Local News

Forever the Keppel Way at Land O’ Lakes High

October 23, 2014 By Michael Hinman

The crowd was there to watch the football teams from Land O’ Lakes and Sunlake high schools take the field. But for several minutes before kickoff, they were all chanting something much different: “We love Keppel!”

Kris Keppel, who spent more than two decades as the coach of the Land O’ Lakes cross-country team, and even longer as a teacher, was given that ovation during last Friday’s game. Keppel, never one who likes to draw attention to himself, knew something was up when he was invited to the game. But he still showed up, because he knew his courage facing pancreatic cancer would continue to inspire the students and athletes at the school.

Kris Keppel along with daughters Meredith and Morgan, and wife Dar, proudly show the new sign students and visitors will see leading the way to the athletic fields of Land O’ Lakes High School. Principal Ric Mellin says this will remind everyone to take the ‘Keppel way.’ (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

“It’s pretty easy to inspire,” Keppel told the crowd. “Inspiration is a two-way street. You all can inspire each other on a daily basis.”

School officials and his team wanted to honor Keppel for being a finalist in the Brooks Inspiring Coach of the Year contest. Although Keppel received the most votes in the nationwide competition, he was able to applaud as Renee Williams-Smith of Manhattan Beach, California, received this year’s award during a ceremony last summer in Seattle.

The initial idea was to give Keppel a large trophy, girls’ cross-country coach and close friend Karen DeHaas said. But then an idea surfaced that would allow Keppel’s work to be honored year after year, naming a new school inspirational award after him and a fellow teacher, the late Marilyn Ling, who also battled cancer.

“We have always had inspirational people that helped our students and helped our faculty,” school assistant principal Rich Batchelor said. “We would like to start a new award, the Ling Inspiring Individual Award. But we decided to rename it for the first recipient of the award. So it will now be known as the Ling Keppel Inspiring Individual Award.”

But the school wasn’t done. A small crowd walked to a spot just outside the Land O’ Lakes football stadium so a new street sign could be unveiled — renaming that stretch of Gator Lane to Keppel Way.

“What better way to have students in the future know how much he inspired us to do things the Keppel way than to actually rename the roadway that leads into the athletic facility here,” school principal Ric Mellin said. “From this point forward, every time our athletes come down the road from the parking lot into the stadiums in the back here, they are going to be doing it the Keppel Way.”

Keppel was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer more than a year ago. Despite his grueling treatment for the disease, Keppel continued to attend as many practices and meets as he could. That continued until this past school year when he was forced to retire to focus more on fighting the cancer. It meant stepping down from his longtime role as cross-country coach, too.

“He’s retired, yet he comes to all the practices, except when he has chemo on Mondays,” DeHaas said. “He’s not able to bike with the runners anymore, but having him out there has really motivated all of our runners, and they want to win for him.”

Those trips to practices and meets have become their own inspiration to Keppel.

“We’re a team, we are a partnership,” Keppel said. “They keep plugging away, and I keep plugging away.”

A recent change in his chemotherapy treatment has allowed Keppel to grow back his hair, his eyebrows, and even his trademark moustache. He has lost weight, but being able to recognize his reflection in the mirror has helped him continue to fight the cancer.

“I have good days and bad days, but today was a good day,” Keppel said, looking toward his wife Dar, standing nearby. “The last few days were good, but the beginning of the week wasn’t so hot. It is what it is, and you just take it one day at a time.”

And that couldn’t be any other way, because it is indeed the Keppel way.

Published October 22, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Set for success: PHSC volleyball qualifies for tournament

October 23, 2014 By Michael Murillo

Sometimes it’s good to know your schedule in advance.

The Pasco-Hernando State College women’s volleyball team still has around seven games left on their schedule, but they already know where they’ll be next month: Competing in their regional tournament at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, North Carolina.

With a team full of talented freshman athletes like Amanda Turley, Pasco-Hernando State College had to find their chemistry. With a 29-4 record so far, they’ve found a regional tournament berth as well. (Courtesy of Len Umhoefer)

The Lady Quistas have already qualified for District P, which covers three collegiate regions.

PHSC punched their tournament ticket with a current mark of 29-4. Because they aren’t in close proximity with other schools in their region, the team must be .500 or better during the regular season in order to earn a bid into the tournament.

They technically qualified back with their 20th win, but have compiled even more victories with both a potent offense and stifling defense to improve on their strong record.

Coach Kim Whitney is glad to have gotten tournament qualification out of the way with plenty of games to spare.

“We have that expectation for that goal, but once you get into the season, you’re not really sure how you’re going to match up with your opponents,” she said. “It was a big deal for us to get to that point.”

Part of that uncertainty was the makeup of this year’s team. Of the 15 players, 10 are freshmen. And while they were recruited for their ability, the coach said, one never knows how they’ll actually perform under pressure.

Now it’s clear this year’s squad will fit in nicely with other teams during Whitney’s 11-year tenure at PHSC. The school tends to expect this kind of success each year, and Whitney has the track record to justify those expectations.

In her previous 10 seasons as volleyball coach, PHSC qualified for their regional tournament every year. They’ve reached the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament four times, and took home their division’s national championship in 2010.

Earlier in the season, continuing that regional tournament streak was no sure thing. PHSC started their season just 5-3, and were still trying to determine their most effective lineup and how best to match up with their opponents.

But those early losses motivated the team, and now the coach thinks the early-season struggles were character building and a positive experience for her athletes. She was particularly happy to see them bounce back from a poor game against the College of Central Florida with an excellent one against Hillsborough Community College.

“We didn’t really play well in that match, and the following night they played phenomenal,” Whitney said. “I think it did make us better and stronger.”

And 15 consecutive wins later, the Lady Quistas were playing more to their potential and sewing up a tournament berth.

Freshman Amanda Turley is one of the impact players helping her team reach that potential. Recruited from Franklin High School in Tennessee, Turley accepted a scholarship to play volleyball for PHSC, partially because of its coach.

“She was one of the main reasons why I decided to come here,” Turley said of Whitney. “She’s so smart and knowledgeable about the game, and what we need to do.”

Part of the coach’s plan was to get her young team prepared early in the year and acquire important game experience ahead of their opponents. Whitney purposely scheduled many games at the beginning of the season so they’d have an opportunity to gel as a team and get several college-level matches under their belts while their opponents were still easing into the season.

The team also faced Santa Fe College for that school’s first-ever home volleyball game. Whitney’s team had to perform in a hostile environment with a crowd of around 500 cheering against them. The coach hopes those intangibles will help the Lady Quistas if and when they face adversity on the court later in the year.

In the meantime, as the PHSC volleyball team keeps achieving their goals, Whitney keeps creating new ones for them. They reached their first goal, a .500 season, relatively early. Then they were challenged to reach 27 wins.

With that accomplished, the coach has a new one: Fewest losses in her tenure as coach. All her previous teams finished the regular season with at least seven losses, she said. The current team has the opportunity to beat that mark and go into their tournament, which begins Nov. 7, with a great deal of momentum.

And at that point, she’ll probably have a new set of goals to keep her team focused.

“When you don’t have something you’re driving for and you’re trying to reach, you lose that vision,” Whitney said.

Whatever that next goal is, Whitney has a history of success that says she can help them reach it, and a team full of eager players who are listening and ready to do what it takes to accomplish it.

“She’s really balanced,” Turley said of her coach. “She never gets too angry, but is never too calm. She still always has something to tell you, even if we’re up by a lot.

“I can trust everything that she says.”

Published October 22, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

No tricks, but plenty of free community treats for Halloween

October 23, 2014 By Michael Murillo

Many families will go door-to-door in local neighborhoods searching for candy this Halloween. But if you’d rather do something different — or don’t want to limit the fun to Oct. 31 — there are several public events to enjoy.

Mr. Tommy, right, is a regular at The Shops at Wiregrass annual Halloween event, which will be on Oct. 29 this year. He’ll perform at 10 a.m., and serve as emcee for the costume contest at 11 a.m. (Courtesy of The Shops at Wiregrass)

Several activities — most of them free — occur the weekend before Halloween, while others are scheduled for the week of the holiday, and the rest on Oct. 31.

For families
Halloween Howl in Zephyrhills is an annual free event Oct. 25 along Fifth Avenue from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There will be a costume parade, a hayride — which costs $2 — and free books for children. There’s also a haunted house at 38533 Fifth Ave., the historic Jeffries House.

The costume parade starts at 6 p.m., near the 7-Eleven on Fifth.

If daytime activities are better for your schedule, Hillbilly Farms at 10325 U.S. 98 in Dade City, will host its annual Harvest Festival Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hayrides, horseback rides, face painting, pumpkin painting and train rides on the Woodland Express all are on the agenda.

Food and other vendors also will be available.

If you’re looking for something on a weekday morning, The Shops At Wiregrass at 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel will have a Halloween event Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon in its parking structure.

Around 400 children are expected to attend, with gift bags ready for each of them.

Debbie Detweiler, The Shops’ marketing director, said the shopping location enjoys putting something special on each year that attracts so many people.

“It’s just a great opportunity for us to be able to give back to the community and provide free entertainment for families,” she said.

That free entertainment includes cookie decorating, balloon art, face painting, crafts and a photo booth. There will also be a costume contest for children 11 and younger benefiting the American Cancer Society, with the winner receiving a family four-pack to Legoland.

The cost is $15 until the day of the contest, and $20 on the day of the event.

Registrations must be completed by Oct. 29 at 10:30 a.m. To register in advance, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

For pets
Your four-legged friends can participate in the Halloween fun with Spooky Tails on Oct. 25, an annual event at Parwick Kennels, 22129 Carson Road in Land O’ Lakes.

Starting at noon, children can enjoy pony rides and face painting, with a police dog demonstration at 1:30 p.m.

But it’s the pets that go all out for the event, with a costume contest that begins at 2:30 p.m. Each entry gets a free pumpkin and the winner receives $200.

Local business booths, raffles and live music round out the information and entertainment.

While it’s a fun Halloween-themed event, it’s also a fundraiser to help pay the bills for police dogs when they retire from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. It also helps pay for equipment and other supplies for the K-9 Unit.

In the past, Spooky Tails has helped pay for a bite suit, which is used in K-9 training drills.

For more information about the event, call (813) 949-1687, or visit ParwickKennels.com.

Halloween alternatives
If your family doesn’t celebrate Halloween, or you’d prefer to participate in a faith-based setting, there’s fall fun on your schedule, too. Several churches are hosting events on or around Halloween.

On Oct. 31, Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will hold a Trunk-A-Treat celebration from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free, and includes games, face painting, balloons and candy.

That same evening, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will host its Trunk or Treat event from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children will go from car to car — with their trunks and tailgates open — in the church’s parking lot to collect candy and other treats in this family-friendly environment.

Also on Oct. 31, Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild in Lutz, will have its Light the Night event from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No costumes are allowed, but there will be games, a hayride and inflatables.

The cost is $3 per person or $15 per family, with children under 2 admitted free.

Published October 22, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Stadium projects reveal sense of connection to Pasco High

October 23, 2014 By B.C. Manion

It’s a familiar scene in movies and in television shows about high school football teams in small towns.

The stands are filled with the locals.

Pasco High School principal Kari Kadlub, center, joins, from left, Mark Fox, Bobby Correia, Tom Lameau and Wilton Simpson, inside the window of the new concession stand at Pasco High School’s football stadium. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

A lot of the spectators there don’t have a player on the team from their family — but it’s their team anyway because they attended the high school or live in the community.

“You know the movies, when you see Texas football? It’s like that,” said Pasco High School principal Kari Kadlub. “The community support is amazing.”

The stadium is the place to be when Pasco High has a football game, Pasco County Schools planning director Chris Williams said.

“I didn’t realize it until I moved to Dade City, but the Friday night game, everybody goes there,” he said. “It’s a community event. It’s not one of these things where only the parents go.”

“It’s a culture,” agreed state Sen. Wilton Simpson, who graduated from Pasco High in 1984. His mother also is a graduate of the school, as are his wife and daughter. His son will graduate from there next year.

“All of the Simpsons have come through here,” he said.

Some spectators have been regulars at the games for decades, Kadlub said. One group of sisters has been Pasco High fans for about a half-century.

“They literally sit on the track with their lawn chairs,” she said.

Part of the attraction is the team itself, said Simpson, who recently spearheaded a community effort to help build a concession stand and add new restrooms at the stadium.

“We’ve got good coaching and a good program,” he said.

Many Pasco High graduates still feel a deep connection with the school, said John Petrashek, director of construction services for Pasco County Schools.

“It’s a real identification and association,” he said. “That’s where they went to school. That’s where they graduated. That’s their school.”

“There’s a lot of pride here,” Simpson agreed. “If you come out here (to the concession stand) and look at the boosters cooking, most of them graduated from this school. Some of them (graduated) in the ’70s, and some in the ’80s.”

The community and Pasco County Schools came together to make the improvements happen. The concession stand — built to last for at least 30 years — replaces a shed. The stand’s professional restaurant-style equipment replaces a portable grill.

“I helped raise the funds for the project and was general contractor,” said Simpson, who also is head of Simpson Environmental Services, which specializes in asbestos removal, mold remediation, duct cleaning, lead-paint abatement, general contracting and demolition work.

On top of that, he owns and operates Simpson Farms, an egg-laying facility based in Trilby that is home to more than 1 million chickens — supplying eggs to supermarkets throughout Florida.

Tom Lameau, an electrician for Pasco County Schools, did the electrical work on the project. Bobby Correia, also on the district’s staff, did the plumbing. A number of other district employees handled other chores during construction.

The new concession stand and new bathrooms were desperately needed, Simpson said. Construction began a couple of days after the last school year ended, and work was completed a couple of days before the school’s first football game.

One portion of the project remains to be done. It involves renovating the restrooms underneath the stadium, Simpson said. That work will start after football season ends.

“If you go back to the ’80s, the restrooms under the stadium are the same ones as when I was here,” he said.

Besides benefiting the football crowd, the concession stand provides an avenue to generate revenue for booster programs and local civic groups, Simpson said.

“The Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club may use this facility for fundraisers during the year,” he noted.

The project cost about $275,000, with the school district covering about $75,000, and community contributors chipping in the rest.

Simpson was humble about his contributions to the effort.

“There were a lot of very generous people,” he said. “We were just the backstop.”

The school celebrated the new facilities at a dedication ceremony at the Oct. 10 game.

Kadlub marvels at the transformation.

“You see, over there, that shed?” the principal said, pointing at a small shed across the field. “We called it Ted’s Shed.”

There’s no comparison between the old facilities and what’s there now.

Not only is the concession stand larger and better looking, Kadlub said, the equipment is safer and allows food to be cooked more quickly.

“At halftime, there used to be a really, really long line,” she said. Now, patrons can get their food faster.

There’s a lot to be said for creature comforts.

“I was on the fair board for a long time,” Simpson said. “As we upgraded our facilities — cooking facilities and restroom facilities — it was easier to keep a crowd longer.”

Published October 22, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Saint Leo’s veterans department serves those who have served

October 23, 2014 By Michael Murillo

When military veterans were asked what type of information they wanted from a school or university, the top answer wasn’t information about graduation rates or estimates regarding student loan debt. It wasn’t even information about what credits earned in the military would be accepted by the institution.

Those were important, of course. But according to a U.S. Government Accountability Office survey, 62 percent wanted information about veterans support services more than any other option.

The Oct. 4 Mud Run raised money for Saint Leo University’s Veteran Student Services. The department provides support and resources to help military personnel adjust to student life. (Fred Bellet/Photo)

That answer isn’t surprising to retired Gunnery Sgt. Tedd “Gunny” Weiser, interim director for Saint Leo University’s Veteran Student Services. As a student who also served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years, it makes perfect sense to him.

“That basically tells me that when these veterans come off of active duty, there’s a trust, a comfort level, in being able to speak with somebody who can not only talk the talk, but walk the walk,” Weiser said.

Having a department dedicated to their needs helps veterans transition from the structure of military life to the more self-directed schedule of a student.

That assistance can take many forms, Weiser said. The university can answer questions, help find scholarship opportunities, or simply provide a sounding board for their frustrations.

Just having a place to go can help Saint Leo’s veteran students adjust easier.

And there are plenty of students at the university who can use those services. At Saint Leo, 38 percent of the student body is active duty military or veterans, totaling around 3,500 students.

The vast majority of those students are not learning in Pasco County. For more than four decades, Saint Leo has taught on military bases and installations. They currently have 40 education centers around the country, including a dozen different military bases in the United States.

While the university’s relationship with the military stretches back for decades, the Veteran Student Services department is fairly new. Established in 2012, it’s the result of identifying ways to better assist its large veteran population, Weiser said, and was initiated by university president Arthur Kirk.

“He saw the need to establish a better relationship and better support for our veteran and active duty students,” he said.

That support includes a lot more than answering basic questions or maintaining a campus presence. The university has developed a free online course specifically for veterans and their families on how to make the transition from military to civilian life. It includes information on areas such as job interviewing and resume writing, networking, as well as identifying benefits and opportunities for spouses and other dependents.

The department also has its own financial resource for veterans where they can receive temporary assistance to help with financial obstacles to pursuing their educational goals. The Military Education Excellence fund provides gifts up to $500 to help pay for groceries, utilities or whatever expenses might occur.

This year, the fund has dispersed 32 gifts ranging from $160 to $500. They have another $26,000 in reserve to handle future requests.

The fund is donation-based, and Weiser said the department is trying a variety of methods to keep its coffers filled. One was the recent Mud Endeavor on Oct. 4 in Brooksville. The event, which features runners tackling a muddy obstacle course, is a tool different organizations can use to raise funds.

While Weiser isn’t sure how many people signed up to assist the department and how much money was raised quite yet, he believes it was only a modest total. Due to logistics, they only partnered with the event a few weeks before it occurred, so there was a lack of promotion and advertising.

Next year they plan to participate again, utilizing a longer lead-time to get the word out.

The feedback regarding the Veteran Student Services department has been excellent, Weiser said, both on campus and on the various bases where the university has a presence. He’s personally visited 21 of the 40 educational centers, and believes it’s important for students far from Saint Leo’s campus to see an actual person and feel like the department is in their corner and attending to their needs.

And they’re able to accomplish that by utilizing the strong bonds they all share, as well as their familiarity with the unique challenges and sacrifices active military and veteran students experience.

“I always preface this by saying I mean no disrespect to anybody with a clinical license or degree,” Weiser said. “But there’s a bond between veterans that no other modality or no other relationship can touch, particularly between combat veterans.”

Published October 22, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Burgess: There’s no place like home … rule

October 23, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Danny Burgess was nervous as he straightened his tie and tried to review in his head everything he was going to say.

It was his first debate in his race for a seat on the Zephyrhills City Council, and he had an uphill battle to convince older voters that electing an 18-year-old to represent them was the right way to go.

He was the youngest member of the Zephyrhills City Council in history at 18, and the youngest mayor at 27. Now, Danny Burgess is looking to take his precocious spirit to Tallahassee to represent state House District 38. (Courtesy of Danny Burgess)

“I realized that you just got to be an open book,” Burgess said. “I remember looking at my mom and telling her that I am just going to get up there and tell the truth. And as long as I’m telling the truth, nothing else matters.”

Telling the truth worked, as did Burgess’ highly precocious approach to life of being mature far beyond his years. He won that council seat, went to law school, threw in a quick year as mayor, and now a decade later he has a new prize in sight: state House District 38.

The current representative, Will Weatherford, would have to step down because of term limits, and Republicans needed a refreshing — and young — candidate to help energize its voting base in the district. Burgess, who had just stepped in to help calm a scandal in the mayor’s office in Zephyrhills, was the most logical choice for them.

But Burgess himself wasn’t quite yet convinced.

“I wanted to be in public service in some way shape or form when I was 18, and being on the council allowed me to provide a voice in the community because I knew I had something to offer,” he said. “I had to really think about (the District 38 race) because this is one of those decisions that should not be easily made. It’s something that can really take you away from your family, and I had a new wife, and I had a baby on the way.”

But Burgess made that decision, and on Dec. 3, he filed his paperwork to succeed Weatherford in Tallahassee.

The race has not been without its own excitement, however. Burgess geared up early for a primary run against Minnie Diaz, a strong up-and-comer herself who had become very active in both the community and politics. And the winner of that race would have to face longtime Pasco County teacher and education advocate Beverly Ledbetter on the Democratic side of the ticket.

But on qualifying day, Diaz was missing some paperwork, ultimately disqualifying her from the race. That allowed Burgess to focus instead on Ledbetter, who he has out-spent 6-to-1.

Remembering his political roots in Zephyrhills city government, Burgess is a champion of giving local governments as much power as possible. He has spoken out against unfunded mandates issued by Tallahassee, forcing smaller governments with much smaller budgets to scramble to stay in compliance with ever-changing laws.

“You really have to be careful,” he said. “Otherwise, a lot of the decisions you make on the state level can really tie the hands of our local government, which is our most precious form of government. It’s as democratic and as accountable as it’s ever going to get.”

Local governments know what they need and want, Burgess said, and far too often, lawmakers from hundreds of miles away think they know better.

Burgess also wants to make sure the fast development in Pasco County — the area he primarily represents — is done right, especially in places like Wesley Chapel.

“It’s one of the fastest-growing areas, and a lot of opportunities are starting to pop up,” Burgess said. “We have to continue to push these efforts and promote this area, and we have to support the local efforts and our local delegation to continue their work, like the State Road 56 expansion.”

He also is focusing on developing a better work force in the area, to help attract new businesses and keep high-paying jobs local. That includes his continued exploration of vocational opportunities that he started to do as Zephyrhills mayor, and making sure schools have the resources they need to make it happen.

“We have to remember that not everybody who goes to school is college-bound, and we need to have options for them,” Burgess said. “They need to work, too, and we need to make sure we’re providing those opportunities for them to succeed.”

Burgess, an attorney with Johnson Auvil Pratico & Chane P.A. in Dade City, hopes he has all the pieces in place to win Weatherford’s seat. But no matter what happens on Nov. 4, this is an experience he says he’ll never forget.

“This has been far more wonderful than I ever imagined it would be,” Burgess said. “It’s been fun along the way. And win, lose or draw, I’m very glad I did this.”

DANNY BURGESS
Republican for House District 38

Occupation
Associate attorney, Johnson Auvil Pratico & Chane P.A.

Elected Office
Zephyrhills City Council, 2005-08

Zephyrhills mayor, 2013-14

Family
Courtney Burgess, wife
Adeline, daughter

Residence
Lifelong of Pasco County, most recently in San Antonio

Fundraising, through Oct. 10
$124,790

The other side
The Laker/Lutz News profiled Danny Burgess’ Democratic opponent, Beverly Ledbetter, in the July 31 editions of our paper. To read more about her, visit our website at LakerLutzNews.com, or go directly to tinyurl.com/BeverlyLedbetter.

Published October 22, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Ornaments reveal history, raise money

October 23, 2014 By B.C. Manion

When the Dade City Garden Club began selling an annual holiday ornament to raise money for the club, the decoration was simple: a two-dimensional square.

That didn’t matter.

The ornament’s theme — the Historic Pasco County Courthouse — touched a chord among area residents and quickly sold out, recalled Pat Carver, who was involved in getting the ornament sales off the ground.

The Dade City Garden Club sells a holiday ornament each year to honor a local place or organization. Proceeds help pay to maintain the garden club’s facilities and support its community projects. (Courtesy of Dade City Garden Club)

When people bought the ornament, they would say things like, “This was the room where I got married,” or, “this was where my mother was a secretary,” Carver recalled.

The garden club didn’t originate the fundraising idea, but it recognized its potential, Carver said. Jackie Preedom, a fellow garden club member, heard about it when she attended a convention. Since then, the ornaments have been popular with the community.

“There are people who anxiously look forward to what the next ornament is going to be,” Carver said.

That’s because Dade City is a place where people still feel a connection with each other, and with the town’s landmarks and institutions.

“We love our community,” Carver said.

Apparently, the idea of selling an annual ornament to raise money for the club has had staying power – the tradition has been going on for two decades now.

Proceeds help pay expenses to maintain the garden club’s building, grounds and botanical garden to support club projects, according to club member Sally Redden. Those projects include floral, horticultural and environmental programs, flower shows, garden tours, and civic beautification projects.

The entire garden club votes on what the ornament should feature. Each is accompanied by a card stamped with a picture of the ornament on the front and contains a brief historic account on the back.

This year the garden chose to pay homage to the Pasco County Fair. Like the garden club, the fair has deep roots in the county. Both got their start in 1947.

Fairs in Dade City date back to 1915, but there hadn’t been any for a long time. The Pasco County Fair evolved from the Pasco’s participation in the Florida State Fair, according to the ornament’s fact sheet, and was designed to showcase county resources.

Rancher D. E. Cannon led the efforts, with the help of Jimmy Higgins, George Nikolai, Bob Williams and Joe Collura. They found a 40-acre tract along State Road 52 and raised $3,500 to purchase the site.

The Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce were instrumental in helping raise the money from local businesses and the community.

The first documented Pasco County Fair began on Jan. 20, 1948.

Ornaments are available for purchase through garden club members and at the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St., in Dade City.

The ornaments are $22 each, and checks should be made payable to the Dade City Garden Club.

Here are some of the ornaments the Dade City Garden Club has sold over the years:
1994: Pasco County Courthouse
1995: Dade City Grammar School (Cox Elementary)
1996: Dade City Garden Center
1997: First Presbyterian Church of Dade City
1998: Historic Pasco County Courthouse
1999: Dade City Woman’s Club
2000: Pioneer Florida Museum
2001: Edwinola
2002: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
2003: St. Leo Abbey Church
2004: First United Methodist Church of Dade City
2005: National Guard Armory
2006: Atlantic Coastline Railroad Depot
2007: First Baptist Church of Dade City
2008: Williams/Lunch on Limoges
2009: Pasco High School
2010: Lacoochee School House at the Pioneer Museum
2011: Pasco Packing Plant
2012: Pasco County World War II Memorial
2013: 1913 Pasco High School
2014: Pasco County Fair

Published October 22, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Dreamhouse Theatre seeks to entertain, inspire

October 23, 2014 By B.C. Manion

The stage is empty.

But then, they start arriving: The woman who does information technology finance during the day, the guys who do pest control and lawn work.

Then, there’s the nanny, the grocery clerks, the college students and the teachers.

Grace Spenceley, left, Sylvia Roper, Jose Sotero (sitting), Janelle Ankrom and Phyllis Frey (on a platform) run through a number as they prepare to perform in Dreamhouse Theatre’s first full-fledged play, ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

When they hit their marks, they shed those roles of daily life and become Seymour, Audrey, Orin Scrivello D.D.S., and other characters in “Little Shop of Horrors.”

As they immerse themselves, the actors hope they can transport the audience right along with them into the world they’ve created. At least that’s what cast members said during breaks at a recent rehearsal at Bridgeway Church on Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

They’ve been rehearsing for weeks.

They’ll present the comedy rock horror musical at 8 p.m., on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

The musical represents the first full-fledged production of Dreamhouse Theatre, a theater company based in Wesley Chapel that got its start about a year ago. The company’s first production was a musical review, but this one is much more ambitious.

Bryan D’Onofrio, the company’s artistic director, has a lot riding on it. As does his wife, Darci, the play’s executive director.

“Something we’ve always wanted to do was to have our own theater,” Bryan D’Onofrio said. “That’s been a dream of ours.”

The couple has talked about it for about two decades.

“Our pastor gave us a book called ‘The Dream Giver,’” he said. “It was about following your dreams and doing what you’re meant to do, what you’re born to do.”

So, the D’Onofrios decided: “Let’s give this a shot.”

They joined forces with Chris and Melissa VanSchaik, also of Wesley Chapel, to bring the vision of Dreamhouse Theatre to life.

They don’t have a permanent home yet, but they have lofty goals. They want to open a storefront initially and eventually build their own arts center, where they can put on about a half-dozen productions a year, and offer arts classes and summer drama camps. They’ve even talked over the possibility of a couple locations with J.D. Porter near Wiregrass Ranch, Melissa VanSchaik said.

“We just think there’s such a need for it in this area,” she said. “There’s no entertainment quite like live theater. There’s nothing like this in our area that’s consistently family friendly — passes that love for the arts onto the kids.”

Ticket prices at places like the Straz Center in Tampa are astronomical, she said.

“It’s very hard to take a family of five to a show where tickets are $100 apiece.” VanSchaik added.

The goal is to provide quality entertainment at an affordable price, said Chris VanSchaik, who got involved when Bryan D’Onofrio was drama pastor at Victorious Life Church. The VanSchaiks helped in the dramatic productions there, with Chris building sets and Melissa doing makeup.

“It was really a great avenue as a makeup artist to get to explore the world of special effects,” said Melissa, a makeup artist, a stylist and a part owner of Eclipse Salon and Spa in Lutz. “Having that creative outlet really fulfilled something within me that would have been dead otherwise.”

Besides being co-owners of Dreamhouse Theatre, the VanSchaiks are helping with makeup and stage construction, too.

Many of the actors have known the D’Onofrios for years. For some, acting has been part of their lives for years.

That’s true for Timothy Mendoza, 20, who is playing the role of Seymour Krelborn. Mendoza is so serious about acting he aspires to make it his life’s work.

Gabrielle Dion, 18, has been cast in the role of Audrey. She has never played a lead role, and said she’s excited and feels ready.

While some are seasoned performers, Phyllis Frey, 48, is making her theatrical debut. The Wesley Chapel resident is an experienced choral singer, but has never attempted acting.

“I find it very challenging,” Frey said, noting that it not only involves singing, but acting and moving, as well.

Jorge Diaz, who teaches acting classes and works as a pest control operator, is playing the role of Orin Scrivello D.D.S. The New Tampa 22-year-old believes he was born to act.

“Being on stage, it’s like I’m home,” he said. “When I’m on that stage, it’s like I’m in a different world.”

Janelle Ankrom, 18, enjoys being able to try on life through a new perspective.

“I get to be someone else,” the Land O’ Lakes resident said. “I get to experience what they would be feeling and something that I would probably not do in my real life.”

For Grace Spenceley, 18, acting almost is like an out-of-body experience. When she’s acting, the Land O’ Lakes resident is so attuned to her character that she almost forgets she’s there.

Lori Littlefield, who is handling many backstage duties, was involved in her first theatrical production when she was 3.

“I just love the theater,” said the Wesley Chapel woman who now works at Tampa Palms Elementary School. Littlefield will do anything — even sweep the floors — if it gets her into the theater.

Sylvia Roper, 48, who works with preschoolers all day long, has known the D’Onofrios for years.

“I’m enjoying performing,” she said.

Her acting skills come in handy at her day job, too. “I’m a lot of different characters all day long.”

Jose Sotero, 48, likes the feeling that comes when the actors are performing well. “It’s really awesome when you can fit in that part, when you see the audience get connected,” the Wesley Chapel pest control operator said.

Josiah Lindsay, who is playing eight different roles in the upcoming play, enjoys having an opportunity to learn. The Wesley Chapel 19-year-old told friends he’s “playing every non-main character in the show.”

“I’m literally every extra who has a line,” he said.

The D’Onofrios know they took a big risk when they decided to pursue their dream, but it’s a dream they believe in.

“We absolutely love the arts,” Darci said. “We want to bring them here. We know that’s a need.”

“We really believe in the power of the arts — in music and dance and theater,” Bryan added.

No matter the outcome of chasing his dream, Bryan D’Onofrio said there’s one thing he won’t have to regret.

“When I’m 75, I’m not going to say, ‘I wish I would have tried that,’” he said.

If you go
WHAT: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
WHO: Dreamhouse Theatre
WHEN: Oct. 24 and Oct. 25, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.
COST: $20, available at the door
INFO: DreamhouseTheatre.com, or call (813) 997-7146.

Published October 22, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Business Digest 10-22-14

October 23, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Adult-sized donation for kids
AT&T raised more than $45,000 for charities like A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay during a recent golf tournament at Lexington Oaks Golf Club in Wesley Chapel. Taking part in the check presentation included, from left, Daphne Dilbert and Ahmed Bhutta of AT&T; Samantha Mellen from A Kid’s Place; Andrew Hall, John Breen and Matt Du’Pre of AT&T; Suzette Armatas of A Kid’s Place; and George Wolfe and Neal Shackleton from AT&T.

Drone conference coming to Wesley Chapel
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host the first Tampa Bay Unmanned Aerial Systems Commercial Markets Conference Oct. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

Networking for the event begins at 7:30 a.m., and will include talks about the latest developments in both Tampa Bay and Florida around the emerging small unmanned aerial systems industry, more commonly known as drones.

Although it’s probably best known for its American military use, the growth of much smaller applications is believed to be on its way to becoming one of the major economic and technological stories of the 21st century, according to a release.

Cost to attend is $30 per person.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com/events, or call (813) 926-0827.

New family practice doctor in Trinity
Dr. Darren Morris has joined Family Medical Centers of Trinity and Port Richey.

He is a board-certified family medicine physician who most recently worked in both Tampa’s Westchase area, as well as Land O’ Lakes.

His office is located at 2208 Duckslough Blvd., Suite A, Trinity. He can be reached at (727) 375-5885.

Dade City business opens training center
Growth has been huge at Florida Gas Contractors Inc., and the Dade City company is now opening a new vocational training center to help ensure it has trained workers available to continue the growth.

Florida Gas has grown its employee base by 45 percent since January 2013, the company said, now cutting paychecks to 125 people. The company says it offers wages for positions like foremen and welders at $48,000, while office staff can go as high as $56,000.

The new center, which will celebrate its grand opening Oct. 29, is located at 10518 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

For information, visit FlGasContractors.com.

New board at Crisis Center
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has elected attorney Gary Weisman its new chair for the coming year. He succeeds Timothy Traud in the role, the vice president of finance and division chief financial officer for Jabil.

In the same meeting, Tanya Hillary, the vice president of member and provider communications at WellCare, was elected vice chair, while Jamie Klingman — creative founder of The Klingman Group — was elected secretary.

Christopher Rogers, global vice president for Sykes Enterprises, joined the board.

The Crisis Center responds to more than 183,000 requests for help each year, and provides a number of community programs as a nonprofit.

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.

Upcoming speakers include:

Jack Mariano, Pasco County commissioner, Oct. 28
Pat Mulieri, retiring Pasco County commission, Nov. 11

Catholic Business Networking seeks members
The Catholic Business Networking group is looking for Catholic business owners, employees and supporters interested in joining it for regular meetings every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes.

The group has annual dues of $60, and there is a minimum attendance requirement of two meetings per month.

For information, call (813) 833-4737, or visit CBNTampa.com.

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.

Vendors sought for business expo
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is looking for vendors for its upcoming Community Business Expo, which will take place Nov. 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Dan Cannon Auditorium, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Vendor fees begin at $50 for chamber members, with bundle fees available for $150, which includes space at the expo plus a year membership with the chamber. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $500.

For information, call John Moors or Melody Floyd at (352) 567-3769, or email them at , or .

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.

Political Agenda 10-22-14

October 23, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Crist gets Pasco support from Fasano
Mike Fasano has made no secret his dislike for Gov. Rick Scott. But now he’s taking that opposition to television.

The Charlie Crist gubernatorial campaign has released a new commercial featuring the Pasco County tax collector and former legislator, taking a shot at Scott while publicly endorsing Crist, who Fasano calls “a good man.”

Fasano appears in front of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City, first announcing he’s not only a lifelong Republican, but a Rick Scott appointee — Scott named Fasano the tax collector following the death of Mike Olson last year.

In the commercial, Fasano says he decided to voice his opinion after he saw “the smears by Rick Scott against Charlie Crist.” While he has not always seen eye-to-eye with Crist, Fasano said he was a good governor, working to prevent utility companies from overcharging, cut property taxes and increased education spending.

“This Republican is supporting Democrat Charlie Crist,” Fasano says at the end of the 30-second ad.

The gubernatorial race is said to be too close to call at this point, with just a couple weeks before the Nov. 4 election. Both Crist and Scott have been debating, including one Oct. 15 that created some fireworks in the beginning after Scott refused to take the stage, accusing Crist of violating the debate agreement by including a small electrical fan at his podium.

Republican women to talk health
The Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club will meet Nov. 7 at 11:30 a.m., at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway, in Trinity.

Guest will be Mike Napier, a health officer with the Pasco County Department of Health.

Cost is $15.

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

Keep track of voter turnout online
Want to know how many people are voting in the midterm elections? It will all be available online.

Pasco County elections supervisor Brian Corley announced that turnout data will be available on the county’s website of PascoVotes.com.

“Transparency with elections in Pasco County has been, and will continue to be, of great importance for this office,” Corley said, in a release. “The posting of voter turnout on our website is an extension of our commitment to openness in the process.”

The numbers will represent those who have returned their vote-by-mail ballot, and beginning Oct. 25, will include those who have voted early.

Turnout will be reported every 10 minutes during early voting and on general election day. Once the polls close at 7 p.m., on Nov. 4, the results will be posted online as they become available.

The elections office already has mailed nearly 52,000 vote-by-mail ballots, with new requests being processed daily. Those wishing to request such a ballot can call (800) 851-8754, or visit PascoVotes.com.

Early voting begins Oct. 25, and ends Nov. 1.

Florida TaxWatch: Be careful with surplus
For the fourth straight year, the improving economy will give state lawmakers a head start on the 2015 budget, but one tax advocacy group is asking they spend it wisely.

Economists are predicting that an additional $336.2 million will be available for the next budget, created by additional taxes the state didn’t plan for in the most recent budget cycle.

“More Floridians are working and paying their taxes, which has enabled our government to receive a budget surplus for the past four years,” said Dominic M. Calabro of Florida TaxWatch, in a release. “However, even with a small surplus, it is crucial that lawmakers spend the hard-earned money of Florida taxpayers as carefully as they do for their own families.”

Another TaxWatch analyst, Kurt Wenner, did say that the surplus will not have a significant effect on the budget.

“It is only 1.1 percent of projected general revenue spending,” he said. “It is also based on leaving only $1 billion in reserves, much smaller than what recent Legislatures have left.”

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to meet

Pasco County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will meet Oct. 27, Nov. 10 and Nov. 24 beginning at 9 a.m., at the Hap Clark Building, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

For information, visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Bassinger endorses Burgess
San Antonio city commissioner Elayne Bassinger has endorsed Danny Burgess for state House District 38.

“In the years that I have known Danny, I have found that he is smart, capable and humble,” Bassinger said, in a release. “But what impresses me most is his ability to see the big picture, and to bring a no-nonsense realism to the challenges ahead. Danny is the type of leader we need in Tallahassee to continue to fight to strengthen our economy, reduce unemployment, and make sure that the needs of Pasco County are well represented.

Burgess, a Republican, faces Democrat Beverly Ledbetter in the Nov. 4 election.