pin Chasers, 6816 N. Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Pine View Middle School student Maryanne Meeker knocks down some pins at the Special Olympics bowling event Sept. 19, which was part of its Fall Classic schedule. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo) — Pine View Middle School student Maryanne Meeker knocks down some pins at the Special Olympics bowling event Sept. 19, which was part of its Fall Classic schedule.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Athletes from eight area middle and high schools packed the lanes in two sessions at the event, which was part of Special Olympics’ Fall Classic season. Gymnastics and softball also are part of the season, which begins with county games before moving to area competition and the state games in November.

According to Judy Brunner, county coordinator for Special Olympics Florida, the athletes get excited about bowling day, which combines competition with socialization and fun.

“They look forward to it for weeks and weeks,” Brunner said. “They love being here, they love showing off their abilities. They especially love getting that ribbon to take home.”

The event is good for family members as well, she said. Like little league or other organized sports activities for traditional students, parents come out to Special Olympics events to support their athletes, watch them perform, and see them interact in a social setting.

Holland Meeker was one of those proud parents at the bowling alley. Her daughter, Maryanne, has learning and speech disabilities, and doesn’t usually enjoy social settings. But Special Olympics bowling was different, and she had been looking forward to the event.

“Since (Maryanne) found out she was going to be participating, she was super excited,” Meeker said. “She’s enjoying herself greatly.”

Her attitude was a welcome surprise for her grandmother, Pamela Stewart, who also came out to watch Maryanne bowl.

“It’s great because she’s an introvert. Even if she’s at my house, she just sits there by herself,” she said. “Maryanne couldn’t wait to come.”

Maryanne, an eighth-grader at Pine View Middle School, said she likes her classes and enjoys math in particular. But it can’t compare to her first bowling event with Special Olympics, where she stared down the pins instead of studying.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I get to miss school.”

Fun is what Special Olympics is all about, Brunner said. And in her 34 years with the organization, she’s seeing more people having fun over the years.

When she first started, there was one season with just 250 athletes participating. Now there are different seasons and separate events for east and west Pasco participants.

In all, around 1,200 students and adults participate in Special Olympics in Pasco County.

Having that many participants means plenty of volunteers are needed to keep events running smoothly. At the bowling event, Zephyrhills High School students were on hand to help. Students from Land O’ Lakes High School helped with a similar event in west Pasco.

Special Olympics benefits from having around 100 volunteers for the Fall Classic season, Brunner said, and they make a big difference to the organization.

“We couldn’t do it without the volunteers,” she said. “They’re crucial, and they’re so good with our athletes. They give them a lot of extra attention and a lot of kudos, and make them feel good about themselves.”

Brunner also credited the Pasco County school system with handling transportation and letting them organize events on school days, which increases participation.

The result is full lanes, a lot of smiles, and a desire to continue participating in Special Olympics. Even for athletes like Maryanne, who don’t normally look forward to social events and interacting with new people, it’s something fun to mark on the calendar.

“She’s already looking forward to the next one,” Stewart said.

Published October 1, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Bulldogs pick up pieces after tough South Sumter loss

October 2, 2014 By Michael Murillo

At least they know where they stand.

The Zephyrhills Bulldogs are a very good football team, as evidenced by their first three games — winning by a combined score of 146-44.

Zephyrhills kicker No. 15 Zach Gleaton punts as he gets protection from Bulldog’s Lorine Parker, 32, as he blocks South Sumter’s Carson Wells during game action Sept. 19 at Zephyrhills. South Sumter was up at the half, 28-10. (Fred Bellett/Photo)

But they’re clearly not the class of their district after taking a 45-10 loss at home to defending Class 5A-District 6 champion South Sumter. And according to Head Coach Reggie Roberts, the Bulldogs definitely are not the kind of team that can hurt themselves and expect to beat a school of that caliber.

“We knew that we can’t make mistakes with that team and survive, and we did that,” he said.

The Raiders had a strong start against Zephyrhills, building an early 21-point lead. But the Bulldogs fought back, scoring a touchdown and getting in position to score another. Instead, they settled for a field goal, later gave up the ball on a muffed punt, and allowed another touchdown before halftime.

That took them from a more manageable 21-14 or 21-10 halftime deficit, to instead trailing 28-10 at the break — a big blow in a game marked by poor weather.

“That’s tough to do against a very good football team,” Roberts said. “I think that was a turning point.”

While it’s tough to lose a district game, it’s also disappointing to see some players not bring their best to such an important contest, Roberts said. Yet a few did answer the call and gave their best in difficult conditions. Players like offensive linemen Austin Larkin and Jonah Thomas caught the coach’s eye for their effort the entire game, and senior Jaylen Pickett was singled out for his mental and physical toughness, and efforts to motivate the team.

“I saw him all game trying to get the guys up,” Roberts said of Pickett. “He’s a competitor.”

While bouncing back after a tough loss isn’t easy, Roberts isn’t giving the team any other option. Zephyrhills had some good practices following the loss, and are working to get back to the dominant play they displayed earlier in the year. And with the rest of their district games coming up in consecutive weeks, there’s no room for error — and not much time to right the ship.

“We have to roll from here on out,” Roberts said. “We can’t lose anymore.”

The Bulldogs also can’t dwell on the loss. They have to have a short memory and focus on the opponents in front of them, Roberts said.

And if the team finds their early-season form and gets back to their winning ways, the coach doesn’t rule out a rematch with the Raiders down the road. It will take a consistent, strong effort, fewer mistakes, and a winning streak, but the postseason and another shot at South Sumter is possible.

“That’s the moral of the story here. We have to play hard,” Roberts said. “That’s a good football team. If we continue to win and don’t lose again, we’ll see them again.”

Published October 1, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Businesses create new beginnings at Zephyrhills chamber

October 2, 2014 By Michael Hinman

As she read the long list of businesses and community leaders listed on a plaque in the main lobby of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Vonnie Mikkelsen had to smile.

“Many of these people are still around, and they’re still thriving in the community,” said Mikkelsen, the chamber’s executive director.

The new storefront for the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce on Fifth Avenue, has a mixture of stucco and brick, as well as new front doors and windows provided by K&K Glass. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

The plaque was erected nearly 15 years ago honoring those who helped move the chamber office from its small location on the railroad tracks on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Seventh Street, to its new home at 38550 Fifth Ave., which the chamber bought for $75,000.

“Cliff McDuffie was the director back then, and this was his idea to make it happen,” she said. “He did a capital campaign that involved so many people. And the first individuals who wrote a check were this year’s community service award winners, John and Diana MacDiarmid.”

Mikkelsen wasn’t here for that dedication back in 2000, but she will be on hand Oct. 1 when more than a month of renovation work is unveiled in the chamber’s grand reopening and ribbon cutting. Just like they did in McDuffie’s time, businesses and community leaders came together to make these much-needed changes happen.

Kevin and Kyle Ryman at Ryman Construction oversaw the $50,000 worth of work, with Jodi Wilkeson’s WDA Designs Inc., consulting on how the overall changes would look.

K&K Glass stepped in and replaced the dated front door and window, while Pasco Stucco worked with a jackhammer for days to remove the old stone façade, and replace it with stucco.

“Many of these guys came in and did it at no personal gain,” Mikkelsen said. “That saved us a lot of money, and allowed us to get a lot of this done that we might not have been able to otherwise.”

Instead of a capital campaign, Mikkelsen and the chamber board was able to work out a loan with CenterState Bank, structured in a way that the organization can easily pay it back over time.

“Maybe if we do a second phase, or a building expansion in the future, we might consider doing a campaign,” she said. “Our chamber members already contribute a lot throughout the years, especially through sponsorship. We wanted to find a way to do this without having to pass around the hat.”

When people visit the newly designed office, it might be hard to tell the building is 60 years old. Originally a Bell Telephone building, the chamber office is in the heart of Zephyrhills’ main street — and its history.

The Woman’s Club building is just across the street, its stone façade gracing Fifth Avenue for decades, while the Jeffries House — home of the founder of Zephyrhills — sits next door to it.

The entire stretch of Fifth Avenue, including the businesses along it, are part of a Community Redevelopment Agency district, where future tax revenues collected there will be returned to that district through various economic development improvements.

“For us, the scope is not just membership-based, but this is a community-centric chamber of commerce,” Mikkelsen said. “Not only are we servicing our members and the public at large, but we are working very closely with other groups on formulas that will support our existing businesses, and the kind of businesses we can attract here.”

Making it Happen
Businesses providing help — both paid and in-kind — to the building renovation project at the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce included:

• CenterState Bank, construction loan
• Divine Concrete Coatings, entryway and emblem
• Imperial Painting & Wallpapering Contractors, display cabinet refinishing
• K&K Glass, front glass and doors
• Master Painting and Home Repairs, exterior paint
• Northstar Survey & Mapping, surveys
• Pasco Stucco, stucco siding and brick
• Ryman Construction, project management
• Sherwin-Williams, paint
• Skywatch Signs, sign design and build
• WDA Designs, renderings and design consultation

Published October 1, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Business Digest 10-01-14

October 2, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Grand opening in style
Kalista Sprague, left, along with Lilly Boudin and Kate Boudin of Land O’ Lakes show off some of their face painting creations at the grand opening celebration for ME Hobbies. The store is located at 1904 Oak Grove Blvd., in Lutz. To learn more about the store, visit MEHobbies.com.

The Laker/Lutz News wins national ad award
An advertisement featuring some happy feet and encouraging readers to keep “a step ahead” was honored by a national contest featuring three newspaper industry groups.

The ad, from Family Foot & Ankle Care, won second place in Small Space Ad-Black Ink Only, at the 2014 Advertising and Editorial Awards from the Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association, Community Papers of Florida, and Independent Free Papers of America.

Family Foot & Ankle Care is represented at the paper by Terri Williamson, and the ad was created by Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett.

The annual SAPA-IPF-CPF conference took place in Orlando this year, and the competition itself received more than 1,400 entries, organizers said.

Wesley Chapel chamber hands out awards
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce honored its top businesses and leaders during its annual banquet recently at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

The awards, according to chamber officials, acknowledge the accomplishments of small businesses, large businesses, volunteers, civic organizations, and business leaders, for the contributions they make to the regional economy.

The business awards were reviewed and scored by a panel of peers based on their demonstrated commitment to the advancement of the business community.

Winners included Stanley Giannet of Pasco-Hernando State College as Business Leader of the Year, Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel as Large Business of the Year, the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News as Small Business of the Year, and American Cancer Society as Civic Group of the Year, and Kelly Mothershead of A Focus on Fitness as Volunteer of the Year.

In addition to those awards, Wendy Bechtelheimer was presented the president’s award for her contribution to the organization, while Jeff Novotny of American Consulting Engineers was named the board member of the year.

Grand opening for Flowers by Viktoriya
Flowers by Viktoriya will host a grand opening Oct. 3 at 9 a.m., at its new location, 5132 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 105.

The new store will offer silk flowers, cut flowers, plants, roses, vases and various arrangements.

Commission applauds CVS for tobacco stance
The Pasco County Commission publicly commended drugstore chain CVS Health recently for removing tobacco products from its stores around the country.

In a resolution, the commission cited a January surgeon general’s report that said smoking kills 480,000 people annually, and sickens millions more. It also costs the nation more than $289 billion in health care expenses and economic costs each year.

CVS had announced earlier this year it would remove tobacco products from its stores, but then decided to do it a month earlier than planned. That move, commissioners said, represents the “bold action needed from all segments of our society to accelerate progress against tobacco, and make the next generation tobacco-free.”

CVS operates more than 7,700 stores, including 11 in The Laker/Lutz News readership area east of the Suncoast Parkway.

October meeting for Women-n-Charge
Women-n-Charge will meet Oct. 3 at 11:30 a.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa.

Cost is $15 for members, and $18 for guests. It includes lunch, and speaker Rena Romano, a certified leadership coach.

For information, visit Women-n-Charge.com, or call (813) 600-9848.

Families returning to home market, Realtors say
Single-family homes remain on the rise for the greater Tampa Bay area, while sales of townhouses and condominiums continue to slip.

Just under 3,600 homes sold in the region that includes Pasco County last month, according to Florida Realtors, up nearly 4 percent from a year ago. That’s despite the median sales price staying the same at $160,000.

Condos dropped a little more than 1.5 percent to 1,170 units, while the median price there jumped more than 15 percent to $115,000, compared to 2013.

Statewide, single-family home sales are up 4.2 percent, while the median price rose 3.4 percent.

Short sales in the single-family home market dropped more than 49 percent from last year. Closed sales typically are occurring 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written, according to the group.

Inventory was at a 5.5-month supply in August, while condos were at a 5.7-month supply. The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.12 percent in August, according to Freddie Mac, down from the 4.46 percent average recorded a year ago.

Grand opening for Pulte at Country Walk
Pulte Homes hosted a grand opening recently for its new single-family homes in Country Walk, located off Meadow Pointe Boulevard south of State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

Pulte plans to build 32 three- and four-bedroom houses in the community, ranging in size from 1,827 to 2,443 square feet, according to north Florida regional vice president Sean Strickler. Prices will start at $220,000.

For information on the community, call (866) 230-3599.

HART offers text-based bus updates
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, or HART, has launched a text message service to complement its app, OneBusAway.

The new feature will provide transit customers real-time bus arrival information via text message. This will provide some of the functionality of the OneBusAway app for riders who don’t have smartphones.

Those who wish to use it simply need to text “HART” and their bus stop number to 41411 to get back estimated arrival times. For example, someone wanting arrival information for stop 4804 would text “HART 4804” to 41411.

Political Agenda 10-01-14

October 2, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Littlefield joins forces with Moore
They may have been foes during the primary, but former state Rep. Ken Littlefield has taken sides in the November election, joining the campaign of Republican candidate Mike Moore in his efforts to replace the retiring Pat Mulieri on the Pasco County Commission.

Moore, who faces Democrat Erika Remsberg in the November election, revealed the new team during a recent Conservative Club of East Pasco meeting.

“I am helping Mike in the general election,” Littlefield said, adding with a laugh, “I’m bringing back the (Moore political) signs that I stole.”

Littlefield and Zephyrhills financial analyst Bob Robertson were defeated in the August primary by Moore, who raised more than 10 times the money they did. Littlefield attacked Moore throughout the primary on a variety of topics, including the amount of money he was raising from people in the development community.

Moore has raised $10,500 in the first two weeks of September, bringing his campaign total to nearly $113,500. All but about $1,500 of it came from a group of development companies under common ownership, Lew Friedland of Tarpon Springs. Moore has a little more than $13,000 in cash available, according to campaign finance reports.

Remsberg raised $475 during that same time, bringing her total to just under $6,500. She has about $460 in the bank for her campaign.

Newlon, Bilirakis endorse Burgess
San Antonio mayor Tim Newlon has endorsed Danny Burgess in his run for state House District 38.

“Danny has always demonstrated dedication to our East Pasco communities,” Newlon said, in a release. “I am confident Danny will provide the leadership we need in our state capitol.”

Also endorsing Burgess is U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor.

“Danny is a dynamic and proven leader who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, unrivaled work ethic, and a fervent passion for public service,” Bilirakis said, in a release. “With a strong vision for how to leverage the strengths of our community in order to facilitate continued progress, I am confident Danny is the right candidate for this seat.”

Burgess faces Democrat Beverly Ledbetter in the November election. Both are seeking to replace Will Weatherford, who is stepping down because of term limits.

Federated Republican women meet in October
The Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club will meet Oct. 3 at 11:30 a.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.

The event will include a chance to meet some of the candidates for public office, including Danny Burgess for state House District 38, Chris Gregg for state House District 36, and Mike Moore for Pasco County Commission.

Cost is $15.

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

Ross wants to charter NAI
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross has introduced a bill to grant a federal charter to the National Academy of Inventors.

“I wholeheartedly believe that the key component of global competitiveness and economic development stems from those who are motivated and determined to succeed,” the Lakeland Republican said, in a release. “Determination drives innovation and encourages our society to develop new technologies and establish entrepreneurship.”

NAI is based at the University of South Florida, Ross said, which boasts 3,000 individual inventor members and fellows from more than 200 institutions.

The government does not provide funds to Congressional charters. However, a charter like this allows Congress to merit research.

Ross is up for re-election, facing Democrat Alan Cohn in November.

HART needs board members
The Hillsborough County Commission is seeking applications for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, due Oct. 2.

Those who wish to serve must be registered voters in Hillsborough, live in the unincorporated part of the county, and be willing to serve in a voluntary capacity with no compensation. Those who serve also will be required to provide financial disclosure.

Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the county commissioners on Oct. 15.

Three three-year terms are expiring.

Necessary forms are available at HillsboroughCounty.org, and by clicking “government,” “board and committee,” and then selecting the forms related to HART.

For information, call (813) 272-5826.

Advocacy group offers voters guide
Florida TaxWatch is offering a voter’s guide through its TaxWatch Center for Florida Citizenship, which will inform residents on key issues the group advocates.

The voter’s guide will address proposed state constitutional amendments appearing on the November ballot, as well as provide opinions based on the group’s political position on those issues.

Among the members for the new TaxWatch Center board is Susan MacManus, a Land O’ Lakes native, and professor at the University of South Florida.

The guide can be found at tinyurl.com/TaxWatchGuide.

Ross gets farming award
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross has received the Friend of Farm Bureau award for being what the organization says is receptive to the needs of farmers in the state by sponsoring, co-sponsoring, and voting for legislation that will address high-priority agricultural issues.

“Florida’s citrus farmers supply about 56 percent of the orange juice consumed in the United States,” Ross said, in a release. “We must allow the livelihood of farmers and Florida agriculture to continue to flourish.

Ross voted for the federal Farm Bill in January, which included $125 million to help fight a deadly citrus greening disease. He also asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take action to help keep diseased Florida citrus groves productive by providing short-term research initiatives.

Ross, who is facing Democrat Alan Cohn in November, was nominated by the Florida Farm Bureau, and was approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation’s board of directors.